Playoff previews 2021: Semifinals

The semifinals promise to be action packed and full of surprises…

The first round of the playoffs are now over and the semifinals are set. Here is my preview of the last 4:



(1) Manse PP v (4) Sotkamo

Both of these teams played a tough series to reach the semifinals. Manse almost became the victims of a surprise series win by IPV; however Manse came back from losing their opening 2 games and won in 5 games. Sotkamo’s road to the semifinals had a substantially more threatening roadblock in the form of a hungry Joensuu side. If JoMa had home field advantage for the series, or the ball had bounced a certain way, this semifinal would look very different. Sotkamo’s regular season games against top 4 sides were not great and they lost more games than the other 3. Despite a dazzling performance at Kaupi on 30th July, Manse still got the better of the reigning champions in their most recent matchup. Manse now have to prove that they are the championship contenders they claim to be. Expect this series to be full of fireworks, twists and turns and go all the way to 5 games.

Prediction: Manse 3 - 2 Sotkamo



(2) Vimpeli v (3) KPL

Vimpeli and KPL both had 3 game series and comfortably beat their opponents and have had several days rest compared to Manse and Sotkamo. These two teams have had a very different approach to games Vimpeli’s offence has been virtually unstoppable this season and have threats up and down their lineup; they have been especially effective at home, so the home field advantage will be a big plus for them. KPL on the other hand have kept a tight defence and their offence has been primed to score enough runs to win, but it hasn’t been as plentiful as what Vimpeli have produced. The keys to the game here will be whether KPL can silence Vimpeli’s bats just enough to win. Whatever happens, expect to see some mad dashes into the river at Saarikenttä and a series that goes to 5 games.

Prediction: Vimpeli 2 - 3 KPL

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