Portland Cascade, Oklahoma City Spark Vie for Final AUSL Playoff Spot

STARKVILLE — With four games left in the regular season, Portland Cascade and Oklahoma City Spark remain in contention for the final playoff spot in the AUSL, according to sources familiar with the standings.

The Cascade holds a 2.5-game lead over the Spark, which is led by Bulldogs pitching coach Taryne Mowatt-McKinney, who guided the Chicago Bandits to a record nine-game winning streak. The Bandits are 13-8 and could clinch a playoff spot as soon as Wednesday with a Spark loss or a win against the Carolina Blaze, or if the Spark loses any two of its final five games.

Portland needs any combination of three wins or Spark losses to secure the final playoff position. The second- and third-place teams will face off in a one-game playoff on July 23. The winner advances to a three-game championship series against the No. 1 seed, which is currently held by the Utah Talons.

Portland’s Mia Davidson played a key role in last week’s series against Oklahoma City, hitting her first career AUSL home run, a two-run shot in a seven-run third inning. The Cascade won that game 8-4, splitting the series. Davidson also contributed a single in the first game of the series.

Sierra Sacco-Ferrie returned from an injury to start in the series finale, driving in a run and scoring one. Her recent performances have included a double and a walk against Carolina and solid defensive plays, including a tag at the plate and a diving catch that ranked No. 4 on SportsCenter’s Top 10 plays. Sacco-Ferrie is batting .222 this season with 8 hits in 36 at-bats.

Peja Goold of Oklahoma City appeared in one game last week, striking out the only batter faced to end a frame. The Spark’s remaining schedule features road games against Texas and Carolina, while Portland returns home for the rest of the season, facing Utah and Texas. The outcome of these games will determine the final playoff seeding in the AUSL.

Source: Original Article