What a difference a few days make.  Going into the Coastal Plaine League All Star Break, it was still unclear which teams would break out. However, with only eight days left, the contenders have stepped out in the divisional races. With the emergence of the divisional contenders, the wild card has turned into an exciting pile-up that is far from settled.

The CPL North second-half winner appears to be settled. Wilson (14-8) and Edenton (11-8) are both non-factors as they have first-half playoffs spots. Peninsula (14-8) is tied with Wilson on top but leads in the playoff race, having gone 8-2 in their last 10.  Outer Banks (9-12) is 4.5 games back with only seven to play. The magic number for Peninsula is two. A two-game swing in their favor will seal their playoff ticket. Petersburg (5-16) has already been eliminated from the divisional race.

The CPL South has also turned into the tale of one team. Morehead City (13-4) has won seven of their last eight games to take full command of the division. First-half winners Florence (10-10) pose no playoff threat in second place. Columbia (10-11), Fayetteville (9-11) and Wilmington (7-11) sit together, only separated by wins. The magic number for Morehead City is five. All they have to do is go 5-6 and they’ll get a playoff spot. Win another game, and they’ll have the division outright.

The closest divisional race is in the CPL West. Gastonia (14-6) is currently out in front having won six straight. First half winner Forest City (11-8) sits 2.5 games back and current second half Wild Card holder Martsinville (10-9) sits 3.5 games back. Asheboro (10-11) sits closely by and Thomasville is eliminated from the divisional race. The magic number for Gastonia is six. Out the three divisional races, this one is the most likely to come down to the wire.

As mentioned, the Wild Card race is a complete mess. Since the second-half Wild Card goes by overall record, things can be a bit complex. Currently six teams vying for the spot. Asheboro currently sits on top with a 23-26 overall record. Wilmington has fallen back a half a game at 21-25. Columbia at 22-27 and Martinsville are at21-26 are one games back. Still within striking distance is Fayetteville at 21-27 and 1.5 games back plus Outer Banks at 20-28 and 2.5 games back.  Both Thomasville and Petersburg have already been eliminated from the Wild Card race. When the dust settles late on August 2, it still might not be fully decided.

Eight days of regularly scheduled games are left. Some teams will be playing every day and twice some days. There is an extra day before the playoffs start on August 3 which could be used for rainouts and/or tiebreakers.

---Thomas Sherrill