The Zurich Challengers will battle the Zurich Barracudas in a key Swiss Cup matchup on Saturday in baseball action from Switzerland.

The Challengers, reigning Swiss Cup Champions, started the season slowly but has regrouped in recent weeks to become title contenders. However, an injury to ace left-hander Harry Bregy puts added pressure on No.2 starter Thomas Burger and Player/Coach Andy Fleishacker.

The resurgent Barracudas opened the season full of confidence after winning the Zurcher Spring Tourney and appeared to have regained the form that won a pair of Swiss Championships (1996, 1997). A win over the Challengers on Saturday and the Barracudas will send a message that it is a serious title contender.

The Bern Cardinals will meet the Therwil Flyers NLB squad in another Swiss Cup matchup. The three-time defending Swiss Champions should waltz into the next round against the Flyers overmatched second team.

The Therwil Flyers top team will also be in action against the Romanshorn Submarines on Saturday in another Swiss Cup mismatch. The Flyers, one of the most decorated clubs in Switzerland, look to have the pieces in place to wrestle the crown away from the Cardinals.

New Player/Coach John Alexander has two solid pitchers in Stefan Koller and American Chris Blackbee. The Flyers also welcomes back leading hitter Reto Siegel who did not play last season. The return of an injured Nelson Vilomar will provide the Flyers with the league’s best offensive attack.

In other Swiss Cup action, the Lausanne Indians will battle the Sissach Frogs. The two teams split a doubleheader a few weeks ago.

Other tournament matchups pits the Reussbuhl Eagles against the Jona Bandits; the Wil Devils butting heads with the Geneva Dragons 1. Liga squad; the Zurich Barracudas NLB squad opposing the Sissach Frogs 1. Liga team; and the Hunenberg Unicorns clashing with the Zurich Barracudas 1. Liga team.

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PHOTO/Therwil Flyers

Tags: Switzerland