Chicago, Ill. – Aug. 7, 2021 – The Midwest Collegiate League has announced the matchups for the first round of the playoffs, which will begin on Tuesday evening at Oil City Stadium in Whiting.
The second-seeded Joliet Generals will take on the third-seeded Crestwood Panthers in a best-of-three semifinal series beginning on Tuesday at 4:10 p.m. The top-seeded Northwest Indiana Oilmen will begin a semifinal series against the fourth-seeded Southland Vikings on Tuesday at approximately 7:40 p.m.
The Oilmen won the MCL regular-season title for the third time (2017, 2020), tying a franchise record for winning percentage by finishing with a 24-11 mark. The Generals and Panthers have both earned their first MCL playoff berth, although the Joliet Admirals did appear in the 2016 MCL Postseason. The Generals finished the 2021 season at 24-14 after posting an 8-24 record in 2020.
The Oilmen have qualified for the postseason for the 10th consecutive year, while the Vikings return to the playoffs after a one-year hiatus by garnering their fourth playoff appearance in the last five seasons and seventh in franchise history. The Oilmen and Vikings each own three MCL titles, while the Generals and Panthers will both seek their first MCL crown. This will mark the fourth time the Oilmen and Vikings meet in a playoff series, as the two teams faced off in the 2013 MCL Championship, 2018 MCL Semifinals and 2019 MCL Semifinals.
Tuesday, Aug. 10
Generals vs. Panthers Game 1, 4:10 p.m.
Last at-bats & first-base dugout: Generals
Broadcast: Facebook Live
Broadcasters: Jon Zaghloul & Jack Theil
Oilmen vs. Vikings Game 1, approx. 7:40 p.m. (start time 7:40 or approx. 30 minutes after previous game, whichever is later)
Last at-bats & first-base dugout: Oilmen
Broadcast: AM 1230 WJOB & JED-TV
Broadcasters: Brandon Vickrey & Leo Staudacher
Wednesday, Aug. 11
Generals vs. Panthers Game 2, 4:10 p.m.
Last at-bats & first-base dugout: Panthers
Broadcast: Facebook Live
Broadcasters: Jon Zaghloul & Jack Theil
Oilmen vs. Vikings Game 2, approx. 7:40 p.m. (start time 7:40 or approx. 30 minutes after previous game, whichever is later)
Last at-bats: Vikings
First-base dugout: Oilmen
Thursday, Aug. 12 – note the possible time shift depending on games remaining
Generals vs. Panthers Game 3, 4:10 p.m.*
Last at-bats & first-base dugout: Generals
Broadcast: Facebook Live or AM 1230 WJOB & JED-TV (if moved to 7:10 p.m.)
Broadcasters: Jon Zaghloul & Jack Theil
Oilmen vs. Vikings Game 3, approx. 7:40 p.m.* (start time 7:40 or approx. 30 minutes after previous game, whichever is later)
Last at-bats & first-base dugout: Oilmen
Broadcast: AM 1230 WJOB & JED-TV
Broadcasters: Brandon Vickrey & Leo Staudacher
*IF ONLY ONE SERIES REMAINS, THE THURSDAY, AUG. 12 GAME 3 WILL SHIFT TO 7:10 P.M.
Friday, Aug. 13
Championship Series Game 1, 7:10 p.m.
Broadcast: AM 1230 WJOB & JED-TV
Broadcasters: Brandon Vickrey & TBD
Saturday, Aug. 14
Championship Series Game 2, 7:10 p.m.
Broadcast: AM 1230 WJOB & JED-TV
Broadcasters: Brandon Vickrey & TBD
Sunday, Aug. 15
Championship Series, Game 3 (if necessary), 5:10 p.m.
Broadcast: AM 1230 WJOB & JED-TV
Broadcasters: Brandon Vickrey & TBD