By Madison Hricik

What an All-Star day, right? With the MLB Draft happening and an awesome All-Star game over the weekend, the VBL is buzzing with excitement. Now that we’re sitting in the back-half of the regular season, let’s find out where your favorite team placed in Week 5.

Top Dogs

1: Charlottesville TomSox (24-8): After another dominant week of play, the TomSox remain the hottest team in the league. Going 9-1 in the last 10 games, this team sits on a two game winning streak heading into this week’s lineup.

2: Woodstock River Bandits (21-13): Woodstock has been remaining consistent throughout the past two weeks, but what puts them at No. 2 was the team’s offensive performance. The team’s bats have exploded over the past few games and has become another factor in the River Bandits’ game.

3: Strasburg Express (21-10): Strasburg looks to snap its three-game losing streak this week after a difficult weekend prior to the All-Star Game. Despite the small skid, the team is still dangerous — including Graham Brown’s five runs and seven hits this week.

4: Harrisonburg Turks (16-16): Moving up in rankings this week, the Turks have been playing some of their most cohesive games so far this season. Pitcher of the Week Liam McDonnell pitched 10 innings in two games, striking out nine batters for a 0.00 ERA.

The Middle Pack

5: Waynesboro Generals (16-17): The Generals sit back in the No. 5 spot after another week of consistent play. Waynesboro is only one win away from an even record, and it could be the boost this team needs to crack the Top Dogs list by next week.

6: New Market Rebels (16-17): New Market is nearly identical to Waynesboro this week, and are looking to bounce back after the last two games. The team has faced some tough competition, but the electric offense we saw at the beginning of the season is still in the lineup and is awaiting a chance to return in full force.

7: Winchester Royals (14-15): The Royals are yet another team knocking on the door of the Top Dogs, and could easily make it this week. Hitter of the Week Austin Bulman’s bat was on fire, with 10 runs, a home run and nine RBIs this week, and it’s the boost this team needs to get the rest of the lineup firing on all cylinders.

8: Staunton Braves (16-18): Staunton is climbing the ranks this week! Going 6-4 in the last 10 games, the Braves have one of the best recent records in the league. The team went on a three-game winning streak prior to last night’s game, but they look to bounce back again.

9: Front Royal Cardinals (13-18): Another team with an impressive 7-3 in the last 10 games, the Cardinals are taking advantage of their momentum to bring themselves higher in the rankings.

Teams with work to do

10: Covington Lumberjacks (10-22): Paxton Tomaini rocked a .364 batting average this week with eight hits and three runs. The team is hoping to bounce back this week and work their way back to the top after a few challenges, but still are on the cusp of a breakout streak.

11: Purcellville Cannons (9-22): Defeating Woodstock in a 10 inning battle last night, the Cannons have the chance to gain some momentum this week and take on a few rivals to boost their performance on the field.

These teams are certainly making it an interesting season! Only a few more weeks left until playoffs begin, making every game count.