There is a new team at the top of the standings in the Deep River Horseshoe League (DRHL) entering the final week of the regular season. The Giants moved into first place as the top seven squads in the standings did a little shuffle during Week 16 action at the First Congregational Church in Deep River on Aug. 11.

The Giants took over first place in the DRHL by claiming a 5-1 victory against the Dodgers in Week 16. East Haddam resident Jim Weselcouch of the Giants finished with an 82 series to record the second-leading score for the C Division on the week.

The White Sox dropped to second place in the standings following a 3-3 tie with the Cardinals, who are now in a three-way tie for fifth place. Westbrook resident Kris Toohey of the Cardinals posted a 148 series for the second-best score in the A Division in Week 16. Dennis Allen of the White Sox, also a Westbrook resident, notched the top score for the B Division with a series of 98 in the tie. Deep River resident Dave Atkinson of the White Sox tossed an 85 to finish with the top score in the C Division.

Led Sheryl Serviss of Deep River, the Tigers earned a 4-2 win versus the Orioles to move into sole possession of third place in the DRHL last week. The Orioles slid down into the three-way tie for fifth place with the loss.

The Marlins gained a 3-3 split with the Mets to hold on to their fourth-place spot. Clinton resident Mark Goodale of the Marlins led the A Division with a series of 160, marking the fourth time that he has either reached or exceeded 160 points this season. The Marlins topped the 300-point mark for the second week in a row in the victory.

In other action, the Pirates and the Cubs finished with a 3-3 split. The Pirates are in a three-way tie for fifth place, while the Cubs are vying for a place in the playoffs entering the last week of the regular season.

The Padres came away with a 3-3 tie with the Rangers to remain in eighth place in the standings. The Royals and the Reds finished in a 3-3 draw as both teams continued battling for a spot among that top eight squads that qualify for the playoffs. The Yankees dashed the Red Sox hopes of a playoff berth by picking up a 5-1 victory when the two clubs met up, eclipsing the 300-point barrier in the process.

Goodale (160), Toohey (148), and Chester resident John Sciacca (143) led the way in the A Division during Week 16 play. Allen (98) finished the best score in the B Division and was followed by Ted Dubay of Colchester (97) and Higganum resident Frank Durinick (93). Atkinson (85) led the pack in the C Division with Weselcouch (82) and Anthony Conkling of Marlborough (80) close behind.

Following Week 16 action, the Giants are in first place in the DRHL with their record of 60-36. The White Sox are in second place with a mark of 58.5-37.5. The Tigers are in third place at 53-43, the Marlins are in fourth place with a record of 52.5-43.5, while the Cardinals, Pirates, and Orioles are locked in a tie for fifth place with their records of 51.5-44.5. The Padres are sitting in eighth place at 49-47 on the year. Here is how the rest of the standings look heading into the final week of regular-season play: Royals (48-48), Reds (47.5-48.5), Cubs (47.5-48.5), Red Sox (45.5-50.5), Rangers (45.5-50.5), Yankees (44-52), Dodgers (43-53), Mets (41.5-54.5), Braves (40-56), and Angels (33-63).

The DRHL Playoffs are scheduled to begin with first-round action on Monday, Aug. 22, followed by second-round play on Thursday, Aug. 25. Each of those rounds will feature of a best-of-5 series. The league’s championship match will be held on Sunday, Aug. 28, consisting of a best-of-7 series to determine the champion.

Information courtesy of Deep River Horseshoe League