No earlier finals pit them against each other yet this year—the head-to-head ledger starts with this one.

John Kruks come in at 5-0. They have scored 154 runs while allowing 49, so they have outscored opponents on the year. As a club they are hitting 0.622. Across their last five games with a final score, they are 5 wins and 0 losses. They have taken 5 straight finals. In the NL, John Kruks sit 2nd at 0.5 games back.

Barry Bondses show 2-4. They have scored 102 runs while allowing 126, so opponents have plated more against them than they have pushed across themselves. Collectively they are swinging 0.493 on the year. In five-score games going back from today, they are 2 wins and 3 losses. They won their most recent final. Standings-wise, Barry Bondses are 6th in the NL, 4.0 out of first.

What we expect: John Kruks enter with the stronger résumé; Barry Bondses are live if the bats wake up, but the likelier path is John Kruks dictating innings and finishing in front.

Not a real line; just a fan read.