With only a handful of weeks until the Finals take place, it's being touted as "the battle for second place." And while we can't give the official update just yet due to the results of one contender's matchup delayed until some post-bowling takes place, it's safe to say that one team truly took the necessary steps to put themselves ahead of the pack while another team continues to get big output – and big wins – out of a relatively quiet member as the season wraps up.The matchup between opponents Strange Bedfellows and Bowled to Death cannot be reported yet as Bowled needs to post-bowl. We will report the outcome as soon as all the scores are in.Last week, the X-Men's Rob Kaszuba threw the best series he's ever thrown and was named the Most Valuable Bowler. Did he rest on his laurels? Not at all. Combining with anchor Ryan Doll's team-leading 590 series, Kaszuba brought the right amount of counterattack to push his team into another four wins this week...this time at the expense of opponents Ballsagna. The Balls, led by anchor Russell Madsen, failed to make a dent into the surging X-Men despite his 456 series. While Ballsagna remains in 8th, the X-Men tentatively look like they may advance to 3rd place. On pace to being only the second team in recorded league history to reach 50 wins, season champions Turkey Hunters ran into an unlikely combination Tuesday night – themselves and Brown Belt Jones. After dropping Game #1, compliments of The Belts' Bill Krejci and his team leading 593 series, the Turkeys struck back to take Game #2 thanks to Aubrey Moren's 625 series and his #1 Power Ranked bowler status for the week. Game #3, however, became a battle of attrition as both teams underperformed but came out in The Belt's favor, as did total pins. This is the first time since Week #11 of last season that the team has lost an actual matchup to anyone in the league. Brown Belt Jones remains in 2nd while the Turkey Hunters continue to celebrate their undeniable championship.Down on Lanes 25 & 26, the ACE²S had to think it was their night against opponents Splits or Swallows. After winning Game #1 and seeing teammate Ed Felix hoist his new personal best game (a 190!) and best series (422), things were looking pretty good...until the Splits swallowed them up to take a 3-1 matchup victory. AJ Hofmann provided the most oomph for those that Swallow with his 436 series while the team remains in 5th place. Eric Lynch of the ACE²S led his team with a 424 series but simply could not manage more than that Game #1 victory. The team remains in 6th place.Bowlers being bought drinks by Sweep the Leg, Johnny at The 200 Club this week include: Aubrey Moren (223, 235), Bill Krejci (219), and Ryan Doll (200, 224).The latest results of the Tournament of Champions cannot be calculated yet due to the post-bowling. There is just one more week left to vote for this season's Hall of Fame nominees. Congratulations to candidates Bob Brunker, Dennis "Pops" Laube, Janelle (Laube) Lamar, Pat Searcy, Phil Schroeder, and Seth Gunderson. Be sure to get in there and vote!See you next Tuesday!

THIS WEEK'S MVB Rob Kaszuba Runner Up: (See Posting)	#1 POWER BOWLER Aubrey Moren Runner Up: Bill Krejci	#1 H2H BOWLER Rob Kaszuba Runner Up: Bill Krejci
FROM THE GUTTER (GUTTER QUOTE) "Yesssss! I need to find Pops' address so I can send him a thank you card." John Boren, from his home upon reading the news that his all-time league win record will continue to stand.