Today in the CBO
News and Notes - Reports from around the Commonwealth
by Nat Wright-Kowalski
27 April 2298 - Lifegivers Announce Simmons Will Retire
Tattoo Simmons said he's made enough money in professional baseball, so it's time to move on.
"I did pretty well for myself, my bank account isn't hurting, maybe I'll become a manager or a team owner or something so I can make even more," he said, announcing this season would be his last. "I'm 36 years old, so I've still got some time to make something of the rest of my life."
Simmons started 45 games at first base for the Life Givers in 2297, batting .238 with six home runs and 21 RBI. This year, he has given way to second-round rookie pick Soundwave Wiggins. Wiggins is struggling, though, hitting just 3 for 46 (.065) so far in 12 games.
27 April 2298 - Witch Hats Cartrette Strikes out 15
In a performance to behold, Mike Cartrette was masterful today in the Witch Hats 2-1 victory over the Lexington Synths. He had them batting the breeze most of the day. In a strong outing, Cartrette registered 15 strikeouts in the ballgame, gave up 5 hits and no walks.
"They helped me out by swinging at all my junk," Cartrette said. "Now I need an ice-cold Gwinnett for my belly and my shoulder."
This season Cartrette has gone 3-2 with an ERA of 3.79, posting 50 strikeouts in 35.2 innings.
Cartrette tied his own CBO record for strikeouts in a game. He first accomplished that task on 29 July 2297. He now holds the current North Charles Association record with 15, surpassing the 14 he struck out just ten days ago.
27 April 2298 - 5-Hit Game for Fireball
Steve Fireball exploded for a barrage of base hits today at Wattz Park.
The Malden left fielder had a field day in the 11-3 triumph over the Mystic Pines Raybathers, finishing 5-for-6.
"My hitting philosophy is simple," he said. "I focus on just seeing the ball and I try to get a good pitch."
Fireball must have focused at least 5 times and apparently got some good pitches, too, leading to one of his best days ever with the bat. Steve Fireball doubled in the 1st, struck out in the 3rd, singled in the 5th, hit an RBI triple in the 6th, singled in the 8th and hit an RBI single in the 9th.
For the season Fireball is currently batting .423 with 1 home run and 6 RBIs. In 13 games he has reached base at a .483 rate and scored 14 runs to date.
27 April 2298 - Hirshfield Hits 2 home runs in Knuckle Punchers Win
The Roxbury Knuckle Punchers topped the Warwick Mirelurks, 10-7, with left fielder Chris Hirshfield playing a big role. Hirshfield hit 2 home runs, while adding 3 RBI and scoring twice for the Knuckle Punchers in the win. Nick Mutfruit, the winner, goes to 1-4. He allowed 3 runs on 8 hits, with 3 walks and 7 strikeouts over 7 innings. Tom Mannequin recorded the save for Roxbury, his 3rd of the season.
The Knuckle Punchers got an important contribution from shortstop Travis Phillips, who in the bottom of the second hit a fastball into center for a 2-run home run. It was his 7th home run of the season and put the Knuckle Punchers ahead, 4-1.
Phillips called the triumph "a good team win."
The loss drops the Mirelurks to 8-9.
27 April 2298 - Bullets Stars in 6-2 Four Leafs Win
Finch Farm second baseman Alec Bullets had 4 ribbies while helping his team defeat the Fort Hagen Silver Shroud, 6-2. Matt Pageturner got credit for the win, improving to 3-2. He allowed 2 runs on 6 hits in 8 innings. The loss makes Fort Hagen 12-5.
Bullets had a game-changing home run in the bottom of the sixth. On a first pitch screwball from Joey Dimes, he banged a grand slam home run to left, giving the Four Leafs a 6-2 lead. It was the 3rd home run of the year for Bullets.
Bullets called the win the result of "everyone working in tandem."
27 April 2298 - Late Magic Gets Nordhagen Beach 7-5 Win
Abernathy right fielder Donny Kowalski had a good game, even if his team did not. The Adamantium dropped a 7-5 decision to Nordhagen Beach at Slocum's Joe Seaside Stadium. Kowalski slugged 2 home runs, while adding 3 RBI and scoring twice.
Tommy Beach picked up the win with 8 innings of work. He allowed 4 runs on 7 hits, while walking 2 and striking out 9. On the season, he is now 5-0. Nordhagen Beach goes to 12-5.
Dustin Mart hit a 2-run double off Brad Westing in the bottom of the eighth, which put the Party Boys in front, 6-4. In addition to the double, Mart had 1 single, while going 2 for 5.
"We can always improve and get better, but we're feeling confident after that win," said Mart.