Today in the CBO
News and Notes - Reports from around the Commonwealth
by Nat Wright-Kawolski
30 July 2298 - Is Squatty O'Sullivan Dead Man Walking?
Speculation out of Roxbury is that manager Squatty O'Sullivan is entering perhaps his last month with the Knuckle Punchers, if he makes it that far.
Reports are that owner Arlen Glass is fed up with the team's performance, currently 23-58 entering Saturday's game. There are 27 more games, including today's game at Egret. Glass did not travel with the team and has not appeared at a road game since the Knuckle Punchers completed being swept at Diamond City on June 26.
O'Sullivan was one of the few full-time managers in the inaugural season in 2296 when the team finished a league-worst 18-42. That year does not count in coaches' records, however, since most teams did not employ full coaching staffs that year. Last season, as an official member of the Coaches Association, O'Sullivan guided the Punchers to a 30-30 record, good enough for third place in the Railroad League.
This year, the team has been mostly inept throughout the lineup, currently 12th in both runs scored and allowed in the South Charles Association. Roxbury could be eliminated from playoff contention as early as next weekend, a month before the end of the season.
Glass was not available for a comment and neither O'Sullivan nor GM Kyle Wolf would comment on the situation.
When asked about the potential firing, O'Sullivan said, "I got nothing to say about that. We're going to try to win a ball game today. Period."
30 July 2298 - Greenzone Hits 2 home runs as Adamantium Win 7th Straight
No one was more impactful than Po Greenzone in the 6-3 Abernathy win over Lexington. Greenzone, who is on pace for 87 RBI this season, was 2 for 4 with 2 home runs, while adding 5 RBI and scoring twice. The first-place Adamantium have won 7 consecutive games.
Abernathy took the lead in the top of the sixth when Greenzone hit a grand slam home run. His 19th home run of the season made the score 4-3, Abernathy. Greenzone led the CBO in home runs in 2296 but was designated to the bench for the 2297 season for reasons he will not talk about.
"I'm just happy to help the team win," Greenzone told the Abernathy Herald. "I also want people to know that 2296 was no fluke."
30 July 2298 - Dimes Now 9-8 After Subduing Chemists
Fort Hagen starter Joey Dimes pitched well against the Sunshine Tidings Chemists at ArcJet Systems Stadium. The right-hander led his team to a win, 6-1. With the win, Fort Hagen raised its record to 46-36.
In his 98-pitch effort, Dimes allowed 1 run on 5 hits over 9 innings. He walked 0 and struck out 4.
"Winning never gets dull," said Dimes.
Ben Pawlak's two-run home run, his ninth, in the 2nd inning gave the Shroud a 2-0 lead. They never fell behind in the game.
Frank Corsica provided the Chemists' only extra-base hit, a double in the 9th inning. He also drove in his team's only run on an RBI groundout in the 6th.
30 July 2298 - Party Boys Win, 7-1, Versus Bloodbugs
The Nordhagen Beach Party Boys topped the County Crossing Bloodbugs, 7-1, in North Charles Association action at Slocum's Joe Seaside Stadium. The game was highlighted by the performance of Nordhagen Beach pitcher Chet Arthur. With the win, Nordhagen Beach pushed its record to 52-30.
In 7.1 innings, Arthur (8-9) allowed one unearned run on five hits with eight strikeouts. His ERA dropped to 3.32 on the season, 6th best in the NCA.
Jon Hitman came through for Nordhagen Beach with a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth. The third baseman was a perfect 3 for 3 in the game, including 1 home run and 2 singles. He scored 2 runs and collected 1 run batted in.
"Like I've always said, I'm the straw that stirs the drink," Hitman said (again).
30 July 2298 - T-51s Rally in 8th for Win
The Oberland T-51s got a strong performance from pitcher Matt Udder, who stymied the Diamond City offense en route to a win, 3-2, at Graygarden Park. Oberland has an impressive 59-23 record.
The lead changed in the bottom of the eighth. With runners on 1st and 3rd, Oberland first baseman Curtis Slingshot hit his 20th home run of the year. Mike Pond threw the fateful pitch. Just like that, the T-51s were in front, 3-2.
Diamond City manager Bucky Bachelor said he was "mildly disappointed" with the loss. "We had our opportunities, but we didn't take advantage of them," he said.
30 July 2298 - Late Run Propels Mirelurks, 4-3
Warwick Mirelurks starter Jerry Weisman was in fine form against the Jamaica Plain Red Rockets at The Homestead, leading his team to a win, 4-3. Weisman picked up the win for Warwick, going 8 innings. He gave up 3 runs on 6 hits. He now sports a record of 9-6. The current losing streak for Jamaica Plain has reached 6 games.
Jonathan Sapplicker's at-bat in the bottom of the sixth inning was a big one for Warwick. Coming to bat with two out, runners on 1st and 2nd and Warwick trailing 3-2, the shortstop hit a run-scoring single.
The game-winning run came in the first at bat in the bottom of the eighth when Melon Sanderson hit a solo shot off Red Rockets starter Will Rope (8-4).
"Sometimes, you can be too aggressive," said Jamaica Plain manager Mark Sellsword. "You need to let the game come to you."