Nuka News Update
All the news you need about Bradberton and Nuka World
by Evan Guy
News of the Week
15 May - Nukalurks End Fireball's Streak: It was a doubly miserable day today for Steve Fireball of the Dark Bloodworms, as he saw his 24-game hitting streak end and his team lose 3-0 to the Quantum Nukalurks at World of Refreshment Field. The 26-year-old left fielder was held hitless in 4 at-bats by the Nukalurks.
"Anyone on a 24-game hitting streak is going to be a tough out," Quantum manager Scott Dancer said later. "But we had a plan and we were careful about it, and got it done."
This season Fireball has delivered 49 hits in 115 at-bats for a .426 average with 2 home runs. He is getting on base at a .445 clip and his totals also include 15 RBIs and 25 runs scored. This year Fireball has played in 25 games.
18 May - Ghoulrillas, Hodges Stonewall Quantum, 4-0: Justin Hodges of the Cherry Ghoulrillas mixed his pitches well and fashioned a 4-0 shutout today. The 25-year-old hurler shut down the Quantum offense, holding them to 2 hits. He struck out 7 while walking 2.
This year Hodges has a 4-3 record with a 2.55 ERA in 8 starts.
5-Hit Game for Lockpick: The Orange Tourists stopped the Dark Bloodworms by a score of 7-4 at Fizztop Mountain Park at Nuka-Town USA today, with the lion's share of the credit going to right fielder David Lockpick. The 27-year-old had a career day, collecting 5 hits.
"Every batter wants to have a quality at-bat every time he steps up to the plate," Lockpick said later. "He wants to hit the ball hard."
Lockpick did just that in his 5 at-bats, much to the chagrin of the Bloodworms.
"Not much that I can say," offered Dark manager Jose Castillo. "He just hammered the heck out of us."
David Lockpick hit an RBI double in the 1st, doubled in the 3rd, singled in the 4th, singled in the 6th and singled in the 8th.
So far this season Lockpick has hit .345 with 3 home runs, 19 RBIs and scored 24 times.
Star Force Flame Out Against O'Brien, Gatorclaws: It wasn't easy but Bobby O'Brien made it look that way.
O'Brien silenced the Quartz Star Force, 5-0, in a Wild Gatorclaws triumph at Angry Anaconda Field at Safari Adventure today. Despite the appearance of dominance, O'Brien said later that he felt like he was struggling all game. He gave up no walks and 2 hits.
"It didn't feel quite right today, but I made the decision to bear down and work through it," he said. "I made a few mistakes but it goes to show what you can do with grit and not much else."
Starlight-Quartz Trade: Ballard for Woodstove: Starlight and Quartz have agreed to a trade today. 25-year-old minor league 1B Corey Ballard will go to the Star Force. In exchange the Lady Killers will receive 19-year-old minor league C Justin Woodstove.
19 May - Johnson Bangs Out 5 Base Hits: Victory center fielder Walton Johnson had a day to remember today, 5-for-6 against the Grape Painted Ghouls at John-Caleb Bradberton Honorary Field as the Cave Crickets picked up a 14-7 victory.
"He was patient up there today," Victory skipper Gogetem Thompson told the press after the game. "I like the way he waited for his pitch and wasn't overly aggressive. Johnson has a tendency to chase bad balls sometimes."
Walton Johnson singled in the 1st, hit a solo-shot off Matty Lamplight in the 2nd, singled in the 5th, singled in the 6th, flied out in the 7th and hit a two-run double in the 8th.
So far this season Johnson is hitting .333 with 6 home runs, 17 RBIs and 25 runs scored. He has 37 hits in 111 at-bats and a .373 OBP.
Gardenman on Fire, 5-for-6 Against Grape: Today at John-Caleb Bradberton Honorary Field, Mike Gardenman led the Cave Crickets to a 14-7 triumph over the Grape Painted Ghouls. He collected 5 hits in 6 at-bats to help his club in the victory.
Mike Gardenman singled in the 1st, grounded out in the 2nd, hit a two-run home run off Matty Lamplight in the 5th, hit an RBI single in the 6th, singled in the 7th and hit an RBI single in the 8th.
In 29 games this year Gardenman has posted a .345 average and put up these numbers: 2 home runs, 22 RBIs and 35 runs scored.
20 May - Needlewind Belts 5 Hits: Spot Needlewind said "it felt like taking batting practice" today at Angry Anaconda Field at Safari Adventure, and it showed in the box score. The Quartz left fielder had a fantastic 5-for-5 day against the Wild Gatorclaws, leading his club to victory, 7-5.
"I was seeing the ball very well and it was going just about anywhere I wanted," Needlewind said later."
Spot Needlewind singled in the 1st, hit an RBI single in the 3rd, singled in the 5th, singled in the 7th and singled in the 8th.
So far this season Needlewind has gotten 34 hits in 119 at-bats for a .286 batting average with 2 home runs. His stats include 6 RBIs and 19 runs scored. He has played in 30 games.
21 May - NWL Awards Best Batter Prize to Johnson: 22-year-old Walton Johnson sent shock waves through Nuka World League last week with an eye-popping performance that brought him the Nuka World League Player of the Week Award.
A newcomer to the league, Johnson made the establishment sit up and take notice, punishing opposing pitchers with a .419 average, 13 hits in 31 at-bats, 4 home runs and 9 RBI.
Where the Victory Cave Crickets center fielder goes from here, only the baseball gods know for sure, but Johnson certainly made his mark last week.
Thus far this season Johnson is hitting .339 with 7 home runs, 19 RBIs and 26 runs scored. He has 39 hits in 115 at-bats and has played in 24 games.
BNN Stats: Active Career Batting Leaders
So, who leads the Nuka World League in doubles?
David Lockpick, ORAN, 11
Spratt Turnpike, VIC, 11
Andre Garden, CHER, 10
Davie Whacker, VIC, 10
Chris Bullets, CHER, 9
Weekly Team Power Rankings
Here are the current team power rankings for Nuka World League:
Teams (Total Points, Tendency):
1) Cherry Ghoulrillas (117.0, +)
2) Quantum Nukalurks (111.0, +)
3) Dark Bloodworms (104.0, -)
4) Wild Gatorclaws (102.0, -)
5) Victory Cave Crickets (84.0, +)
6) Quartz Star Force (78.0, -)
7) Orange Tourists (76.0, -)
8) Grape Painted Ghouls (48.0, o)
Transactions This Week
Sunday, May 20th, 2300
Grape Painted Ghouls: Placed RP Blake Johnson on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 05/19/2300.
Cherry Ghoulrillas: Placed SP Jake Lynnwoods on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 05/19/2300.
The Orange Tourists traded 19-year-old minor league reliever Dan Hensley to the Finch Farm Four Leafs, getting 32-year-old minor league reliever Brian Weaver in return.
Saturday, May 19th, 2300
Wild Gatorclaws: Signed free agent RP Chris Capps to a minor league contract with a $460 signing bonus.
Orange Tourists: Placed CF Jason Cooley on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 05/18/2300.
Victory Cave Crickets: Signed RP Andy Thomson.
Friday, May 18th, 2300
The Starlight Lady Killers traded 25-year-old minor league first baseman Corey Ballard to the Quartz Star Force, getting 19-year-old minor league catcher Justin Woodstove in return.
Thursday, May 17th, 2300
Quantum Nukalurks: Placed LF William Chapel on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 05/15/2300.
The Grape Painted Ghouls traded 20-year-old minor league closer Wolf Jasmine and 21-year-old minor league first baseman Neil Watson to the County Crossing Bloodbugs, getting 22-year-old minor league right fielder Rich Troike in return.
Wednesday, May 16th, 2300
Quartz Star Force: Signed free agent RP Cody Kerr to a minor league contract.
Quartz Star Force: Released 1B Josh Johnson.
The Quantum Nukalurks traded 21-year-old reliever Grape Willis to the Nordhagen Beach Party Boys, getting 33-year-old minor league first baseman Coast Vieira in return.
Standings and Statistics
Minor League Report
Standings and Statistics
Player of the Week
Halperin Caps Great Week: 20-year-old Steve Halperin made a few Grape B headlines during this past week as the rookie first baseman proved he could compete at the plate with his high-school idols. He captured the attention of fans, journalists and NWL B League officials last week and today took home Player of the Week honors for his effort.
He cracked 14 hits in 27 at-bats to put up a .519 average. Halperin collected no home runs, 5 RBIs and scored 2 runs.
So far this season Halperin is hitting .357 with 1 home run, 16 RBIs and 14 runs scored. He has 40 hits in 112 at-bats and a .402 OBP.