BNN Weekly Report
This Week in the CBO, BMU, and GBRL
by Nat Wright-Kawolski
22 September 2304
NCA Play-in Series: #5 County Crossing vs #4 Concord
Game 1 - County Crossing 2 at Concord 1
Bloodbugs Edge Radstags 2-1 to Open PiS
The Play-in Series got off to a quiet start today, with the traveling County Crossing Bloodbugs taking a low-scoring 2-1 win over the host Concord Radstags. County Crossing right-hander Gavin Eviritts was marvelous at Nuka Park. The Bloodbugs now hold a 1-0 lead in the best-of-3 series.
County Crossing used the timely hitting of Mike McDonie to seize the win. The shortstop stroked a run-scoring single in the top of the ninth inning to put the Bloodbugs on top, 2-1. It was his only hit in 1 at-bat, but it was a game-changer.
"Things broke our way today and that's great," Bloodbugs manager Crow Guai said. "It's important, though, to stay focused and not pat yourself on the back too much. We aren't done yet."
The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Nuka Park in Concord.
Game 2: County Crossing 4 at Concord 2
Bloodbugs Advance to Association Semifinal
The County Crossing Bloodbugs outclassed the Concord Radstags in all facets of the game throughout the NCA Play-in Series.
The end result was a County Crossing series sweep to advance to the Association Semifinal, capped off by a 4-2 win in the final game.
"We're a bit surprised it's over in a sweep, to be honest with you," said shortstop Cy Thompson, who hit .667 in the series.
Thompson's standout effort garnered him MVP honors. He also put up a .714 on-base percentage and had 1 home runs, drove in 1 RBI and scored 1 runs.
The County Crossing Bloodbugs will play against the Sunshine Tidings Chemists in the next round. Sunshine Tidings had a bye in the Play-in Series. The Association Semifinal schedule will be announced after the Play-in Series finishes.
SCA Play-In Series: #5 Atom vs #4 Egret
Game 1: Atom 0 at Egret 2
Play-in Series Game 1 Victory for Mallory and Egret
The Play-in Series got off to a quiet start today, with the host Egret Ninjas taking a low-scoring 2-0 win over the Atom Cats. Egret left-hander Tup Mallory was marvelous at Fallon Field at Egret Tours Marina. The Ninjas now hold a 1-0 lead in the best-of-3 series.
Mallory, a native of Bradberton, Massachusetts, was dealing all game. He kept Atom hitters off-balance, while giving the Ninjas 8.2 quality innings. Mallory threw 101 pitches, allowing 3 hits and striking out 9.
"It was a solid team effort," said Mallory after the game.
The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Fallon Field at Egret Tours Marina in Egret Tours Marina.
Game 2: Atom 5 at Egret 3, 11 inn.
Cats Even With Ninjas After Extra-Innings Win
The Atom Cats went the distance and then some at Fallon Field at Egret Tours Marina today to drag themselves back into a tie with the Egret Ninjas.
It took 11 innings to settle Game 2 of the Play-in Series, but Atom eventually took the 5-3 win despite the performance of Egret starting pitcher Brahmin Lover Beardman, who threw 7.0 innings of 4-hit ball. The clubs are now tied 1-1 in their best-of-3 series.
Atom used a timely hit from Casey Roux to get the win. The first baseman stroked a 2-run double in the top of the 11th inning to put the Cats ahead, 3-1. It was his only hit in 4 at-bats, but it made an impact.
"We'll take some time to unwind," said Roux, "and then get after it again."
The next game is set to be played for Friday, September 22nd , 2305 at Coolest Field in Town in Atom Cats Garage.
Game 3: Egret 9 at Atom 3
Egret Takes Play-in Series in Deciding Game
Depending on your loyalties, the Play-in Series was either thrilling or heartbreaking.
The series went down to its final game, with the Egret Ninjas and the Atom Cats giving their fans plenty of drama. In the end, the Ninjas came out on top, winning 9-3 at Coolest Field in Town today to take the series 2-1.
"We're lucky to be going into the Association Semifinal," said Egret LF Bat Savelli. "If all the series are like this, it'll definitely be an entertaining postseason."
Savelli earned series MVP honors, hitting for a .400 average, with 0 home runs, 5 RBI and 3 runs scored.
The Egret Ninjas will play against the Roxbury Rad Sox in the next round. Roxbury had a bye in the Play-in Series. The Association Semifinal schedule will be announced after the Play-in Series finishes.
Playoff Tree
