Nuka News Update
Reporting on the NWL, APL, NWLR, and BBL Leagues
by Evan Guy
13 September 2306
SPA-NWL-VL Playoff Results
The Season Pass Association season has concluded with the Dalton Farm Fog Crawlers winning their fourth straight title. Here are the results.
Nuka Series: Cherry 4, Grape 3
Game 1: Cherry 4 at Grape 3
Utsinger Blasts Painted Ghouls, Ghoulrillas Take Game 1, 4-3
The Cherry Ghoulrillas started the Nuka Series in style today, winning on the road against the Grape Painted Ghouls at King Cola Park at Kiddie Kingdom by a score of 4-3 to take an early 1-0 lead in the best-of-7 series. Ghoulrillas left fielder Zachary Utsinger excelled. He was 3-4 with 2 home runs and a double. He drove in 3 runs and scored twice.
The Ghoulrillas took a 4-1 lead in the top of the seventh inning. Facing Grape hurler Steven Nebraska with two outs, Utsinger hit a 2-run home run.
"You hit 2 home runs in the regular season and you remember it," Utsinger said later. "You hit 2 home runs in the Nuka Series and everyone remembers it."
The next game is set to be played tomorrow at King Cola Park at Kiddie Kingdom in Bradberton.
Game 2: Cherry 1 at Grape 2
Painted Ghouls Clip Ghoulrillas 2-1 in NS Contest
The Grape Painted Ghouls defeated the Cherry Ghoulrillas, 2-1 in Game 2 of the Nuka Series today. Doing his part was starter Jon Gorczyca, who threw 7.0 innings of 3-hit ball. The win moves Grape into a 1-1 tie with Cherry in the series.
The Ghoulrillas had trouble solving Gorczyca, who surrendered 1 run on 3 hits over 7 innings.
In comments to the Grape Chronicle, Gorczyca admitted that he doesn't always push himself. "But the results," he said, "speak for themselves."
Game 3 is scheduled for Tuesday at Grandchester Mystery Mansion Park in Bradberton.
Game 3: Grape 5 at Cherry 1
Grape Takes 2-1 Lead in Nuka Series
Starter Matty Lamplight was sensational for the Grape Painted Ghouls in his team's 5-1 triumph over the Cherry Ghoulrillas in Game 3 of the Nuka Series today. Lamplight pitched well, but Grape picked up the win to take a 2-1 lead in the series.
Lamplight allowed 1 run on 5 hits over 8.1 innings for the Painted Ghouls. He walked 0 and struck out 3.
"It's still just a game," said Lamplight, "whether you win or lose."
The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Grandchester Mystery Mansion Park in Bradberton.
Game 4: Grape 5 at Cherry 4
Almost There: Grape On Cusp of Nuka Series Triumph After 5-4 Win
The Grape Painted Ghouls defeated the Cherry Ghoulrillas, 5-4 in Game 4 of the Nuka Series today. Doing his part was starter Steven Nebraska, who threw 7.0 innings of 6-hit ball. The win moves Grape into a 3-1 lead in the series.
Mousey Rooney tagged a home run off David Hill in the top of the first. His 2-run blast put the Painted Ghouls on top, 2-0. In all, Rooney had 1 single in addition to the home run, while going 2 for 5.
"We aren't quitting," Cherry manager Jimmy Straw said. "Yeah, the odds are definitely in their favor, but they've got to earn it."
The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Grandchester Mystery Mansion Park in Bradberton.
Game 5: Grape 2 at Cherry 9
Cherry Wins at Home to Narrow Series Deficit to 3-2
Neil Persian was not about to watch an opponent celebrate a championship on his home field.
The right-hander pitched the Cherry Ghoulrillas to victory at Grandchester Mystery Mansion Park today, staving off the Grape Painted Ghouls, who remain one game away from a title. Persian threw 8.0 innings of 6-hit ball. The win cuts the series deficit for the Ghoulrillas to 3-2 in the best-of-7 series.
Davis Pacman, who finished 5th in the NWL in stolen bases with 21 in 2306, chipped in for Cherry with a grand slam home run in the bottom of the sixth. For the game, the center fielder had 2 hits in 4 at-bats with 1 home run, 1 single, 1 run scored, and 4 runs batted in.
"We played hard and won," said Persian. "Sometimes, baseball really is that easy.'
Game 6 is scheduled for Saturday at King Cola Park at Kiddie Kingdom in Bradberton.
Game 6: Cherry 4 at Grape 3, 11 inn.
Ghoulrillas Even With Painted Ghouls After Extra-Innings Win
The Cherry Ghoulrillas and the Grape Painted Ghouls will take the Nuka Series to a decisive 7th game. Facing a must-win situation at King Cola Park at Kiddie Kingdom today, the Ghoulrillas beat the Painted Ghouls 4-3 in extra innings to force the series into what will essentially be a one-game playoff. Grape catcher Mousey Rooney was 4 for 5 with a home run and 3 singles, while adding 2 RBI and scoring once.
Cherry relied on the hitting of Zachary Utsinger to pick up the win. The left fielder ripped a run-scoring single in the top of the 11th inning to put the Ghoulrillas on top, 4-3. For the game, Utsinger had 1 triple and 2 singles in 5 at-bats.
"Exhilarating win," said Utsinger.
The next game is set to be played tomorrow at King Cola Park at Kiddie Kingdom in Bradberton.
Game 7: Cherry 2 at Grape 1
Cherry Takes Title
A celebratory mood filled the air as the Cherry Ghoulrillas closed out the season with a 2-1 victory over the Grape Painted Ghouls at King Cola Park at Kiddie Kingdom to capture the Nuka Series, 4-3.
Giving the Painted Ghouls credit for a hard-fought series, Ghoulrillas players said they believed throughout the postseason that their "destiny" was to be crowned Nuka World League champions.
"We felt like this was our year all season long," said left fielder Zachary Utsinger, who was named series MVP. "It was our destiny to win it and we did."
It was the 2nd in franchise history. During the South Bradberton Division regular season Cherry put up a 52-38 record and finished first.
"They're the champions and they deserve it," said a dejected Grape manager Malik Christmasstory. "We played good ball, they just played better than us."
Vim! Series: Dalton Farm 4, Grand Hotel 3
Game 1: Grand Hotel 3 at Dalton Farm 1
Grand Hotel Draws First Blood in Vim! Series With 3-1 Win
The Grand Hotel Atoms powered past the hometown Dalton Farm Fog Crawlers, 3-1, in the opener of the Vim! Series at Blood Tide Stadium today. Grand Hotel starting pitcher Michel Acadiaman threw 7.0 innings of 4-hit ball, to lead the charge. The Atoms now lead the series 1-0.
Who knows how it might've ended, had it not been for Adam Henderson? The Grand Hotel catcher had a run-scoring single in the top of the third inning to put the Atoms on top, 1-0. For the game, Henderson had 1 double and 1 single in 4 at-bats.
"You never want to start a series with a loss, but I saw a lot of good things today," Fog Crawlers manager Spider Webb said. "I'm not worrying. Yet."
The next game is set to be played tomorrow Monday, August 27th , 2306.
Game 2: Grand Hotel 2 at Dalton Farm 1
Grand Hotel Wins Again, 2-1
Bossy O'Malley pitched a gem to help the Grand Hotel Atoms escape with a tight 2-1 victory over the Dalton Farm Fog Crawlers in a low-scoring Vim! Series contest today. The right-handed O'Malley threw 7.0 innings of 6-hit ball in the win, just enough for the Atoms on a day when their offense dried up. Grand Hotel now leads the best-of-7 series 2-0.
Grand Hotel used a clutch hit from Clean Mullis to get the win. The first baseman drilled a solo home run in the top of the ninth inning to put the Atoms ahead, 2-1. It was his only hit in 4 at-bats, but it was a game-changer.
"We haven't stopped playing," Dalton Farm manager Spider Webb said. "We didn't get this far to give up."
Game 3 is scheduled for Wednesday at Harbor Grand Hotel Grounds.
Game 3: Dalton Farm 13 at Grand Hotel 10
Dalton Farm Breaks Through for First Win in Vim! Series; Now Trails 2-1
Already down in the Vim! Series, the Dalton Farm Fog Crawlers put on their best show, beating the Grand Hotel Atoms by a final score of 13-10 today. Clean Mullis was special. He slugged 2 home runs. He scored 3 runs and drove in 3. Dalton Farm now trails Grand Hotel 2-1 in the best-of-7 affair.
Who knows how it might've ended, had it not been for Chris Huffsettler? The Dalton Farm shortstop had a 2-run double in the top of the fourth inning to put the Fog Crawlers on top, 7-4. For the game, Huffsettler had 1 double and 1 single in 5 at-bats.
"We were a little off-kilter to start the series, but we're getting things figured out now," Dalton Farm manager Spider Webb told reporters. "At least I hope we are."
The next game is set to be played tomorrow, Thursday, August 30th , 2306.
Game 4: Dalton Farm 3 at Grand Hotel 9
Almost There: Grand Hotel On Cusp of Vim! Series Triumph After 9-3 Win
Riding the 3-hit performance of first baseman Clean Mullis, the Grand Hotel Atoms stopped the visiting Dalton Farm Fog Crawlers, 9-3, in Game 4 of the Vim! Series today. Mullis was 3-4 with a home run and 2 singles. He scored 2 runs and drove in 3 for the Atoms, who now lead the best-of-7 series, 3 games to 1.
Kyle Fahnestock, the Grand Hotel center fielder, contributed a 2-run single in the bottom of the third inning to make the score 6-2, Atoms. For the game, Fahnestock went 2 for 3 with 2 singles and a walk. He drove in 3 runs and scored once.
"There was a kid in the stands with a sign that said 'Grand Hotel Atoms (probably) 2306 Vim! Series Champions'," Mullis told reporters after the game. "I told him, 'Premature, but I like the confidence.'"
The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Friday, August 31st , 2306.
Game 5: Dalton Farm 2 at Grand Hotel 1
Fog Crawlers Clip Atoms 2-1 in VS Contest
Already down in the Vim! Series, the Dalton Farm Fog Crawlers put on their best show, beating the Grand Hotel Atoms by a final score of 2-1 today. Justin Wentworth was special. He threw 7.2 innings allowing 1 runs. Dalton Farm now trails Grand Hotel 3-2 in the best-of-7 affair.
Mat Sutor helped his team take an early lead with a run-scoring single. It came in the first inning, making the score 2-0, Fog Crawlers.
"By the skin of our teeth, man," Wentworth told the Dalton Farm Observer. "But hey, it still counts. A few more by the skin of our teeth is fine with me."
Game 6 is scheduled for Sunday at Blood Tide Stadium.
Game 6: Grand Hotel 1 at Dalton Farm 4
Fog Crawlers Even With Atoms After Home Win
The Dalton Farm Fog Crawlers and the Grand Hotel Atoms will take the Vim! Series to a decisive 7th game. In a must-win situation today, the Fog Crawlers beat the Atoms 4-1 at Blood Tide Stadium to force the series into what will essentially be a one-game playoff. Dalton Farm left-hander Phil Cecil had a big role in the win. He threw 9.0 innings of 4-hit ball.
The Atoms had few good swings against Cecil, the left-hander, who threw 120 pitches over 9 innings. He allowed just 1 run on 4 hits.
"I'll be honest," said Cecil. "I was running on fumes at the end."
The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Monday, September 3rd , 2306.
Game 7: Grand Hotel 6 at Dalton Farm 7, 10 inn.
Fog Crawlers Beat Atoms in Vim! Series
The Dalton Farm Fog Crawlers pulled out all the stops tonight, winning the Vim! Series in a hard-fought series with the Grand Hotel Atoms.
It was a seesaw affair, but with a 7-6 victory at Blood Tide Stadium, Dalton Farm lay claim to the franchise's 4th championship.
"There's no denying we faced a tough opponent," said James Darling. "But as the old saying goes, 'when the going gets tough, the tough get going,' and that's what we did today."
The champs finished the regular season 60-30 and claimed first place in the Vim! League Fog Division.
Season Pass Series: Dalton Farm 4, Cherry 1
Game 1: Cherry 1 at Dalton Farm 3
Season Pass Series Game 1 Victory for Cecil and Dalton Farm
The Season Pass Series got off to a quiet start today, with the host Dalton Farm Fog Crawlers taking a low-scoring 3-1 win over the Cherry Ghoulrillas. Dalton Farm left-hander Phil Cecil was marvelous at Blood Tide Stadium. The Fog Crawlers now hold a 1-0 lead in the best-of-7 series.
In the bottom of the fifth, with Dalton Farm leading 1-0, third baseman Ryan Morris hit a run-scoring single. The hit came off David Hill and put the Fog Crawlers ahead, 2-0.
"For the most part, I made good pitches when I needed to," said Cecil.
The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Friday, September 7th , 2306.
Game 2: Cherry 10 at Dalton Farm 5
Fog Crawlers Hammered by Utsinger, Drop Game 2 to Ghoulrillas
Cherry left fielder Zachary Utsinger was the difference-maker for the Ghoulrillas in what turned into a shootout with the Dalton Farm Fog Crawlers. Utsinger earned accolades after going 3-for-4 in the 10-5 Ghoulrillas win. With the victory, the Ghoulrillas moved into a 1-1 tie in the best-of-7 series.
Utsinger had a big at-bat with the bases loaded in the top of the third inning, when he hit a run-scoring single. The Ghoulrillas went on to win.
"Win or lose, the second this season ends, I'm going on vacation," Utsinger said in his postgame remarks.
The next game is set to be played for Sunday, September 9th , 2306 at Grandchester Mystery Mansion Park in Bradberton.
Game 3: Dalton Farm 6 at Cherry 3, 10 inn.
Dalton Farm Takes 2-1 Series Lead Behind 5 RBIs from LF Harpoonmon
With left fielder Sean Harpoonmon leading the charge, the Dalton Farm Fog Crawlers got past the Cherry Ghoulrillas, 6-3, in extra innings in Game 3 of the Season Pass Series today. Harpoonmon went 3 for 5 with a double and 2 singles, while adding 5 RBI at Grandchester Mystery Mansion Park as Dalton Farm managed to take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-7 series.
The game was all tied up in the top of the tenth, until Harpoonmon delivered big-time for Dalton Farm, stroking a dramatic 2-run single off Sooner Coen. The game-changing hit put the Fog Crawlers on top, 5-3.
"I hate extra innings," Dalton Farm manager Spider Webb said. "It makes everyone more tired, wears out the bullpen, wears out the fans. Even winning doesn't make me feel good about it."
The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Grandchester Mystery Mansion Park in Bradberton.
Game 4: Dalton Farm 6 at Cherry 3
Almost There: Dalton Farm On Cusp of Season Pass Series Triumph After 6-3 Win
With shortstop Chris Huffsettler leading the charge, the Dalton Farm Fog Crawlers got a road win over the Cherry Ghoulrillas, 6-3, in Game 4 of the Season Pass Series today. Huffsettler was 4-5 with 2 doubles and 2 singles, while scoring 2 times at Grandchester Mystery Mansion Park to help Dalton Farm take a 3-1 lead in the best-of-7 series.
The Fog Crawlers took a 2-0 lead in the top of the fifth inning. Facing Cherry hurler David Hill with two outs, Huffsettler hit a run-scoring single.
"Things aren't going great right now," Cherry manager Jimmy Straw said. "But you don't need me to tell you that."
The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Grandchester Mystery Mansion Park in Bradberton.
Game 5: Dalton Farm 2 at Cherry 1
Dalton Farm Crowned Season Pass Association Champions
The Season Pass Association championship series is now history with the trophy going to the Dalton Farm Fog Crawlers. The defending champions knocked off the Cherry Ghoulrillas 2-1 to cop the crown 4-1. Dalton Farm has now won the past four Season Pass Series titles.
The victorious skipper, Spider Webb, was just happy to be a part of it. "I would've bought a ticket to watch this series."
During the Vim! League Fog Division regular season, the Fog Crawlers posted a record of 60-30, good enough for first place in the standings.
Talking to reporters after the game, Webb recapped the experience. "The run we've been on has been remarkable," he said, "so for it to end this way is fitting. Our conversation before the playoffs was to just keep on playing and keep on plugging. This is the playoffs and it's not over 'til the last pitch of the last game. Anything can happen and it can change fast."
