Fallout 4's Commonwealth Baseball Organization

[StLee]

Analysis

The 2299 season has begun and we already see two 2298 playoff teams going in opposite directions as we peek at the 1st and 24th rated teams in the Power Rankings.

Diamond City has started out the ML-RL matchups doing everything it can to win. With impressive wins over the defending champions, the Goodneighbor Hancocks, to start the season, the Swatters have looked to be the team that leveled up more than any other. They went on to win their other three games against Quincy and Jamaica Plain to finish 5-0 in Week One.

On the opposite end, 2298 ML wildcard Warwick has had the worst start of all CBO teams, going 0-5 to start. That they lost two of those five games to the Oberland T-51s is not anything to get shook up over. However, the other three losses have all come at the hands of Egret, a team that finished 46-62 last season, including 2-6 against the Mirelurks. Warwick has started in embarrassable style, currently 12th in the SCA in runs scored and 10th in runs allowed. We do not expect them to stay this down, but they will need to find their hitting and pitching at the same time.

In the NCA, three teams have started the hottest, with The Slog, Starlight, and Abernathy all going 4-1 in Week 1. Abernathy, the 2298 IL champions, have had the most impressive week, going 3-1 against the 2298 BL best in Easy Town and Nordhagen Beach. The Adamantium's Brad Westing (2-0, 0.53) may live up to PAM's predictions, having dominated in his first two starts. He may not have won the NCA's Player of the Week Award, but he may be on his way already to Pitcher of the Month and Pitcher of the Year awards if he continues to be this steady.

Power Rankings

Weekly Team Power Rankings: Here are the current team power rankings for Commonwealth Baseball Organization:

Teams (Total Points, Tendency):
1) Diamond City Swatters (190.0)
2) Oberland T-51s (151.0)
3) Starlight Lady Killers (151.0)
4) The Slog Ghouls (149.0)
5) Abernathy Adamantium (148.0)
6) Goodneighbor Hancocks (112.0)
7) Nordhagen Beach Party Boys (111.0)
8) University Point Deathclaws (111.0)
9) Egret Ninjas (110.0)
10) Salem Witch Hats (110.0)
11) Fort Hagen Silver Shroud (108.0)
12) Sunshine Tidings Chemists (108.0)
13) Lexington Synths (72.0)
14) Quincy Gunners (72.0)
15) Atom Cats (70.0)
16) Jamaica Plain Red Rockets (70.0)
17) FHE Yao Guai (69.0)
18) Roxbury Knuckle Punchers (69.0)
19) Vault 81 Dwellers (69.0)
20) Concord Radstags (32.0)
21) Easy Town Assaultrons (31.0)
22) County Crossing Bloodbugs (29.0)
23) Finch Farm Four Leafs (29.0)
24) Warwick Mirelurks (-10.0)

[StLee]

Today in the CBO

News and Notes - Reports from around the Commonwealth

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

10 April 2299 - Cats-Chemists Make Deal

The Atom Cats traded 24-year-old minor league right fielder Cody Ux-Ron and 19-year-old third baseman Greg Wash to the Sunshine Tidings Chemists, getting 29-year-old minor league reliever Trent Gentilcore in return.

10 April 2299 - Silver Shroud Nuka Named NCA's #1 Player

At the age of 27, Andrew Nuka might have some potential he hasn't realized yet -- if his success at the plate last week is any indication. The Fort Hagen left fielder put up some exceptional numbers the past seven days with a .474 batting average. For his efforts Nuka collected the North Charles Association Player of the Week Award.

He racked up 9 hits in 19 at-bats, 3 home runs and 7 RBIs last week in 5 games.

10 April 2299 - SCA Awards Player of the Week

It can be difficult for a young player to step out of the shadows and assert himself in the South Charles Association, but last week Garrett Machine of the Atom Cats reminded everyone just why he's here as he threw up numbers that made him an easy selection for Player of the Week.

Machine rocked opposing pitching for a .545 average (12-for-22), 2 home runs and 8 RBIs to come away with the award.

10 April 2299 - Party Boys Lead with Chin, Get KO'd, 9-0

Tony Bertha hurled a fine game for the Sunshine Tidings Chemists at Slocum's Joe Seaside Stadium today, holding the Nordhagen Beach Party Boys to 8 hits in a shutout win.

"When he started out, his command wasn't that good, but he's a tough guy," Sunshine Tidings manager Cozy Burmaster said. "The more pitches he throws, the better his command is."

The left-hander had 3 strikeouts and 2 walks in the 9-0 victory.

"An outstanding job," Nordhagen Beach manager Craig Robinson said. "We couldn't get anything going. Every time we got a hit, he got out of the jam. He pitched a terrific game."

Brightsun Ramos was 2 for 4 with two home runs, a walk, three runs, and five RBI.

10 April 2299 - Abern Raps Atom for 5 Hits

The Atom Cats couldn't stop Jonathan Abern today, but they stopped the Oberland T-51s, 11-10, in 11 innings. Abern went 5-for-7 in the game at Coolest Field in Town, but his team still came out on the wrong end of the score.

"I feel bad for Jonathan -- that's not how any of us wanted things to turn out," said Oberland manager Dirk Steadyhand. "The Cats were on their game today."

Jonathan Abern doubled in the 1st, flied out in the 2nd, hit an RBI double in the 4th, hit an RBI single in the 5th, flied out in the 7th, singled in the 9th and hit a two-run home run off Bobby Fairline in the 11th.

This year Abern is batting .448 with 1 home run and 8 RBIs.

Atom was led by Late Night Whitaker who was 3 for 5 with a triple, a home run, a walk, two runs, and six RBI.

10 April 2299 - McDuff Blanks Vault 81, 5-0

Manny McDuff was in a mood to talk following the Quincy Gunners contest against the Vault 81 Dwellers, expounding to BNN reporters on his pitching philosophy. He had good reason to be excitable, having tossed a complete game shutout of the Dwellers, 5-0.

"There are three important elements in pitching success: location, location, and location," McDuff said. "I was hitting my spots time and time again."

The left-hander blanked Vault 81 on a 6-hitter, allowing 1 walk and racking up 9 strikeouts.

10 April 2299 - Ghouls Chill Koester's Hot Streak

Sean Koester, shortstop for the Concord Radstags, gave it a good try, but his time chasing history came to an end when he went hitless in 4 tries against the The Slog Ghouls today. Not only did the Ghouls break his 22-game hitting streak, they also beat Concord by the score of 7-5.

"Now that the streak has ended, I can admit I'll breathe a bit easier the next time I step up to bat," Koester said, speaking with the media after the game. "It was tough because I put a little pressure on myself. Now that it's over, I will definitely be a little bit looser at the plate."

Koester has collected 10 hits for the Radstags this year, 1 of them home runs. He has also netted 1 RBIs and scored 5 runs while batting .385.

10 April 2299 - Silver Shroud Win at Salem, 5-2

Fort Hagen Silver Shroud starter Mike Cartrette was in a groove as he led his team to a win over the Salem Witch Hats, 5-2. Cartrette got the win, improving to 1-1. He allowed 5 hits and walked 0 over 7.1 innings. Cartrette allowed 2 runs. Curtis Thriceshot locked down his 2nd save.

Fort Hagen relied on the bat of Andrew Nuka to get the win. The left fielder produced a 2-run home run in the top of the first inning to put the Silver Shroud ahead, 2-0. For the game, Nuka had 1 double and 1 home run in 4 at-bats.

"We'll relax tonight and get back after it tomorrow," Cartrette said after the game.

The win gives Fort Hagen a record of 4-2.

[StLee]

Today in the CBO

News and Notes - Reports from around the Commonwealth

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

11 April 2299 - BMU News: Opening Day

How sweet it is! Boston Minor Union starts play today. It is a new season and a new beginning for all the boys of baseball. Opening Day is here! It is a day of great excitement for everyone in the world of baseball -- players, fans, sportswriters, broadcasters, managers, coaches, scouts, groundkeepers, batboys, ballpark vendors, agents and the owners. Everybody is eagerly awaiting the first pitch of the game and the first home run. Old records will be broken and new marks set. It all gets under way today with this lineup of games:

Galleria Robotics Experts @ Breakheart Banks Behemoths
Taffington Boathouse Spy Hunters @ Malden Grognaks
Greentop Nursery Night People @ Outpost Zimonja Strongbacks
Bunker Hill Gun Fu @ C.I.T. Ruins Refractors
College Square Nerd Ragers @ Mystic Pines Raybathers
Corvega Flamers @ Union Hope Lifegivers
Boston Common Lead Bellies @ Cabot House Rayguns
Postal Square Action Boys @ Charles View Cannibals
Haymarket Mall Commandos @ Trinity Plaza Snipers
Fiddler's Green T-60s @ Eastlake Aquaboys
Somerville Place Sentry Bots @ Forest Grove Mole Rats
Vault 95 Robobrains @ Natick Banks Big Leaguers

11 April 2299 - Mole Rats 1B Needs Mental Rest

Forest Grove Mole Rats (Roxbury) 1B Mike Elanora will spend a couple days under doctor supervision after he had an apparent mental breakdown. Or maybe he suffered a brain injury.

Following the Mole Rats' practice yesterday in preparation for their season opener against the Somerville Place Sentry Bots, Elanora went down to his knees for a few minutes. When he looked up, he was confused and started calling his teammates his "mates."

Minutes later, Elanora bounced up and started hopping, saying, "I'm a kangaroo, mates." A kangaroo is a pre-War animal (as far as we know, but this is after the fallout, so they may still exist in beast-mode form) from a country called Australia. After several minutes of bouncing around and stuffing baseballs into his shirt, which he called his "pouch," Elanora then went back down to a knee.

A team trainer escorted Elanora back to the clubhouse, and the Forest Grove team said that they would let him rest in case more psychotic episodes were to occur.

[StLee]

Today in the CBO

News and Notes - Reports from around the Commonwealth

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

12 April 2299 - T-60s' Freeman to Miss Start

Fiddler's Green T-60s starting pitcher Brandon Freeman will miss his scheduled start today due to personal reasons. There was no information provided on what those personal reasons entail.

According to T-60s manager Brett MacCheese, "Brandon has a personal issue to deal with, so we have scratched him tonight. We're hoping he'll be back next week to help us win some games."

Third starter Dino Toaster is expected to start in Freeman's place.

In 2298, Freeman was mostly a reliever. In 23 appearances, he started just three games. In all, he was 3-2 with a 3.61 ERA in 47.1 innings pitched. Freeman was making a move in 2299 to being a full-time starter, but he will have to wait until next week or later to get his first start of 2299 since he has left the team.

12 April 2299 - Bugs Raps Quincy for 5 Hits

Five times is the charm -- at least for Jeremy Bugs.

The Oberland T-51s third baseman tore up the Quincy Gunners to the tune of 5 hits in 5 at-bats at The Stone House today. The offensive onslaught from Bugs powered the T-51s to a 12-6 win.

"Bugs was a tough out today," Quincy manager Kevin Banner said to the press in the postgame interview. "He hit some very good pitches with that quick bat of his. Not an easy out, that's for sure."

Jeremy Bugs singled in the 2nd, singled in the 5th, hit an RBI single in the 6th, doubled in the 7th and hit a two-run double in the 9th.

A look at his season totals shows Bugs with 3 home runs, .467 BA, .500 OBP, 11 RBIs and 5 runs scored.

A total of five players had at least two hits for the T-51s, including Curtis Slingshot who doubled in the 5th and homered in the 7th. Slingshot tied the SCA record for runs scored with four.

The Gunners' Stuart Costantino raised his batting average to .444 after going 3 for 5 with a triple, a run, and an RBI.

12 April 2299 - Cox Like a Rock in Knuckle Punchers' 8-1 Triumph

The Roxbury Knuckle Punchers beat the Warwick Mirelurks, 8-1, at The Homestead. The Knuckle Punchers got a fine performance from center fielder Edward Cox, who was 4 for 5 with a home run, a double, and 2 singles, while scoring 2 times and driving in 4. Roxbury goes to 3-4, while the Mirelurks remain winless.

Cox had a key at-bat for Roxbury early in the game. With the bases loaded, he hit a 2-run double. It was his 2nd double of the season and gave Roxbury an early 2-0 lead.

Cox told a Roxbury Gazette reporter that he felt "engorged" by the win.

12 April 2299 - Carr Helps Easy Town Cruise to 12-1 Win

Easy Town third baseman Bobby Carr made his presence felt in the 12-1 Assaultrons triumph over the Sunshine Tidings Chemists. Carr hit 2 home runs. He drove in 4 runs and scored twice. Easy Town has a record of 2-5.

Adam Henderson chipped in for Easy Town with a 3-run home run in the bottom of the eighth. For the game, the catcher had 2 hits in 5 at-bats with 1 home run, 1 single, 1 run scored, and 3 runs batted in.

"We'll kick back tonight, then get set for the next one," Henderson said. "Now we just need to keep on playing like we did today."

12 April 2299 - Party Boys Prevail, 4-2, Over Lexington

Nordhagen Beach pitcher Julian Shed did his part in helping his team beat the Lexington Synths, 4-2. The left-hander kept opposing batters in check throughout the game. The winning pitcher was Shed, now 1-1. He tossed 6 innings of 2-hit ball, while walking 4 and fanning 5, while not allowing any runs. Night Demon Archacki closed it out for his 3rd save.

The Party Boys broke a scoreless tie in the bottom of the sixth. Following a walk, a batter reaching on an error, and a wild pitch, the Boys had runners at second and third with no outs. Tomas Jones then drove in the game's first run with a sacrifice fly. With two outs and runners at the corners, Synths pitcher Lawdog Whipple threw the ball past first baseman Jeffrey Curatolo to score a run and move Brian Masterson into scoring position. Jon Hitman then doubled him home for a 3-0 lead. Taboo Richardson added a solo home run in the 7th for the fourth run.

In the top of the sixth, with the game tied and no one out, Lexington had a runner on 1st. Curatolo had a chance to do some damage, but he grounded out. The Synths did score two runs in the 8th when Greg Macn hit a two-run home run off Boys reliever Sia Abber.

The loss puts Lexington at 3-4.

12 April 2299 - 3-2 Loss Extends County Crossing Losing Streak

Fort Hagen Silver Shroud starter Matt Hope hurled his team past the County Crossing Bloodbugs, 3-2. Getting the save was Curtis Thriceshot, his 3rd. Fort Hagen is off to a hot start at 5-2.

Who knows how it might've ended, had it not been for David Driftwood? The Fort Hagen right fielder had a run-scoring single in the top of the fifth inning to put the Silver Shroud on top, 3-0. For the game, Driftwood had 1 double and 1 single in 4 at-bats.

"I'm just looking for a good pitch that I can hit well," said Driftwood. "And not try to do too much."

The Bloodbugs have now lost six straight after winning their season opener over Sunshine Tidings.

12 April 2299 - Swatters Earn 3-1 Win in 15-Inning Nail Biter

Diamond City got a strong outing from Tyler Powers as the Swatters defeated the University Point Deathclaws, 3-1, at Gwinnett Brewery Park. At 6-1, the Swatters have played well so far.

Powers, who was born in Boxford, Massachusetts, threw 94 pitches over 9 innings, while allowing 1 run. Despite his numbers, Noah Williams was the winning pitcher.

Another Diamond City Tyler, Tyler Ross, was the 15th inning hero. With one on and two outs in the inning, Ross took a Mike Coombaya fastball deep for a two-run home run.

"We didn't go down without a fight," said University Point manager Woody Lumpkin.

[StLee]

Today in the CBO

News and Notes - Reports from around the Commonwealth

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

13 April 2299 - Shortage in Stimpacks Leads to Increase in Missed Time

The CBO admitted today that several ruined batches of stimpacks have led to a Commonwealth-wide shoratge in stimpacks. While hospitals still have an assumed adequate supply for life-threatening emergencies, the CBO currently does not have its usual supply for game-day injuries.

With the shortage, there is also a non-emergency waiting list that has caused the CBO to have a problem it has not had in previous years: players not able to be treated for arm and leg injuries when injured in the game.

"We have none," Atom Cats team trainer Canton Kiick said in response to how many stimpacks his team has.

Left fielder Jeremy Schoolboy is currently out with a torn quadriceps muscle and center fielder Ed Tarberry is out with a strained oblique. Neither will play in April unless the Cats receive a supply. The Cats are one of four teams with players out due to injuries sustained in the 2299 season; they are the only team with two starters out.

The CBO league office has not issued a statement other than "we're working on it." It has been proposed to send out caravans to other locations. It has also been proposed to seek supplies from the Brotherhood of Steel or Minutemen stocks, though supplying the CBO for non-threatening injuries may not be a priority. For now, the 7-day list is being used in the first week of the 2299 season.

"We'll play who can play," Kiick said, "and we'll treat and rehab who we have to."

13 April 2299 - QuaLiTy Pops 3 Out of the Park Against Knuckle Punchers

Warwick Mirelurks first baseman Straight QuaLiTy, claiming he is tired of losing, slugged three home runs against the Roxbury Knuckle Punchers at The Homestead, but couldn't win the game all by himself. The Knuckle Punchers spoiled his day by defeating the Mirelurks, 7-6. Warwick is now 0-8.

"The loss puts a damper on the outstanding game Straight had, but people will be buzzing about this for days to come," Warwick manager Old Man Langford. "That's gotta be some consolation to him. But knowing Straight, he would have preferred a win."

For the game, QuaLiTy was 4-for-4 with 5 RBIs and 3 runs scored.

"The first two I got all of them and it was no doubt they were gone," QuaLiTy said later. "It seemed like the wind helped it a little on that last one. I just wish Mother Nature had helped us win the game, too."

QuaLiTy singled in the 1st, hit a solo-shot off Casey Diehl in the 3rd, hit a two-run home run off Casey Diehl in the 5th, hit a two-run home run off Casey Diehl in the 7th and walked in the 9th. He wanted to win the game in the 9th with the tying run on first base, but Punchers' pitcher Tom Mannequin gave him nothing but garbage.

QuaLiTy is batting .257 with 4 home runs and 8 RBIs this season.

Roxbury was able to score the winning run in the top of the 9th thanks to Warwick errors. Rocky Gourd reached on an error with one out when Mirelurks second baseman Brad Krol bobbled a groundball. Gourd then tried to steal second, and Warwick catcher Canbed McMurtry threw the ball into center, allowing Gourd to advance to third. Young Goodman then singled in Gourd.

13 April 2299 - Radstags Need Extra Frames to Get Past Four Leafs

Concord center fielder Ricky Ticky Laughy was a significant contributor in his team's 13-10 triumph over the Finch Farm Four Leafs in 10 innings. He hit 2 home runs. He drove in 5 runs and scored twice for Concord. Reliever Bell Franklin picked up the win. His record improves to 1-1. Steve Warwar took the loss. Getting the save was Cal Silent, his 1st.

With two out in the top of the tenth, Chase Bridge had a game-changing hit. The Radstags third baseman slammed a 2-run single off Steve Warwar, making the score 13-10, Concord.

"The boys were really swinging the bats today," winning manager Mark Gourdroot said.

The loss lowers the Finch Farm record to 3-5.

In addition to Laughy's three hits, Dan Erb and David Stahl each had three hits for the Radstags. Joe Mahaney led Finch Farm in batting, going 2 for 4 with two home runs, a walk, three runs, and four RBI.

13 April 2299 - Late Rally by Bloodbugs Secures 3-2 Win, Breaks Losing Streak

County Crossing rode a decent outing from starter Zach DiGrande to victory over the Fort Hagen Silver Shroud. The final score was 3-2. The win was credited to Chopsticks McWilliams in relief. His record improves to 1-1. Matt Demented took the loss. Fort Hagen now has a record of 5-3.

Tattoo Woolf was the walk-off hero for County Crossing. With the game tied in the bottom of the ninth inning, the Bloodbugs shortstop hit a dramatic run-scoring single to send the teams home.

"If you pitch well, you give yourself some opportunities," said County Crossing manager Biff Future. The Bloodbugs struck out 12 Fort Hagen batters, including nine by DiGrande and three by McWilliams.

13 April 2299 - Party Boys Earn 2-1 Win Versus Synths

Nordhagen Beach got a strong outing from Derek Gist as the Party Boys defeated the Lexington Synths, 2-1, at Slocum's Joe Seaside Stadium. Night Demon Archacki earned the save for Nordhagen Beach, his 4th of the year. Lexington falls to 3-5.

Gist allowed one earned run on five hits with two walks and four strikeouts in 8.0 innings. Chris Ciccone (0-2) pitched well in the complete-game loss, allowing just two earned runs on nine hits with three walks and a strikeout in 8.0 innings.

Had Mike Swift not delivered a key base hit in the bottom of the eighth, the outcome might have been different. Instead, with two down and a runner on 2nd, Swift hit a run-scoring single. That made the score 2-1, in favor of the Party Boys.

"There are no moral victories," said losing manager Sprole Races.

Jeffrey Curatolo had three hits for the losing team, including an RBI.

13 April 2299 - Swatters Edge Past Deathclaws, 4-3, with Big 8th

The University Point Deathclaws got a sterling performance from pitcher Adam Froggatt, but the Diamond City Swatters still prevailed, 4-3. Froggatt threw 8 innings of 7-hit ball. Raul Esparza got credit for the win, improving to 1-0. He allowed no runs on no hits in 2 innings. The save went to Josh Samm, his 3rd this season.

Diamond City needed the clutch hitting of Wally Warwick to notch the win. The shortstop hammered a 2-run home run in the top of the eighth inning to put the Swatters on top, 4-3. For the game, Warwick had 1 home run and 1 single in 4 at-bats. The Swatters scored three total runs in the 8th.

After the game, Diamond City manager Bucky Bachelor applauded the team's effort. "They busted their tails out there," he said.

The win puts Diamond City at 7-1.

[StLee]

Today in the CBO

News and Notes - Reports from around the Commonwealth

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

14 April 2299 - Recent Transactions

On this off-day in the CBO, we'll take this time to catch all the transactions we missed in the last few days.

Tuesday, April 11th, 2299

Atom Cats: Placed CF Ed Tarberry on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 04/10/2299.

Abernathy Adamantium: Signed SS Matt Graywater. Assigned to Bunker Hill Gun Fu.

Roxbury Knuckle Punchers: Signed 3B Nick Tarberry. Assigned to Forest Grove Mole Rats.

Vault 81 Dwellers: Signed RF Matt Planterman. Assigned to Vault 95 Robobrains.

Quincy Gunners: Signed LF Kyle Clawgnaw. Assigned to Postal Square Action Boys.

Wednesday, April 12th, 2299

Salem Witch Hats: Signed free agent 3B Hyp Joyner to a minor league contract. Assigned to Breakheart Banks Behemoths.

The Jamaica Plain Red Rockets traded 20-year-old minor league third baseman Imperial LeBeau and 21-year-old minor league left fielder Rocky Story to the Goodneighbor Hancocks, getting 35-year-old minor league reliever Wally Hall in return.

C.I.T. Ruins Refractors: Placed SP Joe Hanson on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 04/11/2299.

Thursday, April 13th, 2299

Salem Witch Hats: Activated RF Chris Treestump from the injured list.

FHE Yao Guai: Signed RP Jason Narrows. Assigned to Eastlake Aquaboys

The Lexington Synths traded 19-year-old minor league reliever Chris Morgen to the Jamaica Plain Red Rockets, getting 19-year-old minor league left fielder Travis Briseno in return.

Fiddler's Green T-60s: Placed SP Brandon Freeman on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 04/12/2299.

Corvega Flamers: Placed CL Mike Koenig on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 04/13/2299.

[StLee]

Today in the CBO

News and Notes - Reports from around the Commonwealth

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

15 April 2299 - Silver Shroud Hand Ghouls 6-2 Loss

Fort Hagen Silver Shroud starter Brent Hooker turned in a top-notch performance against the The Slog Ghouls at Tarberry Field Forever. The result was a win for the Silver Shroud, 6-2. Fort Hagen goes to 6-3.

With Fort Hagen leading 3-1 in the top of the sixth, Hooker hit a 2-run single off The Slog hurler Dan Dozier. It was the 1st hit of the season for Hooker and put his team ahead, 5-1.

"Nice to tuck this win away," said Hooker.

Silver Shroud shortstop Seth Dungan has extended his hitting streak to 20 games. He went 1-for-4 in today's game.

"Got a hit and a win," he said later. "OK, I'll take it."

Dungan walked in the 1st, doubled in the 3rd, grounded out in the 4th, grounded out in the 6th and flied out in the 8th.

This year Dungan has collected a .368 batting average to date with 14 hits in 38 at-bats, 2 RBIs, no home runs and scored 8 times. He has played in 9 games.

15 April 2299 - Woolf Delivers Clutch At-Bat for County Crossing in Walk-Off Win

The Abernathy Adamantium got a superb performance from right fielder Donny Kowalski. Still, it wasn't enough to beat County Crossing. The Bloodbugs won the game, 6-5. Kowalski was 3 for 5 with 2 home runs, while adding 4 RBI and scoring twice. The defeat makes Abernathy 6-3.

A defensive lapse proved costly in the contest. With the game tied in the bottom of the 11th, an error by the Adamantium allowed the Bloodbugs to score the winning run.

"Exhilarating win," said Woolf whose team won its second straight after stopping a six-game losing streak.

15 April 2299 - Red Rockets Trip Dwellers, 4-2, in Extra Innings

Jamaica Plain got a strong outing from Chris Teddybear as the Red Rockets defeated the Vault 81 Dwellers, 4-2, at Red Rockets Stadium. Jamaica Plain reliever Mike Grille picked up the win, upping his record to 1-0. Dave Caveman was saddled with the loss. The Red Rockets raised their record to 6-3.

Hid Matsumoto electrified the crowd in the bottom of the tenth when he took Vault 81 pitcher Dave Caveman deep. His 2-run home run sent the Red Rockets home winners.

"It was just a matter of executing," said Jamaica Plain manager Mark Sellsword.

Despite the no-decision, Teddybear pitched 9.0 innings, allowing just two earned runs on four hits with two walks and 13 strikeouts. He set the Jamaica Plain Red Rockets regular-season game record for strikeouts with 13.

15 April 2299 - Dominant Performance by Beach in Nordhagen Beach Win

Getting an impressive start from Tommy Beach, Nordhagen Beach beat Starlight by the score of 5-0. The win gives Nordhagen Beach a record of 6-3.

Starlight could barely put a dent in Beach. The right-hander tossed 113 pitches over 7.2 innings for the Party Boys, allowing only 4 hits.

"I made some pitches when I had to," said Beach.

Taboo Richardson had only one hit on the day, but he drove in two on his 6th-inning double. He also scored twice. Jon Hitman had two hits, including a double, but he also committed two errors.

Justin Gunsmith (3) and Jesus Church (2) had all of the Lady Killers' hits. One of Gunsmith's hits was a double. City Moore (0-2) had another solid outing but no run support to help him.

15 April 2299 - Swatters Topple Cats with Late Rally

The Diamond City Swatters topped the Atom Cats, 7-5, at Coolest Field in Town. Diamond City center fielder Witcher Craft banged out 1 single and 2 doubles, while driving in 2 runs. The Swatters, now 8-1, have stormed out of the gates.

Diamond City used a timely hit from exciting rookie Oren Gep to get the win. The first baseman stroked a run-scoring double in the top of the eighth inning to put the Swatters ahead, 6-5. It was his only hit in 3 at-bats, but it made an impact.

"We'll savor this win," Gep told the Diamond City News, "then get ready for the next game."

15 April 2299 - Mirelurks Sneak Past Yao Guai, 5-4, for First Win

Warwick right fielder Melon Sanderson was a significant contributor in his team's 5-4 triumph over the FHE Yao Guai. He went 2 for 4 with a double. He drove in 3 runs and scored once for Warwick. Warwick reliever Danny Scorcher was the winner. His record is now 1-0. Bow Rome took the loss. Sheffield Williams was called on to finish, recording his 1st save.

Joe Whiskey Hagen took Bow Rome deep in the bottom of the eighth. His 2-run home run put the Mirelurks on top, 5-4. In all, Hagen had 1 single in addition to the home run, while going 2 for 4. The Mirelurks entered the eighth trailing 4-1.

"Winning is hard sometimes," said Mirelurks manager Old Man Langford. "This one was nice to get. We got one, now let's get two tomorrow."

With the loss, FHE sinks to 3-6, while Warwick is now 1-8.

[OrangeP47]

Just popping in to express my excitement for a new season. Was kind of hanging back for something notable to say, but eh, being so early and with a long season, I kinda felt really any good or bad starts may just be a blip, so I felt myself not really being pushed to comment.

[Tyke]

Originally Posted by OrangeP47

Just popping in to express my excitement for a new season. Was kind of hanging back for something notable to say, but eh, being so early and with a long season, I kinda felt really any good or bad starts may just be a blip, so I felt myself not really being pushed to comment.

Agree wholeheartedly! It's always good when things settle down and patterns start to appear. And if the right patterns don't appear, then the hand-wringing begins!

[StLee]

Originally Posted by OrangeP47

Just popping in to express my excitement for a new season. Was kind of hanging back for something notable to say, but eh, being so early and with a long season, I kinda felt really any good or bad starts may just be a blip, so I felt myself not really being pushed to comment.

It is still early indeed. Fort Hagen and Diamond City are looking good early, but they're not even 10% through the season yet. There is still a lot of baseball to happen, and this stimpack shortage could change teams' fortunes at any moment!

Originally Posted by Tyke

Agree wholeheartedly! It's always good when things settle down and patterns start to appear. And if the right patterns don't appear, then the hand-wringing begins!

And Nordhagen Beach is right where they should be while they get to watch the Assaultrons struggle immensely to start the season.

I also have an "extra" responsibility added to my plate, so I may not post as regularly and instead spam the weekends with as many games as possible. Anyway, I have a few moments tonight, so I will try to at least finish Week 2, preview the NWL Season 1, and give a weekly update for the BMU since I will save some time by not regularly posting their games.

[StLee]

Today in the CBO

News and Notes - Reports from around the Commonwealth

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

16 April 2299 - Curatolo Slaps 5 Hits

Jeffrey Curatolo was sizzling at the plate today. In a game played at Easy Town Field, the Lexington first baseman blistered the Easy Town Assaultrons for 5 hits in 7 at-bats to pace his club to a 8-4 victory.

"Curatolo was too tough to get out today," Assaultrons skipper Graham Route said in his postgame interview. "No matter what we threw him, he hit it. And he hit some good pitches, too."

Jeffrey Curatolo flied out in the 1st, singled in the 3rd, singled in the 5th, hit an RBI single in the 7th, grounded out in the 9th, singled in the 11th and doubled in the 12th.

So far this season Curatolo has put up a .359 batting average with 14 hits, 1 home run and 5 RBIs.

Chris Salazar had to wait several agonizing days to find out his diagnosis after suffering a torn flexor tendon in his elbow on 04/15/2299. Today he received word from the Easy Town doctor that he would be out the rest of the year. Team officials called it a huge setback but something they would have to overcome.

16 April 2299 - Silver Shroud, Tiller Blast Ghouls, 12-2

Jim Tiller was a vital contributor to the 12-2 Fort Hagen victory over The Slog. The Silver Shroud first baseman was 3 for 5 with 2 home runs. He scored 3 times and drove in 4. The defeat makes The Slog 6-4.

Tiller made an early impact for Fort Hagen when he stroked his 3rd home run of the season. The 3-run home run, which came in the top of the third, put the Silver Shroud on top, 4-0.

"You can't sugarcoat this one," said The Slog manager Dick Tricky. "We got flat-out beat."

For once, it was the Fort Hagen Silver Shroud picking up the slack for Seth Dungan.

The club's "offensive catalyst," as Fort Hagen manager Mark Andersen has frequently called him, went uncharacteristically silent today and saw his 20-game hitting streak snapped by the The Slog Ghouls. Dungan was bailed out by the rest of the Silver Shroud, however, who stopped the Ghouls.

The 21-year-old shortstop finished the day 0-for-4, and told reporters at the postgame press conference that "everybody did their job but me."

"Not that it was a huge problem -- we still won the game," he said with a grin. "The streak was a good run though. I'll try to start another one tomorrow."

This season Dungan is batting .333 with no home runs. His totals include 2 RBIs and 9 runs scored.

16 April 2299 - Sunshine Tidings Wins, Ramos 3-4

The 8-3 Sunshine Tidings win over Finch Farm was due largely to Brightsun Ramos. The Chemists right fielder went 3 for 4 with a home run and a double. He scored 3 runs and drove in 5. Finch Farm falls to 4-6.

With Sunshine Tidings leading 2-0 in the top of the third, Ramos came up to bat against Finch Farm pitcher Chris Deathclaw. Ramos hit a curveball to right for a 2-run home run. His 5th home run of the season put the Chemists on top, 4-0.

Ramos told the Sunshine Tidings Citizen: "I think I thrive on conflict. It brings out my best."

16 April 2299 - Red Rockets Sneak Past Dwellers, 6-5

Mark Dombrowski did all he could to help his team win. In the end, though, it wasn't enough to keep the Vault 81 Dwellers from losing, 6-5, to the Jamaica Plain Red Rockets at Red Rockets Stadium. Dombrowski went 4 for 4 with a home run and 3 singles, while adding 3 RBI and scoring once. The loss makes Vault 81 2-8.

Jamaica Plain won the game in the bottom of the ninth inning. With two outs and Josh Mustang on the mound for Vault 81, right fielder David Seaweed hit a dramatic solo home run, bringing Red Rockets fans to their feet.

"The house was rockin'," said Seaweed.

16 April 2299 - Swatters Tack 6-0 Loss on Atom

The Diamond City Swatters topped the Atom Cats, 6-0, in South Charles Association action at Coolest Field in Town. The game was highlighted by the performance of Diamond City pitcher Tim Fusion. Diamond City, now 9-1, is setting the league on fire so far.

Fusion (2-0) did not allow a run in 7.2 innings, allowing seven hits and striking out seven. He now has an ERA of 1.13 in three starts.

Diamond City relied on the bat of Allen Bishop to get the win. The third baseman ripped a bases-clearing double in the top of the ninth inning to put the Swatters ahead, 6-0. For the game, Bishop had 1 double and 2 triples in 5 at-bats. His two triples ties the SCA record for a game.

"I really like what we did out there today," Bishop said after the game.

16 April 2299 - Party Boys Rally For 4-2 Win

Nordhagen Beach Party Boys starter Chet Arthur pitched a strong game against the Starlight Lady Killers at Slocum's Joe Seaside Stadium, leading the Party Boys to victory, 4-2. Sia Abber, now 2-0, was credited with the win. He allowed no runs on 1 hit, while striking out 2 and walking 1. Starlight falls to 6-4.

Dustin Mart tagged his first home run off Chris Schneier in the bottom of the eighth. His 2-run blast put the Party Boys on top, 4-2. In all, Mart had 1 single in addition to the home run, while going 2 for 4. He tied for the NCA lead with 32 in 2298.

"If you pitch well, you give yourself some opportunities," said Nordhagen Beach manager Craig Robinson. "My hope is we pitch well 9 out of 10 games."

[StLee]

Today in the CBO

News and Notes - Reports from around the Commonwealth

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

14 April 2299 - Chekhemani Electric in 7-0 Win

Today was Oscar Chekhemani's turn in the rotation for the Trinity Plaza Snipers and he made the most of it, shutting out the Haymarket Mall Commandos on 3 hits.

The 36-year-old right-hander led the Snipers to an easy 7-0 victory, allowing 2 walks and tallying 12 strikeouts.

"I hope we miss him next time," Haymarket Mall manager Squirt Becker said. "Chekhemani certainly pitched a strong game against us today. He was in a groove, throwing everything for strikes. Throwing hard. Changing speeds."

14 April 2299 - Fleeker Pops 3 Out of the Park Against Night People

Bubbles Fleeker went on an explosive hitting spree against the Greentop Nursery Night People at Drumlin Diner Picnic Park today, launching a trio of blasts to lead the Outpost Zimonja Strongbacks to the 7-2 win.

The first baseman finished 3-for-4 with 3 runs scored and 7 RBI.

"It was just one of those days," Fleeker said in a postgame interview. "I don't know how to explain it. I'm just putting a good swing on the ball."

Greentop Nursery skipper Jimmy Combat said Fleeker was "locked-in."

"We made some pretty good pitches," he said. "Those first two homers were exactly where the pitcher wanted to put them. He's just hot right now -- you've just got to tip your hat to him."

Bubbles Fleeker hit a two-run home run off Adoptee Packwood in the 1st, flied out in the 3rd, hit a two-run home run off Adoptee Packwood in the 5th and hit a three-run home run off Matt Getman in the 6th.

17 April 2299 - Fleeker Nabs CA Weekly Award

One of the league's most exciting young players, Bubbles Fleeker of the Outpost Zimonja Strongbacks earned himself Commonwealth Association Player of the Week honors with a standout performance in last week's games.

For the week the 21-year-old first baseman had a lofty .533 average (8-for-15), collecting 3 home runs, 8 RBIs and 5 runs scored.

17 April 2299 - Rayguns Tony Sanchez Swings Hot Bat, MA Winner

19-year-old Tony Sanchez made a few Cabot House headlines during this past week as the rookie shortstop proved he could compete at the plate with his high-school idols. He captured the attention of fans, journalists and Massachusetts Association officials last week and today took home Player of the Week honors for his effort.

He cracked 8 hits in 14 at-bats to put up a .571 average. Sanchez collected 2 home runs, 6 RBIs and scored 3 runs.

17 April 2299 - BNN Stats: Single-Season Records

Who holds the single season record in the Boston Minor Union for at bats?

Bill Hulk, GAG, 332, 2298
Steve Fireball, MAL, 327, 2298
J.D. Lumphead, EAST, 324, 2298
Rocket Pollack, UHC, 323, 2298
Midnight Flowers, CIT, 318, 2298

17 April 2299 - Weekly Team Power Rankings

Here are the current team power rankings for Boston Minor Union:

Teams (Total Points, Tendency):
1) Mystic Pines Raybathers (188.0, ++)
2) Outpost Zimonja Strongbacks (140.0, ++)
3) Charles View Cannibals (139.0, ++)
4) Somerville Place Sentry Bots (139.0, ++)
5) Breakheart Banks Behemoths (138.0, ++)
6) Taffington Boathouse Spy Hunters (136.0, ++)
7) Bunker Hill Gun Fu (92.0, ++)
8) Trinity Plaza Snipers (92.0, -)
9) Vault 95 Robobrains (92.0, ++)
10) Cabot House Rayguns (91.0, +)
11) Corvega Flamers (91.0, ++)
12) Fiddler's Green T-60s (91.0, -)
13) Boston Common Lead Bellies (89.0, --)
14) Eastlake Aquaboys (89.0, +)
15) Union Hope Lifegivers (89.0, ++)
16) C.I.T. Ruins Refractors (88.0, --)
17) Haymarket Mall Commandos (88.0, --)
18) Natick Banks Big Leaguers (88.0, --)
19) Malden Grognaks (44.0, ++)
20) Galleria Robotics Experts (42.0, --)
21) Forest Grove Mole Rats (41.0, --)
22) Postal Square Action Boys (41.0, --)
23) Greentop Nursery Night People (40.0, --)
24) College Square Nerd Ragers (-8.0, --)

[StLee]

Analysis

Diamond City looked like it knew what it was doing in the offseason when it moved on from some team constants to finalize its 2299 roster. Instead of chasing the Oberland T-51s like every other team in the Railroad League did the first three years of the CBO, the Swatters are chasing their own title.

The Swatters are doing it with dominant pitching so far, with a league-best 23 runs allowed in 10 games. Their starters are #1 with a 2.09 ERA and their bullpen has been even better, holding a 0.74 ERA. The only loss on the record came in the 13th inning against the Power Rankings' current #2. Diamond City is scary good to start the season, even with the offense not playing up to its standards to start. We shall see how good they can be when they face the T-51s in the first league matchup next weekend.

Jamaica Plain as mentioned above is #2 after a 5-0 week, including the win over the Swatters. In their first five, the Red Rockets were not impressive, going 2-3, but they have won five straight due to steady consistency. Tied with Oberland for the second-best record in the SCA, the Rockets have been able to win the tight games so far, going 2-0 in extra-inning games and 3-2 so far in one-run games. They are 5-1 at home, tied with Nordhagen Beach and Quincy for most home wins. The Swatters are 4-0 in the Great Green Jewel.

The next four teams look mostly like 2298 did with the Party Boys, Fort Hagen, the T-51s, and Abernathy populating the Top 6. All four are doing what is expected of them on a consistent basis: winning at home, balancing success on offense and defense, and beating the teams they're supposed to. The Adamantium's Brad Westing (2-0, 1.17) looks to be one of the best players in the league this season. Fort Hagen's acquisition of Andrew Nuka (.462/6/12) has paid dividends so far as he is in early MVP talks with Concord's Ricky Ticky Laughy and Sunshine Tidings' Brightsun Ramos.

Warwick and Easy Town remain as the surprises in the league in their ineptitude. The Assaultrons seem to be suffering from Sole Survivor Series hangover, taking their sweep hard. With their second-straight 1-4 week, they are now in danger of a few more bad weeks of taking them completely out of championship pursuits. They don't have it any easier, traveling to Fort Hagen for their mid-week games before starting BL play at Finch Farm, which may help them break their slump. The Mirelurks finally found the victory column after dropping their first eight, but they certainly do not look like the same team that rallied to make the 2298 playoffs. With an 0-4 record against Egret and 0-2 record against Roxbury, the Mirelurks are not just losing to good teams, but mediocre ones, too.

Power Rankings

Weekly Team Power Rankings: Here are the current team power rankings for Commonwealth Baseball Organization:

Teams (Total Points, Tendency):
1) Diamond City Swatters (174.0, o)
2) Jamaica Plain Red Rockets (135.0, ++)
3) Nordhagen Beach Party Boys (134.0, ++)
4) Fort Hagen Silver Shroud (132.0, ++)
5) Oberland T-51s (132.0, --)
6) Abernathy Adamantium (131.0, -)
7) Quincy Gunners (113.0, ++)
8) Sunshine Tidings Chemists (111.0, ++)
9) Goodneighbor Hancocks (108.0, --)
10) The Slog Ghouls (108.0, --)
11) Starlight Lady Killers (107.0, --)
12) Lexington Synths (92.0, +)
13) Salem Witch Hats (92.0, --)
14) University Point Deathclaws (91.0, --)
15) Egret Ninjas (89.0, --)
16) FHE Yao Guai (71.0, +)
17) Finch Farm Four Leafs (69.0, ++)
18) Roxbury Knuckle Punchers (68.0, o)
19) Atom Cats (67.0, --)
20) County Crossing Bloodbugs (49.0, +)
21) Concord Radstags (28.0, -)
22) Easy Town Assaultrons (27.0, -)
23) Vault 81 Dwellers (23.0, --)
24) Warwick Mirelurks (9.0, o)

[StLee]

Today in the CBO

News and Notes - Reports from around the Commonwealth

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

17 April 2299 - Star of the Week Awarded in NCA

So far in his young career, Brightsun Ramos has kept a low profile, but after his performance at the plate last week, he attracted the notice of the rest of the North Charles Association in a big way as he was named the Player of the Week today for his efforts.

The 19-year-old Sunshine Tidings Chemists right fielder hit at a torrid .429 clip as he collected 9 hits in 21 at-bats, 3 home runs, 10 RBIs and 9 runs scored.

17 April 2299 - T-51s Bugs Snags SCA Player of the Week

Jeremy Bugs is respected by most Oberland T-51s fans for his no-frills style of play. The 29-year-old third baseman went about his business with vigor last week to grab the South Charles Association Player of the Week honors.

He compiled a .636 average (14-for-22) with 1 home run, 9 RBIs and 4 runs scored.

17 April 2299 - BNN Stats: Single-Season Records

Who holds the single season record in the Commonwealth Baseball Organization for OPS?

Bryan Assman, GOOD, 1.2032, 2298
Amari Nukes, ST, 1.0690, 2298
Jarrett Metalbox, ET, 1.0632, 2298
Jim Tiller, FtH, 1.0629, 2298
Dan Squirrel, ET, 1.0620, 2298

[StLee]

Nuka News Update

All the news you need about Bradberton and Nuka World

by Evan Guy

17 April 2299 - Nuka World League Debuts

How sweet it is! Nuka World League starts play today. It is a new season and a new beginning for all the boys of baseball. Opening Day is here! It is a day of great excitement for everyone in the world of baseball -- players, fans, sportswriters, broadcasters, managers, coaches, scouts, groundkeepers, batboys, ballpark vendors, agents and the owners. Everybody is eagerly awaiting the first pitch of the game and the first home run.

Today, the Nuka World League will make its league debut with a one-game debut of the Quantum Nukalurks at Cherry Ghoulrillas at Grandchester Mystery Mansion Park.

League predictions have been made. While it is difficult to know what to expect in this first season, the Commonwealth Baseball Organization's OSA scouting service has contributed a lot of data to help predict trends.

One thing that is expected is that the league will probably struggle to hit the ball. OSA believes that the overall talent of the league is low, but that the pitching has started to surpass the abilities of the hitters.

With the current predictions, the premier Nuka Series is expected to be the #1 Quartz Star Force vs the #2 Cherry Ghoulrillas. The Dark Bloodworms, Wild Gatorclaws, and Quantum Nukalurks are all expected to compete for a title, too.

Offensively, third-overall pick Lackey Parkman of Wild is predicted to win the Nuka King Award for best overall player, as well as the Nuka Baby Bottle Award for the top rookie, which every player is eligible for. Quartz's Laurence Crash, the first pitcher taken at #25 overall, is expected to win the Nuka Cannon Award for top starting pitcher. Jake Wojcik of Wild is expected to be the Nuka Thirst Zapper Award for best reliever.

[StLee]

Today in the CBO

News and Notes - Reports from around the Commonwealth

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

18 April 2299 - BMU: Alexson Befuddles Outpost Zimonja in 4-0 Mystic Pines Win

Alex Alexson put a hex on the Outpost Zimonja Strongbacks in a sparkling 4-0 shutout performance, mesmerizing them on a 1-hit gem.

"I felt good physically," he said after the game. "Everything's comfortable. You should pitch well when that's the case."

The Strongbacks were anything but comfortable against the 19-year-old Mystic Pines Raybathers hurler, who fanned 3 and gave up 0 walks.

"Alexson used his changeup very well, very effectively," said opposing manager David Troutman. "He threw it in hitter's counts."

18 April 2299 - BMU: Vertibird Slaps 5 Hits

Trinity Plaza third baseman Danny Vertibird could do no wrong in today's 10-2 win over the Robobrains as he collected 5 hits.

"Things were in his favor in every one of his at-bats," Robobrains skipper Chris Puzey said to the press corps after the game. "He got hitters' counts."

Vertibird agreed, saying that getting ahead early in the counts was "the key" to his game.

"Once you get ahead, it makes it a lot easier because you get a better pitch to hit," he said. "You know the pitcher has to come in with it. And you're ready."

Danny Vertibird singled in the 2nd, singled in the 3rd, singled in the 6th, hit a two-run single in the 6th and hit an RBI double in the 8th.

Vertibird's current batting average stands at .318 and he has chalked up no home runs and 4 RBIs.

18 April 2299 - Hope Spins 5-0 Shutout Against Easy Town

In an outstanding outing, Fort Hagen Silver Shroud starter Matt Hope tamed the Easy Town Assaultrons with a 5-hit shutout at Hubris Comics Park today. The Fort Hagen hurler went the distance, finishing with 1 strikeout and no walks in the 5-0 win.

"He had a lot of first-pitch strikes and kept us off balance with a lot of off-speed stuff," according to Easy Town manager Graham Route. "We just didn't get too many balls squared up today."

Andrew Nuka continued his torrid pace, going 2 for 4 with a home run (CBO-leading 7th), a run, and two RBI.

18 April 2299 - University Point Wins, Gonzalez 3 for 5

The timely hitting of Bernie Gonzalez helped the University Point Deathclaws down the Roxbury Knuckle Punchers, 8-3. Gonzalez went 3 for 5 with a home run and a double, while scoring 2 runs and driving in 4 for the Deathclaws. Gary Stallworth, credited with the win, is now 1-1. He allowed 3 runs on 9 hits in 9 innings. University Point goes to 6-5.

University Point used the bat of Erns Gold to get the win. The first baseman hammered a 2-run home run in the top of the fifth inning to put the Deathclaws ahead, 4-2. It was his lone hit in 4 at-bats, but it did its damage.

"We'll kick back tonight, then get set for the next one," Gold said.

18 April 2299 - Newman Lays Hammer Down in 5-1 Win

Starlight Lady Killers starter Jonathan Newman was in a rhythm all game. He led his team to a win over the Salem Witch Hats, 5-1. The win puts Starlight at 7-4.

The standout performance belonged to 19-year-old Newman. With his baby face, he looked more like someone starting for a high school team than for the Lady Killers. His performance, however, was nothing short of top-notch. The youngster dominated the Witch Hats, striking out 11 and scattering 5 hits over 8 innings. Newman is now 2-0 on the season.

"You can't get too high when things go well, or too low when things go bad. Right now, I'm just happy we got the win," Newman told the Starlight News.

18 April 2299 - Party Boys Earn 5-3 Win Against Radstags in 10

The Nordhagen Beach Party Boys topped the Concord Radstags, 5-3, with youngster Ryan Combs playing a key role. Combs went 3-4 with a triple, a double, and a walk. He drove in 4 runs for the Party Boys in the win. Night Demon Archacki earned the save, his 6th, for the Party Boys. The win gives Nordhagen Beach a record of 8-3.

Combs had a game-changing triple in the top of the tenth. On a 1-2 changeup from Bell Franklin, he banged a 2-run triple to center, giving the Party Boys a 5-3 lead. It was the 1st triple of the year for Combs.

"It's a satisfying feeling, to win like we did," said Combs.

18 April 2299 - Cats Come Up Short at Diamond City, 7-6

The Diamond City Swatters topped the Atom Cats by a score of 7-6. Leading the way was third baseman Allen Bishop. Bishop went 1 for 3 with a home run and a walk. He scored 2 times and drove in 2 for the Swatters. Josh Samm was credited with the save for Diamond City, his 5th of the season. The win puts Diamond City at 10-1.

The Swatters got an important contribution from catcher Jazz Stockton, who in the bottom of the fourth knocked a 0-2 fastball into right for a 2-run double. It was his 3rd double of the season and put the Swatters ahead, 4-1.

"As well as we've been playing, I think we can play even better," said Diamond City manager Bucky Bachelor.

18 April 2299 - Gunners Get Past Egret for 12-11 Win

The Egret Ninjas and Quincy Gunners provided some drama for the home crowd.

The Quincy Gunners defeated the Egret Ninjas, 12-11, thanks to a four-run 9th. Doing his part was left fielder Paladin Danse, who was 2 for 5 with a home run and a walk, while scoring 3 runs and driving in 3. The winner was Quincy reliever Michael Thawt, now 1-0. The loser was Andy Helium. The save went to Wick Prater, his 2nd this season.

Steve Gunkill hit a run-scoring triple off Andy Helium in the top of the ninth, which put the Gunners in front, 12-11. Gunkill had 2 singles, in addition to the triple. For the game, he went 3 for 6.

"We'll savor this win," Gunkill told the Quincy Citizen, "then get ready for the next game."

Egret falls to 5-6.

[StLee]

Today in the CBO

News and Notes - Reports from around the Commonwealth

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

19 April 2299 - Gold Helps University Point Outscore Roxbury

The University Point-Roxbury matchup turned into a real hit parade.

Good production from first baseman Erns Gold helped the University Point Deathclaws topple the Roxbury Knuckle Punchers, 14-10. Gold was 3 for 4 with a home run, a double, and a walk. He scored 3 runs and drove in 4 for the Deathclaws. University Point reliever David Kidd picked up the win, raising his record to 1-0. Casey Diehl was tagged with the loss.

Gold had a key at-bat for University Point early in the game. With a runner on 1st, he hit a run-scoring double. It was his 2nd double of the season and gave University Point an early 1-0 lead.

"Win or lose, we pick each other up in this clubhouse," Gold told the University Point Daily News.

The win gives University Point a record of 7-5.

19 April 2299 - Flatt, Cornseed Slug Red Rockets to 14-5 Win

Behind the hitting of Cody Flatt and Carney Cornseed, the Jamaica Plain Red Rockets stopped the Oberland T-51s, 14-5. Flatt was 2 for 3 with 2 home runs and a walk, while adding 5 RBI and scoring twice for the Red Rockets. Cornseed was also 2 for 3 with two home runs, two walks, three runs, and three RBI.

Chris Morgen, the winning pitcher, is now 1-0. He went 7.2 innings, allowing 5 runs on 11 hits, while fanning 9 and walking 2. The Red Rockets, now 9-3, have played some good baseball in the early going.

Jamaica Plain relied on the hitting of David Seaweed to pick up the win. The right fielder clubbed a 3-run home run in the top of the fifth inning to put the Red Rockets on top, 6-4. For the game, Seaweed had 1 home run and 2 singles in 5 at-bats.

"I like the roll we're on right now," said Flatt after the game.

Besides the loss, the T-51s may be without 2B Jonathan Abern. In the bottom of the second, he was injured while sliding into second base on a fielder's choice that ended the inning. Abern finished the game 1 of 1 in two plate appearances with a single and an RBI sacrifice fly.

19 April 2299 - Fort Hagen Stays Hot with 5-2 Win

Fort Hagen got a strong outing from Derek Green as the Silver Shroud defeated the Easy Town Assaultrons, 5-2, at Hubris Comics Park. Curtis Thriceshot closed it out for his 4th save. With their winning streak at 4, the Silver Shroud have raced to a strong start this season.

Fort Hagen took a 4-2 lead on David Driftwood's 2nd home run of the season. The 3-run home run came off Easy Town pitcher David Hill in the bottom of the seventh. The Shroud entered the inning trailing 2-0.

"We'll pop the top on a cold beverage and get back to work tomorrow," Driftwood said.

19 April 2299 - 8-Run 1st Leads Party Boys to 13-5 Win Over Radstags

The Nordhagen Beach Party Boys downed the Concord Radstags, 13-5, at Nuka Park. The Party Boys were led by Ryan Combs. He went 3 for 6 with a home run and 2 singles. He scored 3 times and drove in 4. Derek Gist was the winner. Over 5 innings, he allowed 3 runs on 5 hits, with 3 walks and 7 strikeouts. The Radstags, at 2-10, have stumbled out of the gate.

The 1st inning adventure made this game over before it really started. With one out, Radstags pitcher Mario Bustos walked Dustin Mart, Tomas Jones, and Jonathan Angelou to load the bases. Brian Masterson then singled in Mart to make it 1-0. Jon Hitman made it back-to-back RBI singles for a 2-0 lead. After Bustos threw a wild pitch to score Angelou, Mike Swift singled in Masterson for a 4-0 lead. With two outs and the bases again loaded after a hit batsman, Combs unloaded his grand slam for the 8-0 count, chasing Bustos for Carl Marx. Marx would later share in the Concord misery by giving up a three-run 3rd inning.

"I believe in our guys," said Nordhagen Beach skipper Craig Robinson. "I like the energy they're playing with."

19 April 2299 - Swatters Reel Off Another Win

Diamond City Swatters starter Mark Stuhlsatz pitched a strong game against the Atom Cats at The Great Green Jewel, leading the Swatters to victory, 4-2. Josh Samm earned the save for Diamond City, his 6th of the year. Diamond City is off to a hot start at 11-1.

In the top of the ninth, Will Ashfire stood in the box, looking for a pitch to hammer. The Cats were trailing 4-2, but had runners on 1st and 2nd. That's when Josh Samm made a terrific pitch and Ashfire struck out. Gone was the dream of a Atom comeback.

No one stood out offensively for the Swatters, though Allen Bishop was 2 for 4 with a double and a run. Oren Gep added two hits. Atom's Jason Niederer led his team with four hits, all singles. Will Ashfire homered.

19 April 2299 - BMU: Dude Spectacular in 2-0 Win

All went well for Josh Dude of the Trinity Plaza Snipers as he pitched his team to a 2-0 shutout victory over the Vault 95 Robobrains, limiting them to 1 hit. In the postgame interview, both managers had glowing things to say about Dude on the day.

"Josh's got a good selection of pitches he can throw at a guy," said Snipers manager Bill Pinkerton. "He changes speed, gives different looks to different hitters. When he's on his game, he's quite a handful."

In the contest, the Trinity Plaza right-hander rang up 9 and surrendered 2 walks.

"He didn't give us any second chances," said Robobrains manager Chris Puzey. "It's a guessing game with him and today we were always guessing wrong."

Dude started 20 games in the CBO last season, 18 with Finch Farm and two with Goodneighbor. He also started five games with Trinity Plaza. This season, he is starting on the BMU team.

[StLee]

Nuka News Update

All the news you need about Bradberton and Nuka World

by Evan Guy

19 April 2299 - Cave Crickets Get One to Win

It wasn't easy but the Victory Cave Crickets made it look that way.

Starter Joel Fields shut out the Grape Painted Ghouls despite having what he later called "sub-par" stuff, and the Victory Cave Crickets cruised to victory, 1-0. Fields allowed only 4 hits and rang up 5 strikeouts but insisted later that he did not deserve primary credit for the win.

"It didn't feel quite right today, but I got a lot of help to get through," he said. "I trusted my catcher and the guys behind me bailed me out more than once when I screwed up."

19 April 2299 - Steelbrother Legend Beyond His Own Mind

The Bloodworms grabbed a win, 5-2, in 13 innings at Ol' Sugartop Ballpark at Dry Rock Gulch, overcoming a fine effort from Orange pitcher Frank Rabe. Rabe went 8 innings and allowed 2 runs. Austin Bullock picked up the win in relief for Dark, while Mike Ratliff took the loss. The Bloodworms, now 2-0, have been playing some good baseball.

Dark won the game in the bottom of the 13th inning. With one out and Mike Ratliff on the mound for Orange, first baseman Trevor Steelbrother hit a dramatic 3-run home run, bringing Bloodworms fans to their feet.

"This place was electric at the end," Steelbrother said.

[StLee]

Today in the CBO

News and Notes - Reports from around the Commonwealth

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

21 April 2299 - CBO Begins League Games

All 24 CBO teams will play games within their leagues--Brotherhood, Institute, Minutemen, and Railroad--in pursuit of elusive league titles.

Last year's champions are all in contention, but Goodneighbor and Oberland are off to surprisingly pedestrian starts at 7-6 apiece in the ML and RL, respectively. The first 12 games of the season were all interleague games of the BL vs IL and ML vs RL. At 11-1, Diamond City holds the best record in the CBO. Nordhagen Beach and Fort Hagen are atop the NCA at 9-3 each, while Jamaica Plain is the surprising leader of the ML at 9-3.

Opening league play weekend schedule:

Lexington at Abernathy
Sunshine Tidings at Starlight
Goodneighbor at Jamaica Plain
Quincy at Atom
Warwick at University Point
Easy Town at Finch Farm
Egret at FHE
Oberland at Diamond City
Vault 81 at Roxbury
Concord at Fort Hagen
Nordhagen Beach at County Crossing
The Slog at Salem

21 April 2299 - BMU: No Comeback This Season for Wylde

A blow for Will Wylde today -- team doctors for the Cabot House Rayguns (Atom) were able to determine the full extent of his recent injury. He will miss 10 months with a torn ulnar collateral ligament. Wylde suffered the injury on 04/18/2299. The team will likely place Wylde on the injured list today.

On the season, Wylde has pitched in two games of relief, posting a 3.38 ERA in 2.2 innings. He allowed one earned run on two hits with a walk and two strikeouts.

Wylde was selected in the 4th round of the 2296 Rookie Draft. Last season, he started 20 games for the Rayguns, going 6-7 with a 4.05 ERA in 115.2 innings pitched. He was moved to the bullpen this season because of some up-and-coming prospects within the Atom Cats organization, including 2298 1st-round pick Scruffy Taguchi and 2298 2nd-round pick Deedee Martinson.

21 April 2299 - Radstags Whitewashed by Hooker

In a very sharp performance at Hubris Comics Park, Brent Hooker (3-1) of the Fort Hagen Silver Shroud blanked the Concord Radstags, 2-0. He permitted 3 hits and finished with 6 strikeouts and 2 walks in the Silver Shroud victory.

"Brent goes out there and just goes about his business," Silver Shroud manager Mark Andersen said in his postgame press conference. "I don't think he gets too concerned about what's going on. No matter the pitch, you know he's going to be where he needs to be."

21 April 2299 - Basile Hits 2 home runs in Four Leafs Win

The Finch Farm Four Leafs topped the Easy Town Assaultrons by a score of 10-5. Leading the way was right fielder Matt Basile. Basile was 3-4 with 2 home runs. He scored 3 times and drove in 5 for the Four Leafs. The defeat makes Easy Town 2-11.

Basile contributed a big hit, a 3-run home run, for Finch Farm in the bottom of the first. With his team trailing 2-1, Basile took a changeup from Angel Waterdrink and stroked the home run to right. His 3rd home run of the season allowed the Four Leafs to leap in front, 4-2.

"We believe in ourselves and we're willing to work hard. It's a good combination," Basile told the Finch Farm Citizen.

21 April 2299 - Rogers Slugs T-51s to 7-6 Win

Oberland and Diamond City duked it out and the T-51s came out victorious.

Oberland center fielder Ginger Rogers made his presence felt in the 7-6 T-51s triumph over the Diamond City Swatters. Rogers was 2 for 2 with 2 home runs and 2 walks, while adding 4 RBI and scoring twice. Aaron Still earned the save, his 4th.

Jeremy Bugs, who leads the SCA in hits with 25, aided the Oberland cause with a run-scoring single in the top of the third. For the game, the third baseman went 1 for 5.

"If we play like this, we can win a lot of games," Rogers told the Oberland Daily News.

Diamond City drops to 11-2. While still holding the top record in the CBO, the Swatters probably wanted to start off Railroad League play by defeating the three-time league champions. The two teams play again tomorrow at 6:05 PM with Gerald Jerry (2-0, 3.27) taking on Tim Fusion (2-0, 1.13).

21 April 2299 - Party Boys Win, 5-1, Over County Crossing

Tommy Beach never let County Crossing get something going. The Nordhagen Beach right-hander commanded his changeup in pitching the Party Boys to a 5-1 win. Beach went 7.1 innings to notch the win. He scattered 5 hits, walked 1, and struck out 6. His record improves to 2-1. Night Demon Archacki earned the save for Nordhagen Beach, his 7th of the year.

Ryan Combs had a direct impact on the outcome. Combs contributed a run-scoring single in the top of the second inning to put Nordhagen Beach up, 2-0. He is now batting .431 on the season.

"Getting ahead of the hitters was the key," said Beach.

The Party Boys raised their record to 10-3.

21 April 2299 - Red Rockets Reel Off Another Win

The Jamaica Plain Red Rockets outlasted Bryan Assman and the Goodneighbor Hancocks, 8-6. Assman was impressive in the loss. The Goodneighbor first baseman went 3 for 4 with a double, 2 singles, and a walk, while scoring 2 times. With their winning streak at 8, the Red Rockets have raced to a strong start this season.

Hid Matsumoto, the Jamaica Plain center fielder, contributed a 2-run single in the bottom of the fourth inning to make the score 4-2, Red Rockets. For the game, Matsumoto went 1-5. He drove in 2 runs.

"We're obviously playing with a lot of confidence," said Jamaica Plain manager Mark Sellsword whose team has now won eight straight and command a three-game lead over the defending champions Hancocks.

While the Rockets only managed eight hits in the games, Goodneighbor found itself not taking advantage of its 14-8 hit advantage. Assman, Good Don Duck, and Zachary Utsinger all had three hits apiece for the Hancocks. Jumper Hayes tripled in his only hit and one of John Rose's two hits was a two-run homer.

Jmaica Plain's hits did count, though, since four players went deep: LF Carney Cornseed, rookie C Ayag Mour, 1B Cody Flatt, and PH Steve Baron.

[StLee]

Today in the CBO

News and Notes - Reports from around the Commonwealth

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

22 April 2299 - Injury Shuts Down Jumping for Season

Jason Jumping had hoped for the best, but expected the worst. Today, he learned from the Atom medical staff that he would miss the rest of the season. The Atom reliever suffered a torn rotator cuff in an earlier ballgame. He admitted to being discouraged, but said he plans to come back strong next year.

So far this season Jumping has picked up no saves in 6 relief appearances. He has also compiled a 0-0 won-lost mark with a 4.50 ERA and fanned 3 batters in 6 innings.

Atom Cats owner Zeke Cat has sent out power-armor clad parties both north and south to seek out stimpacks. The Cats have the most injured players in their franchise with four, which includes starting outfielders Jeremy Schoolboy and Ed Tarberry.

"It ain't cool to look like a fool," Zeke said. "We trying to jazz while the waste is having us jive. It just ain't jazz to jive."

22 April 2299 - Deathclaws Wins, 1-0, as Radwater Mystifies Warwick

Fans at Gwinnett Brewery Park witnessed the University Point Deathclaws blank the Warwick Mirelurks, 1-0 behind a superb effort by starter William Radwater (1-1, 1.45). The University Point right-hander allowed 3 hits in recording the shutout.

"William was good today but I don't want to focus too much on a single game," University Point manager Woody Lumpkin said later. "If you're capable of playing at this level, you're capable of having a good game. The real question is if you can learn from that game and repeat it."

Deathclaws 2B Jason Harris' RBI single in the bottom of the 7th made the difference in the pitcher's duel.

Dave Kovalenko (0-3, 3.70) suffered his third-straight loss despite pitching an excellent game. In 7.0 innings, he allowed one earned run on six hits with four strikeouts.

"We're 3-11 right now because we're not pulling out games like this one," Warwick manager Old Man Langford said. "I feel sorry for Dave. He pitched his medulla oblongata out today."

22 April 2299 - Ross, Fusion Excel in 5-1 Diamond City Win

Tyler Ross was a major contributor to the 5-1 Diamond City win over Oberland. The Swatters left fielder was 3 for 4 with a home run and a double. He scored 2 times and drove in 4. Early on, the Swatters, at 12-2, have excelled.

Tim Fusion (3-0, 1.09) continued his dominant 2299 season, allowing one earned run on five hits with seven strikeouts.

Early in the game, Ross had a 2-run double for Diamond City. It was his 3rd double of the season and put the Swatters on top, 2-0. Allen Bishop contributed two doubles for the Swatters and scored twice.

Ross called the win "a team effort."

Gerald Jerry (2-1, 4.08) lost for Oberland. In 6.2 innings, he allowed five earned runs on nine hits with a walk and five strikeouts.

22 April 2299 - Radstags Need Extra Innings to Top Silver Shroud, 3-2

The Concord Radstags got a good effort from starter Gwinnett Southie in defeating the Fort Hagen Silver Shroud at Hubris Comics Park. The final score was 3-2.

Concord took a 3-2 lead on Dan Erb's 4th home run of the season. The solo home run, which Erb hit in the top of the 12th, left Fort Hagen pitcher Bill Early shaking his head. Erb finished 2 for 6 with two home runs, two runs, and two RBI.

"At the end of the day, it's always about your starting pitcher," said Concord skipper Mark Gourdroot.

Paul Grog was 3 for 5 with a double, a run, and an RBI for the Shroud. Relief pitcher Matt Demented had to leave the game after he suffered an abdominal injury while pitching.

22 April 2299 - Hancocks Bounce Back at Jamaica Plain, 9-2

The Goodneighbor Hancocks got a stellar performance from pitcher John Oldsink, who handcuffed the Jamaica Plain offense en route to a win, 9-2, at Red Rockets Stadium. Oldsink, now 2-2, was the winner. In 9 innings, he gave up 6 hits, while striking out 7, walking 2, and allowing 2 runs. The win puts Goodneighbor at 8-6.

With Goodneighbor leading 4-0 in the top of the third, Oldsink came up to bat against Jamaica Plain pitcher Will Rope. Oldsink hit a fastball to left for a 3-run home run. His 1st home run of the season and third of his career put the Hancocks on top, 7-0.

"I like our moxie," said Hancocks manager Jeremy Whiteplate. "We're confident we'll win more than we drop, and that gives us a better chance than most."