Fallout 4's Commonwealth Baseball Organization

[StLee]

Originally Posted by OrangeP47

Well by "lately" I suppose I kinda meant the past few seasons

Also realized I maybe have been projecting some of my thoughts on Vault City onto Vault 81... which now that I think about it, the creators might have intended people to do only so they could later subvert them. Vault City is full of snooty stuck up people, and Vault 81 seems that way at first, but once you get to know them they're actually probably one of the nicest if not *the* nicest settlement in the wasteland.

Ah, yes. In recent seasons, it has been all Diamond City!

[StLee]

#1 University Point Deathclaws (67-41) vs #4 Vault 81 Dwellers (63-46)

Game 3: Vault 81 6, University Point 3

Vault 81 Breaks Through for First Win in Association Semifinal; Now Trails 2-1

The Vault 81 Dwellers have closed some of the gap between themselves and the series-leading University Point Deathclaws, winning 6-3 at CURIE Inc. Field today. Dwellers right-hander Danny Haines threw 7.0 innings of 4-hit ball. The win cuts the deficit facing the Dwellers to 2-1 in the best-of-5 Association Semifinal.

Harry Byrd, the Vault 81 second baseman, contributed a run-scoring single in the bottom of the sixth inning to make the score 2-1, Dwellers. For the game, Byrd went 1-4.

"Win or lose, we pick each other up in this clubhouse," Byrd told the Vault 81 Gazette.

The next game is set to be played tomorrow at CURIE Inc. Field in Boston.



Game 4: University Point 5, Vault 81 1

Deathclaws on to Association Championship

Phlip Wallace smiled when asked to describe his feelings after being named Association Semifinal MVP for the University Point Deathclaws.

"I feel like I have a new piece of hardware to put up on my mantle and a new story to tell my kids and grandchildren some day," he said with a laugh. "Overall I'm just happy we won."

The Deathclaws eliminated the Vault 81 Dwellers with a 5-1 win at CURIE Inc. Field, which wrapped up the series 3-1.

For the series, Wallace had a 0.00 ERA over 15 innings pitched. He added 13 strikeouts with a 2-0 record.

The University Point Deathclaws will play against the Atom Cats in the next round. Atom won their series against the Diamond City Swatters 3 games to 1. The Association Championship schedule will be announced after the Association Semifinal finishes.



Series at a Glance

[StLee]

#2 Diamond City Swatters (64-45) vs #3 Atom Cats (64-44)

Game 3: Diamond City 11, Atom 5

Cats Hammered by Grime, Drop Game 3 to Swatters

The Diamond City Swatters have closed some of the gap between themselves and the series-leading Atom Cats, winning 11-5 at Coolest Field in Town today. Swatters left fielder Cody Grime was 3 for 4 with a home run, a double, and a walk, while scoring 3 and driving in 4. The win cuts the deficit facing the Swatters to 2-1 in the best-of-5 Association Semifinal.

Diamond City relied on the hitting of Oren Gep to pick up the win. The first baseman clubbed a 3-run home run in the top of the first inning to put the Swatters on top, 3-0. For the game, Gep had 1 home run and 1 single in 4 at-bats.

"I like easy wins," Grime told the Diamond City Herald. "And easy wins in the playoffs are even better."

The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Coolest Field in Town in Boston.



Game 4: Atom 5, Diamond City 3

Cats Advance to Association Championship

The Sole Survivor Series hopes remain strong for the Atom Cats.

The team tonight eliminated the Diamond City Swatters with a 5-3 win, to capture the Association Semifinal 3-1.

"We're rolling now," said Will Ashfire, who was named series MVP. "The pitchers are pitching, hitters are hitting, look out. I expect us to pick our game up to another level in the Association Championship."

The standout offensive performance from Ashfire included a .467 batting average, .529 on-base percentage, 1 home runs, 2 RBI and 4 runs scored.

The Atom Cats don't know who they will face in the next round. They will play the winner of the University Point Deathclaws - Vault 81 Dwellers series. University Point leads the series 2 games to 1. The Association Championship schedule will be announced after the Association Semifinal finishes.



Series at a Glance

[StLee]

#1 Nordhagen Beach Party Boys (79-29) vs #5 Fort Hagen Silver Shroud (58-51)

Game 3: Nordhagen Beach 7, Fort Hagen 4

Fogcrawler Blasts Silver Shroud, Party Boys Take Game 3, 7-4

The Nordhagen Beach Party Boys moved to within one game of the Association Championship today, downing the Fort Hagen Silver Shroud on the road at Hubris Comics Park by a score of 7-4. Party Boys left fielder Michael Fogcrawler was 3 for 4 with a home run, 2 doubles, and a walk. He scored 2 runs and drove in 3. The win gives the Party Boys a 2-1 advantage in the best-of-5 Association Semifinal.

In the top of the first, with the game still scoreless, Fogcrawler hit a 2-run double to put his team in the lead.

"We're feeling good about this," said Party Boys manager Matt Ballhawk Getman. "We have got an advantage now and we just need to keep the pressure on."

The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Hubris Comics Park in Boston.



Game 4: Nordhagen Beach 10, Fort Hagen 8, 13 inn.

Nordhagen Beach Takes Association Semifinal

The Nordhagen Beach Party Boys bandwagon is filling up fast, as the team has moved one step closer to winning a Sole Survivor Series championship.

Nordhagen Beach downed the Fort Hagen Silver Shroud 10-8 in 13 innings tonight at Hubris Comics Park, to take the Association Semifinal 3-1.

"It seems much more real now and we're really starting to realize we've got a great shot at this thing," said Michael Fogcrawler, who was named series MVP. "When we play our best we're as good as anybody in the Commonwealth Baseball Organization."

For the series, Fogcrawler had 8 hits for .421, with a .476 on-base percentage. He had 2 home runs, 7 RBI and scored 4 runs.

The Nordhagen Beach Party Boys will play against the County Crossing Bloodbugs in the next round. County Crossing won their series against the Concord Radstags 3 games to 0. The Association Championship schedule will be announced after the Association Semifinal finishes.



Series at a Glance

[StLee]

#2 Concord Radstags (59-49) vs #3 County Crossing Bloodbugs (59-50)

Game 3: County Crossing 6, Concord 5

Bloodbugs Cruise to Association Championship with Sweep

The County Crossing Bloodbugs made it look easy and are heading to the Association Championship.

They have ousted the Concord Radstags in a sweep, the final win coming by a 6-5 score, clinching the 3-0 series win.

"Everything's clicking for us right now," said Cy Thompson, who was named MVP for the series.

Thompson hit .385 with a .385 on-base percentage. He added 1 home runs, drove in 2 RBI and scored 4 runs.

The County Crossing Bloodbugs don't know who they will face in the next round. They will play the winner of the Nordhagen Beach Party Boys - Fort Hagen Silver Shroud series. That series is tied at 1 game each. The Association Championship schedule will be announced after the Association Semifinal finishes.



Series at a Glance



Updated Playoff Tree

[OrangeP47]

Well, certainly an interesting series of results, first stringing us along the first two series, and then the Party Boys actually making it past Fort Hagan for a change. Honestly, I didn't mind the runner on second, in principle, but I do, very much more so, like long inning games, and glad we got one here. (Not that you ever had that rule, of course. I'm sure in the Fallout universe nobody's even *heard* of that rule )

[StLee]

Originally Posted by OrangeP47

Well, certainly an interesting series of results, first stringing us along the first two series, and then the Party Boys actually making it past Fort Hagan for a change. Honestly, I didn't mind the runner on second, in principle, but I do, very much more so, like long inning games, and glad we got one here. (Not that you ever had that rule, of course. I'm sure in the Fallout universe nobody's even *heard* of that rule )

One of my battles of dealing with this Fallout world from the game to mine is that I do not allow the baseball to be as stagnant as the Fallout world is. Thus, teams are not wearing 1950s era baseball uniforms in my mind in 2077. I mean, why is the Fallout world stuck in time in its fashion and mannerisms?

However, a BIGGGGG however, there are some rules in our world's baseball universe that should be sacrosanct. One of those rules is that you do not make it easier for an offense or make teams suddenly have to shift strategy just because there are extra innings. Baseball fans who stick around for 9 innings will stick around for 13 innings. Non-fans will stick around for neither. I am glad that stupid ******* *** **** **** rule is gone. No, neither Nate Howard nor the Mysterious Stranger will allow that to be. They'd both rather re-nuke the Commonwealth than allow THAT to happen!

[OrangeP47]

Originally Posted by StLee

One of my battles of dealing with this Fallout world from the game to mine is that I do not allow the baseball to be as stagnant as the Fallout world is. Thus, teams are not wearing 1950s era baseball uniforms in my mind in 2077. I mean, why is the Fallout world stuck in time in its fashion and mannerisms?

However, a BIGGGGG however, there are some rules in our world's baseball universe that should be sacrosanct. One of those rules is that you do not make it easier for an offense or make teams suddenly have to shift strategy just because there are extra innings. Baseball fans who stick around for 9 innings will stick around for 13 innings. Non-fans will stick around for neither. I am glad that stupid ******* *** **** **** rule is gone. No, neither Nate Howard nor the Mysterious Stranger will allow that to be. They'd both rather re-nuke the Commonwealth than allow THAT to happen!

TBH, and I think this has started to come out more with Fallout 4, and 76 (though I haven't played 76 but I've started paying attention to some of the lore), is that Fallout's culture isn't so much "stuck" as it has evolved in an alternate way in such a way that we don't have the context to see how it's different... but it IS different.... if that makes sense. It's kind of a subtle difference, both in universe and with what I'm trying to say out of universe with my logic. Maybe we've just finally hit critical mass of source material that we can call the universe a proper setting instead of just a veneer.

[StLee]

Originally Posted by OrangeP47

TBH, and I think this has started to come out more with Fallout 4, and 76 (though I haven't played 76 but I've started paying attention to some of the lore), is that Fallout's culture isn't so much "stuck" as it has evolved in an alternate way in such a way that we don't have the context to see how it's different... but it IS different.... if that makes sense. It's kind of a subtle difference, both in universe and with what I'm trying to say out of universe with my logic. Maybe we've just finally hit critical mass of source material that we can call the universe a proper setting instead of just a veneer.

First of all, I have been incredibly busy of late and have another paper due, major assignments from my students due, and graduation applications to process. Still, I want to work in at least previewing the Association Championships today!

You know, I think you have a good point about them only seeming stuck in time. Other than a few recent additions of pre-War characters--most notably, people like the Cabots who still seem to be stuck but perhaps for much different reasons--what we see of the Fallout universe is the POV of people who never lived much in the pre-War of what the world was like. Of course, the main character of Fallout 4 (in my case, Nate Howard) would know, but he is a blank slate on the day of the bombing to us, so we can only imagine his full background beyond being a war veteran. Just like fashion trends come and go, maybe 2077 was a decade-plus of 1950s nostalgia. That means, it is the post-War civilization that is stuck because they have little to base their comparisons upon. There are some definitive signs that the pre-War era was way behind in some forms of fashion, though, like baseball uniforms that appear to be similar to the Mickey Mantle Yankees (see below).

In the case that civilization has found itself stuck in pre-War nostalgia, my recreation of the Fallout world is battling through some of those problems with rebuilding civilization while also looking to move past the lack of tools necessary to maintain an advanced civilization. Anyway, I am playing the world that I have created shaped and contained somewhat by Fallout lore other than the probable canon of Fallout 4 that the Institute must be wiped out as the "good" Fallout path, just like Caesar must be wiped out as the "good" path in Fallout: New Vegas.

Below: Baseball poster from 2077, actress Vera Keyes looking like a 1920s flapper, a pre-War baseball glove

[StLee]

#1 University Point Deathclaws (67-41) vs #3 Atom Cats (64-44)

Season Series: University Point 8, Atom 4
May 10-12 @Atom: Atom 7-1, UP 6-0, UP 10-2
June 21-23 @UP: Atom 6-1, Atom 6-4, UP 9-1
June 28-30 @Atom: UP 2-1, UP 3-2, UP 12-2
August 30-September 1 @UP: UP 16-1, UP 3-2, Atom 4-1

University Point Home Page



Atom Home Page



Game 1 Matchup



Analysis

Just two weeks ago, University Point and Atom were playing for the Minutemen League pennant and the #1 overall seed. That series ended shortly, with the Deathclaws clinching the league and #1 seed with a 16-1 win on August 30. On the season, the Claws have had the advantage over the coolest team in the land, winning 8 out of 12. Most importantly, Atom's ace, Scruffy Taguchi finished 0-2 with a 3.27 ERA on the season versus University Point.

The Claws seem to match well offensively against Atom's starting pitching. In addition to Taguchi mentioned below, the person the Deathclaws bombarded the most was SP Jeff Rickshaw (7-13, 5.03), who was 0-2 with a 14.62 ERA in his starts. University Point is probably saddened that they will not get to face Rickshaw, at least not as a starter, but several players saw success versus the Cats. The best success was by 2B Jason Harris (.370/5/15) with 17 hits in 46 at-bats. Others who had 30-plus at-bats and hit well were CF Jukebox Luttrell (.333/1/12), RF Tomas Jones (.327/1/8), LF Kory Richardson (.298/2/10), SS Aaron Nukacola (.295/1/4), and 1B Barker Cocoa (.278/0/5). It is notable that he power-hitting Claws notched few home runs overall, minus Harris who hit nearly a third of his season total, versus Atom.

Pitching was a bit torn in its success for University Point. Ace Phlip Wallace threw the most innings (29.2), notching a 2-1 record and a 2.72 ERA. SP Ronnie Messenger went 1-1 with a 2.45 ERA in 14.2 innings. Rookie SP Wilson Beachball who may not start in this series was 1-2 with a 4.76 ERA in 22.2 innings. SP Lennie Landslide, who is expected to take up Beachball's slot as a starter, was 1-0 with a 1.59 ERA in just one start and 5.2 innings. SP Bobby Van Marter, who will likely start Game 1 due to pitcher fatigue was 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA in his lone start, an 8.2-inning affair, where he allowed one run on six hits.

While the Claws' offense seemed to all hover around .300 against the Cats, the boys from the coast did not bat as well against their league mates. In fact, only three starters batted over .200 against the Deathclaws with SS Jake Doucette (.268/2/5) leading the charge. 3B Justin Daros (.263/1/1) and LF Jeremy Schoolboy (.214/0/3) were the others. Potential 2301 Nuka-Hitter Award winner 1B Will Ashfire hit four homers, but his average was atrocious against University Point (.163/4/9).

We mentioned above the struggles of Atom's pitching, but one starter stood out in Deedee Martinson. In 16.2 innings pitched, he was 2-1 with a 1.62 ERA, collectively stopping the University Point offense from thriving. Pete Pembroke, the likely starter in Game 1, was 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA in 24.0 innings.

Prediction

Baseball is not always predictable, but University Point was a screw in the Cats' paw throughout the season. If everything remains the same, we expect the Deathclaws to have an easier time in this series than they did versus the Vault 81 Dwellers. Our prediction is that the Claws take this one in five, 4 games to 1.

[StLee]

#1 Nordhagen Beach Party Boys (79-29) vs #3 County Crossing Bloodbugs (59-50)

Season Series: Nordhagen Beach 6, County Crossing 6
May 17-19 @NB: CC 4-2, NB 4-3, CC 5-2
June 7-9 @CC: NB 9-1, NB 7-5, CC 13-5
July 5-7 @NB: NB 3-0, NB 8-4, CC 4-3
August 9-11 @CC: CC 11-9, NB 8-5, CC 7-4

Nordhagen Beach Home Page



County Crossing Home Page



Game 1 Matchup



Analysis

While this "rivalry" has been heavily slanted in Nordhagen Beach's favor, the County Crossing Bloodbugs found success in 2301. Finishing their season series 6-6, the Bugs come into this series with hope that they can pull off a major upset, something the Party Boys have experienced the past three seasons. County Crossing was one of two Brotherhood League teams to win a series with the Bloodbugs doing it twice. The other was fourth-place Easy Town, who also beat the Boys in two series. While this season series has been even, Nordhagen Beach has to be the clear favorite as an experienced playoff team and a killer pitching staff.

Nordhagen Beach had several players who stood out offensively versus the Bugs. C Mike Swift was 20 for 42 (.476/0/6), SS Pointie Shroud was 16 for 43 (.372/0/4), and RF Jonathan Angelou hit six dingers (.333/6/15). While no other regular players hit above .300 against County Crossing, four hit at least .250 in 30 or more plate appearances. The sole player to struggle was CF Maxx Murtagh (.188/2/8).

For pitching, the biggest surprise in the season series was that the reigning 2300 SCA Vim! Pitcher Award winner and likely 2301 winner in the NCA, Beachboy Nut was 0-2 with a 6.63 ERA versus the Bloodbugs. For context, he was 17-1 against the rest of the NCA. Other players fared better, but unfortunately for the Boys, the best pitcher against County Crossing was injured SP Julian Shed (1-0, 1.90) in 23.2 innings. Tommy Beach (1-1) and Chet Arthur (1-0) had wins but gave up a lot of runs to the Bloodbugs' hitters, having 5.03 and 6.63 ERAs, respectively. If County Crossing continues its success in the postseason as it did in the regular season, this series will be heavily in the Bugs' favor.

With the offensive success that County Crossing had, it is no wonder that there are some crooked numbers. most notably 3B Taygun Topaloglu (.442/3/12) and C Biter Trout (.435/0/7). Two other regulars, 1B Ajani Peacock (.333/3/8) and CF Long Hall (.311/2/5), also hit over .300. The one person the Bloodbugs will miss most is injured RF Babs Rooth, who batted .292 with 5 home runs and 7 RBI. His replacement, RF Ginger Rogers, who came to the Bugs from the Boys, batted .195 with 2 home runs and 4 RBI.

Two of the Bloodbugs' pitchers numbers look better than all three Nordhagen Beach starters' numbers. Gavin Everitts, expected to start Game 1 vs Beach, was 2-0 with a 2.97 ERA in 30.1 innings. Whip Lashley finished 2-1 with a 4.00 ERA in 27.0 innings pitched. The other expected started, Jared Zaccone, only started once, getting a no-decision and allowing a 7.04 ERA in 7.2 innings. Reliever Drama Miller was 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA in 3.1 innings, picking up the other two late wins for the Bugs.

Prediction

We expect the Nordhagen Beach pitching to be more dominant against the Bloodbugs' batters than they were in the regular season. Should they follow that pattern, they will take this series but not without scares. In this case, we are going to predict that the Boys squash the Bugs, but in seven games, taking the series 4 games to 3.

[OrangeP47]

Originally Posted by StLee

First of all, I have been incredibly busy of late and have another paper due, major assignments from my students due, and graduation applications to process. Still, I want to work in at least previewing the Association Championships today!

You know, I think you have a good point about them only seeming stuck in time. Other than a few recent additions of pre-War characters--most notably, people like the Cabots who still seem to be stuck but perhaps for much different reasons--what we see of the Fallout universe is the POV of people who never lived much in the pre-War of what the world was like. Of course, the main character of Fallout 4 (in my case, Nate Howard) would know, but he is a blank slate on the day of the bombing to us, so we can only imagine his full background beyond being a war veteran. Just like fashion trends come and go, maybe 2077 was a decade-plus of 1950s nostalgia. That means, it is the post-War civilization that is stuck because they have little to base their comparisons upon. There are some definitive signs that the pre-War era was way behind in some forms of fashion, though, like baseball uniforms that appear to be similar to the Mickey Mantle Yankees (see below).

In the case that civilization has found itself stuck in pre-War nostalgia, my recreation of the Fallout world is battling through some of those problems with rebuilding civilization while also looking to move past the lack of tools necessary to maintain an advanced civilization. Anyway, I am playing the world that I have created shaped and contained somewhat by Fallout lore other than the probable canon of Fallout 4 that the Institute must be wiped out as the "good" Fallout path, just like Caesar must be wiped out as the "good" path in Fallout: New Vegas.

Below: Baseball poster from 2077, actress Vera Keyes looking like a 1920s flapper, a pre-War baseball glove

Yeah, and there were other things I was thinking of namely the fact that we know Nora was a lawyer (or was before taking a break to have Shaun) and in Far Harbor I'm pretty sure a terminal references the fact that the governor of Maine is a woman. Even though it's glossed over I think there's still a strong case to be made that equality in 2077 was closer to present day than it was to the 1950s.

Ironically, I always liked the Institute better than the BoS and sided with them. In that I appreciate your timeline of all the factions co-existing. I never really saw the Institute as "evil" per se, mostly just misguided. They're basically science without morals, due to lack of leadership. Even though there's some weird-family dynamic between the player and Shaun (and I mean, of course it'd be weird, he's your son and now he's older than you and dying of old age), but tbh I've interpreted his "plan" as basically "solving" the Institute's amoralness by putting the player in charge. An outsider like Nate or Nora at the helm is just what they need to temper their excess, maybe Nora in particularly depending on what type of lawyer she was (though I know many would probably not share my pro-lawyer bias ). But anywho, that's my standard "defend the Institute as not horrible" speech. TBH you're probably not one who needs to hear it

[StLee]

BNN Playoffs Report

This Week in the BMU and GBRL

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

BMU Results

Road Win Lifts Malden to 1-0 Lead in BMS
The Malden Grognaks powered past the hometown Natick Banks Big Leaguers, 7-6, in the opener of the Boston Minor Series at Poseidon Park today. Malden right fielder Michaelangelo Sandifer went 2-3 with 2 home runs and a walk, while scoring 3 runs and driving in 2 for the hosts. The Grognaks now lead the series 1-0.

Hunter Wilde aided the Malden cause with a 2-run home run in the top of the ninth. For the game, the first baseman went 2 for 4 with a home run, a double, and a walk, while adding 2 RBI and scoring once.

"We were able to get some things going offensively," said Wilde.

The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Thursday, September 12th , 2301.

Sandifer Blasts Grognaks, Big Leaguers Take Game 2, 6-5
Natick Banks right fielder Michaelangelo Sandifer was the difference-maker for the Big Leaguers in what turned into a shootout with the Malden Grognaks. Sandifer earned accolades after going 2-for-3 in the 6-5 Big Leaguers win. With the victory, the Big Leaguers moved into a 1-1 tie in the best-of-5 series.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, Danny Bloodsworn went deep for the Big Leaguers. With Natick Banks trailing 5-3, he drilled a 2-run home run.

Grognaks manager Rick Twocaps did not take questions after the game, telling assembled reporters that he would hold a press conference "if and when we win the Boston Minor Series."

The next game is set to be played for Saturday, September 14th , 2301 at Med-Tek Research Ballpark in Malden.

Sandifer Blasts Grognaks, Big Leaguers Take Game 3, 4-2
With right fielder Michaelangelo Sandifer leading the charge, the Natick Banks Big Leaguers got past the Malden Grognaks, 4-2, in extra innings in Game 3 of the Boston Minor Series today. Sandifer went 3-4 with 2 home runs and a walk at Med-Tek Research Ballpark as Natick Banks managed to take to a 2-1 lead in the best-of-5 series.

Natick Banks needed the clutch hitting of Jim Uglyhair to notch the win. The center fielder hammered a solo home run in the top of the tenth inning to put the Big Leaguers on top, 3-2. For the game, Uglyhair had 1 home run and 1 single in 5 at-bats.

"We don't have much margin for error now," Grognaks manager Rick Twocaps said. "We need to figure out the problem and fix it, immediately."

The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Med-Tek Research Ballpark in Malden.

Illeracula, Grognaks Wallop Big Leaguers in Game 4 of BMS
Malden left fielder Delmarva Illeracula was the difference-maker for the Grognaks in what turned into a shootout with the Natick Banks Big Leaguers. Illeracula earned accolades after going 4-for-5 in the 10-2 Grognaks win. With the victory, the Grognaks moved into a 2-2 tie in the best-of-5 series.

Scott Heeke dealt the Big Leaguers a blow in the bottom of the fourth. Batting with runners on 1st and 2nd and Malden leading 1-0, Heeke hit a first pitch fastball for a run-scoring double.

"If you pitch well, you give yourself some opportunities," said Malden manager Rick Twocaps.

Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday at Poseidon Park.

Grognaks Defeat Big Leaguers
With a 9-3 win over the Natick Banks Big Leaguers at Poseidon Park today, the Malden Grognaks wrapped up their 1st title in team history.

The Grognaks left little doubt who was the better team. Celebrating a banner year, "team" was the word of the day in the victorious clubhouse after the game.

"Hitting, pitching, fielding; those are all things you need to win, but most importantly you need a team, a team that works together toward the same collective goal," said Malden manager Rick Twocaps. "Our players felt that way all year, and they played that way. When one guy had an off day, 24 others stepped up their game and filled the void."

A jovial mood filled the air as Malden celebrated into the night. The city's mayor said parade plans were underway and a "huge celebration" would be in order.

"I hope they have a big celebration," Natick Banks manager Scott Vetson said. "They deserved to win this series and they deserve to celebrate it."

BMU Playoffs Page



BMU Playoff Tree



GBRL Results

Road Win Lifts Sanctuary Hills to 1-0 Lead in RS
Starter Van Funky was sensational for the Sanctuary Hills Zetans in his team's 4-1 triumph over the Poseidon Energy Mongrels in Game 1 of the Rookie Series today. Funky pitched well, but Sanctuary Hills picked up the win to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

It could have been a different outcome for Sanctuary Hills, had it not been for Ed Dee Sullivan, the former first round draft pick . Sullivan contributed a 2-run double in the top of the seventh inning to put Sanctuary Hills up, 3-0.

"I thought I'd have a season or two to get accustomed to everything," Sullivan said. "I didn't think I'd be here already."

The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Wednesday, September 11th , 2301.

Poseidon Energy Win to Pull Even With Sanctuary Hills
The Poseidon Energy Mongrels defeated the Sanctuary Hills Zetans, 2-1 in Game 2 of the Rookie Series today. Doing his part was starter Salacious Thames, who threw 7.2 innings of 2-hit ball. The win moves Poseidon Energy into a 1-1 tie with Sanctuary Hills in the series.

Thames was effective for Poseidon Energy, seldom allowing the Zetans to square up a pitch. The right-hander tossed 110 pitches over 7.2 innings. He limited Sanctuary Hills to just 1 run on 2 hits.

"We put some tough at-bats on some tough pitches," said Poseidon Energy manager Soini Alapassi.

Game 3 is scheduled for Friday at Mercury Ballpark.

Zetans Clip Mongrels 6-5 in RS Contest
Riding the 3-hit performance of first baseman Formal Martinez, the Sanctuary Hills Zetans stopped the visiting Poseidon Energy Mongrels, 6-5, in Game 3 of the Rookie Series today. Martinez went 3-4 with a double, 2 singles, and a walk, while scoring 2 times and driving in 2 for the Zetans, who now lead the best-of-5 series, 2 games to 1.

Ross Merchantman hit a 2-run home run off Bedpost Krehl in the bottom of the third, which put the Zetans ahead, 3-2. In addition to the homer, Merchantman had 1 double, while going 2 for 3.

"I'm not out there for personal accomplishments," Martinez told a Sanctuary Hills Gazette reporter after the game. "I'm out there to help the team win, and that's what we did today."

The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Saturday, September 14th , 2301.

Sanctuary Hills Wins it All
With a 9-5 win over the Poseidon Energy Mongrels at Mercury Ballpark today, the Sanctuary Hills Zetans wrapped up their 1st title in team history.

The Zetans left little doubt who was the better team. Celebrating a banner year, "team" was the word of the day in the victorious clubhouse after the game.

"Hitting, pitching, fielding; those are all things you need to win, but most importantly you need a team, a team that works together toward the same collective goal," said Sanctuary Hills manager Wino Wilhelm. "Our players felt that way all year, and they played that way. When one guy had an off day, 24 others stepped up their game and filled the void."

A jovial mood filled the air as Sanctuary Hills celebrated into the night. The city's mayor said parade plans were underway and a "huge celebration" would be in order.

"I hope they have a big celebration," Poseidon Energy manager Soini Alapassi said. "They deserved to win this series and they deserve to celebrate it."

GBRL Playoffs Page



GBRL Playoff Tree

[OrangeP47]

Hey, after all my complaining of "Why doesn't Sanctuary Hills have a team?" a team from there wins something which should probably be enough to get me to remember the local landscape well enough to stop harping on it

[StLee]

Originally Posted by OrangeP47

Hey, after all my complaining of "Why doesn't Sanctuary Hills have a team?" a team from there wins something which should probably be enough to get me to remember the local landscape well enough to stop harping on it

They're only a rookie league team, but Lexington has to be excited some of its younger players have found some early success. Coincidentally, I just rolled for Lexington players demanding a trade. Some of the players are unhappy, so there is at least one offseason trade where they will look to improve their lot. They also draft 4th or 5th, so they should be able to pick up another really good prospect for next season's Sanctuary Hills team.

[StLee]

#1 University Point Deathclaws (67-41) vs #3 Atom Cats (64-44)

Game 1: Atom 5, University Point 3

Road Win Lifts Atom to 1-0 Lead in ACS

The Atom Cats started the Association Championship in style today, winning on the road against the University Point Deathclaws at Gwinnett Brewery Park by a score of 5-3 to take an early 1-0 lead in the best-of-7 series. Cats right-hander Pete Pembroke threw 7.0 innings of 6-hit ball.

The Cats got a gift in the top of the sixth inning, when they were leading 4-2. With two out and the bases loaded, Pete Pembroke reached on an error by the 2B, driving in 1 run. It made the score 5-2, Atom.

"This was a good win for us," said Pembroke. "It's one more step toward our ultimate goal."

The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Gwinnett Brewery Park in Boston.



Game 2: Atom 9, University Point 5

Ashfire, Cats Sink Deathclaws Again in Game 2

Riding the 3-hit performance of first baseman Will Ashfire, the Atom Cats got a road win against the University Point Deathclaws, 9-5, in Game 2 of the Association Championship today. Ashfire was 3 for 5 with a home run and 2 singles. He drove in 3 runs and scored once for the Cats, who now lead the best-of-7 series, 2 games to 0.

Atom used the timely hitting of Guru Bean to seize the win. The pinch hitter stroked a 2-run single in the top of the ninth inning to put the Cats on top, 6-5. It was his only hit in 1 at-bat, but it was a game-changer.

"I just tried to make good contact," said Ashfire.

The next game is set to be played for Wednesday, September 18th , 2301 at Coolest Field in Town at the Atom Cats Garage.



Analysis

Our prediction has been a little off so far after we called for the Deathclaws to take this series in 5 games. Unless University Point figures out the Cats, every indication is that this series is fully in Atom's garage.

Game 1's big story was the three errors committed by University Point, leading to three unearned runs and the advantage for the Cats. The Claws' Bobby Van Marter (0-1) looked best of all pitchers so far, but he got no help from his infield with 2B Jason Harris, SS Aaron Nukacola, and 3B Ryan Morris all committing errors.

Again in Game 2, the Deathclaws looked to have the victory, leading 5-2 heading into the top of the 9th. Here's how that went:

TOP OF THE 9TH

Atom Cats batting - Pitching for University Point Deathclaws : RHP Matt Suds

Batting: LHB Jake Doucette 0-0: Foul Ball, location: 2F
0-1: Ball
1-1: Ball
2-1: Foul Ball, location: 2F
2-2: DOUBLE (Groundball, 3L, EV 108.8 MPH)

Batting: RHB Jeremy Schoolboy 0-0: Reached on error, E6 (Groundball, 6, EV 93.1 MPH)
Jake Doucette scores

Batting: LHB Kareem Caravan 0-0: Foul Ball, location: 2F
0-1: Swinging Strike
0-2: Ball
1-2: SINGLE (Groundball, 25, EV 71.9 MPH) (infield hit)
Jeremy Schoolboy to third

Batting: LHB Garrett Machine 0-0: Ball
1-0: SINGLE (Groundball, P, EV 88.1 MPH) (infield hit)
Jeremy Schoolboy scores
Kareem Caravan to second

Pinch Hitting: SHB Shane Stabb 0-0: Swinging Strike
0-1: Ball
1-1: Fly out, F8 (Flyball, 8RD, EV 102.5 MPH)

Batting: LHB Justin Daros 0-0: Ball
1-0: Ball
2-0: Ball
3-0: Base on Balls
Kareem Caravan to third
Garrett Machine to second

Pinch Hitting: RHB Guru Bean 0-0: Called Strike
0-1: Ball
1-1: Ball
2-1: Ball
3-1: Called Strike
3-2: SINGLE (Groundball, 56, EV 99.4 MPH)
Kareem Caravan scores
Garrett Machine to third
Justin Daros to second
Runner from 3rd tries for Home, SAFE, throw by LF to home

Pitching: RHP Chase Southie

Batting: LHB Earthbound Bussey 0-0: Called Strike
0-1: Ball
1-1: Swinging Strike
1-2: Foul Ball, location: 2F
1-2: Strikes out swinging

Batting: LHB Will Ashfire 0-0: Ball
1-0: Foul Ball, location: 2F
1-1: 3-RUN HOME RUN (Flyball, 9D, EV 104.4 MPH), Distance : 399 ft

Batting: LHB Jake Doucette 0-0: Called Strike
0-1: Ball
1-1: Called Strike
1-2: Ball
2-2: Fly out, F7 (Flyball, 7LD, EV 98.8 MPH)

Top of the 9th over - 7 runs, 5 hits, 1 error, 0 left on base; Atom 9 - University Point 5

[StLee]

#1 Nordhagen Beach Party Boys (79-29) vs #3 County Crossing Bloodbugs (59-50)

Game 1: Nordhagen Beach 3, County Crossing 2, 10 inn.

Party Boys, Bloodbugs Play 10 to Settle Game 1, Nordhagen Beach Now Leads Series 1-0

The Nordhagen Beach Party Boys started the Association Championship in dramatic fashion today, stealing Game 1 from the County Crossing Bloodbugs in a walk-off in the 10th inning. Nordhagen Beach took the 3-2 win thanks in large part to a good day from starter Tommy Beach. The right-hander threw 6.0 innings allowing 2 runs in the win, which gave the Party Boys a 1-0 lead to start the best-of-7 series.

The clutch at-bat came in the bottom of the tenth inning, when Nordhagen Beach third baseman Jon Hitman, facing Jesse Bibeault, had a run-scoring single. It gave the Party Boys the 3-2 win.

"We're playing like gangbusters right now," said Hitman.

The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Slocum's Joe Seaside Stadium in Winthrop.



Game 2: Nordhagen Beach 3, County Crossing 2

Nordhagen Beach Wins Again, 3-2
With starter Chet Arthur leading the charge, the Nordhagen Beach Party Boys defeated the County Crossing Bloodbugs, 3-2, in Game 2 of the Association Championship today. The right-hander threw 7.0 innings of 6-hit ball at Slocum's Joe Seaside Stadium to help Nordhagen Beach take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-7 series.

Jonathan Angelou hit a 2-run double off Whip Lashley in the bottom of the third, which put the Party Boys in front, 2-0. In addition to the double, Angelou had 1 single and 1 walk, while going 2 for 3.

"We put it together today and came out with the win," Angelou said in postgame remarks. "That's the main thing."

Game 3 is scheduled for Thursday at Beantown Brewery Stadium in County Crossing.



Analysis

Pitching is indeed the story so far in this series with the four starting pitchers combining for 9 earned runs in 26 innings so far. Only Jesse Bibeault's 10th-inning run allowed was the non-started run allowed.

County Crossing now gets the scare of having to face the Party Boys' well-rested ace Beachboy Nut. Should the Bugs' Jared Zaccone not outduel Nut, then we could see Nordhagen Beach with a 3-0 series lead.

Looking forward to what the hitters can do, each of the Boys' best hitters so far--Jonathan Angelou, Pointie Shroud, and Michael Fogcrawler--are not surprises. Nordhagen Beach could use more production from players like Brian Masterson and Ryan Combs.

For the Bloodbugs, Ajani Peacock, Biter Trout, and Taygun Topaloglu have looked fine so far, each getting at least three hits in the series. They could use help from the 4-8 hitters, including Cy Thompson and Ginger Rogers.

[StLee]

#1 University Point Deathclaws (67-41) vs #3 Atom Cats (64-44)

Game 3: University Point 4, Atom 2

University Point Breaks Through for First Win in Association Championship; Now Trails 2-1

The University Point Deathclaws have closed some of the gap between themselves and the series-leading Atom Cats, winning 4-2 at Coolest Field in Town today. Deathclaws left-hander Phlip Wallace threw 7.0 innings of 6-hit ball. The win cuts the deficit facing the Deathclaws to 2-1 in the best-of-7 Association Championship.

Shawn Cherry, the 22-year old catcher , had a direct impact on the outcome. Cherry contributed a 2-run home run in the top of the third inning to put University Point up, 4-0.

"It was a good effort all around," said Cherry.

The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Coolest Field in Town in Boston.



Game 4: University Point 8, Atom 1, 10 inn.

Deathclaws Even With Cats After Extra-Innings Win

Pete Pembroke pitched well, but the Atom Cats lost anyway, falling 8-1 in extra innings to the University Point Deathclaws at Coolest Field in Town. With the win, University Point tied the series 2-2 in the best-of-7 Association Championship. Pembroke pitched well, giving the Cats 8 innings and allowing no runs.

It could have been a different outcome for University Point, had it not been for Jukebox Luttrell, the fan favorite. Luttrell contributed a run-scoring hit-by-pitch in the top of the tenth inning to put University Point up, 2-1.

Said losing manager Paul Stands: "Give the Deathclaws credit. They took advantage of our mistakes."

The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Coolest Field in Town in Boston.



Game 5: Atom 8, University Point 3

Pivotal Game 5 Goes to Host Cats, 8-3

The Atom Cats moved to within one game of the Sole Survivor Series today, downing the visiting University Point Deathclaws at Coolest Field in Town by a score of 8-3. Cats first baseman Will Ashfire did some major damage. He went 4-5 with a double and 3 singles, while scoring 2 runs. The win gives the Cats a 3-2 advantage in the best-of-7 Association Championship.

Deedee Martinson dealt the Deathclaws a blow in the bottom of the third. Batting with the bases loaded and Atom leading 4-3, Martinson hit a 1-1 fastball for a run-scoring single.

"Huge," Ashfire said. "Game 5 is huge."

Game 6 is scheduled for Sunday at Gwinnett Brewery Park in Boston.

[StLee]

#1 Nordhagen Beach Party Boys (79-29) vs #3 County Crossing Bloodbugs (59-50)

Game 3: Nordhagen Beach 11, County Crossing 3

Murtagh, Party Boys Sink Bloodbugs Again in Game 3

Riding the 2-hit performance of center fielder Maxx Murtagh, the Nordhagen Beach Party Boys got a road win against the County Crossing Bloodbugs, 11-3, in Game 3 of the Association Championship today. Murtagh went 2 for 3 with a home run and 3 walks. He scored 2 runs and drove in 3 for the Party Boys, who now lead the best-of-7 series, 3 games to 0.

Jonathan Angelou, the 2299 Red Rocket Rookie Award winner , had a direct impact on the outcome. Angelou contributed a run-scoring walk in the top of the fourth inning to put Nordhagen Beach up, 4-1.

"Winning breeds more winning, I guess," said Angelou.

The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Beantown Brewery Stadium in Boston.



Game 4: Nordhagen Beach 4, County Crossing 3, 11 inn.

Nordhagen Beach Sweeps into the Sole Survivor Series
It was a sweet sweep for the Nordhagen Beach Party Boys as they eased past the County Crossing Bloodbugs to advance to the Sole Survivor Series.

Nordhagen Beach won the final game by a 4-3 count and the series 4-0.

"We're just fortunate to get through it quickly and be able to rest up for the next series," said Michael Fogcrawler, who was named series MVP.

For the series, Fogcrawler hit .389 with a .421 on-base percentage. He had 0 home runs, drove in 4 RBI and scored 4 runs.

The Nordhagen Beach Party Boys don't know who they will face in the next round. They will play the winner of the University Point Deathclaws - Atom Cats series. Atom leads the series 3 games to 2. The Sole Survivor Series schedule will be announced after the Association Championship finishes.



Analysis

And that's all it ate. With Dopey Meanie's 11th-inning home run, the Nordhagen Beach remembered what it was like when they played County Crossing just about any year but this one. They dominated.

Although the series was not heavy in offense, the Party Boys' Michael Fogcrawler slashed away with a 7 for 18 series (.389) with four RBI for the Series MVP award. With the MVP award in both series so far, Fogcrawler looks to be the favorite to win the postseason award for 2301, perhaps even if the Boys cannot complete their mission.

For the Bloodbugs, they have to be disappointed not to have advanced to the Sole Survivor Series. However, they can take pride in a successful season. With a young, solid core, the Bugs are sure to squash other teams in the coming years.

Nordhagen Beach now awaits the Atom-University Point winner with the Cats taking a 3-2 lead. Regardless of who they play, the Boys' killer starting rotation gets to rest with Beachboy Nut likely to be rested enough to get the Game 1 start.

[OrangeP47]

I've always wanted to like the Atom Cats. Their branding tries really hard. They've just always fallen short, so far... Glad they've been this good so far, and hopefully they got a bit more fight too, though I know everyone is gonna back the Boys if it comes down to the wire, heh.

Also finally played more of my own "fun save" and got around to installing those graphics you made. Either I got lucky or I'm finally getting the hang of how to play this game, because for the first time ever I successfully expanded my league without a single hiccup.