Fallout 4's Commonwealth Baseball Organization

[StLee]

The 13th Season Pass Association Series will begin tomorrow with the winners of the Nuka World League taking on the winner of the Vim! League. We will run stories below of the winners of each league's championship. But first, here is the history of the SPA Series:

2301 - Grape 4, Far Harbor 3
2302 - Echo Lake 4, Victory 0
2303 - Dalton Farm 4, Cherry 0
2304 - Dalton Farm 4, Victory 2
2305 - Dalton Farm 4, Quantum 2
2306 - Dalton Farm 4, Cherry 1
2307 - Cherry 4, Echo Lake 0
2308 - Grand Hotel 4, Orange 3
2309 - Grand Hotel 4, Victory 0
2310 - National Park 4, Victory 0
2311 - Wild 4, Echo Lake 2
2312 - Cherry 4, National Park 2

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Nuka News Update

Reporting on the NWL, APL, NWLR, and BBL Leagues

by Evan Guy

1 September 2313

Gatorclaws Take Nuka Series

Sometimes the winner is the one who got the lucky bounces and the lucky calls, and sometimes the winner is just the one who played better.

It was the latter case in 2313, as the Wild Gatorclaws topped the Cherry Ghoulrillas 8-5 tonight at Angry Anaconda Field at Safari Adventure to win the Nuka Series. It was the 2nd title in franchise history.

"When you play for championships, you have to play better than the team in the other dugout. We did that in this series, and all year. Now we're the best team in baseball," said Wild second baseman Bubba Shrimp, who was named series MVP.

The Gatorclaws took the series 4-3. The new titleholders completed the regular season with a first-place finish in the North Bradberton Division and a 50-40 record.

Wild manager Earl Arnett grinned and nodded when asked to comment on Shrimp's words.

"Bubba said it best -- we played better than the other team," the skipper said.

Hometown officials announced they were already planning a "grand celebration" for the winners in the days to come.



Players of the Month

Hitter - Tick Garrett is on a tear! After posting a .407 average in August, the Cherry first baseman took home the Nuka World League Batter of the Month award handed out earlier today.

He cracked 24 hits with 7 home runs and 18 RBIs and scored 12 runs. The 28-year-old also collected 6 free passes and posted a .448 on-base percentage.

This year, Garrett is hitting .354 with 80 hits, 16 home runs, 53 RBIs and has scored 44 runs.

Pitcher - When Culhwch Olwen takes the mound, a Quantum victory is usually the result. That was the case in August.

That's why he was voted the Nuka World League Pitcher of the Month.

Olwen throttled league hitters the whole month with an impressive 3-0 mark and 0.75 ERA in 4 starts. The Nukalurks star hurler also rung up 14 strikeouts in 24 innings.

This season, Olwen has 7 wins and 10 losses and a 3.70 ERA.

Rookie - When Culhwch Olwen takes the mound, a Quantum victory is usually the result. That was the case in August.

That's why he was voted the Nuka World League Pitcher of the Month.

Olwen throttled league hitters the whole month with an impressive 3-0 mark and 0.75 ERA in 4 starts. The Nukalurks star hurler also rung up 14 strikeouts in 24 innings.

This season, Olwen has 7 wins and 10 losses and a 3.70 ERA.

Amusement Park League

It was all about winning for the Nuka Jolly Elves -- and win they did.

There was nothing fancy in how they went about it, players said, they just prepared mentally and physically and then went out and played baseball.

"We did the little things right and we did the big things right," said shortstop Satch Sanders, who was named series MVP. "Now we're the league champions."

Nuka Jolly defeated the Nuka Plant Electrics by a score of 7-4 at John-Caleb Bradberton Honorary Field to take the series 4-0.

"Sometimes you get lucky and sometimes you make your own luck," said Nuka Jolly manager Cop Diaz. "We got lucky a few times, but mostly we did the right things by being prepared for each game and playing the game the way it's meant to be played."



Players of the Month

Hitter - Radfish Hunter may be much younger than other hitters in the Amusement Park League, but he performed like a seasoned veteran in August to win the Batter of the Month award.

The 21-year-old Dunmore third baseman hit .391 with 4 home runs, 14 RBIs and 10 runs scored.

Pitcher - August was a magical month for Johnny Tightlips of Nuka Bottling Plant. He held the Amusement Park League hitters spellbound, conjuring up a 2-0 mark and a 0.00 ERA.

Tightlips also chalked up 2 starts, 16.2 innings and 9 strikeouts.

For this outstanding performance he was rewarded with the Pitcher of the Month trophy.

A look at his career stats shows Tightlips has a record of 3 wins and 7 losses and a 3.69 ERA.





Vim! View

Veracious, Vivacious, Vainglorious Vision of the Vim! Leagues

by Vikky Vail

1 September 2313

Vim! Series to Eden Meadows in Battle of First-Timers

With a 9-6 win over the Acadia Acadians at The Show today, the Eden Meadows Anglers wrapped up their 1st title in team history.

The Anglers 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 Eden Meadows manager Brian Weaver. "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 Eden Meadows 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," Acadia manager Limp Durn said. "They deserved to win this series and they deserve to celebrate it."



Players of the Month

Hitter - When you hit the baseball as well as Hazmatt Zuniga did in August, it's no surprise when you get named the Vim! League Batter of the Month.

The Far Harbor Ghoul Whales standout terrorized opposing pitchers all month long, to the tune of a .358 batting average, with 8 home runs, 22 RBIs, 15 runs scored and a .423 on-base percentage.

So far this season, Zuniga has put up a .350 batting average with 105 hits, 24 home runs and 76 RBIs.

Pitcher - There was nobody finer on the mound in August and Steady Mike Holmes cruised to the Vim! League Pitcher of the Month award today.

He was 3-0 with a 3.23 ERA while piling up 16 strikeouts in 30.2 innings and holding opposing hitters to a .280 batting average.

To date this year, Holmes has compiled a 12-2 mark with a 3.45 ERA in 23 starts.

Rookie - The whole town is celebrating today in Acadia as Due Crymes has just been awarded August's Vim! League Rookie of the Month trophy.

The standout rookie shortstop took the award by rapping out 22 hits in 50 at-bats for a .440 batting average. During the month he collected 1 home run, drove in 12 runs and scored 14 times.

This year, Crymes has batted at a .409 pace with 63 hits, 2 home runs, 21 RBIs and scored 38 times.

Mount Desert Island League

And that was all she wrote on the 2313 Mount Desert Island Series. With a 8-5 victory, the MS Azalea Shipwrecks swept aside the Nucleus Radchickens 4-0 and set off a much-anticipated celebration.

"It was a lot of hard work," said winning manager Chris Woodhouse. "But it was good hard work and a lot of fun along the way."

The Shipwrecks were all business this year, with their eyes fixed squarely on the goal of winning the team's 2nd championship. The champs finished the regular season 34-26 and claimed first place in the Old Longfellow Division.

"We had our doubters along the way," series MVP Ricard Scott said with a smile. "But we made them eat crow today."



Players of the Month

Hitter - Haddock Cove Engineers fans may just have witnessed a star player blossoming before their eyes in August.

Abs Naqueko put up a remarkable month at the age of 20 and has been named the Mount Desert Island League Batter of the Month.

For the month, Naqueko hit .326 with 5 home runs, 13 RBIs and 8 runs scored.

Pitcher - The Pitcher of the Month for August has been picked and the Mount Desert Island League award went to Kitteredge hurler, Little Richard Upsetter.

During the month, Upsetter was impressive with a 2.57 ERA and 3 wins and no losses. In 28 innings he struck out 16 and gave up 25 hits and 4 walks.

So far in his career, Upsetter has collected 5 wins and 1 loss and has recorded an ERA of 3.44 and struck out 46 batters while pitching 70.2 innings.

[StLee]

BNN Report

News from the CBO, Minors, CCBL, and CYL

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

3 September 2313

The September Super Post

CBO Analysis

Another Commonwealth Baseball Organization season has come to a close. The clubs that made the playoffs will be doing battle in a few days, while the also-rans will go home with their heads hung low, thinking of what might have been. The playoffs will culminate with the two best teams going head-to-head for the league's title in the Sole Survivor Series. To win it, you need talent, skill and a little luck.

Playoff baseball generates a reaction in every fan. To the fan of the perennial loser, it's a time to moan again about their team's misfortune. To the fan whose club defines success by the number of Sole Survivor Series championship trophies lining their clubhouse walls, anything short of the ultimate victory is a disaster. This is playoff baseball. Baseball lovers can't help but be consumed by it in some way or another. There is nothing better than playoff baseball. Here are the seeds:

NCA
1. County Crossing Bloodbugs
2. Fort Hagen Silver Shroud
3. Lexington
4. The Slog
5. Salem
6. Nahant

The Bloodbugs surged to catch up with the Silver Shroud, earning the #1 seed thanks to an association record tiebreaker. Meanwhile, Salem played on September 1 against Cambridge. A win meant having the #3 seed, but the Witch Hats fell to the Coursers, 15-5, to drop to the #5 seed.

SCA
1. Vault 81
2. Atom
3. FHE
4. Glowing Sea
5. Diamond City
6. Oberland

Vault 81 is a huge favorite in the SCA with FHE considered to be the only other true contender. It will be interesting also to see how Glowing Sea does as a newcomer to the playoffs. They have company with the Cats making their first trip to the playoffs since 2305 and the Swatters making their first trip since 2304.

There was just one record tied in the 2313 season. Easy Town reliever Salamander Smith tied RP Cray Ray Dillow's 2311 record of 69 games pitched. In those 69 appearances, Smith was 0-4 with a 4.74 ERA for the Trons.

Final Standings



Final Statistical Leaders

HITTING



PITCHING



Players of the Month

NCA Hitter - Aaron Squire battered North Charles Association pitchers all August and wound up taking home the Batter of the Month Award.

"I've been around Commonwealth Baseball Organization long enough to know you really have to work hard day in and day out to be able to put up this kind of consistency," the 26-year-old Squire told reporters. "I put in a lot of work, even on the days I might not take the field, and it's always nice when everything comes together for me like it did this last month."

In 27 games, Squire hit .337 with 10 home runs, 29 RBIs and scored 21 runs.

This year, Squire is hitting .319 with 30 home runs.

SCA Hitter - Naga Arakaki made his presence known as one of the best young stars in the South Charles Association this past month.

The Glowing Sea Radscorpions right fielder shined through the month of August and has won the Batter of the Month award.

The 20-year-old hit .408 with 10 home runs, 28 RBIs and 24 runs scored.

Currently Arakaki is batting .345 with 36 home runs, 123 RBIs and 97 runs scored.

NCA Pitcher - Mel Gorgeous left little doubt in the minds of North Charles Association officials that he should be named August's Pitcher of the Month for his outstanding performance.

"I wasn't always confident at the start of a game," said Gorgeous. "Sometimes it's hard to get into the flow -- the calls aren't going your way or you're trying to spot your pitches too much. You just have to relax and use what you've been taught all your life -- get back to basics -- good mechanics, control, location, keep the ball down."

The 34-year-old tossed 58.2 innings of quality baseball -- going 5-1 with a 2.30 ERA and 30 strikeouts.

Gorgeous has made 33 starts this season, posting 14 wins and 11 losses. Opposing clubs are batting .231 against him and he has 120 strikeouts in 212 innings with a 3.40 ERA.

SCA Pitcher - Capping off a whirlwind month in which he went 6-0 with a 2.20 ERA, Cutter Redman was selected as August's South Charles Association Pitcher of the Month today. Reporters caught up with the elated Glowing Sea starter as he left the clubhouse.

"I know it's difficult for pitchers -- when you have a bad start or two, people start wondering if you've lost it. Then you ride stretches like this one for all you can. You find it easier to come to the park every day because know you're contributing to the club, not just waiting for your turn in the rotation to make up for your last start."

Cutter Redman definitely contributed to the club. He had 7 starts, throwing 45 innings, striking out 28, and holding the opposition to a .229 average.

Looking at his season stats, Redman has won 17 and lost 6, collecting 140 strikeouts and 48 walks in 178 innings with a 3.29 ERA.

NCA Rookie - Thatch Heard is still a bit shy, but then, who could blame the newest North Charles Association Rookie of the Month honoree? He hasn't been around the league long enough to fully know the ropes yet, despite the fact that he's putting up veteran-like numbers.

In August the Salem hitter tagged opposing pitching for a .387 average with 46 hits, 6 home runs and 23 RBIs.

This season, Heard is swinging the bat at a .360 pace. He has hit 27 home runs and scored 82 times, while driving in 95. His on-base percentage is .372 and he has played in 126 games.

SCA Rookie - Quincy's Voodoo Sycamore collected 33 hits to snare the South Charles Association Rookie of the Month for August.

He batted .465 with 6 home runs, 22 RBIs and 18 runs scored.

The 21-year-old is barely old enough to shave, but he could definitely contend for Rookie of the Year if he keeps up this pace.

In 106 games Sycamore is hitting .349 this season with 97 hits, 17 home runs, 52 RBIs, 45 walks, .443 OBP and has scored 60 runs.

Top Performances

Not only was it August's Top Performance, but Oberland's Odd Todd Walker had the CBO's greatest offensive performance in an August 23 victory over Nordhagen Beach. In the 12-11 win, Walker was 5 for 6 with two home runs, four runs scored, and seven RBI. The previous high had been by Tre Morgueman for Jamaica Plain on June 23. In August, Atom's Candy Kline tied Morgueman's performance score and Fort Hagen's Tommy Whitetiger ended up surpassing it by a point (115) but still eight points shy of Walker (123).

August's top pitching performance came way of a wily veteran in University Point's SP Tony Bertha. On August 10, Bertha pitched a complete-game two-hitter against Goodneighbor in which he walked three and struck out five. Bertha's performance score of 85 was August's best though it fell eight points short of the season best by Bunker Hill's Hangman Alley and Fort Hagen's Sarthis Idren. Of note, in Bertha's performance, another legend, Barker Cocoa, tied the SCA record for triples in a game with two.

MML Awards

LL Hitter - The future looks extremely bright for Josh Tall. At the age of 21, many players are still trying to find their way in Massachusetts Minor League.

Tall has not only found his way, he's already established himself as one of the game's brightest stars, today being named the winner of the Legends League Hitter of the Year Award.

"I didn't expect to hit .311 this year, that's for sure," the third baseman said.

The Nashua Sams star also put up a .379 on-base percentage this year, with 118 hits, 20 doubles, 1 triple, 48 home runs, 101 RBIs and 82 runs scored.

He received 25 first place votes out of a possible 28. Jannar Arbor of the Haverhill Grooms finished second in voting with 2 first place votes, while Charles Towner of the Winchester Bashers finished third.

Player - Team - First Place - Total Points
Josh Tall - Nashua Sams - 25 - 377
Jannar Arbor - Haverhill Grooms - 2 - 243
Charles Towner - Winchester Bashers - 0 - 229
Ori Gun - Lawrence Revolution - 1 - 174
Rodney Caribou - Revere Beach Shoremen - 0 - 154
Kettle Deitrich - Covenant Refractors - 0 - 117
Dickie Greenleaf - Littleton Ragers - 0 - 85
Righty Tato - Covenant Refractors - 0 - 84
Cubby France - Lawrence Revolution - 0 - 49
Tome Humphries - Littleton Ragers - 0 - 49
Ramon Gill - Covenant Refractors - 0 - 43
Air Contreras - Lawrence Revolution - 0 - 21
Brother Ray Robinson - Marblehead Grenades - 0 - 12
Cosmo Spacely - Sanctuary Hills Zetans - 0 - 6
Bill Barnes - Belmont Sneakers - 0 - 3
Anxious Wade Osteen - Lawrence Revolution - 0 - 3
Dink Bedpost - Covenant Refractors - 0 - 2
Dante Talamante - Lawrence Revolution - 0 - 1

SL Hitter - At the age of 21, Tony Bigfish of the Suffolk County Pink Goo could very well have his best years ahead of him.

It's a startling thought when you consider the year he had in 2313 was good enough to win the right fielder the Stars League Hitter of the Year Award.

"See the ball, hit the ball," he said. "That's my basic approach."

The top hitter put up a .342 batting average this year, as well as a .423 on-base percentage. He played 101 games and racked up 122 hits, 18 doubles, 2 triples, 57 home runs, 118 RBIs and 97 runs scored.

He received 28 first place votes, as a unanimous winner. Doorbell Arg of the Hull Lead Bellies finished second in voting, while Richie Ritchman of the Bridgeport Gulchers finished third.

Player - Team - First Place - Total Points
Tony Bigfish - Suffolk County Pink Goo - 28 - 392
Doorbell Arg - Hull Lead Bellies - 0 - 252
Richie Ritchman - Bridgeport Gulchers - 0 - 208
Cumohn Dude - Mayoral Shelter Tricentennials - 0 - 193
Tonguetie Edder - Bridgeport Gulchers - 0 - 145
Lake Ellay - Dedham Bombers - 0 - 139
Reynaldo Lyles - Dedham Bombers - 0 - 135
Buck Cassidy - Brockton Irish - 0 - 65
Macho Slugger - Hartford Melonheads - 0 - 57
Getty Ivey - Brockton Irish - 0 - 53
Murr Rohgoo - Suffolk County Pink Goo - 0 - 6
Boost Widdison - Brockton Irish - 0 - 4
Shin Adachi - Castle Strength - 0 - 2
Wooga Poplar - Hull Lead Bellies - 0 - 1

LL Starter - Hoodoo Loulou joined an elite group of pitchers today by picking up the Legends League Pitcher of the Year Award for 2313.

The 25-year-old hurler finished the year 13-3 for the Lawrence Revolution, piling up 164 innings, registering 144 strikeouts and walking 38 on his way to a solid 3.18 ERA.

He received 28 first place votes, as a unanimous winner. Nick Soulless of the Sanctuary Hills Zetans finished second in voting, while Caesar Casino of the Sanctuary Hills Zetans finished third.

Player - Team - First Place - Total Points
Hoodoo Loulou - Lawrence Revolution - 28 - 196
Nick Soulless - Sanctuary Hills Zetans - 0 - 78
Caesar Casino - Sanctuary Hills Zetans - 0 - 74
Derek Satchell - Winchester Bashers - 0 - 66
Jared Porch - Lawrence Revolution - 0 - 46
Chase Seashores - Littleton Ragers - 0 - 11
Josh O'Farrell - Covenant Refractors - 0 - 5

SL Starter - Snoop Hound finished off a fine season by taking home the Stars League Pitcher of the Year Award today.

The Cranston hurler went 11-9 on the year, posting a 2.30 ERA. Hound also tallied 98 strikeouts in 164.2 innings and allowed opposing batters to hit only .242 against him.

He received 28 first place votes, as a unanimous winner. Nash Vil of the Newton Behemoths finished second in voting, while Squirrel Bitz of the Newton Behemoths finished third.

Player - Team - First Place - Total Points
Snoop Hound - Cranston Boomers - 28 - 196
Nash Vil - Newton Behemoths - 0 - 87
Squirrel Bitz - Newton Behemoths - 0 - 76
Danny Daniels - New Haven Champions - 0 - 50
Quintus Navale - Castle Strength - 0 - 48
Gatatog Uvenk - Hull Lead Bellies - 0 - 17
Streak Davis - Newton Behemoths - 0 - 2

LL Reliever - At the age of 19, Izzy Wedding says he still has a lot to learn about life in Massachusetts Minor League.

But he certainly seems to be a quick study, as the Winchester Bashers reliever was better than all others this year and has captured the 2313 Legends League Reliever of the Year Award.

"I hope to win this a few more times before all is said and done in my career," the
West Warwick, Rhode Island native said.

For the season, Wedding had 1 save in 33 relief appearances, which totaled 42.2. He fanned 35 betters, while walking 16 and put up a record of 5-2 to go with his 1.90 ERA.

He received 17 first place votes out of a possible 28. Keon Boykin of the Watertown Armorers finished second in voting with 4 first place votes, while Niko Stojsic of the Winchester Bashers finished third with 3 first place votes.

Player - Team - First Place - Total Points
Izzy Wedding - Winchester Bashers - 17 - 105
Keon Boykin - Watertown Armorers - 4 - 75
Niko Stojsic - Winchester Bashers - 3 - 44
Flapjack Rubenstein - Covenant Refractors - 4 - 28

SL Reliever - At the young age of only 21, Legs DiCocco has been named the Stars League Reliever of the Year Award winner for 2313.

The future appears bright for the Castle Strength relief ace, who captured the award with 2 saves in 38 relief appearances, 31 strikeouts in 48.2 innings and a record of 5-2 to go with his 1.11 ERA.

He received 26 first place votes out of a possible 28. Just Up Velez of the Springfield Operators finished second in voting with 1 first place vote, while Fat Cat Wellesley of the Castle Strength finished third.

Player - Team - First Place - Total Points
Legs DiCocco - Castle Strength - 26 - 136
Just Up Velez - Springfield Operators - 1 - 62
Fat Cat Wellesley - Castle Strength - 0 - 23
Horse Mattison - Pawtucket Pips - 1 - 14
Sincere Kennerson - Suffolk County Pink Goo - 0 - 9
Cracker Koenig - Bridgeport Gulchers - 0 - 8

[ayaghmour2]

Go Radscorpions! And the 'Boys finally missed the playoffs!

The SCA was super tight at the end and it looks strange with all the wild cards in one league. Really not sure who's going to end up on top. Leaning towards County Cross and Valut 81. CC in 6.

For the Radscorpions it's also nice they get to host the first round matchup. Could get their first postseason series win to go with the first appearance!

[StLee]

Originally Posted by ayaghmour2

Go Radscorpions! And the 'Boys finally missed the playoffs!

The SCA was super tight at the end and it looks strange with all the wild cards in one league. Really not sure who's going to end up on top. Leaning towards County Cross and Valut 81. CC in 6.

For the Radscorpions it's also nice they get to host the first round matchup. Could get their first postseason series win to go with the first appearance!

For all wildcards coming from the RL, that exact scenario happened also in 2311. The ML needs to get better! They have been the weakest league for awhile and University Point has been the only team to make the SSS in 12 years.

Vault 81 has been a dominant tea in the age of parity, so I am thinking they will get over the hump to win it all. I also feel that both the Shroud and Bugs will falter, though I don't see Nat Wright-Kawolski picking against them in the semifinals.

Anyway, here's to a hopefully exciting playoff docket!

[StLee]

BNN Report

News from the CBO, Minors, CCBL, and CYL

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

3 September 2313

CBO Playoffs 2313

CBO Playoff Tree



SCA Wildcard Round: #6 Oberland T-51s (66-64) vs #3 FHE Yao Guai (78-52)

Season Series: FHE 6, Oberland 4

April 11-13 @FHE: FHE 4-3, FHE 7-5, FHE 3-1
June 7-9 @Obe: Obe 14-3, Obe 12-6, Obe 8-6
July 21-22 @Obe: Obe 5-3, FHE 14-4
August 30-31 @FHE: FHE 10-4, FHE 14-5



Analysis

The 2313 matchups between the FHE Yao Guai and Oberland T-51s was one of streaks. The Yao Guai won the first three, the T-51s won the next four, and then FHE took the final three. In this three-game set, then, we already think the Game 1 winner sweeps the series.

FHE is making just their third playoff appearance with only one of those other two involving Oberland at the same time. In 2311, both were in with the Yao Guai as the 5th seed and Oberland as the 6th seed. However, they did not meet in the playoffs, so this season will be the first time for each to meet in the playoffs.

The T-51s are now in their 7th-straight appearance, but have nothing to show for it other than Sole Survivor appearances in 2308 and 2310, both losses. Though their record dropped this season, though, the T-51s are still dangerous team in the playoffs. Well, maybe.

First of all, the T-51s offense will be without star SS Stormin' Normin MacDonald (.300/12/47) who is out with a serious knee injury. That means the team ranked 8th in runs scored (663) is minus one of their run producers. They do have 2B Odd Todd Walker (.319/29/95), though. He has carried the team in power, with LF Foo Fieterz (.264/21/65) second in power numbers. Veteran 1B/SP Lannie Tykeson (.296/14/65) benefits the team more as a hitter than pitcher (10-12, 6.57).

On the mound, the T-51s were 10th in runs allowed (690), showing that they were outscored by 27 runs on the season. For pitching, when the wheels fall off, they fall off as evidenced by allowing more than 10 runs in the last three matchups against the Yao Guai. What Oberland gets, though, is an improvement in starting pitching with the late return of SP Ahsoka Tano (1-0, 3.60) who missed four months with a torn rotator cuff. Emperry Alizm (9-12, 3.57) pitched well but had little run support. In the bullpen, CL William Butcherman (37 SV, 2.96) is still one of the CBO's best. SP Spider Caddell (13-10, 4.72) also moves to the bullpen for the playoffs.

Statistically, FHE is much more advanced than Oberland. The Yao Guai are 2nd in runs scored (722). Three players popped off 20 or more home runs: 3B Cyclone Bolt (.270/24/63), 2B Slip Knotty (.256/22/53), and LF Makin Jobear (.301/22/88). Everyone in the lineup contributed, even with a few people struggling in 2313, like CF Missile Crews (.299/17/75).

On the mound, FHE finished 4th in runs allowed (588) with all four starters--Baker Dozen (14-7, 3.10), Munyeb Funyun (13-7, 4.55), Kennett Kentucky (16-9, 4.02), and Aaron Somer (10-7, 3.58)--finishing with 10 or more wins. The bullpen is solid, including finishing 2nd in Bullpen ERA (4.41). Ollrod Hubbard (5-0, 2.69) and CL Conrad Verner (21 SV, 3.40) contributed the most.



Prediction

Right now, the Yao Guai seem to be a head above Oberland in the talent and performance pool. As we stated at the beginning of this preview, we believe this is an all and nothing series more than any other. We will take the higher seed. FHE 2, Oberland 0

SCA Wildcard Round: #5 Diamond City Swatters (66-64) vs #4 Glowing Sea Radscorpions (72-58)

Season Series: Diamond City 6, Glowing Sea 4

April 11-13 @GS: GS 15-0, GS 6-0, DC 1-0
June 7-9 @DC: GS 8-5, DC 4-0, DC 8-3
July 21-22 @GS: DC 2-1. GS 11-5
August 30-31 @DC: DC 5-2, DC 7-5



Analysis

Diamond City used an end-of-the-season sweep over Glowing Sea to get themselves here as part of a six-game winning streak to edge both University point and Southie for the final two spots in the playoffs. That streak also allowed the Swatters to beat out Oberland for the 5th spot. Now, Diamond City is hoping their surge continues against Glowing Sea, making its playoff debut in the Radscorpions' fourth season of existence.

The Swatters were once playoff regulars, appearing seven-straight times from 2298-2304, including back-to-back championships in 2299 and 2300. After that, though, the bottom fell out, missing eight-straight seasons before sneaking in this time. Diamond City is also saw their record improve five-straight seasons with the hopes they continue to get better heading into 2314. But first, they are trying to win their first playoff series since 2303 when they won a Play-in Round series over FHE.

On offense, Diamond City was tied for 11th in runs scored (612) with home runs (171) being their best offensive stat (tied for 6th). SS Alex Bragman (.276/26/86) was the power leader, while LF Todd Smithfield (.309/14/49) led in average. C Cole Spice (.279/24/66) contributed.

On the mound, the Swatters were 8th in runs allowed (646), partially because of such a poor start. That meant offloading ace Paul Stains, now with Salem. The trade train went through for Diamnd City, which included the acquisition of a new ace from Goodneighbor, Heaven Fontenot (13-10, 3.60). Fontenot is joined in the rotation by Macho Lopez (8-9, 3.55) and D.P. Clark (12-14, 5.37). Another acquisition was Aaron Demps (12-10, 4.71) who served as a starter though he has mostly been a reliever in his career. CL Burt Bloodhound (32 SV, 2.26) had a good season.

For Glowing Sea, their offense finished 3rd in runs scored (700). Part of that was due to the growing star of RF Naga Arakaki (.345/36/123) a possible-but-not-likely Nuka Hitter Award winner. Other top contributors include CF Enigma Montgomery (.303/17/67), 3B Quay Swimmer (.285/18/55), and LF Alloy Jordan (.287/12/56).

The pitching finished 6th in runs allowed (619), including having the top Bullpen ERA (4.07). For starters, the first two--Cutter Redman (17-6, 3.29) and Ryan Dennislynch (18-3, 3.73)--have been phenomenal, while the third expected starter is Swimmer (9-13, 6.68). Tony "Vampire" Frazier (11-6, 4.42) moves to the bullpen to join RP Thrifty Tony Malacara (3-1, 2.48) and CL Pink Floyd (26 SV, 3.65).



Prediction

We have no idea, but the Radscorpions have been the more consistently good team all season. Diamond City is the hotter team entering the playoffs. The Scorpions may be nervous, but so might the Swatters. Let's split them: Diamond City 2, Glowing Sea 1

[StLee]

BNN Report

News from the CBO, Minors, CCBL, and CYL

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

4 September 2313

CBO Playoffs 2313

NCA Wildcard Round: #6 Nahant Celtics (68-62) vs #3 Lexington Synths (73-57)

Season Series: Nahant 3, Lexington 1

June 17-18 @Nah: Nah 4-3, Nah 5-0
August 13-14 @Lex: Nah 6-4 (10), Lex 6-4



Analysis

This is it, the debut. Lexington was the lone holdout of the original teams to not have made the playoffs in the full CBO. The Synths did make the playoffs once before, before the CBO, in 2297, falling 3-1 in the series as a #3 seed vs #6 Nordhagen Beach. That Party Boys team went on to their first Sole Survivor Series. Since then? The Synths only had one season above .500 since then before this season when they finished with their second-highest winning percentage (.562).

For Nahant, they are not exactly playoff veterans with this season marking just their third trip since the start of the CBO in 2298. In 2302, as the Finch Farm Four Leafs, the Celtics entered as the 5th seed and won the Play-in Series before falling to the Party Boys. In 2311, Nahant won the BL and earned the #2 seed. However, they again fell to the Boys in the Semifinals. Nordhagen Beach went on to lose all three Sole Survivor Series appearances in those three seasons versus the Synths and Celtics.

The Celtics battled hard to best Bunker Hill and Nordhagen Beach for the 6th spot despite not standing out statistically. On offense, Nahant finished 7th in runs scored (647). Part of that problem was finishing tied for 12th in home runs (136). They were 1st in stolen bases (180), including three players with 30 or more steals. The two players that helped the offensive success the most were 2B Diamond Ball (.301/32/93) and 1B Bulleye Shooterson (.323/23/81). Other contributors include LF Thrifty Iraheta (.330/7/60/47 SB), CF Grandson Quarles (.294/15/75/34 SB), and RF Gene Leftswipe (.249/16/54/33 SB).

On the mound, Nahant was 9th in runs allowed (635). The top two starters--Zack Million (12-5, 3.09) and Matt Bowman (12-11, 3.96)--did well. Ibn the bullpen, there were a couple of valuable contributors in RP Butterass DeCicco (9-1, 2.15, 3 SV) and CL Ryan Roberson (38 SV, 3.08) who tied for the CBO lead in saves.

Lexington also struggled some on offense, finishing 9th in runs scored (610) with the NCA's worst OBP (.317). They finished 5th in home runs (180), though, to balance their poor ability to get on base. Two youngsters have become stars: CF Packs Ton Kling (.262/39/79) and 3B Tommy Whitetiger (.274/28/76). LF Campy Madrid (.318/13/55) was the only other major contributor.

On the mound, the Synths were much better, finishing 3rd in runs allowed (560) including 1st in Bullpen ERA (3.90). SP Lyle Pine (14-7, 4.24) had a lot of wins but also gave up a lot of runs. Trade acquisition LF/SP Admiral Kelm (4-4, 3.44) enters as the second starter after being benched by Fort Hagen earlier in the season. CL Hunter Kim (33 SV, 3.11) leads the bullpen with assistance from Slush Fundz (4-1, 2.51) among others.



Prediction

Since neither team is experienced in the playoffs, we see no advantages in that direction. Therefore, we have to go with the team that played better all season, despite their season series. Lexington 2, Nahant 1

NCA Wildcard Round: #5 Salem Witch Hats (73-57) vs #4 The Slog Ghouls (73-57)

Season Series: Salem 6, The Slog 4

April 11-13 @Slog: Sal 8-0, Sal 6-4, Slog 4-2
June 7-9 @Sal: Sal 11-10 (10), Slog 9-4, Slog 10-5
July 22-23 @Slog: Sal 4-1, Slog 3-2
August 30-31 @Sal: Sal 5-4, Sal 7-6



Analysis

Salem and The Slog slugged it out all season, completing the regular season with the same record, along with Lexington. Salem got a key sweep of The Slog in the regular season's last two official days, giving them a 1/2 game lead for the #3 seed. That was before they had to play a makeup game that they lost, sending the Witch Hats to the 5th seed and avoiding the Synths in the first round.

In their playoff history, Salem is relatively new to the playoff hunt. The Hats' first trip came in 2308 and then they had return trips in 2311 and 2312, making this season their third-straight. Last season as the #3 seed, the Witch Hats got their first series win, a 2-0 sweep of the Party Boys. Salem ended up advancing all the way to the NCA Championship Series, where they fell to Fort Hagen, 4-1.

This will be The Slog's fifth trip to the playoffs and second straight. The Ghouls were there in 2299, 2300, 2310, and 2312. In 2299, in a four-team field, the Ghouls lost as the #4 seed to Nordhagen Beach (we feel a theme among these four Wildcard Round teams!). And then got to the semifinals in 2300 as the first #5 seed in the NCA before again falling to the Boys. The Ghouls again advanced to the semifinals in 2312, but again they fell, this time to the Silver Shroud. That means, the Ghouls are one of just a few teams never to reach the Championship Series.

Looking at the teams this season, Salem comes in as the NCA's top-scoring team (726 runs scored), as well as the best OPS team (.800). Rookie RF Thatch Heard (.361/27/95), the batting title winner and likely Red Rocket Rookie Award winner, is part of that success. However, 1B Brian DeLong (.345/36/102) is the star of the team. Other top contributors are 2B Peter Pan Calvillo (.276/21/70) and LF Dan Erb (.270/19/77).

On the mound, the Hats were 6th in runs allowed (593) with their staff right around that ranking in ERA. The acquisition of SP Paul Stains (14-9, 3.45), who had a terrible start to his 2313 season (0-3, 9.98 with Diamond City when they traded him), has made a lot of difference and gives a reason to think that Salem can win a championship this season. Jaa Thirtysix (13-5, 3.36) thus gives the Witch Hats one of the best 1-2 punches in the CBO. SP Pokey Chatman (11-9, 5.09) struggled a bit on the season and will move to the closer spot for the playoffs. CL David Lunchtime (22 SV, 4.68) will move to a supporting role.

The Slog was also pretty good statistically, showing they belong. The Ghouls were 3rd in runs scored (692) with the help of the top batting average (.282). That average was not from some players having really high averages, but a team that spread around the hits with the lowest 8-man lineup average coming from LF President Washington (.264/27/63) He led the teams in homers. SS Gavin Deux-Gas (.337/19/91), 2B Puddle Norman (.341/14/39 in 48 games), RF Cypher Raige (.306/9/45 in 75 games), and CF Bill Lazarus (.302/4/42) all finished with more than a .300 average.

For pitching, the Ghouls allowed 569 runs to rank 4th, which included the 2nd-best Bullpen ERA (4.20). Ace SP Flirt Perez (13-8, 3.69) has been great. The other starters, Scott Fuhr (11-15, 4.18) and Isaiah Swindler (10-7, 4.61) were serviceable. Two players split the closer duties in Austen Austin (16 SV, 3.17) and Crisco Caristo (10 SV, 3.10), but SP Make Money (12-12, 3.98) is expected to take that role in the playoffs, though the Ghouls could probably use his low run output against the Hats.



Prediction

This is the series most even, and we are almost willing to call these two teams the best two teams in the Wildcard Round with the talent to make a deep run. In the end, we think Salem is the better team and upset they lost home-field advantage. Salem 2, The Slog 1

[StLee]

BNN Report

News from the CBO, Minors, CCBL, and CYL

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

7 September 2313

CBO Transactions

We did not give a transactions update at the end of the season, so here we go.

Sunday, September 7th , 2313
Diamond City Swatters: Placed SP Heaven Fontenot on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 09/04/2313.
Sunshine Tidings Chemists: Activated RP Jason Jumping from the injured list.
Fort Hagen Silver Shroud: Activated RP Bob Kearns from the 60-day injured list.

Saturday, September 6th , 2313
Salem Witch Hats: Activated RP Taki Undertaker from the injured list.
Quincy Gunners: Released C Joe Andthen.
Southie Brews: Activated SP Klement Thodberg from the injured list.

Friday, September 5th , 2313
Easy Town Assaultrons: Activated RP Claw Wetwalker from the injured list.
FHE Yao Guai: Activated RP Cham Syndulla from the injured list.
Nahant Celtics: Released RP Mfio Callman.
Diamond City Swatters: Released 1B Tyler Johnson.

Thursday, September 4th , 2313
Starlight Killers: Placed SP Snoop Hound on the 60-day injured list.

Wednesday, September 3rd , 2313
Nahant Celtics: Activated CL Ryan Roberson from the injured list.
Vault 81 Dwellers: Released 1B Nutty Nick Sallie.
Oberland T-51s: Activated SP Ahsoka Tano from the injured list.

Tuesday, September 2nd , 2313
Vault 81 Dwellers: Placed RP Josh O'Farrell on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 08/31/2313.
FHE Yao Guai: Placed 1B Syd Thriftstore on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 09/01/2313.
Fort Hagen Silver Shroud: Placed 1B Huck McFarland on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 08/30/2313.
Glowing Sea Radscorpions: Placed RP Keith Bralley on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 08/31/2313.
Fort Hagen Silver Shroud: Released RP Josh Kemp.
Fort Hagen Silver Shroud: Released CF Jukebox Luttrell.
Glowing Sea Radscorpions: Released RP J.J. Anema.
Oberland T-51s: Released RP Chris Barahona.
The Slog Ghouls: Released RP Gary McIver.
Lexington Synths: Released LF Soreau Weau.
Diamond City Swatters: Activated SP Heaven Fontenot from the injured list.
Lexington Synths: Activated 2B Rabbit Forest from the injured list.
Cambridge Coursers: Activated SP Freon McMahan from the injured list.
Cambridge Coursers: Placed RP Jalen Gibbons on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 09/01/2313.
Lexington Synths: Released LF Coldheart Gravedigger.
Oberland T-51s: Activated RP Nate Sandalli from the injured list.
Oberland T-51s: Released RP Nate Green.

Monday, September 1st , 2313
Goodneighbor Hancocks: Released RP Storn Cragstrider.
Lexington Synths: Signed LF Chris Daughterson.

Sunday, August 31st , 2313
Nahant Celtics: Placed CL Ryan Roberson on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 08/29/2313.
FHE Yao Guai: Placed RP Cham Syndulla on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 08/30/2313.
Roxbury Rad Sox: Placed 1B Bullet Minnow on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 08/30/2313.
The Slog Ghouls: Placed RP Heavy Brothers on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 08/30/2313.

Saturday, August 30th , 2313
Sunshine Tidings Chemists: Activated RP Matt Rodrigue from the injured list.
Sunshine Tidings Chemists: Placed RP Jason Jumping on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 08/29/2313.
Southie Brews: Placed SP Klement Thodberg on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 08/29/2313.
Fort Hagen Silver Shroud: Placed SP Elastic Man Haley on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 08/29/2313.

Friday, August 29th , 2313
Malden Grognaks: Released RF Ghost Hildebrand.
Goodneighbor Hancocks: Placed CF Ziggy Stardust on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 08/28/2313.

Thursday, August 28th , 2313
Bunker Hill 75ers: Activated RP Ley Buckberger from the injured list.
County Crossing Bloodbugs: Activated SS Cy Thompson from the injured list.
Diamond City Swatters: Placed SP Heaven Fontenot on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 08/26/2313.
Lexington Synths: Placed 2B Rabbit Forest on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 08/27/2313.
Cambridge Coursers: Placed CF Miky Mytook on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 08/27/2313.
Jamaica Plain Red Rockets: Activated RP Herbie Popnecker from the injured list.
Jamaica Plain Red Rockets: Released SS Jacket Naughtguud.
Egret Ninjas: Signed 3B Jonathan Sanders.

Wednesday, August 27th , 2313
Goodneighbor Hancocks: Placed SS Gav Gidree on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 08/25/2313.
Diamond City Swatters: Activated LF Todd Smithfield from the injured list.
Oberland T-51s: Placed RP Nate Sandalli on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 08/26/2313.
Roxbury Rad Sox: Fired Manager Bryan Pingree.
Roxbury Rad Sox: Signed Manager Jason Personhood.

Tuesday, August 26th , 2313
Nahant Celtics: Released LF Chris Daughterson.
County Crossing Bloodbugs: Placed RF Babs Rooth on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 08/25/2313.
Salem Witch Hats: Placed RP Taki Undertaker on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 08/25/2313.
Cambridge Coursers: Activated SP Hry Caje from the injured list.
Roxbury Rad Sox: Placed LF Ben Pawlak on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 08/25/2313.
Oberland T-51s: Signed SP Bighair Harrington.
Malden Grognaks: Signed RF Gregg Bassett.

Monday, August 25th , 2313
Concord Radstags: Activated LF Chewie Shlankowitz from the injured list.
Roxbury Rad Sox: Placed 2B Tommy Grubb on the 60-day injured list.
Egret Ninjas: Signed 3B Joe Kohler.
Egret Ninjas: Signed RP Ed Helbor.

Sunday, August 24th , 2313
Malden Grognaks: 1B Cheap Diehl (AAA Plymouth) retired from professional baseball.
Concord Radstags: SS Sean Koester (AAA Arlington) retired from professional baseball.
Concord Radstags: C Brian Fuller (AAA Arlington) retired from professional baseball.
Atom Cats: SP Jake Williams (AAA Medford) retired from professional baseball.
County Crossing Bloodbugs: LF Wild Bean (AAA Woburn) retired from professional baseball.
Concord Radstags: SP Ryan Kaplon (AAA Arlington) retired from professional baseball.
Spectacle Island Reapers: SS Shotgun McElveen (AAA Clifton) retired from professional baseball.
Diamond City Swatters: LF Chris Van Benschoten (AAA Natick) retired from professional baseball.
Lexington Synths: RF Crooked Tostado (AAA Wellesley) retired from professional baseball.
FHE Yao Guai: 1B Jason Robinson (AAA Bradberton) retired from professional baseball.
Lexington Synths: 1B Colin Goldsworthy (AAA Wellesley) retired from professional baseball.
Vault 81 Dwellers: SP Isaiah Tassin (AAA Everett) retired from professional baseball.
Salem Witch Hats: RP Greenhouse Caceres (AAA Providence) retired from professional baseball.
Bunker Hill 75ers: LF Joe Whiskey Hagen (AAA Abernathy) retired from professional baseball.
Spectacle Island Reapers: SP Danny Owens (AAA Clifton) retired from professional baseball.
Vault 81 Dwellers: RP Tom Sweeney (AAA Everett) retired from professional baseball.
Goodneighbor Hancocks: RP Gus Valdez (AAA Foxborough) retired from professional baseball.
Diamond City Swatters: LF Cody Grime (AAA Natick) retired from professional baseball.
The Slog Ghouls: RF Josh Radcake (AAA Burlington) retired from professional baseball.
Sunshine Tidings Chemists: 2B Justin Zent (AAA Lowell) retired from professional baseball.
Lexington Synths: RP John Baty (AAA Wellesley) retired from professional baseball.
Vault 81 Dwellers: 3B Mark Dombrowski (AAA Everett) retired from professional baseball.
Oberland T-51s: 3B Ryan Bale (AAA Lynn) retired from professional baseball.
Sunshine Tidings Chemists: 2B Robbie Adams (AAA Lowell) retired from professional baseball.
Oberland T-51s: RF Cram Garge (AAA Lynn) retired from professional baseball.
Egret Ninjas: RP Ronnie Koliba (AAA Brookline) retired from professional baseball.
Vault 81 Dwellers: RP Alex Loz (AAA Everett) retired from professional baseball.
Bunker Hill 75ers: C Darth Horse (AAA Abernathy) retired from professional baseball.
Lexington Synths: 2B Barry Midday (AAA Wellesley) retired from professional baseball.
Egret Ninjas: LF Governor Bellingham (AAA Brookline) retired from professional baseball.
Goodneighbor Hancocks: 3B Lucky Oldsun (AAA Foxborough) retired from professional baseball.
Salem Witch Hats: RP Jared Flips (AAA Providence) retired from professional baseball.
Goodneighbor Hancocks: SP Mike Germanfrench (AAA Foxborough) retired from professional baseball.
Concord Radstags: LF Maltese MacGuffin (AAA Arlington) retired from professional baseball.
County Crossing Bloodbugs: C Surf Jardine (AAA Woburn) retired from professional baseball.
University Point Deathclaws: RP Billy Faulkner (AAA Graygarden) retired from professional baseball.
Oberland T-51s: SS Julian Roughneck (AAA Lynn) retired from professional baseball.
Atom Cats: C Deacon Gookin (AAA Medford) retired from professional baseball.
Starlight Killers: RF Goody Cloyse (AAA Warwick) retired from professional baseball.
Diamond City Swatters: 2B Arthur Dimmesdale (AAA Natick) retired from professional baseball.
Quincy Gunners: 3B Steve Mech (AAA Fall River) retired from professional baseball.
Southie Brews: RP Ben McEntire (AAA Greenfield) retired from professional baseball.
Bunker Hill 75ers: CF Callie Love (AAA Abernathy) retired from professional baseball.
Nahant Celtics: CF Heston Prynne (AAA Finch Farm) retired from professional baseball.
Goodneighbor Hancocks: LF Kyle Quickfingers (AAA Foxborough) retired from professional baseball.
Concord Radstags: 2B Sherwood Forest (AAA Arlington) retired from professional baseball.
Salem Witch Hats: RP Mark Gearhead (AAA Providence) retired from professional baseball.
Bunker Hill 75ers: RP Rafe Sauce (AAA Abernathy) retired from professional baseball.
University Point Deathclaws: RP James Schwerdtfeger (AAA Graygarden) retired from professional baseball.
University Point Deathclaws: C James Lebron (AAA Graygarden) retired from professional baseball.
Easy Town Assaultrons: Released 2B Thatch Atlantis.
Roxbury Rad Sox: Released 3B Joe Kohler.
Lexington Synths: Signed LF John Kurtz.

Saturday, August 23rd , 2313
Bunker Hill 75ers: Activated RP Bill Satterfield from the injured list.
Nahant Celtics: Placed RP Roy Lach on the 60-day injured list.
Sunshine Tidings Chemists: Placed RP Matt Rodrigue on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 08/22/2313.
Fort Hagen Silver Shroud: Signed RP Dave Weathersby.
Malden Grognaks: Signed RF Avar Javed.

Friday, August 22nd , 2313
University Point Deathclaws: Placed LF Sack King on the 60-day injured list.

Thursday, August 21st , 2313
Nahant Celtics: Activated SS Roger Coker from the injured list.
Nahant Celtics: Activated RP Spitball Heater from the injured list.
Nahant Celtics: Sent RP Spitball Heater to Triple A Finch Farm for injury rehab.
Bunker Hill 75ers: Placed RP Ley Buckberger on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 08/20/2313.
County Crossing Bloodbugs: Placed SS Cy Thompson on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 08/20/2313.
Easy Town Assaultrons: Placed RP Claw Wetwalker on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 08/20/2313.
Egret Ninjas: Signed 3B Casey Sturman.

Wednesday, August 20th , 2313
Diamond City Swatters: Placed LF Todd Smithfield on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 08/19/2313.
Fort Hagen Silver Shroud: Placed SP Nuke Laloosh on the 60-day injured list.

Tuesday, August 19th , 2313
Malden Grognaks: Released RF Mark Knight.
Nordhagen Beach Party Boys: Released 3B Nab Amidala.
Jamaica Plain Red Rockets: Placed RP Herbie Popnecker on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 08/17/2313.
Roxbury Rad Sox: Placed CL Professor Harriel on the 7-day injured list, retroactive to 08/16/2313.

NEBL Awards

PL Hitter - Aaron Wright took New England Baseball League by storm this year, and he did it all at the age of 21.

For his spectacular campaign, the Everett Mutant Hounds star has been named the 2313 Patriot League Most Valuable Player Award recipient.

"To be considered amongst the best in the league is overwhelming," said the left fielder.

On the season he compiled a .361 batting average to go with a .386 on-base percentage. The native of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts also added 17 doubles, 1 triple, 21 home runs, 52 RBIs and 62 runs scored.

He received 28 first place votes, as a unanimous winner. Leif Organa of the Graygarden Action Boys finished second in voting, while Sharkey Lurkfodder of the Abernathy Adamantium finished third.

Player - Team - First Place - Total Points
Aaron Wright - Everett Mutant Hounds - 28 - 392
Leif Organa - Graygarden Action Boys - 0 - 224
Sharkey Lurkfodder - Abernathy Adamantium - 0 - 191
Knife Bowie - Clifton Vertibirds - 0 - 178
Rusty Raider - Everett Mutant Hounds - 0 - 170
Zap McCabe - Burlington Ferals - 0 - 161
Zaire Inquisitor - Lynn Fortune Finders - 0 - 141
Holy Maryson - Everett Mutant Hounds - 0 - 59
Kevin Faite - Abernathy Adamantium - 0 - 55
Curt Carpenter - Lowell Leprechauns - 0 - 24
Corbin Dallas - Everett Mutant Hounds - 0 - 24
Nate Ransom - Lynn Fortune Finders - 0 - 13
Heddic Volunnar - Arlington Caps - 0 - 12
Uter Zorker - Everett Mutant Hounds - 0 - 5
Harvey Aard - Arlington Caps - 0 - 2
Lossa Magic - Greenfield Disciples - 0 - 1

YL Hitter - The future looks extremely bright for Izdere Lifunn-Mars. At the age of 23, many players are still trying to find their way in New England Baseball League.

Lifunn-Mars has not only found his way, he's already established himself as one of the game's brightest stars, today being named the winner of the Yankee League Most Valuable Player Award.

"I didn't expect to hit .317 this year, that's for sure," the center fielder said.

The Providence Warlocks star also put up a .424 on-base percentage this year, with 102 hits, 22 doubles, 2 triples, 24 home runs, 69 RBIs and 63 runs scored.

He received 25 first place votes out of a possible 28. Loony Erickson of the Worcester Cannons finished second in voting with 3 first place votes, while Huck McFarland of the Worcester Cannons finished third.

Player - Team - First Place - Total Points
Izdere Lifunn-Mars - Providence Warlocks - 25 - 377
Loony Erickson - Worcester Cannons - 3 - 266
Huck McFarland - Worcester Cannons - 0 - 202
Will Wallace - Providence Warlocks - 0 - 160
Weston DeGurlz - Fall River Rippers - 0 - 152
Curious Vault - Fall River Rippers - 0 - 124
Steele Behind - Needham Archers - 0 - 108
Olaf One-Eye - Fall River Rippers - 0 - 75
Felldir Old - Fall River Rippers - 0 - 73
Cyclone Bentancourt - Providence Warlocks - 0 - 71
Bitsy Blume - Sandwich Bay Snakes - 0 - 20
My Ammy - Providence Warlocks - 0 - 11
Dustin Shotgun - Providence Warlocks - 0 - 4
Long Hall - Brookline Bandoliers - 0 - 3
Ben Dimecup - Foxborough Minutemen - 0 - 2
Jim Fry - Braintree Robobrains - 0 - 2
Tommy Grubb - Sandwich Bay Snakes - 0 - 1
Snag Roper - Plymouth Pilgrims - 0 - 1

PL Starter - Corey Ware of the Abernathy Adamantium dazzled the Patriot League in 2313, stacking up win after win, finishing the season with 13 victories and 6 losses -- numbers good enough to reap the Patriot League Pitcher of the Year Award.

He made 24 starts, hurled 174.1 innings, yielded 156 hits, struck out 156 batters, walked 45 and ended up with a 2.53 ERA. Opposing teams hit .237 against him.

He received 23 first place votes out of a possible 28. Cassie Cryar of the Everett Mutant Hounds finished second in voting with 4 first place votes, while Gooseberry Fullwallet of the Everett Mutant Hounds finished third with 1 first place vote.

Player - Team - First Place - Total Points
Corey Ware - Abernathy Adamantium - 23 - 181
Cassie Cryar - Everett Mutant Hounds - 4 - 123
Gooseberry Fullwallet - Everett Mutant Hounds - 1 - 62
Circus Clowney - Danvers Sonics - 0 - 55
David Coocoo - Danvers Sonics - 0 - 17
Van Funky - Abernathy Adamantium - 0 - 11
Qazal Mabry - Clifton Vertibirds - 0 - 9
Cobra Cobratea - Graygarden Action Boys - 0 - 6
Trooper Neilan - Burlington Ferals - 0 - 4
Stranger Backrubman - Abernathy Adamantium - 0 - 3
Zaire Inquisitor - Lynn Fortune Finders - 0 - 3
Ethan Lynch - Lynn Fortune Finders - 0 - 1
Jacen Syndulla - Medford Radguards - 0 - 1

YL Starter - An old hand in this game, Zane Blaze of the Fall River Rippers silenced critics as well as he silenced the opposition this year by winning the Yankee League Pitcher of the Year Award.

The 39-year-old starter threw 187.2 innings, notched 143 strikeouts and put up a 15-2 record to claim the coveted award.

He received 28 first place votes, as a unanimous winner. Neil Watson of the Fall River Rippers finished second in voting, while Hoot Wooten of the Needham Archers finished third.

Player - Team - First Place - Total Points
Zane Blaze - Fall River Rippers - 28 - 196
Neil Watson - Fall River Rippers - 0 - 67
Hoot Wooten - Needham Archers - 0 - 61
Bill Sarnacki - Sandwich Bay Snakes - 0 - 54
Boston Gloston - Providence Warlocks - 0 - 48
Danny Haines - Natick Big Leaguers - 0 - 20
Gary Stallworth - Foxborough Minutemen - 0 - 12
Hard Cohen - Foxborough Minutemen - 0 - 6
Bobby Denman - Bradberton Tycoons - 0 - 5
Lucas Frost - Woburn Bobbleheads - 0 - 5
Mihai Comanita - Braintree Robobrains - 0 - 2

PL Reliever - He may only be 22, but Crazylegs Gunnels of the Finch Farm Shamrocks has already established himself as one of the elite relievers in the Patriot League.

The reliever was today named the PL Reliever of the Year Award winner for 2313.

He won the award with a strong year that saw him put up 25 saves in 48 relief appearances and 44 strikeouts in 64 innings. He had a record of 2-1 to go with his 1.27 ERA.

He received 28 first place votes, as a unanimous winner. Crime Spree Ruiz of the Clifton Vertibirds finished second in voting, while Dummy Potluck of the Clifton Vertibirds finished third.

Player - Team - First Place - Total Points
Crazylegs Gunnels - Finch Farm Shamrocks - 28 - 140
Crime Spree Ruiz - Clifton Vertibirds - 0 - 71
Dummy Potluck - Clifton Vertibirds - 0 - 28
Victor Numbclaw - Medford Radguards - 0 - 10
Capstone Goofson - Everett Mutant Hounds - 0 - 3

YL Reliever - Moe Szyslak was a calming influence out of the Warwick Mirelurks bullpen this season.

His teammates and manager said he had a poised demeanor about him that was typical of someone much older and more experienced. His poise has paid off, as the 23-year-old turned in a sparkling season and has been named the winner of the Yankee League Reliever of the Year Award for 2313.

The Woburn, Massachusetts native won the award with 12 saves in 44 relief appearances, 40 strikeouts in 59 innings and a record of 5-3 to go with his 2.44 ERA.

He received 25 first place votes out of a possible 28. Nakmor Kesh of the Sandwich Bay Snakes finished second in voting with 3 first place votes, while Andrew Hickory of the Fall River Rippers finished third.

Player - Team - First Place - Total Points
Moe Szyslak - Warwick Mirelurks - 25 - 134
Nakmor Kesh - Sandwich Bay Snakes - 3 - 72
Andrew Hickory - Fall River Rippers - 0 - 22
Chopsticks McWilliams - Braintree Robobrains - 0 - 12
Scout Many-Marshes - Woburn Bobbleheads - 0 - 10
Ryan Rebman - Fall River Rippers - 0 - 2

[ayaghmour2]

Originally Posted by StLee

For all wildcards coming from the RL, that exact scenario happened also in 2311. The ML needs to get better! They have been the weakest league for awhile and University Point has been the only team to make the SSS in 12 years.

Vault 81 has been a dominant tea in the age of parity, so I am thinking they will get over the hump to win it all. I also feel that both the Shroud and Bugs will falter, though I don't see Nat Wright-Kawolski picking against them in the semifinals.

Anyway, here's to a hopefully exciting playoff docket!

Did not remember it happening so recently! Though in the CBO your fortunes can change quickly. Of course, a shrewd GM could also make a few moves to take an easier route to the postseason. Would like to see someone in the Minutemen League make a move this offseason

But until then, go Radscorpions! I really think they can pull off the first round win. I think this series will be determined based on the stars in the lineup, and I'd take theirs over the Swatters. Let's say Radscorpions in 3

[StLee]

BNN Report

News from the CBO, Minors, CCBL, and CYL

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

8 September 2313

CBO Playoffs 2313: Wildcard Round Results

NCA #6 Nahant vs #3 Lexington

Game 1: Nahant 3, Lexington 1

Celtics Get Past Synths, 3-1, to Open WCR

The Nahant Celtics powered past the hometown Lexington Synths, 3-1, in the opener of the Wildcard Round at Super Duper Mart Stadium. Nahant starting pitcher Zack Million threw 6.1 innings of 4-hit ball, to lead the charge. The Celtics now lead the series 1-0.

Nahant needed the clutch hitting of Ajani Peacock to seal the deal. The third baseman swatted a 3-run home run in the top of the eighth inning to put the Celtics on top, 3-1. For the game, Peacock had 1 home run and 1 single in 4 at-bats.

"We made a couple of mistakes," said Lexington skipper Brandon Salinas, "and it cost us."

The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Super Duper Mart Stadium in Lexington.

Game 2: Nahant 4, Lexington 3

Celtics Advance to Association Semifinal Round

The Nahant Celtics looked strong and dominant in a series sweep against the Lexington Synths.

The Wildcard Round victory gives the club a great deal of momentum heading into the Association Semifinal Round.

Nahant won the final game by a 4-3 count and the series 2-0.

Ryan Roberson captured MVP honors on the strength of his 0.00 ERA over 4 innings pitched. He had a 0-0 record.

"As long as we win, that's all that matters" he said of the honor.

The Nahant Celtics will play against the Fort Hagen Silver Shroud in the next round. Fort Hagen had a bye in the Wildcard Round. The Association Semifinal Round schedule will be announced after the Wildcard Round finishes.



NCA #5 Salem vs #4 The Slog

Game 1: Salem 7, The Slog 4

Road Win Lifts Salem to 1-0 Lead in WCR

The Salem Witch Hats powered past the hometown The Slog Ghouls, 7-4, in the opener of the Wildcard Round at Tarberry Field Forever. Salem starting pitcher Paul Stains threw 7.1 innings of 4-hit ball, to lead the charge. The Witch Hats now lead the series 1-0.

Brian DeLong helped his team take an early lead with a 2-run home run. It came in the first inning, making the score 3-0, Witch Hats.

"I like our moxie," said Witch Hats manager David Daly.

The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Tarberry Field Forever in The Slog.

Game 2: The Slog 4, Salem 2

Raucous Tarberry Field Forever Crowd Propels Ghouls to 4-2 Victory; Series Tied at 1

The The Slog Ghouls took down the Salem Witch Hats by the score of 4-2 and moved into a 1-1 tie in the Wildcard Round. The largest share of the credit belongs to The Slog starter Scott Fuhr, who threw 7.0 innings of 3-hit ball.

Kilometers Davis, who finished 2nd in the NCA in doubles with 40 in 2311, chipped in a 2-run home run for The Slog in the bottom of the first. For the game, the first baseman had 2 hits in 4 at-bats with 1 home run, 1 single, 1 run scored, and 3 runs batted in.

"Nice win for us," said Davis. "Now we'll go after the next one."

The next game is set to be played for Sunday, September 7th , 2313 at Vim! Park of Salem in Salem.

Game 3: The Slog 6, Salem 2

The Slog Takes Wildcard Round in Deciding Game

In a series that had a little bit of everything, the The Slog Ghouls have edged the Salem Witch Hats.

The two rival clubs went the distance in the tightly-contested Wildcard Round, with a 6-2 win in the clincher being the difference for The Slog and giving them the ticket to the Association Semifinal Round with a 2-1 series triumph.

"We never stopped believing in ourselves. When push came to shove we were going to get it done," said Gavin Deux-Gas, who was named series MVP.

For the series, Deux-Gas hit .417 with a .462 on-base percentage. He had 0 home runs, drove in 3 RBI and scored 3 runs.

The The Slog Ghouls will play against the County Crossing Bloodbugs in the next round. County Crossing had a bye in the Wildcard Round. The Association Semifinal Round schedule will be announced after the Wildcard Round finishes.



SCA #6 Oberland vs #3 FHE

Game 1: FHE 8, Oberland 1

Wildcard Round Game 1 Victory for Dozen and FHE

The FHE Yao Guai powered past the visiting Oberland T-51s, 8-1, in the opener of the Wildcard Round at BosCom Circle. FHE starting pitcher Baker Dozen threw 7.0 innings of 4-hit ball, to lead the charge. The Yao Guai now lead the series 1-0.

Dozen gave FHE a solid start. The right-hander allowed 1 run on 4 hits over 7 innings.

"Baker just went about his business, throwing strikes," said FHE manager Squirt Becker.

The next game is set to be played tomorrow at BosCom Circle in Fairline Hill Estates.

Game 2: FHE 6, Oberland 0

Yao Guai Move on to Association Semifinal Round
The FHE Yao Guai had all facets of their game going and have swept the Oberland T-51s in the Wildcard Round.

FHE now heads off to the Association Semifinal Round, after wrapping up the series with a 6-0 win.

Cameron Triggs was named MVP, as he put up a .714 batting average, with a .750 on-base percentage. He had 0 home runs, drove in 1 RBI and scored 3 runs.

The FHE Yao Guai will play against the Atom Cats in the next round. Atom had a bye in the Wildcard Round. The Association Semifinal Round schedule will be announced after the Wildcard Round finishes.



SCA #5 Diamond City vs #4 Glowing Sea

Game 1: Glowing Sea 8, Diamond City 6

Roux, Glowing Sea Open WCR Strong with 8-6 Win

The Glowing Sea Radscorpions got past the Diamond City Swatters by the score of 8-6 in the crucial first game of the Wildcard Round at Glowing Sea Dome. Glowing Sea first baseman Casey Roux hit 3 home runs. He drove in 6 runs and scored three times, to lead the charge. With a 1-0 lead, the Radscorpions will have two chances to close out the Swatters.

Roux hit 3 home runs. He drove in 6 runs and scored three times against the Swatters. In the bottom of the first inning, he hit a 3-run home run that put Glowing Sea in front, 3-0.

"We don't have much margin for error now," Swatters manager A-Juan Rodriguez said. "We need to figure out the problem and fix it, immediately."

The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Glowing Sea Dome in Dover.

Game 2: Diamond City 6, Glowing Sea 5

Swatters Clip Radscorpions, 6-5, in WCR Contest

The Diamond City Swatters took down the Glowing Sea Radscorpions by the score of 6-5 and moved into a 1-1 tie in the Wildcard Round. The largest share of the credit belongs to Diamond City starter Macho Lopez, who threw 5.0 innings of 4-hit ball.

Eagle Eye Beckley drove in one run against the Radscorpions. With the game tied in the top of the eighth inning, he hit a sacrifice fly that put Diamond City in front, 6-5.

"The competition leap this year was tough to adjust to and I feel like there has been another jump in the playoffs," said Beckley, a rookie this season. "You're only playing the best now and everyone has time to rest and prepare for you."

The next game is set to be played for Saturday, September 6th , 2313 at The Great Green Jewel in Boston.

Game 3: Diamond City 6, Glowing Sea 5

Swatters Win Wildcard Round

Commonwealth Baseball Organization pundits who figured the Wildcard Round between the Diamond City Swatters and Glowing Sea Radscorpions would go the distance were right on the mark.

The two teams battled back and forth in a spirited series, with Diamond City coming out on top thanks to a 6-5 win in the deciding game at The Great Green Jewel, to wrap things up 2-1.

"You get to the last game and anything can happen, so we're overjoyed to come out on top," said Swatters shortstop Alex Bragman, who was named series MVP.

For the series, Bragman had 5 hits for a .385 average. He had 3 home runs, 6 RBI and scored 4 runs.

The Diamond City Swatters will play against the Vault 81 Dwellers in the next round. Vault 81 had a bye in the Wildcard Round. The Association Semifinal Round schedule will be announced after the Wildcard Round finishes.



CBO Playoff Tree

[StLee]

Originally Posted by ayaghmour2

Did not remember it happening so recently! Though in the CBO your fortunes can change quickly. Of course, a shrewd GM could also make a few moves to take an easier route to the postseason. Would like to see someone in the Minutemen League make a move this offseason

But until then, go Radscorpions! I really think they can pull off the first round win. I think this series will be determined based on the stars in the lineup, and I'd take theirs over the Swatters. Let's say Radscorpions in 3

I can't control everything, but I was quite disappointed that Goodneighbor started basically giving away its young stars, including Missile Crews and Heaven Fontenot. I thought they were close to being good, and then just got rid of every player about to be a star. What are they, the Kansas City Royals? University Point needs to offload a lot of dudes around 35 or suffer the consequences!

As far as the Radscorpions are concerned, I was pulling for them, too, as the ultimate Cinderella story. Oh well, maybe next year. They should be happy with how well they are developing players. I may need to make a deep dive into their front office to see what's up. They most certainly have not benefited from my interference.

[ayaghmour2]

Originally Posted by StLee

I can't control everything, but I was quite disappointed that Goodneighbor started basically giving away its young stars, including Missile Crews and Heaven Fontenot. I thought they were close to being good, and then just got rid of every player about to be a star. What are they, the Kansas City Royals? University Point needs to offload a lot of dudes around 35 or suffer the consequences!

As far as the Radscorpions are concerned, I was pulling for them, too, as the ultimate Cinderella story. Oh well, maybe next year. They should be happy with how well they are developing players. I may need to make a deep dive into their front office to see what's up. They most certainly have not benefited from my interference.

Ah yeah too bad! But really just making the playoffs was a huge accomplishment. They got two of the best young players in the game and I'm excited to see Montgomery and Arakaki and I'm sure they have some other good prospects waiting after being bad for so long

It is funny though when OOTP teams do that. Some of those AI GMs just love to wheel and deal

[StLee]

Originally Posted by ayaghmour2

Ah yeah too bad! But really just making the playoffs was a huge accomplishment. They got two of the best young players in the game and I'm excited to see Montgomery and Arakaki and I'm sure they have some other good prospects waiting after being bad for so long

It is funny though when OOTP teams do that. Some of those AI GMs just love to wheel and deal

Glowing Sea has done what all four franchises have done: moved up their prospects immediately. As a new team, they did not have a lot of talent up and down the board. Therefore, many of their high picks are already on the team or got moved.

What the Radscorpions do have are a bunch of talented outfielders, so making some offseason moves should help them in other spots. Montgomery and Arakaki are already in star status. They also have four LFs expected to develop into the "good range": Jannar Arbor (39/67) who was the 2312 #1 overall pick, Alloy Jordan (52/61), Pie Trainer (42/58), and Shad the Lad Lambisky (49/57). They also have a developing CF in the minors in Natick Inhousing (44/51).

While I whittle away at my new league during the CBO offseason, I will also make it a point to look at teams and see what moves make sense for them. Glowing Sea moving some of those OFs to tighten up their pitching depth could mean a lot to their continued success. It is highly unlikely Ryan Dennislynch ever matches his 18-3 season.

[StLee]

BNN Report

News from the CBO, Minors, CCBL, and CYL

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

8 September 2313

CBO Playoffs 2313

SCA Semifinal Round: #3 FHE Yao Guai (78-52) vs #2 Atom Cats (79-51)

Season Series: FHE 2, Atom 2

June 17-18 @FHE: FHE 5-4, Atom 6-5
August 13-14 @Atom: Atom 8-2, FHE 11-5



Analysis

From 2301-2305, the Atom Cats were players in the CBO playoffs, including 2301 when they advanced to the Sole Survivor Series as the #3 seed before falling to Nordhagen Beach. Still, in all those seasons, the Cats were unable to win the Minutemen League. Until this year. Atom has won its first Minutemen League crown and now enters the playoffs as the highest seed (2) that it has ever been.

The Cats' reward is to play against one of the CBO's top teams in FHE. During the season, the two teams split the series, 2-2. There was little knowledge to gain and use in that four-game series, but seeing how the teams matched up could reveal this to be the CBO's best Semifinal Round series. This season also marks only the second time that FHE and Atom are in the playoffs at the same time with the first being 2303. This will be their first playoff meeting.

Atom has not hit the cover off the ball in 2313, though their offense was decent. The Cats finished 6th in runs scored (686) with their best categories being OPS (.806) and wOBA (.349), both 3rd in the SCA. 3B Shane Stabb (.345/17/71) had a great year with the help from three other .300 hitters in RF Candy Kline (.339/13/53/17 SB), LF Gremlin T. Squearfish (.320/14/69), and SS Patrick Funday-Monday (.345/3/12). 2B Lee Mayhew (.277/22/65) led the team in homers.

On the mound, the Cats were much better, finishing 2nd in runs allowed (568), including holding the top Starters ERA (3.80). Starters Doug Creep (21-8, 3.07) and Josh Brown (9-9, 3.05) held opposing hitters down. Creep's 21 wins led the CBO and fell just one short of tying the CBO record of 22 wins. The bullpen was not bad either, with CL Lacky Luster (26 SV, 1.80) being in serious discussion for the Fallon's Reliever Award.



Prediction

We already mentioned that we feel these two teams are evenly matched, so we are predicting this one to go the distance of five games. We feel that Atom slightly overperformed this season and is at best the third-best SCA team, so we think this series will go to the Yao Guai. FHE 3, Atom 2

SCA Semifinal Round: #5 Diamond City Swatters (66-64) vs #1 Vault 81 Dwellers (89-41)

Season Series: Vault 81 6, Diamond City 4

May 16-18 @DC: DC 6-5, V81 4-2, V81 5-4
June 30-July 1 @V81: DC 5-4 (10), V81 18-4
August 22-24 @V81: V81 7-2, V81 6-1, V81 12-6
August 28-29 @DC: DC 8-5, DC 8-4



Analysis

The first and only time the Diamond City Swatters and Vault 81 Dwellers met in the playoffs, it came in the 2300 season when the #3 Swatters were trying to defend their championship over the #1 Dwellers. In the end, Diamond City took the series, 4-3, and went on to defeat Fort Hagen for the second-straight time in the Sole Survivor Series.

This season, that matchup should look much different with the Dwellers sporting the CBO's top record, 23 games better than Diamond City. In the season series, Vault 81 had the slight edge, but we are expecting something different as the Dwellers are looking to defend their SCA crown.

Vault 81 is certainly statistically the team to beat. On offense, the Dwellers were tops in every statistic but stolen bases (8th at 92). They led in runs (817) and home runs (213). Those 817 runs scored beats University Point's 2310 team record of 789. No player in the eight-man lineup hit fewer than 17 home runs, showing that the entire lineup is stacked against opposing pitchers. The top three were CF Stu Gains (.262/26/87), 3B Harry Byrd (.327/24/96), and 2B Chris Connexx (.289/23/65). 1B Jonesie Kanz (.331/17/67) was the top hitter on the team for batting average, though he had too few at bats to qualify as the team leader.

On the mound, the Dwellers were also 1st in runs allowed (563), including 2nd in Starters ERA (4.01). The three playoff starters all have ERAs below 4.00: Exxie Summerset (18-6, 3.61), Scruffy Taguchi (17-8, 3.95), and Ryan Downing (11-4, 3.89). In the bullpen, there are two players with at least 10 saves: A.K. Koblinsky (23 SV, 3.46) and Dynamite Delaney (10 SV, 3.73).



Prediction

This will not be close. Vault 81 is great. Diamond City is riding a late-season surge and a first-time playoff team matchup to get this far. The radbuck stops here. Vault 81 3, Diamond City 0

[StLee]

BNN Report

News from the CBO, Minors, CCBL, and CYL

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

9 September 2313

CBO Playoffs 2313

NCA Semifinal Round: #6 Nahant Celtics (68-62) vs #2 Fort Hagen Silver Shroud (81-49)

Season Series: Fort Hagen 4, Nahant 0

April 7-8 @DFtH: FtH 7-5, Nah 6-3
July 24-25 @Nah: FtH 5-1, FtH 7-0



Analysis

The Nahant Celtics and Fort Hagen Silver Shroud do not have a history of meeting each other in the playoffs. When the Silver Shroud were in the playoffs from 2298-2304, Nahant (then known as Finch Farm) only appeared once, 2302. That season, the Four Leafs were able to reach the NCA Semifinals, but they had to face off with Nordhagen Beach, in which they failed to advance. The Pary Boys and Shroud then met in the NCACS with the Boys moving on to the Sole Survivor Series. In 2311, they were both in the playoffs again, but again they both made the Semiifinals Round without meeting each other. Neither team advanced that season.

So here we are. The first meeting between the Celtics and Shroud will commence in a battle to make it to the NCACS. Fort Hagen, of course, is the CBO's defending champions and should have most of the advantages against a Nahant team that should mostly be happy that it was able to outlast Bunker Hill and Nordhagen Beach to get here.

In the regular season, it was all Shroud, winning all four of the games. Part of the reason was the Silver Shroud's dominance in the NCA. On offense, Fort Hagen was 2nd in runs scored (710) , including having the top OBP (.357). RF Orcin Cardinal (.303/31/107) was the star with a lot of help from C Sleve McDichael (.303/22/90), 2B Nauseous Revere (.348/18/77), and SS Brennan Colt-45 (.288/17/72). Danny Faraday (.273/14/62/46 SB) led the team in steals.

On the mound, the Silver Shroud were tops in runs allowed (531) and Starters ERA (3.50). Ace SP Sarthis Idren (18-6, 2.93) was quite dominant in this era of heavy hitters. Trade acquisition Clubhouse Treelover (9-9 4.17 overall; 4-1, 2.93 with Fort Hagen) assumes the second slot with Nien Nunb (6-3, 11 SV, 2.63) expected to be the third starter. That means the Shroud sent La'Ray Kalel (8-4, 4.09) and Josh Woods (5-9, 5.37) to the bullpen. Fort Hagen started eight different pitchers during the season, so they know they can outlast most teams in their bullpen depth.



Prediction

We kind of expect the Semifinals Round to be a no-contest in the NCA. Fort Hagen is good. Nahant would have to play way over their heads to win this series in what would be one of the major upsets of CBO playoff history. We don't see that happening. Fort Hagen 3, Nahant 0

NCA Semifinal Round: #4 The Slog Ghouls (73-57) vs #1 County Crossing Bloodbugs (81-49)

Season Series: County Crossing 6, The Slog 4

April 15-17 @CC: Slog 9-7, CC 8-2, CC 4-3
May 24-25 @Slog: CC 4-3, CC 6-4
June 21-23 @Slog: Slog 4-2. Slog 5-4 (11), Slog 4-3 (10)
August 4-5 @CC: CC 3-1, CC 6-1



Analysis

While the season series was in favor of County Crossing, the series was an interesting one with three different sweeps. The Bloodbugs won the first three-game series, got a sweep, got swept by The Ghouls, and then swept The Slog again. It seems a streaky success story that could make this a quick series.

In the playoff history of both teams, it is important to look at The Slog first. Making their fifth trip to the playoffs, the Ghouls appeared before in 2299, 2300, 2310, and last season. The Bugs are making their 11th appearance with misses since 2301 just coming in 2308 and 2311. That means these two teams were ever in the playoffs together in 2310 and 2312. In 2310, they met in the Wildcard Round with the #5 Bugs knocking off the #4 Ghouls, 2 games to 1. Last season, they were both in the playoffs again, but did not meet, both falling in the Semifinals Round.

County Crossing has one of the most dominant offensive stars, but that will change with RF Babs Rooth (.351/32/103) suffering a late-season injury to knock him out of the playoffs. The Bugs are also minus 1B Zeldolph Violet (.257/11/28). The team 5th in runs scored (670), thus, will have to find offense elsewhere. Two guys that have stepped up have been SS Cy Thompson (.273/27/71) and 1B Plain Morris (.282/23/69). Morris moved from 3B to 1B once Violet went down.

County Crossing was much better on the mound, finishing 2nd in runs allowed (558) and Starters ERA (3.65). The three starters are good: College Luckyman (15-7, 4.13), Gavin Eviritts (12-9, 3.00), and Shaak Ti (17-4, 3.32). Whip Lashley (13-9, 4.24) moves to the bullpen to join CL Wick Prater (33 SV, 3.38) and Jesse Bibeault (4-5, 3.25), two of the best relievers in the league.



Prediction

We have no doubt that The Slog could win this series, especially with Rooth out. However, we think the Bugs have just a little bit more as far as talent is concerned. County Crossing 3, The Slog 1

[StLee]

Vim! View

Veracious, Vivacious, Vainglorious Vision of the Vim! Leagues

by Vikky Vail

10 September 2313

Eden Meadows Tames Wild in First SPA Series

The Eden Meadows Anglers finished the year on a high note by winning the Season Pass Association crown.

The Anglers claimed the trophy with a 10-6 victory over the Wild Gatorclaws to take the series 4-2.

The winning manager told reporters after the game, "I think the key to success in the playoffs is to get hot at the right time."

Eden Meadows previously won its 1st league title to qualify for the overall crown.

During the Vim! League Fog Division regular season, the Anglers posted a record of 54-36 and wound up first in the standings.



Series Scores

Game 1: Wild 1 at Eden Meadows 3
Game 2: Wild 5 at Eden Meadows 7
Game 3: Eden Meadows 3 at Wild 11
Game 4: Eden Meadows 0 at Wild 3
Game 5: Eden Meadows 9 at Wild 4
Game 6: Wild 6 at Eden Meadows 10

Eden Meadows Team

[StLee]

BNN Report

News from the CBO, Minors, CCBL, and CYL

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

CBO Semifinals Round Results

NCA Semifinal: #4 The Slog Ghouls vs #1 County Crossing Bloodbugs

Game 1: The Slog 10, County Crossing 6

Ghouls Top Bloodbugs, 10-6, to Begin ASF

The The Slog Ghouls faced a tough opponent in County Crossing Bloodbugs shortstop Cy Thompson, but did just enough to pull out a win in Game 1 of the Association Semifinal Round, which they now lead 1-0. The Ghouls won, 10-6, at Beantown Brewery Stadium, despite the efforts of Thompson, who was 4-4 with a home run, a double, 2 singles, and a walk. He scored 3 runs and drove in 3.

The Slog took control in the top of the sixth. With two out and the bases loaded, Cypher Raige hit a 2-run single to make it 7-5, Ghouls.

"It's nice to deliver when your team's counting on you," said Raige.

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

Game 2: County Crossing 3, The Slog 1

County Crossing Win Evens Series at 1
Leave it to the veteran.

The County Crossing Bloodbugs got a great start from 38-year-old right-hander Gavin Eviritts, as County Crossing won the contest, 3-1, at Beantown Brewery Stadium. Eviritts threw 7.0 innings allowing 1 run in the win, which knotted the best-of-5 series at 1-1.

With scoring opportunities rare, the Bloodbugs had to cash in when they had the chance. One such opportunity presented itself in the bottom of the third, when shortstop Cy Thompson hit a 2-run single. The single came off Flirt Perez and made the score 2-0, Bloodbugs. Thompson was 1-4. He drove in 2 runs.

"We're happy," Thompson told reporters after the win. "When you're in the playoffs, you've got to treat every game like it could be your last."

Game 3 is scheduled for Friday at Tarberry Field Forever in The Slog.

Game 3: The Slog 5, County Crossing 2

Bloodbugs Hammered by Washington, Drop Game 3 to Ghouls
The The Slog Ghouls moved to within one game of the Association Championship Series, downing the visiting County Crossing Bloodbugs at Tarberry Field Forever by a score of 5-2. Ghouls left fielder President Washington did some major damage. He went 3-3 with a home run, 2 singles, and a walk. He drove in 3 runs and scored once. The win gives the Ghouls a 2-1 advantage in the best-of-5 Association Semifinal Round.

Washington had an important at-bat with a runner on 2nd in the bottom of the seventh, when he hit a 2-run home run. The Ghouls went on to win.

"At the end of the day, it's always about your starting pitcher," said The Slog skipper Nate Pugh.

The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Tarberry Field Forever in The Slog.

Game 4: The Slog 6, County Crossing 1

Ghouls Advance to Association Championship Series

The Association Semifinal Round didn't live up to the billing from those who thought it would be an all-out battle to the last game.

But the The Slog Ghouls are no doubt pleased by the results, as they have knocked out the County Crossing Bloodbugs 3-1 to advance to the Association Championship Series.

"It doesn't matter how you win it, as long as you win it and get yourself moving forward," said Ghouls left fielder President Washington. "I know a lot of people thought this was going to be a really tight series the whole way through, but we're glad it didn't go right down to the wire."

The Slog won the final game by a score of 6-1 at Tarberry Field Forever.

Washington was named series MVP after hitting .412 with a .474 on-base percentage. He also had 3 home runs, drove in 6 RBI and scored 4 runs.

The Slog Ghouls will play against the Nahant Celtics-Fort Hagen Silver Shroud winner in the next round. The Association Championship Series schedule will be announced after the Association Semifinal Round finishes.

Analysis

We thought the County Crossing offense may have some problems scoring, but we did not expect Babs Rooth's absence to be this significant. The Bugs scored 6 in the first game but then combined for 6 in the next three, including their only win, in dropping the series to their league rivals.

For the Ghouls, they may just have something cooking this season, reaching the NCA Championship Series for the first time ever. It is worth noting that The Slog won the first Sole Survivor Series when the league operated as four separate leagues before the playoffs. This season, The Slog was goods but maybe not better than the Bugs good. This series changed that, and now the Ghouls get to play for a chance to represent the NCA in the Sole Survivor Series.



NCA Semifinal: #6 Nahant Celtics vs #2 Fort Hagen Silver Shroud

Game 1: Nahant 7, Fort Hagen 2

Road Win Lifts Nahant to 1-0 Lead in ASF

The Nahant Celtics started the Association Semifinal Round in style, winning on the road against the Fort Hagen Silver Shroud at Hubris Comics Park by a score of 7-2 to take an early 1-0 lead in the best-of-5 series. Celtics catcher Ayag Mour excelled. He was 3 for 4 with 3 singles and a walk.

The game was all tied up in the top of the eighth, until Mour delivered big-time for Nahant, stroking a dramatic run-scoring single off Max Grove. The game-changing hit put the Celtics on top, 3-2.

"I thought we played a nice game," Mour told the Nahant Daily News. "Good pitching, timely hitting, it was all there."

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

Game 2: Fort Hagen 5, Nahant 2

Raucous Hubris Comics Park Crowd Propels Silver Shroud to 5-2 Victory; Series Tied at 1

The Fort Hagen Silver Shroud took down the Nahant Celtics by the score of 5-2 and moved into a 1-1 tie in the Association Semifinal Round. The largest share of the credit belongs to Fort Hagen starter Clubhouse Treelover, who threw 6.0 innings of 4-hit ball.

With two out in the bottom of the sixth, Hid Matsumoto barreled up a fastball from Matt Bowman. The result was a 2-run home run, putting the Silver Shroud in front, 5-2.

Fort Hagen manager Darnell Bright called it "a good, solid win."

Game 3 is scheduled for Friday at The Wharf at Nahant in Nahant.

Game 3: Nahant 6, Fort Hagen 5, 11 inn.

Silver Shroud Hammered by Peacock, Drop Game 3 to Celtics

The Nahant Celtics needed some late heroics to do it, but ultimately emerged one game away from the Association Championship Series. The Celtics needed 11 innings before taking the 6-5 win against the Fort Hagen Silver Shroud in a walk-off at The Wharf at Nahant. Nahant third baseman Ajani Peacock was 3-6 with a home run and 2 singles, while adding 2 RBI and scoring once. The win gives the Celtics a 2-1 advantage in the best-of-5 Association Semifinal Round.

The game was still up for grabs in the bottom of the 11th. With no one out, Peacock hit a fastball from La'Ray Kalel for a solo home run. The Celtics, in dramatic fashion, had a walk-off win.

"Winning is always a team effort," Peacock said after the game.

The next game is set to be played tomorrow at The Wharf at Nahant in Nahant.

Game 4: Nahant 7, Fort Hagen 0

Celtics Win Association Semifinal Round

By a score of 7-0, the Nahant Celtics have sealed a victory in the Association Semifinal Round over the Fort Hagen Silver Shroud.

"We knew we would be in for a tough series and that's what we got," said left fielder Thrifty Iraheta of the Celtics, who was named the series MVP. "The Silver Shroud knew how to battle and gave us a good test."

The next test for Nahant will come in the Association Championship Series, after winning this series 3-1.

The Nahant Celtics will play the winner of the County Crossing Bloodbugs - The Slog Ghouls series. The Association Championship Series schedule will be announced after the Association Semifinal Round finishes.

Analysis

And there it is: a major upset in the playoffs. The defending champions are defending no more as Fort Hagen could not get it going in their matchup with the Celtics. Nahant had all the answers, and now they will get a chance to be the first 6th seed to reach the Sole Survivor Series. In 2310, Starlight made it to the NCA Championship Series as the 6th seed, but succumbed to #1 Nordhagen Beach.

The Shroud have to be particularly disappointed since they checked all the repeat boxes throughout the season. The regular season was then, the playoffs are now. That means that Fort Hagen has to start figuring out what changes they want to make to be right back here in 2314. For now, the Celtics have maximized their luck.



SCA Semifinal: #5 Diamond City Swatters vs #1 Vault 81 Dwellers

Game 1: Vault 81 4, Diamond City 2

Association Semifinal Round Game 1 Victory for Summerset and Vault 81

The Vault 81 Dwellers started the Association Semifinal Round in style, downing the visiting Diamond City Swatters at CURIE Inc. Field by a score of 4-2 to stake an early 1-0 lead in the best-of-5 series. Dwellers right-hander Exxie Summerset threw 7.0 innings of shutout ball.

The Swatters had trouble solving Summerset, who surrendered no runs on 3 hits over 7 innings.

Said losing manager A-Juan Rodriguez: "Not taking anything away from them, but we swung the bats better than what it showed."

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

Game 2: Vault 81 2, Diamond City 0

Vault 81 Pins 2-0 Loss on Diamond City

The Vault 81 Dwellers got a strong performance from pitcher Scruffy Taguchi, who stymied the Diamond City offense en route to a 2-0 win in Game 2 of the Association Semifinal Round. The Swatters could never get a bead on the right-handed Taguchi, who threw 6.1 innings of shutout ball. The Dwellers now hold a 2-0 advantage in the best-of-5 series.

Taguchi tossed 97 pitches over 6.1 innings to clinch the win for the Dwellers. The right-hander allowed just 4 hits, while racking up 10 strikeouts in the game.

"Throwing strikes was the main thing," Taguchi said.

Game 3 is scheduled for Thursday at The Great Green Jewel in Boston.

Game 3: Diamond City 5, Vault 81 2

Graymane Blasts Dwellers, Swatters Take Game 3, 5-2

The Diamond City Swatters have closed some of the gap between themselves and the series-leading Vault 81 Dwellers, winning, 5-2, at The Great Green Jewel. Swatters center fielder Vignar Graymane went 2 for 4 with 2 home runs, while adding 4 RBI and scoring twice. The win cuts the deficit facing the Swatters to 2-1 in the best-of-5 Association Semifinal Round.

With the game tied, 1-1, in the bottom of the sixth, Graymane had a key at-bat for Diamond City. With runners on 2nd and 3rd, Graymane hit a 3-run home run off Ryan Downing, making the score 4-1, Swatters.

"Things broke our way today and that's great," Swatters manager A-Juan Rodriguez said. "It's important, though, to stay focused and not pat yourself on the back too much. We aren't done yet."

The next game is set to be played tomorrow at The Great Green Jewel in Boston.

Game 4: Vault 81 10, Diamond City 2

Dwellers Move on to Association Championship Series

The Vault 81 Dwellers are bound for the Association Championship Series.

A 10-2 win over the Diamond City Swatters at The Great Green Jewel ended the Association Semifinal Round, 3-1.

"We're not trying to get ahead of ourselves, but it's hard not to get pumped up and excited and think about how this season could end," said End Yamada. "This could be the biggest celebration Vault 81 has ever seen if we can win the Sole Survivor Series."

The state of the Commonwealth Baseball Organization championship remains in doubt, but the Dwellers certainly appear to be strong contenders.

Yamada was named MVP of the Association Semifinal Round after he posted a .533 batting average, while adding 0 home runs, driving in 2 RBI and scoring 3 runs.

The Vault 81 Dwellers will play the winner of the FHE Yao Guai - Atom Cats series. The Association Championship Series schedule will be announced after the Association Semifinal Round finishes.

Analysis

As expected, Vault 81 was just too much for the Swatters. The Dwellers have been the CBO's best team, and they are just too tough to beat on a daily basis. The team would have to go collectively cold (kind of like the Bugs and Shroud did in the NCA) to lose a series. Diamond City has to be proud of making it this far, and we would be interested to see if they build a foundation to become regular competitors for a championship.



SCA Semifinal: #3 FHE Yao Guai vs #2 Atom Cats

Game 1: Atom 2, FHE 0

Road Win Lifts FHE to 1-0 Lead in ASF

Baker Dozen and the FHE Yao Guai opened the Association Semifinal Round in brilliant fashion, traveling to Atom and shutting out the host Cats at Coolest Field in Town, 2-0, to secure an important 1-0 lead in the best-of-5 series. Dozen, the Yao Guai right-hander, threw 8.2 innings of shutout ball.

Dozen was in the zone all game. He frustrated Atom hitters while giving the Yao Guai 8.2 innings of quality work. Dozen threw 98 pitches, allowing 4 hits and getting 3 punchouts.

Dozen told a FHE Herald reporter that he was "gratified" with the win.

Both Yao Guai runs came in the top of the 9th off solo home runs. Duncan MacCready led off the 9th with an 0-2 blast off Atom's Junkyard Gourd. With one out, Cyclone Bolt went deep on the first pitch he saw from Gourd.

The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Coolest Field in Town in Atom Cats Garage.

Game 2: FHE 6, Atom 3

Blitzed by Jobear, Yao Guai, Cats Sink Further in ASF

Riding the 2-hit performance of left fielder Makin Jobear, the FHE Yao Guai got a road win against the Atom Cats, 6-3, in Game 2 of the Association Semifinal Round. Jobear went 2 for 4 with a home run and a walk, while adding 3 RBI and scoring once for the Yao Guai, who now lead the best-of-5 series, 2 games to 0.

Had Jobear not come through in the top of the eighth, who knows how the game would've ended? But with two down, Jobear hit a run-scoring single. The Yao Guai took the lead, 4-3, and never looked back.

"We have been clicking right from the start of this series, so our mission statement at the moment is just don't tinker with anything," FHE manager Squirt Becker told reporters.

The next game is set to be played for Thursday, September 11th , 2313 at BosCom Circle in Fairline Hill Estates.

Game 3: Atom 3, FHE 2

Atom Breaks Through for First Win in Association Semifinal Round; Now Trails 2-1

The Atom Cats have closed some of the gap between themselves and the series-leading FHE Yao Guai, winning, 3-2, at BosCom Circle. Cats right-hander Mesquite Williams threw 7.0 innings of 4-hit ball. The win cuts the deficit facing the Cats to 2-1 in the best-of-5 Association Semifinal Round.

Nu York, who finished 4th in the SCA in batting average with .330 last year, had a direct impact on the outcome. York contributed a run-scoring single in the top of the fifth inning to put Atom up, 3-1.

After the game, Atom manager Josh Mustang applauded the team's effort. "They busted their humps out there," he said.

The next game is set to be played tomorrow at BosCom Circle in Fairline Hill Estates.

Game 4: Atom 10, FHE 8

Dockery Blasts Yao Guai, Cats Take Game 4, 10-8

The Atom Cats and the FHE Yao Guai will take the Association Semifinal Round to a decisive 5th game. In a must-win situation, the Cats beat the Yao Guai, 10-8, at BosCom Circle to force the series into what will essentially be a one-game playoff. Atom center fielder Hickory Dockery was 3 for 5 with a home run and a double. He scored 2 runs and drove in 3.

Joe Brocflower had a key at-bat with one out in the top of the eighth for Atom. With the bases loaded and the Cats leading 9-8, he hit a sacrifice fly.

"It feels a lot better to be tied than to be behind, even if it is only one game," Atom manager Josh Mustang said.

The next game is set to be played for Sunday, September 14th , 2313 at Coolest Field in Town in Atom Cats Garage.

Game 5: Atom 3, FHE 0

Atom Takes Association Semifinal Round in Deciding Game
Coolest Field in Town played host to the climax of an exciting Association Semifinal Round tonight.

The Atom Cats and FHE Yao Guai battled hard throughout the whole series, for the chance to move on to the Association Championship Series.

In the end, Atom won the final game by a score of 3-0 and took the series 3-2.

"I think fans got their money's worth in this series. It was just great baseball all the way around," said Cats starting pitcher Doug Creep, who earned the nod as series MVP. "Atom fans especially, I'm sure they're all worked up right now."

For the series, Creep had a 0.00 ERA over 15.2 innings pitched. He added 19 strikeouts with a 1-0 record.

The Atom Cats will play against the Vault 81 Dwellers-Diamond City Swatters winner in the next round. The Association Championship Series schedule will be announced after the Association Semifinal Round finishes.

Analysis

Until Atom won Game 5 at home, no home team had a win in this series. FHE seemed to be on its way to cruising into the SCA Championship Series for the first time in franchise history. Instead, they hit a wall and have to watch the last four teams.

For the Cats, they are looking to make their second-ever Sole Survivor Series. Atom has been among the quietly good teams all season, and we look forward to seeing what the SCA Championship Series brings us.

One other note based on the other series: now that the final four teams are The Slog, Nahant, Vault 81, and Atom, we are guaranteed a first-time champion in the full CBO. We are sure, though, that The Slog would protest that designation since they won the first Sole Survivor Series. Interestingly, that final was against Finch Farm, now Nahant.



CBO Playoff Tree

[StLee]

BNN Report

News from the CBO, Minors, CCBL, and CYL

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

16 September 2313

CBO Playoffs 2313

NCA Championship Series: #6 Nahant Celtics (68-62) vs #4 The Slog Ghouls (73-57)

Season Series: The Slog 5, Nahant 5

May 13-15 @Slog: Nah 3-1, Slog 5-4, Slog 3-2
June 28-29 @Slog: Nah 4-0, Slog 6-5
July 18-20 @Nah: Nah 8-7 (10), Slog 4-2, Nah 6-5
August 9-10 @Nah: Nah 7-4, Slog 11-1



Analysis

During the regular season, Nahant and The Slog split their series with seven of the 10 matchups being decided by one or two runs. The only true blowout was the last matchup of the season, an 11-1 Ghouls victory at Nahant to end the final tally at 5-5. We think this indicates a good sign that the teams match up well and should allow for an entertaining NCACS.

Nahant playoff appearances (2): 2302, 2311
The Slog playoff appearance (4): 2299, 2300, 2310, 2312

Since the CBO stated that they have renamed the first two championships to the CBO Leagues Title Series, extracting the first two seasons from the records, the Ghouls and Celtics have never officially met in the playoffs. They did meet in the 2296 CBO Leagues Title Series where #7 The Slog defeated the #3 Finch Far Four Leafs, 4 games to 1. Otherwise, under the CBO umbrella, neither team has been in the playoffs in the same season until this one.

For the Celtics, this marks their third-ever trip to the playoffs and first trip to the NCACS. They are also attempting to be the first #6 team to make their way to the Sole Survivor Series. In 2310, #4 Oberland was the lowest seed to ever make it. The Slog is making its fifth appearance and also first trip to the NCACS, so neither team has the advantage when it comes to experience here. Last season, the Ghouls reached the semifinals before succumbing to eventual champion, Fort Hagen. Nahant won the BL two seasons ago and was the #2 seed, but fell in the semifinals to eventual CBO runners-up, Nordhagen Beach.

Looking at the matchups, Nahant's best advantage is in the middle of their lineup, especially with Diamond Ball, Bulleye Shooterson, and Ayag Mour. The Slog seems to have most of the other advantages, both in the lineup and the Starter vs Starter pitching matchups. The Ghouls will start ace Flirt Perez in Game 1, while the Celtics will start second-starter Matt Bowman.



Prediction

We expect this series to be the best matchup series of the 2313 playoffs and thus pick it to go seven games. Based on each team's home record versus each other and the results of the last game of the regular season series, we think that slightly favors the Ghouls to take Game 7. The Slog 4, Nahant 3

SCA Championship Series: #2 Atom Cats (79-51) vs #1 Vault 81 Dwellers (89-41)

Season Series: Vault 81 3, Atom 1

June 19-20 @V81: V81 7-2, V81 5-1
August 11-12 @Atom 4-3, V81 4-1



Analysis

During the regular season, this series went about how it was expected to go with the CBO's top team, Vault 81, handling its business against Atom, part of the reason the Dwellers finished 10 games better than the SCA's #2 seed. Vault 81 ended up having a .500 or better record against every SCA opponent; their only losing records came against Easy Town (1-2) and Salem (1-2). The Cats only had losing records against Vault 81 and Goodneighbor (4-6).

Atom playoff appearances (5): 2301-2305
Vault 81 playoff appearances (8): 2299-2301, 2306, 2308, 2310-2312

In the playoffs, there was only one season where both teams appeared at the same time: 2301. That season, the #4 Dwellers won their Play-in Series but lost to #1 University Point in the Semifinals Round. Atom as the #3 seed went on to beat the Deathclaws in the SCACS, making their only appearance in the Sole Survivor Series where they dropped the series to the Boys, 4-1. Vault 81's best season was last season when they reached the Sole Survivor Series before the Silver Shroud swept them.

Looking at the matchups, this series heavily favors Vault 81. While we hope that it can turn out to be an exciting series, the Dwellers are more loaded with talent, as well as benefiting from an earlier series win in the Semifinal Round to allow their team to be slightly more rested. That means the Cats are without ace Doug Creep for Games 1 and 2, meaning his maximum number of appearances will be two in the series. Vault 81 will begin with their second starter Scruffy Taguchi and could potentially start ace Exxie Summerset in Game 2. We would assume that happens if they drop Game 1.

As far as offense is concerned, we detailed already in the Semifinals Round preview that this Vault 81 team has a record-setting offense. It will be tough for the Cats to hold them down, and even tougher to match runs for runs. Atom just does not have the same firepower.



Prediction

We like the seven-game series to go seven games. After all, we are fans of baseball and want to see more of it. Unfortunately, we do not see this one going seven and hope that we can have moe than four. To give balance that the Cats will win 1.5 games, we will just round that up. Vault 81 4, Atom 2.

[ayaghmour2]

Surprised only one series went the distance. Even more surprise the Shroud didn't show up. An interesting selection for the Championships. I think Vault 81 takes it now

[StLee]

Originally Posted by ayaghmour2

Surprised only one series went the distance. Even more surprise the Shroud didn't show up. An interesting selection for the Championships. I think Vault 81 takes it now

As they should.

[StLee]

BNN Report

News from the CBO, Minors, CCBL, and CYL

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

25 September 2313

CBO Playoffs 2313 - Association Championship Series Results

NCA Championship Series: #6 Nahant Celtics vs #4 The Slog Ghouls

Game 1: Nahant 11, The Slog 8

Quarles Blasts Ghouls, Celtics Take Game 1, 11-8

With center fielder Grandson Quarles leading the charge, the Nahant Celtics got a road win over the The Slog Ghouls, 11-8, in Game 1 of the Association Championship Series. Quarles went 3 for 6 with a home run and 2 singles, while scoring 2 runs and driving in 5 at Tarberry Field Forever to help Nahant take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-7 series.

Pelham, New Hampshire native Grandson Quarles had a clutch at-bat in the top of the sixth for the Celtics. With Nahant trailing 6-5, he hit a grand slam home run.

"It's nice to come out on top today," said Quarles.

The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Tarberry Field Forever in The Slog.

Game 2: The Slog 9, Nahant 1

Raucous Tarberry Field Forever Crowd Propels Ghouls to 9-1 Victory; Series Tied at 1

Scott Fuhr went the distance at Tarberry Field Forever to drag the The Slog Ghouls back to parity with the Nahant Celtics. The left-handed Fuhr needed 103 pitches to get through the complete game effort, which the Ghouls won, 9-1. The clubs are now tied 1-1 in the best-of-7 series.

Fuhr threw well for The Slog, thwarting the Nahant offense. The left-hander tossed 103 pitches over 9 innings. He allowed just 1 run on 4 hits.

"We had a good game plan," Fuhr said, "and we were able to execute it."

The next game is set to be played for Friday, September 19th , 2313 at The Wharf at Nahant in Nahant.

Game 3: Nahant 10, The Slog 5

Ghouls Hammered by Iraheta, Drop Game 3 to Celtics

Riding the 3-hit performance of left fielder Thrifty Iraheta, the Nahant Celtics stopped the visiting The Slog Ghouls, 10-5, in Game 3 of the Association Championship Series. Iraheta went 3 for 4 with a home run, a double, and a walk. He scored 3 runs for the Celtics, who now lead the best-of-7 series, 2 games to 1.

Ayag Mour, the Nahant catcher, contributed a bases-clearing double in the bottom of the sixth inning to make the score 10-4, Celtics. For the game, Mour went 3 for 5 with 2 doubles, while adding 5 RBI.

"It's on me," said Ghouls manager Nate Pugh. "The guys I sent out there today were the wrong ones for the situation. I'll be sure to send the right ones out next time."

The next game is set to be played tomorrow at The Wharf at Nahant in Nahant.

Game 4: The Slog 5, Nahant 2

The Slog Win Evens Series at 2

The Slog Ghouls took down the Nahant Celtics by the score of 5-2 and moved into a 2-2 tie in the Association Championship Series. The largest share of the credit belongs to The Slog starter Flirt Perez, who threw 6.1 innings of 3-hit ball.

The Slog used a timely hit from Michael Hoopring to get the win. The pinch hitter stroked a 2-run double in the top of the ninth inning to put the Ghouls ahead, 4-2. It was his only hit in 1 at-bat, but it made an impact.

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

The next game is set to be played tomorrow at The Wharf at Nahant in Nahant.

Game 5: Nahant 3, The Slog 2

Critical Game 5 Goes to Host Celtics, 3-2

Game 5 was big. So was Zack Million.

In leading Nahant to a crucial 3-2 victory over the The Slog Ghouls at The Wharf at Nahant, the Nahant starter rose to the occasion, tossing 6 good innings. Million threw 6.0 innings of 3-hit ball as the Celtics defended their home field to seize a 3-2 lead in the best-of-7 Association Championship Series.

Nahant took control in the bottom of the sixth. With one out and the bases empty, Diamond Ball hit a solo home run to make it 3-2, Celtics.

"It doesn't matter if you're 10 games over .500 or 10 games under, it feels good to win," Ball told the Nahant Daily News.

Game 6 is scheduled for Tuesday at Tarberry Field Forever in The Slog.

Game 6: The Slog 12, Nahant 3

RF Raige, Ghouls Destroy Celtics, 12-3, to Force Game 7

The The Slog Ghouls and the Nahant Celtics will take the Association Championship Series to a decisive 7th game. In a must-win situation, the Ghouls beat the Celtics, 12-3, at Tarberry Field Forever to force the series into what will essentially be a one-game playoff. The Slog right fielder Cypher Raige went 2-4 with a home run and a walk. He scored 2 runs and drove in 3.

Raige had an important at-bat with runners on 2nd and 3rd in the bottom of the eighth, when he hit a 3-run home run. The Ghouls went on to win.

"We didn't pitch good, and when you don't pitch good, you lose," said Nahant manager Frank Priego.

The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Tarberry Field Forever in The Slog.

Game 7: Nahant 5, The Slog 3

Association Championship Series Goes the Distance, Nahant Prevails

With a narrow 4-3 series win, the Nahant Celtics have eliminated the The Slog Ghouls and are Association Championship Series winners.

"We tried not to look ahead to the Sole Survivor Series, but we thought we'd be there for sure," said center fielder Grandson Quarles, who was named series MVP.

Nahant won the final game by a score of 5-3, wrapping it up at Tarberry Field Forever.

Quarles's big series saw him hit .267 with a .312 on-base percentage. He had 1 home runs, drove in 6 RBI and scored 6 runs.

The Nahant Celtics will play against the Atom Cats in the next round. Atom won their series against the Vault 81 Dwellers 4 games to 1. The Sole Survivor Series schedule will be announced after the Association Championship Series finishes.



SCA Championship Series: #2 Atom Cats vs #1 Vault 81 Dwellers

Game 1: Vault 81 7, Atom 4

Vault 81 Takes 1-0 Series Lead with Walk-off Win

The Vault 81 Dwellers powered past the visiting Atom Cats, 7-4, in the opener of the Association Championship Series at CURIE Inc. Field. Vault 81 shortstop End Yamada was 1-5 with a home run, while scoring 2 runs and driving in 3, to lead the charge. The Dwellers now lead the series 1-0.

The game was still up for grabs in the bottom of the ninth. With two out, Yamada hit a fastball from Lacky Luster for a 3-run home run. The Dwellers, in dramatic fashion, had a walk-off win.

"Great to get the crowd on its feet," Yamada said.

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

Game 2: Atom 3, Vault 81 1

Atom Win Evens Series at 1

The Atom Cats took down the Vault 81 Dwellers by the score of 3-1 and moved into a 1-1 tie in the Association Championship Series. The largest share of the credit belongs to Atom starter Josh Brown, who threw 7.0 innings of 3-hit ball.

Atom won the game in part because of Shane Stabb. The third baseman ripped a run-scoring double in the top of the eighth inning to put the Cats ahead, 3-1. For the game, Stabb had 1 double and 1 home run in 4 at-bats.

Brown attributed the win to "everyone pulling their weight."

The next game is set to be played for Thursday, September 18th , 2313 at Coolest Field in Town in Atom Cats Garage.

Game 3: Atom 13, Vault 81 10

Atom Wins at Home to Take 2-1 Lead in ACS

The Atom Cats defeated the Vault 81 Dwellers, 13-10, in Game 3 of the Association Championship Series. A big contributor was second baseman Lee Mayhew, who went 3 for 5 with a triple and 2 singles, while scoring 3 times and driving in 2. The win moves Atom into a 2-1 lead in the series.

In the bottom of the third, Atom catcher Nu York had a productive at-bat. With runners on 2nd and 3rd and no one out, York stroked a 2-run double to center. It made the score 6-3, Atom. For the game, he went 3 for 5 with 2 doubles. He scored 2 times and drove in 3.

Vault 81 manager Drac Jaskula said he was disappointed with the loss. "Whenever you score that many runs, you expect to win the game."

The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Coolest Field in Town in Atom Cats Garage.

Game 4: Atom 7, Vault 81 2

Almost There: Atom On Cusp of ACS Triumph After 7-2 Win

The Atom Cats moved to within one game of the Sole Survivor Series, downing the visiting Vault 81 Dwellers at Coolest Field in Town by a score of 7-2. Cats catcher Nu York did some major damage. He went 3 for 5 with 3 doubles. He scored 2 times and drove in 2. The win gives the Cats a 3-1 advantage in the best-of-7 Association Championship Series.

A key moment came with two out in the bottom of the third. That's when York hit a sinker from Scruffy Taguchi for a 2-run double, putting Atom up, 3-0.

"We've got a great group of guys," York said, "and we're having fun right now."

The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Coolest Field in Town in Atom Cats Garage.

Game 5: Atom 2, Vault 81 1

Cats Heading to Sole Survivor Series

The Atom Cats have booked their place in the Sole Survivor Series.

By a score of 2-1, the club ousted the Vault 81 Dwellers in the Association Championship Series tonight at Coolest Field in Town.

Atom won the series by a 4-1 margin. The series MVP was Cats catcher Nu York.

For his part, the MVP said he is not putting too much stock in the individual honor and instead simply "looking forward to the next round."

The Atom Cats don't know who they will face in the next round. They will play the winner of the The Slog Ghouls - Nahant Celtics series. Nahant leads the series 2 games to 1. The Sole Survivor Series schedule will be announced after the Association Championship Series finishes.



CBO Playoff Tree