Fallout 4's Commonwealth Baseball Organization

[StLee]

Today in the CBO

News and Notes - Reports from around the Commonwealth

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

4 September 2298 - Silver Shroud Lose to Chemists in Walk Off

The Sunshine Tidings Chemists beat the Fort Hagen Silver Shroud, 8-7, at ArcJet Systems Stadium. Ryan Bobb, in particular, was impressive. He went 4 for 5 with 4 singles, while adding 2 RBI and scoring once. The winner was Sunshine Tidings reliever Handsome Frank, now 1-3. The loser was Curtis Thriceshot after he blew his fourth save of the season, a costly one. At 59-49, the Silver Shroud now trail Abernathy by a half game heading into the late afternoon games.

Dave Charred was the walk-off hero for Sunshine Tidings. With the game tied in the bottom of the ninth inning, the Chemists left fielder hit a dramatic run-scoring single to send the teams home.

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

4 September 2298 - Stuhlsatz Records Shutout Against Knuckle Punchers

Mark Stuhlsatz of the Diamond City Swatters was masterful today, pitching a 6-hit shutout, 10-0, against the Roxbury Knuckle Punchers.

By going the distance, he was at the same time able to give his bullpen a rest, a fact appreciated by Diamond City manager Bucky Bachelor.

"It's nice to have someone who can do that from time to time," he said. "He had command of every ball and every pitch. Great location, too."

Stuhlsatz had 8 strikeouts and 2 walks in the outing.\n

On the year Stuhlsatz has compiled a 13-12 mark with a 4.81 ERA.

4 September 2298 - Van Marter Now 9-9 After Subduing Red Rockets

The Warwick Mirelurks got a stellar performance from pitcher Bobby Van Marter, who handcuffed the Jamaica Plain offense en route to a win, 4-0, at The Homestead. The win gives Warwick a season record of 65-43.

Van Marter, who was born in Scituate, Massachusetts, threw 139 pitches over 8 innings, while allowing no runs.

"Nice to see our side come away with the win," Van Marter said after the game.

4 September 2298 - Deathclaws Dealt 6-2 Loss by Atom

Atom starter Jesse Emacipated pitched well against the University Point Deathclaws at Coolest Field in Town. The left-hander led his team to a win, 6-2. The win puts Atom at 40-68.

Garrett Machine aided the Atom cause with a run-scoring double in the bottom of the fourth. For the game, the catcher was 1 for 4 with a double.

"Today was a lot of fun," said Machine.

4 September 2298 - Lady Killers Foil Adamantium League Title

Starlight left fielder Jesus Church helped his team beat the Abernathy Adamantium, 8-6. Church, who is tied for 2nd in the NCA in doubles with 48, went 2 for 5 for the Lady Killers. Starlight reliever Spider Caddell picked up the win to move to 2-0. Brad Westing suffered the loss. Larry Undertaker earned his 28th save in 34 chances.

With Starlight leading 7-6 in the top of the seventh, Church hit a run-scoring single off Abernathy hurler Brad Westing. It was the 150th hit of the season for Church and put his team ahead, 8-6.

"We cashed in when we had the chance," said Starlight manager Eric Bendure.

With the win, Starlight raised its record to 54-54. Abernathy finishes the regular season tied with Fort Hagen for first place in the Institute League. The two teams will play a one-game playoff to determine which team hosts Easy Town from the Brotherhood League and which travels to Nordhagen Beach.

[StLee]

2298 Final Standings



2298 Batting Leaders




2298 Pitching Leaders

[StLee]

2298 Team vs Team Standings

[StLee]

Commonwealth Association Playoff Preview

Galleria Robotics Experts - Home Page



College Square Nerd Ragers - Home Page



Commonwealth Association Championship Series Preview

[StLee]

2298 - GSL Report, Part 4 - Correction from above

Massachusetts Association Playoff Preview

Haymarket Mall Commandos - Home Page



Natick Banks Big Leaguers - Home Page



Massachusetts Association Championship Series Preview

[StLee]

Today in the CBO

News and Notes - Reports from around the Commonwealth

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

4 September 2298 - BMU: Vendor, Nerd Ragers Grand Slam Robotics Experts in Game 1 of LC

When the games really matter, the College Square Nerd Ragers put on their best show, beating the Galleria Robotics Experts by a final score of 6-2 in 10 innings today. Rich Vendor went 1 for 1 with a home run and a walk. He drove in 4 runs and scored once. College Square now leads Galleria 1-0 in the best-of-3 affair.

Vendor won the game for College Square when hit a grand slam off Frank Miller in the bottom of the tenth.

"This place was jumping at the end," Vendor said.

Game 2 is scheduled for tomorrow at Nuka Cola Square. Slated to start are Mike Longwalk for Galleria and Johane Iwanski for College Square.

[StLee]

Today in the CBO

News and Notes - Reports from around the Commonwealth

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

5 September 2298 - Abernathy Wins Institute League

They won the draw to be the home team. Today, the Abernathy Adamantium won the game to determine the 2298 Institute League champions.

The Fort Hagen Silver Shroud got a sterling performance from pitcher Mike Cartrette, but the Adamantium still prevailed, 3-2. Cartrette threw 6 innings of 5-hit ball. Abernathy reliever Kyle Hooch picked up the win to move to 7-3. Matt Demented suffered the loss. T-Bone Heagy got the save, his 28th in 33 chances.

Abernathy took a 3-2 lead on Po Greenzone's 28th double of the season. The run-scoring double, which Greenzone hit in the bottom of the eighth, left Fort Hagen pitcher Demented visibly frustrated.

"Every loss hurts," said Fort Hagen manager Mark Andersen. "But this was a tough one. We had the league in our grasp. Now we have to lick our wounds and take on the mighty Party Boys."

Abernathy raised its record to 60-49 with the win, one game over Fort Hagen.

5 September 2298 - BMU: Robotics Experts Win to Tie Series with Nerd Ragers

In a crucial game, the Galleria Robotics Experts put on their best show, beating the College Square Nerd Ragers by a final score of 7-2 today. Manny Madrid threw 6 innings of shutout ball. Galleria and College Square are now tied at 1 wins apiece in the best-of-3 affair.

Entering the final inning down 2-0, Galleria got the win thanks to a clutch hit from Walton Johnson. The second baseman stroked a run-scoring double in the top of the ninth inning to put the Robotics Experts ahead, 3-2. Though it was his only hit in 4 at-bats, it had a major impact on the outcome.

"It's true for every sport, I think, but the playoffs are so short that you've just got to get in and get hot," Galleria manager Alfredo Barios told BNN after the win. "We took care of the first part and now we're just working on the second."

Game 3 is set to be played Wednesday at General Atomics Galleria Park. Slated to start are Brian Young for College Square and Mike Longwalk for Galleria.

5 September 2298 - BMU: Chartier, Natick Banks Open League Championship with Win

With left fielder Mike Chartier leading the charge, the Natick Banks Big Leaguers defeated the visiting Haymarket Mall Commandos, 12-2, in Game 1 of the League Championship today. Chartier went 3 for 5 with a home run and a triple. He scored 2 runs and drove in 4 at Poseidon Park to help Natick Banks take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-3 series.

Chartier had a consequential at-bat in the bottom of the first for the Big Leaguers. Coming up with a runner on 1st and Natick Banks trailing 2-1, he hit a 2-run home run.

Chartier said afterward that his team has grown over the course of the season, adding: "It feels good when a plan comes together."

Game 2 is set to be played tomorrow at Poseidon Park. Slated to start are Ken Crocket for the Haymarket Mall Commandos and Jason Haynes for the Natick Banks Big Leaguers.

[StLee]

Final Standings




Team Statistics

[StLee]

Batting Leaders




Pitching Leaders

[StLee]

Analysis

There are lots of interesting numbers to look at here, so I want to take a look at a few.

Undefeated vs a single team:
Goodneighbor 12, Atom 0
Quincy 8, Roxbury 0

Playoff teams best/worst matchups. As you can see, there are lots of playoff teams' matchups that were one-sided:
* - vs Playoff team

Nordhagen Beach
Best vs Sunshine Tidings 7-1
Worst vs Fort Hagen* 3-5

Easy Town
Best vs Finch Farm and The Slog 9-3
Worst vs Fort Hagen* 2-6 and Nordhagen Beach* 3-9

Abernathy
Best vs County Crossing 7-1
Worst vs Nordhagen Beach* 2-6

Fort Hagen
Best vs Easy Town* and Salem 6-2
Worst vs The Slog 2-6

Goodneighbor
Best vs Atom 12-0
Worst vs Warwick* 4-8

Warwick
Best vs Egret and Vault 81 6-2
Worst vs Oberland* 2-6

Oberland
Best vs Egret 11-1
Worst vs Goodneighbor* 3-5

Diamond City
Best vs Roxbury 11-1
Worst vs FHE 3-9

Complete Team vs Team

[StLee]

Today in the CBO

News and Notes - Reports from around the Commonwealth

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

6 September 2298 - Playoffs Previews

We will take looks at the four matchups for the 2298 CBO playoffs. North Charles Association starts tomorrow, Wednesday, September 7, while the South Charles Association action begins Thursday, September 8.

Below is the complete Playoff Tree. Full matchup previews will be posted on our intraweb site @publick and copied onto printed pages. Please see look for those tomorrow morning.



6 September 2298 - Finch Farm Problems Surfacing

While Finch Farm Four Leafs General Manager Nick Jones and Manager Wiley Boat deny it, unnamed players have come forward about a clubhouse on the brink of a blow up.

Two separate intraweb postings to Publick Occurrences claiming to be players for the Four Leafs named some specific players making daily practices, games, outings, and travel miserable.

According to one posting, "We have 3 guyz that gotta go. Good Company [Schiller] n [Chris] Farman (sic) n [Dustin] Daylight. thare bullies for evry1. No1 sleeps anymoor bc of them. just rotten. and lik a raider gang"

One of the team leaders, catcher Gary "Gary" Gary gave a one-word response when we asked about the posting: "Gary." Exactly, Gary. That says it all, in my humble opinion.

The other posting was a bit more literate in his criticism, giving us a decent idea of who may have made the posting, but we will not speculate publically. Buy me a bottle of Amontillado at the Dugout Inn, and I may squawk.

Anyway, the posting is below: "The team needs to be blown up, today. Three of our guys who are not even that good act like the kings of the dugout, and they team up on individuals. Everyone is miserable, and management keeps twiddling thumbs. Mr. Finch or somebody has to step in and do something, or people are going to quit playing for the Four Leafs or worse. On top of the problems, we also have a few apathetic players. That just can't happen. I come to play every day. Sure, I want to win, but no one needs to be so vicious when we lose. Or at least, people who dole out criticism need to be able to accept it, too."

We will update this story as it progresses and keep track if the three players implicated--RP Good Company Schiller, RP Chris Farmman, and C Dustin Daylight--are disciplined are moved to another team.

6 September 2298 - BMU: Haymarket Mall Win Evens Series at 1

With right fielder Jeremy Gillespie leading the charge, the Haymarket Mall Commandos got a road win over the Natick Banks Big Leaguers, 9-6, in Game 2 of the League Championship today. Gillespie was 1-3 with a double and was hit by a pitch. He scored 2 times and drove in 3 at Poseidon Park to help Haymarket Mall force a 1-1 tie in the best-of-3 series.

Gillespie had a consequential at-bat in the top of the third for the Commandos. Coming up with the bases loaded and Haymarket Mall trailing 2-1, he hit a 2-run double.

"I believe in our guys," said Haymarket Mall skipper Squirt Becker. "I like the energy they're playing with."

The next game is set to be played Thursday at Garden Terrace Field. The scheduled starters for the game are Massive Harbonne for Natick Banks and Chris Yao for Haymarket Mall.

[OrangeP47]

A shame the Party Boys and the Silver Shroud go up against each other first, but that's geography for you.

[StLee]

#1 Nordhagen Beach Party Boys (66-42) vs #4 Fort Hagen Silver Shroud (59-50)

Season Series: Fort Hagen 5, Nordhagen Beach 3
April 5-6 @FtH: NB 3-1, FtH 11-9
May 24-25 @NB: FtH 10-2, NB 5-0
June 7-8 @FtH: FtH 6-2, FtH 3-1
August 30-31 @NB: FtH 11-3, NB 6-1

Nordhagen Beach Home Page



Fort Hagen Home Page



Game 1 Matchup



Analysis

Sporting both the top team in both runs produced (613) and runs allowed (461) in the North Charles Association, the Nordhagen Beach Party Boys may not have been as good as of late as they were throughout most of the season, but they are still the most dangerous team in the NCA. Led by the big-bat quadruplets 1B Dustin Mart (.272/32/80), RF Tomas Jones (.338/22/82), LF Michael Fogcrawler (.333/32/107), and Brian Masterson (.358/15/66), the Party Boys have perhaps the most formidable middle lineup in baseball. Add to that the midseason acquisition of 3B Jon Hitman, and the Boys are a scary offense to everyone. Leadoff hitter Ryan Combs (.339/4/42) also provides a base runner to knock in, and SS Taboo Richardson (.213/16/49) has emerged as a power hitter out of the 8 spot.

On the mound, the Party Boys are going to throw Chet Arthur (11-10, 3.20) as their ace with Tommy Beach (12-7, 5.09) and Julian Shed (13-8, 2.99) also seeing the mound. Shed was outstanding in the 2297 postseason, being outpitched only by Oberland's Sheng Kawolski. However, manager Craig Robinsion feels Arthur and Beach give just a little more plus side currently despite Shed leading the team in wins and ERA. The bullpen enters the postseason as the Party Boys' biggest weakness, with closer Night Demon Archaki (5-5, 4.34, 25 SV) not being as successful as Sia Abber (2-2, 2.20) was last year. Still, Archaki is the one who will come into the game late when it is on the line.

For Fort Hagen, it is on the plus side of both runs scored (533) and allowed (509), but that was 5th in each. On paper, it would appear that Nordhagen Beach has a huge advantage, but the season series did not work out that way. That means that the Silver Shroud could be the Party Boys' Achilles heel. The big man on offense is 1B Jim Tiller (.392/16/87) who put up impressive numbers from the three-spot. The problem is that his 16 home runs led the team. Fort Hagen is good at getting on base, but the team lacks a lot of power to drive in extra runs. They are 2nd in batting average (.291) but 11th in home runs (80). To be productive throughout the playoffs, players like LF Andre Grogg (.218/9/34), CF Ben Pawlak (.248/11/62), 2B Mark Miller (.356/6/57), and RF Sam Noob (.315/15/76) are going to need to find a way to hit a few over the fence.

The Silver Shroud have decent numbers in their 1-3 starters in Brent Hooker (15-10, 4.57), Mike Cartrette (10-11, 4.10) and Joey Dimes (12-10, 5.08), but they will need to keep their numbers down vs a tough offense. Cartrette was acquired in a midseason trade with Salem, where he was the staff ace but wanted out. So far, his number in 9 starts with the Shroud have not been great (1-4, 4.26), but manager Mark Andersen believes he will be an asset in the playoffs. As of now, Dimes appears that he will get the start in Game 1 to rest Hooker and Cartrette, who started the Institute League championship game against Abernathy just two days ago. If Hooker can go, he may end up matching against the Party Boys today in Game 1. In the bullpen, the Shroud closer Curtis Thriceshot (1-4, 3.09 ERA, 33 SV) was successful enough to finish second in the CBO and NCA in saves behind Easy Town's Aaron Geneva. Fourth starter Derek Green (13-10, 4.95) and relievers Radscorpion Johnson (6-3, 2.19) and Matt Demented (5-3, 2.45) will be able to provide some quality innings out of the bullpen, giving the Shroud the advantage for late-inning games.


Prediction
Nordhagen Beach wins it in a tough battle, 3 games to 2.

[StLee]

Originally Posted by OrangeP47

A shame the Party Boys and the Silver Shroud go up against each other first, but that's geography for you.

Yep. The Shroud needed to hold off Abernathy for the IL title, and they just could not do it. Regardless, if they win more games than they lose the rest of the way, they can be champions.

Based on the preview above, the Shroud has had the Boys' number more than any other team. Therefore, they can very much win. It's definitely a better first-round matchup than a year ago!

[StLee]

#2 Abernathy Adamantium (60-49) vs #3 Easy Town Assaultrons (61-47)

Season Series: Abernathy 5, Easy Town 3
April 5-6 @Abe: Abe 10-3, ET 6-2
May 17-18 @ET: Abe 9-2, ET 9-0
June 21-22 @Abe: ET 4-3, Abe 12-8
June 28-29 @ET: Abe 10-9, Abe 2-1

Abernathy Home Page



Easy Town Home Page



Game 1 Matchup



Analysis

Abernathy is barely in the top half in the North Charles Association in runs scored (532), ranking 6th. They are 9th in batting average (.269) and 7th in on-base percentage (.332), so they are a bit better at manufacturing runs than most teams. Still, their bats will need to get hot to have a chance to win the Sole Survivor Series. Leading the way on offense is all-CBO SS Austin Engill. The Inaugural Draft #1 overall pick has been every part of good on both offense (.297/22/84) and defense. While those numbers may not be CBO MVP numbers, they are solid for the middle. The big gain on offense has been LF Po Greenzone (.275/26/88) who led the Brotherhood League in home runs in 2296 but got relegated to the bench in 2297, both years with The Slog. RF Donny Kowalski (.287/20/76) is also a good middle-of-the-lineup bat, and 2B Jim Waples (.336/2/37) does his job at leadoff, leading the team in batting average.

The pitching is a bit better than the offense, finishing 4th in the NCA in runs allowed (505). The bullpen has the 2nd best ERA in the NCA (3.12), while the starters are 6th (4.61). That high ERA is not because of the top two starters, Brad Westing (13-9, 3.62) and Joe Penaltybox (14-5, 4.74). Bad Company Grognak (7-10, 5.60) will be the third starter, but he could be a liability against the Easy Town offense. Closer T-Bone Heagy (4-6, 3.33, 28 SV) has been decent, with Kyle Hooch (7-3, 3.23) helping the most from the bullpen.

Easy Town is the biggest up in one, down in the other category team in the playoffs. To make it simple, they need to win "shootouts" rather than "shutouts." The Assaultrons are second in the NCA in runs scored (599) while sporting the best batting average at .299. The biggest reason for that high batting average is LF Jarrett Metalbox (.408/17/89), a CBO MVP candidate. He has a hit in more than 2 out of every 5 at bats, meaning that he can basically help to generate runs every game. CF Sean Samuels (.348/12/65) and RF Dan Squirrel (.372/24/99) also helo in the middle of the lineup. Seventh and eight batters, C Adam Henderson (.246/13/64) and 3B Bobby Carr (.218/15/54), can also generate power hits from the back of the lineup. Easy Town also led the NCA in stolen bases (83), led by Samuels (20), 2B Frank Clawdodger (.278/0/15/16 SB), and leadoff hitter 1B Joe Ransom (.271/22/67/16 SB).

Where the Assaultrons may see their season come to an end is their pitching. Ranking 9th in runs allowed (579), the pitching has been more detriment than help, which is strange since they finished a league-best 21-10 in one-run games. The 8th best starters (4.81 ERA) are led by Angel Waterdrink (13-11, 4.59), Smoker Caliman (15-4, 4.59), and David Tech (9-10, 4.75), all with as good of records as they have due to the awesome run support they receive. One bright spot for the 10th best bullpen (4.55 ERA) is closer Aaron Geneva (2-1, 1.96, 37 SV) who led the CBO in saves. Outside of Geneva, the Assaultrons will need to rely on Marc Woodsman (6-2, 2.76) to get them extra innings. No one else is dependable. Still, the Assaultrons may have what it takes to outshoot the Adamantium despite their suspect pitching.

Prediction
Easy Town upsets the Adamantium, 3 games to 1

[Tyke]

Yes, it had to be the Shroud, didn't it!
Last year, I felt the Boys had over-achieved in making the play-offs, so every time they progressed it was a bonus. This time around I'm going to disappointed if they don't make the SSSeries.

[StLee]

Originally Posted by Tyke

Yes, it had to be the Shroud, didn't it!
Last year, I felt the Boys had over-achieved in making the play-offs, so every time they progressed it was a bonus. This time around I'm going to disappointed if they don't make the SSSeries.

They are the favorites to get there, so they should be disappointed if they don't! Every game is a tough game, though. Still, despite not having the same sort of record as Goodneighbor or Oberland, the Boys are a cut above the other three teams in their association.

[StLee]

#1 Goodneighbor Hancocks (77-31) vs #4 Diamond City Swatters (56-52)

Season Series: Goodneighbor 5, Diamond City 3
March 5-6 @DC: Good 6-3, DC 8-4
May 17-18 @Good: Good 8-7, DC 12-2
June 21-22 @DC: DC 3-1, Good 13-7
June 28-29 @Good: Good 7-3, Good 12-2

Goodneighbor Home Page



Diamond City Home Page



Game 1 Matchup



Analysis

It must first be mentioned that the Goodneighbor Hancocks enter the playoffs riding an 11-game winning streak to end the regular season. If it were not for the domination of the Oberland pitching, there would be very little doubt that the 2298 Hancocks were the best team the CBO had ever seen. Offensively, Goodneighbor has no peers. Ranked first in the South Charles Association in runs scored (696) at almost 6.5 per game, the Hancocks are a nightmare for opposing pitching. Just for perspective, as you can see on the Goodneighbor home page posted above, the Hancocks were also first in batting average, OBP, OPS, WAR, and wOBA. They were only 5th, though, in home runs (128). Likely CBO MVP 1B Bryan Assman (.376/35/102) mans the third spot in the lineup. He’s flanked by RF Good Don Duck (.355/15/71), CF John Rose (.321/18/88), 2B Jumper Hayes (.360/12/85), LF Zachary Utsinger (.354/12/88), and SS Burtie Cuttooth (.307/19/91). How the Hancocks obtained all that talent is a story for the offseason, but opposing pitching feels like it can relax once it gets to the 7th hitter.

The pitching is really good, too, just not Oberland good. Goodneighbor is second in runs allowed (435) and has the second-best Starters ERA (3.59). The three-man rotation is formidable with Quincy Eloquent (19-6, 2.77), Bruce Iddings (17-4, 3.41), and John Oldsink (16-5, 4.09). Usual starter Steve Rocky (12-8, 4.30) moves to the bullpen for the playoffs. If opposing teams can force out the starters, then they get a bit of relief with the 9th-best team in Bullpen ERA (4.81). Since acquiring Bus Paula (3-5 , 3.43, 16 SV) from FHE, he has held the closer’s spot, replacing Bryan Punchline (4-2 , 1.86, 16 SV), who was doing fine. Outside of those two guys, though, the rest of the bullpen can be a liability.

Where the Hancocks score runs at will, the Swatters have not been able to generate runs consistently throughout the season, relying on low-scoring games to earn their victories. Diamond City is 10th in the SCA in runs scored (527), relying heavily on their top batters to generate runs. However, they rank in the bottom half of the SCA in almost every offensive category. Leading the way on offense is possible CBO MVP RF Wayne Lacy (.333/37/102) with help from the rest of the middle of the lineup, SS Wally Warwick (.313/22/85) and 1B Jeffrey Curatolo (.279/20/80). Second hitter 3B Allen Bishop (.331/12/42) has also contributed on offense.

The pitching has been the strength of the team with the SCA’s 6th-best record—they would have finished in 5th place in the Minutemen League. Diamond City is 4th in runs allowed (485) with both the 4th-best Starters and Bullpen ERA (4.30 and 3.72). Their top two pitchers have been amazing in Tim Fusion (17-7, 2.60) and X10-44 Mannson (14-5, 3.72), while their other two starters, Tyler Powers (8-12, 5.37) and Mark Stuhlsatz (13-12, 4.81), have not been as successful. It appears that Powers may get the nod as the third starter in the playoffs. In the bullpen, closer Josh Samm (4-5, 3.09, 26 SV) is one of the best-rated closers. Burt Oldshoe (2-2, 3.48) and Mike Pond (0-5, 4.40) will need to help out.


Prediction
Goodneighbor continues their win streak and takes this series, 3-0.

[StLee]

#2 Oberland T-51s (75-33) vs #3 Warwick Mirelurks (65-43)

Season Series: Oberland 6, Warwick 2
Apr 7-8 @Obe: Obe 3-2, Obe 10-2
May 17-18 @Obe: Obe 5-1, Obe 3-1
May 24-25 @War: War 6-3, War 5-4
Aug 2-3 @War: Obe 6-1, Obe 5-0

Oberland Home Page



Warwick Home Page



Game 1 Matchup



Analysis

The defending champions return for more, but they enter the 2298 season as not being the favorite as they were in the first two seasons of the CBO. Still, they had the most lopsided advantage in a season series, 6-2, than any of the League Semifinals matchups. A machine of a team, the T-51s were surprisingly not that good at generating runs, though they did finish 4th in the SCA in runs scored (583). One of their biggest problems is that they are a good hitting team, 2nd in the SCA at .305, but they were only 11th in home runs (96). Lots of singles, few quadruples. Two players who did not have a problem hitting round-trippers were fourth batter 1B Curtis Slingshot (.299/24/83) and fifth batter LF Prof Castillo (.315/24/83). Five other batters all hit above .300: CF B.J. Perez (.317/5/52), 3B Jeremy Bugs (.328/10/60), 2B Jonathan Abern (.351/5/49), SS Chris Milteer (.316/14/77), and RF Bloatfly Williams (.337/1/43).

The T-51s pitching was dominant, allowing fewer than four runs a game (418). They were first in Starters and Bullpen ERA (3.41 and 3.16) and were just hard to score runs on at any point in the game. CBO Playoffs MVP in 2297 Sheng Kawolski (14-4, 2.51), Matt Udder (16-5, 2.71), and Gerald Jerry (13-11, 4.22) are all tough to score on though Jerry is better when he pitches shorter games. That could give Lennie Landslide (16-7, 4.29) opportunities to pitch. Aaron Still is perhaps the best closer in the CBO (5-3, 2.17, 30 SV). Gimp Shackleford (2-0, 1.91) and Joe Charlie (2-0, 1.91) have been the most successful out of the bullpen, though Matt Breakball (3-2, 4.19) is the top-rated reliever.

Warwick is a much tougher draw than the T-51s would like. On offense, the Mirelurks are not as proficient as Oberland when it comes to hitting the ball (.284), but they are better at getting on base (.357) and scoring (588). RF Melon Sanderson (.333/23/85) was the team MVP. 2B Brad Krol (.283/22/82) and 3B Tutton Gatekeeper (.285/23/86) both help to drive in runs with the long ball. Leadoff hitter CF Radio Short (.361/2/50) gets on base and stole 29 bases to put himself in scoring position a lot.

The pitching for the Mirelurks is good, just nowhere near the T-51s. Both the Starters and Bullpen ERA (4.57 and 3.85) ranked 5th in the SCA. John Diner (10-11, 4.67) is the ace, but Dave Kovalenko (11-8, 4.20) and Jerry Weisman (12-8, 3.99) were more successful on the season. Closer Pem Pollack (8-2, 1.60, 25 SV) may be the reliever of the year in the CBO. Sheffield Williams (4-0, 2.67) and Tom Rose (5-3, 3.89) are expected to contribute most out of the bullpen.

Prediction
Oberland overmatches the Mirelurks in this one, 3 games to 1.

[StLee]

Today in the CBO

News and Notes - Reports from around the Commonwealth

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

7 September 2298 - Rolled Rolled Up by Bloodbug

Boston Common Lead Bellies (University Point) second baseman Ryan Rolled received a surprise attack near the Harbor by an infected bloodbug that has left him fighting for his life.

The attack occurred while he and a few teammates were fishing off the wharf across the Charles from the Harbor. Below the dock they settled upon, an infected bloodbug had made its resting spot. Disturbed by the noise, the bloodbug left its mildewy confines and made a bloodbug-line right at Rolled, who could not pull his firearm out of his pants pocket fast enough.

The bloodbug got a good jab in Rolled's abdomen, nearly sucking him dry before teammates descended upon the beast and rid it of its proboscis, wings, legs, and finally head.

Rolled was airlifted to Boston Airport to receive emergency treatment from Brotherhood of Steel medics. We will update you if his condition worsens. However, we know from witnesses that he looked "like a rotting feral ghoul with regular skin."

7 September 2298 - CBO Playoffs Begin Today: NCA Matchups in the LS Game 1

The league semifinals begin today with a 4:05 PM first pitch in the North Charles Association League Semifinal matchup of the #4 Fort Hagen Silver Shroud at the #1 Nordhagen Beach Party Boys. Joey Dimes and Chet Arthur are scheduled to pitch for their respective teams in the matchup.

The second game begins at 7:05 PM and features the #3 Easy Town Assaultrons visiting the #2 Abernathy Adamantium. Angel Waterdrink and Joe Penaltybox will get the starts in that game.

All CBO Playoff games will be featured individually in Publick Occurrences' special Playoffs section. Visit us at @publick to see all features, or buy tomorrow's print version for your home collection.

7 September 2298 - BMU: League Championship Goes the Distance, Galleria Prevails

It went the distance, but the Galleria Robotics Experts finally disposed of the College Square Nerd Ragers 6-4 in the series clincher at General Atomics Galleria Park.

Winning the finale gave the Robotics Experts the series, 2-1. They will now advance to the Boston Minor Series.

The Most Valuable Player Award went to Galleria catcher Adam Duper. He batted .500 in the series, collecting 4 RBIs and scoring 2 runs.

"Adam deserves it," said Robotics Experts manager Alfredo Barios. "He was the glue that held our club together."

The Galleria Robotics Experts don't know who they will face in the next round. They will play the winner of the Haymarket Mall Commandos - Natick Banks Big Leaguers series. That series is tied at 1 game apiece. The Boston Minor Series schedule will be announced after the League Championship finishes.