[Jiggy]

In sports, the postseason is special in part because of its restorative property.

A team that performs well in the postseason – especially a team that wins a championship – can erase a bit of its past. Its legacy is not what failings it may have suffered along the way in the regular season, but rather what glory in which its season ended.

With the Professional Baseball Experience Minor League (MiLPBE) regular season in the books, the Chicago Kingpins are seeking just that kind of restoration.

One might describe the Kingpins’ 2055 season as topsy-turvy. Others might describe it more as a fall from grace.

Through the first two months of the season, the Kingpins boasted a 24-9 record, the best in the minor leagues. Then the summer came, and with it bad fortune. Chicago stumbled to a 9-13 record in June that included three extra-inning losses and five one-run losses. July was no better. The Kingpins finished that month with a 7-10 record, including four more extra inning losses.

August’s 13-11 record seemed somewhat stabilizing, but Chicago finished regular play just 4-8 in September. Though only a partial month, winning percentage wise the Kingpins closed with their worst of the season.

Now at season end, Chicago has a 57-51 record. It’s good for second in the MiLPBE East Division, but at 10 games back of the leader the Kingpins have fallen well short of their preseason goal of a division championship and – more importantly – a first round bye in the postseason.

Adding insult to injury, while Chicago was struggling through the summer, a familiar foe was soaring. The State College Swift Steeds posted a 28-11 record in June and July to not just pass the Kingpins in the East Division, but to create a near insurmountable lead heading into the season’s home stretch. The gap got so wide that, by the time Chicago clinched a postseason berth on simulation day September 1, the Swift Steeds’ magic number to clinch the East Division (and the first-round postseason bye) sat at just one. State College won on September 2 to eliminate any mathematical possibility of the Kingpins making a comeback.

Chicago users and fans remember all to well that this is not the first time in recent history that State College has created cause for their disappointment. The Kingpins won the East Division last season and marched all the way to the World Series where all that stood between them and a championship was an upstart Swift Steeds team that had had to grind its way into the postseason.

State College won the MiLPBE World Series four games to one. With the win, memories of the Swift Steeds’ regular season struggles seemed to fade. Last season’s postseason run has seemingly served as a springboard to continued success this season.

There is no love lost for the Swift Steeds in the Kingpins locker room. But perhaps this postseason Chicago reverse its fortune – and the narrative on its year overall – by doing what State College did just one simulation year ago.

Chicago begins its 2055 postseason journey by taking on the Louisville Lemurs, who eked into the postseason with a 52-56 record, five games behind the Kingpins in the East Division. Chicago went 7-5 against the Lemurs during the regular season, but five of those wins came during the months of April and May when the Kingpins’ fortunes were still favorable. Chicago was just 2-4 against Louisville in July and August.

The Kingpins are hoping for another round of topsy-turvy as they chase what has become an elusive second championship for the franchise.

Series Recaps

August 1 – Anchorage Wheelers 0 – Chicago Kingpins 4
August 2 – Anchorage Wheelers 1 – Chicago Kingpins 3
August 3 – Anchorage Wheelers 2 – Chicago Kingpins 3

After a rough month of July, Kingpins starter James Daly got back on track in a game one win, shutting out the Wheelers over five complete innings while striking out 10 to earn player of the game owners. Stopper Gaslight Gatekeep Girlboss nailed down the final 2.1 innings to complete the staff shutout and earn her 10th save of the season. Chicago pitching remained stingy throughout the remainder of the series. Starter Ragnar Lothbrok threw seven innings, allowing just one run on five hits to earn a game two win, with Beeg Yosh nailing down the final two innings to earn a save. Starter Jolene Mydog gave up a pair of runs in the first inning of game three but made it into the fifth inning without yielding another run. Relievers Mitch Goatbisky and Girlboss held the Wheelers scoreless over the final 4.2 innings, giving the Kingpins the opportunity to cash in three runs on five hits in the bottom of the eighth to steal the win and complete the sweep.

August 5 – Chicago Kingpins 1 – State College Swift Steeds 6
August 6 – Chicago Kingpins 4 – State College Swift Steeds 6
August 7 – Chicago Kingpins 7 – State College Swift Steeds 5

Chicago produced a station-to-station run with three singles in the top of the second, but was unable to score again, falling in the first of three games on the road at State College. Swift Steeds relievers Tre Taylor and Jebidiah Crunk Jr. stifled the Kingpins over the final 4.2 innings, allowing just two hits along the way. Santiago Benito and Alyssa Jakob had two hits apiece in the losing effort for Chicago, while Zane Cold, Jake Cilliams and Okada Kahn each homered for State College. The Kingpins jumped out to a 3-1 lead in the top of the third inning when third baseman Luigi Lanikai launched a three-run home run off Parker “Sweet Pea” Ness. Chicago couldn’t hold on to the lead, however, giving up a run in the bottom of the third and a three-run rally in the bottom of the fifth to fall behind for good. Swift Steeds catcher Jose FortyThreeAndAQuarter was 3-for-3 with a home run and two singles. Kingpins designated hitter Tony Franzonello also had a 3-hit day. Chicago’s offense helped the club avoid a sweep with a game three win. Left fielder Nate Brittles, Jakob, and Benito each had three hits while Franzoneelo was 2-for-4 with a homer, 2 RBIs and 3 runs scored.

August 9 – Brew City Bears 0 – Chicago Kingpins 7
August 10 – Brew City Bears 7 – Chicago Kingpins 3
August 11 – Brew City Bears 6 – Chicago Kingpins 2

It’s easy to win when your pitching doesn’t allow a run. Mydog, Goatbisky and Girlboss were dominant at home, collectively shutting out the Bears in game one. The Chicago trio allowed just five total hits, struck out five, and walked just three batters. Jacob, shortstop Randy Fasttrack, and Benito had three hits apiece, with Fasttrack and Benito driving in two runs to boot. Reliever Bauer Bottom was charged with the Kingpins’ loss in game two. The left hander allowed four runs on three hits, including a home run off the bat of first baseman Bone Bearer, while recording just one out in a pivotal fifth inning that broke a 2-2 tie and gave Brew City the lead for good. Chicago tallied 11 hits in game three, including 10 off of Bears starter Lots-o’-Heineken Bear Version 2.0, but could only push two runs across in game three’s series-deciding loss. Benito stayed hot with yet another three-hit performance for the Kingpins. Bearer bashed two home runs to lead the charge for Brew City.

August 13 – Chicago Kingpins 2 – Louisville Lemurs 6
August 14 – Chicago Kingpins 3 – Louisville Lemurs 5
August 15 – Chicago Kingpins 5 – Louisville Lemurs 4

Offensive stagnation plagued the Kingpins yet again in the series opening loss at Louisville. Louisville managed just two runs on six hits against Lemur pitching. Jakob and third baseman Jim Copeland Jr. had a pair of hits apiece, while Louisville first baseman Michael Ferris Brueller Jr. was 3-for-4 with two doubles and a run scored. Louisville reliever Mike Ehrmantraut picked up the save, closing out the final three innings without giving up a hit and allowing just one Chicago baserunner on a walk. The Kingpins outhit the Lemurs eight hits to four, but again struggled to produce runs. Santiago was 3-for-3 with a homer, two singles, and a walk, as well as two of the club’s three RBIs. It was a tough outing in relief for Chicago right hander Al Dugger. He walked five Louisville batters while recording just one out in the sixth inning, allowing four total runs (three earned) to be charged with a blown save and the loss. The Kingpins salvaged a win in game three getting to Lemur starter Flamethrower Meta early with a four-run first inning. In total, Chicago knocked 11 hits and scored five runs in 3.2 innings against Meta. Rookie center fielder Bartholomew Brown was 4-for-4 on the game with a double, an RBI and two stolen bases. Lanikai added a homer, his 17th of the season, while Franzonello pitched in with three hits and two runs scored.

August 17 – Amarillo Armadillos 1 – Chicago Kingpins 6
August 18 – Amarillo Armadillos 2 – Chicago Kingpins 6
August 19 – Amarillo Armadillos 2 – Chicago Kingpins 3

A home tilt against the Armadillos produced a much-needed sweep for the Kingpins who had lost six of their last nine games heading into the series. Daly’s strong, six-inning outing carried the day in game one. He allowed just one run on six hits, striking out four and walking none. Franzonello was 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs. Lothbrok yielded just three hits and two earned runs over six innings of his own in game two. Trailing 2-1, rookie second baseman Otijomyzark Kove hammered a 1-2 pitch from Amarillo left hander Charlie Xu 433 feet into the stands, a three-run homer that put the Kingpins ahead. Copeland followed him later in the inning with his own 440-foot solo shot. Chicago had to come from behind again in game three to complete the sweep. The Kingpins trailed by two runs but got one run back in the bottom of the sixth on an RBI single by Franzonello before taking the lead on a two-RBI single by Brittles in the seventh. Chicago’s bullpen was spectacular, throwing 5.2 innings of one-hit, shutout relief to set the stage for the comeback.

August 20 – Chicago Kingpins 6 – California Firehawks 5
August 22 – Chicago Kingpins 3 – California Firehawks 8
August 23 – Chicago Kingpins 7 – California Firehawks 8

Franzonello lit up the scorebook Chicago’s game one win. The designated hitter had four hits and four RBIs, including a grand slam, three singles, and a walk. Girlboss shut down any would-be California comeback, no-hitting the Firehawks over the final 2.2 innings to earn her 12th save. California rebounded in game two, with five Firehawks players posting multi-hit performances. The Kingpins were left wondering what might have been after leaving 15 total runners on base in the contest. California starter Nova “Wallstreet” Montagne threw six complete innings giving up just three runs, while relievers Frigg Delling and Bat Mansdad finished the final three without allowing any more. Game three’s Kingpins loss featured plenty of drama. Trailing 7-2, Chicago rallied for five runs in the ninth, including a grand slam from Franzonello and a two-RBI single from Fasttrack. Yosh could not preserve the tie in the bottom of the ninth, however, giving up a one-out, walk-off home run to first baseman Allison Chainz that decided the series.

August 24 – Florida Flamingos 1 – Chicago Kingpins 6
August 25 – Florida Flamingos 4 – Chicago Kingpins 5
August 27 – Florida Flamingos 2 – Chicago Kingpins 4

Another August home series resulted in another sweep for Chicago, who took all three games against the Florida Flamingos. Mydog earned the win in game one, allowing just three runs while shutting out the Flamingos through the first five innings. Fasttrack was a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate, while Jakob was 3-for-4 with a home run. Chicago scored four runs in the first inning of game two’s win and broke a four-run tie in the bottom of the eighth on an RBI single from Brittles. Goatbisky gave a steady effort in relief with four innings pitched and only one run allowed on one hit and no walks. Daly was pivotal the Kingpins’ game-three victory, throwing six complete innings and allowing just two runs. Lanikai hit a two-run home run and Jakob was 2-for-3.

August 28 – Chicago Kingpins 1 – Kansas City Hepcats 2
August 29 – Chicago Kingpins 2 – Kansas City Hepcats 7
August 30 – Chicago Kingpins 2 – Kansas City Hepcats 3

Another road series, another series loss, this time a sweep at the hands of Kansas City. The Hepcats clutched out a game one win with third baseman Leo Livid hitting a go-ahead, two-run home run off of Chicago reliever Yosh in the bottom of the eighth. Copeland hit a solo home run in the third inning, the Kingpins’ only run on the day. The Kansas City bullpen allowed just one hit and one walk over 4.1 combined innings pitched. It continued to stifle in game two, allowing just two hits and three walks over the final five innings in game two. Franzonellow and Fasttrack each managed a solo home run against Hepcats starter Hunter Jackson, but the two runs were not enough. Livid was 2-for-3 with a home run and a walk, scoring twice and driving in two runs as part of Kansas City’s 11-hit, seven-run effort. Chicago fell behind 3-1 in game three and, once again, could not scrape the necessary runs together against the Hepcats bullpen. Kansas City relievers allowed just one run, an unearned run due to an eighth inning error, while giving up just three hits through 4.2 total innings.

September 1 – Puerto Rico Ranas 2 – Chicago Kingpins 3
September 2 – Puerto Rico Ranas 2 – Chicago Kingpins 0
September 3 – Puerto Rico Ranas 6 – Chicago Kingpins 5

Daly earned his 9th win of the season after scattering six hits through 5.1 innings. The Kingpins starter allowed just one unearned run in game one while striking out three and walking three. Fasttrack was 3-for-3 and Jakob added two hits. Despite a follow-up good outing by starter Lothbrok, Chicago managed just two hits and was shut out by Rana’s pitching in game two. Brittles did all he could in game three, tallying three hits with a home run, double, and two walks while scoring three runs on his own, but his effort was not enough. Puerto Rico claimed the series by breaking a 5-5 tie in the eighth with an RBI single by designated hitter Bush Blazing.

September 4 – Chicago Kingpins 0 – Anchorage Wheelers 5
September 6 – Chicago Kingpins 7 – Anchorage Wheelers 8
September 7 – Chicago Kingpins 2 – Anchorage Wheelers 5

Chicago could not get anything going against Anchorage starter Michael McGuffey in game one’s defeat. McGuffey went all the way into the eighth inning for the Wheelers, needing just 86 pitches to throw 7.1 innings. He gave up just three hits and no runs, walking one while striking out five Kingpins hitters. A costly error by Kove allowed Anchorage to load the bases in the bottom of the sixth of game two. Wheelers designated hitter Saad Fakhar took advantage of that opportunity, hitting a 377-foot grand slam off Girlboss to spark a five-run rally. Chicago rallied with three runs in the ninth to take a 7-6 lead, but Kingpins left hander Checo Perez couldn’t close things out, giving up four hits including a walk-off RBI single to catcher Harley Quinn. The Wheelers completed the sweep with a game three win that saw Quinn go 4-for-4 with four singles and two RBIs. Anchorage starter Bill Webb got the win, throwing five innings of one-hit baseball, while reliever Missizz Dirk tossed the final four innings to pick up the save.

September 8 – State College Swift Steeds 1 – Chicago Kingpins 10
September 9 – State College Swift Steeds 7 – Chicago Kingpins 3
September 11 – State College Swift Steeds 6 – Chicago Kingpins 7

The Kingpins tallied 14 hits and scored 10 runs in a game one route against the defending champions. Lanikai and Brown had three hits apiece while Kove drove in four runs. Mydog allowed just two hits and no runs over five innings of work, and the only run allowed to State College was an unearned run in the top of the eighth when the game was already in hand. The Swift Steeds hung crooked numbers in the first and fifth innings of game two. Despite 12 hits, the Kingpins managed just three runs in the contest. Game three’s rubber match featured another double-digit hit tally for Chicago – this time the Kingpins plated seven runs, including a walk-off single by Benito in the bottom of the ninth. Jakob finished 3-for-5 while Brittles added two hits and three RBIs.

September 12 – Chicago Kingpins 5 – Brew City Bears 9
September 13 – Chicago Kingpins 3 – Brew City Bears 5
September 14 – Chicago Kingpins 1 – Brew City Bears 0

Brew City pounced on Lothbrok in game one, chasing the Kingpins starter in the second inning after notching seven hits, including a two-run home run in the first and a grand slam in the second, and scoring six runs. The Bears added three more runs against Goatbisky and Bottom. Fasttrack was 3-for-4 in the losing effort with an RBI and two runs scored. Bears starter Kevin Gauzeman earned player-of-the-game honors in game two, throwing 5.1 innings and yielding just two runs and four hits. Kove had a 3-for-4 day, but the Kingpins could not muster much else by way of offense, taking another loss on the road. Pitching helped Chicago stave off a season-ending series sweep. Rookie starter Casey Shaffer tossed 4.2 innings, allowing just three hits. Dugger and Perez added 4.1 additional innings of no-run, three hit relief to nail down a shutout win. The Kingpins’ lone run was scored on a two-out single by Lanikai in the sixth inning.