BNN Report
News from the CBO, MML, BMU, GBRL, and Youth Leagues
by Nat Wright-Kawolski
22 September 2307
NCA Play-in Series
Game 1 - Starlight 6, County Crossing 5, 11 inn.
Starlight Takes 1-0 Series Lead Behind 4 RBIs from 3B Gadzinski
The Starlight Killers got a critical win in the first game of the Play-in Series today and did so in dramatic fashion, topping the visiting County Crossing Bloodbugs by the score of 6-5 in the 11th inning at Valentine Detective Agency Field. Killers third baseman Mike Gadzinski went 3 for 3 with a home run and a double. He scored 2 times and drove in 4. Now holding a 1-0 lead, the Killers will have two chances to close out the Bloodbugs.
The decisive at-bat for Starlight came with one out in the bottom of the sixth. With a runner on 1st, Gadzinski hit a 2-run home run for the walk-off win.
"If you want to be considered a good team, these are the kind of games you have to win," said Starlight manager Austin Shuler.
The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Valentine Detective Agency Field in Lexington.
Game 2 - County Crossing 9, Starlight 3
Killers Hammered by Why, Drop Game 2 to Bloodbugs
With center fielder Any Why leading the charge, the County Crossing Bloodbugs got a road win over the Starlight Killers, 9-3, in Game 2 of the Play-in Series today. Why went 3-4 with a home run, 2 singles, and a walk, while adding 4 RBI and scoring once at Valentine Detective Agency Field to help County Crossing force a 1-1 tie in the best-of-3 series.
Why had a critical at-bat in the top of the seventh for County Crossing, coming through with a grand slam home run to put County Crossing in front, 7-3.
"We took advantage of our opportunities," Why told the County Crossing Observer. "It's as simple as that."
Game 3 is scheduled for Saturday at Beantown Brewery Stadium in County Crossing.
Game 3 - County Crossing 5, Starlight 4
Play-in Series Goes the Distance, County Crossing Prevails
The County Crossing Bloodbugs and Starlight Killers put on a classic Play-in Series that was in question until the final game.
In the end, County Crossing won the deciding contest by a score of 5-4, to take the series 2-1.
"It doesn't get much tighter than that. To win a series in the last game is a thrill," said Kurt Kilgore, who earned series MVP honors for County Crossing. "Our guys are breathing a little easier now."
For the series, Kilgore hit .500 with a .571 on-base percentage. He had 0 home runs, drove in 2 RBI and scored 4 runs.
The County Crossing Bloodbugs will play against the Easy Town Assaultrons in the next round. Easy Town had a bye in the Play-in Series. The Association Semifinal schedule will be announced after the Play-in Series finishes.
SCA Play-in Series
Game 1 - Spectacle Island 4, Oberland 2
Road Win Lifts Spectacle Island to 1-0 Lead in PiS
The Spectacle Island Reapers powered past the hometown Oberland T-51s, 4-2, in the opener of the Play-in Series at Oberland Stadium today. Spectacle Island starting pitcher Corey Ware threw 8.0 innings of 7-hit ball, to lead the charge. The Reapers now lead the series 1-0.
Spectacle Island used a timely hit from Bubb Islander to get the win. The second baseman stroked a 2-run double in the top of the ninth inning to put the Reapers ahead, 4-2. It was his only hit in 4 at-bats, but it made an impact.
Ware said his team "played with determination."
The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Oberland Stadium in Oberland.
Game 2 - Spectacle Island 9, Oberland 7
Reapers Cruise to Association Semifinal with Sweep
With a 9-7 victory at Oberland Stadium, the Spectacle Island Reapers have completed a sweep of the Oberland T-51s in the Play-in Series.
"On to the Association Semifinal and feeling good," said Homestay Lovetap. "I don't think our guys expected a sweep, but we'll certainly take it and rest up a bit."
For the series, Lovetap hit .500 and won series MVP honors. He had 1 home runs, drove in 2 RBI and scored 2 runs.
The Spectacle Island Reapers will play against the Roxbury Rad Sox in the next round. Roxbury had a bye in the Play-in Series. The Association Semifinal schedule will be announced after the Play-in Series finishes.
