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Nuka News Update
Reporting on the NWL, APL, NWLR, and BBL Leagues
by Evan Guy
28 August 2311
Wild Wins in Seven
With a 6-5 win over the Orange Tourists at Angry Anaconda Field at Safari Adventure today, the Wild Gatorclaws wrapped up their 1st title in team history.
The Gatorclaws 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 Wild manager Earl Arnett. "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 Wild 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," Orange manager Cool Tato Collins said. "They deserved to win this series and they deserve to celebrate it."
Game 1 - Orange 6, Wild 5
Road Win Lifts Orange to 1-0 Lead in NS
The Wild Gatorclaws got a strong 5.2 innings from right-hander Chick Aubrey but failed to take Game 1 of the Nuka Series from the Orange Tourists. Aubrey held the Tourists to 1 run on 5.2 strong innings but Orange took the game by a score of 6-5 and now lead the best-of-7 series, 1-0.
The game was at a stalemate until third baseman Percent Lambert came to bat in the top of the ninth. Facing Wild pitcher Lionel Minelli, he hit a 0-2 sinker for a 2-run single. It was a game-changer, putting Orange on top, 6-4.
"You never want to start a series with a loss, but I saw a lot of good things today," Gatorclaws manager Earl Arnett said. "I'm not worrying. Yet."
The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Angry Anaconda Field at Safari Adventure in Bradberton.
Game 2 - Orange 5, Wild 0
Sapunxiu Handcuffs Gatorclaws, Tourists Seize 2-0 Advantage in NS
The Orange Tourists got an exceptional performance from starter Orion Sapunxiu, who silenced the Wild offense en route to a 5-0 shutout win in Game 2 of the Nuka Series. The Gatorclaws could never get a bead on the right-handed Sapunxiu, who threw 8.0 innings of shutout ball. The Tourists now hold a 2-0 advantage in the best-of-7 series.
Sapunxiu confounded Wild hitters. Over 8 innings, he allowed no runs on 7 hits.
"It's about putting our team in the best position to win ballgames," said Sapunxiu.
Game 3 is scheduled for Tuesday at Fizztop Mountain Park at Nuka-Town USA in Bradberton.
Game 3 - Wild 4, Orange 1
Tourists Hammered by Shrimp, Drop Game 3 to Gatorclaws
The Wild Gatorclaws have closed some of the gap between themselves and the series-leading Orange Tourists, winning, 4-1, at Fizztop Mountain Park at Nuka-Town USA. Gatorclaws shortstop Bubba Shrimp went 3 for 5 with a home run and a double, while adding 2 RBI and scoring once. The win cuts the deficit facing the Gatorclaws to 2-1 in the best-of-7 Nuka Series.
Shrimp had an important at-bat with the bases empty in the top of the sixth, when he hit a solo home run. The Gatorclaws went on to win.
Wild manager Earl Arnett said his team played a "no nonsense" game.
The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Fizztop Mountain Park at Nuka-Town USA in Bradberton.
Game 4 - Wild 6, Orange 3
Wild Win Evens Series at 2
The Wild Gatorclaws defeated the Orange Tourists, 6-3, in Game 4 of the Nuka Series. Making an impact was third baseman David Mabry, who went 3-4 with 2 doubles, while scoring 2 times. The win moves Wild into a 2-2 tie with Orange in the series.
Wild used a timely hit from Norm Ortiz to get the win. The catcher stroked a run-scoring double in the top of the ninth inning to put the Gatorclaws ahead, 4-3. It was his only hit in 4 at-bats, but it was a difference-maker.
"I really like what we did out there today," Ortiz said after the game.
The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Fizztop Mountain Park at Nuka-Town USA in Bradberton.
Game 5 - Orange 7, Wild 4
Pivotal Game 5 Goes to Host Tourists, 7-4
Orange Tourists second baseman Yorkie Tallsky was the difference-maker at Fizztop Mountain Park at Nuka-Town USA, as he led his club to victory in a pivotal Game 5 of the Nuka Series. The Tourists took the 7-4 win over the Wild Gatorclaws to seize a 3-2 lead in the best-of-7 series.
Left Fielder Doman Northsea made an impact for Orange, when he swatted a run-scoring double off Justin Quast in the bottom of the fourth. For the contest, Northsea went 2-4 with 2 doubles and a walk, while scoring 2.
"The vibe's good," said Orange manager Cool Tato Collins. "We've got to keep it going."
Game 6 is scheduled for Saturday at Angry Anaconda Field at Safari Adventure in Bradberton.
Game 6 - Wild 2, Orange 1
Gatorclaws Clip Tourists, 2-1, in NS Contest
In a crucial game, the Wild Gatorclaws put on their best show, beating the Orange Tourists by a final score of 2-1. Noe Noman threw 6.1 innings of shutout ball. Wild and Orange are now tied at 3 wins apiece in the best-of-7 affair.
The clutch hit was provided by Axel Rawlings. He delivered a walk-off run-scoring single off Shoestring Caravelli in the bottom of the tenth.
"Nice to see our side come away with the win," Rawlings said after the game.
The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Angry Anaconda Field at Safari Adventure in Bradberton.
NWL Minors
Amusement Park League has put the wraps on another season. In a few days the playoffs will launch in grand style with the league's elite clubs going up against one another for the ultimate payoff -- the Amusement Park Series crown. For the baseball fan it doesn't get any better than this -- a time of tense duels, where the outcome of the season hinges on one pitch, one play, one hit -- or one break. There is nothing quite like the playoffs.
For a team that has never won a Amusement Park Series, capturing the APL North Division is a good start.
That's the situation the Kiddie Kingdom Cappies find themselves in as their division title today became official.
"We might not have a lot of championship experience as a franchise, but when push comes to shove, I believe in these guys," said left fielder Bob Hatman. "We want to be that team to bring the title home to Kiddie Kingdom."
Team manager Ernie Plopp said it won't be easy to capture the Amusement Park Series, but noted that "nothing worth doing ever is."
Members of the Nuka Town Operators say winning the APL South Division title is special, but ultimately they will only be remembered with a championship season.
"We want to put ourselves in the history books and win the Amusement Park Series," said closer Steve Slocums. "We all believe it can happen, it's just a matter of putting in the hard work and getting the breaks."
It's the 2nd division win for the club and they will be vying for their 2nd Amusement Park Series win.
"To see the team get here, it makes you believe in yourself and all the systems you've put in place," said manager Flotsam DiPasquale.
The "second season" begins today in the Amusement Park League as the playoffs get under way. The clubs vying for postseason supremacy in the Amusement Park Series are paired together in these matchups:
Nuka Town Operators vs Kiddie Kingdom Cappies.
The 2311 NWL Rookie League season has ended. Most clubs and most players are headed home for the year, but a few good teams will head to the playoffs, which are slated to start soon. They will get a chance to be the league's champion. All they have to do is win the NWL Rookie Series -- a not-so-easy task. To win it takes a combination of good pitching, good defense and timely hitting -- and occasionally some lucky bounces of the ball.
The Nuka Jolly Elves celebrated their North Bradberton Division championship tonight, but relief was more readily visible than jubilation for the players.
"The whole season is such a long battle, so to take the division in the final day is really remarkable," said second baseman Fisher Ryba. "It honestly just feels like a huge weight is off all our shoulders. Now we can relax and focus on the playoffs."
But of course, the playoffs won't be without a fair bit of stress and anxiety too. But team manager Private Benjamin Avila said his team is good under pressure and will rise to the occasion.
"These guys are battle tested," he said.
This was the 2nd North Bradberton Division title in team history.
Nuka Plant baseball fans are celebrating right along with the Nuka Plant Electrics after a razor-thin South Bradberton Division victory.
With the division in doubt going into the final day of the season, the Electrics have outlasted the competition to take the 1st division crown in franchise history.
"We don't have much time to enjoy it before we're thinking about the playoffs," said reliever Oogie Boogie Perez. "It took a lot of character to come out on top in this one."
The Electrics have compiled a record of 33-27 this season.
The NWL Rookie League playoffs are here -- so let the games begin! It's time to crown the NWL Rookie Series champion for 2311. Now that the regular season has ended and the best ballclubs have been decided, it's playoff time. Any ballplayer worth his salt wants those coveted championship rings. A real ballplayer knows that he needs those little golden treasures to seal his fame in the league annals. The second season is here starting today with some sparkling series on tap:
Nuka Jolly Elves vs Nuka Plant Electrics.
Vim! View
Veracious, Vivacious, Vainglorious Vision of the Vim! Leagues
by Vikky Vail
Harbormen Take Title
It was a hard-fought battle for both teams to make it this far. But as the saying goes, "to the victors go the spoils." For the victorious Echo Lake Harbormen, that meant the Vim! League Vim! Series trophy.
The Harbormen took a 7-2 victory over the Far Harbor Ghoul Whales at The Lumber Yard, winning their 3rd championship after taking the series 4-3.
"We've got grit," said Harbormen shortstop Bucketfoot Szymanski, who was named MVP of the series. "We know how to win when we have to."
The new titleholders completed the regular season with a first-place finish in the Vim! League Fog Division and a 52-38 record.
Game 1 - Far Harbor 4, Echo Lake 3
Ghoul Whales Edge Harbormen, 4-3, to Open VS
Leave it to the veteran.
The Far Harbor Ghoul Whales got a great start from 35-year-old right-hander Keith Lighthouse, as Far Harbor won the contest, 4-3, at The Lumber Yard. Lighthouse threw 7.0 innings allowing 1 run in the win, which allowed the Far Harbor to grab a 1-0 lead in the best-of-7 series.
Lindal Mariner, who finished 4th in the VIML in stolen bases with 18 in 2305, had a direct impact on the outcome. Mariner contributed a run-scoring single in the top of the ninth inning to put Far Harbor up, 4-3.
"I'm glad we can make our fans happy with a win," Mariner told the Far Harbor Citizen.
The next game is set to be played tomorrow at The Lumber Yard in Tremont.
Game 2 - Echo Lake 6, Far Harbor 2
Raucous The Lumber Yard Crowd Propels Harbormen to 6-2 Victory; Series Tied at 1
Behind a bravura effort from starter Cory Slone, the Echo Lake Harbormen topped the Far Harbor Ghoul Whales by the score of 6-2 and got their first win in the 2311 Vim! Series. Slone threw 7.0 innings allowing 2 runs for the Harbormen. The win moves Echo Lake into a 1-1 tie with Far Harbor.
In the bottom of the seventh, Echo Lake left fielder Witcher Craft had a productive at-bat. With the bases loaded and two out, Craft stroked a 2-run single to center. It made the score 5-2, Echo Lake. For the game, he was 1 for 4, while adding 2 RBI.
"Things broke our way today and that's great," Harbormen manager Good Night Cunningham said. "It's important, though, to stay focused and not pat yourself on the back too much. We aren't done yet."
Game 3 is scheduled for Tuesday at Last Plank Park in Bar Harbor.
Game 3 - Echo Lake 8, Far Harbor 6
Knickerbocker Blasts Ghoul Whales, Harbormen Take Game 3, 8-6
Riding the 4-hit performance of right fielder Chris Knickerbocker, the Echo Lake Harbormen got a road win against the Far Harbor Ghoul Whales, 8-6, in Game 3 of the Vim! Series. Knickerbocker went 4 for 4 with a home run, a double, 2 singles, and a walk, while scoring 2 and driving in 3 for the Harbormen, who now lead the best-of-7 series, 2 games to 1.
A key moment came with no one out in the top of the third. That's when Knickerbocker hit a curveball from John Kutner for a 2-run home run, putting Echo Lake up, 5-0.
"Things broke our way today and that's great," Harbormen manager Good Night Cunningham 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 Last Plank Park in Bar Harbor.
Game 4 - Far Harbor 2, Echo Lake 1, 11 inn.
Ghoul Whales Clip Harbormen, 2-1, in VS Contest
The Far Harbor Ghoul Whales got a strong game from starter Keith Lighthouse, but it was some clutch hitting that ultimately delivered the win.
The Ghoul Whales took the 2-1 win over the Echo Lake Harbormen in Game 4 of the Vim! Series in a 11th inning walk-off. The win capped off a fine outing for the right-handed Lighthouse. Lighthouse threw 7.1 innings of shutout ball in the win, which brought the Ghoul Whales into a 2-2 tie in the best-of-7 series.
The clutch at-bat came in the bottom of the 11th inning, when Far Harbor first baseman Adam Crewmate, facing Kevin Goodman, had a run-scoring single. It gave the Ghoul Whales the 2-1 win.
"Keith pitched like a champ," said Far Harbor manager Jason Bassfish.
The next game is set to be played tomorrow at Last Plank Park in Bar Harbor.
Game 5 - Far Harbor 6, Echo Lake 4
Critical Game 5 Goes to Host Ghoul Whales, 6-4
Game 5 was big. So was Alex Ruder.
In leading Far Harbor to a crucial 6-4 victory over the Echo Lake Harbormen at Last Plank Park, the Far Harbor starter rose to the occasion, tossing 7 good innings. Ruder threw 7.0 innings allowing 4 runs as the Ghoul Whales defended their home field to seize a 3-2 lead in the best-of-7 Vim! Series.
The game was on the line with two out in the top of the eighth inning, but Stage Room didn't flinch. With the bases loaded and Echo Lake trailing 6-4, Room retired Dell Refuge to end the threat. "Nothing to it," said Room, with a wink.
Game 6 is scheduled for Saturday at The Lumber Yard in Tremont.
Game 6 - Echo Lake 8, Far Harbor 6
Dominoes Blasts Ghoul Whales, Harbormen Take Game 6, 8-6
The Echo Lake Harbormen and the Far Harbor Ghoul Whales will take the Vim! Series to a decisive 7th game. In a must-win situation, the Harbormen beat the Ghoul Whales, 8-6, at The Lumber Yard to force the series into what will essentially be a one-game playoff. Echo Lake first baseman Chris Dominoes went 3 for 4 with a home run and a double, while scoring 2 times and driving in 3.
Witcher Craft hit a 2-run triple off John Kutner in the bottom of the third, which put the Harbormen in front, 2-1. Craft had 2 singles, in addition to the triple. For the game, he went 3 for 5.
Dominoes said afterward that his team has grown over the course of the season, adding: "It feels good when a plan comes together."
The next game is set to be played tomorrow at The Lumber Yard in Tremont.
Vim! League Minors
Another Mount Desert Island League campaign is in the books. The regular season has ended and the playoffs are about to begin. It is a time of skill, talent -- and luck. And when all the games have been played, one team will survive and be crowned the 2311 Mount Desert Island Series champion.
The pennant has been won, the Southwest Harbor Rippers are champions of the Small Bertha Division.
Reliever Chris Rice said his team is a "gritty and determined" club that were poised to win the division from day one.
"We knew the day the season opened that we'd be champions," he said. "It was just a matter of going out there and doing it."
At the helm, team manager Dave Gonzalez said his club is certainly not short on confidence.
"There's a lot of belief in the dugout and in the clubhouse," he said.
Southwest Harbor's record currently sits at 39-19 and it's the 4th division win for the franchise.
Eagle's Cove Harpooners fans have reason to celebrate, their club has won the Old Longfellow Division.
"It feels good to clinch it for our fans," said left fielder Bunworth Banshee. "I know there's a lot of expectations on this team and we hope to live up to them."
The division title is the team's 4th. They will now be searching for the franchise's 2nd Mount Desert Island Series victory.
"We all hope the best is yet to come," said manager Scoundrel Easterling.
Another regular season has played out, and the stage is set for the next level. The Mount Desert Island League playoffs are here. It has been a long, hard grind for the contending clubs to make the Mount Desert Island Series. All the playoff-bound teams want to cap off the year in glorious style by capturing the prestigious 2311 Mount Desert Island Series trophy. Each team will begin that journey today with these playoff games:
Southwest Harbor Rippers vs Eagle's Cove Harpooners.
The regular season has come and gone in the VIM! Rookie League and the playoffs are just over the horizon.
One pitch, one play, one hit, one error -- or one call -- could decide it.
This is what all the teams are playing for -- the ultimate goal -- the Vim! Rookie Series crown.
It's official! The Vim Factory Pops have secured the top spot in the Western Atlantic Division. Vim Factory's manager Austin Weeks was quick to give credit to his players.
"They believed in this team all year, and never gave up."
It won't be an easy road for Vim Factory as they try to compete for their 5th Vim! Rookie Series victory. They have to hope that their success will translate to the post-season, which is certainly not always the case. This was the 5th division title for the team.
Members of the Fringe Cove Champions say winning the Eastern Atlantic Division title is special, but ultimately they will only be remembered with a championship season.
"We want to put ourselves in the history books and win the Vim! Rookie Series," said right fielder Alman Brothers. "We all believe it can happen, it's just a matter of putting in the hard work and getting the breaks."
It's the 3rd division win for the club and they will be vying for their 2nd Vim! Rookie Series win.
"To see the team get here, it makes you believe in yourself and all the systems you've put in place," said manager Chris Frazee.
From spring training to the last out of the regular season, it has been the goal of every GM, team, manager and player to reach the VIM! Rookie League playoffs. They all aspire to win baseball's Holy Grail, the Vim! Rookie Series title. Now, for the elite teams, the first steps of that journey begin in earnest with the Vim! Rookie Series starting today. The opening playoff series will pit these teams against one another:
Fringe Cove Champions vs Vim Factory Pops.