Fallout: New Vegas' Mojave Baseball League

[Tyke]

Nice work with the unis. One thing, though, I notice the same guy is playing for all of these teams - he's going to be a very tired bunny by the end of the season!. Just had a thought, though - maybe Lee has had to clone players to make up for a talent shortfall in the Mojave?

[Tyke]

Sorry, double post - too trigger-happy!

[StLee]

Originally Posted by Tyke

Nice work with the unis. One thing, though, I notice the same guy is playing for all of these teams - he's going to be a very tired bunny by the end of the season!. Just had a thought, though - maybe Lee has had to clone players to make up for a talent shortfall in the Mojave?

Vault 108 was a legendary failure in cloning experiments. The Garys of the vault were unstable, homicidal, and single-minded. Of course, Vault 108 was in (Fallout 3's) DC ruins, so we can presume the characters of this dynasty know nothing of it unless Vault-Tec has running logs of its vaults.

[StLee]

Once the RNC was up and running and the BBN, or Baseball News Network, was in operation enough to build the MBL screen, I started copying some of the screens just like Poseidon taught me last year.

I won't depend heavily on telling the baseball story through screens because that's the BNN's story, not mine. My story is about the long-winding path, not a bunch of green letters on a black screen.

Here are some of the screens before we move on to third season in the Mojave.

[Tyke]

Originally Posted by StLee

Vault 108 was a legendary failure in cloning experiments. The Garys of the vault were unstable, homicidal, and single-minded. Of course, Vault 108 was in (Fallout 3's) DC ruins, so we can presume the characters of this dynasty know nothing of it unless Vault-Tec has running logs of its vaults.

Are you sure the Vault-Tec Boys are not products of Vault 108? ["Unstable, homicidal and single-minded" sounds about right!]

[StLee]

Standings:



Goodsprings was considered a preseason favorite to win the Mojave Series. But, just as Novac did exactly the opposite of what they were expected to do a season ago, the Lucky 38s have started as slowly as a team expected to be good can. Twenty-one games into the season and the Lucky 38s own the worst record (6-15) and sit 7 games behind division leader Tops (13-8).

The Mutants have to be the early-season surprise. Only 2.5 months from losing their owner, Tops currently sits atop the West Division and only a game behind the league's best record.

Westside (14-7) is the owner of the best record in the league. The Sunset Sarsaparillas have not taken advantage of their new home park (4-4) but owns a 10-3 record on the road.

The New California Republic (13-8) looks similar to the team two years ago that won it all. Mostly for the Bears, they have been an offensive juggernaut, led by third baseman Mike Britton hitting a MBL record 12 home runs in April.

April Awards:




News and Notes:

4.5.87 – Year 3 Begins

The league got off to a thrilling start for the 2287 season with pitching ruling opening day. The most exciting game of the day was Gomorrah’s 1-0 ninth-inning victory over North Vegas.

In other action, Boulder City and South Vegas drained their bullpens in the Atomic Wranglers’ 3-2, 15-inning victory. Westside stopped Tops with a 3-2 win, and the New California Republic edged out Camp McCarran 4-2.
The only two blowouts on the day were Novac’s 9-2 beating of Freeside and Goodsprings’ 8-2 lashing of Ultra Luxe.

4.6.87 – Player fight

Not everything was bright and fuzzy for the opening day of the Mojave Baseball League. Following Westside’s 3-2 win over Tops, two relief pitchers got into a post-game slap fight that resulted in a short suspension of each player.

Tops’ Brad Moore was found to be the aggressor and got a five-game boot to start the second game of the series. Matt Jeffries of Westside, who struck out the only batter he faced, received a two-game ban.

4.6.87 – Player suspension (Chem use)

Novac’s backup center fielder Robert House (we thought we might hear from this guy in a different way) will serve a four-game suspension after testing positive for Steady.

House flew out in his only at bat in the season opener, so if he used Steady for the game, it didn’t work that well.

4.7.87 – Player injury (Update)

Goodsprings’ Jimmy LaRue complained of tightness in his elbow. The star outfielder decided to let his injury heal naturally, and it will now cost him some time.

The Lucky 38s decided to option LaRue to their Prospects League team Sloan for some light work before they will call him back up some time later this month to help Goodsprings compete for a title.

4.11.87 – Player suspension (Chem use)

Boulder City’s shortstop George Benson has been hitting the ball well. It could be that his hitting was due to the Steady in his system, but now Benson has to sit four games after being caught.

Boulder City has high hopes that the young Benson can help to keep the team out of the cellar. Perhaps the pressure was too heavy where he feels like he has to perform for the 2-3 Atomic Wranglers.

4.12.87 – Player injury

Westside’s Lloyd Wolf decided to celebrate his off day by visiting his girlfriend in Cottonwood Cove. Instead, the Sarsaparillas pitcher almost lost his life when he was stunned and mutilated by a rogue lakelurk.

Luckily for Wolf, his girlfriend’s ripper was handy and she cut the lakelurk in two before it could do the same to Wolf. Unluckily for Wolf, the 37-year-old’s 2287 season is over, and maybe his career, too.

4.13.87 – Player injury

Camp McCarran’s relief pitcher Bobby Jenkins is a big guy, a really big guy. But as big as a Deathclaw?

That’s what a guard claimed when he took out Jenkins in a shooting. The guard mistook Jenkins for a Deathclaw and sounded the alarm, as well as opened fire on the Brahmin pitcher.

Because of injuries suffered, Jenkins is expected to be out at least three months, or, for the rest of the season.

[Tyke]

Gee, slow start for the Lucky 38s. They will certainly need LaRue back and fully healthy if they are to challenge this year.

[StLee]

Standings



Near the halfway point of the season, all divisions are interesting.

The team that looks to be the best in the Mojave at this point of the season is New California Republic. The Bears (29-16) have the largest division lead (5.5 games) and are three games better than the next best team in the league.

That second best team is the Westside Sarsaparillas (26-19). The Sarsaparillas are still struggling in their new home (9-11), but they are by far the best away team (17-8). Just imagine if they had stayed at Nellis Air Force Base for one more season.

The West Division has proven to be the most interesting and mediocre division so far. Tops (24-21) and South Vegas (22-23) have been going back and forth atop the division all season. Goodsprings (21-24) appeared to be left for dead after the first month, but they have bounced back to challenge for the division. If the Lucky 38s can stay healthy, they appear to have the best all-around talent to take the division.

May Awards



News and Notes

5.9.87 – Player fight

He didn’t get the start, but South Vegas ace Ricardo Rodriguez was still heated following the game against Tops. Rodriguez accused Mutants outfielder Dallas Fox of showboating while at the plate, so Rodriguez leveled Fox in the post-game hand shake. Fox retaliated by kicking Rodriguez, causing a small wound on his non-throwing hand.

Due to the exchange, which was quickly broken up by both teams, Rodriguez will get a five-game suspension, while Fox will sit out two.

The game was heated because the two teams are battling for first place in the West Division, with red-hot Goodsprings with a six-game winning streak right on their tail. South Vegas won the game 5-2 to take a half game lead over the Mutants.

5.10.87 – Player suspension (Chem use)

Boulder City ace Brady “Heavy” Childs has been a warrior for his team the last three seasons. This season, the pitcher, who has done everything he could to keep his team competitive, has complained of some chronic pain in his throwing shoulder. He said that his poor start to the season (1-5 with a 5.03 ERA) has been because of the pain, something league doctors have not been able to remedy.

Childs then decided to take action on his own. Unfortunately for him, Med-X is a banned chem in the league, and Childs will now have to sit the next five games. Maybe then he can recover both his arm and his success.

5.11.87 – Player trade

The North Vegas Radscorpions traded 27-year-old left fielder Jason Williams to the Camp McCarran Brahmin, getting 38-year-old reliever Michael Miles and 20-year-old reliever Armor Hammer in return.

5.14.87 – Player trade

The Goodsprings Lucky 38s traded 28-year-old catcher Barry Wilson to the New California Republic Bears, getting 19-year-old minor league starting pitcher Bill Adams and 20-year-old minor league center fielder Roger Barrett in return.

5.15.87 – Player suspension (Major chem use)

It took until the second month of the season, but the history books can show that Gomorrah closer Keith White was the first player to be caught with one of the newly-banned chems in his system.

White, who has been struggling this season with a 4.38 ERA compared to a career 1.72 ERA, had been acting erratically. A chem test revealed that he had the major chem Slasher in his system. Slasher, a concoction of Psycho, Stimpaks, and banana yucca fruit, is considered a highly addictive chem.

Because of his use, White will now sit the next 15 games, which could help the 13-19 Devils in last place in the competitive West Division.

5.20.87 – Player injury

Tops outfielder Mike Shapland may not be playing as much for his team this season, but he has been valuable to the Mutants at the plate in his three seasons there. That value will be no more this season, as Shapland has suffered poisoning from a Giant Radscorpion sting, probably ending his 2287 season.

The injury occurred on the team’s trip from Jacobstown to Goodsprings, where there are quite a few pockets of Radscorpions in the mountains and valleys. There is still no public transportation or sufficient roadways around Jacobstown, which brings up questions about the future of the league in Jacobstown.

5.27.87 – Jimmy LaRue news



5.30.87 – Player trade

The Goodsprings Lucky 38s traded 33-year-old left fielder Jim Welch to the Novac Dinosaurs, getting 39-year-old reliever Jimmy Ledet and 18-year-old minor league starting pitcher Oliver Hernández in return.

[StLee]

These stats were compiled at the exact midway point of the season. All teams had played exactly 50 games at this point. Batting leaders are first, followed by pitching leaders.

[StLee]

Standings



New California Republic (47-22) is running away with both their division (13 games up) and the league's best record (9 games up). With just 31 games to play, it would take a complete collapse for the Bears to either not clinch the best record or not make the playoffs.

The West Division continues to be exciting and could go down to the final week if things continue the way they have been. Tops and South Vegas are both tied for first place at 36-33 with Goodsprings right behind them at 35-34.

In the Central Division, Westside (38-31) leads by two games over North Vegas (36-33). The Sarsaparillas have been struggling of late. Luckily for them, the Radscorpions and Camp McCarran have been cold also, allowing Westside to maintain the division lead. Like the West Division, this division could stay interesting all season.

June Awards




News and Notes

6.6.87 – Player suspension (Chem use)

Westside ace pitcher Angel Polanco became yet another Mojave Baseball League star to test positive for chems. It is the second time in Polanco’s career that he has tested positive for chems, though neither has been a serious offense.

Polanco was found to have RadAway in his system and will serve a five-game suspension. He is 7-2 with a 2.52 ERA in 13 starts for the first-place but struggling Sarsaparillas.

6.8.87 – Player suspension (Chem use)

It may be a newly-banned chem, but that doesn’t prevent some players from needing their coyote tobacco chew. Jose Rey of Goodsprings was the culprit today, and the backup infielder will have to sit a game because of it.

6.11.87 – Jimmy LaRue news

Just as Goodsprings is starting to make its move on overtaking Tops for the West Division lead, star player Jimmy LaRue has suffered another setback and will probably work his way through a rehab stint in Sloan for the second time this season.

“I just can’t quite get into my groove,” LaRue said. “I think it’s best for the team’s chance of winning it all if I find my swing in Sloan. I know the fans and my team want to see me out there, but I have to do what I think is best.”

If things go right, LaRue could be back in as little as a few days, unless Goodsprings decides to keep him in Sloan for a full two weeks.

[StLee]

Final Standings



Playoffs

First Round

Game 1: NCR 2 at 188 4
Player of the Game: SP Matt Flamethrower, 188, 8 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, BB, 7 K

Game 2: NCR 0 at 188 14
Player of the Game: SP Glenn Brady, 188, 9 IP, CG, 2 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 9 K

Prospects League Championship

Game 1: 188 1 at Bonnie Springs 4
Player of the Game: SP Matt Wiley, Bonnie Springs, 8.1 IP, H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 12 K

Game 2: 188 1 at Bonnie Springs 4
Player of the Game: SP Casey Barraclough, Bonnie Springs, 8 IP, 2 H, ER, 10 K

Game 3: 188 5 at Bonnie Springs 0
Player of the Game: SP Glenn Brady, 188, 7.1 IP, 7 H, 0 ER, BB, 9 K

Game 4: 188 7 at Bonnie Springs 8, 11 innings
Player of the Game: LF Nelson Johnson, Bonnie Springs, 3 for 5, 2B, HR, 2 R, 5 RBI, BB

Statistical Leaders

Batting Leaders



Pitching Leaders



Season Awards

Hitter Award



Bill Cross of the Nelson RobCo Robots had a fine season this year and today he accepted the Hitter of the Year for 2287.

The 37-year-old right fielder put up a .341 average and a .430 on-base percentage, piling up 109 hits, 15 doubles, no triples, 36 home runs, 88 RBIs and 74 runs scored.

Other votes: 2. Nelson Johnson, Bonnie Springs; 3. George Harris, NCR

Pitcher Award



The Sloan clubhouse staff referred to him as "the kid" this season. Next year Pat Huber will have to have a new nickname. He earned it after winning the 2287 Prospects League Pitcher of the Year.

Huber made 16 starts this year, winning 9 and losing 3. He threw 108.2 innings, fanned 137, allowed 103 hits and 31 walks, while holding opposing teams to a .241 average as he logged an impressive 2.82 ERA.

Other votes: 2. Matt Flamethrower, 188; 3. Matt Wiley, Bonnie Springs

Best Rookie



Last spring Jarred Oldviper was happy to just make the Traders roster. He was overjoyed to see the name "Oldviper" on the lineup card, too. Now the 16-year-old 188 first baseman has capped off his debut season by winning the coveted Prospects League Top Rookie.

Oldviper won the award by hitting .308 and collecting 103 hits, 15 home runs, 68 RBIs and 14 walks, along with 52 runs scored and a .339 on-base percentage.

Other votes: 2. Martin Valdes, Sloan; 3. Richard McCarthy, Aerotech

Postseason Award



Though his team could not take the championship over Bonnie Springs, the Traders' Glenn Brady took home the 2287 Postseason Award.

Brady finished the postseason with a 2-0 record with a 0.00 ERA in 16 1/3 innings pitched. He allowed nine hits and three walks, and he struck out 18 innings in helping 188 to two of its three postseason wins.

Other votes: 2. Matt Wiley, Bonnie Springs; 3. Nelson Johnson, Bonnie Springs

Defense Awards

Who are the Defense Award winners? They are the guys that steal outs. They make spectacular plays, but they also consistently make the routine plays. This year in the Prospects League these defensive stalwarts made a name for themselves with their gloves:

Pitcher: Ken Mathis (Nipton Phoenix)
Catcher: Matt Massey (Boulder City Atomic Wranglers)
First Baseman: David Schoolskipper (Cottonwood Cove Lakelurks)
Second Baseman: Francisco Garza (Nipton Phoenix)
Third Baseman: Chris Andrews (Cottonwood Cove Lakelurks)
Shortstop: Héctor Ortíz (Bitter Springs Refugees)
Left Fielder: Gunner Knife (Nipton Phoenix)
Center Fielder: Bob Conant (Aerotech Tops)
Right Fielder: Dennis Edwards (Tops Mutants)

[StLee]

Standings



The division races are all but wrapped up. Of course, New California Republic is the representative from the East Division, as it's documented below. Goodsprings and Westside both have a magic number of 1, meaning only a complete collapse coupled with a division mate's surge can stop them from getting to the playoffs.

July Awards

Top Batter



Bob Franklin walked away with the Mojave Baseball League Batter of the Month award for his solid work with the stick in July.

The Westside center fielder hit .306 with 12 home runs, 30 RBIs and 27 runs scored.

This year Franklin has hit 32 home runs and posted a .302 batting average.

Top Pitcher



Bob Jackson of Goodsprings had an excellent July with a 4-0 record and was selected the Pitcher of the Month in the Mojave Baseball League.

He finished the month with a 1.51 ERA while piling up 37 strikeouts in 35.2 innings and holding opposing hitters to a .205 batting average.

This season Jackson has registered 7 wins and 2 losses in 17 starts with a 3.22 ERA.

Top Rookie



Goodsprings's Jesús Martínez collected 32 hits to snare the Mojave Baseball League Rookie of the Month for July.

He batted .333 with 6 home runs, 22 RBIs and 14 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.

So far this year Martínez is batting .253 with 11 home runs.

News and Notes

7.11.87 – Team achievement (First place battle)

Almost every casino on the New Vegas Strip has sketched 7/11 pictures and memorabilia inside as some sort of form of superstition of luck from days gone by. For the Lucky38s, that number represents a season-long battle towards first place. Goodsprings, which had an awful first month with a 6-15 record, has now used an eight-game win streak to propel them into first place at 43-35 in the West Division. South Vegas has been hot, too, meaning it took the eight-game streak and a home loss by the Vault Boys to allow Goodsprings to seize control.

As a healthy team, the Lucky38s may be the most talented team in the league, despite trading away star pitcher Wilfred Buckley and third baseman Duane Antqueen in the offseason.

7.17.87 – Player retirement

Tops’ young second baseman Mike Murphy received news of his parents’ demise at the hands of a roving Raider band. Their bodies were found, minus heads and limbs, hanging from the rafters of an abandoned farm house.
Murphy asked for his retirement papers shortly after learning of his parents’ death, vowing to pursue revenge.

Commissioner Lee promised he would be vigilant in aiding Murphy’s efforts and would try to commission some NCR robots to aid Murphy.

“Death is bad enough in the Mojave, but those sick cannibals need to be wiped out,” Lee said. “I’m sorry we lose a young player in the league, but I’m rooting for him to get those ******* **** *** ******* bastards.”

7.22.87 – Team achievement

It was a quick season for the East Division, but New California Republic clinched the division with its 9-4 victory over Tops. The Bears (58-29) clinched the division with 13 games to go.

7.25.87 – Player trade

The Freeside Kings traded 29-year-old starting pitcher Ron Franklin to the Tops Mutants, getting 18-year-old minor league center fielder Paul Strong and 18-year-old minor league first baseman Lindy Ludlow in return.

7.28.87 – Player trade

The Camp McCarran Brahmin traded 36-year-old center fielder Joseph Parker and 18-year-old minor league first baseman Art Hyde to the Tops Mutants, getting 37-year-old starting pitcher John Parks in return.

7.30.87 – Team achievement

They already clinched their division just over a week ago. Now New California Republic (63-30) has clinched the league’s best record after the second best team, Westside (55-38) lost a game late to Freeside.

The Bears, who won the inaugural Mojave Baseball League championship, looks to be even better than their championship form.

[Tyke]

I never doubted they would climb back [!] Just hope the Lucky 38s can keep the impetus going into the playoffs. Good to see young Martinez doing so well, bodes well for the future.

[StLee]

Originally Posted by Tyke

I never doubted they would climb back [!] Just hope the Lucky 38s can keep the impetus going into the playoffs. Good to see young Martinez doing so well, bodes well for the future.

The trade that sent ace Wilfred Buckley to the Radscorpions seemed to be a good one for the Lucky 38s, especially in long-term prospects. In the first year of the deal:

Goodsprings
SP Jim Jones, 8-5, 3.31 ERA, 141.1 IP, 123 K, 1.10 WHIP
1B Jesus Martinez, .251, 10 2B, 13 HR, 62 RBI, 32 R

North Vegas
SP Wilfred Buckley, 10-7, 2.75 ERA, 140.2 IP, 134 K, 0.96 WHIP

Buckley is one of the best pitchers in the league, but he's 13 years older than Jones. Jones didn't have quite as good a season as Buckley, but he had a similarly good season. Add Martinez's performance to Jones' and Goodsprings obtained to really good young players for a superstar. Maybe Goodsprings could use Buckley for the playoffs this season, but in the end they will be happy to have Jones and Martinez over their careers.

[StLee]

Final Standings



Batting Leaders



Pitching Leaders



News and Notes

8.1.87 – Team achievements (Division crowns)

Goodsprings (54-41) used superb hitting in defeating South Vegas 7-3 and clinch the West Division crown. Four players—Mike Duncan, Jimmy LaRue, Dennis Shaft, and Tony Smith—had three hits apiece to lead the Goodsprings charge, including a three-run sixth inning to break a 2-2 tie.

Former 38er Duane Antqueen led the Vault Boys’ attempt to deny Goodsprings the division crown by hitting two home runs in the game.

Not to be outdone, Westside (56-39) clinched the Central Division with an 8-5 win over North Vegas. The Sarsaparillas were led by Robert Glass’ 3 for 5 performance with a home run and four RBI.

Both Goodsprings and Westside will now battle it out for the second seed in the playoffs. The Sarsaparillas have a two-game lead with just five games to play. Westside holds the tie breaker, also, with a 6-2 season series advantage.

8.7.87 – Team achievement

Westside has been trying desperately to hold off the red-hot Goodsprings Lucky 38s for the second seed in the Mojave Baseball League. Now, with just one game to play in the season, the Sarsaparillas (59-40) have clinched the second seed thanks to a tie breaker in head-to-head competition. Goodprings (58-41) could still tie the Sarsaparillas for the second-best record, but Westside will have the home-field advantage in the playoff series.

[Tyke]

Originally Posted by StLee

The trade that sent ace Wilfred Buckley to the Radscorpions seemed to be a good one for the Lucky 38s, especially in long-term prospects.

Couldn't agree more. Shame the Saparillas will have home field advantage, but I'm feeling good about our chances, both this season and for the future.

[StLee]

Series Preview

Despite being the consensus preseason favorite to win the Mojave Baseball Legaue, Goodsprings got out to a horrid start, due in part to the health struggles of star outfielder Jimmy LaRue. Couple that with struggles from other players on the team while trying to cope without traded stars Wilfred Buckley and Duane Antqueen, and the Lucky 38s were an unlucky 6-15 to start the season.

And then LaRue got healthy and some of the Lucky 38ers ended their cold streaks. By the end of the season, Goodsprings surged past the rest of the West Division to easily win the division and clinch the third best record (58-42) in the MBL.

Westside had a different path to success. After relocating to Westside (former home of the Atomic Wranglers) from Nellis Air Force Base, the Sarsaparillas stayed steady throughout the season, jumping out to an early division lead and never trailing. Westside has been in sole possession of first place the ENTIRE season, starting out 1-0 while the rest of its division was 0-1.

The strangest part for the Sarsaparillas is that they were not very successful in their new home. Despite finishing with the league’s second-best record (59-41), Westside was only 23-27 at home, while going a league-best 36-14 away from home. Assuming a seven-game series is played, four games in Westside could be interesting.

The Sarsaparillas won the season series over Goodsprings six games to two. Most of that success came with Westside winning all four games in Goodsprings.

In the first series, the teams met in Goodsprings on April 19 and 20. The first game was the wildest of the series, as Westside won it 18-15. In the game, Goodsprings’ Dennis Shaft was the star player, going 2 for 4 with a two-RBI triple, three-run home run, five RBI, and two walks. The teams combined for 37 hits in the game. The Sarsaparillas also took game two, winning it 5-3. Angel Polanco pitched six shutout innings to earn the win. Dave Griffin’s two-run, first-inning home run set the pace for the offensive output.

The teams met again May 10-11 in Westside. The Lucky 38s won their first of the series 2-0 behind Willie Miller’s seven shutout innings and two RBI. Westside won the second game 8-7 in a wild finish. Trailing 6-3 entering the final inning, Goodsprings rolled off four runs to take a 7-6 lead. However, Westside answered with two in the bottom of the inning on an RBI double by Edwards Simpson, followed by a walkoff single by Augusto Rivera. The Sarsaparillas’ Griffin was the game’s MVP, going 2 for 3 with two homers, a walk, three RBI, and three runs scored.

The teams returned to Westside June 28-29. Westside jumped out to a 4-1 season series lead with a 9-2 win in the first game. The Sarsaparillas scored five runs in the bottom of the first inning to take charge and pound Goodsprings’ pitcher Earl Robinson for the second time on the season. Griffin was once again the star player in the game, going 3 for 5 with a home run, four RBI, and three runs scored. The Lucky 38s rebounded the next day, winning 15-6 in their own offensive explosion. Rookie first baseman Jesus Martinez earned game MVP honors by going 4 for 5 with a double, five RBI, and two runs.

The season series concluded July 18-19 in Goodsprings. Westside won the first game 10-5, scoring six runs in the final two innings, including scoring four insurance runs in the ninth. The Sarsaparillas’ Bob Franklin was 4 for 5 with two doubles, a home run, a walk, five RBI, and three runs scored. In the final game of the season series, Westside took the game 6-2 in 13 innings. Simpson and Franklin each hit two-run home runs in the deciding inning.

This is a tough series to call. Westside has dominated Goodsprings on the season. However, the Lucky 38s are the hottest team in the league, and it's hard to pick against LaRue and company. We'll take Goodsprings to win it in seven.

[StLee]

Goodsprings Blows Ninth-Inning Lead, Loses in 14

Goodsprings closer Bobby Lorn led the Mojave Baseball League in saves with 29, but he also had seven blown saves during the season and a rather high 4.48 ERA. However, none of his in-season struggles compared to his ninth inning in Game One of the 2287 MBL playoffs.

Leading 6-3 going into the ninth, Lorn only needed three outs to send the Lucky 38s to an early advantage over Westside. Instead, the Sarsaparillas scored three to tie the game and went on to win 8-7 in 14 innings.

The loss could prove to be the defining point of the series.

“Nobody is more disappointed in me than me,” Lorn said. “I just ain’t got it today and we lost. I’ll have to do better next time if coach gives me another chance.”

Westside won the game in the bottom of the 14th after falling behind by one in the top of the inning. With one out, Augusto Rivera hit his third double of the game off reliever Dave Witcher. Edward Simpson and Robert Glass then drew back-to-back walks to load the bases. Dave Griffin then hit into a 3-2 fielder’s choice to leave the bases loaded with two outs. That’s when one of the two Goodsprings killers, Bob Franklin, stepped up to the plate and delivered a two-RBI, walkoff single to win it 8-7 for the Sarsaparillas.

Goodsprings thus had two chances to win the game, making the loss even more devastating. In the ninth inning, Westside made its first move. Lorn walked Mike Plasmagun to lead off the inning. With one out, Mike White singled to send Plasmagun to third. Hector Ruiz then off loaded a three-run jack to tie the game at six apiece, chasing Lorn and bringing in starter Earl Robinson in relief. Ruiz’s clutch home run was enough to earn him Game MVP honors despite only getting one at bat in the game.

In the top of the 14th, the Lucky 38s retook the lead. Dennis Shaft led off with a single, followed by three straight walks to score Shaft. Goodsprings could have blown it open, but Witcher hit into a 3-2 fielder’s choice, followed by a strike out and ground out by Mike Duncan and Stu Vanstone.

Goodsprings jumped out to an early lead in the game that it held onto until the ninth inning meltdown. In the top of the first, the Lucky 38s got one. Duncan got on base to start the game after being hit by an Angel Polanco pitch. Vanstone and Jimmy LaRue then drew back-to-back walks to load the bases. Rookie Jesus Martinez followed by hitting into a double play that allowed Duncan to score.

In the top of the second, the Lucky 38s extended their lead. Perry Ferguson led off with a walk, followed by a Java Stirfry single. With one out, Willie Miller tripled in Ferguson and Stirfry for a 3-0 lead.

Westside got its first run in the bottom of the second. Plasmagun drew a one-out walk on Goodsprings starter Miller. Stan Clark then doubled to send Plasmagun to third. Mike White then hit a sacrifice fly to score Plasmagun.

The Sarsaparillas pulled closer in the fifth. With two outs, Rivera doubled. Simpson followed with a two-out single to cut the Goodsprings lead to 3-2.

However, the Lucky 38s had an answer to the Westside score, scoring three in the sixth for a 6-2 lead. Martinez singled to lead off the inning, chasing Polanco from the game. With one out, Ferguson doubled in Martinez. With two outs, and after Jorge Garcia was intentionally walked, pinch hitter Tony Smith hit an RBI single to make the score 5-2. Duncan then hit an RBI single for the final run of the inning.

In the bottom of the sixth, Griffin hit a solo home run to cut the Goodsprings lead to 6-3 before the ninth-inning rally.

LaRue and Garcia led the Lucky 38s with three hits apiece. Rivera’s three doubles led the Sarsaparillas in hits and set an MBL record for doubles in an extra-inning postseason game.

Polanco finished the game with a no decision in the start. He pitched five innings, giving up four earned runs on six hits with three walks and two strikeouts. Matt Jeffries was the winning pitcher, giving up an earned run on one hit in 1.1 innings with three walks and a strikeout.

Goodsprings’ Miller also had a no decision. He gave up two earned runs on six hits in five innings with a walk and five strikeouts. Witcher was the losing pitchers, allowing two earned runs on three hits with two walks and a strikeout in three innings.

[Tyke]

Still full of hope - but hope it isn't now a for-Lorn hope?

[StLee]

Good one!