Fallout: New Vegas' Mojave Baseball League

[StLee]

Westside Returns Favor, Loses in Ninth Inning

The way to define the first two games of the first round of the 2287 Mojave Baseball League playoffs is “shaky bullpens.”

That’s just what the ninth inning provided in Goodsprings’ 7-5 come from behind victory in Game 2 over host Westside. The series is now even 1-1.

Trailing 5-4 entering the final frame, the Lucky 38s took on Westside reliever Dean Brown, who was tasked with closing out the game. Goodsprings’ John McDowell led off with a pinch-hit double. With one out, Mike Duncan singled to move McDowell to third. Stu Vanstone then doubled in McDowell to tie the game 5-5. After Jimmy LaRue was intentionally walked and Jesus Martinez struck out, Dennis Shaft hit a two-RBI single for the game’s winning hit.

Lucky 38 closer Bobby Lorn then came in to close out the game in the bottom of the ninth, but his appearance was almost as disastrous as in Game One. Lorn walked Edward Simpson to lead off the inning. With one out, Dave Griffin singled. After Bob Franklin struck out, Lorn walked Mike Plasmagun to load the bases. William Harris then grounded out to third to end the game.

The Goodsprings win came on the heels of the bullpen blowing a big lead. The Lucky38s took their first lead in the top of the third. With two outs, Stu Vanstone walked, followed by an RBI triple by LaRue. LaRue then score on a wild pitch by Sarsaparillas starter Will Stewart.

In the fifth, the Lucky 38s extended their lead. Jim Jones hit a one-out double, followed by a Mike Duncan triple to make it 3-0. Vanstone then hit an RBI sacrifice fly to give Goodsprings a commanding 4-0 lead.

It was not until the sixth inning that the Sarsaparillas could touch Goodsprings starter Jim Jones. With one out in the inning, Franklin homered to left center field to cut the lead to 4-1.

Starter Earl Robinson, designated to bullpen duty for the playoffs, then took over in the seventh for the Lucky 38s. Jeffery Thomason hit a one-out double, followed by a single by game MVP Augusto Rivera. Simpson then hit a sacrifice fly t score Thomason, followed by an RBI double by Robert Glass to cut the Goodsprings lead to 4-3. Donald Bush then came in to replace Robinson.

Greg Greer came on to pitch the eighth, and he too could not find success. With one out, Greer walked Plasmagun, followed by plunking Stan Clark. Mike White then hit a game-tying single. With two outs, Rivera hit an RBI single to give Westside a 5-4 lead heading into the ninth.

Despite his poor showing, Greer earned the win for Goodsprings. He gave up two earned runs on two hits with a walk in one inning. Lorn earned the save, allowing no runs on one hit with two walks in his lone inning of work. Jones, the starter, gave up one earned run on six hits with two walks and seven strikeouts in six innings for the no decision.

Brown was the losing pitcher for Westside, to go along with his blown save. He gave up three earned runs on four hits with a walk and strikeout in just 2/3 innings of work. Stewart started the game and finished with four earned runs on four hits with two walks and two strikeouts in five innings.

Though each team had twelve hits in the game, no offensive player had amazing numbers. Rivera followed up his record-breaking game with a four-hit performance, probably nudging him towards game MVP honors in voters’ eyes. He finished 4 for 5 with an RBI and run scored.

Duncan was Goodsprings’ best hitter, going 3 for 5 with a triple, an RBI, and two runs scored.

[Tyke]

Better! And, in the 9th, Lorn was obviously just toying with them, to ratchet up the tension a little.... wasn't he?

[StLee]

Goodsprings Rallies in Ninth, Wins in 10

Commissioner Lee sometimes uses the phrase “Deja vu, all over again.” That phrase could not be more correct for what has happened in the first three games of the 2287 playoffs.

In what could be the same story as Game One, Goodsprings rallied from a three-run ninth-inning deficit to tie the game and then win it in the tenth, 6-5, over Westside. The Lucky 38s now have a 2-1 series advantage.

Trailing 5-2 entering the bottom of the ninth, Goodsprings faced off with reliever Andrew Dwyer. Perry Ferguson led off with a single. With one out, Jorge Garcia and Tony Smith walked. Mike Duncan then hit an RBI single to make it 5-3. After a wild pitch scored Jorge Garcia and moved Smith and Duncan up a base, Vanstone hit an RBI sacrifice fly to tie the game 5-5. Colm Harrison then came on to relieve Dwyer and got Jimmy LaRue to fly out to end the rally.

In the tenth, Harrison stayed on to pitch. Dennis Shaft led off with a single, followed by a four-pitch walk by Eddie Pegasus. With one out, Matt England came on as a pinch runner for the slow-running Shaft. Java Stirfry then delivered a walkoff single to score England and give the Lucky 38s the win at home, their first home win over Westside this season.

“It wasn’t a pretty game,” Goodsprings starting pitcher Bob Jackson said, “but we found a way to win when we needed it most.” Jackson finished the game giving up five runs, three earned, on eight hits with four strikeouts in seven innings pitched.

Jackson fell behind early in the game. In the top of the first, the Sarsaparillas’ Jeffery Thomason led off with a single. Edward Simpson then followed with a two-run home run to give Westside a 2-0 lead.

Goodsprings was able to answer in the second. Jesus Martinez led off with a single, followed by a two-run home run by Pegasus, who got the start at catcher over Shaft. Pegasus’ home run was the only extra base hit for the Lucky 38s in the game.

Pegasus’ start at catcher almost cost Goodsprings dearly because of the fifth inning. Will Robertson led off with a single, followed by a double by Hector Ruiz. Clarence Woods was then hit by a pitch to load the bases. With one out, Simpson hit a simple bloop foul ball behind the plate that Pegasus dropped. Simpson then hit into a 1-2 fielder’s choice. Augusto Rivera then hit an RBI single to give the Sarsaparillas a 3-2 advantage. Bob Franklin then hit a dribbler that Pegasus could not handle, allowing Woods to score. It was the second error on Pegasus in the inning.

Westside extended its lead to 5-2 in the sixth on Ruiz’s solo home run with two outs. Ruiz finished with the best offensive performance for the Sarsaparillas, going 2 for 4 with a double, home run, RBI, and two runs scored.
Clarence Woods, the starting pitcher for the Sarsaparillas, was named the Game’s MVP despite his no decision. He gave up two earned runs on five hits with five walks and five strikeouts in eight innings pitched.

Bobby Lorn was the winning pitcher for Goodsprings. He finished with no runs on no hits with two walks and a strikeout in his lone inning of work.

Duncan and Martinez led the Lucky 38s with two hits apiece.

News and Notes

8.12.87 – Player suspension (Major chem use)

Novac outfielder Jim Welch has been suspended 15 games to start the 2288 season due to Fixer being in his system.

The third-year player, who played his first two season with the Goodsprings Lucky 38s may have been feeling down about watching the playoffs from the stands. We don’t know what he may have used to need Fixer, but he is now registered in the Major Chems Program to start his offseason.

[Tyke]

Don't worry about Pegasus, folks, he'll be flying soon....

[StLee]

Four Goodsprings Pitchers Combine for Shutout

For the first time this series, the bullpen had nothing to do with the final result.

Willie Miller and three relievers combined to pitch a five-hit shutout in Goodsprings’ 7-0 domination of Westside. The Lucky 38s now have a 3-1 series advantage.

Miller pitched 5 2/3 innings, giving up five hits and striking out seven. He was relieved by Donald Bush, who struck out all four batters he faced. Earl Robinson and Greg Greer each pitched an inning to finish the game, allowing no hits and striking out one batter apiece.

Westside only managed to get two players into scoring position all game, but both runners were stranded at second.

The Lucky 38s scored all the runs they needed in the bottom of the first. Mike Duncan and Stu Vanstone had back-to-back singles to start the game. With one out, Jesus Martinez reached on an error to score Duncan and Vanstone.

Goodsprings extended its lead in the sixth with a two-out rally. Martinez started the rally with a double, followed by a Dennis Shaft walk. Westside then put Kevin Blake in to pitch, and he immediately walked Perry Ferguson to load the bases. Java Stirfry then reached on an error to score Martinez. Jorge Garcia followed with a two-RBI double. Stirfry tried to score on the play, but he was thrown out at home to end the inning 5-0 in favor of Goodsprings.

In the seventh, the Lucky 38s extended their lead more. Tony Smith reached on an error to lead off the inning. After a Duncan single, Vanstone walked to load the bases. Jimmy LaRue then singled in Smith and Duncan to make it 7-0.
After a pitching change, Goodsprings was unable to manufacture another run.

Angel Polanco was the losing pitcher. He gave up four runs, two earned, on six hits with two walks and a strikeout in 5 2/3 innings.

News and Notes

8.13.87 – Player suspension (Major chem use)

South Vegas reliever Ray “Sledgehammer” Strachan may have ended his career on a low note. The 41-year-old middle reliever was found to have Fixer in his system and will now be forced out of the first 15 games of the 2288 season. Strachan has contemplated retirement, and now that may be a reality for him.

[StLee]

Goodsprings Slaughters Westside, Wins Series

Jim Jones pitched eight shutout innings, and the Lucky 38s bats were wide awake as Goodsprings whipped Westside 12-0 and clinched the series in five games.

Jones gave up only six hits and struck out four batters in eight innings. Greg Greer pitched a perfect ninth inning to complete the second straight shutout for Goodsprings.

Like the day before, the Lucky 38s got what they needed offensively in the first to clinch victory. With one out, Stu Vanstone was hit by a Will Stewart pitch. After LaRue reached on a fielder’s choice, Jesus Martinez hit an RBI double to score LaRue.

The Lucky 38s added another run in the second. Perry Ferguson and Java Stirfry led off with back-to-back singles. Jorge Garcia was then hit by a pitch to load the bases. With one out, Mike Duncan hit a sacrifice fly to score Garcia and make it 2-0.

Goodsprings blew the game open in the third. LaRue reached on a dropped fly ball in right field to lead off the inning. With one out, Dennis Shaft hit a two-run blast to make it 4-0. With two outs, Stirfry walked. Garcia singled, followed by a Jim Jones walk to load the bases. Duncan then singled in Stirfry and Garcia to give the Lucky 38s a 6-0 lead. After Dean Brown came in to replace starter Will Stewart, Vanstone hit a three-run home run over the left field fence for a 9-0 advantage.

In the fifth inning, Goodsprings added three more. Duncan singled to lead off, followed by a Vanstone double. LaRue then singled in Duncan to make it 10-0. Martinez followed with an RBI single for an 11-0 advantage. With one out, Stirfry hit a sacrifice fly for the final 12-0 score.

The Lucky 38s finished with 16 hits in the game. LaRue and Garcia finished with three hits apiece. Duncan and Vanstone each drove in three runs.
Stewart was the losing pitcher for Westside. He pitched 2 2/3 innings, giving up eight runs, three earned, on six hits with two walks and three strikeouts. Stewart also had the Sarsaparillas’ only extra base hit.

Jones, the game’s MVP, was also named the series MVP. In two games, Jones finished 1-0 with a 0.64 ERA in 14 innings pitched. He allowed only one earned run and 12 hits, walked two, and struck out 12.

Goodsprings will now face off against New California Republic in a rematch of the 2285 season. The Bears won the series in seven games.

[Tyke]

Great stuff - and now looking forward to a better performance against the Bears than in 2285. Incidentally, I love some of the "interesting" names you have injected into the game - and just at the moment, Java Stirfry is my favourite!

[StLee]

Originally Posted by Tyke

Great stuff - and now looking forward to a better performance against the Bears than in 2285. Incidentally, I love some of the "interesting" names you have injected into the game - and just at the moment, Java Stirfry is my favourite!

I actually wish I had changed more. Still, there are a lot of very subtle family names in there that are true to the Mojave, but may not be noticeable. But when I look at the boxscores, too many of the names are generic. I know the Fallout game has quite a few generic names in it, but there are many more opportunities for unique and interesting characters built through the names I choose.

Some of my favorite names I created:
Java Stirfry, like you mentioned
Eddie Pegasus
Poseidon Last Name
Keith Oven Light
Francisco Sandeater
DJ Gas Mask Cartwright
Albert Molekiller
George O'Kill
Mountainside Richards
Basket Zapp
Dan Trainyard
Mojave Desert Blue
Duane Antqueen
Ralph Beerguzzler
Lake Water
Takem Neverlife
Buster Cherry

There are quite a few more. I wasn't sure how much time I would have for wrting. As it turns out, not much. If I had more time, there were back stories and story lines to go with many of the characters in the game. As it stands, I'll focus on a few players for the six years of Lee's commissioner reign.

[Tyke]

These are terrific. KUTGW.

[StLee]

The 2287 Mojave Series is a rematch of the 2285 Mojave Series when the New California Republic Bears take on the Goodsprings Lucky 38s.

This year’s battle sees the team predicted to be the best versus the team that proved to be the best in the regular season.

During the regular season, the teams met for two four-game series. The first series was held April 28 through May 1 at Goodsprings. In the first game, the Bears shut out the Lucky 38s 5-0 behind the solid pitching of ace Jim Ford and Mike Britton’s two home runs, one a solo shot and the second a grand slam. The next day, the NCR was again victorious via shut out, this time winning 6-0. Jim Crouch pitched six shutout innings for the Bears to earn game MVP honors. Goodsprings completed its miserable April with another loss, this time a 10-6 loss in 10 innings following a blown save by Bobby Lorn in the ninth. The NCR’s Clyde Martin led all batters in the game, going 4 for 5 with two doubles, a triple, two RBI, three runs, and a walk. In the fourth game, the Lucky 38s finally took one, winning 3-2 on Dennis Shaft’s walkoff two-run homer in the ninth. Goodsprings was held to just one hit through eight innings by NCR starter Leroy Hodges. However, the Lucky 38s knocked Basket Zapp around in the ninth with two doubles and a home run to overcome the 2-0 deficit.

The teams met again June 9-12 at the Hoover Dam. The NCR won the first game 8-1 behind the dominating pitching of Mark White, giving up just one run in 7 1/3 innings. Emilio Rodriguez added a three-run homer in the game. In game two, Goodsprings won it 5-3. First baseman John McDowell hit a three-run home run to earn game MVP honors. The Bears won the third game 5-4 with a three-run rally in the eighth. Britton was the game’s MVP, going 2 for 4 with a home run, two RBI, and a run. The final regular season game saw the New California Republic win once again, 6-3. Britton was again the game’s MVP, going 3 for 3 with a home run, a walk, three RBI, and a run.

Britton was by far the best hitter in the season series. He batted 12 for 31 (.387) against the Lucky 38s with six home runs, three walks, 15 RBI, and eight runs.

Mark White was the best pitcher in the series. He had a 1-0 record in 14 1/3 innings pitched with a 3.14 ERA. He allowed 14 hits, walked five, and struck out 11 batters.

Goodsprings is making one change for the Mojave Series, switching Greg Greer to closer, while Bobby Lorn moves to middle relief.

Based on how much the NCR dominated this series in the regular season, we’re going to go with the Bears in five.

[Tyke]

It looks like a tough ask for the L38s, but I'm hoping they learned from the season series and now have "a cunning plan"! Seriously, I think I'll be fairly happy if they take it to 7 games.

[StLee]

Tyke, you wanted Stirfry. You got Stirfry.

Goodsprings Rallies Behind Stirfry’s 5 RBI

Java Strifry had the game of his career, driving in five RBI and helping Goodsprings jump out to a 1-0 Mojave Series lead over New California Republic with a 7-5 win.

Stirfry finished 2 for 4 with a three-run home run in the deciding eighth inning to earn Game MVP honors.

The Bears had the jump on the Lucky 38s in the game. In the bottom of the first, Joel Bowles reached after being hit by a Bob Jackson pitch. With one out, Gerardo Makejoo singled, followed by a Clyde Martin RBI single for a 1-0 lead.

Goodsprings tied the game in the third. Jorge Garcia led off with a double off Jim Ford. After Jackson moved Garcia to third on a sacrifice bunt, Mike Duncan hit a sacrifice fly to score Garcia.

The Lucky 38s took their first lead in the fourth. Jimmy LaRue had a thirteen-pitch at bat, which may be a Mojave League record, and finished off with a triple after fouling off nine pitches. With one out, Dennis Shaft hit a sacrifice fly to score LaRue and a 2-1 Goodsprings advantage.

The lead was short-lived, though, after the NCR scored in the bottom of the inning. Barry Wilson walked with one out, and Ford moved him over on a sacrifice bunt. Bowled then hit an RBI single to tie the game 2-2.

In the fifth inning, Martin hit a one-out double for the Bears. After Mike Britton was hit by a pitch, Stanford Gillespie hit a two-run double for a 4-2 lead.

Goodsprings answered in the sixth. With two outs, Shaft walked to chase Ford from the game. Ken Watson came on in relief for the NCR and immediately gave up a single to Perry Ferguson, who advanced to second on the throw to third. Stirfry then hit a two-RBI single to tie the game 4-4.

The game remained tied until the eighth inning. With one out, Jesus Martinez singled and advanced to second when Makejoo bobbled the ball. Martinez advanced to third on a Shaft ground out. With two outs, John McDowell came on to pinch hit and walked. Stirfry then hit his three-run blast on the first pitch of his at bat for a 7-4 Goodsprings lead.

In the bottom of the inning, Bobby Lorn came on in relief for the Lucky 38s. The first batter he faced, George Gray, reached on a Stirfry error to lead off the inning. Earl Robinson then came on in relief to prevent a big inning. Two straight ground outs allowed Gray to score, with Gabriel Rodriguez earning the RBI. The NCR scored only one run for the 7-5 final.

Greg Greer pitched the ninth inning for Goodsprings. He allowed a single to Mark Smith, got Makejoo to fly out, and had Martin hit into a game-ending double play to earn the save.

Donald Bush was the winning pitcher for the Lucky 38s. He didn’t give up any runs or hits and struck out two in 1 1/3 innings. Jackson, the starting pitcher, had no decision. In 5 2/3 innings, he allowed four earned runs on nine hits with two walks and six strikeouts.

Ken Watson was the losing pitcher for New California Republic. He allowed four earned runs on four hits with a walk and a strikeout in two innings. Ford was the starting pitcher and left the game with a lead. He allowed three earned runs on four hits with three walks and seven strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings.

The Bears’ Makejoo led all hitters in the game with three hits. Gillespie and Martin had the only two extra-base hits for the NCR.

[Tyke]

Yep, that Java Stirfry really is hot stuff!

[StLee]

NCR Wins in 12, Evens Series 1-1

The long, winding road towards a championship requires lots of endurance and perception. It takes a lot of S.P.E.C.I.A.L. talent to make it in this world, and these two teams are indeed…special.

What was a thrilling game without a lot of offense ended thanks to a 12th-inning triple and sacrifice fly to give New California Republic a 4-3 win over Goodsprings in Game Two of the 2287 Mojave Series.

Gerardo Makejoo led off the inning with a triple off Earl Robinson. After game MVP Alex Carney was intentionally walked, Barry Wilson hit a deep fly to right field to drive in Makejoo for the victory.

The Bears took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second. Joel Bowles walked off starter Willie Miller with one out. George Gray and Jeremy Watson then hit back-to-back singles to score Bowles.

In the fifth inning, Makejoo hit a two-out single, followed by a two-run blast by Carney. That gave the NCR a 3-0 lead.

However, the Lucky 38s fought their way back in the sixth. Jorge Garcia led off with a single off starter Jim Crouch. After Tony Smith reached on a fielder’s choice where he beat out the double play attempt, Mike Duncan singled him to second. Both runners advanced on a wild pitch, followed by a Stu Vanstone walk to load the bases. Jimmy LaRue then hit a slow-rolling ground out to first base to score Smith and advance the other two runners. Jesus Martinez then hit a two-RBI double to tie the game 3-3.

Bill Shelton earned the win for the Bears, pitching the 12th inning. He walked one batter and struck out the side. Crouch gave up three earned runs on three hits with two walks and four strikeouts in six innings. Leroy Hodges and Basket Zapp pitched the other five innings, combining to give up just two hits, walk one batter, and strike out seven.

Robinson was the loser for Goodsprings. He gave up one earned run on one hit in 1.1 innings. Miller gave up three earned runs on six hits with a walk and two strikeouts. Three other pitchers pitched for Goodsprings, giving up one hit with three walks and four strikeouts in five innings.

Game MVP Carney was 2 for 5 with a home run, two RBI, a run, and a walk. His homer and Makejoo’s 12th inning triple were the only two extra base hits for the NCR on the day.

The Lucky 38s only had five hits on the day. Duncan led the team by going 2 for 5 with a run scored. Martinez’s sixth-inning double was the only extra base hit.

The two teams now move the series to Goodsprings for the next three games.

[StLee]

NCR Scores 4 in First, Wins 7-3

New California Republic used a strong first inning off Goodsprings starter Jim Jones to propel itself to a 7-3 victory in Game Three of the Mojave Series. The Bears have now won two straight to take a one-game advantage in the series.

Emilio Rodriguez was the game’s MVP in yet another game where the Bears had to rely on singles to score. Rodriguez finished 3 of 4 with a double (the only extra base hit for the NCR), three RBI, and a run.

With one out in the first, Jones hit Alex Carney with a pitch, forcing the MVP of Game Two to leave with an injury to his wrist. Stanford Gillespie came on as a pinch runner for Carney and advanced when Clyde Martin walked on four pitches. After Mike Britton struck out, Rodriguez knocked in the game’s first run with an RBI single. Joel Bowles then singled in Martin for a 2-0 lead, followed by George Gray knocking in Rodriguez and Bowles for a 4-0 lead.

Goodsprings was able to answer in the bottom of the inning. Stu Vanstone hit a one-out double and scored on Jesus Martinez’s RBI double. The Lucky 38s threatened to score more by loading the bases, but Java Stirfry grounded out to end the inning 4-1 in favor of the NCR.

Martinez led off the third with a double. Eddie Pegasus then hit a two-run home run on the first pitch he saw from Donnell Dugood to make the score 4-3. Again, Goodsprings threatened to score more in the inning but came up short.

The NCR finally scored again in the sixth off reliever Will Hughes. Mike Britton, who has yet to get a hit in three Mojave Series games despite being a hitter of the year candidate, was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning. Rodriguez followed with a single to move Britton to second. With two outs, Jeremy Watson singled in Britton for a 5-3 Bears lead.

In the seventh, New California Republic scored its final runs. Makejoo led off with a single and then stole second. With one out, Martin was intentionally walked. Mike Britton then grounded out on a hit and run to move the runners up a base. Rodriguez followed with a two-RBI double for the 7-3 final.

The Lucky 38s outhit the NCR 11-9 but left nine runners in scoring position. Jimmy LaRue, who went 0 for 5, and Stirfry left a total of nine runners on base, six in scoring position, in their at bats.

Dugood was the winning pitcher for the Bears. He gave up three earned runs on nine hits with two walks and two strikeouts in seven innings. Basket Zapp retired the last two batters of the game to earn the save.

Jones was the loser, giving up four earned runs on three hits with a walk and two strikeouts in just two inning. Five Lucky 38ers combined to finish the game after Jones’ early exit.

[StLee]

Lucky 38s Rally Late, Even Series

There’s no doubt that Jim Ford, the 2285 Mojave postseason award winner, is a quality pitcher who helps the New California Republic to win games.

Unfortunately, his arm is not as strong as most, and that means he seldom lasts more than six innings, even when he is dominating.

Ford pitched 5 2/3 shutout innings, but he tired and had to leave in the sixth. Two innings later, his shutout turned into an NCR loss, 4-3, to Goodsprings to even the series, 2-2.

The Lucky 38s trailed 2-0 entering the bottom of the seventh with reliever Ken Watson in for Ford. With one out, Perry Ferguson doubled on the first pitch. With two outs, Jorge Garcia doubled in Ferguson to cut the NCR lead to 2-1. John McDowell then came on as a pinch hitter and drove in Garcia to tie the game 2-2.

The Bears retook the lead in the eighth. Bobby Lorn came on in relief of starter Bob Jackson. His third pitch to leadoff batter Joel Bowles was then sent over the left field fence for a 3-2 Bears lead.

In the bottom of the eighth, the Lucky 38s finally went ahead. The NCR used situational pitching, substituting Bill Shelton to retire Stu Vanstone and William Miller to retire Jimmy LaRue. Dave Morris then came on for the Bears with two outs. Jesus Martinez singled off Morris, followed by Dennis Shaft’s go-ahead home run to right center field for a 4-3 Goodsprings advantage.

Greg Greer came on in the ninth to save the game for Goodsprings. He gave up a leadoff single to Stanford Gillespie, but Rich Hall followed by hitting into a double play. After Greer plunked Emilio Rodriguez, he struck out Gabriel Rodriguez to end the game.

Ford was named the game MVP despite the no decision. He gave up no runs on six hits with seven strikeouts in 5.2 innings. Ford also hit a solo home run. Morris was the losing pitcher after giving up two runs on two hits with a walk with no official outs.

Jackson, the starter for Goodsprings, also had a no decision. He gave up two earned runs on six hits with seven strikeouts in seven innings. Lorn was the winning pitcher, allowing an earned run on a hit with a walk and strikeout in one inning.

New California Republic took an early lead in the game. With one out, Stu Wilkins singled. He scored on Clyde Martin’s two-out double for a 1-0 lead.
The Bears extended that lead in the third. Pitcher Ford led off the inning with a home run for the 2-0 advantage.

Martinez and Ferguson led the offensive charge for the Lucky 38s with two hits apiece.

Bowles was the only player for the NCR with multiple hits. He finished 2 for 4 with a double, home run, run, and RBI.

[Tyke]

Greg Greer always likes to keep things interesting, make sure the fans get value for money!

[StLee]

Goodsprings Explodes for 13 Runs, Takes 3-2 Series Lead

The Lucky 38s trailed early in the first four games, but not in Game Five.

Goodsprings used a six-run first to vault its way to a 13-6 win over New California Republic and a 3-2 series lead.

Mike Duncan led off with a single off Bears starter Jim Crouch. Stu Vanstone then doubled to put runners at second and third. After Jimmy LaRue struck out on a questionable strike call on 3-2, Jesus Martinez hit a two-RBI single.

Dennis Shaft walked, and Perry Ferguson singled to load the bases with one out. Java Stirfry then singled in Martinez for a 3-0 lead. Jorge Garcia followed with a bases-clearing double for a 6-0 lead. Garcia tried to stretch his double into a triple but was thrown out at third. Dave Morris then came on in relief of Crouch, who lasted just 2/3 of an inning.

New California Republic scored its first run in the third inning. With two outs, Gerardo Makejoo walked and Gillespie was hit by a pitch. Clyde Martin then singled in Makejoo to cut the Goodsprings lead to 6-1.

The Lucky 38s pushed their lead back to six in the fourth. Stirfry led off with a solo home run to left center field off Morris for a 7-1 lead heading into the fifth.

In the fifth, Martinez walked with one out. Dennis Shaft then tripled in Martinez for an 8-1 advantage. After Willie Caine came in to reliee Morris, Ferguson hit an RBI ground out for a 9-1 Lucky 38s lead.

The Bears were able to answer in the sixth. Gillespie walked to lead off the inning. On an attempted steal, Shaft threw the ball into center field, allowing Gillespie to advance to third. Martin then hit an RBI ground out to cut the score to 9-2.

In the bottom of the inning, Goodsprings pulled away. Jorge Garcia singled to lead off, followed by a Tony Smith single. Duncan then hit into a fielder’s choice to reach and move Garcia to third. Vanstone followed by walking to load the bases with one out. LaRue then hit a three-RBI triple for a 12-2 lead. After a NCR pitching change, Martinez hit a sacrifice fly to drive in LaRue for a 13-2 lead.

The NCR finally found some offensive push in the ninth when the game was all but over. Martin led off by singling off reliever Earl Robinson. Mike Britton then walked. Emilio Rodriguez followed with an RBI single, and Britton and Rodriguez advanced on the throw to home. Joel Bowles then doubled in both runners for a 13-5 game. After Bobby Lorn came in to relieve Robinson, George Gray singled in Bowles for the 13-6 final after Lorn retired three of the next four batters.

Stirfry was voted game MVP, though his offensive performance did not stand out other than being the only player to homer in the game. He finished 2 for 3 with the homer, two RBI, and two runs scored. Duncan led all hitters with four hits, including one double. Shaft was 2 for 2 with a double and triple, walked two times, drove in a run, and scored twice. LaRue, Martinez, and Garcia each drove in three runs for the Lucky 38s.

Martin was the best offensive player for the NCR. He was 3 for 4 with two RBI, and a run.

Willie Miller earned the win for Goodsprings. He gave up two earned runs on two hits with three walks and three strikeouts in 5.1 innings. Four Lucky 38ers came on in relief to finish the game.

Crouch was the loser for the Bears. He gave up six earned runs on six hits with a walk and strikeout in 2/3 of an inning. He now has a 12.15 ERA in the postseason.

Game Six will move to Hoover Dam Stadium. The Lucky 38s just need to win one of two there to clinch the Mojave Series title.

[Tyke]

"Oh my!" [Annie Savoy].

[StLee]

Britton Finds Bat, NCR Ties Series 3-3

Mike Britton was a brilliant hitter during the regular season, compiling a .275 batting average with 17 doubles, 26 home runs, 92 RBI, and 66 runs. In the postseason, he has not been so hot.

However, Britton found his bat when he needed it, going 2 for 3 with two home runs, four RBI, two runs, and a walk in leading New California Republic to a 6-1 Game Six victory over Goodsprings.

Britton’s first homer came off Lucky 38s starter Jim Jones in the fourth. He then added a three-run shot in the fifth, again off Jones, to allow the Bears to pull away.

Mark White was the winning pitcher for the NCR. He did not allow a run in six innings, with three hits allowed, five walks, and four strikeouts. Ken Watson and Basket Zapp completed the game for the Bears.

Jones was the losing pitcher for Goodsprings. In 4.1 innings, he allowed six earned runs, including three home runs, on seven hits with a walk and four strikeouts. Dave Witcher and Mario Flores completed the game in relief.

The game was scoreless until the bottom of the third. With two outs, White and Gerardo Makejoo had back-to-back singles. George Gray then hit an RBI single to score White for the 1-0 lead.

New California Republic added two more runs in the fourth when Britton and Emilio Rodriguez led off the inning with back-to-back home runs and a 3-0 lead.

In the fifth inning, Britton blew the game open. With one out, Gray struck out but reached after the pitch got away from the catcher. Clyde Martin then singled to move Gray to second. Britton followed with a three-run homer off the first pitch he saw, chasing Jones from the game and giving the Bears a 6-0 lead.

Goodsprings finally scored in the ninth to avoid the shutout. With one out, John McDowell went deep on Watson.

Britton and the Lucky 38’s Dennis Shaft were the only players with multiple hits in the game. Shaft was 2 for 3 with a double and a walk. Goodsprings had five hits in the game.

New California Republic and Goodsprings will now meet in the deciding Game Seven, just like they did two years ago when the Bears used an outstanding pitching performance by Jim Ford to win the game 8-2 and the series. Ford will again pitch game seven, this time against the Lucky 38s’ Bob Jackson, who was 8-3 with a 3.18 ERA on the season.