StLee

Fallout: New Vegas' Mojave Baseball League [Retired]

Recommended Posts

Year 5: June 2289

 

Standings

 
2289StandingsCJuly1_zps5ee39d74.jpg
 
North Vegas, Goodsprings, and South Vegas have extended the gap between themselves and their division mates. All three teams are in great shape to win their divisions in the final 28 games. 
 
The wildcard race is the only excitement left. Three teams are all vying for that one spot, with Ultra Luxe currently holding on to the spot. However, watch out for Westside, which was considered the favorite to win the wildcard spot before the season began. 
 
June Awards
 
2289LeadersCJuly1Awards1_zpsd21cc0ac.jpg2289LeadersCJuly1Awards2_zpsf82247ba.jpg
 
League Leaders
 
2289LeadersCJuly1LeagueLeaders_zps405b94
 
News and Notes
 
6.3.89 – Player trade
 
The Gomorrah Devils traded 31-year-old right fielder Bob Woodward and 19-year-old minor league starting pitcher Josh Horn to the Primm Outlaws, getting 34-year-old starting pitcher Greg Thompson in return.
 
6.4.89 – Team news
 
Gomorrah is looking to shake up its roster in a very significant way, hoping to build on the future to become a competitive team in the Mojave Baseball League. Just one day after trading away struggling outfielder Bob Woodward and former third overall pick Josh Horn to Primm for pitcher Greg Thompson, the Devils have made major changes to their Prospects League roster.
 
Though the 188 Traders currently are at 38-15 and have the best record in the Prospects League, Gomorrah management decided to release all struggling and underperforming players. As a cost-saving move, the Devils cut 17 players, but re-signed a few at lower contracts. 
 
Released and re-signed players include: relievers Zak Perry and Pedro Morales and Donovan Wolf, starting pitcher Arturo Reyes, first basemen Eric Baker and Allan Carter, third baseman Greg Billings, and shortstop Armando Ramos. 
 
The most notable cut was Aviator Jones, who was demoted only a day ago.  Nicholas Schneider who had a 2.76 ERA in relief for South Vegas last season, 2288 Return to Sender award-winning first baseman Rob Carlson (Primm in 2288), and former Primm outfielder Tim Patterson were the most notable signings. 
 
6.8.89 – Player trade
 
The Westside Sarsaparillas traded 29-year-old third baseman Mike White and 20-year-old minor league catcher William Irwin to the Novac Dinosaurs, getting 31-year-old closer Bob Newsome in return.
 
6.9.89 – Jimmy LaRue news
 
Radscorpions Halt LaRue's Hit Streak: Jimmy LaRue's sizzling streak was snapped at 27 today as the Goodsprings Lucky 38s dropped a game to the North Vegas Radscorpions 7-1 at North Vegas Square Field. LaRue failed to get a hit and went 0-for-4.
 
After the game LaRue spoke with BNN and said, "This was quite a streak. I just ran into some good pitching today."
 
For the season, LaRue is hitting at a .429 clip with 3 home runs, 43 RBIs and has scored 42 runs. He has 102 hits, 13 walks and a .458 on-base percentage.
 
6.9.89 – Player achievement
 
Devils Parks Gets No-Hitter: "This is one of the best moments of my life," John Parks said. "You never think that's going to happen -- a no-hitter."
 
He made those comments after he held the Boomers hitless in the Gomorrah 9-0 victory at Nellis AFB Field.
 
"We simply couldn't get any wood on the ball," said the Nellis AFB manager, when asked about his epic performance. "Parks was brilliant out there. He certainly had our number."
 
Parks was more humble about his historic feat and told BNN reporters that he was "just happy to get the win for the club."
 
He faced only 29 batters in the no-hit gem, struck out 2 and walked 0.
 
Parks has fashioned a 2-3 mark for the season, 5.34 ERA and thrown 57.1 innings in 11 starts. Opposing clubs are batting .321 against him.
 
6.10.89 – Player trade
 
The Freeside Kings traded 25-year-old catcher Evan Pryor and 18-year-old minor league starting pitcher Lou Crosby to the Primm Outlaws, getting 32-year-old starting pitcher Matt Palmer in return.
 
6.16.89 – Player fight
 
For the first time in the Mojave Baseball League’s short history, a multi-player brawl has resulted in unprecedented suspensions. 
 
Following Goodsprings’ 5-4 victory over Primm last night, eight players were involved in a fight, resulting in all eight players being suspended for some time.
 
The three instigators of the brawl were all suspended for a variety of games. Primm’s starting pitcher Steve MacIntyre received the harshest penalty of 22 games suspended, followed by the Outlaws’ Vicente Palacios receiving 17 games and the Lucky 38s’ catcher Dennis Shaft receiving 15 games. 
 
Others to be suspended include league star Jimmy LaRue (3 games), Stu Vanstone (4 games), and Mike Duncan (2 games) for Goodsprings and Rich Hall (2 games) and Evan Pryor (2 games) for the Outlaws. 
 
All suspensions begin immediately, meaning that both teams will be short-handed for today’s series finale. 
 
6.16.89 – Update on Primm vs Goodsprings
 
With both teams short-handed due to last night’s brawl, Goodsprings spanked Primm 9-2 behind the brutal hitting of Jesus Martinez. Martinez hit his 14th and 15th home runs of the season, including a two-run home run in the first inning to give the Lucky 38s a quick 2-0 lead. Java Stirfry added a three-run shot with nobody out in the second inning to chase the Outlaws’ starter Jarred Jones and put the game away early. 
 
6.21.89 – Player suspension (Major chem use)
 
Curt Petty saw his role reduced this season after the North Vegas Radscorpions picked up closer Basket Zapp in the redistribution draft. Now the former closer who finished third in 2288 in saves with 28 will be sitting for the remainder of 2289 and part of 2290 after testing positive for Jet. 
 
Petty only pitched in two games for North Vegas this season, spending most of his time with the Prospects League team, H&H Tool Company. He will likely be one of the biggest negative results earners from last season to this season. 
 
6.28.89 – Player suspension (Chem use)
 
Boulder City is in the midst of a playoff race. Now they will have to go without one of their best players when starting pitcher Sixto Deleon was caught with Buffout in his system. 
 
The aging pitcher may have needed Buffout to boost his pitching speed or to win a fight against his girlfriend, who knows. What we do know is that Deleon will have to sit the next ten games while a poor pitching staff has to try to keep the Atomic Wranglers in the playoff hunt.

Who Dat? 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Year 5: Prospects League

 

Final Standings

 
2289PLStandings_zps01afd16a.jpg
 
Playoffs
 
Play-in game
 
Sloan Quarriers 5 at New Vegas Steel Steelers 6
Player of the Game: Vincent Harvey, C, NVS, 3 for 3, HR, 3 R, RBI, 2 BB
 
First Round
 
Game One: 188 Traders 2 at New Vegas Steel Steelers 4
Game MVP: Manuel Salazar, SP, New Vegas Steel, 8 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, BB, 8 K
 
Game One: Nipton Phoenix 8 at Mojave Express Couriers 3
Game MVP: Brant Carney, SP, Nipton, 8 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 0 ER, BB, 4 K
 
Game Two: New Vegas Steel Steelers 3 at 188 Traders 13
Game MVP: Dave Green, RF, 188, 2 for 4, HR, 2 R, 4 RBI, BB
 
Game Two: Mojave Express Couriers 1 at Nipton Phoenix 5
Game MVP: Jorge Alonzo, SP, Nipton, 8 IP, 4 H, ER, 2 BB, 5 K
 
Game Three: New Vegas Steel Steelers 3 at 188 Traders 6
Game MVP: Keith Oven Light, SP, 188, 7.1 IP, 8 H, ER, 6 K
 
Prospects League Championship
 
Game One: Nipton Phoenix 5 at 188 Traders 8
Game MVP: Ed Moyer, C, 188, 1 for 4, GS, R, 4 RBI
 
Game Two: Nipton Phoenix 0 at 188 Traders 3
Game MVP: Winston Walker, SP, 188, 8 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
 
Game Three: 188 Traders 2 at Nipton Phoenix 4
Game MVP: Keith Heard, SP, Nipton, 7 IP, 9 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
 
Game Four: 188 Traders 1 at Nipton Phoenix 3
Game MVP: Brant Carney, SP, Nipton, 8 IP, 7 H, ER, 7 K
 
Game Five: Nipton Phoenix 2 at 188 Traders 4
Game MVP: Winston Walker, SP, 188, 8 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
 
Statistical Leaders
 
Batting Leaders
 
2289PLBattingLeaders_zpse5239321.jpg
 
Pitching Leaders
 
2289PLPitchingLeaders_zps6bd21961.jpg
 
Season Awards
 
2289PLBattingandPitchingAwards_zpsa3cb702289PLBestRookie_zpsf301c729.jpg
 
Other Awards
 
Postseason Award: Winston Walker, P, 188 Traders 
 
Defense Awards: 
P - David Small, Mojave Express
C - Lane Milton, Hidden Valley
1B - David Schoolskipper, Cottonwood Cove
2B - Joe Mitchell, Hidden Valley
3B - Jack Bollansted, 188 Traders
SS - Fred Hodge, Hidden Valley
LF - Matt Franklin, Nipton
CF - Bob Conant, Mojave Express
RF - Gunner Knife, Nipton
 
Affiliations
 
Just in case you forgot: 
188 Traders - Gomorrah
Aerotech  - Tops
Bittersprings - Westside
Bonnie Springs - South Vegas
Cottonwood Cove - Boulder City
H&H Tool Company - North Vegas
Hidden Valley - Ultra Luxe
Mojave Express - Primm
New Vegas Steel - Nellis AFB
Nipton - Freeside
Red Rock - Novac
Sloan - Goodsprings

Who Dat? 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Year 5: July/August 2289

 

Final Standings

 
2289StandingsDFinal_zps5c4b0667.jpg
 
July Awards
 
2289LeadersDAug1Awards_zpsb01f2a2d.jpg
 
League Leaders
 
Batting Leaders
 
2289LeadersDBattingLeaders_zpsee90f10c.j
 
Pitching Leaders
 
2289LeadersDPitchingLeaders_zps322315e6.
 
News and Notes
 
7.4.89 – Player injury
 
Jeff Glover may want to stay away from irradiated zones. Despite rumors that Glover may be having a somewhat disgusting affair with a ghoul, it won’t help his pecker if he gets it chomped off. 
 
The Tops reliever was attacked by an evolved centaur and is recovering for the remainder of the season in a clinic in Jacobstown. 
 
Evolved centaurs have not been seen much in the Mojave recently thanks to the efforts of Radiation King to clean up irradiated zones. However, there are still plenty of pockets of wastes in the wilderness. 
 
Glover has a reputation of being accustomed to the ghoul life. Speculation was he was on the hunt for some lovin’ and that got him into a tight spot when he did not find ghouls but a pocket of centaurs. Thankfully, Glover’s efforts did help to wipe out that group of centaurs, so there is a positive ending. In the meantime, Glover finishes with a 5.11 ERA in nine appearances for the Mutants. 
 
It is also ironic that a Mutants’ player was attacked by known pets of Mutants. 
 
7.6.89 – Player fight
 
Nellis Air Force Base’s Brad Moore and Boulder City’s Harry Adams each pitched a hell of a game yesterday. The two players combined to pitch 14 innings and give up a combined two runs in the Atomic Wranglers’ 2-0 victory. 
 
Unfortunately, Moore’s frustration in the loss carried over to the post-game handshake, leading to an altercation between the two pitchers. 
 
Due to their transgressions, Moore will sit the next five games, while Adams will get a two-game boot. Overall, neither suspension will really matter since both players are starting pitchers. Still, the fight goes on their permanent record. For Moore, it’s his second career suspension for fighting with the first coming in 2287 when he pitched for Tops. He may be subject to more severe penalties if he is cited for a third offense. 
 
7.12.89 – Jeff MacTause news
 
MacTause Stops Westside Cold: Jeff MacTause of the Freeside Kings really did a job on the Sarsaparillas today at Westside Ballpark, shutting them out 12-0. MacTause frustrated Westside hitters throughout the game, surrendering 3 hits. He struck out 5 and walked 0 in picking up the victory.
 
This season MacTause has a 5-5 record with a 2.00 ERA.
 
7.16.89 – Player fight
 
Due to some work being done at Primm Community Field, Primm and Westside had to share a bullpen for the game. That sharing happened to cause more than one problem, including pre-game fisticuffs between the two teams’ bullpen catchers. 
 
The Outlaws’ Evan Pryor and the Sarsaparillas’ Thomas Hastings will now be suspended four games and one game, respectively, for their transgressions. 
For Pryor, it’s his second suspension in a month for fighting. 
 
7.16.89 – Player suspension (Chem use)
 
On the same day that Primm lost catcher Evan Pryor due to fighting, the Outlaws also lost reliever Matt Wiley one game for using coyote tobacco chew. 
 
7.17.89 – Team achievement
 
Bob Jackson pitched seven scoreless innings and the Goodsprings Lucky 38s won their division for the third straight season, defeating South Vegas 3-0. The Vault Boys were the only other team to win the division when both teams were in the same division. 
 
The Lucky 38s (55-30) clinched the Bear Division crown over Tops (39-46). Currently, Goodsprings trails North Vegas (62-23) and South Vegas (56-29) for the best record in the Mojave Baseball League. 
 
7.18.89 – Team achievement
 
North Vegas could not get it done on the field, losing their division-clinching opportunity against Ultra Luxe, 3-2. However, Primm’s two-out, ninth-inning rally helped the Outlaws defeat Freeside, 2-1, and clinch the Star Division for the Radscorpions. 
 
Currently, North Vegas is 62-24 and has a five game lead over South Vegas for the best record in the Mojave Baseball League. 
 
7.21.9 – Player suspension (chem use)
 
Goodsprings ace Jim Jones must have been having a particular craving. Today Jones was caught with ant nectar and a positive test confirmed he will be out for the next three games, delaying his next start. 
 
Jones is 10-5 with a 2.61 ERA for the Bear Division champs. He was the Mojave Series MVP and Mojave Hardcore Mode Postseason Award winner in 2288. 
 
7.23.89 – Player fight
 
A pre-game argument turned into a fight between two players for North Vegas and Tops. Tops’ Alex Elliott took the first swing at the Radscorpions’ Squirrel And, leading to the two players wrestling on the ground near the first base dugout. 
 
After being separated, the two players were immediately sent to their lockers. And was dismissed for the game, and Elliott was given an additional five games for six total for starting the fight. 
 
7.23.89 – Jimmy LaRue news
 
Number 156 by LaRue Puts Name Atop Hit List: He did it! Jimmy LaRue smacked hit number 156 in a game at Red Rock Canyon Auxiliary Field today to break the record for the most hits in a season, held previously by Mike Duncan. The Goodsprings Lucky 38s star got a tremendous standing ovation from the fans. Speaking after the game Jimmy LaRue told reporters, "It was a great moment in my life. Times like that don't come around that much. I shall always remember it."
 
Jimmy LaRue grounded out in the 1st, singled in the 4th and singled in the 6th.
 
In the 2289 season LaRue is hitting .417 with 4 home runs.
 
7.24.89 – Team achievement
 
South Vegas was the last team to do it, but the Vault Boys’ 9-6 victory at Westside earned them the Aradesh Division crown. 
 
South Vegas (60-31) had a ten-game lead with ten to go before the victory made the division crown over Ultra Luxe (49-42) official. The White Gloves are now battling for the wild card spot, currently held by Freeside (51-40). 
 
7.29.89 – Jimmy LaRue news
 
LaRue Wins MBL Player of the Week: Jimmy LaRue has the tools to stick in this league for many years. The 23-year-old center fielder of the Goodsprings Lucky 38s had a pretty hot bat in the Mojave Baseball League over the past seven days and won the Player of the Week honors.
 
LaRue batted .545 with 12 hits in 22 at-bats, 1 home run and 4 RBIs. 
 
In 2289 LaRue has hit at a .422 clip with 166 hits, 5 home runs, 56 RBIs and has scored 69 times.
 
7.29.89 – Jeff MacTause news
 
MacTause Shuts out Sarsaparillas: In an outstanding outing, Jeff MacTause tamed Westside on a 2-hit shutout. The Freeside hurler went the distance, finishing with 8 strikeouts and 1 walk in the 10-0 win.
 
"He had a lot of first pitch strikes and kept us off balance with a lot of off-speed stuff," according to the Westside manager. "We just didn't get too many balls squared up today."
 
To date this year MacTause has compiled a 7-5 mark with a 1.74 ERA in 21 starts.
 
7.31.89 – Player news
 
Primm minor leaguer John Collier has been solid in his two seasons with the Mojave Express. He came to the Mojave from New Mexican territory to try his hand at baseball. At first, teams were not very interested in him, but Primm gave him a tryout and eventually signed him. 
 
Collier surprised a lot of people by being a solid reliever and sometimes starter. In 31 games pitched, he started 10 games, compiling a 7-5 record and a 4.31 ERA. It is still unknown how far he could progress, but the young pitcher seemed to have a shot at making it to the major league team. 
 
However, like all stories in the Mojave, this one turns strange. Last week, the mysterious computer hacker poet, Le Penseur, was revealed to be Collier. For the last two years, network computers on the RNC have been having poems suddenly popping up when people were visiting RNC screens, including the Mojave Baseball League’s screen. 
 
Instead of being angry, though, people began to consider Le Penseur to be a cult icon of the Mojave. He was the people’s poet. Now that Collier is revealed to be the formerly anonymous penman, he has felt overwhelmed. Thus Collier has decided to leave baseball for now and focus on writing. It is unknown when he will return, if ever. 
 
7.31.89 – Team achievement
 
It took ten innings to do it, but North Vegas clinched the top seed in the 2289 Mojave Baseball League playoffs by defeating Nellis Air Force Base 8-7. 
 
The Radscorpions (70-26) have been dominant all season and beat out Goodsprings (64-32) and South Vegas (64-32) for the top spot. The Lucky 38s and Vault Boys are now battling for the second seed in the playoffs. 
 
8.2.89 – Tom Nelson news
 
Nelson Dominates, Whitewashes Dinosaurs: "He was kind of teasing them with his off-speed stuff, and his fastball was moving everywhere," the South Vegas skipper said after Tom Nelson shut out the Novac Dinosaurs 9-0 on a 4-hit masterpiece.
 
Nelson registered 7 strikeouts and issued 1 walk in a gem of a performance.
 
"We just didn't swing the bats very well...or he just pitched good, whichever way you want to look at it," said the Novac manager after the defeat.
 
This year Nelson has compiled a 12-3 record with a 2.03 ERA in 21 starts.
 
8.3.89 – Team achievements
 
Freeside locked up the final playoff spot with its 3-1 victory over Nellis Air Force Base. 
 
Jeff MacTause pitched another gem of a game, allowing just one earned run in seven innings to clinch the wild card spot for the Kings (55-44) with just a game to play in the regular season.
 
Freeside edged out Ultra Luxe (53-46) for the wild card spot. 
 
In other news, Goodsprings (67-32) clinched the second seed in the playoffs, thanks to their 7-0 shutout of Tops coupled with South Vegas’ 4-2 loss to Novac. 
 
With the playoffs seeds set, the Vault Boys (65-34) will play at Goodsprings and Freeside will play at North Vegas to begin the playoffs.

Who Dat? 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Year 5: Playoffs - #3 South Vegas vs #1 North Vegas

 

First Round Preview

 
The 2289 North Vegas Radscorpions featured one of the most dominant pitching staffs in MBL history. The top four starters—Rich Richmond, Nate Camp, Wilfred Buckley, and Lee Burke—combined to go 52-14 with below a 3.00 ERA. In fact, the Radscorpions’ team ERA of 2.47 was better than any other team by 58 points (South Vegas finished second with a 3.05 team ERA). North Vegas led in pitching in almost all team categories. 
 
On top of the outstanding pitching performances, North Vegas finished second in team batting average (.269), second in home runs (101), second in runs scored (498), third in hits (931), third in OBP (.343), second in slugging percentage (.416), and first in steals (159). Goodsprings led most of the offensive categories. 
 
Weldon Brown looks to have displaced George O’Kill as the offensive leader, though O’Kill has been no punkganger. Brown had a .285 average with a league-leading 34 home runs. He also finished second in the league with 75 RBI. O’Kill batted .266 with 24 home runs (6th in the league) and 72 RBI (3rd in the league).
 
South Vegas may not have been as good, but the Vault Boys are still a very good team. Like North Vegas, South Vegas has a good combination of hitting and pitching results. The Vault Boys were right in the mix as league leaders in many team categories. 
 
Offensively, you can’t talk about the Vault Boys’ performance without mentioning rising star James Sexton. The South Vegas left fielder finished second in batting average (.378), first in on-base percentage (.500), second in hits (139), sixth in doubles (26), and tied for second in runs (76). Third baseman Duane Antqueen also added great pop to the lineup. He batted .323 with a team-leading 18 home runs and 69 RBI despite not being very good against right-handed pitchers. Shortstop Joseph Dillon added a .289 average with 18 homers and 52 RBI. 
 
Orlando Stephens and Tom Nelson led the way for the South Vegas pitching staff. Stephens had a 14-3 record (2nd most wins) with a 2.84 ERA. Nelson went 12-3 with a 2.03 ERA (2nd in league). Robert Cooper also added an impressive record of 11-2 with a 2.74 ERA. On the not-so-bright side, Donnell Dugood finished 5-8 with a 4.79 ERA. He may not see action in the postseason unless it is as a reliever or spot starter. 
 
In the season series, South Vegas gave North Vegas more trouble than most teams. The Radscorpions held a 5-3 advantage in the season series, but that included the Vault Boys winning three of the last four games in North Vegas.
 
In the first series from May 23 until May 26, North Vegas went into South Vegas and swept the series 4-0. South Vegas later returned the favor, in a way, winning the July 4-7 series three games to one, including a dramatic 14-inning victory on an Angel Serrano home run. 
 
Because South Vegas is pretty good, North Vegas cannot expect to run away with an easy series win. Our prediction is for the Radscorpions to get revenge from the 2286 Mojave Series and take this one in six games.

Who Dat? 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Year 5: Playoffs - #4 Freeside vs #2 Goodsprings

 

First Round Preview

 
Goodsprings returns to the playoffs to defend its title. Freeside returns to the playoffs for the first time since the debut season of the Mojave Baseball League. Both teams met in the first-ever MBL playoffs series, where the two teams were then known as Lucky 38 and King’s School of Impersonation. Lucky 38 swept the series 3-0. 
 
This season, Freeside enters the playoffs as a major underdog, mostly because the Lucky 38s are seasoned veterans in the post season, having been to the Mojave Series three of the previous four seasons. 
 
Offensively, Goodsprings has a major advantage with a runs per game average of 5.5 (1st in MBL) to the Kings’ 3.6 (9th in MBL). The Lucky 38s led the league in hits (1004), as well. Though they did not lead the league in any of the extra base hits categories, Goodsprings still was among the leaders in all. 
 
For Goodsprings, offense begins with Jimmy LaRue. The outstanding hitter batted a league high .427 to go with six home runs and 61 RBI. First baseman Jesus Martinez cleaned up well, batting .314 with 26 homers (4th in MBL) and 99 RBI (tops in the MBL). Java Stirfry proved to be a good hitter late in the lineup, knocking 16 dingers with 67 RBI. 
 
Jim Seaman was by far the best offensive player for the Kings, winning the club triple crown with a .328 batting average, 17 home runs, and 64 RBI. Catcher Ronald Draper was the next best offensive player with a .291 average, 7 home runs, and 43 RBI. 
 
Freeside has the advantage in pitching, especially with the help of club ace MacTause. The Kings finished second in runs per game (3.3), third in team ERA (3.12), second in hits allowed (759), and second in team WHIP (1.14). 
 
Goodsprings was not far behind in many categories, finishing fifth in runs per game (3.9), fifth in team ERA (3.57), and fourth in team WHIP (1.23).
  
When talking about Freeside’s pitching, Jeff MacTause is the man. The potential Lead Dealer Pitcher Award candidate finished with a MBL best 1.72 ERA and 151 strikeouts. Despite his superior performances, though, low run support resulted in MacTause only having an 8-5 record on the season. The second pitcher on the team also racked up a great season. Marshall Shaw finished 12-6 with a 2.41 ERA. Doug King led the MBL in saves with 33 and had an impressive 1.93 ERA. Reliever Ron Frazier was money off the bench with a 1.19 ERA. 
 
The Lucky 38s’ ace, Jim Jones, continued to be a leader on the mound. He finished with a 12-5 record and team-leading 2.32 ERA. David Martin, Bob Jackson, and Miguel Santos each added 11 more wins, and Donald Bush was 9-4 with a 3.32 ERA as the #3 pitcher. Willie Miller was not impenetrable as the closer, but he did finish with 31 saves (2nd in MBL) and a 3.61 ERA. 
 
Overall, the key to this series probably comes down to the huge differences in offensive production. Despite Freeside’s MacTause being perhaps the best pitcher in the league, he does not have much going on around him. Should he give up three or more runs, the Kings probably lose. With that said, our prediction is for another sweep between the two teams and an easy 4-0 series win for the Lucky 38s.

Who Dat? 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Year 5: Playoffs - SV vs NV, Game One

 

Eighth-Inning Rally Propels North Vegas

 
South Vegas took a 4-3 lead in the eighth, but North Vegas rallied with two runs in the bottom of the inning to claim a 5-4 victory. 
 
Weldon Brown led off the inning with a single for the Radscorpions. Bill Cole then singled to put runners at first and third. With one out, Nelson Kirby walked to load the bases. Norris Carr then hit into an RBI fielder's choice to tie the game with two outs. Jaime Rios then followed with an RBI single to give North Vegas the lead for good. 
 
The Vault Boys took the lead in the top of the eighth on an RBI single by MC Mack Walt Williams to drive in Kevin Zimmerman and Joseph Dillon. 
 
North Vegas grabbed the first lead of the game in the second inning. Just like the eighth, Brown led off with a single. Cole then doubled to put runners at second and third with no outs. Kirby and Stephen Sparks then followed with RBI ground outs to give the Radscorpions a 2-0 lead. 
 
The Vault Boys finally got on the board in the fourth inning. James Sexton led off the inning with a solo home run to deep left center field. After Dillon was hit by a Nate Camp pitch, Angel Serrano tripled him home to tie the game, 2-2. 
 
However, the tie did not last long. In the bottom of the inning, the Radscorpions retook the lead. With one out, Sparks hit an RBI single to score Arthur Glass, who had earlier reached on a fielder's choice. 
 
Camp was named the game's MVP despite the no decision. He pitched seven innings, giving up two earned runs on two hits--both in the fourth inning--with three walks and nine strikeouts. 
 
Dave Davis, who pitched the eighth inning for North Vegas, earned the win. Basket Zapp got the save. 
 
Tom Nelson was the starter for South Vegas. He allowed three earned runs on seven hits with four strikeouts in six innings. Closer John Rock was the losing pitcher.
 
2289Playoffs1A-1A_zps586d1ad4.jpg2289Playoffs1A-1B_zps25251738.jpg

Who Dat? 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Year 5: Playoffs - FS vs GS, Game One

 

Shaw Stymies 38s, Freeside Wins

 
Marshall Shaw's last trip to the postseason was anything but memorable. In his first and only start with the King's School of Impersonation, he was shellacked for six runs in six innings pitched. 
 
The opposite case came true in his second postseason start. Shaw gave up just one run on three hits in eight innings, holding down Goodsprings in Freeside's 2-1 series-opening victory. 
 
The Kings took the lead in the top of the second. Ronald Draper singled to lead off, and Tim Bradley walked. Ed Wolf then hit an RBI double for a 1-0 lead before Goodsprings starter David Martin was able to escape the inning by striking out the side, two coming with the bases loaded. 
 
In the eighth inning, Freeside's best offensive weapon, left fielder Jim Seaman, hit a one-out solo home run to give the Kings a 2-0 lead. 
 
Goodsprings finally got on the board in the bottom of the eighth. Perry Ferguson and Alex Raines both walked. With two outs and the runners at second and third, Mike Duncan singled in Ferguson, but Raines had to hold up at third because of the hard hit. With Dennis Shaft up with a chance to tie the game, Kings' catcher Jay Gardner picked off Duncan at first, ending the inning and the Lucky 38s' best threat. 
 
Martin suffered the loss for Goodsprings despite pitching a decent game. He gave up two earned runs on eight hits with three walks and nine strikeouts in 7.1 innings. 
 
Doug King picked up the save by pitching a perfect ninth inning. 
 
Seaman and Draper were the only players with multiple hits in the game.
 
2289Playoffs1B-1A_zpse1b57cbe.jpg2289Playoffs1B-1B_zpse41700aa.jpg

Who Dat? 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Year 5: Playoffs - SV vs NV, Game Two

 

Quick recap

 
Dugood Does Good, Dominates Radscorpions
 
Donnell Dugood gave up one earned run and struck out 10 batters in eight innings to help South Vegas even the series with North Vegas, 4-1. 
 
The Radscorpions' Wilfred Buckley did not fare as well, giving up three earned runs on seven hits in just three innings of work.
 
2289Playoffs1A-2A_zps5c0629ee.jpg2289Playoffs1A-2B_zps64a08524.jpg

Who Dat? 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Year 5: Playoffs - FS vs GS, Game Two

 

Quick recap: 

 
Lucky 38s Survive, Even Series
 
Goodsprings jumped out to a 3-0 lead, but watched that lead evaporate in the seventh inning before claiming victory in the 11th in a 4-3 win over Freeside. The series is now even heading to Freeside. 
 
Jimmy LaRue led off the bottom of the eleventh with his MBL record second triple of the game. With one out and the bases loaded on intentional walks, Perry Ferguson drew a walk to end the ball game. 
 
The Kings erased a 3-0 deficit in the seventh. Tim Bradley tripled to lead off the inning. Ed Wolf then reached on a sacrifice bunt attempt, stranding Bradley at third. Backup shortstop Jose De La Torre then became an unlikely offensive hero by blasting a three-run, game-tying home run. He had hit only one career home run in the MBL before his postseason heroics. 
 
The Lucky 38s' Jesus Martinez added a two-run home run in the sixth inning off all-MBL pitcher Jeff MacTause. 
 
Both MacTause and Donald Bush gave up three earned runs in the no decision. Willie Miller earned the victory for Goodsprings, while Jorge Alonzo was the losing pitcher.
 
2289Playoffs1B-2A_zpsb8bb50a1.jpg
2289Playoffs1B-2B_zpsb366728f.jpg

Who Dat? 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Year 5: Playoffs - SV vs NV, Game Three

 

Quick recap:

 
Ninth Inning Ends Scoreless Game
 
A scoreless game turned into a ninth-inning rally as the North Vegas Radscorpions defeated South Vegas 2-0 in Game Three of their first-round match up. 
 
With a pitcher's duel between Radscorpions' starter Rich Richmond and Vault Boys' starter Orlando Stephens, it took the teams' bullpens to help decide the final. 
 
Richmond gave up seven hits in 6.2 innings with a walk and seven strikeouts before giving way to John Mulvaney due to fatigue. Mulvaney finished the inning before Gary Clark came on to pitch the eighth, earning him the win after North Vegas' two-run ninth. Basket Zapp pitched the final inning for the save. 
 
For South Vegas, Orlando Stephen gave up just two hits, walked one, and struck out seven in seven innings. John Rock pitched a great eighth inning, but could not record an out to earn the loss in the ninth inning. 
 
The winning rally happened in the top of the ninth. Squirrel And led off the inning with a double off Rock. After a wild pitch moved And to third, Ernest Emmons walked. George O'Kill then singled in And and Emmons advanced to third. Ricardo Rodriguez then came on in relief for Rock. With one out and the bases loaded after an intentional walk, North Vegas' Arthur Glass hit a sacrifice fly to score Emmons for the 2-0 final.
 
2289Playoffs1A-3A_zps6ebcf9f7.jpg
2289Playoffs1A-3B_zps0251580f.jpg

Who Dat? 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Year 5: Playoffs - FS vs GS, Game Three

 

Freeside Looks Strong, Kings Take Series Lead

 
Freeside's Paul Strong has not done much in the Mojave Baseball League since his pro debut on May 1 of this season. However, the former Tops first-round pick became a sensation in Game Three of the playoffs when his three-run blast in the seventh inning boosted the Kings to a 5-2 victory over Goodsprings. 
 
With one out in the bottom of the seventh, Jerry Corbett doubled off the Lucky 38s' Jim Jones. Chris Bitter was then intentionally walked, followed by a ground out by Jose De La Torre. With two outs and a full count, Strong took a hooking curve over the right field fence at Old Mormon Fort Field for the three-run lead and the final runs in the game. 
 
Jones suffered the loss for Goodsprings, allowing five earned runs on six hits with a walk and nine strikeouts in seven innings. All five runs given up were via home run. 
 
Jorge Alonzo, who pitched only the seventh inning and gave up the tying run, earned the victory for the Kings. Ellis Wood, the starting pitcher, allowed one earned run on 10 hits with two walks and five strikeouts in six innings in the no decision. Doug King earned his second save of the series. 
 
The Kings struck first in the game. With two outs in the bottom of the first, Jim Seaman took a Jones pitch over the center field wall. 
 
Goodsprings got on the board in the third. Jones led off with a single. With two outs and Stu Vanstone on after reaching on a fielder's choice, Jimmy LaRue singled to advance Vanstone to third base. Jesus Martinez then hit an RBI single to knot up the game, 1-1. 
 
However, Freeside immediately answered to take back the lead. De La Torre took the third pitch he saw over the right center field fence for a 2-1 Kings' advantage. 
 
The Lucky 38s again tied the game in the seventh, though they could play the what-if game for that inning. Mike Duncan led off with a single to chase starer Wood. With one out, Duncan attempted a steal from second to third but was nailed pretty easily. LaRue then singled for what would have been the tying RBI. After LaRue stole second, Martinez hit his second RBI single to make the game 2-2.
 
Despite outhitting Freeside 12-6, Goodsprings could not manufacture runs. The Kings, however, blasted their way to the victory, something they did not do much of in the regular season.
 
2289Playoffs1B-3A_zps1cd348ff.jpg
2289Playoffs1B-3B_zpsdaeebf1a.jpg

Who Dat? 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Year 5: Playoffs - SV vs NV, Game Four

 

Serrano Homers Twice, Vault Boys Win

 
Angel Serrano hit a two-run home run in the first and added a solo shot in the sixth to help lead South Vegas to a 5-3 victory over North Vegas and an even series after four games. 
 
Tom Nelson earned the victory, pitching seven innings. He gave up three earned runs on eight hits with three walks and four strikeouts. 
 
Nate Camp was the losing pitcher for the Radscorpions. He allowed four earned runs on nine hits with a walk in five innings.
 
2289Playoffs1A-4A_zpseb9b37aa.jpg
2289Playoffs1A-4B_zps46bed987.jpg

Who Dat? 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Year 5: Playoffs - FS vs GS, Game Four

 

Freeside Rallies in Ninth, Holds 3-1 Series Lead

 
Goodsprings had held the Freeside bats in check for the first eight innings in a pitcher's duel. That all unraveled, though, when the Kings score two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to take a 2-1 victory and stand a victory away from winning the opening series. 
 
Willie Miller came on in relief for the Lucky 38s for the ninth inning, and he quickly got the first two batters out. Jim Seaman, the Kings' top offensive weapon, then got the rally going with a two-out single. Former top rookie Joel Bowles followed with an RBI triple to tie the game, 1-1. Ronald Draper then singled in Bowles for the surprising victory. 
 
David Martin of Goodsprings had pitched an excellent game, giving up only four hits and striking out 12 in seven innings of work. However, he was held to a no decision thanks to the Kings' rally. 
 
Freeside's Marshall Shaw was equally effective in the no decision. He gave up only one earned run on five hits with a walk and five strikeouts in eight innings. Matt Palmer pitched the ninth inning for the victory. 
 
The two teams play the last game of the series in Freeside tomorrow. If the Kings pull out the victory, they will move on to the Mojave Series.
 
2289Playoffs1B-4A_zps0cf11dde.jpg
2289Playoffs1B-4B_zpse55ee8d5.jpg

Who Dat? 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Year 5: Playoffs - SV vs NV, Game Five

 

Big Innings Lift Radscorpions

 
Big offensive outputs in the third and fifth innings gave North Vegas a big lead, allowing it to hold on for a 9-5 victory and a 3-2 series lead over South Vegas. The series now shifts back to North Vegas. 
 
Trailing 1-0 in the top of the third, the Radscorpions began their first rally. Starting pitcher Wilfred Buckley led off with a single, followed by an Ernest Emmons single. With one out, Vault Boys' starting pitcher Donnell Dugood walked two straight batters to tie the game, 1-1. Bill Cole then hit a sacrifice fly to score Nelson Kirby from third. Leading 2-1, Squirrel And delivered a two-RBI double to give the Radscorpions a 4-1 advantage. 
 
In the fifth inning, North Vegas pretty much put the game away. Hunter Harris came on in relief for Dugood, who allowed four earned runs in just three innings. Unfortunately for the Vault Boys, Harris fared no better. George O'Kill doubled to lead off. With one out, Cole singled in O'Kill and advanced to second on the throw home. And then tripled in Cole for a 6-1 lead. Following a walk, Stephen Sparks hit a sacrifice fly to score And and give the Radscorpions a 7-1 lead going into the bottom of the fifth. 
 
South Vegas never started pushing back until the seventh inning. After Weldon Brown homered in the top of the seventh for an 8-1 North Vegas lead, the Vault Boys cut into that lead in the bottom of the inning. Anthony Savage walked to lead off the inning, followed by a single for MC Mack Walt Williams. With one out, Nelson Johnson went deep for a three-run blast, chasing Buckley from the game. 
 
Each team scored a run in the ninth for the final 9-5 score. 
 
Buckley earned the win for the Radscorpions by allowing four earned runs on eight hits with three walks and two strikeouts in 6.1 innings. Basket Zapp pitched the final two-thirds of the ninth innings to earn the save. 
 
Dugood was the losing pitcher. In addition to the four earned runs he gave up, he allowed six hits and walked two. 
 
Weldon Brown, the regular season home run champ, was the game's MVP. He went 2 for 4 with a home run, two RBI, three runs scored, and a walk. 
 
Kevin Zimmerman was the top offensive performer for South Vegas. He finished 3 for 5 with a double and an RBI.
 
2289Playoffs1A-5A_zpsaa7bbd32.jpg
2289Playoffs1A-5B_zpse8b81246.jpg

Who Dat? 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Year 5: Playoffs - FS vs GS, Game Five

 

38s Win in Ten
 
Long after the starting pitchers finished their masterful performances, the bullpens were forced to decide game five of the opening series between Freeside and Goodsprings. And they did a hell of a job, too. 
 
The Lucky 38s prevailed, though, hitting their way to victory in 10 innings, 3-1. The series no returns to Goodsprings for the sixth and possibly seventh game with the Kings leading the series three games to two. 
 
In the top of the tenth, closer Doug King got the nod for Freeside. With one out, Perry Ferguson and Java Stirfry got back-to-back singles. With two outs, pinch hitter Antonio Gutierrez kept the inning alive with a soft single to short right field. Leadoff hitter Stu Vanstone then found a gap, doubling in Ferguson and Stirfry for the 3-1 advantage. 
 
Both teams had trouble finding offensive production throughout the rest of the game. The Lucky 38s scored first in the top of the fourth when Jesus Martinez hit a solo home run off starter Jeff MacTause. 
 
Freeside scored its only run in uncanny fashion. MacTause led off the fifth with a single. With two outs and MacTause on second, Jim Seaman singled, but MacTause had to hold up at third base. With the next batter up, Goodsprings starting pitcher Donald Bush committed a balk allowing MacTause to score from third. Balks are rarely called in the Mojave Baseball League, so it was a surprising and somewhat controversial call at the time. 
 
Bush was the game's MVP due to his outstanding pitching performance in a game where neither offense could get going. Bush allowed one run on six hits with three walks and nine strikeouts in 6.1 innings. He also added a sacrifice bunt at the plate. Willie Miller earned the victory by pitching a scoreless ninth inning. Greg Greer earned the save with a scoreless tenth. 
 

 

MacTause also pitched well in the no decision. He allowed one earned run on five hits with three walks and five strikeouts in six innings. King was the losing pitcher.

 

2289Playoffs1B-5A_zps53e2f98c.jpg

2289Playoffs1B-5B_zpsc03dd7fd.jpg


Who Dat? 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Year 5: Playoffs - SV vs NV, Game Six

 

Late Rally Propels Radscorpions to Series Victory

 
North Vegas went into the seventh inning trailing 2-0. However, after back-to-back two-run innings, the Radscorpions came away with a 4-2 victory over South Vegas and a first-round series win to push them into the Mojave Series. 
 
Arthur Glass started the rally in the bottom of the seventh with a solo home run. With two outs, Chris Towns singled and then stole second base. Squirrel And then singled in Towns to tie the game 2-2 and chase Vault Boys' starting pitcher Orlando Stephens. 
 
In the eighth inning, the Radscorpions took the lead for good off reliever Lee Weathers. Bill Cole singled to lead off and was then replaced with pinch runner Norris Carr. Glass then doubled to move Carr to third base. After Nelson Kirby was intentionally walked to load the bases with no outs, Kirby Brown reached on an error to score Carr. Weathers then threw a wild pitch to score Glass ad walked the batter. John Rock had to come on in relief to stop the bleeding by striking out And and getting Ernest Emmons to ground into a double play. 
 
South Vegas took the lead in the first inning off starter Rich Richmond. Pat Meyer led off with a single and moved over to second with a ground out. James Sexton then hit an RBI single for the 1-0 lead. 
 
The Vault Boys scored their final run in the sixth. Riley Brown led off with a double. With one out and runners at first and third, Angel Serrano doubled. Brown scored on the play, but Joseph Dillon was thrown out at the plate, keeping the score at 2-0. 
 
John Mulvaney was the winning pitcher for the Radscorpions by pitching a scoreless eighth inning. Basket Zapp earned his fourth save of the series. Starter Richmond allowed just two earned runs on eight hits with two walks and nine strikeouts in seven innings. 
 
South Vegas' Stephens pitched a gem until the seventh inning, giving him a no decision. He allowed two earned runs on nine hits with nine strikeouts in 6.2 innings. Weathers was the losing pitcher. 
 
North Vegas now awaits the winner of the series between the Goodsprings Lucky 38s and the Freeside Kings.
 
2289Playoffs1A-6A_zps0bd3eef2.jpg
2289Playoffs1A-6B_zpsbd865bd6.jpg

Who Dat? 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Year 5: Playoffs - SV vs NV, Series MVP

 

Series MVP Named

 

In an unprecedented move, a player from the team losing the series was named the series MVP. South Vegas' Angel Serrano was a one-man wrecking crew in the first round. The Vault Boys' right fielder was 9 for 22 (.409) with two doubles, a triple, three home runs, seven RBI, four runs, two walks, and three stolen bases. 

 

PlayersAngelSerrano_zps924b58d7.jpg

 

Others in consideration for the series MVP included:

SP Orlando Stephens, South Vegas

SS Bill Cole, North Vegas

SP Rich Richmond, North Vegas


Who Dat? 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Year 5: Playoffs - FS vs GS, Game Six

 

Lucky 38s Again Win in Ten

 
Outside of extra innings games, Goodsprings has not fared well. In extra innings games, the Lucky 38s are undefeated in the 2289 playoffs. 
 
Goodsprings overcame a run allowed by scoring two of its own in defeating Freeside 9-8 in 10 innings. The victory evens the series at three games apiece. 
 
The Lucky 38s entered the bottom of the tenth trailing 8-7 and on the brink of elimination. Mike Duncan started things off with a single off reliever Doug King. With one out, Jimmy LaRue doubled to put the tying and winning runs in scoring position. Jesus Martinez then hit a sacrifice fly to tie the game, 8-8. With LaRue still on second, Stu Wilkins doubled to drive in the winning run. 
 
Freeside was in control most of the game. The Kings took the first lead of the game in the third inning off Lucky 38s starter Jim Jones. Joel Bowles led off with a double. Jeremiah Morgan and Jim Seaman then hit into ground outs, both advancing Bowles for the 1-0 lead. 
 
The Kings then added runs in the fifth and sixth for a 3-0 lead. In the fifth, Ellis Wood walked and Bowles reached on an error to advance Wood to third base. With one out, Seaman hit a sacrifice fly to score Wood. In the sixth, Jose De La Torre hit a solo home run for the 3-0 advantage. 
 
Goodsprings got on the board for the first time in the sixth. With one out, Stu Vanstone singled, followed by a LaRue double to put runners at second and third. Martinez then hit a double of his own to make the score 3-2. Wilkins then made it back-to-back-to-back doubles to tie the game, 3-3. 
 
The tie game did not last very long. In the eighth, the Kings looked to have started to put the game away. Ronald Draper led off with a single and then advanced on a sacrifice bunt. Chris Bitter was then walked, followed by a De La Torre single to load the bases with one out. Following a strike out, Bowles went deep for a grand slam home run and a 7-3 Kings lead. 
 
Despite trailing big, the Lucky 38s kept cool at the plate and cut into the Freeside lead in the bottom of the inning. Wilkins walked to lead off, followed by a Dennis Shaft single. After a pitching change, Perry Ferguson walked to load the bases with no outs. After a strikeout, Tony Smith hit an RBI pinch-hit single to cut the lead to 7-4. Duncan then doubled in Shaft and Ferguson to cut the Kings lead to 7-6. However, Goodsprings stranded two runners in scoring position. 
 
In the ninth inning, the Lucky 38s manufactured a run to tie the game at 7-7. Martinez led off with a single. He then advanced to second on a ground out. Shaft and Ferguson then hit consecutive singles to score Martinez. 
 
Freeside again took a lead that it ultimately could not hold. This time it came in the tenth. With one out Paul Strong walked. Strong then stole second on a Bowles strikeout. Jeremiah Morgan then doubled in Strong for the 8-7 advantage in the deciding inning.
 
Greg Greer was the winning pitcher because he pitched the tenth inning. Lester Watts was the losing pitcher.
 
2289Playoffs1B-6A_zps45f324c6.jpg
2289Playoffs1B-6B_zpsf4d0b8a2.jpg
2289Playoffs1B-6C_zps880bd6fd.jpg

Who Dat? 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Year 5: Playoffs - FS vs GS, Game Seven

 

Lucky 38s Use Big Inning to Earn Mojave Series Spot

 
Goodsprings knows winning big games, and the Lucky 38s did just that in defeating Freeside 4-3 in Game Seven of the opening round of the Mojave Baseball League playoffs. 
 
With the victory, the Lucky 38s move on to face top seed North Vegas in the Mojave Series. 
 
Goodsprings got all of its runs in a four-run second inning. With his team trailing 2-0, Jesus Martinez led off with a solo home run. Stu Vanstone doubled, and the next three batters were walked by Kings' starter Marshall Shaw to tie the game, 2-2. David Martin and Mike Duncan then hit consecutive RBI ground outs for the 4-2 lead. 
 
Freeside had its chance at seizing momentum in the top of the second. Joel Bowles led off with a double off starting pitcher Martin. That was followed by a two-run shot for Ronald Draper and an early 2-0 lead. 
 
The Kings' final run came in the ninth, but they were unable to push the tying run home. Draper led off with a single off closer Willie Miller. Tim Bradley and Ed Wolf then followed suit to load the bases with no outs. Jose De La Torre then grounded into a double play that scored Draper and moved Bradley to third base. Eric Fuller then grounded out to end the game and the series. 
 
Martin was the MVP of the game. In addition to driving in a run, he allowed two earned runs on seven hits with two walks and six strikeouts in eight innings. Miller earned the save. 
 
Shaw was the losing pitcher, allowing four earned runs on three hits with three walks and a strikeout in just two innings pitched. Three Kings relievers finished the final six innings, allowing only two hits. 
 
Martinez won the Series MVP award. In seven games, he was 11 of 27 (.407) with a double, three home runs, nine RBI, six runs, three walks, and a sacrifice fly.
 
2289Playoffs1B-7A_zpsca29d7f6.jpg
2289Playoffs1B-7B_zpsa1a246bb.jpg

Who Dat? 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Year 5: Playoffs - Mojave Series Preview

 

Mojave Series Preview

 
When North Vegas and Goodsprings meet up in the 2289 Mojave Series, there will be blood. Well, figuratively, we hope. 
 
As stated in the first round previews, the Radscorpions (74-26) and Lucky 38s (68-32) were atop most offensive and pitching categories. The two teams are talented from top to bottom. 
 
In the 2289 season series between the two teams, however, North Vegas had a 6-2 advantage, making most of the difference between the #1 and #2 seeds. 
 
The teams first met April 25-28 in Goodsprings. There the Radscorpions won the series 3-1. The Lucky 38s jumped out of the box with an opening series win, 4-2. Jimmy LaRue of Goodsprings was the MVP of that game by going 5 for 5 with two doubles, an RBI, and two runs scored. In the second game, North Vegas took it 8-3. Weldon Brown and Bill Cole had four hits apiece to spur NV’s 16-hit output in the game. The first shutout of the series occurred when the Radscorpions won game three, 6-0. Not only was it a shutout, but the Lucky 38s managed just one hit (a fifth inning Java Stirfry single) in the game off starter Wilfred Buckley. In the final game of the Goodsprings series, North Vegas won the four-game set by winning 5-2. Despite David Martin striking out 13 Radscorpions to tie a Goodsprings record, North Vegas’ Gary Clark allowed just two earned runs and three hits to earn the victory. 
 
The teams met again June 6-9, where again North Vegas took the series 3-1. In the first game, the Radscorpions won 3-2 off Brown’s ninth-inning walkoff homer. Goodsprings took the second game, 6-4, when LaRue had another outstanding performance. He was 3 of 4 with a double, three RBI, and a walk. North Vegas used two big innings to take the third game, 10-5. Nelson Kirby had a triple and four RBI to lead the offensive charge. The final game of the season series was a 7-1 victory for the Radscorpions. Again the NV pitching shut down the Lucky 38s. This time it was Nate Camp who allowed just a run and three hits in eight innings. 
 
Looking at how the teams fared against each other, North Vegas seems to have a sizeable advantage, but don’t count out the defending champions. As long as LaRue gets to swing a bat and Jesus Martinez is making contact with his heavy swing, the Goodsprings offense is formidable. In the season series, the Lucky 38s only hit three home runs, so that will need to change in the Mojave Series. Also, only LaRue’s .412 average was impressive. 
 
For the Radscorpions, offense came a little easier in the series. Four players hit at least .300 against the Lucky 38s. Also, Kirby and Brown hit four home runs apiece against Goodsprings. George O’Kill struggled to produce hits, but, when he did, they resulted in two homers and six RBI. 
 
For pitching, North Vegas was already historically good, but they were also able to shut down the Goodsprings offense quite frequently. Clark was 2-0 with a 3.78 ERA in his two starts. In their only starts against the Lucky 38s,  Camp and Buckley combined for just one run and four hits allowed for a 2-0 combined record. 
 
Bob Jackson was the only Lucky 38s pitcher to have a lot of success. He was 1-0 with a 2.40 ERA in two starts. Donald Bush, who is scheduled to start Game One, and Jim Jones combined to go 0-4. 
 
With the way North Vegas played all season, you would think they would easily be our pick to win it all. However, there is no easy in the Mojave, and Goodsprings always seems to find a way to win in dramatic fashion. So give us the luck of the 38 with Goodsprings taking it in seven.

Who Dat? 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Year 5: Mojave Series, Game One

 

Two-Run Ninth Propels Radscorpions

 
Trailing 6-5 entering the bottom of the ninth, North Vegas was down to its last out, but a two-RBI single by Arthur Glass turned a potential loss into a 7-6 Radscorpions win over Goodsprings in Game One of the Mojave Series. 
 
George O’Kill started the inning with a single. With one out, Bill Cole also singled. Squirrel And then grounded out to first base to advance the runners with two outs. Glass then hit his game-winning single on a 3-1 count to score both runners. 
 
Goodsprings had taken the lead in the top of the inning. Java Stirfry began with a double. He then advanced to third on a Tony Smith ground out. Mike Duncan followed that up by hitting a sacrifice fly for the 6-5 lead. 
 
The Lucky 38s started off the game in scoring, too. In the first inning, Stu Vanstone hit a one-out solo home run off North Vegas starter Nate Camp. Jimmy LaRue then doubled and stole third base. Jesus Martinez then hit into an RBI ground out for a 2-0 lead. 
 
Goodsprings extended that lead in the third. Duncan bunted himself on base to lead off and stole second. With one out, LaRue reached on an error by second baseman Ernest Emmons to score Duncan. LaRue was later caught trying to steal third, making a single by Martinez and double by Stu Wilkins obsolete. Still, the Lucky 38s were up 3-0. 
 
In the bottom of the third, the Radscorpions finally answered. With two outs, Nelson Kirby singled. O’Kill followed that up with a two-run home run to cut the Goodsprings lead to 3-2. 
 
North Vegas then took control in the fourth. Cole led off with a double, followed by an And double to tie the game, 3-3. Donald Bush then walked the next two batters to load the bases with no outs. Camp then hit an RBI single for the 4-3 lead. Emmons followed by reaching on an error to make it 5-3 with the bases still loaded. Bush finally got his act together afterwards, getting the 2-3-4 hitters out consecutively. 
 
Goodsprings cut into that lead in the fifth. Duncan doubled to lead off the inning. He then advanced to third on a Vanstone ground out and scored on an RBI ground out by LaRue for a 5-4 Radscorpions advantage. 
 
That one-run deficit became none in the seventh. John Mulvaney replaced Camp and got the first two Lucky 38s batters out. Vanstone then began the two-out rally with a single. LaRue then followed with a single to move Vanstone to third. When LaRue attempted to steal second, North Vegas catcher Weldon Brown put the ball into center field, giving Vanstone the go-ahead to push his run across and tie the game, 5-5. 
 
O’Kill was named the game’s MVP by going 2 for 5 with a home run, two RBI, two runs scored, and scoring the tying run in the ninth. 
 
Basket Zapp was the winning pitcher, despite only pitching one-third of an inning. Goodsprings closer Willie Miller blew a save and was the losing pitcher.
 
2289Playoffs2A-1A_zps49de14e6.jpg2289Playoffs2A-1B_zps03572820.jpg

Who Dat? 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Year 5: Mojave Series, Game Two

 

Radscorpions Light Up Jones, Takes 2-0 Series Lead

 
North Vegas used two big innings early in the game to cruise to an 11-3 victory over Goodsprings and a 2-0 series lead in the Mojave Series. 
 
The Radscorpions pounded Goodsprings starter Jim Jones early in the game to give them all the momentum and runs they needed. In the bottom of the first, Squirrel And and Ernest Emmons got back-to-back singles to put runners on first and third. With George O’Kill up to bat, the Radscorpions attempted a double steal. Dennis Shaft’s throw went awry to score And and move Emmons to third base. With one out, Weldon Brown then hit a sacrifice fly to score Emmons and give North Vegas a 2-0 lead. 
 
That 2-0 lead became a blowout in the second. With two outs, Stephen Sparks walked, followed by a Rich Richmond single. And and Emmons then hit consecutive RBI singles for a 4-0 lead. After O’Kill walked, Brown hit a two-RBI single for a 6-0 advantage. Mario Flores then came on in relief of Jones. 
 
North Vegas tacked on another run in the third, again on a two-out rally. Arthur Glass led off the inning by walking, but he did not advance until Richmond hit a two-out single. And then hit an RBI single to make it 7-0 after three. 
 
The Radscorpions did not achieve offensive success again until the Lucky 38s made another pitching change. This time Wilton Woods fell victim to the Radscorpions’ onslaught. With one out, Brown doubled. With two outs, Woods hit Glass with a pitch. Woods then walked Kirby to load the bases. Sparks walked to score a run, and then Richmond hit his third single of the game to score two and make the score 10-0 after six innings. 
 
North Vegas made it 11-0 in the seventh. With one out, Brown walked and Cole singled. Glass then walked to load the bases. Pinch hitter Chris Towns then hit a sacrifice fly to score Brown. 
 
The Lucky 38s finally got on the board in the eighth with Richmond still on the mound. Pinch hitter Tony Smith led off with a double and advanced on a Java Stirfry ground out. Pinch hitter Antonio Gutierrez then hit an RBI single for a 11-1 deficit. With two outs, Stu Vanstone went deep to make the score 11-3, which turned out to be the final. 
 
Despite giving up three runs in the eighth, Richmond was the game’s MVP. He earned the victory by allowing three earned runs on eight hits with four strikeouts in eight innings. He was also 3 for 3 at the plate with two RBI and a run scored. 
 
Jones was the losing pitcher for the Lucky 38s. He allowed six runs, four earned, on seven hits with two walks and a strike out in just one and one-thirds innings. Four other Goodsprings pitchers combined to finish the game. 
And was the top offensive producer for the Radscorpions. He was 3 for 4 with two RBI, two runs, two walks, and a strike out. 
 
The two teams now travel to Goodsprings for the next two and possibly three games.
 
2289Playoffs2A-2A_zps25805c47.jpg2289Playoffs2A-2B_zps6a74254c.jpg

Who Dat? 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Year 5: Mojave Series, Game Three

 

Big 7th Lifts Lucky 38s

 
Goodsprings was stuck in radioactive muck through most of the game until a three-run seventh inning lifted them to a 4-1 victory over North Vegas in Game Three of the Mojave Series. The Radscorpions now lead the series two games to one. 
 
Lucky 38s starters David Martin also pitched seven solid innings, giving up one earned run on five hits with a walk and seven strikeouts to earn the victory and game MVP honors. 
 
In the seventh, Dennis Shaft led off by reaching on an error on a mishandled line drive to left field. With one out, Java Stirfry singled to move Shaft to third. Tony Smith then came on to pinch hit for Martin. He did his job by doubling in Shaft for a 2-1 lead. Mike Duncan then singled in Stirfry and Smith for the 4-1 advantage heading into the eighth inning. 
 
Buckley earned the loss for the Radscorpions despite pitching six strong innings before the disastrous seventh. He finished by allowing four runs, three earned, on nine hits with a walk and five strikeouts in seven innings. 
 
The Lucky 38s never trailed in the game and took a lead in the bottom of the first. With two outs, Jimmy LaRue hit a solo home run to right field. 
 
North Vegas answered with its only run coming via home run. Bill Cole hit his to center field in the fourth inning to tie the game, 1-1. 
 
Goodsprings had other opportunities than the seventh inning to take control in the game. In the third inning, Martin tried to score from second on a single, but he was nailed at the plate. In the fifth inning, the Lucky 38s loaded the bases, but they were unable to move a run across. 
 
Willie Miller pitched the ninth inning for Goodsprings to earn the save, his second save of the postseason.
 
2289Playoffs2A-3A_zpsbee6fb10.jpg2289Playoffs2A-3B_zpsc99d46f7.jpg

Who Dat? 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Year 5: Mojave Series, Game Four

 

North Vegas Wins in Eleven

 
When Willie Miller looks back on the 2289 playoffs, the eleventh inning of Game Four of the Mojave Series is going to be the one that got away. The Goodsprings closer had a tumultuous inning, including walking in the winning run as North Vegas won 2-1 in 11 innings and is on the brink of winning the Series. 
 
George O’Kill led off with a single for the Radscorpions to start the innings. Bill Cole then hit a one-out single to put runners at first and second. With two outs, Arthur Glass walked to load the bases. Norris Carr then turned a 1-2 count into a series of foul offs and balls, eventually drawing the game-clinching walk off Miller. 
 
For Miller, it was his third loss in the 2289 playoffs and second of the Mojave Series. He also was the losing pitcher in Game One when he could not hold down a 6-5 lead heading into the bottom of the ninth. 
 
Like Game One, closer Basket Zapp was the winning pitcher, allowing no runs in two innings. Gary Clark earned the save. 
 
The Radscorpions scored the game’s first run in the top of the fifth off Lucky 38s starter Donald Bush. Pitcher Nate Camp led off with a single. With two outs and Camp on second, O’Kill singled in Camp for a 1-0 lead. Camp would end up getting injured in the bottom of the inning and leaving the game. 
 
Goodsprings finally scored in the seventh. Stu Wilkins singled off reliever John Mulvaney to start things off. With two outs, Java Stirfry walked. Tony Smith then came on as a pinch hitter, and he again delivered. Smith’s double scored Wilkins. Stirfry tried to score from first for the lead, but he was gunned down at the plate, causing the game to be tied, 1-1. 
 
The Lucky 38s had a chance to win the game in the ninth, but blew their opportunity. With Zapp on to pitch, Jesus Martinez led off with a single. After a wild pitch that moved Martinez to second, Stu Wilkins singled to put the winning run at third with no outs. However, Zapp struck out the next two batters and got Stirfry to fly out to center field to end the threat. 
 
LaRue was in scoring position with one out in the eleventh inning, but Radscorpions reliever Clark struck out Wilkins and Dennis Shaft to end the game.
 
2289Playoffs2A-4A_zps5d246a4b.jpg2289Playoffs2A-4B_zpsee52f24c.jpg

Who Dat? 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Year 5: Mojave Series, Game Five

 

Radscorpions Take Mojave Series in Five

 
Rich Richmond pitched a solid game and North Vegas got just enough offense in winning Game Five and the 2289 Mojave Series over Goodsprings, 2-1. 
 
Richmond allowed one earned run on four hits with three walks and four strikeouts in seven innings. Basket Zapp pitched a perfect ninth inning to earn his fifth total save of the playoffs. 
 
Jim Jones was the losing pitcher for the Lucky 38s despite pitching a solid game. He allowed just two earned runs on six hits with five walks and five strikeouts in seven innings. Jones finished 0-3 in the 2289 postseason. 
 
Neither team had much going offensively, and neither team scored after the fourth inning. The Radscorpions struck first blood in the top of the first. Squirrel And led off with a single and then stole second. Ernest Emmons then hit an RBI single to make it 1-0. The Radscorpions had three of their six hits in the game in the first. 
 
In the third inning, North Vegas again manufactured a run. After Jones walked Emmons and George O’Kill to lead off the inning, Bill Cole hit a one-out RBI single for a 2-0 lead. 
 
Goodsprings then cut the lead to 2-1 in the fourth. Jesus Martinez hit a one-out single. With two outs, Dennis Shaft walked. Perry Ferguson then singled to load the bases. Java Stirfry was then walked in by Richmond. 
 
The Lucky 38s’ best chance to keep the series alive came in the eighth. Jimmy LaRue doubled off Gary Clark to lead off the inning. It was the second time LaRue had been in scoring position in the game. After Dave Davis came on in relief for Clark, Martinez moved LaRue to third on a ground out. Stu Wilkins and Shaft then struck out to end the scoring threat. 
 
Richmond earned game and series MVP honors. In two games, Richmond was 2-0 with a 2.40 ERA in 15 innings. He allowed 12 hits, walked three, and struck out eight batters in his victories in games two and five.
 
2289Playoffs2A-5A_zpsc159d215.jpg2289Playoffs2A-5B_zpscacef91b.jpg

Who Dat? 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create a GM profile or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create a GM profile

Sign up for a GM profile in our community. It's free & easy!

Create a GM profile

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    No registered users viewing this page.