Hot Corners: Beginning of a Dynasty

by PRAKNASTY

After being unceremoniously fired from the Blowfish for reasons out of his control, Buck Wing was approached by the commissioner of the league to lead a new expansion team as it's manager. Making his choice, Buck must now take a team full of old and new players to the Promised Land and keep them from killing one another. Can he do it? Tune in to find out! #TheNastyOne

21. Year 3 (What in the Blazes was That?)

AN: FINALLY THE NASTY ONE HAS COME BACK TO FANFICTION!

Welcome back everyone to the next chapter of the Hot Corners Dynasty as we get ready for year three here in the story. And let's just say it doesn't go according to plan for the team. This whole year will be crammed into this chapter as there isn't a lot of action in the games that is positive, plus it was really painful to sit thru them and watch the team suffer so much. So to spare you guys the same pain, here's one really long chapter. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 21: Year 3 (What in the blazes was that!?)

== Game 1 (Home vs. Herbisaurs) ==

Opening day was a home affair for the Hot Corners as they held a ceremony to hang the division championship banner for the second consecutive year on the second deck facing in left field. On the mound for the team was Connor Frazier Jr. as the lefty was getting his first start in the ace's role after the release of Kaiser in the offseason. He drew the Herbisaurs' ace Gem Qualita as the righty looked to get some revenge for last year's opening day loss.

== Top of the 2nd ==

The scoring started early for the Herbisaurs as rookie DH Julien Magana and CF Yoink Sax hit back-to-back doubles to give their team an early 2 – 0 lead. Later in the inning, Frazier hung a Forkball to SS Milo Stewart and he punished him by hitting a homer into the right field seats. Just like that the lead doubled to 4 – 0.

== Bottom of the 4th ==

The Hot Corners started trying to claw back into it as Sportswood drew a five pitch walk with one out, before Jumps then doubled to the right center gap as Sportswood scored from first to make it a 4 – 1 game.

== Bottom of the 5th ==

The Hot Corners came out next inning and got another run back as Gutterson doubled to the left center gap, before Oliver singled into left field and Yu hit a sacrifice fly into left center field making it a 4 – 2 game.

== Top of the 6th ==

The Herbisaurs got one of those runs back the next inning as a tiring Frazier gave up a two out triple to Sax off the left center wall to score a run and made it a 5 – 2 game.

== Bottom of the 8th ==

The Hot Corners wouldn't go quietly into the night, as they got a run off of reliever Adan Jock when Big Country hit a two out single into left field and made it a 5 – 3 game.

== Bottom of the 9th ==

Jock ran into problems again in the ninth trying to close the game out. He recorded two outs, but had the bases loaded on him after a single to Apollo Oliver, a single to pinch hitter Batch Wilson, and a walk to Kaleb McClure. Jumps then singled into center field as backup C Arsenio McDowell, who pinch ran for Oliver, and Wilson came around to score and tie the game up at 5. Lefty Shay Dee then entered to get the final out of the inning after the blown save by Jock.

== Top of the 14th ==

The game remained tied into the fourteenth as the game was finally decided by a two out single by 2B Annabella Stokes off of Amazo Haze which scored a run to make it 6 – 5 and sent the Herbisaurs home with a win after a clean 14th inning from righty Geist Cherry.

== Game 1 Summary ==

WP: Cherry (1 – 0) LP: Haze (0 – 1) POTG: Sax (4 – 6, 2 3B, 2B, 2 RBI, R)

== Game 2 (Home vs. Herbisaurs) ==

The next game was the second part of an opening weekend series as the team looked to rally after dropping a heartbreaker in extra innings. Pres was on the hill as he drew newly acquired righty Rhiannon Cannon who made the jump from the Moose to pitch behind Qualita. After such a long game Buck let McDowell start for Oliver, and brought in Wilson to play CF and Digg Efforto to play SS for the slumping James and rookie Eduardo Electro respectively.

== Top of the 6th ==

The game was scoreless for the first five innings as both pitchers had their best stuff working as Pres had only surrendered four hits while Cannon had only surrendered three. The tie was broken by RF Herra O'Wuggliems who crushed an 0 – 1 count, up and in two-seam fastball into the right field seats to make it a 1 – 0 game.

== Top of the 9th ==

Another run scored on a fielder's choice in the last inning as Hampster raced home on a ground ball to second and slid in under McDowell's tag to make it a 2 – 0 game. One run would've been enough today as Cannon throws a complete game shutout to earn the victory and allow the Herbisaurs their first 2 – 0 start in five seasons.

== Game 2 Summary ==

WP: Cannon (1 – 0) LP: Presidente (Pres) (0 – 1) POTG: Cannon (Win, CG, 0 ER, 3 K's)

During the down time before the third game next weekend, Gutterson goes on a date with a fan thanks to the club's win a date with a player promotion. He surprisingly had a good time, but his wife wasn't too thrilled about it. (+1 POW, +6 SPD, -5 ARM)

== Game 3 (Away vs. Sawteeth) ==

The third game of the season was the first road contest for the team on the season as rookie lefty Lillian Salmon would get the nod versus third year lefty Deshaun Levonn who was signed from the Beewolves in free agency. Oliver, James and Electro were all back in the lineup as the team looked to get some runs on the board.

== Bottom of the 1st ==

The Sawteeth got started right away as the leadoff switch hitting RF Johnny Bags crushed an inside fastball to center off the roof of the Sawteeth bullpen for his second homer of the season. (1 – 0 Sawteeth lead)

== Bottom of the 3rd ==

The Hot Corners offense remained silent, as the Sawteeth added to their lead in the third inning. 3B Rosemary Harrington got a fastball over the middle of the zone and crushed it over both bullpens in center field for her first homer of the season. (2 – 0 Sawteeth lead)

== Bottom of the 4th ==

The start got worse for Salmon as she was facing LF Cathy Culdesac with one out in the inning. The left handed hitter timed a fastball and smashed a liner back to the mound as it hit Salmon in her pitching shoulder as it ricocheted to the shortstop Electro who made the play at first for the second out. Buck came out to remove her, but Salmon was determined to finish the inning. She succeeded, but came off the field holding her arm and Buck went to the bullpen the next inning.

== Bottom of the 8th ==

Another run was scored in the eighth as the tiring Haze in his fourth inning of work surrendered a two out single to 1B Junior Young Jr. which scored another run. He then loaded the bases before lefty Joseph Broseph was called in to try and escape the jam. He failed, as switch hitting CF Slash Trips doubled to the right center gap and emptied the bases. (6 – 0 Sawteeth lead)

This would be the final score as Levonn went 8.1 innings without giving up any runs, and reliever Doc Simpleman came in to get the last two outs of the game.

== Game 3 Summary ==

WP: Levonn (1 – 0) LP: Salmon (0 – 1) POTG: Levonn (W, 8.1 IP, 0 ER, 6H, 1BB)

Following the game, Oliver has a surgical procedure done on his throwing shoulder but thankfully he had enough time to heal before the next game. (+6 ARM)

== Game 4 (Home vs. Moonstars) ==

The club returned home winless as they weren't used to this kind of start to a season. The pressure was mounting on them, and they needed to make something happen before it got to them. On the mound would be newly acquired free agent righty Bae Paul who would take the hill against the Moonstars' ace Alisha Woodrow (1 – 0, 4.50 ERA, 1.33 WHIP). Wilson would get the start in center field today as James slid over to right field to give the slumping Yu a day off.

== Top of the 1st ==

The Moonstars got started early as leadoff batter CF Windy Wheels went yard into the left center seats on a fastball for his second homer of the season. Three batters later, 3B Herbert Hackman also went yard as the infielder crushed an up and away fastball the opposite way into the right center seats for his first of the season. (2 – 0 Moonstars lead)

== Top of the 8th ==

The game remained that way into the eighth as Paul surrendered a two out single to the right field corner off the bat of Hackman to score a run. Righty Troy Harrison (0.00 ERA, 0.33 WHIP) entered to try and get the last out but surrendered two more hits as RF Lacky Luster's double scored two more before he finally ended the rally. (5 – 0 Moonstars lead)

This would end up being the final tally as the Hot Corners once again failed to score any runs for the third consecutive game.

== Game 4 Summary ==

WP: Woodrow (2 – 0) LP: Paul (0 – 1) POTG: Woodrow (W, 8.1 IP, 9H, 3 K's)

This gave the team an 0 – 4 record to close out the first quarter of the season and Patterson was not happy with them. He stormed into Buck's office and chewed him out in front of the players who were getting changed after the loss. He told him to get the team winning, or cuts were going to be made to build up money for the next free agency period. The fans likewise were upset and let the team hear it as they left the stadium for the night.

Big Country was the next player to get an arm procedure done as he had his throwing shoulder repaired as well. He had enough time to heal before the next game a week later. (+ 6 ARM)

== Game 5 (Home vs. Blowfish) ==

It was a matchup of ace pitchers in the next game as Frazier Jr. (0 – 0, 7.50 ERA, 1.67 WHIP) drew righty Lad Bradwick (0 – 1, 9.64 ERA, 2.14 WHIP). Yu reentered the lineup in right field for Wilson, and McDowell got the start at catcher to give Oliver some rest.

== Bottom of the 2nd ==

The Hot Corners got their first lead of the season, and their first run in four games, on a one out single by rookie SS Eduardo Electro as it bounced off of 2B Parker Padilla's diving glove. (1 – 0 Hot Corners lead)

== Top of the 4th ==

The Blowfish responded two innings later when Padilla sacrificed himself with a bunt to third which scored a run with one out in the inning. (1 – 1 tie)

== Bottom of the 6th ==

The Hot Corners broke the tie in the sixth as there were three back-to-back two out hits by James (2B to right center field), Jumps (1B to CF), and Gutterson (1B to CF) which scored three runs for the offense. (4 – 1 Hot Corners lead)

This would prove to be the difference maker as the Hot Corners recorded their first win of the season behind seven strong innings of work from Frazier and two good innings out of the bullpen by Broseph.

== Game 5 Summary ==

WP: Frazier Jr. (1 – 0) LP: Bradwick (0 – 2) SV: Broseph (1) POTG: Frazier Jr. (W, 7 IP, 8 H, 1 ER, 2 K's)

== Game 6 (Away vs. Moose) ==

It was time for a playoff rematch as the Hot Corners and Moose would square up for the first time after the Moose swept the Hot Corners out of the playoffs in the Conference Finals last season. Pres (0 – 1, 1.29 ERA, 0.86 WHIP) draws lefty Joeffrey Rockman (1 – 0, 1.29 ERA, 0.86 WHIP) in the pitcher's matchup, while Pomp Duchee gets the start at first base for the slumping Sportswood.

== Bottom of the 1st ==

The Moose got the offense started early against Pres as DH Heronimus Jackson hit a two out single into center field to score the first run of the game. LF Stallion Johnson then doubled two batters later to score another two runs to give the Moose even more of a cushion. (3 – 0 Moose lead)

== Bottom of the 3rd ==

Johnson came up in his next at-bat and crushed an up and away Cutter to dead center field for his first homer of the season with two outs in the inning to score two more runs. (5 – 0 Moose lead)

== Bottom of the 8th ==

Jackson came up in the eighth and hit a bases empty homer to center field on a high and inside 1 – 1 count fastball. It was his first of the season as the Moose got another insurance run for the team and they ran with it as they shutout the Hot Corners behind eight solid innings from Rockman, and a clean ninth inning from reliever Felix Farmhand. (6 – 0 Moose win)

== Game 6 Summary ==

WP: Rockman (2 – 0) LP: Pres (0 – 2) POTG: Johnson (3 – 4, HR, 2B, 4 RBI, R)

Following the game, Duchee started using Just for Bros shampoo which helped improve his confidence and also his self image. (+2 FLD, +2 POW, +1 SPD)

Salmon also used an Emory board on her pitching hand fingernails to make sure they were in tip top shape for her next start. (-2 VEL, +9 JNK, +2 ACC)

== Game 7 (Home vs. Sand Cats) ==

Salmon (0 – 1, 4.50 ERA, 1.25 WHIP) drew righty Trey Mondo (0 – 1, 10.38 ERA, 2.08 WHIP) in the next game between two struggling teams. Electro was struggling again so McClure moved over to SS as Jumps moved to 2B, Sportswood reentered the lineup at 1B, and Duchee got the start at DH.

== Top of the 3rd ==

The game was scoreless to start, but the tie was broken by RF Marsha Brown as she homered to center field with nobody on base. It was her third of the season as the Sand Cats moved out in front. Later in the inning, DH Landon Moses then singled into left center field to score another run for their offense. (2 – 0 Sand Cats lead)

== Bottom of the 8th ==

The Hot Corners got on the board late off of reliever Elisa Pollard (6.75 ERA, 1.35 WHIP) when James hit a two out single to cut the lead in half. (2 – 1 Sand Cats lead)

This would be the final tally however; as closer Ice Vainer slammed the door shut in the ninth to give Mondo his first win on the season.

== Game 7 Summary ==

WP: Mondo (1 – 1) LP: Salmon (0 – 2) SV: Vainer POTG: Brown (3 – 4, HR, RBI, R, SB)

== Game 8 (Away vs. Freebooters) ==

It was a battle for last place as the two teams with losing records in the division would square off for the first time this year. Paul (0 – 1, 4.70 ERA, 1.07 WHIP) drew veteran righty Hiro Misano (0 – 1, 18.00 ERA, 4.00 WHIP) in the pitcher's matchup as Yu was replaced by Wilson in lineup which meant Wilson would play CF, and James would start in RF. Jumps moved back to DH after Electro reentered the lineup at SS which moved McClure back to 2B.

== Bottom of the 1st ==

First blood went to the Freebooters as rookie switch hitting C Curly Shipwright hit his first career homer to left center field over the Hot Corners bullpen for the early lead. (1 – 0 Freebooters lead)

== Top of the 7th ==

It was a pitcher's duel moving forward as the game remained at 1 – 0 in favor of the Freebooters. Through the first six innings Paul had given up six hits, while Misano had given up five hits, a walk, and an error. Big Country swung the game in the Hot Corners favor as he hit his first homer to the batter's eye in center field as it scored two runs. (2 - 1 Hot Corners lead)

This ended up being the deciding blow as Harrison pitched two scoreless innings in relief of Paul to lock down the save and give the team their second win of the year.

== Game 8 Summary ==

WP: Paul (1 – 1) LP: Misano (0 – 2) SV: Harrison (1) POTG: Paul (W, 7 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 5 K's)

Despite the win, the team was only 2 – 6 on the year and sitting in fourth place in the division. It was not looking like a good outcome as the team was only two losses shy of playoff elimination since the Herbisaurs and Moose were neck and neck at the top of the division. Seeing the writing on the wall, Buck knew he'd have to start cutting payroll as Patterson was furious with the record and was done giving out second chances.

The first casualty of the payroll purge was struggling 2B/DH Jeb Jumps. Jumps was only hitting .240 and had no homers on the season after leading the team the previous year. To replace him, Buck went out and signed backup 2B/3B Winston Draper formerly of the Sand Cats. The other casualty was 1B Dirk Sportswood who was batting only .140 on the year and was definitely costing the team more than what he was contributing. He was replaced by veteran 1B Mash Taters formerly of the Nemesis. Both moves freed up an additional $7.0 Million which made the available funds $16.1 Million dollars.

Now being made the official future at 2B, McClure got to go out on a date with a fan. The date went so well, that both of them changed their relationship statuses on Facebook. (+1 POW, +6 SPD, -5 ARM)

== Game 9 (Away vs. Freebooters) ==

It was time for the second half of the season to begin as Frazier Jr. (1 – 0, 4.15 ERA, 1.38 WHIP) drew Freebooters' ace Winnie Noelle (0 – 2, 10.00 ERA, 2.56 WHIP). With the recent roster moves, Taters would start at 1B and Duchee would take over the DH role. McDowell also got the start at catcher to give Oliver some rest.

== Bottom of the 4th ==

The game was scoreless for the first three innings, but the Freebooters broke the tie when Velez double to the left center gap with two outs scores the first run of the day. (1 – 0 Freebooters lead)

== Top of the 5th ==

Big Country answered back the next inning by crushing a 1 – 1 slider with one out into the left field seats for his second homer of the season. (1 – 1 tie game)

== Bottom of the 8th ==

The game remained tied into the eighth, but that's when the wheels fell off the bus for the Hot Corners. With two outs in the inning, Shipwright made another play by homering off the face of the second deck in right center field. His second homer in as many games scored two and ended Frazier's day as Broseph came in to get the final out of the inning. (3 – 1 Freebooters lead)

This ended up being the deciding blow, as the Freebooters got the victory and moved the Hot Corners into last place in the division thanks to the run differential tie breaker.

== Game 9 Summary ==

WP: McMann LP: Frazier Jr. (1 – 1) SV: Frequin POTG: Shipwright (3 – 4, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R)

Following the game, Patterson made an executive decision and forced buck to release the struggling rookie SS Eduardo Electro. Despite being a good player, he refused to change his approach at the plate and was hitting under the dreaded Mendoza line. Buck signed SS/UTIL Hanso Magikko formerly of the Sawteeth to replace him. The move ended up freeing up another $1.4 Million to make a new available budget of $17.5 Million.

== Game 10 (Away vs. Sirloins) ==

It was time for another road game, as Pres (0 – 2, 4.15 ERA, 1.38 WHIP) drew the Sirloins' ace lefty Manny Kays (0 – 2, 17.18 ERA, 2.59 WHIP). Magikko was immediately inserted into the lineup at shortstop following his signing.

== Bottom of the 1st ==

RF Vinnie Vortex, formerly from the Crocodons, got the scoring started for the Sirloins by doubling into the left field corner with one out to score a run. (1 – 0 Sirloins lead)

== Bottom of the 3rd ==

In his next at-bat, Vortex tripled off the left center field wall with two outs to score another run as Pres started to have some issues show up in his mechanics. DH Filet Jones was the next batter and he doubled to right center field to score Vortex and gave the Sirloins a wider lead. (3 – 0 Sirloins lead)

== Top of the 4th ==

The Hot Corners got a run back when McClure homered to left center on a hanging curveball to lead off the inning. His first homer of the season cut the lead down some, but the Hot Corners still had work to do. (3 – 1 Sirloins lead)

== Bottom of the 4th ==

The Sirloins got that run back with some insurance as LF Spits McKinny doubled off the left field wall to score two runners with nobody out. Two batters later, CF Lorenzo Praline grounded into a double play, but McKinny came in to score on the play. (6 – 1 Sirloins lead)

== Bottom of the 7th ==

Jones hit a one out single to score another run, though this one came off of reliever Kyson Manning. (7 – 1 Sirloins lead)

== Top of the 9th ==

Kays started the inning by retiring the leadoff man, but then surrendered a single to end his day as rookie reliever Carmelo Beck (0.00 ERA, 0.39 WHIP) relieved him. He promptly gave up an infield hit, and then a double by McDowell scored both runners to claw the Hot Corners a little bit closer. But it was too little too late as Beck slammed the door after that to end the game. (7 – 3 Sirloins win)

== Game 10 Summary ==

WP: Kays (1 – 2) LP: Pres (0 – 3) POTG: Vortex (2 – 4, 3B, 2B, 2 RBI, R)

Following the game, the team was only one game away from playoff elimination sitting at 2 – 8, and Buck decided the season was a lost cause. This led to some more payroll cuts, as Pres was released for rookie SP/RP Carlito Carr formerly of the Sirloins, reliever Amazo Haze was cut for young reliever Lou DaBaziz formerly of the Crocodons, and reliever Joseph Broseph was also released for southpaw SP Bella Mietballe formerly of the Jacks. This move forced Salmon into the bullpen, and also cut $10 Million to open up the available budget to $27. 5 Million.

Oliver also started taking some energy drinks to help improve his focus out in the field. (+3 CON, +12 FLD)

== Game 11 (Away vs. Wild Pigs) ==

It was a new dawn for the team as rookie Carlito Carr got the start following his signing as he drew the ace from the Wild Pigs, Myles Shavewell (0 – 1, 7.84 ERA, 1.84 WHIP). Wilson got the start in RF over the struggling Yu, and Oliver was back in the lineup at catcher for McDowell.

== Top of the 3rd ==

James came up with no outs and the bases loaded as he hit a sacrifice fly to left field to score the first run of the day. Big Country was up next and took a ball that kicked off the catcher's glove and allowed another run to come into score. Swiner then hit an absolute shot to right center field for his third homer of the season as it made the lead even larger with an additional three runs scoring. (Hot Corners lead 5 – 0)

== Bottom of the 4th ==

The Wild Pigs got somewhat of an answer back as SS Snag Roper hit a two out infield single off of Magikko's diving glove to score a run, and LF Patience Evergreen singled to left to score another run. (Hot Corners lead 5 – 2)

== Top of the 5th ==

Big Country hit a two out double off the center field wall to drive in another run and chased Shavewell from the game as lefty Alana Lantana (2.57 ERA, 1.57 WHIP) came in to relieve him. (Hot Corners lead 6 – 2)

== Bottom of the 7th ==

Reliever Lou DaBaziz was making his season debut and had pitched a clean sixth inning to start, but he ran into a whole mess of trouble in the seventh. 3B Kitty Kauffman doubled to left center to score one run with one out. DH Elvis Stanley then singled to right center to score Kauffman. 2B Monica Vang then hit her first homer of the season to right center field to score herself and Stanley. Evergreen then came up four batters later and doubled to left center field to score the fifth and final run of the inning. (7 – 6 Wild Pigs lead)

== Top of the 9th ==

The Hot Corners rallied late to send the game to extra as James singled into right center field with one out off of SP/RP Donovan Drake who relieved Lantana after a leadoff single this inning. (7 – 7 tie)

== Bottom of the 11th ==

Salmon gave up the winning run two innings later as Stiffs hit into a fielder's choice to score a run with one out. The throw from McClure was just late as the Hot Corners suffered another heartbreaking extra innings loss.

== Game 11 Summary ==

WP: Kerr LP: Harrison (0 – 1) POTG: Swiner (3 – 5, HR, 2B, 4 RBI, R)

Following the game, the team got some player developmental work done with the excess funds opened up following so many cuts to payroll. Yu practiced stealing opposing teams' signs using a makeshift system of beating a trash can with a bat to alert teammates to what pitch was coming. (+6 CON, +2 SPD, -4 FLD) James started doing a serious Vegan Diet to improve his speed. (+5 SPD, +5 FLD) Frazier got some time in the bullpen as himself and Mietballe both worked on improving their off-speed and breaking pitches. (+2 JNK, +1 ACC each)

== Game 12 (Away vs. Wild Pigs) ==

The second game of the weekend series would have Paul (1 – 1, 3.07 ERA, 0.95 WHIP) squaring off against Durbin Holmes (0 – 2, 9.72 ERA, 2.16 WHIP). Yu reenters the lineup in RF, Wilson started in CF for James, Efforto starts at SS for Magikko, and McDowell started for Oliver after the extra innings duel.

== Bottom of the 1st ==

RF Oakley Stiffs got the scoring started as he grounded into a no outs 4 – 6 fielder's choice to score a run. Paul also ended up taking a liner off her ribs, but convinces Buck to stay in the game as the bullpen was shot from the game before and they were in last place anyway so what was there to lose? (1 – 0 Wild Pigs lead)

== Bottom of the 8th ==

Through the first seven innings, the game remained at 1 – 0 as Paul only gave up six hits, while Holmes matched her giving up only seven hits and a walk. Salmon came in relief to start the inning as the wheels came off the bus in such glorious fashion. She recorded the first out, but then loaded the bases and surrendered a grand slam to Kauffman. It was her third homer of the season, and then four batters later Salmon surrendered a three run homer to former Hot Corner player 3B Snak Biggs. This was enough to pull the plug on her as Manning entered in relief to get the final out of the inning. (8 – 0 Wild Pigs lead)

== Top of the 9th ==

The Hot Corners avoided the shutout thankfully as Taters hit an absolute bomb to right field with one out. It was his first homer of the season, but it was the only good thing to happen to the offense as they were promptly shutdown by Lantana who relieved Holmes after the homer. (8 – 1 Wild Pigs win)

== Game 12 Summary ==

WP: Holmes (1 – 2) LP: Paul (1 – 2) POTG: Kauffman (2 – 4, HR, 4RBI, R)

Following the game, Buck released Salmon as she'd failed to live up to expectations this year. She was replaced by veteran reliever Jemma Yago formerly from the Heaters. The move cut another $3.8 Million to free up the budget to $31.3 Million. The team was now sitting at 2 – 10 with the worst record in the league and firmly in last place in the division.

Magikko got some time in the video room in the hopes that he could fix the issues with his swing. (+8 CON, -3 SPD) Taters also attended some regular Yoga Classes to improve his flexibility. (+1 SPD, +3 FLD)

== Games 13 and 14 Summary ==

The team rebounded to win the next two games as they rallied to defeat the Herbisaurs late 4 – 1 behind Frazier Jr. (2 – 1 record), and then won a slugfest against the Moose 10 – 8 behind DaBaziz (1 – 0 record). Unfortunately the team lost Oliver for the rest of the season as the catch tore the meniscus in his right knee near the end of the 13th game. This propelled McDowell to the starting catcher role for the final three games.

== Game 15 (Home vs. Freebooters) ==

Carr (0 – 0, 1.86 ERA, 1.03 WHIP) gets the ball in his second start of the season as he draws Misano (0 – 2, 5.50 ERA, 1.59 WHIP) in the Freebooters final regular season game. The Freebooters need to win in order to secure a playoff spot; if they lose they will be eliminated for the third straight year. Gutterson got the start at SS over Magikko as Duchee would start at 3rd, and Wilson slid into the DH role to fill the vacant lineup spot.

== Top of the 4th ==

The remained scoreless through the first three innings, but first blood was claimed in the fourth by the Freebooters when Jackman doubled to the right center gap with one out to score a run. (1 – 0 Freebooters lead)

== Bottom of the 4th ==

The Hot Corners answered back in the bottom half as Big Country hit a one out double to right center field as a runner came around to score and tied the game up at 1.

== Bottom of the 5th ==

McDowell doubled to lead the inning off as that ended Misano's day as righty Grace Loopinovich (3.86 ERA, 1.50 WHIP) entered to relieve him. Three batters later, Duchee singled to right field as McDowell scored to give the Hot Corners the lead. (2 – 1 Hot Corners lead)

== Bottom of the 6th ==

McDowell got an insurance run in for the offense in the next inning as he singled to right field off the fielder's sliding glove to score another run with one out in the inning. (Hot Corners lead 3 – 1)

Carr pitched into the seventh, but gave up a leadoff single and was pulled for Harrison (0 – 1, 1.93 ERA, 0.96 WHIP). He ended up pitching three scoreless innings to lock down the save and securing the win for the Hot Corners as the Freebooters missed the playoffs again thanks to another run differential tiebreaker.

== Game 15 Summary ==

WP: Carr (1 – 0) LP: Misano (0 – 3) SV: Harrison (2) POTG: McDowell (3 – 4, 2B, RBI, R)

Despite the team still having one game left in the regular season, all eight playoff spots were all ready decided. In the team's conference, the Moonstars secured the #1 seed with an 11 – 5 record and would face the #4 seed Sawteeth with a record of 8 – 8. The other matchup consisted of the #2 seed Herbisaurs (9 – 7) facing off against the #3 seed Sand Cats (9 – 7). The other conference had the #1 seed Crocodons (11 – 5) squaring off with the #4 seed Buzzards (8 – 8), while the #2 seed Beewolves (11 – 5) would face the Heaters (#3 seed).

== Game 16 (Home vs. Wild Pigs) ==

The regular season finale didn't hold any weight for either club as both would be out of the playoffs regardless. Paul (1 – 2, 2.49 ERA, 0.92 WHIP) drew Hannah Hogswind (0 – 1, 7.82 ERA, 1.66 WHIP) in a tough matchup as Paul was still recovering from the liner she took to the ribs in her previous start.

== Top of the 4th ==

Both offenses were silent through the first three innings as Paul had only given up two hits, while Hogswind had given up five of them. McClure had also made an error during the second, but it hadn't hurt the club any. He'd come into the game a little distracted, but nobody knew why.

RF Earnie Blings got the scoring started as he singled with runners on the corners and no outs to make it a 1 – 0 game.

== Top of the 6th ==

Paul ran into some trouble in the sixth as C Momo Tobo grounded into a 4 – 3 fielder's choice to score a run with one already out. Then she walked the next batter which ended her day as Manning (3.24 ERA, 0.84 WHIP) entered to relieve her. Unfortunately he didn't give any relief as Stiffs lined to second which was dropped by McClure for an error as another runner scored. DH Randy Mann then homered to left center as his first homer of the season scored three more. Manning retired the next batter to get out of the inning, but the game was all but over at that point. (6 – 0 Wild Pigs lead)

== Bottom of the 6th ==

It came to light in the dugout that Kaleb had gotten his girlfriend pregnant and was distracted by that news he'd received before the game. The team rallied around him though and got his head on right as he reached base via an error by Kauffman at third. Two batters later, Taters went yard to dead center as his third homer of the season scored two. (6 – 2 Wild Pigs lead)

== Top of the 7th ==

It didn't get any better for Manning in the next inning, as Tobo singled to right with two outs to score a runner. Kauffman then doubled to left center to score another two and the inning was capped off by Stiffs' single to right to bring in the fourth run of the inning. This ended Manning's day as DaBaziz (1 – 0, 9.64 ERA, 1.93 WHIP) entered to get the last out of the inning.

== Bottom of the 7th ==

The team tried to rally back as DH Batch Wilson homered to right field to score two runs as it was his first homer since signing with the team before last year's playoff run. (10 – 4 Wild Pigs lead)

This would prove to be the end of the rally though, as the Wild Pigs slammed the door on them in the last two innings.

== Game 16 Summary ==

WP: Hogswind (1 – 1) LP: Paul (1 – 3) POTG: Mann (3 – 5, HR, 3 RBI, R, SB)

This brought the disastrous season to a close as the team finished with the worst record in the league at 5 – 11. Before the players left for the offseason break, Buck got some developmental work done with them. Frazier Jr. worked on fine tuning his mechanics with another bullpen session. (+2 VEL, +2 JNK, +2 ACC) Manning worked on improving his breaking pitches with his bullpen session. (+1 ACC, +2 JNK) In the final session, Wilson got some Long Toss in on the practice field. (+1 POW, +3 ARM)

== Year 3 Playoffs Summary ==

In the first round of the playoffs on the Super Conference side, the Herbisaurs defeated the Sand Cats in three games (2 – 4, 6 – 5, 6 – 0), and the Sawteeth upset the top-seeded Moonstars in three games (3 – 10, 7 – 6, 9 – 5). On the Mega Conference side, the Beewolves sweep the Heaters (3 – 1, 4 – 1), and the Crocodons sweep the Buzzards (6 – 5, 8 – 3).

In the second round of the playoffs the Herbisaurs sweep the Sawteeth to claim the Super Conference title (5 – 2 twice), while the Beewolves sweep the Crocodons to claim the Mega Conference title (8 – 6, 5 – 0).

In the final round of the playoffs, the Herbisaurs claimed the year three championship by defeating the Beewolves in three games (6 – 0, 1 – 5, 4 – 3). They became the second team in the team's division to win the championship after the Moose in year two.

== Year 3 Offseason ==

The team had some serious work to do in the Offseason to try and rebuild this team into a winning club again. Thankfully they had plenty of funds ($43.5 Million) to make it happen as Patterson was not taking anything less than a playoff berth next season. Buck and Patterson may have been friends, but Buck wouldn't dare fail him otherwise it was his ass being canned.

The start of the offseason saw the losses of 1B Mash Taters and 1B/3B Pomp Duchee. Taters was thirty nine and decided to retire from the league as his body couldn't handle the stress of playing any longer. Duchee was forced to resign from the team after being caught in a PED sting operation by the FDA. The team immediately cut contact with him and went on record condemning him for his actions to avoid potential backlash.

The team had their target board set up and looked to bring in two new starters to upgrade the rotation, one bullpen arm to sure that up, two shortstops since it was their weakest position, a backup second baseman, a starting caliber third baseman, and two first basemen.

The first signings were made on Day 11 out of 32 as the team brought in southpaw reliever Niko Plough a 19 year old rookie to replace Yago. Known for his deceptive submarine arm angle, he enjoyed giving batters fits during his freshman year of college at Arizona State University. The team also brought in 2B/UTIL Tyree Freeman, a 19 year old rookie from Georgia State. He had some pop in his bat, but was a versatile fielder which made him an instant upgrade over Draper.

The team's next move was made a day later when they signed backup SS/3B Dawson Longstroke a 20 year old rookie from Michigan State University. The Spartan alum was a good fielder and had speed to burn quite literally. He just needed to improve in the hitting department, but he was already better than Efforto so the move was a no-brainer.

The next day brought another new player to the team as 1B Khalil Rogers was signed to fill the vacancy left by Taters. Like most first basemen, Rogers could hit for days but couldn't field. The twenty year old rookie also had a surprising amount of speed. The four tool player was a welcome addition coming to the league out of Texas University.

The next day saw another two roster moves be made, as the team signed 3B/SS Vanessa Copeland to replace Gutterson, and SP Rent Hatter to replace Paul. Copeland was the best offensive third baseman available and wasn't a bad fielder either. The 26 year old rookie made the transition from high level softball to come play baseball. Hatter was a much harder thrower than Paul and the 24 year old rookie offered some room to grow over the veteran. She entered the league after a successful softball career at Tennessee University.

The next day brought another signing as SS Snag Roper formerly of the division rival Wild Pigs was picked up to replace Magikko as the starter. Roper possessed everything you could want in a shortstop except speed. He was an excellent option to be the captain of the infield as the fourth year veteran had already proven that time and time again.

Three days later on Day 18 of 32 for the free agency period, the final roster moves were made for the team. The team brought in backup 1B Queen Lafayette to replace Duchee's roster spot as she was a better defensive option then Rogers and the 28 year old would probably get to start on opening day to allow Rogers to do what he did best, hit the ball as a DH. The other roster move was the addition of rookie SP Hassan Hester out of the University of Arkansas Little Rock. The 19 year old rookie was a young arm that needed to upgrade his velocity and accuracy, but was an immediate upgrade over Mietballe.

The period then came to an end as no other signings were made by the team. With the original $43.5 Million budget, all but $6.1 Million was spent as the team had a playoff or bust mentality heading into year 4. Would the team bounce back after a disappointing season, or is this a sign of what the future holds in store for them? Also, would Buck keep his job if the team floundered for a second consecutive year? There was only one way to find out, bring on year 4!

AN: And that's a wrap on this chapter as the team experienced their first taste of a failed season. Going from having the best record in year one all the way to the worst record by year three. Will they bounce back in year 4? Tune in next chapter to find out as we kick that off with first four games of that season. Catch ya later!

PRAK #TheNastyOne