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

23. Flipping the Switch

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

Welcome back everybody to the next chapter in the Hot Corners Dynasty as we enter the second half of year four with the team sitting at 4 – 4 in third place behind the Moose and the Wild Pigs. The team has suffered some injuries to their bullpen, and their offense has been inconsistent for much of the first half. Can the team get any momentum going to make the playoffs, or will the season come crashing down around them?

Chapter 23: Flipping the Switch

== Game 9 Sand Cats ==

The second half of the season for the Hot Corners was kicking off on the road against the Sand Cats who were playing their last game of their season's first half. Frazier Jr. was on the hill for the Hot Corners (0 – 0, 9.53 ERA, 1.85 WHIP) against the Sand Cats' fourth pitcher Gerry Rawner (0 – 0, 7.71 ERA, 1.71 WHIP) which on paper looked like a severe advantage for the Hot Corners. Batch Wilson would get the start off the bench for the Hot Corners as he took over the duties in left field for the slumping Big Country.

== Top of the 1st ==

The game got started immediately on a high note for the Hot Corners as the leadoff hitter 2B Kaleb McClure jumped on a hanging 1 – 1 slider from Rawner and launched it into the batter's eye in CF for a solo homer. It was Kaleb's second homer of the season as he circled the bases to give the Hot Corners a 1 – 0 lead.

== Top of the 2nd ==

Frazier got through the first inning without issue as Rawner came back out in the second looking to have a better outing this inning. It started well as he retired the first two batters, but then lost the strikezone as he walked Wilson on five pitches. He then proceeded to walk CF Geronimo James on five pitches as well to put two runners on for RF Arms Yu. Yu delivered a clutch single to right center field as Wilson came around to score from second to make it a 2 – 0 Hot Corners lead. McClure then flew out to the right fielder in deep right center field to end the inning.

== Top of the 3rd ==

The start didn't get any easier for Rawner as he retired the first batter of the inning but then gave up a single to CF by SS Snag Roper. This brought up rookie 3B Vanessa Copeland as she continued her hot hitting on the season by turning on an inside 2 – 2 fastball that ended up on the other side of the right field fence. It was Copeland's fourth homer of the season and extended the Hot Corners lead to 4 – 0.

Rawner then walked C Apollo Oliver on five pitches which forced the Sand Cats' manager to make a move. He brought in righty Woody Ano (1.50 ERA, 1.33 WHIP) to get the next two outs and the hard throwing reliever did just that as the Hot Corners' bats were unprepared for the change in velocity from the softer throwing Rawner to the flame throwing Ano.

== Bottom of the 4th ==

Frazier had been on a roll the first three innings as he was cruising along with no runs given up so far. That all changed as CF Landon Moses homered on a low and inside first pitch curveball as it sailed over the right center field for his fourth of the season. Frazier got two outs, but then surrendered back to back singles putting two runners on with two outs.

That brought up rookie 1B Reed Dewpole who was a target for the Hot Corners in the offseason, but he got snatched up by the Sand Cats the day before Buck's offer sheet was submitted. The switch hitter came in clutch with a double to the right center gap as both runners came around to score and shrunk the lead down to 4 – 3.

== Top of the 5th ==

Ano was pitching in his third inning of the game as he retired the leadoff hitter, but then fell behind 3 – 1 in the count to rookie DH Khalil Rogers. He then tried to sneak a fastball over the outside part of the plate, but Rogers was having none of that and cannibalized it the opposite way over the left center fence. It was Rogers' third homer of the season as he made it a 5 – 3 score. Two batters later, Ano was lifted for lefty reliever Gasser Morris (6.75 ERA, 1.50 WHIP) who got the final out of the inning.

== Bottom of the 6th ==

Frazier was looking to record the quality start as his pitch count was up near eighty already. Unfortunately he surrendered a two out single to Dewpole which scored another run to make it a 5 – 4 game. Thankfully he retired the next batter to hang onto the lead.

== Bottom of the 7th ==

Buck turned to the most consistent reliever so far on the year in righty Binky Stevens (1 – 0, 2.45 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 1 SV). The hope was that Stevens would be able to close the game out with minimal issues. He retired the first batter but then surrendered back-to-back hits as RF Javy Yatter came up to the plate. The veteran homered over the right center field fence on a 1 – 0 low inside fastball to take the lead at 7 – 5. It was his second homer of the season as Stevens had blown the save.

To add insult to injury, LF Marilyn Davidson came up next and smacked an up and away two seamer into the center field second deck seats for a second consecutive homer. It was her third of the season and made it a three run game.

== Top of the 8th ==

SP/RP Elisa Pollard was brought in to relive Morris at the start of the inning as she looked to collect the save. (3.09 ERA, 0.86 WHIP) She gave up a leadoff single to Copeland, followed by a single by Oliver. Rookie Dawson Longstroke then pinch hit for the struggling 1B Queen Laffeyette as he grounded into a double play ball. Wilson collected another single as Copeland scored to make it an 8 – 6 game, but James flew out to left field to end the inning.

== Bottom of the 8th ==

Utility rookie Tyree Freeman replaces Longstroke at 1B to sure up the defense, as Stevens delivered his first pitch to Dewpole. The rookie jumped all over the fastball and took it the opposite way over the left center fence for his first career homer. This made it a 9 – 6 game as Buck made the move to go with injured Kyson Manning out of the bullpen. (1 – 0, 9.82 ERA, 2.05 WHIP) The lefty didn't disappoint as he pitched through the pain and retired the next three batters with ease. Unfortunately the team couldn't rally in the ninth and took the loss.

WP: Morris LP: Stevens (1 – 1) SV: Pollard POTG: Dewpole (4 – 4, HR, 2 2B, 4 RBI, R)

== Game 10 vs. Sawteeth ==

The team headed back home looking to avenge their loss as they were gearing up for their yearly matchup against the Sawteeth. Rookie Rent Hatter was ready to start despite not feeling one hundred percent healed from the chest injury she suffered last start. (0 – 1, 9.58 ERA, 2.32 WHIP) She drew the Sawteeth ace Thrash Allmeyer who was pitching out of his mind this year, making a case as the league's best pitcher (2 – 0, 0.64 ERA, 0.64 WHIP). Arsenio McDowell was coming off the bench to rest Oliver at C, while Big Country went back to LF for Wilson. Buck also made a surprise move and gave rookie Dawson Longstroke the start at DH as Rogers took over 1B for the slumping Laffeyette.

== Bottom of the 1st ==

McClure started the game off with a single into right field, this brought Copeland up to the plate and the rookie gave her teammates something to cheer about. She jumped on an up and away fastball and cracked it over the left center wall to give the Hot Corners a 2 – 0 lead. It was her fifth homer of the season as she extended her lead in that category for the whole team. Two batters later, James singled to the left center gap with one out. Swiner followed that up with a single in the same spot as James hustled over to their. Roper then singled back up the middle as James walked home to give the team a 3 – 0 lead over the struggling Allmeyer. He bounced back to retire Yu with a double play ball, but his confidence was shaken.

== Bottom of the 2nd ==

In the next inning, rookie DH Dawson Longstroke singled to right field for his first career hit in only his second at-bat of his career. This hit was erased though as McDowell proceeded to ground into a double play to kill the team's momentum in this inning.

== Bottom of the 3rd ==

Copeland was back up for her second at-bat of the game leading off the inning as Allmeyer looked to get the better of her this time. Unfortunately for him she was on another level and he hung her 1 – 0 curveball. She pounced on it and pulled it over the right field fence for her second homer of the game, and seventh of the year as the Hot Corners now held a 4 – 0 lead.

== Top of the 5th ==

The Sawteeth got one back a few innings later as Hatter made her first mistake of the game after four clean innings. SS Jon Ronero jumped on Hatter's first pitch an up and inside fastball and pulled it over the left field fence for his first homer of the season. The shot came with one out in the inning as the Sawteeth cut it to a 4 – 1 scoreline.

== Bottom of the 5th ==

Allmeyer was struggling to hang on against the Hot Corners' rejuvenated lineup and it didn't get any easier in the fifth. McClure led off the inning by cranking a hanging 1 – 1 changeup over the left center fence for his first homer of the season as the lead grew to 5 – 1. Copeland walked up for her third at-bat and was in a zone of unprecedented focus as she let the count get to 3 – 1 before going with a back door slider from Allmeyer and crushing it over the left center fence for her third homer of the game. Her eighth on the season grew the lead to 6 – 1 as Allmeyer looked absolutely defeated out there.

Rogers then singled to center for a third consecutive hit to start the inning as the Sawteeth manager had seen enough. He made the move for righty Brick Towers (5.63 ERA, 1.88 WHIP) out of the bullpen. Towers got two outs, but Roper then doubled to the right center gap as Rogers came in to score and made it a 7 – 1 game.

== Top of the 6th ==

The Sawteeth hadn't given up yet as former Hot Corner 3B Keg Gutterson singled with one out to drive in a run and made it a 7 – 2 game.

== Bottom of the 7th ==

They did however finally lose hope in the 7th as the Hot Corners would break the game open. Rogers led off the inning with a homer over the right center fence as he turned on a low and middle Curveball. The solo shot was his fourth homer of the season as the lead grew to 8 – 2. This would chase Towers from the game as lefty Gene Durham (12.71 ERA, 3.00 WHIP) entered in relief.

Durham surrendered a single to left off of James' bat, before allowing Big Country to double to the left center gap to score James and make it a 9 – 2 game. He got Roper to ground out to first, but Big Country moved over to third on the play. This would end Durham's outing, as lefty Doc Simpleman (4.91 ERA, 2.05 WHIP) relieved him.

Yu hit a sac fly to deep left field as Swiner walked home to make it a 10 – 2 game. Longstroke then lined out to second to finally end the inning.

== Bottom of the 8th ==

The onslaught didn't end there as McDowell singled to center off Simpleman. McClure was retired, but Copeland drew a five pitch walk to put two on for Rogers. Rogers came through with a double to the left center gap as both McDowell and Copeland hustled home to extend the lead to 12 – 2. This ended Simpleman's day as lefty starter Deshaun Levonn (3.00 ERA, 0.82 WHIP) entered out of the bullpen as the Sawteeth was out of relievers.

James singled to right as the first batter to face Levonn, but he bounced back to strike out Big Country for the second out. Roper singled to center to score James as he came all the way around to score and make it a 13 – 2 game. Yu then singled to center to score Roper and make it a 14 – 2 game. Longstroke was then retired on a groundout back to Levonn to finally end the inning.

== Top of the 9th ==

Hatter was pulled to start the ninth as she'd turned in a phenomenal outing. Righty Troy Harrison (0 – 1, 6.00 ERA, 2.33 WHIP) came in and walked two batters, but he prevented anyone from scoring as he shut the door firmly to end the contest.

WP: Hatter (1 – 1) LP: Allmeyer (2 – 1) POTG: Copeland (3 – 4, 3 HR, 4 RBI, 4R, BB)

Following the game, Harrison used an emery board to file down his pitching hand nails as he felt that was the cause of his control issues. (- 2 VEL, +4 JNK, +7 ACC)

Longstroke also began a vegan diet to cleanse his body and help improve his reaction time and flexibility. (+5 SPD, +1 FLD, +1 ARM)

== Game 11 vs. Blowfish ==

Rookie Hassan Hester (1 – 0, 2.57 ERA, 1.07 WHIP) was fully healed up as he got ready to take the mound in his third start of the season against the Blowfish's third starter righty Bartholomew Draculo (1 – 1, 3.00 ERA, 1.17 WHIP). Buck left the lineup the same as it brought good results last game with that fourteen run explosion against the Sawteeth.

== Top of the 2nd ==

Hester ran into trouble early in the second as he surrendered back-to-back hits to lead off the inning to rookie 1B Cora Walls (1B to left) and rookie LF Cullen Glass (2B to RCF). CF Nirub Oowanga grounded out to Roper at shortstop to score Walls and made it a 1 – 0 scoreline. SS Trey Hardy then grounded out to Rogers unassisted at first, but Glass scored on the play to make it a 2 – 0 game.

== Top of the 4th ==

Glass came up in the fourth for his second at-bat as he smashed a first pitch low and away Curveball over the right center fence for his third homer of the season. This lead-off shot made it a 3 – 0 Blowfish lead.

== Top of the 6th ==

Glass came through again for the Blowfish in his third at-bat as he singled to the right center gap with one down to score another runner as the lead grew to 4 – 0. Two batters later, Hardy singled off of Roger's diving glove to score another run as it became a 5 – 0 lead.

== Bottom of the 6th ==

The Hot Corners finally scored off of Draculo in the sixth as Yu doubled to the right center gap over the sliding RF Rod Forth's glove for a double as Big Country (1B to LCF) came around from first to score and make it a 5 – 1 game.

== Top of the 7th ==

Hester got an out to start the inning, but then surrendered a double to Forth to end his day as Buck went to the bullpen. Lefty Niko Plough (0 – 2, 8.10 ERA, 1.65 WHIP, 1 SV) came in and stranded the runner as he recorded the final two outs of the inning.

== Bottom of the 7th ==

McClure led off the inning with a double to the left center gap off of Draculo to finally end his day as the Blowfish manager went to the bullpen. Former Hot Corner righty Amazo Haze (2.79 ERA, 1.86 WHIP) came in to try and hold the lead at four runs, but two batters later Rogers delivered a one out single to the right field corner. McClure came in to score and made it a 5 – 2 game.

== Top of the 8th ==

Plough surrendered a homer to start the eighth inning as Walls cranked a first pitch 2SFB the other way for her second homer of the season. The lead-off shot extended the Blowfish lead to 6 – 2.

== Bottom of the 8th ==

The Hot Corners refused to die as they loaded the bases against Haze with only one down in the inning. McClure walked up and single to RF as 2B Parker Padilla dove for it but couldn't hang on to it allowing Roper to score from third and made it a 6 – 3 game. Copeland then hit a sacrifice fly to right center to score Longstroke from third and make it a 6 – 4 game.

== Bottom of the 9th ==

CP Kay Frequin (2.89 ERA, 1.07 WHIP) relieves Haze at the start of the inning as the former Freebooters member looked for the save. She succeeded as she got a 1-2-3 inning to end the game.

WP: Draculo (2 – 1) LP: Hester (1 – 1) SV: Frequin POTG: Glass (4 – 4, HR, 2B, 2 RBI, 3 R)

== Game 12 Herbisaurs ==

The team looked to rebound in their next game, as SP/RP Carlito Carr (1 – 0, 3.75 ERA, 1.25 WHIP) would tow the rubber against the Herbisaurs third starter Tussker Fuss (0 – 2, 6.43 ERA, 2.43 WHIP). Oliver was back in the lineup at C to rest McDowell, Wilson would start in CF for the slumping James, and Laffeyette was back at 1B as Rogers slid back into the DH role.

== Top of the 1st ==

McClure led off the game with a base hit to the left center gap, and after two outs was sitting at second as Rogers stepped to the plate. The rookie delivered a clutch two out single to center as McClure came in to score and gave Carr an early 1 – 0 lead.

== Top of the 3rd ==

Carr had the Herbisaurs lineup locked down early as the offense looked to extend the lead in the third. It was once again a two out hit by Rogers to ignite the offense as the rookie doubled off the high left field wall. Oliver then doubled into the left center gap as Rogers scored easily to make it a 2 – 0 Hot Corners lead.

== Top of the 4th ==

After another scoreless inning from Carr, the offense had another two out rally. Yu started it with a base hit to center from the ninth spot in the lineup. McClure then drew a four pitch walk off of Fuss to put two on. Copeland then came through with her first hit of the contest as she doubled to the right center gap which scored both runners to make it a 4 – 0 lead, although she did make a baserunning error as she was thrown out going for a triple.

== Bottom of the 4th ==

The Herbisaurs lineup finally responded as 1B Grunt Manly tripled off the left field wall with no outs to score a runner, he then came into score when Wilson made an errant throw home that no one could corral. The error cut the lead in half as it was now a 4 – 2 scoreline instead of a 4 – 1 scoreline.

== Top of the 5th ==

The Hot Corners came back in the next inning to break the game open though as Rogers homered with one down in the inning as he crushed a full count hanging Curveball from Fuss. The homer over the right field fence made it a 5 – 2 game as it was Rogers' fifth of the season. Oliver came up next and made it back-to-back jacks as he on a hanging changeup that ended up over the left center fence for his third homer of the season. The lead swelled to 6 – 2 as the Herbisaurs manager had seen enough and he yanked Fuss from the game.

Righty Adan Jock (3.38 ERA, 1.22 WHIP) entered in relief and proceeded to get an out, but then surrendered three straight hits as Wilson singled off of Hampster's diving glove, Laffeyette singled to center, and Yu tripled to right center. The triple by Yu extended the lead to 8 – 2 as Wilson and Laffeyette both came in to score.

== Top of the 6th ==

Jock ran into more problems in the sixth as Copeland and Roper led off the inning with singles, but he managed to get the next two batters out. However, Wilson atoned for his errant throw in the fourth by roping a single into right as Copeland came around to score and made it a 9 – 2 game.

== Bottom of the 6th ==

Carr's pitch count was really high after only five innings, so he had to be lifted by Buck for righty Troy Harrison (0 – 1, 4.50 ERA, 2.25WHIP). Harrison did his job this inning as he got through the inning without issue.

== Top of the 7th ==

Jock retires the first two batters of the inning, but is then lifted for lefty Shay Dee (3.38 ERA, 0.90 WHIP) who gets the final out of the inning with ease.

== Bottom of the 7th ==

Harrison loads the bases up in the seventh, but is saved from massive damage as DH Fred Bobbitt grounds into a double play only allowing one run to score. Harrison then gets the next batter out to leave the inning with a 9 – 3 lead.

== Bottom of the 8th ==

Southpaw Kyson Manning (1 – 0, 8.64 ERA, 1.80 WHIP) relieves Harrison at the start of the inning and gives up a run on a two out double by CF Yoink Sax to make it a 9 – 4 game.

== Bottom of the 9th ==

Manning then gives up a single and a walk to start the inning as Buck yanked him from the ball game in fear of an implosion. Righty Binky Stevens (1 – 0, 3.56 ERA, 1.68 WHIP, 1 SV) enters to try and prevent the runs from scoring, but surrenders a single to Manly with two down allowing both inherited runners to score making it a 9 – 6 game. He does manage to right himself though as he records the last out to seal the win for the Hot Corners.

WP: Carr (2 – 0) LP: Fuss (0 – 3) POTG: Rogers (3 – 5, HR, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R)

The win gets the club back to .500 at a 6 – 6 record as the third quarter mark of the season is reached. The team sits in third place only a half game behind the Wild Pigs in second, and two and a half games back of the division leading Moose with only four games left to play. The team needed to push now if they wanted to secure their spot in the playoffs.

== Game 13 Herbisaurs ==

The first game of the final quarter of the regular season was a conclusion to the weekend and season series against the Herbisaurs. Connor Frazier Jr. (0 – 0, 7.79 ERA, 1.67 WHIP) looked to end the season on a better note against the Herbisaurs' fourth pitcher SP/RP Deft Weddums who was recently signed by the Herbisaurs to replace struggling veteran Dick Lukas. James was back in the lineup today to replace Wilson who filled in for him the previous game.

== Bottom of the 3rd ==

Both pitchers settled in to start the game, but Frazier's rhythm was interrupted first as he surrendered a two out single to RF Herra O'Wuggliems that just bounced off of Roper's diving glove at shortstop. A run came in as the Herbisaurs took the 1 – 0 lead.

== Top of the 4th ==

The offense rallied behind Frazier the next time up as Roper started the inning with a single back up the middle. Rogers came up and unloaded on a first pitch curveball from Weddums that hung in the middle of the zone. He blasted it over the center field fence for his sixth homer of the season as the Hot Corners moved out in front 2 – 1. Two batters later, Laffeyette singled into the left center gap to bring Big Country up to the plate. He crunched a low 0 – 1 fastball the opposite way over the left center fence for his first homer of the season. That shot extended the lead to 4 – 1 Hot Corners as Weddums rallied to get out of the inning.

== Top of the 5th ==

Weddums got the first two batters out in the fifth, but was then lifted for lefty Shay Dee (2.87 ERA, 0.83 WHIP) who got the final out with ease.

== Bottom of the 7th ==

Southpaw Niko Plough (0 – 2, 6.75 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 1 SV) relieved Frazier at the start of the seventh after a quality six innings pitched only allowing one run. Plough got into trouble quickly and surrendered a run on a one out fielder's choice off of Manly's bat as the lead dropped to 4 – 2. O'Wuggliems then homered with the bases empty as she crushed a low, inside 2SFB over the left field fence. It was her second homer of the season as the lead dropped to 4 – 3.

== Top of the 9th ==
Dee pitched into the ninth as she retired the first two batters of the inning, but was lifted after surrendering a single to center off of James' bat. Hard throwing righty Omar Chombo (12.79 ERA, 3.63 WHIP) entered to keep it a one run game. He succeeded as he retired the next batter without issue sending the game to the final at-bats of the ninth.

== Bottom of the 9th ==

Righty Binky Stevens (1 – 0, 6.75 ERA, 1.71 WHIP, 1 SV) was summoned from the bullpen as Buck turned to him to slam the door in the ninth for the save. He put up an uncharacteristically good outing as he got a clean three up, three down inning to record his second save of the season.

WP: Frazier Jr. (1 – 0) LP: Weddums (0 – 1) SV: Stevens (2) POTG: O'Wuggliems (3 – 4, HR, 2 RBI, R)

The win moves the team into a second place tie with the Wild Pigs as they were only two games behind the Moose who were coincidentally their next opponents.

== Game 14 vs. Moose ==

Rookie Rent Hatter (1 – 1, 6.38 ERA, 1.75 WHIP) draws 31 year old veteran starter Sancha Silvio (2 – 0, 2.04 ERA, 1.36 WHIP) who was putting up all-star caliber numbers this season. McDowell gets the start at catcher to give Oliver some rest as the team looks to pull one game closer to the Moose.

== Bottom of the 1st ==

Rogers came up with two down and delivered a double to the right center gap as Roper came around to score after singling to right earlier in the inning. The Hot Corners were out early to a 1 – 0 lead.

== Bottom of the 3rd ==

Hatter had the Moose's bats shut down through the first three innings, as the offense came up looking to extend their slim lead. James started the inning with a single back up the middle. Roper then singled to right as James was off with the pitch and moved up to third on the hit and run. McClure then singled back up the middle as James walked home to make it a 2 – 0 lead. Two batters later, Copeland singled to right to load the bases up but the next two batters failed to reach as the inning died without warning.

== Top of the 5th ==

Hatter ran into trouble in the fifth as she surrendered a two out infield single to Vinicio as the ball bounced off of Copeland's diving glove into left field. This allowed a runner to score from second as the lead was cut in half to 2 – 1.

== Bottom of the 7th ==

Righty Carla Tolbert (0.00 ERA, 0.62 WHIP) came in to relieve Silvio after six solid innings of work. She got through the inning without issue as the pitcher's duel continued.

== Bottom of the 8th ==

Rogers started the inning off against Tolbert with a ringing double into the right center field gap as a runner was in scoring position with no outs. Copeland then hit a hard shot to the right side, but 2B Tyree Gangnam speared it for the first out of the inning. Big Country walked up next as he looked to come through for his team, and come through he did as he crushed a 3 – 2 fastball in the middle of the zone. It sailed over the left center fence for his second homer of the season as the lead grew to 4 – 1.

That would end Tolbert's day, as righty Felix Farmhand (3.00 ERA, 1.44 WHIP) entered in relief. Utility player Tyree Freeman pinch hit for the hitless Laffeyette and came through with a single to center which was his first career hit in the Super Mega League. Unfortunately the rally ended there as Yu grounded into a fielder's choice, and McDowell lined out softly to first base for the final out of the inning.

== Top of the 9th ==

Righty Troy Harrison (0 – 1, 4.50 ERA, 2.00 WHIP) entered in relief of Hatter who exited after eight solid innings of one run baseball. Harrison set the Moose lineup down without allowing a run as he locked down his first save of the season.

WP: Hatter (2 – 1) LP: Silvio (2 – 1) SV: Harrison (1) POTG: Big Country (2 – 3, HR, 2 RBI, R, BB)

Following the game, Freeman got some extra reps in the batting cage as Buck was looking to call on him again before the season ended in case Laffeyette continued to slump. (+4 CON)

== Game 15 vs. Wild Pigs ==

Rookie Hassan Hester (1 – 1, 3.98 ERA, 1.18 WHIP) was up next in the rotation as he drew recently resigned ace Wes Yogurt (1 – 1, 1.69 ERA, 1.31 WHIP) of the Wild Pigs. This game had big division implications, as the Hot Corners were one game ahead of the Wild Pigs for second place, and were themselves one game behind the Moose who had one game left. Oliver was reinserted at catcher for the slumping McDowell as he'd failed to put together the good numbers we saw during his rookie campaign.

== Bottom of the 3rd ==

Both teams were scoreless through the first two and a half innings, as both pitchers were pitching to the best of their abilities. Yogurt would be the one to surrender runs first, as Rogers came in with a two out single to the left center gap which scored Yu from second after he doubled earlier in the inning. Big Country then walked up and singled as Rogers advanced to second. Roper followed suit with a single of his own as Rogers came around from second to make it a 2 – 0 lead.

== Top of the 5th ==

The Wild Pigs finally put up an answer to the Hot Corners early salvo as veteran CF Mannon Moon cranked a two out double to the left center gap which brought a runner all the way around from first to cut the lead down to 2 – 1. Hester rebounded though to get the last out of the inning.

== Top of the 6th ==

3B Kitty Kauffman started the inning off for the Wild Pigs hitting a liner back up the middle that hits Hester in the right cheek. She manages to reach first via the single, as Buck ran out to check on Hester. Despite the bruising already present on his cheek, Hester passed the impromptu concussion check and stayed in the game.

He got the next batter to flyout to right, but Kauffman stole second and third on back-to back pitches after that. RF Oakley Stiffs then drew a five pitch walk to put two on with one out. C Earnie Blings then grounded softly to third as Kauffman broke for home on the grounder. Copeland had no choice but to throw to first for the second out. Kauffman scored and made it a 2 – 2 game as Hester then retired the next batter to escape the inning before it exploded.

== Top of the 7th ==

Lefty Kyson Manning (1 – 0, 10.61 ERA, 2.04 WHIP) relieves Hester at the start of the next inning to let him get some ice on his swollen right cheek. He gets Moon to ground into a one out fielder's choice as Roper made the throw to second for the second out of the inning. McClure then airmailed the throw to first as it got into the dugout and allowed Moon to reach second base. This set up Slam who crushed a homer to right field on a full count changeup to give the Wild Pigs a 4 – 2 lead. It was Slam's third homer of the season as Manning could only shake his head in disbelief at the turn of events.

== Bottom of the 7th ==

Freeman pinch hits for Laffeyette to start the inning as he singles to right field. James then grounded into a fielder's choice for the first out as Freeman was thrown out at second. Yu then doubled into the right center gap to put two on in scoring position. This ended Yogurt's day as lefty Bale Bozzer (4.82 ERA, 1.39 WHIP) enters in relief.

His first pitch got past Blings and rolled all the way to the backstop as James raced home to make it a one run game at 4 – 3. McClure then lined out to first, and Rogers popped out to the catcher to end the inning.

== Bottom of the 8th ==

Big Country led off the inning by drawing a six pitch walk off of Bozzer. He then advanced to second when Blings failed to block a breaking ball in the dirt. Roper then earned himself a four pitch walk to put two on with no outs. Copeland then gave a ball a good ride to left, but it died on the warning track for the first out.

This would end Bozzer's day as righty Kendra Kerr (1.17 ERA, 0.98 WHIP) relieves him to try and hold the lead. Oliver then promptly doubled into the left center gap as both runners came in to score as the Hot Corners recaptured the lead at 5 – 4.

== Top of the 9th ==

Binky Stevens (1 – 1, 6.10 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, 2 SV) was summoned by Buck to try and slam the door shut on the slim one run lead. He got the first out, but then surrendered a single to former Hot Corners SS Eduardo Electro who then promptly stole second base. This brought up Moon who came through with another hit as he doubled to left center field which scored Electro to tie up the game. Stevens did manage to rebound as Oliver threw out Moon trying to steal third, and Vang struck out swinging to end the inning.

== Bottom of the 13th ==

The game would remain tied into extra innings as it was broken in the thirteenth inning. Oliver came up with the bases empty and two outs as lefty Hander O'Speciallo (3.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP) hung him a 1 – 0 cement mixing slider. The ball carried out over the left center fence for Oliver's fourth homer of the season as he walked the game off to the tune of a 6 – 5 Hot Corners victory. The win was the club's fourth in a row and also Plough's first career win in the Super Mega League after he relieved Stevens to start the twelfth inning.

WP: Plough (1 – 2) LP: O' Speciallo POTG: Oliver (3 – 6, HR, 2B, 3 RBI, R)

Following the game, Manning got a bullpen session to work out some kinks with his mechanics so he could be ready for the regular season finale if needed. (+2 VEL, +1 JNK)

== Game 16 Freebooters ==

The regular season finale would take place against the Freebooters who were already eliminated from playoff contention and were looking to play spoiler. Carlito Carr (2 – 0, 3.18 ERA, 1.24 WHIP) would get the ball as he squared off with righty Winnie Noelle (1 – 0, 3.44 ERA, 1.15 WHIP). A win in this game would clinch a playoff berth and put all the pressure on the Moose to win their final game for the division championship.

== Top of the 2nd ==

The offense got going early as Roper was up with two down in the inning and got served a low, middle fastball on the first pitch of his at-bat. That ball ended up on the other side of the left center fence, as Roper's third of the season made it a 1 – 0 game.

== Top of the 4th ==

The score would remain unchanged to the fourth as McClure lead off the inning with a double. Two batters later, Rogers singled into left as McClure raced home to make it a 2 – 0 lead.

== Bottom of the 7th ==

Carr would keep the Freebooters quiet until the seventh when DH Gunns Jackman singled to center with one out, Carr then walked 3B Badhop Brown on five pitches to put two runners on. This would end his day as Buck went to righty Troy Harrison (0 – 1, 3.86 ERA, 1.86 WHIP, 1 SV) to try and hold the lead. He would fail as SS Norton Pickle would single to center to load the bases, before 1B Sturdy Woodman delivered a single to the left center gap which tied the game up at 2 all. Rookie LF Timothy Koch would then hit a sacrifice fly to center to score another run and give the Freebooters a 3 – 2 lead. Harrison would then strike out rookie CF Gerry Patrick to end the inning.

== Top of the 8th ==

James led off the inning against Noelle with a single to center to put the tying run on base. Yu would then double to the left center gap as James used his great speed to come around and score to tie the game up at 3 all. McClure then hit a sacrifice fly to center field two batters later as Yu would score and give the Hot Corners a 4 – 3 lead. Noelle would rebound though to escape the inning without further damage.

== Top of the 9th ==

Righty Grace Loopinovich (4.70 ERA, 1.37 WHIP) relieved Noelle to start the ninth as she looked to keep it a one run game. This would end up not being the case as she surrendered three straight singles to Rogers, Copeland and Roper to load the bases with no outs. Freeman then pinch hits for Laffeyette and grounds into a double play, but Rogers makes it in to score and extend the lead to 5 – 3. James then flew out to center to end the inning.

Harrison would hang on in the ninth to close the game out himself as he earned his first victory of the season and got the Hot Corners to the playoffs.

WP: Harrison (1 – 1) LP: Noelle (1 – 1) POTG: Roper (3 – 4, HR, RBI, R)

== Playoff Preview ==

The five straight wins to end the season secured the Hot Corners a spot in the playoffs, but the Moose would win their final game to secure the division. The Wild Pigs would win their final three games of the season to secure the final playoff spot via a run differential tie breaker over two other teams. The Sirloins would go on to win their division and end up being the number two seed with a record of 10 – 6. The Moose finished at 11 – 5 making them the #1 seed as they would face the 9 – 7 #4 seeded Wild Pigs. The Hot Corners would take their 10 – 6 record on the road to the #2 Sirloins as the #3 seed.

On the other side of the playoff bracket, the Jacks would win their division at 12 – 4 to be the #1 seed with the best record in the entire league. They would draw the #4 seeded Platypi who finished at 8 – 8 who won a run differential tiebreaker to sneak into the playoffs. The other matchup would feature the #2 seed Heaters who won their division at 11 – 5 squaring off with the #3 seed Crocodons who finished at 9 – 7.

Buck decided to make two roster moves to hopefully push the team over the top for the playoffs, as slumping C Arsenio McDowell was replaced by veteran Stacy Staples formerly of the Nemesis. The other move saw the slumping 1B Queen Laffeyette be replaced by veteran 1B/C Hercules Bentley formerly of the Nemesis as well. These two veterans would hopefully be the sparkplugs the offense could turn too when it got to crunch time.

All that was left to do was to face the Sirloins head on as the team looked to pull off the round one upset.

AN: And that's a wrap on this chapter, as the team rallied in the second half to win six of their eight games and clinch a playoff spot for the third time in four seasons. Unfortunately, this time they are going to be the road team in round one as they couldn't quite catch the red hot Moose. Can they pull off the upset in the first round, or will it be another one and down appearance? Tune in next time to find out!

PRAK #TheNastyOne