September 2024
NALB - 2024 World Championship Series Game 6
September 30, 2024 Filed in: Baseball
It was Sosuke Nakamura (1-4, 2.91 ERA) vs. Dan Courtlandt (16-6, 3.63 ERA) as the starters for game six. This was a pitching rematch of game two. The Knights had their backs to the wall down three games to two in this must win game. For the Maples, this was a chance to clinch their second World Championship in three seasons.
Nakamura and Courtlandt both looked good. Neither surrendered any runs. Courtlandt pitched five impressive innings while Nakamura pitched six. Things broke open in the sixth inning, however. With Pat Johnstone on the mound, Knights' shortstop Frank Brunson committed a throwing error, which allowed Kurt Johnson to reach first base. Ramiro Vázquez doubled to score Johnson. Lorenzo Torres and Ken MacEachern followed with doubles of their own and Stade had a 3-0 lead. In the top of the seventh, the Maples had a pair of base runners. The Knights called for closer Ken Hannah to try and limit the damage. Hannah struck out two batters before facing Ramiro Vázquez. A passed ball advanced the runners and then Vázquez doubled to score two more runs. The Maples lead was 5-0, which was the game's final score.
Perhaps the most improbable of champions, the Stade Maples did it again by winning the 2024 World Championship Series.
Final score: Stade 5, Brooklyn 0
Player of the game: Sosuke Nakamura
Nakamura and Courtlandt both looked good. Neither surrendered any runs. Courtlandt pitched five impressive innings while Nakamura pitched six. Things broke open in the sixth inning, however. With Pat Johnstone on the mound, Knights' shortstop Frank Brunson committed a throwing error, which allowed Kurt Johnson to reach first base. Ramiro Vázquez doubled to score Johnson. Lorenzo Torres and Ken MacEachern followed with doubles of their own and Stade had a 3-0 lead. In the top of the seventh, the Maples had a pair of base runners. The Knights called for closer Ken Hannah to try and limit the damage. Hannah struck out two batters before facing Ramiro Vázquez. A passed ball advanced the runners and then Vázquez doubled to score two more runs. The Maples lead was 5-0, which was the game's final score.
Perhaps the most improbable of champions, the Stade Maples did it again by winning the 2024 World Championship Series.
Final score: Stade 5, Brooklyn 0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Stade 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 5 9 0
Brooklyn 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 1
W: S. Nakamura
L: P. Johnstone
Player of the game: Sosuke Nakamura
NALB - 2024 World Championship Series Game 5
September 29, 2024 Filed in: Baseball
Game four featured a rematch of the starting pitchers from game one. Pitching for the Knights was Marcos Delgadillo (10-10, 3.55 ERA) and Alex Mobley (9-13, 2.86 ERA) got the start for the Maples.
Brooklyn's center fielder Namboko Shimohira singled in the first run of the game in the third inning. In the fourth, Don Hartz doubled to put the Knights up 2-0. The sixth proved to the game's pivotal inning. The Maples scored their first run off of a sacrifice fly from catcher Lorenzo Torres. The next batter, shortstop Lerrin Ruíz, blasted a three run homer to give Stade a 4-2 lead. The Knights loaded the bases in the eighth and had two men in scoring position in the ninth but failed to score.
As in 2023, the World Championship Series returns to Brooklyn for game six with the Knights down three games to two.
Final score: Stade 4, Brooklyn 2
Player of the game: Lerrin Ruíz
Brooklyn's center fielder Namboko Shimohira singled in the first run of the game in the third inning. In the fourth, Don Hartz doubled to put the Knights up 2-0. The sixth proved to the game's pivotal inning. The Maples scored their first run off of a sacrifice fly from catcher Lorenzo Torres. The next batter, shortstop Lerrin Ruíz, blasted a three run homer to give Stade a 4-2 lead. The Knights loaded the bases in the eighth and had two men in scoring position in the ninth but failed to score.
As in 2023, the World Championship Series returns to Brooklyn for game six with the Knights down three games to two.
Final score: Stade 4, Brooklyn 2
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Brooklyn 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 6 0
Stade 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 4 11 0
W: G. Orozco
L: M. Durante
Player of the game: Lerrin Ruíz
NALB - 2024 World Championship Series Game 4
September 28, 2024 Filed in: Baseball
Starting pitchers for game four were Aaron Patterson (10-9, 3.74 ERA) for the Knights and Dave Kirby (17-9, 2.71 ERA) for the Maples. Kirby led his team in wins on the season. Aaron Patterson was a bit inconsistent but he pitched phenomenally well down the stretch. Over the last two months of the regular season, he was 7-1 with a 1.60 ERA.
The action heated up in the top of the second inning. After the Knights scored a quick two runs, Syman Lowery hit a fastball from Dave Kirby for a 3-run homer, putting Brooklyn up 5-0. Lowery came through again in the fourth inning with another hit, which led to a two run inning for the Knights. The 7-0 blowout didn't last long, however. In the bottom of the fourth, the Maples roared back as Patterson was pulled for a reliever. The main damage was done by pinch hitter Hipolito Núñez, who hit a three run home run. That was followed by a solo homer by leadoff hitter Mead Ward. That made it 7-5 Knights, which ended up being the final score.
Final score: Brooklyn 7, Stade 5
Player of the game: Syman Lowery
The action heated up in the top of the second inning. After the Knights scored a quick two runs, Syman Lowery hit a fastball from Dave Kirby for a 3-run homer, putting Brooklyn up 5-0. Lowery came through again in the fourth inning with another hit, which led to a two run inning for the Knights. The 7-0 blowout didn't last long, however. In the bottom of the fourth, the Maples roared back as Patterson was pulled for a reliever. The main damage was done by pinch hitter Hipolito Núñez, who hit a three run home run. That was followed by a solo homer by leadoff hitter Mead Ward. That made it 7-5 Knights, which ended up being the final score.
Final score: Brooklyn 7, Stade 5
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Brooklyn 0 5 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 7 9 1
Stade 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 5 13 0
W: S. Dzhafarov
L: D. Kirby
Player of the game: Syman Lowery
NALB - 2024 World Championship Series Game 3
September 27, 2024 Filed in: Baseball
Fans attending game three of the World Championship Series were treated to two of the game's best pitchers—Brooklyn's Tony Tamayo (15-8, 2.76 ERA) and Stade's Braulio Crame (14-9, 2.74 ERA). In this much anticipated showdown between staff aces, these starters did not disappoint.
Tamayo and Crame both pitched a gem of a game. The difference maker was Maples' first baseman Kurt Johnson. Johnson hit a solo homer in the fourth inning, which was the game's only run.
Final score: Stade 1, Brooklyn 0
Player of the game: Braulio Crame
Tamayo and Crame both pitched a gem of a game. The difference maker was Maples' first baseman Kurt Johnson. Johnson hit a solo homer in the fourth inning, which was the game's only run.
Final score: Stade 1, Brooklyn 0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Brooklyn 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
Stade 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 1
W: B. Crame
L: T. Tamayo
Player of the game: Braulio Crame
NALB - 2024 World Championship Series Game 2
September 26, 2024 Filed in: Baseball
Sosuke Nakamura (1-4, 2.91 ERA) was on the mound for the Maples in game two of the World Championship Series. Nakamura suffered from shoulder inflammation and only pitched in nine games during the regular season. The 35 year old was now healthy and ready to go. Dan Courtlandt (16-6, 3.63 ERA) formerly pitched for Stade but was traded to Brooklyn in 2021. He strove to give the Knights a 2-0 series lead and was excited to face his old team.
The Maples scored the first run of the game in the third inning, The fifth inning was decisive, however. The Maples got a walk and four hits, including a bases clearing double by Kurt Johnson. That gave Stade a 5-0 lead. The Knights began chipping away in the sixth inning and put a lot of pressure on the Maples. They missed too many opportunities, however, and left nine men on the bases on the way to a 6-4 loss. The series is now tied at one game apiece. Making an impact was Maples' shortstop Lerrin Ruíz, who went 3 for 3 with 3 singles, while adding 2 RBI and scoring once.
Final score: Stade 6, Brooklyn 4
Player of the game: Lerrin Ruíz
The Maples scored the first run of the game in the third inning, The fifth inning was decisive, however. The Maples got a walk and four hits, including a bases clearing double by Kurt Johnson. That gave Stade a 5-0 lead. The Knights began chipping away in the sixth inning and put a lot of pressure on the Maples. They missed too many opportunities, however, and left nine men on the bases on the way to a 6-4 loss. The series is now tied at one game apiece. Making an impact was Maples' shortstop Lerrin Ruíz, who went 3 for 3 with 3 singles, while adding 2 RBI and scoring once.
Final score: Stade 6, Brooklyn 4
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Stade 0 0 1 0 4 0 0 1 0 6 12 0
Brooklyn 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 4 11 0
W: S. Nakamura
L: D. Courtlandt
Player of the game: Lerrin Ruíz
NALB - 2024 World Championship Series Game 1
September 25, 2024 Filed in: Baseball
The 2024 World Championship Series is a David vs. Goliath matchup. The Brooklyn Knights (108-54) dominated opponents during the regular season. Next, they vanquished the Luisville Beasts convincingly in a five game League 1 Series. The Stade Maples (80-82) won a weak division and then stunned the St. James Crusaders in a League 2 Series upset. Despite a losing record, the Maples have hope. Two other teams won NALB Championships with an 80-82 record—the 2008 Vancouver Wild and the 2022 Stade Maples.
Starting the opening game were pitchers Alex Mobley (9-13, 2.86 ERA) and Marcos Delgadillo (10-10, 3.55 ERA). Alex Mobley was formerly with the Knights. In 2021, the Knights sent Mobley and Júlio Guillén to the Maples in a trade that brought Dan Courtlandt to Brooklyn.
The Knights scored a quick run in the first inning. The biggest excitement came in the fourth inning, however. Symon Lowery and Dave Crayton hit back to back home runs to give the Knights a 3-0 lead. That was all Brooklyn needed. Delgadillo worked out of a few jams over six scoreless innings. Relievers Pat Johnstone, James McKinning, and Ken Hannah came on in relief to finish the game and secure the shutout win.
Final score: Brooklyn 3, Stade 0
Player of the game: Marcos Delgadillo
Starting the opening game were pitchers Alex Mobley (9-13, 2.86 ERA) and Marcos Delgadillo (10-10, 3.55 ERA). Alex Mobley was formerly with the Knights. In 2021, the Knights sent Mobley and Júlio Guillén to the Maples in a trade that brought Dan Courtlandt to Brooklyn.
The Knights scored a quick run in the first inning. The biggest excitement came in the fourth inning, however. Symon Lowery and Dave Crayton hit back to back home runs to give the Knights a 3-0 lead. That was all Brooklyn needed. Delgadillo worked out of a few jams over six scoreless innings. Relievers Pat Johnstone, James McKinning, and Ken Hannah came on in relief to finish the game and secure the shutout win.
Final score: Brooklyn 3, Stade 0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Stade 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
Brooklyn 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 7 0
W: M. Delgadillo
L: A. Mobley
Player of the game: Marcos Delgadillo
NALB - 2024 League 2 Series
September 24, 2024 Filed in: Baseball
2024 League 2 Series - Stade Maples (80-82) vs St. James Crusaders (95-67)
Game 1: St. James 4, Stade 1
Game 2: Stade 2, St. James 0
Game 3: Stade 4, St. James 1
Game 4: Stade 6, St. James 3
Game 5: Stade 8, St. James 3
The Stade Maples were one of the most surprising teams of the 2024 season. They were the lowest scoring team with only 498 runs on the season. They had a slow start and a weak finish, winning only 80 games. Yet somehow, they managed to hold off their division rivals and punch their ticket to the playoffs. On the other hand, the St. James Crusaders looked like champions most of the season. They excelled at hitting, pitching, fielding, and base running. Their 95 wins were a franchise record and led all League 2 teams.
The opening game had starters Stade's Braulio Crame (14-9, 2.74 ERA) vs. St. James' Eddie Rodríguez (17-6, 2.45 ERA). Both pitchers shined. The game was decided in the seventh inning when the Crusaders pushed three runs across. They held on to win 4-1.
Game two was a delight to any fan of pitching. The starting pitchers were Alex Mobley (9-13, 2.86 ERA) for the Maples and Ángel Martínez (16-4, 1.96 ERA). The Crusaders were dealt a big blow in the second inning. Ángel Martínez had to leave the game due to back stiffness. He had pitched tremendously all season so his absence was certainly felt. The Crusaders' bullpen was equally fantastic, however. After nine innings, the game was still scoreless. In the top of the tenth, the Maples came up with three hits and two runs to take a 2-0 victory.
The starters for game three were 23 year old Bobby Kirkup (13-6, 2.71 ERA) for the Crusaders and 35 year old veteran Sosuke Nakamura (1-4, 2.91 ERA) for the Maples. Nakamura had missed most of the season with shoulder inflammation. His shoulder looked just fine in this one, however, as he pitched six scoreless innings. Stade banged out 11 hits to notch a 4-1 win.
In game four, St. James turned to starter Carlos Valterza (8-10, 3.72 ERA). Stade felt very confident with Dave Kirby (17-9, 2.71 ERA) on the mound. Kirby looked great under pressure and delivered 6.0 shutout innings. Once again, the Maples outhit the Crusaders as they won 6-3.
The Maples were up 3-1 and wanted to finish the series in game five at home. As in game one, the starting pitchers were Braulio Crame and Eddie Rodríguez. Crame was very effective once again. Unfortunately for the Crusaders, Rodríguez was not. The Maples' hitters were aggressive and jumped on Rodríguez early. They pounded him for seven runs in 2.1 innings. By the end of the third inning, Maples' fans were already starting to celebrate thanks to an 8-0 lead. The Crusaders mounted a small comeback but never made it close. They lost the game 8-3 and the League 2 Series 4-1.
The St. James Crusaders squandered a rare playoff opportunity as the more talented team. The Stade Maples were 9-15 against the Crusaders in the regular season. Despite being a long shot to reach the World Championship Series, their cinderella season continues.
Maples' third baseman Mead Ward was named the series MVP. In the series, he hit .476 (10 for 21) with 1 HR and 6 RBIs.
Game 1: St. James 4, Stade 1
Game 2: Stade 2, St. James 0
Game 3: Stade 4, St. James 1
Game 4: Stade 6, St. James 3
Game 5: Stade 8, St. James 3
The Stade Maples were one of the most surprising teams of the 2024 season. They were the lowest scoring team with only 498 runs on the season. They had a slow start and a weak finish, winning only 80 games. Yet somehow, they managed to hold off their division rivals and punch their ticket to the playoffs. On the other hand, the St. James Crusaders looked like champions most of the season. They excelled at hitting, pitching, fielding, and base running. Their 95 wins were a franchise record and led all League 2 teams.
The opening game had starters Stade's Braulio Crame (14-9, 2.74 ERA) vs. St. James' Eddie Rodríguez (17-6, 2.45 ERA). Both pitchers shined. The game was decided in the seventh inning when the Crusaders pushed three runs across. They held on to win 4-1.
Game two was a delight to any fan of pitching. The starting pitchers were Alex Mobley (9-13, 2.86 ERA) for the Maples and Ángel Martínez (16-4, 1.96 ERA). The Crusaders were dealt a big blow in the second inning. Ángel Martínez had to leave the game due to back stiffness. He had pitched tremendously all season so his absence was certainly felt. The Crusaders' bullpen was equally fantastic, however. After nine innings, the game was still scoreless. In the top of the tenth, the Maples came up with three hits and two runs to take a 2-0 victory.
The starters for game three were 23 year old Bobby Kirkup (13-6, 2.71 ERA) for the Crusaders and 35 year old veteran Sosuke Nakamura (1-4, 2.91 ERA) for the Maples. Nakamura had missed most of the season with shoulder inflammation. His shoulder looked just fine in this one, however, as he pitched six scoreless innings. Stade banged out 11 hits to notch a 4-1 win.
In game four, St. James turned to starter Carlos Valterza (8-10, 3.72 ERA). Stade felt very confident with Dave Kirby (17-9, 2.71 ERA) on the mound. Kirby looked great under pressure and delivered 6.0 shutout innings. Once again, the Maples outhit the Crusaders as they won 6-3.
The Maples were up 3-1 and wanted to finish the series in game five at home. As in game one, the starting pitchers were Braulio Crame and Eddie Rodríguez. Crame was very effective once again. Unfortunately for the Crusaders, Rodríguez was not. The Maples' hitters were aggressive and jumped on Rodríguez early. They pounded him for seven runs in 2.1 innings. By the end of the third inning, Maples' fans were already starting to celebrate thanks to an 8-0 lead. The Crusaders mounted a small comeback but never made it close. They lost the game 8-3 and the League 2 Series 4-1.
The St. James Crusaders squandered a rare playoff opportunity as the more talented team. The Stade Maples were 9-15 against the Crusaders in the regular season. Despite being a long shot to reach the World Championship Series, their cinderella season continues.
Maples' third baseman Mead Ward was named the series MVP. In the series, he hit .476 (10 for 21) with 1 HR and 6 RBIs.
NALB - 2024 League 1 Series
September 24, 2024 Filed in: Baseball
2024 League 1 Series - Luisville Beasts (86-76) vs. Brooklyn Knights (108-54)
Game 1: Brooklyn 14, Luisville 3
Game 2: Brooklyn 5, Luisville 0
Game 3: Brooklyn 3, Luisville 0
Game 4: Luisville 3, Brooklyn 1
Game 5: Brooklyn 13, Luisville 4
It came down to the last day of the season for the Luisville Beasts to clinch their division for the eighth straight year. They battled the Otters and Firecats over the course of a hard fought season. The Brooklyn Knights won 108 games on their way to the League 1 Series. Last year, they lost the World Championship Series in the 11th inning of a heartbreaking game seven. For them, 2024 is all about redemption in a quest for their first championship since 2018.
Game one featured two of the league's best starting pitchers. Luisville's Whitney Sanders (13-12, 3.78 ERA) faced Brooklyn's Tony Tamayo (15-8, 2.76 ERA). Tamayo looked comfortable at home, striking out seven over a solid five innings. It was the Knights' offense that made the difference, however. Brooklyn had 16 hits and scored 14 runs. The highlight was eight runs in the eighth inning, which led to a crushing 14-3 win in the opener.
Luisville's starter, Paco Rivera (13-13, 5.09 ERA), struggled and was pulled in the third inning of game two. The Brooklyn Knights got a strong performance from pitcher Marcos Delgadillo (10-10, 3.55 ERA), who stymied the visiting Luisville Beasts en route to a 5-0 win. The Beasts could never get a bead on Delgadillo, who threw 6.1 innings of shutout ball.
If the Beasts hoped to turn things around in Luisville for game three, they were disappointed. The Beasts' Ton Tsuruta (12-9, 3.22 ERA) pitched a fine game. However, the Knights stifled the Beasts by a score of 3-0. Knights' lefty Dan Courtlandt (16-6, 3.63 ERA) had a strong performance. He threw 7.0 innings of shutout ball.
After getting shutout in back to back and down 3-0 in the series, every game was a must win for the Luisville Beasts. With their backs to the wall, they responded in game four. It was a pitcher's duel between Luisville's Fernando Villazana (5-4, 2.65 ERA) and Brooklyn's Aaron Patterson (10-9, 3.74 ERA). Villazana spent most of the season as a relief pitcher but showed he can deliver the goods as a starter. He looked sharp over 6.1 innings and led his team to a 3-1 victory.
Game five was the last game in Luisville. The starters were Sanders and Tamayo as in game one. If there was any home field advantage, you wouldn't know it by the play of the Beasts. The Knights hitters were on fire, scoring in four of the first six innings. Brooklyn's power was on display as Nick Koche and Toshiro Kakkuta homered, while Don Hartz homered twice. The Beasts put up a bit of a fight late in the game but lost convincingly, 13-4.
The Knights looked every bit the series favorite. It was a disappointing series for the Luisville Beasts, however. They were outscored 36 to 10 and committed 8 errors.
Knights' designated hitter Blas Ramos was chosen as the series MVP. He put up a .385 average with a .520 on-base percentage, scored 3 runs, and had 4 RBIs.
Game 1: Brooklyn 14, Luisville 3
Game 2: Brooklyn 5, Luisville 0
Game 3: Brooklyn 3, Luisville 0
Game 4: Luisville 3, Brooklyn 1
Game 5: Brooklyn 13, Luisville 4
It came down to the last day of the season for the Luisville Beasts to clinch their division for the eighth straight year. They battled the Otters and Firecats over the course of a hard fought season. The Brooklyn Knights won 108 games on their way to the League 1 Series. Last year, they lost the World Championship Series in the 11th inning of a heartbreaking game seven. For them, 2024 is all about redemption in a quest for their first championship since 2018.
Game one featured two of the league's best starting pitchers. Luisville's Whitney Sanders (13-12, 3.78 ERA) faced Brooklyn's Tony Tamayo (15-8, 2.76 ERA). Tamayo looked comfortable at home, striking out seven over a solid five innings. It was the Knights' offense that made the difference, however. Brooklyn had 16 hits and scored 14 runs. The highlight was eight runs in the eighth inning, which led to a crushing 14-3 win in the opener.
Luisville's starter, Paco Rivera (13-13, 5.09 ERA), struggled and was pulled in the third inning of game two. The Brooklyn Knights got a strong performance from pitcher Marcos Delgadillo (10-10, 3.55 ERA), who stymied the visiting Luisville Beasts en route to a 5-0 win. The Beasts could never get a bead on Delgadillo, who threw 6.1 innings of shutout ball.
If the Beasts hoped to turn things around in Luisville for game three, they were disappointed. The Beasts' Ton Tsuruta (12-9, 3.22 ERA) pitched a fine game. However, the Knights stifled the Beasts by a score of 3-0. Knights' lefty Dan Courtlandt (16-6, 3.63 ERA) had a strong performance. He threw 7.0 innings of shutout ball.
After getting shutout in back to back and down 3-0 in the series, every game was a must win for the Luisville Beasts. With their backs to the wall, they responded in game four. It was a pitcher's duel between Luisville's Fernando Villazana (5-4, 2.65 ERA) and Brooklyn's Aaron Patterson (10-9, 3.74 ERA). Villazana spent most of the season as a relief pitcher but showed he can deliver the goods as a starter. He looked sharp over 6.1 innings and led his team to a 3-1 victory.
Game five was the last game in Luisville. The starters were Sanders and Tamayo as in game one. If there was any home field advantage, you wouldn't know it by the play of the Beasts. The Knights hitters were on fire, scoring in four of the first six innings. Brooklyn's power was on display as Nick Koche and Toshiro Kakkuta homered, while Don Hartz homered twice. The Beasts put up a bit of a fight late in the game but lost convincingly, 13-4.
The Knights looked every bit the series favorite. It was a disappointing series for the Luisville Beasts, however. They were outscored 36 to 10 and committed 8 errors.
Knights' designated hitter Blas Ramos was chosen as the series MVP. He put up a .385 average with a .520 on-base percentage, scored 3 runs, and had 4 RBIs.
NALB - 2024 Regular Season Ends
September 19, 2024 Filed in: Baseball
The Brooklyn Knights cruised to another division title with a 108 win season. They boast the league's top defense and were number one in pitching and fielding. They also have an impressive offensive and were second in scoring behind the Beasts. They face a familiar foe in Luisville, a team which won its division for the eighth straight year.
The Stade Maples scratched out a playoff berth despite a losing record. They were the lowest scoring team in the league but were saved by a competent pitching staff. The St. James Crusaders look formidable by comparison with League 2's top offense and number 2 defense (pitching and fielding).
The League Series match-ups:
Luisville Beasts (86-76) vs. Brooklyn Knights (108-54)
Stade Maples (80–82) vs. St. James Crusaders (95-67)
Head to head this season:
The Knights were 15-8 against the Beasts.
The Crusaders were 15-9 against the Maples.
Playoff injury report:
The Beasts have two key injuries heading into the playoffs. They are without starting pitcher Gutierre Jiménez and slugging outfielder Manuel Montaya. Both players were injured in September. The Knights have two players on the injured list—reliever Jesús Montufar and outfielder Grayson Curall. Curall's shoulder inflammation is improving, however, and he could return if the Knights advance to the World Championship Series.
Two Maples' players are injured and will miss the playoffs. One is outfielder Javier Cirneros and the other is starting pitcher Eriq Barber. The Crusaders have a number of players on the IL: RP Félix Oralle, RP Konrad Forbes, LF Josuke Wakatsuki, 1B Cletus MacPherson, and C Rogério Rodríguez.
September 2024 awards:
League 1
Batter of the Month: Zacarías Marquis (Dayton Grizzlies)
Pitcher of the Month: Dan Courtlandt (Brooklyn Knights)
Rookie of the Month: Ralph Lindner (Nashville Firecats)
League 2
Batter of the Month: Derk McParland (Richmond Slam)
Pitcher of the Month: Bobby Fox (Richmond Slam)
Rookie of the Month: LLemuel Zachery (St. James Crusaders)
The Stade Maples scratched out a playoff berth despite a losing record. They were the lowest scoring team in the league but were saved by a competent pitching staff. The St. James Crusaders look formidable by comparison with League 2's top offense and number 2 defense (pitching and fielding).
The League Series match-ups:
Luisville Beasts (86-76) vs. Brooklyn Knights (108-54)
Stade Maples (80–82) vs. St. James Crusaders (95-67)
Head to head this season:
The Knights were 15-8 against the Beasts.
The Crusaders were 15-9 against the Maples.
Playoff injury report:
The Beasts have two key injuries heading into the playoffs. They are without starting pitcher Gutierre Jiménez and slugging outfielder Manuel Montaya. Both players were injured in September. The Knights have two players on the injured list—reliever Jesús Montufar and outfielder Grayson Curall. Curall's shoulder inflammation is improving, however, and he could return if the Knights advance to the World Championship Series.
Two Maples' players are injured and will miss the playoffs. One is outfielder Javier Cirneros and the other is starting pitcher Eriq Barber. The Crusaders have a number of players on the IL: RP Félix Oralle, RP Konrad Forbes, LF Josuke Wakatsuki, 1B Cletus MacPherson, and C Rogério Rodríguez.
September 2024 awards:
League 1
Batter of the Month: Zacarías Marquis (Dayton Grizzlies)
Pitcher of the Month: Dan Courtlandt (Brooklyn Knights)
Rookie of the Month: Ralph Lindner (Nashville Firecats)
League 2
Batter of the Month: Derk McParland (Richmond Slam)
Pitcher of the Month: Bobby Fox (Richmond Slam)
Rookie of the Month: LLemuel Zachery (St. James Crusaders)
NALB - August 2024
September 10, 2024 Filed in: Baseball
With August in the books, teams have the flexibility of expanded 40 player rosters as they begin their final push to the end of the season. The playoff picture is wide open with but one exception. The Brooklyn Knights have not mathematically clinched their division but the outcome is a mere formality. With a lead of over 20 games, another division title is almost certain. About the only thing that didn't go well for the Knights was an injury to their standout rookie outfielder Grayson Currall. Currall was sent to the injured list with shoulder inflammation. It appears probable that he will miss the rest of the season. The other three divisions are up for grabs heading into September. The Beasts have a three game lead over the Otters. The Maples have a two and a half game lead over the Allies. Finally, the Crusaders cling to a mere two game lead over the Slam.
August 2024 awards:
League 1
Batter of the Month: Dick Gosden (Brooklyn Knights)
Pitcher of the Month: Dusty Copp (Las Vegas Luck)
Rookie of the Month: Pat Johnstone (Brooklyn Knights)
League 2
Batter of the Month: Brandon Duke (St. James Crusaders)
Pitcher of the Month: Eddie Rodríguez (St. James Crusaders)
Rookie of the Month: John Rose (Stade Maples)
August 2024 awards:
League 1
Batter of the Month: Dick Gosden (Brooklyn Knights)
Pitcher of the Month: Dusty Copp (Las Vegas Luck)
Rookie of the Month: Pat Johnstone (Brooklyn Knights)
League 2
Batter of the Month: Brandon Duke (St. James Crusaders)
Pitcher of the Month: Eddie Rodríguez (St. James Crusaders)
Rookie of the Month: John Rose (Stade Maples)