Pun of a Kind

PDF  /  PUZ Hello hello! This has been one of the most exciting playoffs in years, even with the juggernauts still doing their thing! We might get a classic Dodgers-Yankees matchup, or perhaps even a Subway series if the Mets can get past Freeman, Betts, and Ohtani (all of whom I love...but I'd love them even more if they were Cubs, of course!) --- 1.  Puzzle #110 answer:  FALL SHORT Correct entries: 57 Shortest explanation: About a Level 1.5 sounds about right here. The four silly themers all have AUTUM, which is almost AUTUMN, but the synonym for fall  is short  a letter, hence FALL SHORT , the answer to our meta (confirmed by the anchor entries SEASON and MARTIN). --- 2.  This one's a bit more complicated this time around, but it's definitely manageable! Even with my past at underestimating these, I can't quite see a Level 4, but who knows! I'll put a Level 3.5  and see what happens. Good luck, and may all your solves be beautiful! Mikey G The answer to the meta