Pun of a Kind

PDF  /  PUZ Hello hello! The World Series is set, and since I last posted this, Shohei Ohtani had a game where he struck out 10...and hit 3 home runs. No big deal, of course! Winner of the World Series will be determined by the time of the next puzzle, most likely. May the best team win! --- 1.  Puzzle #153 answer:  STAKES Correct entries:  52 Shortest explanation: No picture - but it's also tough to get the shortest explanation! Check out the Muggles explanation here ! --- 2.  We need a bit of a respite, but this one might go either way! Depends on if you see what you need to see, of course! We'll put it at Level 3 . Good luck, and may all your solves be beautiful! Mikey G The answer to the meta is the name of a candy bar.  

PDF  /  PUZ Hello hello! I'm awake, though barely, after watching the incredible Mariners-Tigers 15-inning masterpiece last night. My heart still breaking for the Phillies also, but - somehow - my Cubs are still in it, and it all comes down to one game at "Wrigley North" tonight. How can you not be romantic about baseball? --- 1.  Puzzle #152 answer:  PUNT Correct entries: 55 Shortest explanation: Each of the four 9-letter football-themed words contains within it, from left to right, the letters of a 6-letter word, a synonym of which ends each contorted clue. Once these letters are removed from each entry, a 3-letter word remains. Find a clue elsewhere that starts with that same word. Those entries' initial letters spell, in standard grid order, PUNT , the answer to the meta. --- 2. Here for puzzle #153 is the first-ever POAK collaboration, this one between myself and Phil Chow, whose great creations can be seen here  (he also got an Orca nod last year for one o...