175. Note These Clues

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Hello hello! Since my last meta, the Cubs game back against the Pirates, got knocked down by the Phillies, but came back to a 9-game winning streak, their first since 2016! (Against the struggling Mets and Phillies but still). Real test occurs tonight as we head out west.

Posting a day early to avoid MGWCC conflict.

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Puzzle #174 answer: ACPT

Correct entries: 64

Shortest explanation: There are eight entries whose letters are in alphabetical order (including a couple of two-letter ones, had to do it!). This constitutes 22 letters of the alphabet; the remaining four, in alphabetical order, form ACPT, in honor of the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament held that weekend!

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I like this one and committed myself to a symmetrical grid, which led to a bit of strain in fill. I'm thinking a solid Level 3, even so.

Good luck, and may all your solves be beautiful!

Mikey G

The answer to the meta is a well-known 20th-century American.