FLEXERS XXXVII

Credit: NY Times Crossword
July 13, 2016
Tom McCoy

[Once you see the key to solving this clever puzzle, it will be easy. But what's the key?]

Answer each clue by matching it with one of the choices below. The choices are in random order. Wordplay is fair play.

1. Stat shared by many pitchers
2. Exam being phased out of high schools
3. Example of bad parenting
4. Leave that woman's grave alone!
5. Cry from an eager applicant for a delivery job

CHOICES:

a. MAMA MIA
b. COMMON ERA
c. PICK-ME-UPS
d. DISAPPEARING ACT
e. LET 'ER RIP!

Answers:

Each clue contains a three-letter acronym which is used as a regular word:

1. b - COMMON ERA (Earned Run Average)
2. d- DISAPPEARING ACT (American College Testing)
3. a - MAMA MIA (Missing In Action)
4. e - LET 'ER RIP (Rest In Peace)
5. c - PICK-ME-UPS (United Parcel Service)