World Baseball Classic 23 Everything thread

[Western cuba]

Béisbol en La Mañana

Con Diego y Miguel

Announcer:
Diego:
Miguel:

Welcome to another edition of Béisbol en La Mañana, con Diego y Miguel on WCSN Radio brought to you by Robos, the official shoe of the Western Cuban National Baseball Team

"And we clinched it! Our streak of making the play-offs every classic we were in is still there! Now we just got to win tonight or Melatia beats Equestrian States. Then we clinch our group".

"While I'm excited we won yesterday, I think the actual game that matters is tonight against Branta Island. We win that game, were in a good situation by winning the group. In a way, second place is a failure".

"I could agree with that, I wouldn't be happy if we did not win the group. But hey, at least we already clinched a spot".

"A spot into the play-in round, I don't want to be knocked out in the play-in round. While the chances are low of us doing so, it would be just sad. Look were the #1 team in the world. I don't think we should be playing in the play-in round. Were a top seed in this classic, we better win tonight against Branta Island. If we don't, were not going to win against better teams".

"Very true, while we did beat #20 ranked Camwood twice in this Classic, everyone else in the group also beat them. Like come on, we lost to the Equestrian States who are ranked #45th in the world, and then I don't even want to talk about Melatia".

"Speaking, of Melatia. There still in the running of getting a spot in the play-in round".

"Yeah, I heard they had to beat the Equestrian States by six runs. It seems extremely unlikely, but in the world of sports anything is possible".

"After I finish up the Branta Island-Western Cuba game I'm switching over to that one. It would be so awesome to see the States lose to Melatia. It would be even better if they lost to them by six".

"I don't like neither. The States seem to screw us over in every sport, especially soccer. While we lost to Melatia on the first match-day. And that was totally crazy".

"Well at least Ramon Rivero is ok also, seems like pitchers for us are having a bad track in health lately. Against the States it was Torres leaving with a groin injury, while Rivero left due to dehydration."

I'm still confused about that, Rivero has all the water that the world practically can offer in that stadium. How does he leave due to dehydration."

"Well he seemed pretty sick when he started the game, his face was a little paler than usual. Not to mention he was sweating quite a bit yesterday. The trainers told me they had to give him a few iv's before he left the game".

"I'm just glad he is ok, because Julian Santos didn't do much in the seventh to help the team out. Allowing three runs that inning".

"I don't know what has been wrong with the relievers the last few days. They really need to step up there game, were not going to win a classic if they pitch badly".

"Western Cuba needs to focus on tonight's game against Branta Island. It's a huge game for us, this will be the game that makes or breaks this classic for Western Cuba. Starting off in the play-in rounds would just be unacceptable."

"Couldn't agree more, and look at the time. Were done for today, but we'll see everyone at the game tonight. It's at home! If you didn't manage to get tickets, just turn on your tv and watch the game from home. Or perhaps tailgate with a friend, I heard they were having a massive tailgate party outside the stadium. Maybe you'll want to head out there".

[Ko-oren]

Guess what? Another national team bites the dust

Thrilledge (THRL)      0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2  4
Ko-oren (KORN)         1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0  2

One match before the end of WBC qualifying stage, the national baseball team officially dropped out of the race for second place. This was something many saw already coming after some inexplicable and bad losses, akin to the national football team did after finishing 5th in their qualifying group. The baseball team seems to have been inspired by their football counterparts and lost to Thrilledge 4-2. While Ko-oren opened the score (1, 1st), Thrilledge reacted with 2 runs in one inning (2, 4th). Ko-oren fought back (1 run, 7th) but Thrilledge finished it in the ninth (2 runs, 9th).

HITTING
Pos.	Name		AB H K BB RBI	BAA  OBP
3B	Minamoto	6  3 1  0   1 .500 .400
CF	Godaigo 	6  4 0  1   0 .667 .667
1B	Fujiwara	5  1 0  2   1 .200 .200
LF	Jinmu   	9  4 1  1   0 .444 .250
RF	Shotoku 	7  3 1  2   0 .429 .400
C	Hidetada	6  3 1  0   0 .500 .500 	
SS	Nobunaga	5  3 0  0   0 .600 .600
2B	Ashikaga	3 0 1  1   0 .000 .000
P	Yoritomo	5  2 2  1   0 .400 .000
P	Yoshimitsu	3  1 1  0   0 .333 .000
---
2B - Minamoto (1, 2nd), Godaigo (2, 3rd, 5th), Jinmu (1, 6th), Yoritomo (1, 8th)
3B - Jinmu (1: 1st), Shotoku (1, 4th)
HR - N/A


PITCHING
Name			IP  K  BB H  ER ERA
Yoritomo		7   5  6  16 3  3.86
Yoshimitsu		2   1  2  4  1  4.50

According to these stats, the team never battled for anything, really. The pitchers gave away many hits and runs, while the batters did hit from time to time, but did not contribute enough to allow the rest of the team to get runs. No home runs either, still two 3B's.

[Milchama]

"We did it!"

"What?"

"We actually advanced in something automatically"

"Thank god"

"Baseball, obviously"

"Yep that's what happens when you have the best baseball team in the world"

"True but it's still nice to qualify"

"Yes"

"Now we're playoff bound!"

"Yep"

"It was also nice to see the Cardiac Warriors back"

"Yeah, after two straight 9th inning wins, it was nice to see everything sewn up before then"

"Also, thank god the Warriors didn't blow it like the football team"

"I fully expected that to happen"

"Me too"

"It's just the way of Milchama isn't it?"

"Yep, the Way of the Warrior"

"That's a terrible pun"

"Yes it is but the point still stands"

"Sure but you didn't have to make the pun"

"Ah but I did"

"Why?"

"Because it was funny"

"No it wasn't"

"Whatever"

"No, it just wasn't funny"

"Let's just move past it"

"Ok"

"Thanks"

"Not a problem"

"So then, Milchama?"

"We're in the playoffs and only good things can happen"

"Assuming they don't blow it again..."

"True"

"Come on You Warriors!"

"Let's Go Milchama!"

[Thatius]

National Baseball Center, Kastos, Thatius

near TropiKantos Arena

Thatius' manager of the National Baseball team, Dominik Stojaković, knew that the team had a lot of work to do. Sitting with a 5-4 record did not do well to please him, seeing as they were just on the edge of not qualifying for the play-offs. Unranked Rustika, a team that the Firehawks had beaten the night before, had the same record as them, and were looking to snag the second spot over the 24^th ranked Thatian team.

Thankfully, Thatius' early lead in the game against Rustika had proven to be useful in the close victory. The Firehawks scored all five of their runs in the first five innings, thanks to a pair of home runs by Schüttler and Castellano in the first and fifth innings, respectively.

In the fifth and fifth innings, Rustika made a comeback that had the Thatian fans on the edge of their seats. The Pumas, the nickname of the Rustikan National Team, found a way to score three runs after their hitter O'Shaunery hit a line drive down left field. Runners on second and third base, Bounty and Massimi, therein scored after Thatius' left fielder, Emery, couldn't retrieve the ball in time. O'Shaunery sprinted to third base, and the next batter, Baxster, gave himself an RBI.

However, the Pumas couldn't find anymore pace against the Firehawks, as Thatius' pitcher, Bertók, produced a stellar pitching game in the latter innings. It was enough to stop Rustika and secure the win.

Yet Stojaković, the Thatian manager, was stressed. A number of different scenarios lay in front of him, which could either result in Thatius' elimination or ousting. Stojaković called in Thatius' coach, Bregović, into the meeting to help decide strategy for the final game against Licentiapacisterra at home. Together, the two of them would devise the plan which would enable Thatius to qualify for their first-ever knockout round in the World Baseball Classic. The pair would then converse with the players, and get them on board, too.

[Qazox]

Qazox (QAZX)                 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1  2
New Montreal States (NMST)   1 1 0 0 2 0 2 0 X  6

Reyes leaves with shoulder injury, Eagles still not in playoffs.

Sean Reyes left after facing just 3 batters, and Qazox lost 6-2 to keep the Group 10 playoff chase alive for 5 teams. Qazox still just needs a win or a Rustika loss to advance. There are other ways that Qazox can advance, but those two are the simplest. Reyes will miss his next start, currently either a possible Game 3 in the 1st round or a Game 2 of the Round of 16, if Qazox does make the playoffs.

SCORING SUMMARY

NMS 1st: (Reyes pitching): 2B struck out. RF singled to left. 1B flied out to right. <Pitching change: Desmond Montero in for Reyes[injury]). CF doubled to right-center, RF scored. 3B grounded out to short. 1 run on 2 hits, 1 LOB. 1-0 New Montreal States.

NMS 2nd: LF doubled to center. SS grounded out to first, LF to third. C singled to left, LF scored. SP#5 struck out. 2B singled to right, C to second. RF flied out to left. 1 run on 3 hits, 2 LOB. 2-0 New Montreal States

NMS 5th: <Pitching change: Aaron Smith in for Montero>. C doubled to left. SP#5 grounded out to catcher. 2B doubled to left, C scored. RF singled to right, 2B scored. 1B struck out. CF flied out to right. 2 runs on 3 hits, 1 LOB. 4-0 New Montreal States

Qazox 7th: Hamilton 432ft HR to right-center, Hamilton scored. Dodge grounded out to third. Zimmerman flied out to center. Espinoza walked. <Pitching change: RP#1 in for SP#5>. Lee popped out to short. 1 run on 1 hit, 1 LOB. 4-1 New Montreal States

NMS 7th: <Pitching change: Sean Leva in for Smith>. C flied out to right. <Pinch-hitter: OF#4 batting for RP#1> OF#4 doubled to right. 2B advanced to first on dropped third strike. RF doubled to left-center, OF#4 and 2B scored. 1B struck out. CF grounded out to third. 2 runs on 2 hits, 1 LOB. 6-1 New Montreal States

Qazox 9th: Jimenez singled to left. Jimenez to 2nd on catcher's indifference. Hamilton singled to center, Jimenez scored. Dodge grounded into double play (5-4-3), Hamilton out at second. Zimmerman struck out looking. 1 run on 2 hits, 0 LOB. 6-2 New Montreal States

[Zwangzug]

(OOC: Thanks to my Aunt Sara for inspiring this post.)

The announcer sort of had to go to the bathroom, but he had only just realized that right before the inning started up again. Just one more half-inning, he told himself.

As the leadoff batter walked. As the next batter hit a single. As an error loaded the bases. Through Kelsey Yarowicz' grand slam. Again and again.

Finally, a pitching change. "You take over if I don't get back on time," he said, "this is desperate."

He returned, much relieved (like the Deandean98 pitching staff), before another pitch had been thrown, but the introductions were going. "So, Flishdam-Baras is going to bring her bat up to the plate for the second time this inning."

"Take."

"What?"

"She's going to the plate. She's not coming to it."

"Okay?"

"So it's "bring". Not "take"."

"You bring your bat up to the plate?"

"You take it! Oh, and Flishdam-Baras hit a double. Three more runs score."

"I've never heard this before."

"That's what I heard! Learning English."

"They...teach English where you come from?"

"I was self-taught. Out of a book. But it's a rule, you're wrong."

"So like, "when you go to the game, bring a pen to keep score" is wrong?"

"Mmhmm."

"That sounds completely natural. I think it's a prescriptivism versus descriptivism thing."

"What?"

"I guess you didn't teach yourself linguistics?"

"No."

"Maybe you can learn some during our next game."

"Okay, the manager is coming out to the mound and he is going to bring a reliever with him."

"And...they will...take this guy out of the game?"

"Yeah. Almost all the time when you native speakers use "take" it's correct. It's just "bring" you get wrong half the time."

"If it's half the time? It's probably not wrong."

"Well, it is."

"Dude, I voted for the National Socialist Grammarian Writers' Party. I heil hyphens and everything. But I think that your book is out of date."

"Okay. I think...the visitors are finally out of the inning. But the damage has already been done, probably irreparable both to their chances of victory and your English language. Zwangzug 13, Deandean98 0."

[Qazox]

Final Group stage RP cutoff. Who will get their tickets to Qazox, of those that haven't already gotten them?

There will be an explaination of all the tiebreakers at the bottom of the Standings.

[Qazox]

Group 1
Cotdelapoms (COTD)     0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0  1
Yesopalitha (YESO)     0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 X  2

Gibberan (GIBB)        0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0  2
Timmy City (TCTY)      0 2 0 2 1 0 0 0 X  5

Lycrabon (LYCR)        0 0 0 0 0 5 1 0 0  6
Fenbar (DSOF)          0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1  3

  Group 1                    Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win % 
1 Yesopalitha                 10    8   2    42   22  +19    0.800 Clinched GROUP TITLE
2 Cotdelapoms                 10    8   2    51   35  +16    0.800 Clinched Playoff Berth
3 Lycrabon                    10    8   2    58   40  +18    0.800
4 Gibberan                    10    2   8    33   50  −17    0.200
5 Timmy City                  10    2   8    25   36  −11    0.200
6 Fenbar                      10    2   8    24   50  −26    0.200

Group 2
Super-Llamaland (SLLL)         0 0 0 4 0 1 5 4 0 14
Cyborg Holland (CYBH)          0 0 1 0 2 2 2 0 1  8

Maklohi Vai (MAKV)             0 2 1 0 0 0 0 3 0  6
Cavalo Nacio (CVNC)            0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0  2

Taeshan (TAES)                 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 1  4
The Kytler Peninsulae (TKYP)   0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0  1

  Group 2                    Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win % 
1 Taeshan                     10    8   2    47   20  +27    0.800 Clinched GROUP TITLE
2 Maklohi Vai                 10    7   3    37   33   +4    0.700 Clinched playoff berth
3 Super-Llamaland             10    6   4    45   32  +13    0.600
4 Cyborg Holland              10    4   6    44   54  -10    0.400
5 The Kytler Peninsulae       10    4   6    44   30  +14    0.400
6 Cavalo Nacio                10    1   9    28   76  −48    0.100

Group 3
Ko-oren (KORN)         0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2  3
Kintratar (KINT)       0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0  1

Sicoutmont (SCMT)      1 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 0  5
Ambibia (AMBI)         0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  2

Darmen (DARM)          6 2 0 0 1 0 5 1 0 15
Thrilledge (THRL)      0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 3  5

  Group 3                    Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win % 
1 Darmen                      10    8   2    69   39  +30    0.800 Clinched GROUP TITLE
2 Thrilledge                  10    7   3    47   47    0    0.700 Clinched playoff berth
3 Sicoutimont                 10    5   5    52   51   +1    0.500
4 Ko-oren                     10    5   5    45   42   +3    0.500
5 Kintratar                   10    3   7    26   34   −8    0.300
6 Ambibia                     10    2   8    36   57  −21    0.200

Group 4
DeanDean98 (DD98)                 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 0  5
Vamprican-Krumbian Conf. (VKCF)   0 0 0 1 2 0 1 0 0  4

Civil Citizenry (CVCZ)            1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0  3
Bergnovinaia (BERG)               0 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 X  4

Free South Califas (FSCF)         0 0 1 0 2 0 0 1 0  4
Zwangzug (ZWZG)                   1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0  3

  Group 4                    Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win % 
1 Civil Citizenry             10    7   3    45   32  +13    0.700 Clinched GROUP TITLE
2 Free South Califas          10    6   4    45   35  +10    0.600 Clinched Playoff Berth
3 Bergnovinaia                10    6   4    44   38   +6    0.600
4 Zwangzug                    10    6   4    46   40   +6    0.600
5 Vamprican-Krumbian Conf.    10    4   6    33   36   -3    0.400
6 Deandean98                  10    1   9    29   61  −32    0.100 

Group 5
Torisakia (TORS)             0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0  5
Sakurakoku (SAKU)            0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0

The Babbage Islands (TBIS)   0 0 2 0 1 1 1 0 0  5
Homelands our (HMLO)         2 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 X  6

Eastern Quebec (ESTQ)        0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2  4
Mark50 (MK50)                0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  2

  Group 5                    Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win % 
1 Sakurakoku                  10    7   3    55   36  +19    0.700 Clinched GROUP TITLE
2 Homelands our               10    7   3    44   41   +3    0.700 Clinched Playoff Berth
3 Torisakia                   10    6   4    47   39  +13    0.600
4 Eastern Quebec              10    4   6    45   46   -1    0.400 
5 The Babbage Islands         10    3   7    44   53   −9    0.300
6 Mark50                      10    3   7    22   48  −26    0.300

Group 6
Milchama (MLCH)                1 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0  4
Michael VII (MIK7)             0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  2

New Matawan (NMAT)             0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  2
Jahistic Unified Rep. (JUNR)   0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2  4

Luziyca (LUZI)                 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0  2
Tyneala (TYNE)                 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 X  4

  Group 6                    Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win % 
1 Milchama                    10    8   2    47   32  +15    0.800 Clinched GROUP TITLE
2 Michael VII                 10    7   3    55   37  +18    0.700 Clinched Playoff Berth
3 Tyneala                     10    7   3    38   28  +10    0.700
4 The Jahistic Unified Rep.   10    4   6    39   55  −16    0.400
5 Luziyca                     10    3   7    39   42   -7    0.300
6 New Matawan                 10    1   9    31   51  −20    0.100

Group 7
Kerblaekistan (KERB)   0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0  1
West Guiana (WGUI)     0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 X  2

Cassadaigua (CASS)     0 0 2 0 0 1 4 2 0  9
Westros (WEST)         0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0

Lymantatia (LYMN)      0 1 3 0 3 0 2 0 1 10
Byfugland (BYFG)       1 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0  5

  Group 7                    Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win % 
1 Byfugland                   10    8   2    57   47  +10    0.800 Clinched GROUP TITLE
2 West Guiana                 10    7   3    42   42    0    0.700 Clinched Playoff Berth
3 Cassadaigua                 10    5   5    66   38  +28    0.500
4 Lymantatia                  10    4   6    38   52  −14    0.400
5 Westros                     10    3   7    34   45  -11    0.300
6 Kerblaekistan               10    3   7    31   44  −13    0.300

Group 8
Camwood (CAMW)              0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 4  7
Better Fire Nation (BFNT)   0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0  3

Melatia (MELA)              0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0  1
Equestrian States (EQST)    0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 X  3

Branta Island (BRIS)        1 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0  5
Western Cuba (WCBA)         0 0 1 0 1 0 0 5 X  7

  Group 8                    Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win % 
1 Western Cuba                10    8   2    61   40  +21    0.800 Clinched GROUP TITLE
2 Equestrian States           10    7   3    53   32  +21    0.700 Clinched Playoff Berth
3 Melatia                     10    5   5    40   45   -5    0.500
4 Camwood                     10    4   6    50   63  −13    0.400
5 The Better Fire Nation      10    3   7    53   63  −10    0.300
6 Branta Island               10    3   7    33   47  −14    0.300

Group 9
JonathonAtopia (JONA)   3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0  4
Karditan (KARD)         4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  5

Saugeais (SAUG)         5 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0  8
Prostitutlia (PROS)     0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1  3

Cosumar (COSM)          0 3 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 15
Beldonia (BELD)         0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0  3

  Group 9                    Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win % 
1 Saugeais                    10    7   3    53   33  +20    0.700 Clinched GROUP TITLE
2 Beldonia                    10    6   4    51   58   -7    0.600 Clinched Playoff Berth
3 Cosumar                     10    5   5    50   46   +4    0.500
4 Karditan                    10    4   6    41   43   -2    0.400 
5 Prostitutlia                10    4   6    52   60   −8    0.400
6 JonathanAtopia              10    4   5    44   51   -7    0.400

Group 10
New Montreal States (NMST)   0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 0  4
Rustika (RUST)               0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1  3

Thatius (THAT)               2 0 0 1 3 0 0 3 2 11
Licentiapaciterra (LICP)     3 0 0 0 1 1 3 0 0  8

Falconfar (FLCF)             0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0  1
Qazox (QAZX)                 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2  3

  Group 10                   Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win % 
1 Qazox                       10    7   3    40   31   +9    0.700 Clinched GROUP TITLE
2 Thatius                     10    6   4    42   35   +7    0.600 Clinched Playoff Berth
3 Rustika                     10    5   5    34   32   +2    0.500
5 New Montreal States         10    5   5    37   40   −3    0.500
4 Licentiapacisterra          10    4   6    51   55   -4    0.400
6 Falconfar                   10    3   7    30   41  −11    0.300

EXPLANATION OF ALL APPLICABLE TIEBREAKERS:
Group One:
Yesopalitha, Cotdelapoms and Lycrabon tied on Overall and H2H Records. Yesopalitha and Cotdelapoms tied on H2H RD at +2 while Lycrabon has -4 H2H RD. Yesopalitha wins group based on H2H sweep over Cotdelapoms. Cotdelapoms then earns playoff berth over Lycrabon based on H2H sweep of Lycrabon.

Gibberan, Fenbar and Timmy City tied on Overall and H2H Records. Gibberan has best H2H RD of the 3 at +4RD, and finishes 4th. Timmy City and Fenbar tied at 3-3 on H2H RD; Timmy City earns 5th on better Overall RD.

Group Two:
Cyborg Holland ahead of The Kytler Peninsulae based on H2H sweep.

Group Three:
Sicoutimont ahead of Ko-oren based on H2H sweep.

Group Four:
Free South Califas, Bergnovinaia and Zwangzug tied on Overall and H2H records. Free South Califas earned playoff berth based on best H2H RD (+7 RD). Bergnovinaia earns 3rd based on better H2H RD v. Zwangzug (12-5).

Group Five:
Sakurakoku ahead of Homelands our on H2H RD (14-8).
The Babbage Islands ahead of Mark50 on H2H RD (11-7).

Group Six:
Michael VII over Tyneala due to H2H sweep.

Group Seven:
Westros over Kerblaekistan due to H2H sweep.

Group Eight:
The Better Fire Nation over Branta Island due to H2H sweep

Group Nine:
Karditan, Prostitutlia, and JonathanAtopia tied on overall and H2H records. Karditan has best H2H RD (+3), and earns 4th. Prostitutlia ahead of JonathanAtopia on H2H RD (16-13).

Group Ten:
Rustika over New Montreal States on H2H RD (7-5)

PLAYOFF DRAW will be posted shortly.

[Qazox]

PLAYOFF SEEDING
#1 Darmen
#2 Taeshan
#3 Western Cuba
#4 Yesopalitha
#5 Milchama
#6 Byfugland
#7 Saugeais
#8 Sakurakoku
#9 Civil Citizenry
#10 Qazox
#11 Cotdelapoms
#12 Equestrian States
Play-in Teams
#13 Michael VII
#14 Maklohi Vai
#15 Homelands our
#16 Thrilledge
#17 West Guiana
#18 Free South Califas
#19 Thatius
#20 Beldonia

PLAYOFF STADIUMS:

National Stadium, Fromburg:
Capacity: 37,989

Pheonix Stadium, Qazox City
Capacity: 58,145

Ganja Vodka Stadium, Fromburg:
Capacity: 48,700

Eric Reisen Field, Bruxen:
Capacity: 41,025

SaxerDome, SaxerVilla:
Capacity: 70,000

Rockport Stadium:
Capacity: 48,700

PLAYOFF BRACKETS:
Series A: #13 Michael VII v. #20 Beldonia @ National Stadium, Fromburg
Series B: #14 Maklohi Vai v. #19 Thatius @ Eric Reisen Field, Bruxen
Series C: #15 Homelands our v. #18 Free South Califas @ National Stadium, Fromburg
Series D: #16 Thrilledge v. #17 West Guiana @ Eric Reisen Field, Bruxen

Series E: #1 Darmen v. lowest seed from Series A-D @ Rockport Stadium, Rockport
Series F: #8 Sakurakoku v. #9 Civil Citizenry @ Ganja Vodka Stadium, Fromburg
Series G: #4 Yesopalitha v. highest seed from Series A-D @ SaxerDome, SaxerVilla
Series H: #5 Milchama v. #12 Equestrian States @ Phoenix Stadium, Qazox City
Series I: #2 Taeshan v. 2nd lowest seed from Series A-D @ Ganja Vodka Stadium, Fromburg
Series J: #7 Saugeais v #10 Qazox @ Pheonix Stadium, Qazox City
Series K: #3 Western Cuba v. 2nd highest seed from Series A-D @ Rockport Stadium, Rockport
Series L: #6 Byfugland v #11 Cotdelapoms @ SaxerDome, SaxerVilla

Series M: Highest seed v. Lowest Seed remaining @ Eric Riesen Field, Bruxen
Series N: 4th highest seed v. 4th Lowest seed remaining @ National Stadium, Fromburg
Series O: 2nd highest seed v. 2nd lowest seed remaining @ National Stadium, Fromburg
Series P: 3rd highest seed v. 3rd lowest seed remaining @ Eric Reisen Field, Bruxen

Series Q: Highest seed v. Lowest Seed remaining @ Pheonix Stadium, Qazox City
Series R: 2nd highest seed v 3rd highest seed remaining @ Rockport Stadium, Rockport

3rd place series: Series R loser v. Series Q loser @ Ganja Vodka Stadium, Fromburg

Championship: Series Q winner v. Series R winner @ SaxerDome, SaxerVilla

[Maklohi Vai]

Maklohi Vai (MAKV) 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 6
Cavalo Nacio (CVNC) 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 2

Maklohi Vai won a must win game to keep alive their outstanding performance at the WBC, due to a great outing by Uwo. Earning the win, he went 6 innings, allowing 4 hits, 3 walks, and striking out 6 while giving up 2 earned runs. A’awnai Kupantai threw a perfect 7th, and Rimai Lomukiwo allowed only 1 hit in the eighth before throwing a perfect ninth.
Maklohi Vai Scoring Summary:
2nd: Mae’ao led off with a double, followed by a single from Koilani Ruputuo, driving Mae'ao in. Arnao hit a single to move Ruputuo to third, who then scored on a squeeze bunt by Moalna’akai Lai.
3rd: Aputo Roma’ai hit a solo shot with two outs.
8th: Mae'ao hit a three run homer, driving in Iao Laina and Ri’ino Uilnai.

Stat update:
HR: Mae'ao 9, Arnao 3, Ri'ino Ulnai 2, Aputo Roma'ai 2, Koilani Ruputuo 1, Luimao Makai 1, Moalna’akai Lai 1
RBI: Mae'ao 14, Ri'ino Uilnai 6, Aputo Roma'ai 5, Arnao 4, Koilani Ruputuo 3, Moalna'akai Lai 3, Luimao Makai 1

Commentator Wolmoto Likani had some thoughts after the game. "We have grabbed the #14 seed out of 20, and will be in a play-in game against #19 Thatius, who went 6-4 in group play. From now on, the Lumai will need to play at the top of their game. Any exceptions will result in failure."

[Qazox]

Falconfar (FLCF)             0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0  1
Qazox (QAZX)                 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2  3

1 out when winning runs scored.

Brian Garnett's walkoff HR sends Qazox right back home again.

That sentence makes sense as Brian Garnett's walkoff 2-run HR in the bottom of the 9th not only gave Qazox a 3-1 win, but a playoff berth, where they will be heading to Pheonix Stadium in Qazox City, where tonight's game just so happened to take place. Garnett's 2-run shot off of Henri Zaire just cleared the left field wall near the foul pole. After a review by the umpires, they ruled it a HR, as Falconfar had claimed fan interference. The win gave Qazox a 7-3 group record, the worst amongst the 10 group winners. As such they will face... Saugeais in the round of 16. This will be the 4th time in the past 6 WBC's the two nations have met in the playoffs.

SCORING SUMMARY
Falconfar 5th: Myx struck out. Maureane doubled to right. Hedales singled to left, Maureane to third. Hopkins grounded into fielder's choice (6-2-5-1-5-3). Maureane out advancing home, Hedales to third, Hopkins to second on play. Norman singled to center, Hedales scored, Hopkins to third. Von Helzburg struck out looking. 1 run on 3 hits, 2 LOB. 1-0 Falconfar.

Qazox 7th: Bryant flied out to center. <Pinch hitter: Artie Ramos batting for David Christian> Ramos walked. Hodgman singled to right, Ramos to second. <Pinch-runner: Toby Wade running for Ramos>. Jimenez singled to left-center, Wade scored, Hodgman to second. Hamilton grounded into double play (5-4-3), Jimenez out at second. 1 run on 2 hits, 1 LOB. 1-1.

Qazox 9th: <Pitching change: Henri Zaire in for Joseph Myx> Lee flied out to center. Bryant singled to right. <Pinch-hitter: Brian Garnett batting for Terry Olney> Garnett 339ft HR to left, Bryant and Garnett score. 3-1 Qazox

[Super-Llamaland]

Group 2
Super-Llamaland (SLLL) 0 0 0 4 0 1 5 4 0 14
Cyborg Holland (CYBH) 0 0 1 0 2 2 2 0 1 8

Group 2 Pld W L RF RA RD Win %
1 Taeshan 10 8 2 47 20 +27 0.800 Clinched GROUP TITLE
2 Maklohi Vai 10 7 3 37 33 +4 0.700 Clinched playoff berth
3 Super-Llamaland 10 6 4 45 32 +13 0.600
4 Cyborg Holland 10 4 6 44 54 -10 0.400
5 The Kytler Peninsulae 10 4 6 44 30 +14 0.400
6 Cavalo Nacio 10 1 9 28 76 −48 0.100

Super-Llamaland didn't go to the playoffs, but performed impressively in their international debut, going six and four and finishing one game out, in third place.

Today, #2 starter Ryan Lucas got the start and was rather bad, going 6 Innings and 5 Runs. Rick Jackson went 3 innings and allowed 3 runs in relief to wrap it up.

The big story was the offense and their 5-run inning, as well as their two 4-run innings.

See: Box score.

Fourth Inning

Danks doubles, Cameron singles (Danks to third), Mills walks (Cameron to second), Harder struck out looking, Rochester singled (Danks scores, Cameron scores, Mills to second), Addams singles (Mills scores, Rochester to second), Rochester steals third, Addams caught stealing second, Duncan strikes out.

Seventh Inning

Duncan singles, Jackson flys out (Duncan to second), Meuller walks, Danks grounds out (Meuller to second, Duncan to third), Cameron walks, Mills hits a grand slam, Harder flys out.

[Zwangzug]

"The totals on the board are correct; the Zebras lose 4-3, and fail to advance to the playoffs. The winning run came on a Mieczyslawa pinch-hit single in the top of the eighth, scoring Ximeno Dylan. At the time the Califans led by two, but in the bottom of the eighth Zwangzug would score one more. Again, it took a pinch-hitter, but Edgar Altobaum-Maroy would drive in Davi Roshdan-Hone to close the gap."

"Push."

Beep!

"No, I don't mean literally push the button, I meant, you push in the runner."

"I push in the runner?"

"Batters. Batters, we'd say, "push" in a runner. Not "drive.""

"Drive is definitely correct."

"Well, yes. But...in Zwangzug, you know. These days without cars, push is just as common."

"Oh yeah, the car thing."

"Just trying to help you out."

"No problem. Anyway, that'll be all here--an unusual situation with multiple pro seasons to look at, you know, and I think that'll cause the administration to think hard about whether following along with that world team tournament is really the right thing to do, as far as having a manager for the national team and all. So, hopefully whoever takes over can talk you through that!"

"When you say take over, that's instead of bring over? No one says bring over."

"Obviously."

"...Wait. You're leaving?"

"Yeah."

"Why?"

"I'm homesick."

"For what? Cars?"

"Yeah. And betting on sports. I can take everything I learned here back when I come home. To apply it."

"You're sure?"

"Oh yeah. It's been fun, but betting is more exciting."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Besides, you want one of your own, don't you?"

"I mean, we're not picky..."

"Might even get into the playoffs next time."

"Maybe. Wow. I'll say."

[Qazox]

As stated in the WBCDT, game 1's are tonight. Who will get one win closer to the round of 16?

Find out soon.

[Qazox]

Series A
Beldonia (BELD)             0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Michael VII (MIK7)          0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 X  4


  Series A                  Pld   W  L 
1 Michael VII                 1   1  0
2 Beldonia                    1   0  1

Series B
Thatius (THAT)              0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2  6
Maklohi Vai (MAKV)          0 0 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0  4


  Series B                  Pld   W  L 
1 Thatius                     1   1  0
2 Maklohi Vai                 1   0  1

Series C
Free South Califas (FSCF)   0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0  3
Homelands our (HMLO)        0 3 0 0 0 0 1 1 X  5


  Series C                  Pld   W  L 
1 Homelands our               1   1  0
2 Free South Califas          1   0  1

Series D
West Guiana (WGUI)          0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0  1
Thrilledge (THRL)           2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 X  2


  Series D                  Pld   W  L 
1 Thrilledge                  1   1  0
2 West Guiana                 1   0  1

[Maklohi Vai]

Thatius (THAT) 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 6
Maklohi Vai (MAKV) 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4

Maklohi Vai had a heartbreaking game today at the WBC, due to a late inning comeback by Thatius. Ratai Moi threw a gem, going 8 innings, allowing 7 hits, 2 walks, and striking out 5 while giving up 3 earned runs. In the ninth, vaunted closer Maruamo Riwara came on to close, but allowed a home run with two outs in the inning, allowing Thatius to tie the game at 4. Reliever Ru threw the next three innings allowing just one hit, but the offense couldn't get anything going. In the 13th, Unrowai Lonma’ao came into the game, promptly giving up back to back doubles to lead off the inning, scoring one run. Two batters later, he allowed a single to drive in the second run. Lonma'ao ultimately took the loss.

Maklohi Vai Scoring Summary:
3rd: Mae'ao hit a three run homer, driving in Iao Laina and Ri’ino Uilnai, who had both hit singles.
7th: Koilani Ruputuo led off with a double. Arnao drove him in with a triple.

Stat update:
HR: Mae'ao 10, Arnao 3, Ri'ino Ulnai 2, Aputo Roma'ai 2, Koilani Ruputuo 1, Luimao Makai 1, Moalna’akai Lai 1
RBI: Mae'ao 17, Ri'ino Uilnai 6, Aputo Roma'ai 5, Arnao 5, Koilani Ruputuo 3, Moalna'akai Lai 3, Luimao Makai 1

Commentator Wolmoto Likani had some thoughts after the game. "As predicted, the pitching is the problem. We let the game slip away twice due to pitching. 4 runs should be enough for a pitcher, but Riwara just couldn't hold it. Now the task is large: win two games straight, or we're out of the playoffs. Considering that this team is the first national team to make it to any elimination rounds, it's a big accomplishment, but it will be tough to lose now after they've done so well. Hey, they came back in group play; who says they can't do it here?"

[Qazox]

Well will anyone advance to the Round of 16 tonight, or will we have a bunch of Game 3's?

[Qazox]

Series A
Michael VII (MIK7)          0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0  1
Beldonia (BELD)             0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0


  Series A                  Pld   W  L 
1 Michael VII                 2   2  0
2 Beldonia                    2   0  2

Series B
Maklohi Vai (MAKV)          1 3 0 1 0 0 0 1 0  6
Thatius (THAT)              0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0  3


  Series B                  Pld   W  L 
1 Maklohi Vai                 2   1  1
  Thatius                     2   1  1

Series C
Homelands our (HMLO)        1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0  2
Free South Califas (FSCF)   0 0 0 4 1 1 0 0 X  6


  Series C                  Pld   W  L 
1 Free South Califas          2   1  1
  Homelands our               2   1  1

Series D
Thrilledge (THRL)           1 0 0 0 4 0 3 0 0  8
West Guiana (WGUI)          0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0  2


  Series D                  Pld   W  L 
1 Thrilledge                  2   2  0
2 West Guiana                 2   0  2

[Maklohi Vai]

Maklohi Vai (MAKV) 1 3 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 6
Thatius (THAT) 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 3

Maklohi Vai had an energizing game today at the WBC, keeping alive their Round of 16 hopes. Earning the win, Arwai threw 7 innings while giving up 8 hits, one walk, striking out 4, and letting in 3 earned runs. Katwo threw the eighth perfectly, and closer Maruamo Riwara earned the save despite allowing two hits.

Maklohi Vai Scoring Summary:
1st: Ri'ino Uilnai hit his 3rd home run of the tournament with two outs.
2nd: Arnao led off with a double to left. Moalna'akai Lai hit a single to drive him in, and Wolo Rakinalmanai followed with his first homer, driving in himself and Lai.
4th: Mae'ao hit his 11th home run, this time to right field a good 15 rows up.
8th: After Iao Laina doubled, Ri'ino Uilnai drove him in with a single.

Stat update:
HR: Mae'ao 11, Arnao 3, Ri'ino Ulnai 3, Aputo Roma'ai 2, Koilani Ruputuo 1, Luimao Makai 1, Moalna’akai Lai 1, Wolo Rakinalmanai 1
RBI: Mae'ao 18, Ri'ino Uilnai 8, Aputo Roma'ai 5, Arnao 5, Moalna'akai Lai 4, Koilani Ruputuo 3, Wolo Rakinalmanai 2, Luimao Makai 1

Commentator Wolmoto Likani had some thoughts after the game. "Getting the first 5 runs of a game is huge, especially in the playoffs. With offense like that, if the pitching holds strong, we can go far. The pitching held today, so we won. Simple as that."

[Qazox]

Which 2 teams will advance to the Round of 16? Find out in about a minute!

[Qazox]

Series B
Thatius (THAT)              0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Maklohi Vai (MAKV)          0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  1


  Series B                  Pld   W  L 
1 Maklohi Vai                 3   2  1
2 Thatius                     3   1  2

Series C
Free South Califas (FSCF)   0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0  2
Homelands our (HMLO)        0 4 0 2 0 0 0 2 X  8


Series C                    Pld   W  L 
1 Homelands our               3   2  1
2 Free South Califas          3   1  2

ROUND OF 16 MATCHUPS
Series E: #1 Darmen v. #16 Thrilledge @ Rockport Stadium, Rockport
Series F: #8 Sakurakoku v. #9 Civil Citizenry @ Ganja Vodka Stadium, Fromburg
Series G: #4 Yesopalitha v. #13 Michael VII @ SaxerDome, SaxerVilla
Series H: #5 Milchama v. #12 Equestrian States @ Phoenix Stadium, Qazox City
Series I: #2 Taeshan v. #15 Homelands our @ Ganja Vodka Stadium, Fromburg
Series J: #7 Saugeais v #10 Qazox @ Pheonix Stadium, Qazox City
Series K: #3 Western Cuba v. #14 Maklohi Vai @ Rockport Stadium, Rockport
Series L: #6 Byfugland v #11 Cotdelapoms @ SaxerDome, SaxerVilla

[Maklohi Vai]

Thatius (THAT) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Maklohi Vai (MAKV) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1

Maklohi Vai Scoring Summary:
14th: On a 2-1 curveball, Mae'ao drove a sky high pitch to left field. As it slowly curved inside the foul pole, Mae'ao's arms slowly raised in triumph. Maklohi Vai was going to to the round of 16.

Mae'ao's walk off homer in the 14th inning allowed Maklohi to advance to the round of 16, along with one of the best pitching performances of the tournament. Aonmai Rutulotoa threw 8 innings while giving up 2 hits, one walk, striking out 15, and letting in 0 earned runs. In order to save him, Ru came into the game. He threw 4 innings, allowing just one walk and striking out 6. But still Maklohi Vai could not score. A’awnai Kupantai threw the last two innings with just one hit batsman, and eventually earned the win after Mae'ao's home run.

Stat update:
HR: Mae'ao 12, Arnao 3, Ri'ino Ulnai 3, Aputo Roma'ai 2, Koilani Ruputuo 1, Luimao Makai 1, Moalna’akai Lai 1, Wolo Rakinalmanai 1
RBI: Mae'ao 19, Ri'ino Uilnai 8, Aputo Roma'ai 5, Arnao 5, Moalna'akai Lai 4, Koilani Ruputuo 3, Wolo Rakinalmanai 2, Luimao Makai 1

Commentator Wolmoto Likani had just one thought after the game. "This was a classic. No words other than that are necessary."

[Saugeais]

Don't Call It A......Rivalry?

The Saugeais Rangers have had a rough and tumble group session in the World Baseball Classic. Starting off with 2 straight losses put the entire plans of advancing to their 7th consecutive playoff appearance into jeopardy. However on the backs of Aaron Dairon and Nikolas Siekert at the plate and starter Grier Adrichem and closer Terry Kazmierczak on the mound, the Rangers rattled off 7 wins in the next 8 games, enough to take the top spot in their group and once again make it to the round of 16 in the Classic. "It was pretty nerve-racking there," said manager Greg Hanson. "During that 2 game slide, I had some doubts this old squad had it in them to continue. So I made some tweaks both internally within the clubhouse, and externally in the lineups and positions, and lo and behold, the team has come together. I'm glad we've hit our stride and advanced to the next round, though I'm not to happy about who we are facing."

The who in question happens to be the hosts, Qazox. For those of you in the know and who like history, this 4th playoff meeting against Qazox will be the most against a single team in the history of Saugeais baseball. In the previous 3 meetings, Saugeais has the upper hand, winning 2 of the 3 series. All of the series matches occurred in either the round of 16 or quarterfinal round. Such an early playoff matchup means that both teams are relatively equal across the board. The squad is getting old (and with approximately half of the squad leaving after this Classic), but they've always played spiritedly against Qazox. This meeting with the opposition as the host will only make the task harder on the Rangers, but they'll be up to the challenge, to give Qazox a fight once again.

[Qazox]

Now that the play-in series are through, time to get to the real portion of the WBC playoffs: the Round of 16.

Our Predictions (based off of 100,000 simulations of the WBC by Accutron 3000) of which team will advance.

Series E: #1 Darmen v. #16 Thrilledge: Darmen 96.4%
Series F: #8 Sakurakoku v. #9 Civil Citizenry Sakurakoku 53.9%
Series G: #4 Yesopalitha v. #13 Michael VII Yesoplaitha 89.3%
Series H: #5 Milchama v. #12 Equestrian States Milchama 86.7%
Series I: #2 Taeshan v. #15 Homelands our Taeshan 91.2%
Series J: #7 Saugeais v #10 Qazox Saugeais 58.9%
Series K: #3 Western Cuba v. #14 Maklohi Vai Western Cuba 94.6%
Series L: #6 Byfugland v #11 Cotdelapoms Cotdelapoms 50.3%

Off the same set of predictions here are the most likely outcomes of each series:

Darmen Sweep: 87.3%
Sakurakoku in 3: 39.7%
Yesoplaitha in 3: 76.4%
Milchama sweep: 72.8%
Taeshan in 3: 48.5%
Saugeais in 3: 56.4%
Western Cuba sweep: 73.6%
Cotdelapoms in 3: 29.6%

And for fun the LEAST likely outcomes:
Thrilledge sweep: 0.5%
Civil Citzenry sweep: 13.6%
Michael VII sweep: 5.4%
Equestrian States in 3: 3.1%
Homelands our sweep: 4.2%
Saugeais sweep: 2.5%
Maklohi Vai sweep: 0.4%
Byfugland in 3: 21.8%

[Yesopalitha]

The Freedom's Altar Daily
Serving the Capital for twenty years

ASSASSINS TO FACE MICHAELS
SHOULD BE A SWEEP

The Yesopalitha Assassins have advanced to the Round of 16 by winning their group by virtue of defeating Cotdelapoms on their last game of the season. Now, they will face against Michael VII on a Best-of-3 series. Michael VII had to win a Play-in Round to even advance this far, so it should be an easy series for the Assassins.

They will have Melody Johanson, Victor Van Cruz, and Mohamed Boisse all rested up for the series, which will be good for the pitching game. The batters, led by the old (Katherine Smathers) and the new (Valentin Sorin) have become good at getting hits in key situations, so that will hopefully continue and the Assassins will hopefully be able to advance to the Quarterfinals.

Their best finish so far is a Quarterfinal finish, so they will be trying to beat that.

First, Micahel VII. Then, who knows...

Strike from the shadows! Go Assassins!