World Baseball Classic 27- Everything Thread (IC)

[Maklohi Vai]

OOC: I did some audio RPs for AOCAF that were well received, so I decided to replicate that style for a preview of the WBC. I won't be using this style again this WBC unless it's well received. Enjoy!

Lumako Kurukapai - A WBC 27 Preview

[San Jose Guayabal]

SJG National Baseball team
Roster and batting order
1. 1B Abertman Sigurdsson
2. SS Sean Raymond
3. C James Agugres
4. RF Baaryest Zergetsiyanov
5. CF Krusty Coleman
6. 2B Agerket Luoravetlen
7. LF Julio Zamora
8. 3B. Pastor Hernández
8. P Elvis Ramírez


Permissions
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my runscorers: Yes
Choose my lineup: No
Follow my pitching rotation: Yes
Godmod scoring events: No
RP injuries to my players: No
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Eject my players: No
Godmod other events: No
Use DH at home: Yes

Uniform

[Saintland]

Matchday 1 Results for Groups 7-12

Group 7
Kerblaekistan          2 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1  5
Karditan               0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 2 0 0  4

Maklohi Vai            0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 1  5
Nova Anglicana         0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1  3


  Group 7               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win % 
1 Maklohi Vai             1    1   0     5    3   +2    1.000
2 Kerblaekistan           1    1   0     5    4   +1    1.000
3 Karditan                1    0   1     4    5   −1    0.000
4 Nova Anglicana          1    0   1     3    5   −2    0.000

Group 8
Estope                 0 1 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1  7
New Texaco             0 1 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 1 0  6

Myeeria                0 0 0 2 2 0 1 0 0  5
Sicoutimont            0 1 0 2 0 0 4 1 X  8


  Group 8               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win % 
1 Sicoutimont             1    1   0     8    5   +3    1.000
2 Estope                  1    1   0     7    6   +1    1.000
3 New Texaco              1    0   1     6    7   −1    0.000
4 Myeeria                 1    0   1     5    8   −3    0.000

Group 9
The Fair Republic      0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1  2
Southwick              5 0 2 0 0 2 0 1 X 10

Taeshan                0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0  2
Allinlia               0 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 X  4


  Group 9               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win % 
1 Southwick               1    1   0    10    2   +8    1.000
2 Allinlia                1    1   0     4    2   +2    1.000
3 Taeshan                 1    0   1     2    4   −2    0.000
4 The Fair Republic       1    0   1     2   10   −8    0.000

Group 10
The Sova Empire        4 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1  6
West Guiana            0 0 0 1 4 0 0 0 0 0  5

Gregoryisgodistan      0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0  1
Western Cuba           0 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 X  4


  Group 10              Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win % 
1 Western Cuba            1    1   0     4    1   +3    1.000
2 The Sova Empire         1    1   0     6    5   +1    1.000
3 West Guiana             1    0   1     5    6   −1    0.000
4 Gregoryisgodistan       1    0   1     1    4   −3    0.000

Group 11
Strawbee               0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Saugeais               1 2 0 0 1 0 1 0 X  5

Kriegiersien           0 0 0 0 1 0 1 3 0  5
Unolia                 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0  2


  Group 11              Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win % 
1 Saugeais                1    1   0     5    0   +5    1.000
2 Kriegiersien            1    1   0     5    2   +3    1.000
3 Unolia                  1    0   1     2    5   −3    0.000
4 Strawbee                1    0   1     0    5   −5    0.000

Group 12
Zwangzug               3 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  6
Carasatoga             0 2 0 0 3 0 0 0 0  5

San Jose Guayabal      0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0  2
Thatius                2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2  4


  Group 12              Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win % 
1 Thatius                 1    1   0     4    2   +2    1.000
2 Zwangzug                1    1   0     6    5   +1    1.000
3 Carasatoga              1    0   1     5    6   −1    0.000
4 San Jose Guayabal       1    0   1     2    4   −2    0.000

Super Bwitain, Skeckoa, Tarrigan, Britonisea, Callumackbar and Welsh Cowboy had byes today. The nations that won their games today have their linescore bolded.

---

Reminder

During the Group Stage, games are not played in the host nations. Each nation competing in the WBC has 4 home games and 4 road games. In the schedule (first post of thread), the team listed first is at home, per the NS Sports convention.

[Strawbee]

Getting Back Into the Swing of Things

Strawbee starts WBC campaign against powerhouse Saugeais

The Strawbeean team has made waves ever since it burst onto the scene with a 7-3 record in it's WBC debut, surprising many in the baseball world. The small desert dictatorship on Allinia's western border would once again post a dominant 7-3 record in it's 2nd WBC proving that their success has not been a simple case of beginner's luck. Unfortunately for Strawbee their unexpected dominance in the group stage has not translated into playoff success as they fell just short in the opening round both cycles. Strawbee will take a feather in their cap in that the team they lost to in their debut, Darmen, would go on to win the championship, the team they lost to the next season, Sicountimont, was the runner-up.

Though an argument could be made that Strawbee may not have been knocked out so quickly had they not been paired against teams that would prove to be among the pinnacle of the entire tournament, and that in both cases it was extremely close, it is clear that Strawbee has hit a bit of a wall when it comes to facing the top teams. For the third WBC in a row the Strawbeean team has not changed it's roster as the nation's leader has been nothing but delighted with the team's performance thus far, but some signs of improvement must be seen this cycle for the good feelings in Strawbee to continue. The novelty of being a plucky underdog newcomer has just about run it's course, expectations for this team coming in are high and just getting to the playoffs will no longer be considered a success, it is now what is expected of this team.

Strawbee will have a chance to prove that they deserve to play with the big boys of the WBC right away, as they will open the group stage in what will almost certainly be their biggest challenge of the group, the nation that just screams "international baseball, Saugeais. Strawbee is a heavy favorite for 2nd place in the group but with anything short of a playoff victory likely being seen as a failure now, the pressure may be on this young team like never before.

edit:
ooc: ugh

[Equestrian States]

The World Baseball Epic: A Phoenix Tail
Book XXVII, Part I: Rebirth

A year had gone by, maybe more
The laws of time, we will ignore
Our tale begins where the last one ends
Among a small equine group of friends

Phoenixes go out in a storm of fire
Much to their many fans' ire
But that is an epic from another age
And this is a new blank page

For a beginning, one needs a clean sheet
Which Phoenixes create with great heat
Burning away the old
In hope of finding hidden gold

New and improved, it was said
These players would rise up from the dead
And if their hearts were true
There would be no limit to what they could do

So, dear child, we begin our story
Of the Phoenixes' great quest for glory
For goddess and princess, they would fight
Through a nation's hatred dark as Luna's night

---

OOC: Fair warning, I have no planned direction for this RP, so we'll just have to see how it goes.

[New Texaco]

New Texaco Loses in Close Game to the #2 seed

The fact New Texaco lost in their debut in a 7-6 game is not a disappointment as much as one would expected as the opponent was ranked to a level that they could be highly regarded in this tournament. In fact, the game went into extra innings after Clay Bubela was forced out in four and a third innings pitched after giving up 5 runs. The bullpen relief work has to be considered as top notch for New Texaco given that for the other nearly seven innings only allowed 2 runs. 2 runs in six and two-thirds innings is a respectable effort by the likes of Cliff Jennings, Lucas Mahler, and Randy Heep. Adam Davis had two home runs. One in the second inning and one to tie up the game in the 10th inning. Along side those home runs were three strikeouts which leaves Davis as the ultimate all or nothing hitter thus far in the tournament so far.

[Tarrigan]

O’Donnell Fancies Chances in WBC27
TOTTEN SPRINGS
Written by Ryane Curtis, Baseball Editor

It’s no surprise that a coach is confident in his team. Even Casey O’Donnell, who has been tasked with compiling the best team possible, is confident. “We may be unranked, and one of the new teams, but I think we have a great chance of moving out of the group stage. I fully believe we can jump The Fair Republic, one of the lowest ranked teams in the WBC.” One has to worry however with their chances against Taeshan and Allinlia, ranked twelfth and eighteenth respectively.

The Tarrigis have byes on match days one and six, and look to take the time to rest, rather than practice. “We’ve practiced hard. Ever since I received approval from the board, we’ve been at it on the training grounds. Weight training, batting training, and fielding training; you name it, we’ve been doing it. I’ll give them the time off for the first match day. Some time for them to relax and some time to spend with their family. I need all of them focused for the task at hand.”

The Swordsmen will play their home games at Cochran Field, seating 38,135. Cochran Field’s dimensions are as follows: 342’ to Left, 379’ to Left-Center, 421’ to Center, 400’ to Right-Center, 376’ to Right. Major features at Cochran Field include a 17’ wall to left field. This wall is designed to block strong incoming winds, as the left corner of Cochran Field backs up to the Totten Bay.

O’Donnell’s lineup is designed around Eli Grenneville, who is by far the team’s strongest hitter. In lineups without a DH (all games played at home) Grenneville will play first base, and bat fourth. In games with a DH, Grenneville will still bat fourth, however, he will play DH, allowing Elias Cruz to come off the bench. Most notably, Blair Holmes will return to the lineup after an arthroscopic surgery to fix wear in her rotator cuff. Pitchers of note include Selina Norris, who is by far the ace of the rotation. She primarily throws a fastball (average at 92 MPH), but also has a curveball, cutter, and slider. Batters will need to be aware of the drop of her slider, as it averages a 5” drop each time. Batters will also need to be aware of Aurore Cloutier, as she averages 7.2 innings pitched per start. Setup pitcher Riannon Vaughn continues to throw somewhere between submarine and side-armed, around 8 o’clock, making most of her pitches sink hard across the plate. Closer Aria O’Donnell looks to make a name for herself in her first professional competitions.

[Estope]

Finally baseball is back in action in Estope. After a second disappointing World Baseball Classic, the Estope national team seems ready to once again make the playoffs. The opening game of the WBC 27 for Estope was an 11 inning thriller on the road at New Texaco. While this game was not the best for Estope, it was a much needed opening win, something Estope has failed to get each of the past two tournaments. From the start Estope was dominate, leading as much as 5-1 going into the bottom of the sixth. But after that the team team fell apart, giving up 2 runs in the bottom of the 6th and 2 in the 8th. Luckily Noel Pelot was able to come out of the bullpen and stop the bleeding. Once again the batting was the problem as late in game they were unable to get hits. However, some extra-inning heroics by a variety of players helped put Estope ahead and secure the win. This really was a great win and a much needed one. Another opening loss to an unranked team would be devastating to moral and could have easily turned into another WBC disaster for Estope. But tomorrow is the first real test for Estope. Facing #40 Skeckoa, who had a bye today, will be the first ranked team for Estope. While every game is important, this game is one of the biggest. It will set the tone for the remainder of group play and will also be Estope's first home game. This game will decide who has the advantage for the second spot behind Sicoutimont in the group and a ticket to the playoffs. Cedric Mothershed will get the start and, while he has been shaking in his previous starts, hopes his hard work in the offseason will pay off. Coach Nicholas Carr stated that there is a variety of options out of the bullpen who will be ready to come in if called upon.

Notable Game Stats
- Clay Bubela - the starter for New Texaco - went 4 1/3 innings giving up 5 runs (all earned).
- Bullpen for New Texaco - Cliff Jennings, Lucas Mahler, and Randy Heep - went 6 2/3 innings and allowed only 2 runs.
- Adam Davis (New Texaco) had two home runs, 1 in the second and a game-tying one in the 10th, and three strikeouts.
- Eric Almanza - Estope starter lasted 7 2/3 innings allowing 5 runs.
- Noel Pelot went 3 1/3 innings allowing 1 run and earning the win.
- Austin Forde (Estope) went 3-5 with 2 RBIs including the game winning RBI single that scored Fabio Fernandez.

Next Up
Wednesday, August 21: MD 2 - #29 Estope vs #40 Skeckoa

Tuesday, August 20: MD 1 - New Texaco vs #29 Estope - WIN 7-6 (11)
Wednesday, August 21: MD 2 - #29 Estope vs #40 Skeckoa
Thursday, August 22: MD 3 - Bye
Friday, August 23: MD 4 - Myeeria vs #29 Estope
Saturday, August 24: MD 5 - #29 Estope vs #3 Sicoutimont
Sunday, August 25: MD 6 - #29 Estope vs New Texaco
Monday, August 26: MD 7 - #40 Skeckoa vs #29 Estope
Tuesday, August 27: MD 8 - Bye
Wednesday, August 28: MD 9 - #29 Estope vs Myeeria
Thursday, August 29: MD 10 - #3 Sicoutimont vs #29 Estope

Group 8
Estope                 0 1 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1  7
New Texaco             0 1 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 1 0  6
W - Pelot; L - Heep

Myeeria                0 0 0 2 2 0 1 0 0  5
Sicoutimont            0 1 0 2 0 0 4 1 X  8

.  Group 8               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win % 
1 Sicoutimont             1    1   0     8    5   +3    1.000
2 Estope                  1    1   0     7    6   +1    1.000
3 New Texaco              1    0   1     6    7   −1    0.000
4 Myeeria                 1    0   1     5    8   −3    0.000

[Sakurakoku]

World Baseball Classic 27 - Preview

Once upon a time, the Silver Wolves were a top-flight baseball team. A young, potent bunch that came out of nowhere to shock a #1 seed Sarzonia in WBC 19 in their first playoff appearence en route to the quarterfinals. For three cycles they were top-tier threats, finishing fourth in WBC 20 and riding a seven-game win streak through the playoffs to the WBC 21 finals before losing to Zwanzug. A final-eight finish, a final-four finish, then a final-two finish - it seemed that the Wolves were destined to claim the top of the mountain.

No one saw Akemitani coming.

The team declined to participate in the 22nd edition - no one was in any mood for festivities given the massive relief and cleanup efforts needed to address the disaster. They returned in WBC 23 to great applause, but something had been lost in their time away. Something that was necessary to push the Wolves forward, without which they could only manage first-round appearances at best since then, without a win in the knockout rounds to show for it.

A rebuilding was in order, a process that would take several cycles before any fruit could be borne. The legendary manager Hayato Kojima had retired, along with many major pieces of the high-flying Wolves teams of old. The new Wolves would be built around the remaining core of Mio Yamagish, Shizuru Yoshino, and Natsuki Minamoto, although at this point who knows how many tournaments the latter two have left. Newcomers such as Mami Kaneko will have to develop their skills now so that they will be ready to take up the mantle once the old guard finally walks away. This is a team in transition, trying to reestablish what it made it so dynamic, so much of a threat in the days of old. It may not be ready to challenge now, but the experience gained here will be invaluable for both manager Itsuki Mori and all the players that stay around for tournaments to come.

[Maklohi Vai]

Matchday 1 Results, Groups 1-6

Group 1
Alitaba                0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0  3
New Edom               1 0 3 0 0 1 2 0 X  7

Super-Llamaland        0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1  3
Equestrian States      1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  2


                       Pld   W  L   RF  RA  RD    Win % 
1 New Edom               1   1  0    7   3  +4    1.000
2 Super-Llamaland        1   1  0    3   2  +1    1.000
3 Equestrian States      1   0  1    2   3  −1    0.000
4 Alitaba                1   0  1    3   7  −4    0.000


Group 2
Cowardly Pacifists               0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0  3
Saintland                        0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0

The Royal Kingdom of Quebec      0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0  3
Darmen                           0 1 2 1 6 0 0 0 X 10


                                 Pld   W  L   RF  RA  RD    Win % 
1 Darmen                           1   1  0   10   3  +7    1.000
2 Cowardly Pacifists               1   1  0    3   0  +3    1.000
3 Saintland                        1   0  1    0   3  −3    0.000
4 The Royal Kingdom of Quebec      1   0  1    3  10  −7    0.000


Group 3
Hardwinter              0 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 0  5
Free South Califas      0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0

Vaugania                0 1 0 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 2  7
Cassadaigua             1 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0  5


                        Pld   W  L   RF  RA  RD    Win % 
1 Hardwinter              1   1  0    5   0  +5    1.000
2 Vaugania                1   1  0    7   5  +2    1.000
3 Cassadaigua             1   0  1    5   7  −2    0.000
4 Free South Califas      1   0  1    0   5  −5    0.000


Group 4
Lymantatia             0 0 2 0 0 0 1 2 1  6
Levivania              2 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0  5

Milchama               0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0  2
Sakurakoku             0 0 0 1 0 0 0 6 X  7


                       Pld   W  L   RF  RA  RD    Win % 
1 Sakurakoku             1   1  0    7   2  +5    1.000
2 Lymantatia             1   1  0    6   5  +1    1.000
3 Levivania              1   0  1    5   6  −1    0.000
4 Milchama               1   0  1    2   7  −5    0.000


Group 5
Ko-oren                   0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0  1
Imota                     0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 X  2

The Sovan Antithesis      0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 3  5
Aardenland                0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1  3


                          Pld   W  L   RF  RA  RD    Win % 
1 The Sovan Antithesis      1   1  0    5   3  +2    1.000
2 Imota                     1   1  0    2   1  +1    1.000
3 Ko-oren                   1   0  1    1   2  −1    0.000
4 Aardenland                1   0  1    3   5  −2    0.000


Group 6
Ukrainya                   0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
New Montreal States        3 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 X  6

Sangti                     0 1 0 0 0 0 0 5 0  6
The Serbian Empire         0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 0  3


                           Pld   W  L   RF  RA  RD    Win % 
1 New Montreal States        1   1  0    6   0  +6    1.000
2 Sangti                     1   1  0    6   3  +3    1.000
3 The Serbian Empire         1   0  1    3   6  −3    0.000
4 Ukrainya                   1   0  1    0   6  −6    0.000

[Imota]

Imota Professional Baseball League Official Website: Your WBC 27 Headquarters!

A Glorious Start (http://www.ipbl.im/wbc/news/820-1) (OOC: not an actual website)

Miki, Kaname hold Ko-oren to one run in Imota’s international debut

Mitakihara- When the Sunwings took to the field for the first time in international competition earlier today, no one was expecting that, just over two and a half hours later, they would leave it with a 2-1 win over the fifth best team in the world.

In front of a packed crowd at the Imperial Sun Dome in Mitakihara, Imotan ace Eiji Miki gave up just one run in eight innings and closer Makoto Kaname needed just twelve pitches to mop up the feared Greenblues offense.

The Sunwings struck first, in the second inning. With center fielder Akio Homura on third and one man out, catcher Atsushi Miura hit an RBI single to right field. Miura then advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt, and scored when right fielder Satoshi Houjou singled to center field.

That was all the runs Imota got, but it turned out to be all they needed. Despite Miki giving up a leadoff solo home run to Greenblues leftfielder Jinmu Nebehu in the eighth inning, he quickly regained his balance and ended the inning ten pitches and four batters later. Kaname then came in to close out the ninth.

Despite this early victory, Sunwings manager Ken Urofuchi was just cautiously optimistic, telling reporters after the game that Imota still had a long and difficult road ahead.

“Today, we have taken one step further into the wider world of international baseball,” he said. “But, it is still only one step. Tomorrow, against The Sovan Antithesis, we will again be tested.”

Tomorrow’s game will be on the road against The Sovan Antithesis. They beat Aardenland 5-3 in eleven innings today. Rinnosuke Natsume of the Kasumi Crows will start.

[Maklohi Vai]

OOC: Once again, the Margaret line will be continued. It started with 9 iterations in WBC 24, and blossomed to 15 RPs in WBC 25 with the help of Darmen as a RP partner. With some difficulties in WBC 26, it was down to 9 again. Now, it reaches its fourth Classic, and I'm currently scheduled to RP it on my own. If anyone would like to do something collaborative or incorporate OAM or Margaret worship into their RPs, drop me a TG and I'd be delighted to set something up.

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Part 10
Part 11
Part 12
Part 13
Part 14
Part 15
Part 16

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9

*ring ring*
"Hello?"

"Tama, it's Kumalo."

There was silence on the other end.

"Tama, I know you're upset. I want to talk to you."

"I don't talk to idiots."

"I am not an idiot, tama."

"You believe in a deity, ergo you're an idiot."

"No, tama, Margaret is not a deity. She is divine, but not a deity."

"And what's your goddamned proof?"

"When we pray to her and give our effort, the team wins."

"Causation correlation fallacy."

"You may say so, but our faith is what empowers her."

"And so does she exist?"

"She exists as a being in our minds, as an otherworldly force that can control sports."

"So she's a hallucination."

"No, tama, she's something we ascribe our powers to, she's the collection of our own belief and faith in our team."

"So you're too much of a wimp to take it into your own hands?"

"No, tama, we empower ourselves by giving our faith to Margaret."

"But if you made her up, aren't you just giving that power to yourself?"

Kumalo paused, hoping she would rea---

"Oh damn... I think I get it, what you're saying. I don't understand why you would do that...."

"You don't have to, tama, all I want is for us to be warm family."

"Of course, Kumalo, we always are. Maybe it's best if you don't talk about it with, though, ok?"

"Ok, tama, thank you. I love you."

"I love you too, Kumalo."

*click*

---

Maklohi Vai            0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 1  5
Nova Anglicana         0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1  3

Scoring Summary:
2nd: Arnao, with one out, hit a double down the left field line, setting up Moalna’akai Lai for a monster triple into the aptly named triples alley in right-center, scoring Arnao. Wolo Rakinalmanai then followed with a sac fly to drive Lai in.
4th: Mae'ao led off the inning with his signature: a blasted home run, deep into the left field bleachers. Two batters later, Arnao got another hit, this time a single to center. Lai walked, sending Arnao to second. Arnao then stole third, allowing Wolo Rakinalmanai to get another RBI by singling to right.
9th: Mae'ao drove in Iao Laina, who had tripled, with a double to left.

HR: Mae'ao 1
RBI: Mae'ao 2, Wolo Rakinalmanai 2, Moalna’akai Lai 1

[Kerblaekistan]

Mike - Welcome to Capital News Sports, official Kerblaekistani TV provider for World Baseball Classic 27! Im Mike Huey.

Garrett - And Im Garret Thorne. Quite An exciting game for the wolves against Karditan today, eh Mike?

Mike - I'll say. With Karditian scoring 4 runs in the early part of the game, things looked hopeless for inferior Kerblaekistan.

Garrett - That is until the 9th. The wolves put up a huge rally and made the comeback with a grand slam by Andre Page.

Mike - The Kerblaekistan Wolves may have done the impossible tonight, but what will happen in the future, especially against #6 Maklohi Vai?

Garrett - We will only find out.

ROSTER:

Manager: Ricky Hart - Age 43
Pitching Coach: Damien Sand - Age 39
Hitting Coach: - Hans Hindenburg - Age 46

Pitchers:
Starters

Zach Ark - Age 21, L
Ezekiel Pinkwater - Age 24, R
Justin King - Age 24, R
Zuko Suzuki - Age 27, R
Nolan Carter - Age 22, L

Relievers

Khang Do - Age 23, R
Danny Fenton - Age 20, L
Jimmy Winter - Age 26, L
Artie Grande - Age 30, R
Santiago Rodriguez(closer) - Age 28, R

Starting lineup

LF - Archie Samson - Age 20, R
SS - Sam Truman - Age 27, R
RF - Mordecai Calhoun - Age 22, L
1B - Andre Page - Age 19, L
3B - Daniel Ianetta - Age 23, R
C - Mike Hamilton - Age 28, R
2B - Nikolai Kazakhov - Age 24, R
CF - A.J. Dickey - Age 21, L
DH - Mark Wes - Age 31, L

DH used at home: Y
Choose my runscorers: Y
Choose my lineup: N
Follow my Pitching Rotation: Y
Godmod scoring events: N
RP injuries to my players: Y
Godmod injuries to my players: N

[The Serbian Empire]

Serbian Empire Win Not Found?

Once the bullpen was brought to the mound; the hits started to fly. In fact, that is how Sangti won was with 5 runs in the 8th inning. However, a new embarrassment has occurred. Somehow when the power hitter #4 Nemanja Milic was up to the plate a glitch had occurred on the scoreboard saying that his number was #404 and his name was Not Found in the bottom of the 8th inning. We have no explanation for the erroneous message which looked a lot like an operation system message for one's computer. Consequently, a win was not found either as he struck out with two men on in scoring position.

The next game is against New Montreal States and their Expos. A bad feeling is in the air about this one after this glitch at the ballpark today. Maybe even those unranked teams might get some wins thanks to this bad luck. We have yet to figure out why it didn't happen to Alen Cechmanich who wears #44 either. Tomorrow is our scheduled bye so we can figure out who or what led to this glitch and maybe spend some time in the batting cages to produce more runs and hits. Strikeouts are not good for hitters unless they hit like Adam Davis of New Texaco firing home runs all over the place.

Other Games

The other game in the Group 6 section was a New Montreal States shutout of Ukrainya. All that is know is that complete and utter domination over the newcomers had happened in this matchup. This does not surprise anyone however as this was expected.

The bane of the Serbian Empire teams Milchama has fallen to Sakurakoku, 7-2. This result in Group 4 led to massive cheering by Serbian Empire fans as Milchama has plagued the Serbian Empire in WBC 26. No wonder why the opponent playing Milchama is often the Serbian Empire fans' second favorite team at any given time. It's like running into a wall.

Urinal Watch?

Thus far no urinals, toilets, sinks, or other plumbing fixtures have been smashed by drunk Serbian Empire players. If the Serbian Empire has two tournaments without smashing the roster will be fully revealed as the hidden manager known simply as Milorad will allow the players to wear their last names above their numbers once again.

[Ko-oren]

Ko-oren                   0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0  1 R 6 H 1 E
Imota                     0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 X  2 R 4 H 0 E

@Mitakihara. A: 45,000. T: 2:34

PITCHING
Name			IP K  BB H  ER ERA
Yoritomo		5  9  2  4  2  3.60
Yoshimitsu		2  4  2  0  0  0.00
Yoritsune       	1  3  0  0  0  0.00

HITTING
1B - Jinmu (1), Hidetada (4), Shotoku (6), Godaigo (9)
2B - Minamoto (3)
3B
HR - Jinmu (8)

The first game of the 27th WBC primarily showed an excellent performance by the Imota team. It sure has sparked debate around the professionalism around the team: the staff list of Imota is gargantuan (compared to the Ko-orenite staff list), and the level of preparation could very well be the thing that earned them the win. Six hits: Ko-oren has won games with less. Six is not a very bad number for hits. The number of runs scored is slightly problematic: one. The biggest problem is that Imota scored two. Which is one more than one, obviously. Many expected that Ko-oren would easily beat Imota just purely off experience and rank, but it is now clear that with an aging team, you need more than that to win against even the smaller teams. Imota earned their win and absolutely deserved it, and this could also be the beginning of the end for the Greenblue team. Old players, hardly any staff, players that act as coaches, players that do not even play for their club teams in the domestic league anymore... On the other hand, Ko-oren has so much more to offer! Talented, young players, waiting for their chance on the national team, playing every other day for their club team in the league, most even for the Golden Generals, a team that regularly makes the semifinals of the BCCC. Will this loss finally do the old men in?

Not all players need to be replaced. Most can play as backup, some could become coaches instead of just acting as them, and Jinmu, for instance, hit a homerun last night. They can all still do it, and their experience is valuable, but a loss is just not necessary. Kinzar and Aardenland are still waiting for us, and if Imota is already a problem for us, we could just as well go 4-6 in the group. Not exactly the 10-0 that most hoped for or even expected.

Not that the Greenblues were the only team to miraculously lose. The Equestrian States, Saintland, Cassadaigua, Free South Califas, Milchama, Karditan, Taeshan: they all lost their first game. Last WBC's top 3 did win (Zwangzug, New Montreal States, Sicoutimont), but these seven (eight, including us) teams all suffered an early loss. Are we not the only team in transition? It is clear that Ko-oren reached the semifinals last year based purely off enthusiasm, luck, or something else. Quality seems to be a thing of the past. How long will the old players succeed in keeping the youngsters away?

With every new WBC, it's time to bring back an old statistic. The overall run counter:

Ko-oren                   0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Not Ko-oren               0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

And here is the one from WBC 26:

Ko-oren               2 5 5 10 4 8 10 12 9  | 60
Others                9 5 4 1  1 4 5  3  7  | 39

(OOC: I hope I interpreted Imota's RP well. I'm still not that good with baseball)

[Gregoryisgodistan]

Matchday 1 Results for Groups 7-12

Gregoryisgodistan 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1
Western Cuba Bla 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 X 4

Hi, everybody. I'm Sportscaster AJSHHHQ1234, with the latest highlights from the World Baseball Classic here on the Gregoryisgodistan State TV News at 7.

Let's pick it up in the bottom of the second. There's a runner on first for Western Cuba, and one out. Liberated Slave USUALSO is on the hill, and the pitch is lined down the right field line. It gets into the corner. The batter winds up all the way on third, it's a triple for Western Cuba and they take a 1-0 lead. Next batter hits a deep fly ball to center, where Executioner 9D8AH robs him of a home run. However, the run scored easily from third and it was 2-0.

Top 3 now, bases loaded only one out for Soldier JSIAISKS, the MVP of International Baseball Slam II, and he lines it down the left field foul line. It looks line it hits the chalk for a fair ball, which would have scored at least 2, but the third-base ump calls it foul. Manager Sports Chief Rufus Markel is furious, he comes out, starts screaming in the umpire's face, and gets ejected. Bench Coach Deputy Sports Chief Lewis Martinez would serve as acting manager for the remainder of the game, but WBC authorities indicated Sports Chief Rufus Markel would not be suspended, so he will be back in the dugout tomorrow.

But there was still a game to play. On the next pitch, Soldier JSIAISKS hits a line drive up the middle. The second baseman makes a diving catch, and doubles the runner off second to end the inning. Still 2-0.

Bottom third, none on, two out, and Liberated Slave USUALSO serves up a home run to left. 3-0 Western Cuba.

Top 5, still 3-0, and first and third, two out, for Soldier JSIAISKS, who lines it up the middle for a base hit, scoring Liberated Slave 9DHUAS, and the Bat Slaves get their first WBC run ever. That's all they'd get that inning, though.

After Western Cuba added a run in the bottom of the 6th, we head to the top of the 9th, where Gregoryisgodistan had runners on second and third and nobody out for Soldier JSIAISKS. Perhaps they get a bit of a rally. But Soldier JSIAISKS flies out to center, pinch runner Police Officer EWSAUSU tries to score from third, and is thrown out for a double play. Military SuperGeneral Ulysses Martin, also pinch running, nearly got thrown out advancing to third, but just barely made it in. Fortunately, the Bat Slaves avoided the game-ending triple play, but Barber LIEUIUSH struck out to end the game.

There is no Player of the Game Presented by Prune Farmers of Gregoryisgodistan, because the team lost.

[Qazox]

Is greatness!

Welcoming you to Sergi's blogging, as I be offical basesball #1 fan of Qazox wolfs. I am be Sergi Larnov and bad that team had day off while our opposition all had game. But is greatness that Milchama loss to Samurai koku as Milchama the favored team by many medial people. But is no true, as Wolfs best team! Go Wolfs! We start our playing at Lemontiltya tomorrow.

[Sangti]

I will provide match transcripts for the matches, with a side story: The State of Baseball in Sangti at the conclusion of each matchday. I will review these matches at one of my bye days or at the halfway break.

Also, after reading the DH rule thoroughly at wiki, I have made necessary changes at the roster I posted.

The State of Baseball in Sangti
Part 1: Pre-entry state

Before the Indios' entry to the World Baseball Classic, baseball have been a undeveloped sport in the land of the Yellow Eagles. In a nation where basketball and football leagues roamed the land, baseball did not seem to be existing if you would look to many cities, like Ciudad Sangti, Cintore, Nespa or any major sporting city in Sangti. However, there was a community that loved baseball so much: Cencioino.

The people in Cencioino did not care one bit about football. They did not even bother to enter a team in the Canton League, an opportunity for the locals to have a club in the planned Primera Liga, the supposed to be pinnacle of Sangtian Football. They only cared about baseball, and a bit of basketball.

Here is where Monico Deligero came from. Monico was disappointed on how the development of sports have been performed by the government. It was only on football, basketball and some other businesses the chairman had. He accused the chairman of embezzlement, and was found guilty. He was then replaced by Wealthy Lozada, a man passionate about just any sport, may it be football, basketball, baseball, or even spelling bees, if that is even considered a sport.

Deligero made a request to Lozada to improve the state of baseball in Sangti, and he unanimously decided to accept the request. However, he told Monico that developments in baseball would take time, and he accepted the fact that it would be the case. He observed the state of the baseball stadiums existing in the nation. It was pathetic. The unused stadiums, particularly the Estadio Beisbol, was far from standard.

He watched the matches from the 25th edition of the Classic, one which was won by Darmen. At that point on, he kept started building foundations for his team for a possible entry to the 26th Classic. But there was one roadblock-the stadium.

In the next part, let's look closer at Monico Deligero. Who is he? And why is he considered the mastermind for Sangti's success on the baseball field? Also, we will look closer to the race against time for the 26th Classic - Stadium Renovation.

---

Sangti 6, The Serbian Empire 3
Match Transcript

Both teams used respective DHs, as SRB used theirs, Decolongon started.

1st Inning
Top: Magtalas (groundout), Datu (strikeout), Dabu (flyout) [0-0]
Bottom: #21 (strikeout), Alenic (groundout), Vucevic (strikeout) [0-0]

2nd inning
Top: Decolongon (homerun), Aboganda (flyout), Luyaben (flyout), Navarette (groundout) [1-0]
Bottom: Milic (single hit), #2 (groundout, Milic on 2nd base), Cechmanich (strikeout), Andrijasevic (flyout) [1-0]

3rd inning
Top: Dimacuha (groundout), Sacpa (strikeout), Magtalas (double hit off lucky bounce), Datu (groundout) [1-0]
Bottom: #22 (single hit), #8 (single hit), #21 (groundout, #8 out, double play, #22 on third), Alenic (flyout) [1-0]

4th inning
Top: Dabu (strikeout), Decolongon (single hit), Aboganda (groundout), Luyaben (flyout) [1-0]
Bottom: Vucevic (strikeout), Milic (strikeout), #2 (groundout) [1-0]

5th inning
Top: Navarette (strikeout), Dimacuha (strikeout), Sacpa (flyout) [1-0]
Bottom: Cechmanich (single hit), Andrijasevic (sacrifice bunt, groundout, Cechmanich on 2nd), #22 (strikeout, Cechmanich stolen base), #8 (single hit, Cechmanich runs to home plate), #21 (strikeout) [1-1], Mumar relieved

6th inning
Top: Magtalas (flyout), Datu (groundout), Dabu (strikeout) [1-1]
Bottom: Alenic (flyout), Vucevic (flyout), Milic (groundout) [1-1]

7th inning
Top: Decolongon (single hit), Aboganda (strikeout), Luyaben (groundout, Decolongon on second), Navarette (flyout) [1-1]
Bottom: #2 (strikeout), Cechmanich (strikeout), Andrijasevic (strikeout) [1-1] Halisevic relieved

8th inning
Top: Dimacuha (single hit), Sacpa (strikeout), Magtalas (single hit), Datu (single hit), Dabu (single hit, Dimacuha out at home plate), Decolongon (Grand Slam), Aboganda (homerun), Luyaben (groundout) [6-1]
Bottom: #22 (single hit), #8 (double hit, #22 on third base), #21 (double hit, #22 and #8 run), Alenic (single hit, #21 on third base), Vucevic (strikeout, Alenic stolen base), Milic (strikeout), #2 (strikeout) [6-3]

9th inning
Top: Navarette (groundout), Dimacuha (flyout), Sacpa (strikeout) [6-3]
Bottom: Cechmanich (groundout), Andrijasevic (strikeout), #22 (flyout) [6-3]

Player of the game: Dale Decolongon
Winning pitcher: Gregor Balaga
Losing pitcher: #99

End of game statistics for WBC 27 (Sangti):
Magtalas - 0.500 BA
Datu - 0.250 BA
Dabu - 0.250 BA
Decolongon - 1.000 BA, 2 HR, 5 RBI
Aboganda - 0.250 BA, 1 RBI
Luyaben - 0.000 BA
Navarette - 0.000 BA
Dimacuha - 0.250 BA
Sacpa - 0.000 BA
Mumar (0-0) - 1.80 ERA
Balaga (1-0) - 4.50 ERA

[Sicoutimont]

Radio-750 Sport Morning Show.......with Jacques and Fidel!

"Ai, ai, we're back!"

"That's right! You're favourite podcastin' duo! I'm Jacques, and"

"I'm Fidel!"

"Did you really have to jump into my sentence there, Fidel?"

"Well, Jacques, I'm excited! We've been waiting 6 months to talk baseball again, and here we are!"

"We covered the Copa Rushmori de Beisbol to the end, but then, we were sent on vacation for 6 months."

"Where we worked as board game delivery men...."

"Fidel, only WBC26 kids will get that joke."

"You mean we're not still at WBC26?"

"Uh, no, that ended last year....."

"Oh, oh right. We're at.....28 now, right?"

"......No Fidel, we just started WBC 27."

"27!? I'm not that old, am I?"

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Anyways, we're here to talk about this Classic. Fidel, Sicoutimont's tournament started last night at home in St-Simeon. What went down at the Field PowerEternite?"

"Right. Sicoutimont's tournament began against Myeeria. Before the game, a few notable things happened. Firstly, 3 banners were raised last night: Going alongside the St-Simeon Met's championship banners and retired numbers, are the WBC 26 Second Place banner, the Copa Rushmori de Beisbol Championship banner, and it was Francis Boullion Night at the game, as the national team honoured one of its greatest players, as his number 8 goes up in the blue and purple, alongside the Orange and blue of his St-Simeon retired jersey. It was certainly a special night at the park, and this event was capped off with fireworks, introducing the home side to the crowd."

"Right. Fidel Sanchez took to the mound against 0010201343, an-"

"Ha, wonder how 0000000000 did last night."

"Uh, no Fidel, that's their real name. Anyways, the first inning was uneventful for both sides, with Sicoutimont's first 3 batters all going down. In the bottom of the second, Victor Santana doubled to lead off the inning, and Loic St-Ignace took the Myeerian pitcher deep off the wall for another double, scoring Santana. St-Ignace would later be caught attempting to steal third, while Jose Colognon and Martin Vauton also were taken down."

"The 4th inning was the next real scoring show, with Myeeria getting 2 to put themselves in the lead. But it wouldn't last long, as in the very same inning, Xavi Esquinardes hit a solo home run to left field, tying the match. There was still more in the Royales in the inning as well, with Victor Santana driving in Boullion Carvier. 3-2 Sicoutimont."

"But that wouldn't last long, either, as in the top of the 5th inning, Myeeria scored 2 more runs to go up 4-3. By the 7th inning, Sanchez had given up another run, and the score was 5-3. Boos rained down from the crowd, who were understandably unhappy. But the bottom of the 7th shut em up, with Alfonso Soriano getting on the scoresheet with a 2-run home run, scoring himself and Jaeg Nordstrom. 5-5. The crowd cheered loudly as Soriano crossed the plate, and he raised his arms to the crowd, almost as if saying, 'You happy now?' They certainly were, as on the very next pitch, Pedro Santana tripled, Xavi Esquinardes singled to bring him in, and the score was 6-5 Sicoutimont with 2 outs. Boullion Carvier also singled, Victor Santana RBI Doubled to bring in Esquinardes, and Loic St-Ignace's long out was caught by the right fielder to end the inning."

"But it wouldn't end the scoring fest for Sicoutimont. Next inning, Jose Colognon scored off a Martin Vauton double, before Nordstrom, Soriano and Santana were taken out to end the inning. 8-5 for Sicoutimont. All Claude Perrault had to do was not give up 4 runs to lose the game, and he wouldn't, going 2 up 2 down before needing the shortstop's help to end the inning."

"That would get Sicoutimont their first win of this classic, and extend a 9 game win streak starting from the Copa Rushmori de Beisbol to 10. And the fans cheered long into the night after the game, celebrating Opening Night of the World Baseball Classic."

"That's it for us this morning, we'll be here on Radio-750 Morning Show for the duration of the preliminary round.....but if the team qualify for the playoffs, we'll be-"

"ON THE ROAD AGAIN"

"Yeah, sure Fidel, we'll be Podcastin'! Up next is Bob's Fishing Hour, stay tuned to hear the best bait to hook a yellow-spotted muskie!"

[The Sova Empire]

Group 10
The Sova Empire        4 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1  6
West Guiana            0 0 0 1 4 0 0 0 0 0  5

Gregoryisgodistan      0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0  1
Western Cuba           0 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 X  4


  Group 10              Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win % 
1 Western Cuba            1    1   0     4    1   +3    1.000
2 The Sova Empire         1    1   0     6    5   +1    1.000
3 West Guiana             1    0   1     5    6   −1    0.000
4 Gregoryisgodistan       1    0   1     1    4   −3    0.000

Extra Special

TSE's biggest innings were the first and ultimately the last

The WBC came back into swing, and The Sova Empire was hosted by West Guiana in the opening match. Rosterless and of slightly worse rank, the Guianans seemed to be at a disadvantage. Early in the game, they were at a disadvantage. However, they fought back with spirit and the crowd got one more inning than they expected. Let's recap the highlights.

INNING 1: TOP
1. Connor Foley - single up the middle
2. Grant Bridgewater - bunt single
3. Grant Miller - sac fly to right
4. Tyler Janish - 2 RBI double to the left field corner
5. Greg Sova - sac bunt
6. Sam Brooks - Home run to right-center field
7. Cody Orban - groundout, 6-3

It didn't take long for TSE to get it's first hit of the tournament, because Foley liked the first pitch he saw and got the barrel of the bat on it for the single. Grant B. placed a beautiful bunt down the first base line that no one could get to before Grant B. was already on. Miller got under a 3-1 fastball and the whole crowd thought it would be a 3-run shot, but it just stayed in due to the headwinds and Foley was able to tag up and get to 3rd. That didn;t turn out to be of much consequence because Tyler Janish just ripped one fair down the left-field line to plate 2 runs and get TSE the lead. Another sacrifice was basically wasted by Sam Brooks' towering home run to right center. That gave the Sovas a 4-0 lead.

Score: 4-0 TSE

INNING 4: BOTTOM

1. Batter 3 - Strikeout looking
2. Batter 4 - Home run to left
3. Batter 5 - Walk on 5 pitches
4. Batter 6 - GIDP, 3-6-1

Reid Beffrey looked solid, but not commanding today, as he had 3 innings of 1 hit, 1 walk baseball. The 4th inning saw batter 4 take him deep for the first Guianan run of the game. Nothing else would come of the following walk.

Score: 4-1 TSE

INNING 5: BOTTOM

1. Batter 7: Bloop single over the SS head
2. Batter 8: Single just out of the reach of the center-fielder
3. Batter 9: Walk on 4 straight pitches
4. Batter 1: Strikeout swinging
5. Batter 2: Strikeout looking
6. Batter 3: Grand Slam to straightaway center
(pitching change - Olszewski replaces Beffrey)
(defensive change - Beffrey replaces Sova)
7. Batter 4: Flyout to right field

The home crowd finally got something to cheer for, and they were electrified when the bases were loaded for Batter 3. It went a loooooong ways to the deepest part of the ballpark, and that signaled the end of the day for Beffrey's pitching. He went 4.2 innings and got 5 K's, issuing 3 walks.

Score: 4-5 WG

INNING 8: TOP

1. Connor Foley: Swinging K
2. Grant Bridgewater: Groundout, 5-3
3. Grant Miller: Home run to left field
4. Tyler Janish: Flyout to center

"2 outs, nobody on for Grant Miller. TSE is down by a run. The first pitch is just outside, ball one. The next is hit HIGH! IT'S GOING TO GO FAR! WE! ARE! TIED!!!"

Score: 5-5 tie

INNING 10: TOP

1. Connor Foley: Single, steal
2. Grant Bridgewater: sac bunt
3. Grant Miller: Sac fly, RBI
4. Tyler Janish: Triple
5. Reid Beffrey: Strikeout swinging

The sac fly would be the difference as Tyler Palm struck out the side in the bottom of the 10th to seal the deal for The Sova Empire's opening day win.

[Saugeais]

Rodger Rolls, Throws Shutout to Start WBC
11 batters fanned in 5-0 victory

Calling Rodger Mason's outing last night a "strong outing" would qualify for the understatement of the year. Following in the footsteps of those pitchers that came before him, Rodger Mason opens up the World Baseball Classic schedule for Saugeais with a complete game, three-hit shutout against Strawbee. "To do something that coach Claude [Gagné] and pitching coach Franklin [Nopro] never did at the international level as the ace of their staff, it just makes it that much more special," said Mason if a press conference after the game. "I'll be sure not to give them any grief about it," he added with a smile.

The 23 year old right hander out of Bugny had his fastball working early, topping out at 97 mph to strike out 6 batters in the first 3 innings. In the middle innings, however, the Strawbee batters started to catch up with it, fouling off several pitches and forcing Rodger to attack with either his changeup or slider. The offspeed pitches were looking effective, as he added 4 more strikeouts to his total by the 6th inning, but at the same time his command dipped a little. A hanging slider in the 5th inning allowed the Strawbee designated hitter Troy Logan to rocket a shot that almost left the park, bouncing off the top of the left center field wall for a double, Strawbee's first hit of the game. Following a walk to the next batter, Rodger pitched out of his jam by fooling catcher Calvin Klugg on a slider, grounding into an inning ending double play.

At times in the late innings, manager Claude Gagné thought of pulling Rodger. "His control had started to waiver, and he was leaving pitches up," he said. "Fortunately, most of them led to fly outs, but there were a couple that got through in the eighth inning that had me worried." He's referring to the back to back hits from Klugg and second baseman Golden Flower that put both men in scoring position for Strawbee. But with two outs already, Rodger regained focus and was able to strike out the next batter to retire the side. With three straight ground outs in the top of the ninth, the entire team gathered around Rodger to celebrate his feat, as the crowd gave him a standing ovation. "It was exhilarating," he said later. Rodger's tally of 11 strikeouts, 3 walks, and 3 hits over those 9 innings came at the price of 126 pitches thrown. When asked if that would lead to any lasting effects in this tournament, manager Gagné said, "We'll be monitoring him over the enxt few days, but we don't feel it will be a problem. He's young and he should recover quick."

Offensively, the Rangers' bats jumped all over Strawbee ace Viktor Ganzorig quickly, scoring 3 times in the first two innings. With a completely new lineup from the last Classic, there was much skepticism as to how the offensive production would be. Two doubles in the first inning, first fromsecond baseman Marlowe Brasher and followed by right fielder Dominick Grey to drive in Marlowe, quickly answered that question. Augustin Boothman would single in the second inning to set up a two run homerun down the left field line by catcher Osmond Nichols, giving the Rangers a 3-0 lead. Runs in the fifth and seventh innings would both be accumulated by Terrance Warrick, first by a solo dinger, then by driving in designated hitter Spencer Banks from third base with a single.

With Saugeais expected to cruise through the group stage, manager Gagné isn't worried about tiring his pitchers. "They have the physical and mental capacity to go day in and day out pitching at their best. Whether or not their best will do, well, we'll see as the tournament progresses." The Rangers will be at the 50th ranked Kriegiersien next up. Kriegiersien defeated Unolia 5-2 in their first match, but the Rangers look to take the early battle for first place.

[Cassadaigua]

A message from the coach,
by Meghan Corrigan

Oh, it’s been a long time since I did one of these player blogs! Though talking to you like I did in my playing days is not my intention right now. It is to talk about something that has been going through Cassadaigua ever since the co-hosts of Maklohi Vai and Saintland were announced. After World Baseball Classic 26, and other international events such as the basketball and soccer cups, it is quite apparent that there is a huge cultural clash between us and Saintland. Because of this, I have been bombarded with questions of whether or not I would seek to keep the team out of Saintland and into Maklohi Vai, should we make the playoffs. Then the questions escalate about what we would do in Saintland, if we were there. Would we stay in hiding, like they did when they were here? Would we get involved with encouraging their feminists groups to rise up against the government? And so on and so forth.

I would like to put those questions to bed, right now. No one on this team will be answering any question that pertains to that. Nor will I be answering them. For starters, this assumes we make the playoffs, which is something that is going to be an accomplishment to make. This is not the Cassadaigua of the “teens” World Baseball Classic-wise, when I was playing and we were winning championships. We have to work our way climbing up the rankings and earn a playoff berth. This is just our second Classic back, and the first one we got to the playoffs by virtue of having a .500 record and being fortunate to win out on a 4-way tiebreaker for that spot. There was nothing special about our playoff appearance, and we were ousted relatively quickly. I have made some adjustments to the roster, and we aim to fare better, but it will not be easy and is certainly not an automatic. So, right now, all we are worried about is making the playoffs to begin with. We did some things well against Vaugania, but losing the 5-4 lead in the 8th was a tough blow, and Chelsea Gomez deserves better then to be second-guessing her pitch selection, when really, she didn’t do anything wrong, Cliff Gilbert just got a good swing on it. Right now, this is the only thing that we will be discussing, our qualifying games.

I will say this one time for everyone: If we make the playoffs, and we are assigned to Saintland, we will go there. We will play and do everything exactly the same as we would be doing it in Maklohi Vai, and expect that we would be treated the same as if we were in Maklohi Vai. Now, back to the games that matter right now.

[Saintland]

Royal One - Postgame Interview

Abraham Volusenus was in the Royal One studio in St. Petrus for the postgame show. The Saintland National Baseball Team had, once again, lost their WBC opener.

Abraham Volusenus - After their media spread falsehoods against our Kingdom, the Cowardly Pacifists arrived at Royal Park today. After 9 innings, they had defeated our Kingdom's National Team by a score of 3 to nothing. Julio Leonard, the Pacifist pitcher today, was at his best. According to the WCRSB, Leonard is, without a doubt, their best pitcher. Speaking with me today will be Petrus Tragus, the captain of the National Baseball Team.

Petrus Tragus walked into the studio and sat down across from Volusenus.

Abraham Volusenus - First of all, Petrus, I want to thank you for agreeing to speak with Royal One, even under these circumstances.

Petrus Tragus - I agreed to the interview before the game and I'm not going to stay out of the spotlight just to avoid the tough questions.

Abraham Volusenus - I'm glad to hear that. You have been on all 3 of our Kingdom's WBC squads this year. Given that Ioannes Bebius lost the opener in both previous WBCs, shouldn't you have considered giving the ball to somebody else?

Petrus Tragus - Ioannes is a great pitcher. If you look at my stats, I believe you'll notice that he is one of the few pitchers I haven't had much success against in the past.

Abraham Volusenus - Fair enough, but he hasn't exactly had much success in international competition.

Petrus Tragus - Somehow, foreign hitters seem to have more success against him. I thought his struggles in past WBC were a fluke and chose to stick with him. That was probably the wrong decision.

Abraham Volusenus - It is interesting to hear you say that.

Petrus Tragus - We have a bye coming up on the 4th day of this WBC, so I think I'm going to skip Ioannes's next turn in the rotation.

Abraham Volusenus - If you do that, he'll face the Quebecois next instead of facing North Franklin.

Petrus Tragus - That is correct, but more importantly he won't be starting for our critical second game against Darmen. That way, Andreas and Paulus will get 3 starts each in this group stage.

Abraham Volusenus - Was it really a good idea to make that announcement on Royal One?

Petrus Tragus - This isn't a Sister Polus's Thoughts video, so we probably don't have many foreign viewers.

Abraham Volusenus - Speaking of Sister Polus, do you think she should appeal that VousTube decision?

Petrus Tragus - Of course she should. No decent country would permit Internet videos mocking a respected educator.

Abraham Volusenus - Now that I think about it, Sister Polus hasn't made many videos lately.

Petrus Tragus - I think she's probably busy with her responsibilities.

Abraham Volusenus - You're probably right about that. Changing gears, what are your thoughts on the situation involving the Unolian team? They showed up in our Kingdom for their WBC opener, unaware that they were supposed to be playing Kriegiersien at home.

Petrus Tragus - Didn't several officials from the King's Government inform them where their game was supposed to be held?

Abraham Volusenus - That is correct.

Petrus Tragus - If they hadn't, Kriegiersien would have arrived in Unolia and found no Unolian team.

Abraham Volusenus - Apparently, the SP is reporting that the King's Government just sent a reminder to every nation that the group stage is not being held in Maklohi Vai or Saintland, with the exception of the 4 home games for each co-host.

Petrus Tragus - They should have done that earlier.

Abraham Volusenus - I agree with you. That was an unfortunate oversight. Why don't we discuss your thoughts on the other teams in this group?

Petrus Tragus - That sounds like a good idea.

Abraham Volusenus - For once, every team in the same group as our National Team has revealed their roster. In fact, over 75 percent of the teams competing in this WBC have revealed their rosters.

Petrus Tragus - That is remarkable and seemingly unprecedented, but shouldn't it be mandatory that every nation reveal their roster to compete in an international tournament?

Abraham Volusenus - Arguably, but the international sports convention is otherwise. Generally, teams that don't reveal rosters tend to be disorganized and inept, so there is no real benefit to that sort of subterfuge.

Petrus Tragus - Jedi8246 wasn't disorganized or inept during the last World Cup. They put a scare into the National Soccer Team and probably contributed to their failure to win the group and qualify.

Abraham Volusenus - Speaking of the World Cup, Audioslavia and the Inevitable Syndicate will be hosting the next World Cup and they will be using a 30 groups of 6 format for qualifying, with just the group winners qualifying. What do you think about that?

Petrus Tragus - I think that the National Soccer Team has a real chance of winning their group, if they draw a weak top seed. Should Prince Andreas lead that team to the World Cup, anything can happen once they get there.

Abraham Volusenus - If they qualified, they'd likely be ranked higher than Audioslavia was, going into the finals of World Cup 63.

Petrus Tragus - Well, Audioslavia won that World Cup, so anything is possible.

Abraham Volusenus - Do you think Herakles Karoki, the great Acedonian striker, will get a spot on the squad?

Petrus Tragus - He has been carrying the Olympic side, so I'd imagine something can be worked out about getting him citizenship. He is a member of the Acedonian branch of the True Church, right?

Abraham Volusenus - That is correct.

Petrus Tragus - Then, the only obstacle would be whether the King is willing to decree it.

Abraham Volusenus - I have spoken to His Majesty in the past and I believe he'll do whatever it takes to give our National Teams the best chance to win.

Petrus Tragus - You're definitely right about that. I'm sure he's already making changes to the National Handball Team and the National Field Hockey, Ice Hockey and Lacrosse Team after their early exits in that Infernus-bound nation. If we can't get things turned around in this WBC, I'll almost certainly be out as captain.

Abraham Volusenus - Actually, come to think of it, weren't we supposed to be talking about the other teams in your group?

Petrus Tragus - You're right. We seem to have gone off topic.

Abraham Volusenus - No big deal. Tomorrow, you visit the Royal Kingdom of Quebec. What are your thoughts on the Quebecois?

Petrus Tragus - They haven't had much success in past WBCs and they did lose today, but we must not take them lightly.

Abraham Volusenus - Why not?

Petrus Tragus - The Saint has already been released in their country.

Abraham Volusenus - Yes, it has. So far, RCES has launched the Saint in the Free Republics, Acedonia and the Royal Kingdom of Quebec. A few hundred Saints were also sold in Liventia.

Petrus Tragus - Why was it launched in Quebec so early on?

Abraham Volusenus - I don't know the answer to that question. There are also the complementary Saints that were handed out at the Beach Cup.

Petrus Tragus - We're also giving away Saints to every WBC player that arrives in Saintland for a playoff game.

Abraham Volusenus - That is correct.

Petrus Tragus - I heard a news story about several complementary Saints being discovered in trash cans at the St. Petrus Airport.

Abraham Volusenus - That was probably the doing of the Vauganians.

Petrus Tragus - I don't understand why they feel the need to place an embargo on us.

Abraham Volusenus - Remember, they hosted the second World Korfball Classic, so who knows what Feministvs Sanctvsterra told them.

Petrus Tragus - Good point. I wonder when countries will start contacting RCES requesting to have the Saint released in their country.

Abraham Volusenus - I think there are already several nations that have done so.

Petrus Tragus - Why has Karaoke: Cantus Virginum been outsold by Prince of Saintland in the Free Republics?

Abraham Volusenus - Those Republicans like violence and Cantus Virginum's music, as talented as those young ladies are, just isn't popular anywhere else.

Petrus Tragus - Its really unfortunate. Come to think of it, why isn't there more software for the Saint designed for girls? I think there are alot of girls in foreign countries that would benefit from it, especially with the near-complete lack of positive cultural influences for them.

Abraham Volusenus - I'll have to mention that to Prince Andreas the next time I get a chance to speak with him. Getting back on topic, your third opponent will be Darmen.

Petrus Tragus - Darmen were the champions of WBC 25. Last time around, they were eliminated in the Group Stage on a tiebreaker. They're always a tough opponent and they did tear up Quebec in their opener. Despite that, I still think we can beat them twice.

Abraham Volusenus - I'm glad to hear that. Your final opponent will be North Franklin.

Petrus Tragus - I don't know what to expect out of them. They are debuting in this WBC and probably don't have enough experience. Kinzar made an immediate impact in our first WBC, while we had a disastrous performance. I don't know whether North Franklin will have a disastrous run like we did in our first WBC or whether they'll pull a Kinzar.

Abraham Volusenus - At least you will be able to face them, for the first time, after both teams have faced everybody else in this group.

Petrus Tragus - That could be beneficial. I will make sure that everybody on the team updates their Real Baseball Simulator rosters before our flight to North Franklin. We need to practice against them and the WCRSB scouts will be working extra diligently to ensure that the Simulator accurately reflects their players and their abilities or lack thereof.

Abraham Volusenus - Finally, I want to ask about your team's lack of run production today. What are you going to do to address that?

Petrus Tragus - We will be taking an extra round of batting practice before we get on the plane to go to Quebec. The Quebecois seem to be a frequent opponent for our national teams.

Abraham Volusenus - That, they do. Unfortunately, we are running out of time. I want to thank Petrus Tragus once again for joining us tonight.

Petrus Tragus - Thank you for having me on.

Abraham Volusenus - Be sure to tune into Royal One's coverage of the National Baseball Team's visit to the Royal Kingdom of Quebec tomorrow. The Nightly News is next.

[The Royal Kingdom of Quebec]

Expo Weston Found Dead in Hotel Room

Quebec's Opening day loss to Darmen was followed by the death of a reliever Ross Weston, who was found in his hotel suite at Montreal several hours ago, multiple sources told QBC news early morning.
Weston, who played 11 seasons in the Quebec Baseball Association(QBA)and scheduled to play for his 3rd consecutive WBC, was found in the 1 Peel North Hotel and Residence, just a kilometre away from Labatt Park, at around 7:15 a.m. Quebec Standard Time. The reliever was found dead on his bed, according to the Surete de Montreal(Montreal Provincial Police). He was 35.

Weston lived in Ste.Marie, Estrie with his family but was in Montreal preparing to pitch for Team Quebec at its WBC home opener against Saintland 19:30 tonight.
"There are still more to investigate and we do not know everything for now," said Constable Jeffrey Boudreau of Surete on the media conference held earlier today, "The only thing we can tell you at this moment is that he did not die of natural causes."

Ross Weston was born in a small Anglophone community of Ste.Marie, Estrie, Quebec. The reliever was drafted by St.John's Orioles in the 2001 QBA Amateur Draft. During his 11-year career in the QBA, he played for the Kingston Blue Jays and Montreal Expos. The pitcher had past history of depressions and mental disorders, which caused him to retire for 2 seasons before coming back last year under the persuasion of Roberto Balzaco, the President of Montreal Expos. He came back with much fanfare and performed well, with 11-2 record and 1.01 ERA in 68 games played.

The relieving pitcher was also a librarian and supply teacher for the local high schools in off-season and was known by the local community as a "dedicated man, with his love of kids and his family unprecedented".
"Ross was a great man with lots of heart. He was a great dad, husband, athlete and most importantly of all, a person off-turf," said Belinda Newnes, his wife, said in a statement. "Sometimes he struggled to control his mentality in and out of plate but persevered for so long. Me and my family, as well as countless of others who enjoyed him play either as their hero or opponent will remember him dearly as 'the man'. The coming days will be very difficult for us and we would respectfully ask that we be allowed to grieve quietly."

The schedule for a private funeral at St.Margaret's Church will be announced shortly, while a memorial ceremony will be held at the Labatt Park before Team Quebec's game against Saintland in WBC27 Home Opener. He is survived by his wife Belinda and 2 children, Sacha and Edmond.

[Cowardly Pacifists]

Sandpipers Baseball Report

August 20th - St. Petrus, Kingdom of Saintland

---

SANDPIPERS SHUT OUT SAINTLAND ON THE STRENGH OF LEONARD'S ARM

 Cowardly Pacifists               0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0  3
 Saintland                        0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0

Julio Leonard struck out 11 batters in the Sandpipers' return to WBC action, as the CP squad went on to shut-out the Saintland national team 3-0 in their first match of the Classic. The win over 27th ranked Saintland comes as an unexpected boon to the Sandpipers, as most expected a disgruntled Saintland squad (playing at home and upset by what they consider false CP reporting on their national population statistics) to fustigate their lower-ranked opponents.

The Sandpipers did all of their damage in the top of the 6th. Saintland pitcher Ioannes Bebius had been living dangerously all night, giving up at least one hit to the Sandpipers in each of the prior innings, including a ground rule double to DH Kelvin Mathews in the 3rd. Facing Mathews again in the 6th, Bebius threw a slow breaking ball that the designated hitter caught clean to shallow center, resulting in a single. Terence Ruiz came up next, and laid a sacrifice bunt to advance Mathews. Bebuis, perhaps frustrated, unintentionally walked Tam Nguyen, bringing up Lester Snyder. Snyder managed to take advantage of a second sloppy breaker by Bebius, doubling to deep right and brining Mathews and the speedster Nguyen home.

Though Bebius was clearly struggling, Saintland management showed faith in their starter. Unfortunately, the faith was misplaced this time, as Bebius next threw a fastball right in Harvey Oliver's wheelhouse. Oliver smashed the ball to right field, earning the power hitter a base and giving Snyder enough time to beat the ball home. Saintland finally pulled the dejected Bebius, and reliever Lucas Rufus managed to stop the bleeding and close the inning out.

For the Sandpipers, Leonard pitched into the eighth before being relieved. Saintland tried as they could to score against relievers Ruben Moss and Ronnie Bryant, but the Sandpipers' bull pen held firm. By the close of the 9th, the CP team had carried the day.

"It's a great start," said Leonard after the game, "It's your first game of the classic, you're playing away, and you're up against a highly touted opponent, so of course winning feels amazing. Of course, it's just the first game; we still have to play Saintland again at our own park, not to mention every other team in the Group. So there's no time to rest on the laurels here. There will be a party on the plane ride back home, but after that it's back to work."

The Sandpipers next play their home opener against the North Franklin Wasps at Sandpiper Park. The Wasps are unranked and will be playing their first ever international baseball game, having enjoyed a bye in MD1. If the Sandpipers can earn a second win they will ease into their first bye week with a 2-0 record.

FULL SCHEDULE
MD 1: August 20 @ Saintland₂₇ WIN (3-0)
*MD 2: August 21 HOME vs North Franklin_UR
MD 3: August 22 ***BYE***
MD 4: August 23 @ The Royal Kingdom of Quebec₅₄
MD 5: August 24 HOME vs Darmen₇
MD 6: August 25 HOME vs Saintland₂₇
MD 7: August 26 @ North Franklin_UR
MD 8: August 27 ***BYE***
*MD 9: August 28 HOME vs The Royal Kingdom of Quebec₅₄
MD 10: August 29 @ Darmen₇
*indicates home opener; *indicates homecoming game

NEXT MATCH vs North Franklin
Sandpipers Starting Pitcher: Oscar Holloway
North Franklin's Starting Pitcher: William Cranston

THE SANDPIPERS AT A GLANCE

WBC # 27          Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Current Rank   Current Place in Group
                    1    1   0     3    0   +3   43rd           2nd Place

Lifetime Win/Loss:  6-5