World Baseball Classic 31 (Everything Thread)

[Ko-oren]

Time to take this sport seriously. I mean really seriously.

Baseball, in Ko-oren, is not a science. Pre-seasons do not consist of trying to find the 100% perfect mix of players. Seasons themselves do not consist of analysing statistics. Post-seasons do not consist of looking back at the previous season, finding out where it all went wrong (or right) and addressing those points in the remainder of the year until the new season starts. No, baseball is not a science. Hardly a pastime. A hobby for some, maybe. But a very popular hobby, across the nation. The 20 professional teams (and the remaining 16 semi-professional ones) are extremely popular, but what goes on beyond the pitch and in the board room is never really front page news.

And that changes when the national team plays. 17 pitchers, 3 catchers, 10 infielders and 9 outfielders, and as soon as international baseball starts, their statistics from the previous season are suddenly important. Most national league stadiums are full throughout most of the season, but the Ko-oren NT home stadiums are sold out months in advance.

And then the inevitable happens. The hit-and-miss nature of the game. Even though we have a more talented group of players, we still don't make the WBC. Or we do, and we disappoint anyway. And whatever we do, we still rank among those few NTs that everyone's afraid of simply for us being in a Pot 1 team, but we still cannot figure out why our squad is impressive. Mostly for not knowing the statistics around our players. It's BA, RBI, H, Strikeouts, and Runs Scored, and that is usually it. For pitchers, it's even less (ERA, BB and Strikeouts). Winning teams, and by extension, the winning players, play in the NT, and losing teams and losing players generally do not.

One win in three home games against United Eastedge is all we harvested. The fans are probably already looking forward to the domestic season, but remember that the Greenblues are still second in the group, and this should statistically be our season again (reach the WBC, fail, reach the WBC, fail, rinse, repeat). Support the team, please, and keep supporting them even as they tour through the Multiverse on the streak of away games in the second half of the qualifying rounds of the World Baseball Classic... in a sport so popular, but almost amateuristically played compared to some of these statisticians all over the place.

[The Fair Republic]

Hi this is Arlan Root here reporting from Rozelle City, Brenecia. The Fair Republic Toucans are shocked after the 2-0 loss to Brenecia. At the start of the series they were 9-0 and were the group leaders. Now swept by Brenecia they are a game behind The Flock and could only muster three measly runs in the series.

Brenecia Game 1:
The Toucans started off quick with a solo shot by Orville Jaeger giving them a 1-0 lead in the top of the 1st inning. The Flock responded with a 3 run double by Chris Buick in the bottom half. Rodger Harrison allowed 10 hits and 6 runs in 4 innings of work and the Toucans could only muster 4 hits off Seb Keller as he pitched a complete game as the Toucans lost 8-1

Brenecia Game 2:
The Flock jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the 2nd inning after a 2 run shot by Alisha Bardsley. The Toucans tied the game up in the 6th with a 2 run triple by Harry Liddi. Elaine Trayder hit the go ahead sac fly in bottom of the 8th scoring Chris Buick. Janice Fallon struck out the side in the 9th to pick up the save as The Flock won 3-2

Brenecia Game 3:
This was an old fashioned pitchers duel. Kev Spearing and Leigh Phillips matched blow for blow and hitters on both teams didn't stand a chance. Spearing went the distance striking out 13 and walking only 2. The normally wild pitcher showed great control working both sides of the strikezone and tossing a mix of curves and change ups to keep hitters off balance and then blew them away with a fastball that consistently reaches the high 90's. Phillips walked none and struck out 5 in 8 solid innings of work. He used his sinker effectively to force grounders into the dirt for easy outs and worked himself out of a bases loaded jam in the 7th giving the Toucans a chance to win. With 2 outs in the 9th and a runner on first, Ron Henderson left an hanging curve over the middle of the plate and Kurtis Ruff smashed it into center field for the walkoff win.


Next Series: Russian Soviet Socialist States (UR)
Little is known about this team as they don't have a roster. The Toucans need to win this series to wrap up the 1st half of the group stage to put themselves into a good position in a tight group 8 as only 2 games separate 1st place Brenecia from 3rd place Gregoryisgodistan with the Toucans only 1 game behind Brenecia.

[Wolfbenz]

The Kolbenz Times

Dire Wolves out of Luck?

After being swept by Mochira, the Dire Wolves' morale is sinking minute by minute, and we're not even halfway through the group stage yet. We've been swept in half of our series, the team is under scrutiny of possible match fixing, and someone keeps stealing my pens when I'm out on lunch break.

Most citizens hate the game as well. Out of fifty people interviewed on the streets of Kolbenz, only eleven of them said they liked baseball. Even the Prime Minister claimed that he didn't like baseball that much in an interview. He says watching it bores him.

Anyways, let's get to the match review.

Match 1: When the game started, it looked rather decent. Yasha Borg hit a home run as the first hit of the game, and was quite a spectacle to see. Unfortunately, that was the only run we got that game. The Dire Wolves pitching game was awful, per usual, and Väinö Albrektsson threw the ball at one of the Mochiran batters, which the umpire might have thought was on purpose, and Albrektsson was ejected after dissent to the umpire. The Mochirans didn't have any runs that inning, and we went into the top of the second ready to prove that we could win against a ranked team. 

We played awfully throughout the rest of the game, and I couldn't bear to watch very much of it. I heard from one of my friends that some people at the bar took a shot every time the Mochirans got a run. One guy is in a hospital now, and some others passed out in the bar. In the end, we got thrashed 1-9.

Match 2: Although we were humiliated in the first match, some were still optimistic that we could beat the Mochirans and show that we weren't inept in baseball. We had another chance to prove that we could play better.

And then we got shutout 10-0. If the first match was painful to endure, this one was ten times worse. The Dire Wolves hitting was below average, the outfield made a bunch of errors, and the Mochirans were playing better than they were last game. It was like a gang of martial artists were fighting five year olds who only knew to kick other peoples shins, minus the fact that people thought that the martial artists were awful people for beating up five year olds. I don't even want to talk about this one.

Match 3: Head coach Pontus Ottosson thought that another loss like that was going to get him sacked, so he must've given the Dire Wolves a good yelling and worked them until they could barely breathe. That match still resulted in a 2-3 loss, which was a bit disappointing, but better than being pounded 10-0. 

The Mochirans gained two runs in the eighth inning, scored by Frank Lee Dontgiveadamn (we can say that, right?), and Wolverine St. Jack John. The Mochirans played a great defensive game, as did the Dire Wolves, but theirs was better in the end.

Next Match: Home to Nova Anglicana, one of the co-hosts of the tournament and ranked 3rd overall. It won't be such a suprise if we get swept again. One of my friends even bet that the Nova Angelicanan team would beat us in one game by at least 20 goals.

Schedule for next five games and their locations
Nova Anglicana @ Wolfbenz
Peruvian Highlands @ Wolfbenz
The Kytler Peninsulae @ Wolfbenz
Wolfbenz @ Forthhanu
Mochira @ Wolfbenz
Links for Home Series tickets

Nova Anglicana @ Wolfbenz
http://royalwolfbenztickets.wb/wbc31/nvavswbz
Peruvian Highlands @ Wolfbenz
http://royalwolfbenztickets.wb/wbc31/pvhvswbz
The Kytler Peninsulae @ Wolfbenz
http://royalwolfbenztickets.wb/wbc31/kytvswbz
Mochira @ Wolfbenz
http://royalwolfbenztickets.wb/wbc31/mocvswbz

[Zwangzug]

"Kredeek winds and delivers...the pitch comes in...swung on and missed by Jackson."

"Jackson and Kredeek, of course, longtime teammates for the Aurora."

"Yes, that's correct, one of the few foreigners to play in Zwangzug's league. Here's a changeup for a ball high."

"He's a longtimer, was with them back in WBC 27."

"...and Kredeek debuted in 28, not much difference."

"Touche! All right, so Kredeek one of the longtimers--the Aurora coming second in the championship series, you can say they still have their stuff."

"I can also say that foreigners are weird. This'll be swung on for strike two."

"Now, that's a little provincial of you! The Aurora have benefited from their diversity!"

"Like the Millers used to have with Steven Wilson?"

"They...weren't last this past season, right, they could imaginably be worse."

"The previous season they were last, though? This'll be taken outside, ball two."

"Put it this way, would you encourage other players from other countries to come here, if you were their agent?"

"Well...no, I probably wouldn't."

"Exactly my point!"

"If I were their agent? I'd be too busy trying to see what the situation was in their own country, which teams are contending, who's committed to building a winning team, who can provide a long-term home for their family."

"Oh, you're one of those--"

"Or, if the political situation is unjust, what steps they'd need to take to get a contract elsewhere, how to secure national team eligibility."

"Okay, I get it--"

"And this'll be hit into right, Jackson will hold up at first, so two on and nobody out here in the sixth, it's 5-2 Equestrian States."

"So he's figured out how to deal with Zwangzug pitching!"

"Except that makes literally no sense, because that was his teammate pitching to him?"

"Fine, be like that."

"Look at the last couple days--two singles yesterday, that's better evidence, that was up against Fitch and Stumb."

"Sure, but he did go oh for three the day before..."

"Nobody was really getting hits that day, Riis' run was pretty lucky. If Neigo-Dukawa spears the liner--"

"Well, she didn't, and that's what counts."

"True enough. Here's something else to count, popped up to the mound by Harp, Kredeek settles under it, makes the catch, and there's one away."

[Nova Anglicana]

Lions Drop First Series, Sanctii Steroid Scandal?

The Nova Anglicana Lions, like other top seeds, were sitting in first place at 9-0 after three series. Up next for them was a trip to The Kytler Peninsulae, currently the hosts of the Games of the IX Olympiad. Despite the lack of media attention, the Kytlerians had surged to a 7-2 record and were ready to take on the top-seeded Lions.

Steady if unspectacular Phillip Denton held the Lions in check, allowing just one run on four hits and a walk through six innings. Despite taking him deep into counts, the Lions more often than not came up empty. They did force him out after 108 pitches, leaving the job to the less-than-stellar bullpen. However, with a 4-1 lead going into the 7th, the bullpen had room for error. Lions starter Brad Bryan, who had pitched six good innings before imploding in his last matchup against Peruvian Highlands, allowed four runs in six innings. Despite an RBI double from Tony Barnes and loading the bases in the 9th against closer Asher Meynderts, the Lions couldn't come away with a win and fell 4-2.

They bounced back in game 2, getting the better of Meynderts via a two-run blast from pinch-hitter Leon French and Jamey Conroy closing it down with two strikeouts. But in game 3, Justin Garcia, who had pitched two consecutive shutouts, lasted just 4.2 innings and surrendered five runs, while John Thompson nibbled and got the Lions to chase all day, allowing just one run in eight innings. The Lions are still on top of the group, but a third straight road series may have started to wear on them. They will play their fourth consecutive series away from home next against Wolfbenz. Wolfbenz is only 2-10, but the Lions should be wary.

In other news, a publication calling itself "Independent Baseball Report" has claimed to have evidence of steroid purchase and use by the national baseball team of Saintland. Apparently sore after the women of Feministvs Sanctvsterra participated instead of them in the last two Classics, the Sanctii have set out to win this one with the help of performance-enhancing drugs. Marcus and Petrus Tragus, as well as the entire Sanctii pitching staff, were named in the report. This publication anticipates that the hosts will be implementing a drug-testing program and that players discovered to have used steroids will be suspended from the competition, but that the teams will not be expelled from the tournament. In any case, the use of steroids is a serious offense and should not be taken lightly by anyone in this competition.

MD5 cutoff.

[Nova Anglicana]

MD5 Results

Karditan 4–1 Jecatria
Karditan 2–1 Jecatria
Karditan 10–0 Jecatria

San Jose Guayabal 3–0 Silver Beach
San Jose Guayabal 9–3 Silver Beach
San Jose Guayabal 9–3 Silver Beach

Allamunnic States 3–0 Coconutstan
Allamunnic States 6–2 Coconutstan
Allamunnic States 2–6 Coconutstan

Group 1
                        Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Karditan               15   14   1    86   36  +50    42
2 San Jose Guayabal      15   10   5    62   46  +16    30
3 Allamunnic States      15    7   8    48   51   −3    21
4 Silver Beach           15    5  10    44   63  −19    15
5 Jecatria               15    5  10    49   71  −22    15
6 Coconutstan            15    4  11    43   65  −22    12

The Serbian Empire 2–8 Miley World
The Serbian Empire 5–2 Miley World
The Serbian Empire 5–4 Miley World

Maklohi Vai 9–1 Vulshain
Maklohi Vai 6–2 Vulshain
Maklohi Vai 7–3 Vulshain

Darmen 2–6 Qazox
Darmen 3–0 Qazox
Darmen 0–3 Qazox

Group 2
                        Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Darmen                 15   13   2    76   24  +52    39
2 Maklohi Vai            15   10   5    75   38  +37    30
3 The Serbian Empire     15    9   6    56   48   +8    27
4 Qazox                  15    7   8    46   62  −16    21
5 Miley World            15    3  12    38   82  −44     9
6 Vulshain               15    3  12    40   77  −37     9

Thatius 5–0 Abanhfleft
Thatius 1–0 Abanhfleft
Thatius 10–2 Abanhfleft

Crystal Empire 7–0 New West Guiana
Crystal Empire 8–4 New West Guiana
Crystal Empire 6–0 New West Guiana

Patistan 7–6 The Sarian
Patistan 4–2 The Sarian
Patistan 8–6 The Sarian

Group 3
                        Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Patistan               15   13   2    95   55  +40    39
2 Thatius                15   10   5    61   39  +22    30
3 Crystal Empire         15    9   6    62   46  +16    27
4 New West Guiana        15    6   9    58   81  −23    18
5 The Sarian             15    4  11    55   71  −16    12
6 Abanhfleft             15    3  12    32   71  −39     9

New Wolfopolis 5–0 Insubria and Orobia
New Wolfopolis 3–2 Insubria and Orobia
New Wolfopolis 6–3 Insubria and Orobia

Britonisea 6-1 Taxachusetts
Britonisea 4–5 Taxachusetts
Britonisea 6–0 Taxachusetts

Estope 3–1 Vettrera
Estope 7–2 Vettrera
Estope 0–5 Vettrera

Group 4
                        Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Estope                 15   14   1    75   31  +44    42
2 New Wolfopolis         15   10   5    66   54  +12    30
3 Britonisea             15    8   7    71   64   +7    24
4 Vettrera               15    8   7    59   47  +12    24
5 Taxachusetts           15    4  11    49   72  −23    12
6 Insubria and Orobia    15    1  14    43   95  −52     3

Diegstra 6–0 Itanpavia
Diegstra 5–0 Itanpavia
Diegstra 4–1 Itanpavia

Western Cuba 2–1 Jachaelter
Western Cuba 9–1 Jachaelter
Western Cuba 8–5 Jachaelter

Super-Llamaland 6–2 Mapletish
Super-Llamaland 7–3 Mapletish
Super-Llamaland 6–0 Mapletish

Group 5
                        Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Super-Llamaland        15   15   0   102   14  +88    45
2 Western Cuba           15   12   3    86   42  +44    36
3 Diegstra               15    8   7    62   53   +9    24
4 Mapletish              15    5  10    41   84  −43    15
5 Jachaelter             15    3  12    32   78  −46     9
6 Itanpavia              15    2  13    26   78  −52     6

Zwangzug 3–4 Vankelland Islands
Zwangzug 10–4 Vankelland Islands
Zwangzug 4–1 Vankelland Islands

Saintland 7–6 Western Borderlands
Saintland 1–0 Western Borderlands
Saintland 5–1 Western Borderlands

Equestrian States 5–0 Paymina
Equestrian States 4–0 Paymina
Equestrian States 7–1 Paymina

Group 6
                        Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Saintland              15   13   2    69   42  +27    39
2 Equestrian States      15   12   3    80   31  +49    36
3 Zwangzug               15    8   7    83   48  +35    24
4 Vankelland Islands     15    5  10    56   87  −31    15
5 Paymina                15    4  11    50   83  −33    12
6 Western Borderlands    15    3  12    51   98  −47     9


Hicaña 6–3 Camerania
Hicaña 6–0 Camerania
Hicaña 5–3 Camerania

Saugeais 3–5 North Britonisea
Saugeais 5–2 North Britonisea
Saugeais 10-4 North Britonisea

Vaugania 8–0 Pink Floyd Fans
Vaugania 3–1 Pink Floyd Fans
Vaugania 10–2 Pink Floyd Fans

Group 7
                        Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Vaugania               15   15   0    91   27  +64    45
2 Hicaña                 15   10   5    62   58   +4    30
3 Saugeais               15    9   6    81   38  +43    27
4 North Britonisea       15    5  10    54   69  −15    15
5 Pink Floyd Fans        15    5  10    38   78  −40    15
6 Camerania              15    1  14    33   89  −56     3

Brenecia 9–0 Guerro
Brenecia 3–0 Guerro
Brenecia 1–0 Guerro

Gregoryisgodistan 5–6 Ideos
Gregoryisgodistan 3–0 Ideos
Gregoryisgodistan 4–2 Ideos

The Fair Republic 6–4 Russian Soviet Socialist States
The Fair Republic 6–4 Russian Soviet Socialist States
The Fair Republic 6–0 Russian Soviet Socialist States

Group 8
                                   Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Brenecia                          15   13   2    71   19  +52    39
2 The Fair Republic                 15   12   3    78   42  +36    36
3 Gregoryisgodistan                 15   10   5    65   43  +22    30
4 Ideos                             15    5  10    45   66  −21    15
5 Russian Soviet Socialist States   15    3  12    26   78  −52     9
6 Guerro                            15    2  13    42   79  −37     6

United Eastedge 1–0 Aredshan
United Eastedge 1–6 Aredshan
United Eastedge 6–0 Aredshan

New Montreal States 5–3 Gregory Llama Land
New Montreal States 3–4 Gregory Llama Land
New Montreal States 6–0 Gregory Llama Land

Ko-oren 7–5 Perong
Ko-oren 6–5 Perong
Ko-oren 8–5 Perong

Group 9
                        Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 New Montreal States    15   13   2    86   40  +46    39
2 Ko-oren                15   10   5    78   51  +27    30
3 United Eastedge        15    8   7    54   59   −5    24
4 Gregory Llama Land     15    6   9    65   75  −10    18
5 Perong                 15    5  10    49   69  −20    15
6 Aredshan               15    3  12    42   80  −38     9


Cosumar 2–4 Republic Singapore
Cosumar 6–0 Republic Singapore
Cosumar 2–3 Republic Singapore

Royal Kingdom of Quebec 6–0 Sauceistan
Royal Kingdom of Quebec 6–4 Sauceistan
Royal Kingdom of Quebec 3–4 Sauceistan

The Royal Barangay 6–5 Yakus
The Royal Barangay 11–0 Yakus
The Royal Barangay 8–0 Yakus

Group 10
                           Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 The Royal Barangay        15   14   1   135   32 +103    42
2 Royal Kingdom of Quebec   15   11   4    82   59  +23    33
3 Republic Singapore        15    7   8    47   82  −35    21
4 Cosumar                   15    7   8    52   47   +5    21
5 Yakus                     15    4  11    52  103  −51    12
6 Sauceistan                15    2  13    38   83  −45     6

The Kytler Peninsulae 8–2 Forthhanu
The Kytler Peninsulae 6–3 Forthhanu
The Kytler Peninsulae 3–4 Forthhanu

Mochria 8–6 Peruvian Highlands
Mochria 5–2 Peruvian Highlands
Mochria 4–3 Peruvian Highlands

Nova Anglicana 3–2 Wolfbenz
Nova Anglicana 5–4 Wolfbenz
Nova Anglicana 6–0 Wolfbenz

Group 11
                         Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Nova Anglicana          15   13   2    82   38  +44    39
2 The Kytler Peninsulae   15   11   4    70   49  +21    33
3 Mochria                 15   10   5    71   45  +26    30
4 Peruvian Highlands      15    6   9    67   75   −8    18
5 Forthhanu               15    3  12    31   74  −43     9
6 Wolfbenz                15    2  13    40   80  −40     6

Nassau-Hessen 2–1 Estenia
Nassau-Hessen 8–5 Estenia
Nassau-Hessen 8–0 Estenia

Milchama 4–2 Bissone
Milchama 0–4 Bissone
Milchama 5–1 Bissone

Jeckland 10–0 Imota
Jeckland 9–6 Imota
Jeckland 10–3 Imota

Group 12
                        Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Jeckland               15   14   1    94   29  +65    42
2 Nassau-Hessen          15    9   6    68   47  +21    27
3 Milchama               15    8   7    64   63   +1    24
4 Imota                  15    7   8    63   66   −3    21
5 Bissone                15    4  11    37   77  −40    12
6 Estenia                15    3  12    37   81  −44     9

[Silver Beach]

Silver Beach baseball in freefalling panic mode

The panic bells are ringing all around the Silver Beach Royal Baseball Association headquarters in Lulika City, and the signs are not good. Silver Beach, after opening the tournament with a successful 3 game home sweep, are 2-10 since that sweep, getting swept in their second series and the very last series against San Jose, while dropping two out of three in each of the series in between. They went from 3-0 and in first place early, and now, halfway through the group stages, are in real danger of not qualifying for the knockout stages at all since they are 5-10 and are now in 4th place only due to winning the tiebreaker against Jecatria for run difference, since the Silverian run difference is ‘only’ -19. They are very close to the cellar of Group 1, and a lot of things need to change if Silver Beach hopes to turn it around and do themselves proud in the second half of the tournament, let alone qualifying for the playoffs.

In the first game, they lost 3-0 against San Jose Guayabal. Marwan Safadi was able to go deep into the game, allowing a 2nd inning 2 run shot, but otherwise shutting down San Jose Guayabal over 7 2/3 strong innings pitched. Azzam also allowed a pinch hit solo shot in the 8th inning and they lost that game 3-0. The problem was, as has been a problem since the first series, was the offense. Silver Beach never put up any type of offense in the first game, as their only two hits were a single in the 3rd and a 1 out double in the 9th. They allowed the opposing San Jose Guayabal pitcher to throw 8 1/3 shutout innings, while the closer came in and got the final two outs after the San Jose starter allowed a 1 out double. The outs were a swinging third strike for the second out, and a groundout to 2nd base for the final out of the inning.

In the second and third games, Silver Beach lost by similar scores of 9-3. However, both games were different. When Silver Beach’s knuckleballer went on in the 2nd game, they were able to consistently score runs off him in every inning. Silver Beach actually had a good beginning to the game when Hussein Jeafar hit a two run double in the 1st inning. However, in the 2nd inning, things started to go haywire. While the knuckler had a 1-2-3 first inning, Silver Beach was not able to be strong afterwards. The knuckler allowed a leadoff single in the 2nd, and after a steal, two slow groudballs to the right side drove in the baserunner and made the score 2-1. In the 3rd inning, back-to-back doubles tied the score at 2. In the 4th inning, a two run shot gave San Jose Guayabal a 4-2 lead. San Jose kept on scoring however. In the 5th inning, they had loaded the bases with 2 outs, even after a leadoff home run to start the inning, so it was 5-2. At that moment, they put in a long reliver and took out the knuckler, and the long reliever allowed a 2 run single to make the game 7-2 and put the game out of reach for Silver Beach, giving 7 earned runs to the knuckler. Solo shots in the 6th and 8th accounted for the last two runs for San Jose Guayabal, and Silver Beach sustained the beating.

In the 3rd game, San Jose Guayabal chased the starter early. 6 runs in the first inning, highlighted by a 3 run home run by their cleanup hitter, forced Silver Beach to put on a long reliever after their starter only went 1+, and the long reliever actually had a decent game so Silver Beach would not overwork their bullpen. The long reliever pitched 6 innings in relief and allowed two runs, which was a solid outing coming out of the pen in the second inning with 2 on and nobody out. Silver Beach scored all three of its run in the 5th inning, but they could not make the game close, losing 9-3 for the second night in a row to San Jose Guayabal.

With the halfway break coming up in the World Baseball Classic, we will use that to preview what Silver Beach has to do to turn things around in this tournament, and we will talk about what moves the manager will make to try and generate more consistency out of his struggling World Baseball Classic side.

[Sou Lekaland]

Can I play Baseball I totally love baseball

[Imota]

Can I play Baseball I totally love baseball

Not at the moment; the current tournament is already underway. However, you're more than welcome to sign up for the next World Baseball Classic, or the International Baseball Slam, when sign ups open.

[Imota]

Also, just a notice that my cutoffs will be between 22:00 and midnight Japan Standard Time (UTC +9). My first cutoff will be on Saturday, August 30 (so, in just over forty-six and a half hours).

Good luck!

[Ideos]

Ideos Breathes a Sigh of Relief after securing a victory over Guerro and a much-needed 4th place spot on Group 8

I was in Haihagen today, where crowds of fans were waving Ideosian flags and smaller flags of The Guerroian nation. I talked to Brandon Dempsey, who was covered with blue and white face paint. He yelled over the cheering crowd: "We may not be ready for the 1st or 2nd place spot in Group 8, which we need in the future, but we have beaten Guerro, and that gave us back our pride." Similar sights appeared in large cities across the country, and it seems as if the Tournament has especially brought new life to the vineyards and beaches of the northern coast region. The defeat against Gregoryisgodistan in the last 2 games only slightly affected the cheers, and many are looking at the series with new hope. The next game is against R.S.S.S, a repeat of the first game of the tournament. Fans and players hope for a turn-around in this next round, as a 5-10 record in the first leg cannot be tolerated again, if the team hopes to achieve a #1 or #2 spot to advance. All we can do in the next two days before the action begins again is wait, hope, and cheer.

An attendance of The King at the Ideos-Guerro Series?

Rumors have been circulating around the nation that George Benidi, reigning monarch of the Kingdom, was spotted in attendance on Wednesday with his son and grandson. Perhaps wanting to catch some time away from the political stress of Haihagen, and the growing international incidents in New Austzeland and elsewhere in Atlas. The monarch in his earlier years was taken photos of tossing a baseball with his son Kenny, and has since attended IBA games in both Kiragen and St. Berr. Now 82, the monarch has showed signs of age in recent meetings with the IFA and at Atlas Summits. Likely nearing the day to hand off the crown to Prince Kenny, he wishes to spend time with his family. The palace has not confirmed these rumors, but several fans of the team have said to have spotted him, the hashtag #Baseballwiththeking trending on social media.

[Zwangzug]

"Faustmann will take this outside, one and oh."

"Do you know what it's time for?"

"Zwangzug to get a rally going, maybe?"

"Could be."

"Evidently not just yet...taken for a strike to even the count."

"I was asking whether it's time for this date in baseball history."

"It's probably not."

"I just thought I'd ask."

"I appreciate your curiosity. But how about the Zebras do something...Faustmann hits this on the ground, second baseman flips it to first for the out. Okay, never mind that, then."

"This'll bring up Neigo-Dukawa. She got a couple hits yesterday, in the win."

"Here's the pitch...taken, down the middle, strike one."

"No score here in the second. Could we make up some companies to sponsor our broadcasts?"

"Let's not and say we did."

"And say we did! See, I think if you were an agent, you'd be able to handle this kind of thing pretty well."

"Neigo-Dukawa will foul that one back to the screen, it's oh and two."

"I mean, it's not like being a WTB announcer is a great long-term career path, you know?"

"This is like our fifteenth game? That's more than some people manage."

"Okay so it's our fifteenth game, but only our fifth series, which let me tell you--"

"No."

"No what?"

"No, I'm not going to let you tell anybody what you think. Neigo-Dukawa pops up to the mound, pitcher settles under it, makes the catch."

"There is literally no point in me being your color commentator then, at this rate."

"What you think about the tournament structure. Anything else, is fine."

"Anything?"

"I mean, I can't stop you, but you should be thinking about what effect it might have on your tenure."

"Hmph. Well, in that case, Geshnan struck out a couple times yesterday, maybe looking for a little more patience here?"

"Maybe. This one will be taken high."

"Do you want to guess the attendance?"

"No."

"I could guess it too. We could compete?"

"Have you looked it up already?"

"We could answer on behalf of a fan--"

"Geshnan fouls this one past first, oh and two."

"Just trying to give you ideas."

"I have many ideas, most of which involve discussing, for instance, how Geshnan is waiting for the pitch, how the fastball comes in, how he skies it into the outfield, how the center fielder drifts in, calls it, waves off the others, makes the catch."

"Those are a rather limited set of ideas."

"And the Zebras go down one-two-three in the second. Stay with us, please. This could take a while..."

[The Fair Republic]

Hi, this Arlan Root here with the post series analysis of the Toucans-R.S.S.S series.

R.S.S.S Game 1:
Reggie Picker has a 3 RBI double in the 1st inning to give the Toucans an early lead. Kyle Lynch allows 4 runs in 6 innings striking out 8. Jarred Holland hits the go ahead 3 run homer in the 8th. Scooter Jamison makes a 2 inning save as the Toucans win 6-4.

R.S.S.S Game 2:
The R.S.S.S jumped on Leigh Phillips from the start. The lefty allowed 4 runs in 5 innings of work on 13 hits and 3 walks. Only a solo homer by Henry Brando in the 4th inning kept the game close at 4-1. Then in the 7th the Toucans rallied. Jaeger had a leadoff single. Followed by a Wilson single advancing the speedy Jaeger to 3rd. After a walk by Brando, Picker singled, driving home Jaeger making it 4-2. Donaldson walked scoring Wilson making it 4-3. Payton was hit by a pitch, scoring Brando to tie the game up at 4-4. After a Benson strkeout, Holland hits a sac fly to deep left center field scoring Picker with Donaldson and Payton advancing to 2nd and 3rd respectively. Liddi hit a single to left scoring Donaldson. Playton was thrown out trying to score. After the 5 run outburst, the Toucans had a 6-4 lead entering the bottom of the 7th. Jamison picks up another save as the Toucan win again by the score of 6-4


R.S.S.S Game 3:
Patrick Peterson throws a complete game shutout striking out 14 and only allowing 1 hit. Harry Liddi hit for the cycle and drove in 4 runs. Bob Benson hits a 2 run homer in the 9th and the Toucans win 6-0


Next Series: Guerro (UR)
This signifies the start of the 2nd half of the group stage. The Toucans were able to sweep the Slagskepp although the WBC newcomers put up a hell of a fight surprising the Toucans. The key to another sweep is to shutdown the Slagskeepp bats. The pitching staff did that to great effect only allowing 8 runs in 3 games but expect it to be much tougher than the 1st time. The Toucans can get into 1st depending on the outcome of the Brenecia-Gregoryisgodistan series. If the Toucans sweep Guerro and Gregoryisgodistan wins their series, the Toucans can regain the group lead after losing it after the Brenecia debacle.

[Saintland]

OOC: Obviously, the conversation between King Petrus and Yumiya Ikeda is not public knowledge.

Saintland National Baseball Team Practice, Royal Park, St. Petrus, Saintland

On the first of their 2 mid-WBC off days, the Saintland National Baseball Team held a practice session at Royal Park. King Petrus XX attended the practice, taking a day off from his preparation for the upcoming World Bowl. While nothing interesting happened on the practice field, the on-the-field story of the team's remarkable and completely unexpected 13-2 start was clearly taking a back seat to the story broken by the Independent Baseball Report, some foreign blog that nobody had ever heard of until the day prior.

The accusations that the Saintland National Team was using chemical enhancements to win baseball games in the current WBC were believed in many quarters. Suspicion had only grown following a 20 strikeout perfect game by Reegan Scott in the second game at Western Borderlands in which Scott's fastball regularly clocked in over 100 MPH on the radar gun, noticeably faster than it had been, even in his previous WBC outings. Nikon Mironov's Sporting World article claimed that Scott had been less than 100% in earlier starts and that his performance against Western Borderlands was a consequence of his now finally being 100%. In Taxachusetts, that explanation was the subject of jokes by late night comedians, but in nations where the government and the Church of Saintland were basically synonymous, the press either ridiculed the steroid allegations or just ignored them altogether.

Of course, Yumiya Ikeda, the manager of the Saintland National Team, was well aware of what was actually going on, as was the King of Saintland. Reports had come out that Nova Anglicana, in light of the rumors, was making plans to steroid test players once the WBC reached the playoff rounds and it would be surprising if Imota had not done the same. The 2 men discussed how to deal with this situation:

King Petrus XX - Ikeda, have you heard about the statements by the Nova Anglicanan media?

Yumiya Ikeda - Yes, indeed I have. This testing is very worrying for us.

King Petrus XX - Is it really? I thought we had foolproof methods to thwart testing and designer substances that the tests won't detect.

Yumiya Ikeda - We do, but we also use substances that can be detected. The doctors produce a specialized regimen for each player to maximize his performance.

King Petrus XX - Would removing some of the more easily detectable substances from use undermine performance?

Yumiya Ikeda - Yes, it would.

King Petrus XX - I see. Is there any way to beat the tests?

Yumiya Ikeda - Yes. We have acquired several tools for that very purpose.

King Petrus XX - Good. Are they foolproof?

Yumiya Ikeda - If used properly, yes, they are. But, if not, then what we will do?

King Petrus XX - Don't worry about it. If worst comes to worst, we'll accuse the hosts of lying and of tampering with samples. We'll claim that our players are Christians and thus would never do anything underhanded. If we have to, we'll sue them in the Republican courts for libel and we all know how seriously they take libel over there.

Yumiya Ikeda - At least you've got a backup plan.

King Petrus XX - If I have to use that plan, they'll readily admit that they were in error and waive any suspensions. Nobody in their right mind would want to have an outstanding Republican arrest warrant in their name.

Yumiya Ikeda - Of course not.

King Petrus XX - I'll be heading over to Royal Stadium. I need to oversee today's Training Camp practice. Good luck in your upcoming games, especially the ones to be held in Zwangzug and the Equestrian States.

Yumiya Ikeda - We'll do our best.

King Petrus XX - I hope so.

The King of Saintland left Royal Park and walked the short distance to Royal Stadium, where the Saintland National Gridiron Team was practicing for the upcoming World Bowl 24. In the second half of the WBC, the Saintland National Team's goals were to clinch a spot in the playoffs, finish ahead of the Equestrian States and finish as one of the top 8 group winners, in order to earn a bye in the Round of 24. To achieve all 3 goals, they would likely need to win 14 or 15 of their remaining 15 games, given that every group had a team with at least 13 wins at the midway point. That would not be easy...

[Maklohi Vai]

Lumako Kurukapai reports on WBC 31

[Super-Llamaland]

Epic Quest 2: More Logical than a Young-Earth Creationist!

seven

Wolfie clambered upon the gaudy blue-and-green podium with microphone in hand (the podium, for all its flash, lacked a mic, so he had been forced to - *gasp* - bring in his own), and tapped on it.

A moved sob choked its way out of the audience, followed by head-poundingly loud clapping and cheering. The entire audience stood up, brilliantly moved by Wolfie's profound display, and wept.

Llama, walking up behind Wolfie, scratched his head. "Erm, what did you just do?" he asked perplexedly.

"I dunno, I just tapped on the mic. It's so random."

"...random...?"

"..."

"Aw, ****," Llama concluded. Wolfie nodded in agreement. They cast confused eyes over the crowd, who proceeded to get back into their original forms, staring at each other nonplussedly and wondering who started it.

"Uh...do we start now?" Llama asked. Wolfie nodded. "Alright, first matchups and group draw posted! Let's get this WBC on the road!" A lesser cheer to the first drifted from the audience, and the two jogged to their own fields.

Things were looking up.

---

Jeck stood awkwardly to a side, wondering who he would play. As he stayed, he noticed Margaret approaching in her mortal form.

"I slated you to play a ghost nation called "Jeck off a tree." At least, that's what I told the secretary bloke.

"Jeckland to play Jecatria, on Field B!" somebody yelled. "Five minute warning!"

"Mortals," Margaret mumbled. "Always misinterpreting things."

---

More, non-EpicQuest RP to come

[New Montreal States]

SIXTEEN UNBELIEVABLE FACTS ABOUT GREGORY LLAMA LAND

Here you are now, we'll entertain you

1) They beat the Reformed Expos 4-3. Sure, it happened two nights ago, but we're still wrapping our brains around this one.

2) They worship the self-proclaimed Almighty Lord Gregory. According to Gregory Llama Theology, Lord Almighty Gregory was born on the sacred Mt. Paektu and freed their country from colonial oppression through his all-encompassing self-righteousness.

3) No, seriously, they take the Alleged Lord Gregory's claptrap at face value. While it's been scientifically proven that people named Gregory are taller, smarter, handsomer, better drummers, more athletic, harder, better, faster, stronger, Fitter, happier, more productive, comfortable, drinking too much, regular exercise at the gym (3 days a week), getting on better with their associate employee contemporaries, at ease, eating well (no more microwave dinners and saturated fats), a patient better driver, then people with any other name, worshiping them is still several dozen steps too far.

4) They can persecute heretics despite not having opposable thumbs. Like mom always said, where they're a will, there's a few dozen bundles of sticks and a jerrycan of kerosene.

5) They take the Gregory-worshippers' anonymity to the next level. While Gregoryisgodistani names usually reflect their holder's occupation - with proper names and identities reserved for people who have distinguished themselves through service to megalomaniac and country - Gregory Llama Land takes it a step further by not identifying any of the llamas who take the field on their behalf.

6) Gregory Llamas have 22 teeth instead of the typical 21. They claim this is a gift from their batshit insane god.

7) Instead of the 7th-inning stretch, they have the 7th-inning public execution. Visiting teams have filed several dozen formal protests, to no avail.

8) Their language has over 90 different words for "execution." And their word for "clemency" also means "yeah, right."

9) Starting pitchers that fail to make it out of the 6th inning have a 100% mortality rate. The pitching commissar uses a handheld pitching machine to fire a single 150-mph fastball at the base of the offending pitcher's skull.

10) Resin bags are forbidden by law. Using resin marks a pitcher as being a decadent heretic-roader running pig dog.

11) Over 300 different national health services offer therapy for citizens returning from trips to Gregory Llama Land. Approved forms of treatment range from eighteen hours of gestalt therapy to hugs from people dressed as characters from local children's TV shows.

12) Their preferred form of artistic expression is the experimental novel. Unfortunately, their terse yet expressive prose is completely untranslatable.

13) Their national anthem is "Nightdoggiepaddling" by Rapid Eye Motion. Most music fans have trouble grasping how one band can simultaneously garden and swim at night, but Gregory Llamas are evidently capable of squaring that circle.

14) When you play their national anthem backwards, you can hear a hoarse baritone voice barking "Hail Santa" over and over again. Despite this, their 62-year streak of getting nothing but coal in their stockings continues unabated.

15) Any citizen of Gregory Llama Land who read this far is probably already dead. Click here for a list of 65 worse ways to go.

16) By clicking on a link to this article, you created 1.50 oz in advertising revenue for our site. And by making it to the end of this listicle, you generated another 1.50. SUCKERS!

[Imota]

The Imota Professional Baseball League (IPBL) Official Website: Your WBC 31 Headquarters!

Jecked Out: Spuds Sweep Sunwings, Stand Strong in First (http://ipbl.im/wbc31/5)

The Sunwings got their first sweep of the Classic, and not in their favor. Top seed Jeckland outscored the Sunwings 29-9 to build a five game lead.

Game 1: Jeckland 10, Imota 0
Jay Henry and Aidan Beven made mincemeat of Nozomi Itoshiki, combined for seven batted in over just five innings. On the other side, Finlay Pollard held the bats to four hits and no runs over seven innings. It was a thoroughly disappointing performance by the Sunwings.

Game 2: Jeckland 9, Imota 6
The Sunwings did a bit better this time around. Haruki Saeusa held the Spuds to just three runs over seven innings while Senjirou Ushiromiya and Sadaharu Takamori chipped in two runs apiece. Unfortunately, a bullpen meltdown allowed the Spuds to retake the lead and hold it.

Game 3: Jeckland 10, Imota 3
Again, the Sunwings took an early lead courtesy of a two run shot by Chie Yakumo of all people, but the pitchers simply could not stop the Spuds. Haruki Saegusa gave up six runs in just under five innings, and the bullpen simply could not keep the potato fire under control.

With these losses, Imota falls to 7-8 and fourth place in the group. Improving our performance against Milchama and Jeckland will be critical, of course, but the fact that we took two out of three against Nassau-Hessen and the two unranked teams doesn’t mean we can relax on that front either. Jeckland may have established a very good lead on top, but with just two games separating second and fourth place, the focus will likely be on Nassau-Hessen, Milchama, and Imota, the three teams gunning for the second playoff spot.

After the break, the Sunwings will take on Bissone (4-11) at home. Manager Franz Lilienthal has confirmed that Makoto Kikuchi, Sakuya Izayoi, and Nozomi Itoshiki will start in order. Don’t miss it!

Saintland Steroid Scandal?

The Independent Baseball Report says that Saintland's team is using steroids! What do you think? If it's true, I think it's terrible!

bullshit source is bullshit gtfo

r u sure?

Would they really, though? I mean, their kirishitans, after all...

lol religions a load of bullshit neway

stfu noob

I swear, can no one on this fucking forum fucking spel?

^ spell

lol

But seriously, if what the report says is true, we've got a serious problem.

What are the Nova Anglicans saying about this?

Here.

3-9.

No prob.

But damn...the brothers Tragus and the entire pitching staff...

I know, right? I would never have expected this from Saintland, or all places.

I don't know why you're so surprised, little sister. Those Jesus freaks will do anything it takes to preserve the delusion that their god is with them.

Be nice, onee-san...

ZOMG its the Lilienthal sisters!!!1

marry me

lol no. But my sister's free, if you want.

DO NOT WANT

lol no thanks

Fuck you

[Nova Anglicana]

Top Seeds Reign at Halfway Point

Allen Talos, Londinium Courier

At the halfway mark of the 31st World Baseball Classic, with very few exceptions, the top seeds in the group are leading the group, sometimes by significant margins. Some say that this is a welcome development, freeing the WBC from the randomness that previously reigned and saw undeserving teams advance. Others say that perhaps this wasn't quite what they had in mind; they'd like the top seeds to go through, but perhaps not quite so convincingly. There needs to be some element of drama, after all. Let's take a look at each group in turn.

Group 1

Karditan, ranked 4th in the world, leads this group with a record of 14-1 and currently hold a four-game lead over San Jose Guayabal. In their series against the Guayabalenses, they took two out of three, winning by five and then splitting a pair of close games. Their lead appears to be secure, and SJG looks to have a hold on the second spot, but the third playoff position is more difficult to predict. The Allamunnic States hold a two-game lead over their nearest competitor, but they have been anything but consistent. I expect Silver Beach to make a strong stretch run and challenge the AS for that third spot.

Group 2

In Group 2, 9th-ranked Darmen was undefeated after twelve games, but lost a road series to Qazox, 2-1. They still hold a relatively secure three-game lead over suddenly resurgent Maklohi Vai, who have rebounded well from their WBC 30 debacle. In third place is The Serbian Empire, whose media appear to be focused on the Olympics more than anything else. Qazox lurks in fourth, while Miley World and Vulshain are all but eliminated. Look for Darmen and Maklohi Vai to battle this one out, with the Serbs narrowly holding off Qazox for 3rd.

Group 3

In Group 3, no one but the players themselves seem to be paying attention to the Classic. How else could one explain Patistan leading the group with a record of 13-2? This one looks pretty clear-cut, though. Patistan will flag down the stretch, but still finish first, and Thatius and Crystal Empire will take the other two spots.

Group 4

In Group 4, Estope is an astounding 14-1, mainly because their opponents seem to be AWOL. New Wolfopolis made a huge deal about their new uniforms, but have maintained radio silence since then and we haven't heard a peep, not even roster information, from Britonisea or Vettrera. I think the Wolfpack will give Estope trouble, but their lead's probably too big to lose. I like Vettrera over Britonisea, but it's really a toss-up.

Group 5

Group 5 has the world champions, Super-Llamaland, who are playing like world champions. They're currently 15-0, and are averaging 6.8 runs per game. Even more impressive than that, they have allowed only fourteen runs in fifteen games. At this point, they look unstoppable. Western Cuba is a surprisingly strong 12-3, and Diegstra sit in third at 8-7. The greatest drama in this group should probably be whether the Tigers will lose a game, as everything else seems pretty cut-and-dry.

Group 6

Ah, the intriguing group. The top seeded Equestrian States find themselves in second place, though only a game behind second seed Saintland, who are strongly suspected of using PEDs to fuel their success. Despite a 20-0 victory over Western Borderlands, Zwangzug are just 8-7, and only 1-5 against the top seeds. If the Phoenixes can overcome the Sanctii, it will be a victory for justice. Zwangzug has been doing well enough and the bottom three seeds look like little threat, so they should advance to the playoffs.

Group 7

Vaugania are a surprising 15-0, though I believe this has more to do with the quality of their opponents than anything else. Hicaña is fielding a team of refugees after their country was destroyed by Gregoryisgodistan, and Saugeais has been severely underachieving. The other teams are nothing special. I think Vaugania will come back to earth eventually, and I like Saugeais to eventually take second. Hicaña will hold on to third to advance.

Group 8

This one's a lot of fun too. The Brenecia Bluebirds have surprised everyone by shooting out to a 13-2 record, including a sweep of top-ranked The Fair Republic. They've done it behind great pitching, allowing just nineteen runs so far. The Fair Republicans are just a game back and Gregoryisgodistan have stumbled to a 10-5 record, but will advance. The enthusiastic Atlas minnows, Ideos and Guerro, should be better in future editions, but right now, they will not challenge the top half.

Group 9

Thanks to a key sweep of top seed Ko-oren, New Montreal States leads this group at 13-2, and are undefeated since their opening series loss to United Eastedge. The Greenblues, according to their playoff results in previous editions, should be in an "advancement" year, and I see no reason why they should not. It just may not be in first place. United Eastedge holds a precarious lead for third place. They are just 8-7, but Gregory Llama Land probably doesn't have the chops to take it away from them, so they should be safe.

Group 10

In Group 10, the Royal Barangay are bludgeoning everyone with their bats. They have scored an astounding 135 runs so far, good for a 9 per-game average, and own victories by such lopsided scores as 20-1, 18-4, and 11-0. They are 14-1 and I see no reason why they shouldn't hold on to first place. Quebec is 11-4, but it's a distant 11-4. They have a good hold on second place. In the race for third, Republic Singapore has bounced back from their 20-1 opening defeat to tie Cosumar at 7-8. I think the Dragons have what it takes to advance, but whichever of the two advance, they're staring at a first-round exit.

Group 11

The Lions' group. Other than a shocking road series loss (2-1) to the Kytler Peninsulae, the Lions are undefeated and own a road record of 10-2. With twelve home dates instead of road dates in the second half, the Lions should cruise into the playoffs in first. It may not be as dominant as some of the other teams, but they'll advance. Good pitching has been the rule so far, with Justin Garcia notching two shutouts. The Kytlerians and Mochria look like good bets to take second and third, barring a sudden resurgence by Peruvian Highlands. Wolfbenz should get out of the cellar, but they'll probably win ten games or fewer overall.

Group 12

The final group sees Jeckland continuing their unlikely run, only being bloodied in their second-to-last first-half series by Nassau-Hessen, 3-2. They bounced back nicely by crushing Imota 29-9 on aggregate in a sweep. Barring a second-half collapse, they should finish first. Nassau-Hessen, Milchama, and Imota are only separated by two games, and it will be a dogfight for the last two playoff spots. I think the Sunwings will break out of their funk and take one of those places, and my mind says to take the veterans Milchama, while my heart likes the spirit of the Hessians. So it's probably a toss-up.

[Imota]

MD6 Results

Group 1

Silver Beach 6-4 Jecatria
Silver Beach 5-4 Jecatria
Silver Beach 8-3 Jecatria

Karditan 9-2 Coconutstan
Karditan 4-3 Coconutstan
Karditan 6-4 Coconutstan

San Jose Guayabal 5-4 Allamunnic States
San Jose Guayabal 4-2 Allamunnic States
San Jose Guayabal 4-6 Allamunnic States

                        Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %   Pts 
1 Karditan               18   17   1   105   45  +60    0.944    51
2 San Jose Guayabal      18   12   6    75   58  +17    0.667    36
3 Allamunnic States      18    8  10    60   64   −4    0.444    24
4 Silver Beach           18    8  10    63   74  −11    0.444    24
5 Jecatria               18    5  13    60   90  −30    0.278    15
6 Coconutstan            18    4  14    52   84  −32    0.222    12

Group 2

Miley World 5-1 Qazox
Miley World 5-2 Qazox
Miley World 8-7 Qazox

Darmen 6-4 Vulshain
Darmen 4-2 Vulshain
Darmen 3-0 Vulshain

Maklohi Vai 1-4 The Serbian Empire
Maklohi Vai 0-8 The Serbian Empire
Maklohi Vai 3-4 The Serbian Empire

                        Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %   Pts 
1 Darmen                 18   16   2    89   30  +59    0.889    48
2 The Serbian Empire     18   12   6    72   52  +20    0.667    36
3 Maklohi Vai            18   10   8    79   54  +25    0.556    30
4 Qazox                  18    7  11    56   80  −24    0.389    21
5 Miley World            18    6  12    56   92  −36    0.333    18
6 Vulshain               18    3  15    46   90  −44    0.167     9

Group 3

Abanhfleft 9-3 The Sarian
Abanhfleft 6-4 The Sarian
Abanhfleft 0-5 The Sarian

Patistan 5-6 New West Guiana
Patistan 4-0 New West Guiana
Patistan 2-1 New West Guiana

Thatius 6-1 Crystal Empire
Thatius 6-4 Crystal Empire
Thatius 4-2 Crystal Empire

                        Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %   Pts 
1 Patistan               18   15   3   106   62  +44    0.833    45
2 Thatius                18   13   5    77   46  +31    0.722    39
3 Crystal Empire         18    9   9    69   62   +7    0.500    27
4 New West Guiana        18    7  11    65   92  −27    0.389    21
5 The Sarian             18    5  13    67   86  −19    0.278    15
6 Abanhfleft             18    5  13    47   83  −36    0.278    15

Group 4

Insubria and Orobia 6-5 Vettrera
Insubria and Orobia 5-3 Vettrera
Insubria and Orobia 2-5 Vettrera

Estope 2-3 Taxachusetts
Estope 3-1 Taxachusetts
Estope 2-1 Taxachusetts

New Wolfopolis 7-0 Britonisea
New Wolfopolis 9-0 Britonisea
New Wolfopolis 5-3 Britonisea

                        Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %   Pts 
1 Estope                 18   16   2    82   36  +46    0.889    48
2 New Wolfopolis         18   13   5    87   57  +30    0.722    39
3 Vettrera               18    9   9    72   60  +12    0.500    27
4 Britonisea             18    8  10    74   85  −11    0.444    24
5 Taxachusetts           18    5  13    54   79  −25    0.278    15
6 Insubria and Orobia    18    3  15    56  108  −52    0.167     9

Group 5

Jachaelter 4-0 Mapletish
Jachaelter 7-0 Mapletish
Jachaelter 4-6 Mapletish

Super-Llamaland 9-3 Itanpavia
Super-Llamaland 6-0 Itanpavia
Super-Llamaland 5-0 Itanpavia

Western Cuba 2-3 Diegstra
Western Cuba 3-4 Diegstra
Western Cuba 5-10 Diegstra

                        Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %   Pts 
1 Super-Llamaland        18   18   0   122   17 +105    1.000    54
2 Western Cuba           18   12   6    96   59  +37    0.667    36
3 Diegstra               18   11   7    79   63  +16    0.611    33
4 Mapletish              18    6  12    47   99  −52    0.333    18
5 Jachaelter             18    5  13    47   84  −37    0.278    15
6 Itanpavia              18    2  16    29   98  −69    0.111     6

Group 6

Western Borderlands 19-2 Paymina
Western Borderlands 6-1 Paymina
Western Borderlands 7-4 Paymina

Equestrian States 3-5 Vankelland Islands
Equestrian States 10-4 Vankelland Islands
Equestrian States 5-7 Vankelland Islands

Saintland 6-2 Zwangzug
Saintland 5-4 Zwangzug
Saintland 8-2 Zwangzug

                        Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %   Pts 
1 Saintland              18   16   2    88   50  +38    0.889    48
2 Equestrian States      18   13   5    98   47  +51    0.722    39
3 Zwangzug               18    8  10    91   67  +24    0.444    24
4 Vankelland Islands     18    7  11    72  105  −33    0.389    21
5 Western Borderlands    18    6  12    83  105  −22    0.333    18
6 Paymina                18    4  14    57  115  −58    0.222    12

Group 7

North Britonisea 10-4 Pink Floyd Fans
North Britonisea 5-1 Pink Floyd Fans
North Britonisea 0-4 Pink Floyd Fans

Vaugania 2-3 Camerania
Vaugania 1-0 Camerania
Vaugania 5-1 Camerania

Saugeais 1-0 Hicaña
Saugeais 4-0 Hicaña
Saugeais 0-8 Hicaña

                        Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %   Pts 
1 Vaugania               18   17   1    99   31  +68    0.944    51
2 Saugeais               18   11   7    86   46  +40    0.611    33
3 Hicaña                 18   11   7    70   63   +7    0.611    33
4 North Britonisea       18    7  11    69   78   −9    0.389    21
5 Pink Floyd Fans        18    6  12    47   93  −46    0.333    18
6 Camerania              18    2  16    37   97  −60    0.111     6

Group 8

Ideos 8-4 Russian Soviet Socialist States
Ideos 9-2 Russian Soviet Socialist States
Ideos 6-3 Russian Soviet Socialist States

The Fair Republic 10-5 Guerro
The Fair Republic 7-2 Guerro
The Fair Republic 6-0 Guerro

Gregoryisgodistan 9-2 Brenecia
Gregoryisgodistan 6-4 Brenecia
Gregoryisgodistan 3-0 Brenecia

                                   Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %   Pts 
1 The Fair Republic                 18   15   3   101   49  +52    0.833    45
2 Brenecia                          18   13   5    77   37  +40    0.722    39
3 Gregoryisgodistan                 18   13   5    83   49  +34    0.722    39
4 Ideos                             18    8  10    68   75   −7    0.444    24
5 Russian Soviet Socialist States   18    3  15    35  101  −66    0.167     9
6 Guerro                            18    2  16    49  102  −53    0.111     6

Group 9

Gregory Llama Land 5-8 Perong
Gregory Llama Land 9-8 Perong
Gregory Llama Land 5-2 Perong

Ko-oren 7-3 Aredshan
Ko-oren 4-1 Aredshan
Ko-oren 2-0 Aredshan

New Montreal States 5-4 United Eastedge
New Montreal States 3-1 United Eastedge
New Montreal States 10-2 United Eastedge

                        Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %   Pts 
1 New Montreal States    18   16   2   104   47  +57    0.889    48
2 Ko-oren                18   13   5    91   55  +36    0.722    39
3 Gregory Llama Land     18    8  10    84   93   −9    0.444    24
4 United Eastedge        18    8  10    61   77  −16    0.444    24
5 Perong                 18    6  12    67   88  −21    0.333    18
6 Aredshan               18    3  15    46   93  −47    0.167     9

Group 10

Sauceistan 1-6 Yakus
Sauceistan 7-6 Yakus
Sauceistan 9-6 Yakus

The Royal Barangay 5-0 Republic Singapore
The Royal Barangay 8-2 Republic Singapore
The Royal Barangay 9-0 Republic Singapore

Royal Kingdom of Quebec 6-2 Cosumar
Royal Kingdom of Quebec 7-2 Cosumar
Royal Kingdom of Quebec 4-5 Cosumar

                           Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %   Pts 
1 The Royal Barangay        18   17   1   157   34 +123    0.944    51
2 Royal Kingdom of Quebec   18   13   5    99   68  +31    0.722    39
3 Cosumar                   18    8  10    61   64   −3    0.444    24
4 Republic Singapore        18    7  11    49  104  −55    0.389    21
5 Yakus                     18    5  13    70  120  −50    0.278    15
6 Sauceistan                18    4  14    55  101  −46    0.222    12

Group 11

Peruvian Highlands 5-0 Wolfbenz
Peruvian Highlands 1-12 Wolfbenz
Peruvian Highlands 2-6 Wolfbenz

Nova Anglicana 4-0 Forthhanu
Nova Anglicana 3-1 Forthhanu
Nova Anglicana 5-0 Forthhanu

Mochria 4-2 The Kytler Peninsulae
Mochria 3-4 The Kytler Peninsulae
Mochria 0-4 The Kytler Peninsulae

                         Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %   Pts 
1 Nova Anglicana          18   16   2    94   39  +55    0.889    48
2 The Kytler Peninsulae   18   13   5    80   56  +24    0.722    39
3 Mochria                 18   11   7    78   55  +23    0.611    33
4 Peruvian Highlands      18    7  11    75   93  −18    0.389    21
5 Wolfbenz                18    4  14    58   88  −30    0.222    12
6 Forthhanu               18    3  15    32   86  −54    0.167     9

Group 12

Bissone 2-6 Imota
Bissone 2-5 Imota
Bissone 3-8 Imota

Jeckland 4-0 Estenia
Jeckland 2-0 Estenia
Jeckland 9-3 Estenia

Milchama 0-5 Nassau-Hessen
Milchama 6-4 Nassau-Hessen
Milchama 6-3 Nassau-Hessen

                        Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %   Pts 
1 Jeckland               18   17   1   109   32  +77    0.944    51
2 Milchama               18   10   8    76   75   +1    0.556    30
3 Nassau-Hessen          18   10   8    80   59  +21    0.556    30
4 Imota                  18   10   8    82   73   +9    0.556    30
5 Bissone                18    4  14    44   96  −52    0.222    12
6 Estenia                18    3  15    40   96  −56    0.167     9

[Saintland]

WBC 31: Saintland sweeps Zwangzug

(SP) The Saintland National Baseball Team took a commanding lead in Group 6 today by completing a 3 game sweep of Zwangzug, in Zwangzug. With the exception of the second game, the games weren't particularly close this time around. The Saintland National Team consistently produced runs throughout this series while the pitching staff held Zwangzug to just 8 runs over the 3 games. "All credit for our performance so far must go to God. He has been with us throughout this WBC. We are the instrument through which He carries out His Will in the temporal realm and we have embraced that role in this edition of the World Baseball Classic. When we step onto the field and pick up a bat or a ball, we simply place our trust in Him because we know that He will be there with us. Anybody who attributes our performance to anything other than our Faith in the One True God is a liar and likely being possessed by that rotten snake Satanas." - Petrus Tragus

Indeed, it is preposterous that anybody would still deny that the National Baseball Team's performance is due to the Will of God (the real God, not that Infernus-bound fraud from Esportiva). Marcus Tragus was, undoubtedly, the MVP of the first game of the Zwangzug series. Not only did he turn 2 inning-ending double plays, but Tragus also hit for the cycle. He started off with a 2-run home run in the top of the first inning that set the tone for the series. In the third inning, he singled, stole both second and third base and was able to score on a Martin Simanek sac-fly. In the 5th, he doubled with 2 outs and scored on a single by his brother Petrus. Then, in the 8th inning, he led off with a triple. Petrus Tragus completed the Sanctii scoring for that game by hitting a tape-measure home run to deep center field. Steffen Hirsch pitched 7 innings, conceding 2 runs. Koreya Sakaguchi and Michalis Kenteris pitched scoreless innings to close out the game.

The second game, however, was a back-and-forth affair. Zwangzug struck first with a solo home run by Gyeong Rhee in the bottom of the first. Although Jan Kredeek got the first 9 Sanctii batters out, Alex Frith led off the 4th inning by drawing a walk. An aggressive Ioannes Sentius singled, advancing Frith to third. Although both Tragus brothers would strike out, Hoshihito Sutou (who was playing in order to give Simanek a game off) turned on a 2-1 pitch, sending it into the wall in left-center field. Sutou would make it into third with a triple, but Patrick Doherty would hold him at third, a move that Royal One television commentators Iosue Galenus and Thomas Crispus disagreed with. Othon Zanthos weakly grounded up the middle and Saintland led by just 2 to 1. Zwangzug would tie it up in the bottom of the 5th after Ellis Cox walked Noboru Neigo-Dukawa to start off the inning. Marceli Geshnan laid down a bunt to move the runner to second and he scored on a Wesley Osbourne single. Cox intentionally walked Siri Huber-Nieves to send the pitcher (Kredeek) to the plate and managed to strike the pitcher out with 4 pitches. Corey Altess-Sertul led off the bottom of the 6th with a triple and scored on a line drive to right field by Rhee, which was scored as a sac fly. Easton Faustmann hit a solo home run, knocking Cox out of the game. Zenon Pan came in to pitch for the Sanctii and ended the inning with a strikeout. Zwangzug maintained their lead until the top of the 8th inning. Edmund Yanny-Moores accidentally walked Marcus Tragus and then intentionally walked his brother Petrus to get to Sutou. Sutou tied the game up by sending his first pitch into left field, where it hit the wall barely on the fair side of the foul pole and bounced into foul territory. Sutou ended up being thrown out on this play, trying to stretch a double into a triple, but both runners scored. Xanthos struck out to end the half-inning. In the top of the 9th, both Aleron Martin and Felix Zikos struck out to lead off the inning. Avel Polides came in as a pinch hitter for Zenon Pan and sent a Jana McRiffen fastball into the bleachers for the go-ahead run. Saintland took a 5 to 4 lead into the final inning and brought on Kenteris to get the save. Michalis Kenteris walked 2 Zwangzug batters in the bottom of the 9th, but struck out 3 and Saintland won the second game 5 to 4.

Game 3 was not a close game. Frith and Sentius led off the game with singles, then Marcus Tragus drew a walk from Vivian Groub-Miro. Petrus Tragus stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded and put Saintland up 4 to nothing with a grand slam. Saintland added 3 more runs in the third on a 3-RBI double by Marcus Tragus and Felix Zikos gave the National Team an 8 to nothing lead with a solo home run in the bottom of the 7th. Flavian Gatsioudis shut Zwangzug out for 8 innings before conceding 2 meaningless runs in the bottom of the 9th inning to lose his shutout.

With 12 games to go in the group stage, the Saintland National Team now has a 3 game lead over the Equestrian States, who lost 2 out of 3 in Vankelland Islands. Zwangzug now sits 8 games back, almost certainly out of contention. Next on the schedule is Vankelland Islands, who will be paying a visit to Royal Park. That will be followed by a trip to the Equestrian States. The magic number for our National Team is now just 5, meaning that we can clinch a playoff spot, for just the second time in our WBC history, with a sweep of Vankelland Islands and 2 Zwangzug losses or with 2 wins and a Paymina sweep of Zwangzug. More important, however, is the race for a top 8 seed and a bye to the Round of 16. At the moment, 10 groups are led by a team that has won 16 or more games, showing that the era of mediocrity in international baseball is now over. To earn that spot in the Round of 16, without having to go through the Round of 24, will likely require 26 or 27 wins, judging by the way this WBC has gone thus far. The one thing that is certain is that every game involving a group leader will count down the stretch...

[Super-Llamaland]

Llamanean Baseball League Opens to Non-Union Foreigners

While the Llamanean Baseball League was mostly domestic, composed of primarily homegrown players from Super-Llamaland, the league had opened its gates to former members of William Andeck's infamous Llamanean Union, composed of the nations around him that he had conquered but now are free republics once again, in 1999. Naturals of these nations, at the time ruled to be Hicaña, Arondell, Hakifao, Vjaalsbürg, Tree Death, and Eirelia, were allowed into the Llamanean Baseball League.

Now, after an unanimous favorable vote amongst the owners of the league and a 34% from the players, only marginally over the 33% needed to repeal the owners' decision, commissioner Parker Mendedev ruled in favor of the gates to be opened.

"This will be fantastic for the game," said Mendedev, "all sorts of the world's best gathered into one league. We hope to welcome the foreigners with open hands!"

Others, including many players, voiced doubts. One anonymous player reported that "this would be great for TV ratings, but **** for Llamanean players. If you want more players, you should make more teams."

The 2015 season will be the first to feature foreign players. A draft will be held for all who wish to apply from foreign nations.

WBC Talk: Tigers Sweep Itanpavia for 18 Straight

While recordkeeping departments are not sure, many agree that the Tigers, with their eighteenth straight win in Itanpavia, have broken it.

If counting the final two games against Jeckland in the WBC 30 finals, Super-Llamaland would be counted as winning twenty straight games, almost as much as most champions play in a single tournament without three-game series. But the team states that they aren't letting the record distract them.

"We've shattered the record already, won twenty," second baseman Alex Kirk said when asked, "if we keep winning, great. But we won't let the record distract us."

It was Josva Reynolds, AJ Rondout, and Drew Gilson getting the wins in all three games, giving up just two runs total over their combined twenty-five innings, both allowed by Reynolds. The offense, meanwhile, racked up twenty more runs for 122 earned to just 17 allowed, a run differential (+105) that is second in the world only to +123 The Royal Barangay.

As the team continues to steamroll through the group, they find themselves with a magic number of merely six, meaning a combination of six Llamanean wins or Western Cuban losses would clinch their group. However, their magic number to make the playoffs is five, meaning that it would take a catastrophic Llamanean collapse to miss out a sixth consecutive year in the playoffs.

As we look to the finals, it's anyone's guess whether the Tigers can continue their run by a resplendent, scoring a run per inning team from Royal Barangay, a hungry Jeckish squad, or the steroid-infused powerhouses out of Saintland. But if they do - and they have all the talent in the world to do so - they'll raise a third WBC trophy, becoming the first nation in almost a century to win back-to-back WBC titles.

How amazing would that be?

Pretty god**** amazing, that's how amazing it would be.

Look out, Newmanistan. We're coming for your five. When the dust settles in a decade or two, we will be the best team of all time.

Epic Quest RP to come below

[Miley World]

Miley World sweeps Qazox

The Smilers won the first game 5-1. The score was 2-1 for Miley world at the start of the bottom 6th inning. Jesus Maldonado was batting first and he hits a solo homerun on the first throw. Carlos Flores hits a single. Ryan Zagurski was safe on fielder's choice (Flores was out). Megan Gallagher hits a double. Brandon Wolf hits a single, Zagurski scores. James Booker was strike out. Jake Ashley hits a single, Gallagher scores and the score was 5-1 for Miley World.

Miley World won the 2nd game 5-2 and the 3rd game 8-7. The Floyds took the lead 3-0 with Jesus Maldonado's three runs homerun in the 1st inning but Qazox answered back with 2 runs in the top 2nd inning. Miley World added another run in the bottom 2nd and another one in the bottom three inning and were leading 5-2. In the top fifth inning, Qazox scored four runs and took a 6-5 lead. Qazox scored another run in the top 6 inning and Miley World answered back with 2 runs in the bottom 6 inning and the score was tied 7-7 at the start of the bottom 9th inning. Enrique Salazar was batting first but was ground out. Caleb James hitted a double. Jesus Maldonado was striked out. Carlos Flores hitted a single, Caleb James scored and the game was over, Miley World won 8-7.

Group 2 Standings

Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %   Pts 
1 Darmen                 18   16   2    89   30  +59    0.889    48
2 The Serbian Empire     18   12   6    72   52  +20    0.667    36
3 Maklohi Vai            18   10   8    79   54  +25    0.556    30
4 Qazox                  18    7  11    56   80  −24    0.389    21
5 Miley World            18    6  12    56   92  −36    0.333    18
6 Vulshain               18    3  15    46   90  −44    0.167     9

Next series

Miley World's next series is against Darmen at the Heart Shaped Ballpark in Mileywood, Tennessee, Miley World. Sarah Meyer, Chuck Stevens and James Booker will be the starting pitchers for the Floyds.

[Ko-oren]

Ko-oren sweep Aredshan in last home series

The Greenblues will be leaving Ko-oren after 15 straight home games, and will be looking for qualification in Gregory Llama Land, New Montreal States, United Eastedge and Perong. 12 games left until we know if the Greenblues will make it to Imota or Nova Anglicana.

Top seeds are looking good, as noted by media from host nation Nova Anglicana. Ko-oren is not in first place, but we are still definitely contending, and we are looking good for qualification. The sweep the Expos got over us has hopefully been long forgotten, and after the games at Gregory Llama Land, we will have the return series at New Montreal States. United Eastedge, the not so surprising fourth placed team, is the next opponent. They are currently equal to Gregory Llama Land, meaning that both teams would not surprise anyone if they managed to win a game against us. Lastly there is Perong, which should be a useful sweep just before the end of the qualification stage.

The fans in the Zilveren Admiraals Stadium looked at three games in which Ko-oren was not per se good, but at least they won all three games. The first was a fairly high-scoring one: 7-3. In the remaining two games, the Greenblues only gave up one run to the Aredshan team, while scoring six. 4-1 and 2-0. At least it is good to know that if the defence needs to be ready, it is ready. Sylvain Lemaitre's accuracy was top notch as the short stop singlehandedly put the Aredshan batters in horrible positions. Auðursson's catching at first base was no worse than Lemaitre's throwing, and the duo has been responsible for many outs across all three games. Queiros impressed the supporters, catching some fly outs in the first and third game. Meanwhile Han and Asai were not as impressive in the outfield, and they were replaced by Akagi and Claughton in the second game. Asai came back in the third game, while Han stayed on the bench.

Through all three days, the pitching has been very good: Kasai, Uchiyama and Sauvage gave head coach Janssen a good reason for fielding them in even more important games. While the Aredshan games were not exactly high pressure games, they performed consistantly, while Lu, Huang, Featherstonhaugh and Kono were great relief pitchers and Rhein was especially responsible for putting an end to the first and third game.

That was it for the last home game: the next Greenblues games will be broadcast, and we will announce the channel and starting time as soon as we receive a final confirmation from the home teams' associations.

[Wolfbenz]

The Kolbenz Times

Dire Wolves Win Two Games in a Series for the First Time

Time for the citizens of Wolfbenz to get their party hats out, because their baseball team has won two games in a series for the first time.

Attendance at the Peruvian Highlands vs. Wolfbenz series was the lowest turnout of home fans so far, with only about 15,000 people attending the match per game. Those people can be the ones to say they have witnessed a historical event in their lifetime, although it will probably be forgotten in the next two years or so.

The first match of the series was quite an awful one, with the Peruvian Highlands shutting out the Dire Wolves 5-0. Pitching was bad, our batters looked awful, and we were getting slaughtered again. Expectations for the second and third games were low.

However, in the second game of the series, the Dire Wolves looked like a new team. They trounced the Peruvians, beating them 12-1, thanks to Seymon Vang for hitting a grand slam, and the other base runners putting the ball where the Peruvians weren't.

By the third game of the series, the people of Wolfbenz were dancing through the night, as they beat the Highlanders again, but this time it was a closer game, where the Dire Wolves just barely edged their opponents out in the last few innings and went to beat them easily 6-2.

Coach Pontus Ottosson was proud of his team's performance, stating they were finally getting into the game.

Tickets for Upcoming Home Series
The Kytler Peninsulae @ Wolfbenz
http://royalwolfbenztickets.wb/wbc31/kytvswbz
Mochira @ Wolfbenz
http://royalwolfbenztickets.wb/wbc31/mocvswbz