World Baseball Classic 16: Everything Thread (FINALS)

[Tarrentum]

Inside a Team Meeting for the Tarrentum Falcons

The players were all sitting in a conference room at Krozile State Ballpark with the coaching staff standing at the front of the room. Manager Tiberius Wavi was there and was visibly upset...

"...just how we let this slip away from us. We've got to refocus. I'm not going to give you happy horse shit about doing this for the glory of Tarrentum - this is about doing it for this team. We've lost sight of something dammit and far be it from me to start throwing shit at you. I'm not going to let us feel all warm and fuzzy inside. We've lost three in a row. Three goddamit!"

Some of the players sat more upright in their chairs.

"What are we out there doing? We've got issues, so do all ball clubs. We've got to play the hand we're dealt. So Tucia's out with an injury - it was a poor judgement call on my part. But you know what? When we get back to the locker room there will be no locker for Woody. We're going to cut the bull shit for the next two games - hell, for the rest of the tournament - until we start winning and playing like a team. Woody's gone, partly bad luck, partly my mistake. But we're bringing up another outfielder and that's that."

Some of the rookies began to murmur amongst themselves.

"Oh yeah, sure...get it out now. What the hell was I just saying!" Wavi yelled at them.

Everyone shut up at that point.

"That's right. You may be hot shots in the IBL but guess what? This isn't the fucking IBL! This is the WBC. This is the top tournament and here we are playing around like children! Are we Tocrowkia? Are we Newmanistan? Are we Quintessence of Dust? No dammit! If we were, we wouldn't be on the cusp of playing in the Play-In Series again! Now wise up and start playing ball like we know you can."

There came a small knock on the door and Galahad Asanti, the Falcons Third Base Coach, opened the door. A man walked in and went about half-way up the row of chairs before realizing that there were no seats open. Some of the veterans laughed to themselves.

"Glad you could make it on time Norian." Wavi said, sarcasm dripping from every word.

"Hell of a flight up here Skip. You wouldn't believe how long the--"

"Did your coach rely the time to be here?" Wavi asked.

"Three o'clock."

"What time is it?"

"Fifteen minutes past three."

"Four laps around the walls when we break for practice." Wavi said flatly. "Now find a seat and shut up." Wavi turned back to the rest of his team. "I'm sure we're all glad to have Norian Ionian back with the team. But right now we need to start acting like a team. Cut the chicken shit and get ready for real baseball. I'm not walking back to the Supreme President and telling him that we couldn't bring Tarrentum a respectable Playoff Appearance. We've got three games left gentlemen - and ladies - three games to prove that we belong here with the rest of the 'powers'. Practice in 15 minutes."

The meeting broke and everyone gathered there things together and began to file out. Ionian was soon surrounded by some of the players from last year's WBC roster - Zappataro, Vallena-Favella and Antoni Favella. The four joked for a bit then walked to the locker room together to get ready.

---

[OOC: Information on Tarrentum's new Outfielder, Norian Ionian]

Norian Ionian, 36 years old, L/L - wears number 59. Ionian has a strong arm but does not have strong legs anymore. Mainly plays RF but could fill in at any outfield position and first base (on emergencies).

[Tocrowkia]

NordicNation.net

World Baseball Classic 16 coverage

Code: Select all

TEAMS        1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9   R H E
TEN         0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0   1 4 0
TOC          3 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0   5 8 0


WIN:
Sven Grewe (2-0)
HRs
Johnny Stryker 1 (5)

Again. More of the same as some first inning offense propelled the Nordics to a win. This time it was a Johnny Stryker three run home run that was the culprit. A lead off walk to Kitten Dyfuse and a sharp single by Adam Marksworth set it up. And Stryker didn't wait either, he blasted the first pitch he saw over the wall in right to get it started. Sven Grewe for her part gave up a homerun, too, but that was it as she tossed a complete game. The Nordics picked up runs on a Kevin Monroe RBI single and a Jill Haviland sac-fly to pad their lead, and clinch a play-off spot.

[Tarrentum]

Match Day 12 Cut-Off

[Tarrentum]

Match Day 12 Scores

MegOil Group

Iron Coast            040 110 100 - 7
Tarrentum             204 010 01X - 8


Delaclava             120 013 110 - 9
Sibirsky              102 100 90X - 13


Quintessence of Dust  020 010 010 - 4
New High Charity 24   001 000 010 - 2


Grantanata            001 020 111 - 6
Bodegraven            142 100 10X - 9

Yuppers FoodBrands Group

Conservants           100 101 100 - 4
Lycrabon              110 220 00X - 6


Milchama              201 010 041 - 9
Teinohikira           001 021 100 - 5


Cassadaigua           204 111 010 - 10
Cosumar               000 200 010 - 3


Bergnovinaia          001 121 000 - 5
Gracelona             100 101 100 - 4

Modi-Cube One Group

Navarrone             012 100 023 - 9
Western cuba          002 060 000 - 8


Qazox                 300 110 000 - 5
Saint Haden           200 001 000 - 3


Zwangzug              130 110 000 - 6
Cotdelapoms           100 010 000 - 2


Churchma              000 010 001 - 2
City of Norfolk       000 011 002 - 4

McSquiggie's Group

Manticore Reborn      000 121 000 - 4
Virabia               001 000 000 - 1


The Babbage Islands   000 200 100 - 3
Tentalon              001 000 000 - 1


Tocrowkia             101 051 000 - 8
Peace Republic        000 211 000 - 4


Sakurakoku            000 200 000 11 - 4
Evandonia             000 010 100 12 - 5

MercantileBancshares Group

Daemonheart           101 119 000 - 13
Mantwenic             002 133 010 - 10


Yafor 2               000 000 013 - 4
Taffy 3               111 000 000 - 3


Newmanistan           010 340 000 - 8
Mossulia              020 000 220 - 6


Pacific_a             000 111 001 - 4
Castigonia            101 022 10X - 7

BergBucks Group

Michael VII           000 100 210 - 4
Allamunnic States     010 000 000 - 1


Secristan             300 310 200 - 9
Silver Beach          000 001 200 - 3


Sarzonia              000 213 100 - 7
Frelassio             010 002 000 - 3


Voltronica            440 001 010 - 10
Elemanu               000 010 110 - 3

[Zwangzug]

The Kerlagrad Courier
Jonathan Craga batting sixth for Zebras

According to such reputable sources such as the team's official roster, newspaper articles, online blog posts, and the opinion of multiple pundits, Jonathan Craga is batting sixth for the Zwangzug national baseball team. The first baseman for the Kerlagrad Dragons, Craga has participated in many of the Zebras' games in the ongoing World Baseball Classic, of which they have won 9 and lost 3.

Given his position in the lineup, between Ada Throop and Jehoshaphat Turner, Craga is believed to have recorded a couple of RBIs and, perhaps, scored a couple of runs for the team. He has almost certainly made the final outs of many half-innings.

Craga, who hit .291 in the previous season and might be known as one of the Dragons' best pure hitters, said that he was "excited for the opportunity" to join the starting lineup, almost three weeks ago. Manager Gina Croes, for her part, described Craga as "a solid hitter", although that was back in the last World Baseball Classic when he joined the team.

Staff research suggests that roughly 50% of Kerlagrad residents are perfectly well aware of the accomplishment for our local star. Although statistics for the rest of the country are not available, anecdotal evidence suggests that other Zebras fans may not be completely aware of this breakthrough. "Uh, it's Aleplow, Pratt, Mercer, Keigenbey, Throop," said one fan. "Uh, Blitch is in front of the pitcher now. And...um. It's Turner before him, right?"

Other fans have expressed the hope that remembering what position Ida Pratt plays could help pinpoint the identity of the sixth batter. At press time, a couple of dudes in Danhy are slowly realizing that the Zebras needed to replace Sonia whatsername at some point.

[Tarrentum]

MD12 Standings

MegOil Group

                          W   L   PCT    RF   RA   RD    AR/G
1  Quintessence of Dust  12   0  1.000   70   40   30   5.83
2  Grantanata             8   4   .667   70   53   17   5.83
3  Tarrentum              7   5   .583   64   59    5   5.33
4  New High Charity 24    6   6   .500   46   52   -6   3.83
5  Bodegraven             5   7   .417   40   44   -4   2.33
6  Delaclava              4   8   .333   50   64  -14   4.17
7  Sibirsky               3   9   .250   56   68  -12   4.67
8  Iron Coast             3   9   .250   45   63  -18   3.75

• Sibirsky over Iron Coast on H2H (1-0)

Yuppers FoodBrands Group

                  W   L   PCT    RF   RA   RD    AR/G
1  Cassadaigua   11   1   .917   77   50   27   6.42
2  Milchama       7   5    .583   63   46  17   5.25
3  Lycrabon       7   5    .583   66   51  15   5.50
4  Bergnovinaia   6   6    .500   57   66  -9   4.75
5  Cosumar        5   7    .417   57   66  -9   4.75
6  Gracelona      5   7    .417   58   70 -12   4.83
7  Teinohikira    4   8    .333   57   72 -15   4.75
8  Conservants    2   10   .167   33   67 -34   2.75

• Milchama over Lycrabon on TR Differential (H2H @ 1-1)
• Cosumar over Gracelona on TR Differential (H2H @ 1-1)

Modi-Cube One Group

                     W   L   PCT    RF   RA   RD    AR/G
1  Zwangzug          9   3   .750   68   47   21   5.87
2  Western cuba      8   4   .667   76   61   15   6.33
3  Churchma          8   4   .667   54   48    6   4.50
4  Qazox             7   5   .583   65   63    2   5.42
5  City of Norfolk   6   6   .500   49   61  -12   4.08
6  Navarrone         5   7   .417   57   60   -3   4.75
7  Cotdelapoms       4   8   .333   54   62   -8   4.50
8  Saint Haden       2   10  .167   51   69  -18   4.25

• Western cuba over Churchma on TR Differential (H2H @ 1-1)

McSquiggie's Group

                         W   L   PCT    RF   RA   RD    AR/G
1  Tocrowkia            10   2   .833   74   44   30   6.17
2  Evandonia             7   5   .583   69   56   13   5.75
3  The Babbage Islands   7   5   .583   71   65    6   5.92
4  Peace Republic        7   5   .583   64   69   -5   5.33
5  Virabia               5   7   .417   52   62  -10   4.33
6  Sakurakoku            4   8   .333   56   61   -5   4.67
7  Tentalon              4   8   .333   39   49  -10   3.25
8  Manticore Reborn      4   8   .333   50   68  -18   4.17

• 7-5 Teams ranked on TR Differential (H2H Breakdown:)
  
  • Evandonia over TBI, Peace Republic over Evandonia, TBI over Peace Republic
• 4-8 Teams ranked on TR Differential (H2H Breakdown:)
  
  • Tentalon over Sakurakoku, Sakurakoku over Manticore Reborn, Manticore Reborn over Tentalon

MercantileBancshares Group

                 W   L   PCT    RF   RA   RD    AR/G
1  Newmanistan  11   1   .917   97   47   50   8.08
2  Yafor 2       8   4   .667   74   46   28   6.17
3  Mantwenic     6   6   .500   75   84   -9   6.25
4  Mossulia      6   6   .500   68   63    5   5.67
5  Daemonheart   5   7   .417   61   75  -14   5.08
6  Castigonia    5   7   .417   53   67  -14   4.42
7  Pacific_a     4   8   .333   58   72  -14   4.83
8  Taffy 3       3   9   .250   44   76  -32   3.67

• Mantwenic over Mossulia on H2H (1-0)
• Daemonheart over Castigonia on H2H (2-0)

BergBucks Group

                       W   L   PCT    RF   RA   RD    AR/G
1  Secristan           9   3   .750   86   54   32   7.17
2  Sarzonia            9   3   .750   70   44   26   5.83
3  Voltronica          6   6   .500   52   65  -13   4.33
4  Michael VII         6   6   .500   66   74   -8   5.50
5  Frelassio           5   7   .417   66   62    4   5.50
6  Elemanu             5   7   .417   49   56   -7   4.08
7  Allamunnic States   5   7   .417   54   63   -9   4.50
8  Silver Beach        3   9   .250   45   70  -25   3.75

• Secristan over Sarzonia on TR Differential (H2H @ 1-1)
• Voltronica over Michael VII on H2H (1-0)
• 5-6 Teams ranked on TR Differential (H2H Breakdown:)
  
  • A.S. over Frelassio, Frelassio over Elemanu, Elemanu over A.S.

Preliminary Playoff Rankings

Ranks 1-6 for Group Winners (as per Accepted Host Bid)
1. Quintessence of Dust (12-0)
2. Newmanistan (11-1; TR Diff = 50)
3. Cassadaigua (11-1; TR Diff = 27)
4. Tocrowkia (10-2)
5. Secristan (9-3; TR Diff = 32)
6. Zwangzug (9-3; TR Diff = 21)
7. Sarzonia (9-3; TR Diff = 26)
8. Yafor 2 (8-4; TR Diff = 28)
9. Grantanata (8-4; TR Diff = 17)
10. Western cuba (8-4; TR Diff = 15)
11. Churchma (8-4; TR Diff = 6)
12. Milchama (7-5; TR Diff = 17)
13. Lycrabon (7-5; TR Diff = 15)
14. Evandonia (7-5; TR Diff = 13)
15. The Babbage Islands (7-5; TR Diff = 6)
16. Tarrentum (7-5; TR Diff = 5)
17. Mantwenic (6-6; TR Diff = -9)
18. Voltronica (6-6; TR Diff = -13)

Playoff Matchups (Based on Rankings)

Tarrentum Bracket
Series 1: 1 x [16v17 (Play-in Series 1)]
Series 2: 6 v 11
Series 3: 8 v 9
Series 4: 4 v 13

Qodite Bracket
Series 1: 2 x [15v18 (Play-in Series 2)]
Series 2: 5 v 12
Series 3: 7 v 10
Series 4: 3 v 14

Information
The Round of 16 (listed above) will be followed by the Round of 8.
The Round of 8 will be followed by the Tarrentum Championship Series and the Qodite Championship Series
The winners of both Championship Series will play in the World Baseball Classic Finals
The losers of both Championship Series will play in the Third Place Series

Bracket

[Qazox]

QOXSports.com/WBC 16 Coverage

Qazox     300 110 000 - 5
St. Haden 200 001 000 - 3

Qazox is backed against the wall. Trailing Western cuba and Churchma by 1 game and Zwangzug by 2 with just 2 games left, the Pheonix need to possibly win both games to qualify for the WBC playoffs.

The good news is tonight, they defeated Saint Haden 5-3 to keep within striking distance of that playoff berth. A 3-run first, on 6 hits; gave Qazox a 3-0 lead on Donte Alexander. Thomas Brown started it by beating out an infield single to third, and Juanita Sanchez followed that up with a double to left, putting runners at 2nd & 3rd. After Dyana Garski struck out, Jason Tyson singled up the middle, scoring Brown & Sanchez. Chad Savoy and Grant Calvin singled in each of their at-bats, the latter scoring Tyson.

In the bottom of the 1st, St. Haden's Conrad Chambers blasted a 419 ft homer to left center, making it 3-2 Qazox. Qazox bumped up the lead to 4-2 in the 4th with a 324 ft homerun off the right field foul pole by Sanchez, and a Victoria Wright HR in the 5th made it 5-2. In the sixth, St. Haden got a run back, on a throwing error by George Rabbinski, who was trying to get John Kent on a steal attempt of third. But that would be all either team would get as the bullpens held each team hitless in the 7th, 8th and 9th. Ryan Batiste picked up his 8th save in 9 chances.

[Mossulia]

Mossulia Echo

World baseball classic update

Another day has gone by in the world baseball classic and Mossulia now are getting themselves into trouble. It turns out that it isn't seeded like Lacrosse, but instead the top three teams from each group go through. Despite finding this out and the general panic that came with it, we aren't too worried. We are only behind Mantwenic by H2H results and we could still easily go ahead of them any time soon.

Anyway now to the game. It was an exciting one and we were playing baseball legends Newmanistan. The final score was 8-6 and we defiantly put up a fight. In the first three innings we managed to take control and kept Newmanistan down to one run. Our batting was okay and we managed to take an early lead of 2-1. It all changed in the fourth innings though as Newmanistan got three runs to take the lead over Mossulia.

The fifth innings saw Mossulia slip even further away from the game as they conceded another 4 runs without scoring any. In the sixth innings no one scored and Mossulia looked despondent. The next three innings were an improvement for Mossulia though. They regained some pride getting 2 runs in the seventh innings and then smashing two more runs home in the eighth. The ninth innings saw Mossulia get close to scoring another run or two, but they didn't manage it.

After the game there was a press conference between Mossulian press and the coach. He said that "We can no longer aim for anything above the play-in series and that is now what we are aiming for. We still have a very good chance of achieving it and we hope to do just that." So now it looks like Mossulia will be in a long and hard fight to the end, but whatever happens the fans are right behind them.

[Tarrentum]

TFSN.com Player Spotlight
Dessea "The Dream" Vallena-Favella

Born in 1988 in the small Tarrentian town of Upper Didi (State of Tarrentum), Dessea Vallena-Favella fell in love with baseball at an early age. Neither one of her parents were extremely athletic but both had played college sports. Her mother, Trenicia Vallena, was a forward for the Napole National University Griffons Women's Ice Hockey team while her father, Delban Vallena, was a track star at NNU. Dessea noted her first memories of watching ball games on the television with her father were some of the most special in her life. Vallena-Favella told TFSN.com that while she sat and watched the games her father would tell her all of the different situations and strategies to the game. "He never played baseball but he understood and loved the game with a passion. I think he told me once that his mother, my grandmother, wouldn't let him participate in a sport where he had to use help. So she basically ruled out everything but Track and Field." Her father brought her to her first baseball game, a college game between NNU and Palace University, at the age of 6 and taught her how to correctly score a game.

By the time she turned 7, Vallena-Favella was already adept at hitting and fielding. Since baseball was still segregated by gender at this time Vallena-Favella had few options of where to play. Her father eventually persuaded a local coach to evaluate his daughter's skills for inclusion on his premier youth baseball team. The Upper Didi Monsters' coach was so impressed by the young girls abilities that he allowed her to fill a roster spot. After appearing in only two games, as a pinch hitter in both, in two years - Dessea was given her chance when the starting infielder and the backup were unable to play due to the chicken pox. The young girl made quite a storm when she ran out onto the field for the first time. Vallena-Favella remembered that she was "scared shitless", especially when parents of the boys from the opposing team "tried to stop the game for rules violations of allowing a girl to play baseball." There was a delay of 35 minutes while everything was sorted out but Dessea was allowed to stay in the game.

She went 3-3 with an inside the field home run.

From her youth team, Vallena-Favella started for her high school baseball team as a freshmen. Her reputation had grown along with abilities. Around this time other girls started to crop up in news stories throughout Tarrentum. In Upper Didi, there was general backlash against Vallena-Favella trying out for the high school team. She remembers that the parents had gotten used to a girl on a youth team - but not in something as serious as baseball. Luck was with her as the Eternal Supreme President Borgia Italiana's granddaughter, the beloved Juliana Italiana, broke the gender barrier as a junior at Imperial High School at the same time. Italiana's own story was carried for two straight weeks and eventually, baseball teams across Tarrentum began to lose their all-male makeup. Vallena-Favella had a stellar freshman year: .280BA, 4 HR, 28 RBIs, 25 SB and a fielding percentage of .987 - soon Dessea was having news station crews at her door.

"My parents were extremely supportive of my dream and helped make every avenue possible open to me," Vallena-Favella told us with a smile. "It didn't hurt being an only child also." Apart from her high school team, Vallena-Favella joined a traveling young adult baseball team and went around the country (and for a brief time to Meddicia) playing games and being viewed by college scouts. She finished her high school education in 3 years (as opposed to the normal 4 years) and accepted a scholarship from Garatia College. Vallena-Favella started for the Bloodhounds in her sophomore year of college at third base. It was a position altogether unwelcomed by Vallena-Favella. "I was pretty upset. They brought me in to play the middle infield but they had a kid...can't remember his name...who was the hottest shit at GC. We all see where that got him." Even at third base, Dessea excelled in fielding and continued her hitting dominance. She was moved back over to her natural position at second base her senior year of college (at age 20), having been passed up by all International Baseball League scouts and teams for early entry into the Amateur Draft.

After finishing up her impressive collegiate career, Dessea Vallena-Favella was drafted by the (now defunct) Stroudsville Scruffy Platypuses located in the failed state of Tarburr. The Platypuses immediately moved Vallena-Favella to the majors and she became the first female position player to appear in an IBL game.

Her WBC career has been one of extreme success. Her performance in the 15th World Baseball Classic earned her team MVP honors by the Tarrentum Sports Committee. Vallena-Favella hit for .648 BA, 7 HR, 21 RBI and 11 SB in last year’s tournament. She also met her husband, Antoni Favella, the starting catcher for the IBL’s Garatia Warhounds, during the tournament. They stayed in The Babbage Islands after Tarrentum was eliminated in the first round to enjoy their engagement and returned home to a hero’s welcome.

While many point to the beloved Juliana Italiana as the catalyst to breaking down the gender barrier, time may show that Dessea Vallena-Favella paved the way for more women in the IBL than anyone else.
-Giani Boco

[Tarrentum]

For the second-to-last Group Stage Match Day - you are

CUT OFF!

[Tarrentum]

Match Day 13 Scores

MegOil Group

Grantanata            000 000 010 - 1
Iron Coast            001 010 00X - 2


Bodegraven            000 220 000 - 4
Quintessence of Dust  100 001 000 - 2


New High Charity 24   000 002 020 - 4
Delaclava             002 000 010 - 3


Sibirsky              200 100 030 - 6
Tarrentum             100 011 023 - 8

Yuppers FoodBrands Group

Bergnovinaia          010 302 100 - 7
Conservants           000 011 000 - 2


Gracelona             000 200 000 - 2
Cassadaigua           200 402 00X - 8


Cosumar               000 000 002 - 2
Milchama              000 025 01X - 8


Teinohikira           002 000 000 - 2
Lycrabon              000 200 01X - 3

Modi-Cube One Group

Churchma              000 100 100 - 2
Navarrone             103 014 00X - 9


City of Norfolk       000 000 000 - 0
Zwangzug              201 210 00X - 6


Cotdelapoms           010 000 000 - 1
Qazox                 100 020 00X - 3


Saint Haden           000 200 030 - 5
Western cuba          001 000 15X - 7

McSquiggie's Group

Sakurakoku            102 230 000 - 8
Manticore Reborn      021 000 210 - 6


Evandonia             000 001 002 - 3
Tocrowkia             201 020 10X - 6


Peace Republic        000 101 002 002 - 6
The Babbage Islands   010 111 000 000 - 4


Tentalon              000 100 001 - 2
Virabia               100 031 01X - 6

MercantileBancshares Group

Pacific_a             300 031 100 - 8
Daemonheart           300 000 101 - 5


Castigonia            000 002 000 - 2
Newmanistan           000 102 00X - 3


Mossulia              050 001 013 - 10
Yafor 2               200 000 101 - 4


Taffy 3               000 000 000 - 0
Mantwenic             101 111 00X - 5

BergBucks Group

Voltronica            020 003 001 - 6
Michael VII           002 030 20X - 7


Elemanu               000 021 000 - 3
Sarzonia              100 220 00X - 5


Frelassio             001 011 110 - 5
Secristan             001 102 002 - 6


Silver Beach          000 020 100 - 3
Allamunnic States     201 011 00X - 5

[Tarrentum]

MD12 Standings

MegOil Group

                          W   L   PCT    RF   RA   RD    AR/G
1  Quintessence of Dust  12   1   .923   72   44   28   5.54
2  Grantanata             8   5   .615   71   55   16   5.46
3  Tarrentum              8   5   .615   72   65    7   5.54
4  New High Charity 24    7   6   .538   50   55   -5   3.85
5  Bodegraven             6   7   .462   44   46   -2   3.38
6  Delaclava              4   9   .308   53   68  -15   4.08
7  Iron Coast             4   9   .308   47   64  -17   3.62
8  Sibirsky               3  10   .231   62   76  -14   4.77

• Grantanata over Tarrentum on TR Differential (H2H @ 1-1)
• Delaclava over Iron Coast on TR Differential (H2H @ 1-1)

Yuppers FoodBrands Group

                  W   L   PCT    RF   RA   RD    AR/G
1  Cassadaigua   12   1    .923   85   52   33   6.54
2  Milchama       8   5    .615   71   48   23   5.46
3  Lycrabon       8   5    .615   69   53   16   5.31
4  Bergnovinaia   7   6    .538   64   68   -4   4.92
5  Cosumar        5   8    .385   59   74  -15   4.54
6  Gracelona      5   8    .385   60   78  -18   4.62
7  Teinohikira    4   9    .308   59   75  -16   4.54
8  Conservants    2  11    .154   35   74  -39   2.69

• Milchama over Lycrabon on TR Differential (H2H @ 1-1)
• Cosumar over Gracelona on TR Differential (H2H @ 1-1)

Modi-Cube One Group

                     W   L   PCT    RF   RA   RD    AR/G
1  Zwangzug         10   3   .769   74   47   27   5.69
2  Western cuba      9   4   .692   83   66   17   6.38
3  Qazox             8   5   .615   68   64    4   5.23
4  Churchma          8   5   .615   56   57   -1   4.31
5  City of Norfolk   6   7   .462   49   67  -18   3.77
6  Navarrone         6   7   .462   66   62    4   5.08
7  Cotdelapoms       4   9   .308   55   65  -10   4.23
8  Saint Haden       2  11   .154   56   76  -20   4.31

• Qazox over Churchma on TR Differential (H2H @ 1-1)
• City of Norfolk over Navarrone on H2H (2-0)

McSquiggie's Group

                         W   L   PCT    RF   RA   RD    AR/G
1  Tocrowkia            11   2   .846   80   47   33   6.15
2  Peace Republic        8   5   .615   70   74   -4   5.38
3  Evandonia             7   6   .538   72   62   10   5.54
4  The Babbage Islands   7   6   .538   75   71    4   5.77
5  Virabia               6   7   .462   58   64   -6   4.46
6  Sakurakoku            5   8   .385   64   67   -3   4.92
7  Manticore Reborn      4   9   .308   56   76  -20   4.31
8  Tentalon              4   9   .308   41   55  -14   3.15

• Evandonia over The Babbage Islands on H2H (1-0)
• Manticore Reborn over Tentalon on H2H (1-0)

MercantileBancshares Group

                 W   L   PCT    RF   RA   RD    AR/G
1  Newmanistan  12   1   .923  100   49   51   7.69
2  Yafor 2       8   5   .615   78   56   22   6.00
3  Mantwenic     7   6   .538   80   84   -4   6.15
4  Mossulia      7   6   .538   78   67   11   6.00
5  Pacific_a     5   8   .385   66   77  -11   5.08
6  Castigonia    5   8   .385   55   70  -15   4.23
7  Daemonheart   5   8   .385   66   83  -17   5.08
8  Taffy 3       3  10   .231   44   81  -37   3.38

• Mantwenic over Mossulia on H2H (1-0)
• 5-8 Teams Ranked on TR Differential (H2H Breakdown:)
  
  • Daemonheart over Castigonia
  • Castigonia over Pacific_a
  • Pacific_a tied with Daemonheart - TR Diff favors Pacific_a

BergBucks Group

                       W   L   PCT    RF   RA   RD    AR/G
1  Secristan          10   3   .769   92   59   33   7.08
2  Sarzonia           10   3   .769   75   47   28   5.77
3  Michael VII         7   6   .538   73   80   -7   5.62
4  Allamunnic States   6   7   .462   59   66   -7   4.54
5  Voltronica          6   7   .462   58   72  -14   4.46
6  Frelassio           5   8   .385   71   70    1   5.46
7  Elemanu             5   8   .385   52   61   -9   4.00
8  Silver Beach        3  10   .231   48   75  -27   3.69

• Secristan over Sarzonia on TR Differential (H2H @ 1-1)
• Allamunnic States over Voltronica on TR Differential (H2H @ 1-1)
• Frelassio over Elemanu on TR Differential (H2H @ 1-1)

Preliminary Playoff Rankings

Ranks 1-6 for Group Winners (as per Accepted Host Bid)
1. Newmanistan (12-1; TR Diff = 51)
2. Cassadaigua (12-1; TR Diff = 33)
3. Quintessence of Dust (12-1; TR Diff = 28)
4. Tocrowkia (11-2)
5. Secristan (10-3; TR Diff = 33)
6. Zwangzug (10-3; TR Diff = 27)
7. Sarzonia (10-3; TR Diff = 28)
8. Western cuba (9-4)
9. Milchama (8-5; TR Diff = 23)
10. Yafor 2 (8-5; TR Diff = 22)
11. Grantanata (8-5; TR Diff = 16; AR/G = 5.54)
12. Lycrabon (8-5; TR Diff = 16; AR/G = 5.31)
13. Tarrentum (8-5; TR Diff = 7)
14. Qazox (8-5; TR Diff = 4)
15. Peace Republic (8-5; TR Diff = -4)
16. Evandonia (7-6; TR Diff = 10)
17. Mantwenic (7-6; TR Diff = -4)
18. Michael VII (7-6; TR Diff = -7)

Playoff Matchups (Based on Rankings)

Tarrentum Bracket
Series 1: 1 x [16v17 (Play-in Series 1)]
Series 2: 6 v 11
Series 3: 8 v 9
Series 4: 4 v 13

Quodite Bracket
Series 1: 2 x [15v18 (Play-in Series 2)]
Series 2: 5 v 12
Series 3: 7 v 10
Series 4: 3 v 14

Information
The Round of 16 (listed above) will be followed by the Round of 8.
The Round of 8 will be followed by the Tarrentum Championship Series and the Qodite Championship Series
The winners of both Championship Series will play in the World Baseball Classic Finals
The losers of both Championship Series will play in the Third Place Series

Bracket

[Voltronica]

Vizern Chronicle
Peter Petrine

VIZERN-The WBC Voltronican Smugglers has actually managed to gain a small fan base due to the tight race for the 3rd seat in their division. Technically the only reason we are even featuring this article is because an increasing percentage of our readers have taken a keener interest in the team. They play Michael VII which is a game that determines both teams fates. If Michael VII wins the game they nearly guarantee themselves a spot in the playoffs. If Voltronica wins it make the race even tighter for the two and also possibly allowing Allamunic States the 3rd place finish. However, Voltronica can only completely guarantee itself if it either scores heavily in the next games or wins against the mighty Sarzonia.

[Bergnovinaia]

Running the Bases Magazine--Online Edition

August 31st, 2010 (Second to last Group Stage Matchday)

As the Group Stage is Nearing A Close, Bergnovinaia is on the Verge of Qualifying

On this second to last group stage matchday, Bergnovinaia's hope of qualifying for the WBC this time around hangs precariously in the balance--if there's any hope at all. Even with the easy win over Conservants, 7-2, which brings the teams win percentage to 7 and 6, Bergnovinaia has to face the biggest challange of all, playing Cassadigua.

Here's a recapping of today's game:
Bergnovinaia 010 302 100 - 7
Conservants 000 011 000 - 2

Early on in the 2nd inning, Bergnovinaian slugger and first basemen, Guy Swindoll, swung for the fences with success. The homerun gave Bergnovinaia an early 1-0 lead. Two innings later, Christian Lintz started a hitting rally with a total of three runs being driven in during the inning. Although the Conservants scored in the bottom of the next inning, Bergnovinaia's lukc continued well into the 6th inning, where Kendrick Howden hit a two run home run, putting Bergnovinaia up 6-2 by the end of the inning. In the next inning, Raphael Spenner would hit a triple and would be driven in by a bunt from Darius Down. Starting pitcher Randy Horn played the enitre game, allowing only 2 runs, 2 walks, and 4 hits. He also had 6 strikeouts.

However, Bergnovinaia must focus on winning their next game, the final game against the group leader of Cassadigua. With only one loss on their record, Bergnovinaian sports fans are not holding their breath, but they would be thrilled if the team won. If Bergnovinaia was to somehow miraculously win their match, they would play the loser of the Milchama and Lycrabon in a playoff game for the third qualifying spot for the group. Bergnovinaia is planning on putting in Davis Johnson as the starting pitcher. He has a 2-0 record so far this WBC.

In group sponsorhips news, BergBucks Inc. is attempting to get local sports fans excited about the Cassadiuga match by offering a free coffee and pastry at all BergBucks Inc. controlled franchises on September 2nd, 20101 if Bergnovinaia was to win the game against Cassadigua and secure a chance at potentially qualifyng. BergBucks Inc. coffee is loved widely across not only Bergnovinaia, but the world, and it is estimated that over 1 billion people will tune in to watch thier nation face Cassadigua in the last day of group play to see if they can get a free coffee and pastry.

[Sakurakoku]

Taking Stock of Sakurakoku and the WBC

Tonight marks the final game for Sakurakoku in the 16th World Baseball Classic, and the team is looking to go out on a high note. "I think we did pretty well against the competition," Toya Kaneda said, taking stock of the team's performance in the tournament. "It'd just be great for us to go out winners."

Manager Hayato Kojima agreed with his starting right fielder's assessment. "This is our first time against top flight talent from around the world," he said. "Maybe we weren't surprise teams like the Peace Republic or Evandonia, but we should be thinking about long-term goals here. We want to be able to use our experience here so that we can do better next time. That goes for all of us."

The team started decently at 3-3 before losing four straight games to remove them from playoff contention. They have won two of the past three games and are looking to win back-to-back games for the first time. It won't be easy against Tocrowkia, McSquiggie's Group winners and last World Baseball Classic's third place team. They are by far the most experienced team in the group, though Sakurakoku will play at Duran Stadium and may catch a break if Tocrowkia decides to rest players in anticipation for the playoffs to protect them from injury. "He'll decide what he believes is best for his team," Kojima said, referring to Tocrowkia manager Paul Rudolf, when asked about the possibility of Tocrowkia resting normal starters.

Yoshino to start: Kojima confirmed that Shizuru Yoshino will start in place of the injured Juntaro Ikeda, taking advantage of the day's rest afford to the team on Sunday. Kojima said that he was looking to see Yoshino develop her repertoire beyond her knuckleball and mind-games as well as her mechanics against "a good team, even if (Tocrowkia) decides to play their reserves."

Yoshino's normal approach in college of frustrating batters early and getting into their heads in the later innings had earned her a reputation of being a master mental opponent. What made her unusual in her approach was that she wasn't boisterous like team captain Kei Maebara - rather, she upholds an air of class while on the mound, often smiling at batters whom she just made look silly with her knuckleball. Some observers believe she is actually flirting with her victims, regardless of their gender, which has fueled rumors about her orientation - that she "bats for both sides," according to one player who batted against her in college who declined to be named. Yoshino has declined to comment on the rumors several times, perhaps using the rumors to her advantage. At the tournament, however, it hasn't translated as well - she has been tagged with losses her previous two starts and has an ERA of 8.00.

Barring any last-minute changes to the line-up, this is what the batting order for tonight's game shapes up as:

1. Minoru Shiraishi, 3B
2. Kenta Morita, 2B
3. Kei Maebara, LF
4. Toya Kaneda, RF
5. Seiji Inugami, 1B
6. Daisuke Taguchi, CF
7. Satoshi Takeda, SS
8. Hideo Uehara, C
9. Shizuru Yoshino, P

[Qazox]

QOXSports.com/WBC 16 Coverage

Cotdelapoms 010 000 000 - 1
Qazox       100 020 00X - 3

One game left at City of Norfolk is all that stands between Qazox and a playoff berth. While the permutations of results that can happen tommorrow might see Qazox win, but still not qualify; while some other permutations might see Qazox through even if they lose. But to be safe, Qazox should just win, right?

Tonight's home finale saw David Dell shake up the lineup a bit, moving Garski to the clean up spot, and starting Diane Riggles @ first (and batting 3rd), as Jason Tyson pulled a muscle in his shoulder in pre-game warmups. Tyson is expected to play at CoN, however.

As for today's game, it was another pitcher's duel as Cotdelapoms' Gabriel Banville only gave up 5 hits in 8 innings, but Charles Waskica threw nine 4-hit innings, earning Qazox' first complete game of this tourney. Qazox took the lead in the first on a RBI double by Garski, scoring Riggles, who doubled to left, just missing a HR by inches. In the 2nd, 3 of Cotdelapoms' 4 hits came on back-to-back-to-back singles by Alain Bernier, Serge Dupuis and Mats Trefort the last scoring the first.

The game remained tied at 1-1 until the 5th, when a Tim Mordecai throwing error allowed Victoria Wright to advance to 2nd with outs, setting up an RBI double by Adele Grahame. Waskica suprised everybody in the stadium by singling sharply to right, scoring Grahame, making it 3-1 Qazox. After that Waskica hit, the only other hit in the game came with 2 outs in the 9th when Joseph Dubois just barely beat a Sanchez throw to 1st, but Waskica got Jean-Paul Johansson swinging on a 0-2 cutter to end the game.

For the City of Norfolk game, David Dell will start Mike Yarbourgh instead of Jeanne Atkins. When asked why, Dell had this to say:

[Mike] Yarbourgh has been a bit more consistent than Jeanne [Atkins], and in case of making the playoffs, I'd rather have Atkins start in a Game 1 than a Knuckleballer. In fact for the playoffs, odds are Mike [Yarbourgh] will be in the pen, unless an injury occurs.

Niether Jeanne Atkins nor Mike Yarbourgh had anything to say about the rotation change.

[Mossulia]

Mossulia Echo

We won, but the next game is more important

Last night Mossulia played Yafor 2 in a win or die match. Well it would have been win or die if we weren't playing Mantwenic next. Still this game was a chance to prove our stuff against a bigger team. The game still won't be as important as the next even though it was our most important yet. Anyway here's the game report.

The game started poorly for Mossulia with Yafor 2 making 2 runs in the first innings and things didn't look too good. In the second innings Mossulia fought back making 5 quick runs to put them 5-2 up and in control of the game. In the third innings not much happened and the pitchers really enjoyed it. The next two innings were similar and left the pitchers with broad grin on their faces.

The 6th innings saw Yafor 2 strike 1 run back, but it made little difference to the game. The next innings saw Mossulia get that run back and put them on course towards victory. The final innings saw Mossulia concede only one run and notch three runs themselves to take the game by a 10-4 margin and put them into the final game with a chance of qualification.

The next match is between us and Mantwenic. The winner of this goes into the play-in series and the loser crashes out of the world baseball classic. It should be a really tense game and both teams will be wanting to prove themselves and win it. The game will be broadcasting on MTVBC 1 the main Mossulian TV channel.

[Tarrentum]

Tarrentum Falcons Sporting News - LITE
Recaps of Games 12 and 13

Game 12 - Iron Coast

IRC    0   4   0   1   1   0   1   0   0  - 7
TAR    2   0   4   0   1   0   0   1   X  - 8

W: Romeo Vasparian (1-0)
L: ---
SV: Ederi Sallamo (5)
ND: Liona Marrada, IC Starting Pitcher

While getting out to a quick start with two runs in the first, the Falcons had to claw their way (beak and talon) to the finish line. While Liona Marrada looked good in the first inning, her four runs allowed in the top of the second set the tone for the rest of her night. Wavi remained confident with Marrada and kept her in until the bottom of the 6th when he went for the double-switch and brought in recent call-up, and WBC veteran, Norian Ionian to both pinch hit then stay in for Rich Rasmussen in left field.

Ionian made good on his first At Bat of this WBC, hitting a single to right. Unfortunately, Ferdini Zappataro was unable to bring him home and went down swinging in his 2 for 5 showing at the plate. Romeo Vasparian came in at the top of the 7th to take over from Marrada and gave up a run. Wavi, not wanting to burn through his pitchers, kept Vasparian in for the eighth inning.

The Falcons finally pulled ahead in the bottom of the 8th when Xavier Gradoni was able to reach base on a lead-off double. With Vasparian due up next (because of the double-switch), Wavi sent out Valerio Utteroni to pinch hit, it was a wise move. Utteroni laced a single down the right field line to score Gradoni and take the lead 8 - 7. From there, Ederi Sallamo got the ball and shut down the Iron Coast in the top of the ninth for his 5th save of the tournament.

Summary

2B: Antoni Favella (5th Inning); Xavier Gradoni (8th Inning)
3B: Dessea Vallena-Favella (3rd Inning)
HR: Ferdini Zappataro (3rd Inning)
RBI: Favella (1st Inning - 2); Zappataro (3rd Inning - 2); Vallena-Favella (3rd Inning); Joe Thomas (3rd Inning, 5th Inning); Valerio Utteroni (8th Inning)

SB: Ferdini Zappataro (1st Inning)

---

Game 13 - Sibirsky

SIB   2   0   0   1   0   0   0   3   0  - 6
TAR   1   0   0   0   1   1   0   2   3  - 8

W: Luis Mata (1-0)
L: William D. Huerta

The Falcons won their final home game of the WBC Group Stage over Sibirsky in dramatic fashion. The Falcons were able to keep pace with the Capitalizts throughout the whole game. Though Sibirsky got out to a quick lead off of Dazzera with a single and a homerun, 'Dizzy' was able to pitch 7 strong innings before turning the ball over (and almost the game) to the beloved Juliana Italiana in the 8th. The Falcons started things off right with a run in the bottom of the first by Erni Washini (driven in by Dessea Vallena-Favella). Young Rich Rasmussen brought the Falcons back to within one run in the bottom of the fifth with a lead-off solo homerun.

When the beloved Juliana Italiana came to the mound in the top of the eighth, no one was expecting a three-run inning, but that's exactly what they saw. Wavi, just as in the Iron Coast game, spoke with Italiana but decided to keep her in the game to finish the inning. She was able to finish out the 8th but the Capitalizts had gone up 5 -3. The Falcons answered right back with a home run by Xavier Gradoni in the bottom of the same inning.

Luis Mata came in for Italiana for the top of the ninth and although surrendering a hit, got out of the inning cleanly. With the game, and quite possibly the tournament, on the line the Falcons hit two groundball outs to start the inning. Then the rally began. First Washini reached with a double to right. Antoni Favella followed that up with a single through the infield. It was enough to get to first but not enough to score Washini. The Capitalizts brought in their lefty specialist, William Huerta to face Vallena-Favella but there was no stopping this team. Vallena-Favella took a 3-1 pitch for a trip 410 ft. into the left side of Krozile State Ballpark.

The Falcons had staved off defeat - and hopefully elimination - with their win over Sibirsky. Next they face New High Charity 24, which is coming off an upset of Delaclava yesterday.

Summary

2B: Erni Washini (1st Inning); Antoni Favella (6th Inning); Joe Thomas (6th Inning); Dessea Vallena-Favella (8th Inning)
HR: Rich Rasmussen (5th Inning); Xavier Gradoni (8th Inning); Vallena-Favella (9th Inning)
RBI: Vallena-Favella (1st Inning, 9th Inning - 3); Rasmussen (5th Inning); Thomas (6th Inning); Gradoni (8th Inning - 2)

[Tarrentum]

Though 13 games have now passed, we still your fluttering hearts and give you:

The Match Day 14 Cut-Off!

[Tarrentum]

Match Day 14 Cut-Off
End of Group Stage - Playoff Participants Determined Afterwards

MegOil Group

Iron Coast            000 010 001 - 2
Sibirsky              101 010 00X - 3


Tarrentum             120 120 100 - 7
New High Charity 24   100 010 000 - 2


Delaclava             000 100 000 - 1
Bodegraven            100 030 00X - 4


Quintessence of Dust  104 013 010 - 10
Grantanata            001 010 010 - 3

Yuppers FoodBrands Group

Conservants           100 200 500 - 8
Teinohikira           201 000 001 - 4


Lycrabon              000 200 102 - 5
Cosumar               001 201 000 - 4


Milchama              104 000 000 1 - 6
Gracelona             000 001 400 0 - 5


Cassadaigua           103 222 101 - 12
Bergnovinaia          101 000 000 - 2

Modi-Cube One Group

Navarrone             040 000 003 - 7
Saint Haden           100 003 000 - 4


Western cuba          000 012 011 - 5
Cotdelapoms           000 000 100 - 1


Qazox                 100 110 000 2 - 5
City of Norfolk       010 002 000 1 - 4


Zwangzug              011 110 001 000 1 - 6
Churchma              001 002 011 000 0 - 5

McSquiggie's Group

Manticore Reborn      002 011 000 - 4
Tentalon              023 010 02X - 8


Virabia               000 000 000 - 0
Peace Republic        000 000 01X - 1


The Babbage Islands   020 330 001 - 9
Evandonia             101 011 300 - 7


Tocrowkia             001 103 001 - 6
Sakurakoku            130 101 12X - 9

MercantileBancshares Group

Daemonheart           000 110 203 - 7
Taffy 3               000 110 000 - 2


Mantwenic             010 100 000 0 - 2
Mossulia              010 010 000 4 - 6


Yafor 2               020 300 000 - 5
Castigonia            000 000 000 - 0


Newmanistan           121 012 051 - 13
Pacific_a             001 011 000 - 3

BergBucks Group

Michael VII           005 002 111 - 10
Silver Beach          201 000 012 - 6


Allamunnic States     120 200 402 - 11
Frelassio             121 100 000 - 5


Secristan             000 000 030 - 3
Elemanu               003 001 00X - 4


Sarzonia              000 111 201 02 - 8
Voltronica            001 200 300 00 - 6

[Qazox]

QOXSports.com/WBC 16 Coverage

Qazox    100 110 000 2 - 5
C. of N. 010 002 000 1 - 4

Mike Yarbourgh went 8 strong innings, allowing just 6 hits, but 3 of those hits were solo HomeRuns. But after 9 innings the game was still tied at 3-all, forcing Qazox to play in extra innings for the first time in these qualifiers.

In the first, Qazox took a 1-0 lead on a single by Thomas Brown and a double by Juanita Sanchez. City of Norfolk tied it in the 2nd with a solo shot by their catcher. Qazox re-took the lead in the 4th on a 2-out double by Victoria Wright and a single by Adele Grahame. In the 5th, Brown banged a HR off the right-filed foul pole making it 3-1 Qazox. But a pair of HR by City of Norfolk, another by their Catcher and one by their 3rd baseman; tied it up at 3-3 in the 6th. It would remain tied until the 10th.

In the tenth, Pinch hitter Grant Calvin started off with a double to center, Brown singled him to third, and Dyana Garski doubled Clavin & Brown home giving Qazox a 5-3 lead. Rene Coleman came in for Ryan Batiste, who pitched the 9th inning; After giving up back-to-back 1-out doubles that cut the lead to 5-4, Coleman struck out CoN's pinch hitter and we give way to QFRO (750 QOXSports Fromburg) for the call...

2 outs now here in Norfolk, a runner on second and CoN's first baseman is coming up to bat. Coleman looks, shakes off the pitch, fires and it's a ground ball to Savoy, he throws it to Tyson.. adn there it is! Qazox wins 5-4 in 10 innings! Qazox has qualified for the WBC playoffs! A slider by Coleman leads to the final out and Qazox is back in the WBC playoffs!

[Tarrentum]

Final Standings for WBC 16 Group Stage

Group Winner (Top 6 Playoff Team)
Playoff Qualifier
Playoff Qualifier - Play-in Series Team

MegOil Group

                          W   L   PCT    RF   RA   RD    AR/G
1  Quintessence of Dust  13   1   .929   82   47   35   5.86
2  Tarrentum              9   5   .643   79   67   12   5.64
3  Grantanata             8   6   .571   74   65    9   5.29
4  New High Charity 24    7   7   .500   52   62  -10   3.71
5  Bodegraven             7   7   .500   48   47    1   3.43
6  Sibirsky               4  10   .286   65   78  -13   4.64
7  Delaclava              4  10   .286   54   72  -18   3.86
8  Iron Coast             4  10   .286   49   67  -18   3.50

• New High Charity 24 over Bodegraven on H2H (2-0)
• Sibirsky over Delaclava on TR Differential (H2H @ 1-1)
• Sibirsky over Iron Coast on H2H (2-0)
• Delaclava over Iron Coast on Average Runs per Game
  
  • H2H @ 1-1
  • TR Differential @ -18

Yuppers FoodBrands Group

                  W   L   PCT    RF   RA   RD    AR/G
1  Cassadaigua   13   1    .923   97   54   43   6.93
2  Milchama       9   5    .643   77   53   24   5.50
3  Lycrabon       9   5    .643   74   57   17   5.29
4  Bergnovinaia   7   7    .500   68   80  -12   4.86
5  Cosumar        5   9    .357   63   79  -16   4.50
6  Gracelona      5   9    .357   65   84  -19   4.64
7  Teinohikira    4  10    .286   63   83  -20   4.50
8  Conservants    3  11    .214   43   78  -35   3.07

• Milchama over Lycrabon on TR Differential (H2H @ 1-1)
• Cosumar over Gracelona on TR Differential (H2H @ 1-1)

Modi-Cube One Group

                     W   L   PCT    RF   RA   RD    AR/G
1  Zwangzug         11   3   .786   80   52   28   5.71
2  Western cuba     10   4   .714   88   67   21   6.29
3  Qazox             9   5   .643   73   68    5   5.21
4  Churchma          8   6   .571   61   63   -2   4.36
5  Navarrone         7   7   .500   73   66    7   5.21
6  City of Norfolk   6   8   .429   53   72  -19   3.79
7  Cotdelapoms       4  10   .286   56   70  -14   4.00
8  Saint Haden       2  12   .143   60   83  -23   4.29

McSquiggie's Group

                         W   L   PCT    RF   RA   RD    AR/G
1  Tocrowkia            11   3   .786   86   56   30   6.14
2  Peace Republic        9   5   .643   71   74   -3   5.07
3  The Babbage Islands   8   6   .571   84   78    6   6.00
4  Evandonia             7   7   .500   79   71    8   5.64
5  Sakurakoku            6   8   .429   73   73    0   5.21
6  Virabia               6   8   .429   58   65   -7   4.14
7  Tentalon              5   9   .357   49   59  -10   3.50
8  Manticore Reborn      4  10   .286   60   84  -24   4.29

• Sakurakoku over Virabia on TR Differential (H2H @ 1-1)

MercantileBancshares Group

                 W   L   PCT    RF   RA   RD    AR/G
1  Newmanistan  13   1   .929  113   52   61   8.07
2  Yafor 2       9   5   .643   83   56   27   5.93
3  Mossulia      8   6   .571   84   69   15   6.00
4  Mantwenic     7   7   .500   82   90   -8   5.86
5  Daemonheart   6   8   .429   73   85  -12   5.21
6  Castigonia    5   9   .357   55   75  -20   3.93
7  Pacific_a     5   9   .357   69   90  -21   4.93
8  Taffy 3       3  11   .214   46   88  -42   3.29

• Castigonia over Pacific_a on H2H (2-0)

BergBucks Group

                       W   L   PCT    RF   RA   RD    AR/G
1  Sarzonia           11   3   .786   83   53   30   5.93
2  Secristan          10   4   .714   95   63   32   6.79
3  Michael VII         8   6   .571   83   86   -3   5.93
4  Allamunnic States   7   7   .500   70   71   -1   5.00
5  Elemanu             6   8   .429   56   64   -8   4.00
6  Voltronica          6   8   .429   64   80  -16   4.57
7  Frelassio           5   9   .357   76   81   -5   5.43
8  Silver Beach        3  11   .214   54   85  -31   3.86

• Elemanu over Voltronica on TR Differential (H2H @ 1-1)

Final Playoff Rankings

Ranks 1-6 for Group Winners (as per Accepted Host Bid)
1. Newmanistan (13-1; TR Diff = 61)
2. Cassadaigua (13-1; TR Diff = 43)
3. Quintessence of Dust (13-1; TR Diff = 35)
4. Tocrowkia (11-3; TR Diff = 30; AR/G = 6.14)
5. Sarzonia (11-3; TR Diff = 30; AR/G = 5.93)
6. Zwangzug (11-3; TR Diff = 28)
7. Secristan (10-4; TR Diff = 32)
8. Western cuba (10-4; TR Diff = 21)
9. Yafor 2 (9-5; TR Diff = 27)
10. Milchama(9-5; TR Diff = 24)
11. Lycrabon (9-5; TR Diff = 17)
12. Tarrentum (9-5; TR Diff = 12)
13. Qazox (9-5; TR Diff = 5)
14. Peace Republic (9-5; TR Diff = -3)
15. Mossulia (8-6; TR Diff = 15)
16. Grantanata (8-6; TR Diff = 12)
17. The Babbage Islands (8-6; TR Diff = 6)
18. Michael VII (8-6; TR Diff = -3)

Playoff Matchups (Based on Rankings)

Tarrentum Bracket
Play-In Series 1: Grantanata v. The Babbage Islands
Series 1: Newmanistan x [16v17]
Series 2: Western cuba v Yafor 2
Series 3: Zwangzug v Lycrabon
Series 4: Tocrowkia v Qazox

Quodite Bracket
Play-In Series 2: Mossulia v. Michael VII
Series 1: Cassadaigua x [15v18]
Series 2: Secristan v Milchama
Series 3: Sarzonia v Tarrentum
Series 4: Quintessence of Dust v Peace Republic

Information
The Round of 16 (listed above) will be followed by the Round of 8.
The Round of 8 will be followed by the Tarrentum Championship Series and the Quodite Championship Series
The winners of both Championship Series will play in the World Baseball Classic Finals
The losers of both Championship Series will play in the Third Place Series

Bracket


Play-In Series Schedule
Friday, September 3: Play-in Game 1 – 18v15 (Krozile State Ballpark - Tarrentum)
Friday, September 3: Play-in Game 1 – 17v16 (Raptor Park - Quintessence of Dust)
Saturday, September 4: Play-in Game 2 – 15v18 (Apolln City Field - Tarrentum)
Saturday, September 4: Play-in Game 2 – 16v17 (Dodger (Not That One) Stadium - Quintessence of Dust)
Sunday, September 5 IF NEEDED: Play-in Game 3 – 18v15 (Krozile State Ballpark - Tarrentum)
Sunday, September 5 IF NEEDED: Play-in Game 4 – 17v16 (National Stadium of Sports - Quintessence of Dust)
Monday, September 6: Off-Day US - Labor Day Holiday

[Lycrabon]

CAPITAL CITY GAZETTE
Zwangzug, then Nordics/Phoenix

ST. CATHERINE - The Lycrabon Blue Jays successfully navigated the group stage with a 5-4 victory over home-standing Cosumar. The Jays will now face Zwangzug in the round of 16 starting next week. Assuming a series win, Lycrabon will then face the winner of the Tocrowkia-Qazox series. "In looking at the brackets, we wouldn't potentially face the Rockets until the semifinals," said the Jays' manager. "We want them, being our predecessors had all sorts of trouble beating them," referring to two playoff runs by Barnettsville that ended at the hands of the sky blue and white (WBC 12 in the quarterfinals, WBC 13 in the round of sixteen). It was announced that for the entire playoff run, the team will wear patches with the initials "CHD", in honor of the father of one of the players. Pitching game 1 will be Tom Benson, who was 1-1 during group play with one no-decision. Game two will be started by the returning Glenn Carillo who was 1-1 before being suspended for his part in a brawl during group play. If necessary, Bruce Barrett (2-0, 1 no-decision) will pitch game 3 against the Zebras.


OOC: lack of posts over the weekend was due to girlfriends father passing away (hence the memorial patch).

[Tarrentum]

Stadium Information For Playoffs

For all 3-game Playoff Series the Higher Ranked team will be the "Home" team for the 1st and 3rd Games
For the WBC Championship Series the Higher Ranked team will be the "Home" team for games 1, 2 and 5

Play-in Series Venues
Tarrentum (#16 Grantanata v #17 The Babbage Islands):

• Game 1: Krozile State Ballpark (17 v 16)
• Game 2: Apolln City Field (16 v 17)
• Game 3: Krozile State Ballpark (17 v 16)

Quintessence of Dust (#15 Mossulia v #18 Michael VII):

• Game 1: Raptor Park (18 v 15)
• Game 2: Dodger (Not That One) Stadium (15 v 18)
• Game 3: National Stadium of Sports (18 v 15)

Tarrentum Bracket
TS1: MegOil Imperium Stadium (Napoliroma, Tarrentum)

Capacity: 53,325
Altitude: 320 ft (98 m)
Dimensions LF Line-LF-CF-RF-RF Line (ft): 312-417-460-335-315

TS2: Apolln City Field (Apolln City, Apolln) pronounced in one syllable: [ ΄Āpôlln]

Capacity: 27,000
Altitude: 840 ft (256 m)
Dimensions LF Line-LF-CF-RF-RF Line (ft): 343-384-402-374-330

TS3: Krozile State Ballpark (Krozuy, Krozile)

Capacity: 35,000
Altitude: 5,280 ft (1,609 m)
Dimensions LF Line-LF-CF-RF-RF Line (ft): 330-356-410-356-330

TS4: McSquiggie’s Stadium (Bolonza, Napole)

Capacity: 48,000
Altitude: 177 ft (54 m)
Dimensions LF Line-LF-CF-RF-RF Line (ft): 335-360-400-360-335

TQF1 (TS1 v TS2): MegOil Imperium Stadium
TQF2 (TS3 v TS4): Krozile State Ballpark

Tarrentum Championship Series: MegOil Imperium Stadium
World Baseball Classic 3rd-Place Series: Krozile State Ballpark
World Baseball Classic Championship Series: MegOil Imperium Stadium

Quintessence of Dust Bracket
QS1: The Frosty Dome (New Cleethorpes)

QS2: Raptor Park (Nowy Opington)

QS3: Dodger (Not That One) Stadium (New Cleethorpes)

QS4: National Stadium of Sports (Highmark City)

QQF1 (QS1 v QS2): Dodger (Not That One) Stadium
QQF2 (QS3 v QS4): Raptor Park

Quodite Championship Series: The Frosty Dome

[Tarrentum]

Tarrentum Falcons Sporting News - LITE
Falcons win Big, Overtake Grantanata; Dessea Vallena-Favella Hits for Cycle

TAR   1   2   0   1   2   0   1   0   0  - 7
NHC   1   0   0   0   1   0   0   0   0  - 2

W: Fironte Sareb (2-0)
L: *****

New High Charity 24 - The Falcons were able to defeat the lowly 24's last night in the final game of the Group Stage. With young hurler Fironte Sareb on the mound, Tarrentum dominated New High Charity throughout the night. Throughout Sareb's 7 innings of work, he struck out 9 batters, walked 4 and gave up 6 hits. Though ten batters reaching base isn't a great number, Sareb was able to keep the damage to a minimum, giving up only one extra-base hit (a double). Luis Mata came in the bottom of the eighth and pitched two innings of 1 hit ball to keep the Falcons on top.

On the offensive side of the game, the Falcons exploded for 7 runs, six of them coming in the first 5 innings off the hapless New High Charity pitching staff. Dessea Vallena-Favella continued her dominance over the MegOil Group's pitchers (except the Quodites of course) and hit for the cycle in 4 At-Bats (she also had one walk). Rich Rasmussen added a homerun to his small, but growing, WBC total with a 2-run moon shot to right in the 2nd inning. Rasmussen, who came into the regular lineup after Woodiro Tucia's shoulder injury in the 6th game of the 14-game group stage, has hit a total of 5 homeruns this tournament - two behind Vallena-Favella (who leads the team). Vallena-Favella drove in 3 runs in the game to further prove her main role on the team as the run producer - an injury to this star would be a disaster. Vallena-Favella has drove in 27 runs throughout the 14 games, almost 2 RBIs per game! The next closest on the team are Antoni Favella and Joe Thomas with 9 RBIs.

The Falcons took over second place in the MegOil Group with their win and Grantanata's loss, Tarrentum vaulted to the #12 ranking in the WBC Playoffs. They are set to square off against last year's playoff foe - Sarzonia (winner of the BergBucks Group). It's deja vu all over again!

Game Summary

2B: Ferdini Zappataro (1st Inning); Xavier Gradoni (4th Inning); Dessea Vallena-Favella (9th Inning)
3B: Vallena-Favella (7th Inning)
HR: Rich Rasmussen (2nd Inning): Vallena-Favella (5th Inning)
RBI: Erni Washini (1st Inning); Rasmussen (2nd Inning - 2); Zappataro (4th Inning); Vallena-Favella (5th Inning - 2, 7th Inning)

SB: Zappataro (1st Inning, 4th Inning); Vallena-Favella (3rd Inning)
Pinch Hitting: Norian Ionian for Fironte Sareb in 8th Inning