WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC 17 ROSTERS/RP/SCORES

[Tarrentum]

Tarrentum Falcons Sporting News

Squeak. A noise a mouse makes. A noise a baby toy makes. A verb, an adverb.

Squeak is what the Falcons did in their 3-games series against upstart Telamar. The Falcons, who dropped game one 10-9 to the Telamarines, won Games 2 and 3 by one run each game. For a team known at the end of the Group Stage for its power these last three games have showed off more of their bullpen pitching and coaching strategies. While Dessea Vallena-Favella has been the most valuable player on this team the combined pitching experiences of Romeo Vasparian and Ederi Sallamo, who lost Game 1, proved equally invaluable to the team.

With another homerun from Xavier Gradoni in the first inning to pull ahead 2-0 in the first game, the star first basemen brought his total home runs of the Classic to 4. Natalie Pessotto eventually gave up a two-run home run in the 6th inning to Telamar's catcher but Romeo Vasparian, little used in the Group Stage, again came out and had a terrific 4 innings of relief work. In the bottom of the 11th, Xavier Gradoni, MVP of the International Baseball League, smashed a double into center to bring home speedy Ferdini Zappataro to put the Falcons ahead by one run. Ederi Sallamo, who was used because Ferdinand Cossomo thought he had "greater experience in these scenarios," pitched a terrific top of the 10th striking out one and ending the inning with a double play.

In the final game of the series it was Christian Buonconte who gave up the early runs. After Ferdini Zappataro scored in the top of the first on a passed ball, Buonconte gave up four hits for the Telamarines to go up 3-1. The score stayed that way until the fourth inning when the underdogs scored another three on one swing from their superstar catcher. Buonconte's day was over and once again Vasparian came in to the game in relief. Vasparian's presence seemed to lift the team out of their "funk" as they scored 6 unanswered runs in the final 5 innings. Pitching Coach Joe Greene said that he and Cossomo had let Buonconte know before the game that they would pull him if things started to look bad. Vasparian pitched two innings but it was enough of a momentum changer for the Telamarines that the combination of Ederi Sallamo and Will 'Griz' Franklin shut the 12th-seeded team down completely.

Now the Falcons look to face the unranked Saugeis team who nabbed the #4 ranking after the Group Stage. The Falcons will be sticking with their pitching rotation, putting Fironte Sareb out for Game 1, Bertrando Sabre out for Game 2 and, if necessary, Liona Marrada - their ace - to start Game 3. This is the farthest the Falcons have ever gotten in a WBC, let's hope the pressure doesn't get to the WBC rookies and that the run-scoring returns to this powerful team. Does a shot against Western cuba or, more ominously, Newmanistan, await?

[Qazox]

Qazox at WBC17

QUARTERFINAL PREVIEW and Round of 16 review.

PLAYOFF PREVIEW:
#8 Qazox v. #1 Mossulia:
BREAKDOWN: (including the R16 matches)
RPG scored: Qazox 5.08::Mytannion 5.38 Edge: Mytannion
RPG allowed: Qazox 3.83::Mytannion 2.92 Edge: Mytannion

Prediction: Qazox in 3. A case of numbers being a lie. Mytannion cruised to their division title, while Qazox had to scrape to get back in. But the Cinderella run chimes midnight as Qazox rides a 6-game win streak into the series.

Other Quarterfinal matchups:
3 Western Cuba vs. 6 Silver Beach: 2 teams both lookin for their 1st deep WBC run. A classic pitchin-hitting matchup but Western Cuba's pitching has improved as the tourney has gone on. Western Cuba takes it in 3.

7 Milchama vs. 2 Newmanistan: With 5 combined titles and numerous playoff appearances, it's a shame this is a quarterfinal matchup. Rockets are the best in the world and Milchama can and has beaten just about everybody. The Rockets are just a smidgen better so... Newmanistan in 3.

5 Tarrentum vs. 4 Saugeais: Another intriguing matchup. Can Saugeais continue their Cinderella run, or will Tarrentum breakthrough into the upper echelon of the WBC? Expect at least 1 game to go extra innings, and maybe all 3. Tarrentum in 3.

Reviewing our Round of 16 picks, we correctly predicted 7 of 8 series overall (Zirakul!!!!) And in terms of how long each series lasted we correctly predicted 5 of 8. So getting 12/16 picks correct and absolutely nailing 5 of the 8 series, we're confident of our picks above. Unless they are wrong.

BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Juan Diego's knee injury is more serious that initially thought. Diego was diagonosed with a torn patella ligament in his left knee, and will miss the remainder of the WBC. Manager Linda Werth has announced that Michella Brown will take Diego's spot in the rotation, and will not be used in the quarterfinal series vs. Mytannion.

[Newmanistan]

“I know its about the Classic, but Sargent, how can you just be sitting there watching a baseball game recap after the news of the car bomb in Pocono City?” Asked General Freeman.

“I’m sorry,” Sargent Hillcrest replied, “Maybe it is inappropriate but they were interviewing some of the players about what they feel about it too. It’s tough for them, since they are away in Lycrabon and they know the Empire is in a state of conflict, and now the bomb in Pocono City. At the same time though, general, that is for the Emperor and our forces who have not yet stepped onto what used to be Secristani soil to worry about. We just have to worry about these pockets of resistance. The fact that we lost 16 people in the last two days as we move eastward shows that we need to have our focus. The car bomb outside that office building is tragic and I’m really sympathetic with the loved ones of the what, 50-something, people that lost their lives. The building held up though. If it was from one of these loyalist Secristani groups, then it shows what they are capable of doing.”

“The death toll is 71 from the explosion, but I guess it could have been worse. The Emperor is tripling our military presence, and we will see some of that here.”

“Which is good. Now back to the baseball, we just named that last mid-sized city we went to Summersville in honor of where the Rockets played their first round series and walked all over the team from Cathatis. So what’s the big idea if I want to catch me a recap of the games? I know you care as much about this as I do. Relax, here, in 15 minutes things will cycle through and you’ll get the recap again.”

15 minutes later, the station does indeed replay the recap:

“Rockets took the first game of the series with ease winning the game 12-5! Kristen Wheeler had a big day with the bat, going 4-for-6 with a 3-run HR in the 1st getting the team off and rolling. It was three of her five RBI’s on the day. (Camera shows Wheeler offering this post-game remark: Gua hung a fastball and I made him pay. It was just sitting there and I did swing for the fence on that one. Overall it was a great day). Everyone in the Rockets lineup had at least one hit as they jumped out to a 7-0 lead after 4 innings. Cathatis inched their way back to 8-3 after six, but they would get no closer as the sky blue and white got two in the seventh and two more in the eighth to get the win. Courtney Weinman and Julie Sexton went yard as well. Courtney Ratigan pitched seven innings, allowing three runs on seven hits, walking one and striking out eight. (Camera highlights Ratigan for a post game comment: I’ll take it. I got a lot of run support today and it makes a run of the mill performance seem better then it was. We got a win here in the opener, and that is the most important thing!) Rachel Cosgrove pitched the eighth and ninth. We’ll get to game two after a commercial break.”

(Car commercial.... public service announcement from an anti-drunk driving group.... beer commercial..... car commercial..... jewelry commercial (because you’re not a real man if you don’t buy your wife an insanely expensive piece of jewelry for christmas), and another car commercial)....

“We’re back! In game two Jessica Brasfield continues to be unhittable after that incident with the umpire and her first. After tossing the complete game shutout, Jessica extended her scoreless inning stretch by 6 until Cathatis got three in the seventh, two being unearned after Rachel Cuyler gave Cathatis a fourth out by bobbling a routine grounder. Unfortunately, that was enough to tie the game. Newmanistan had taken a three-nuthin’ lead with one in the first, fourth, and sixth, but Brasfield was not rattled and remained in the game through nine. (Camera highlights Brasfield for a clip: Everything went well, until they pieced some hits together there in the 7th and were rewarded for it. (When asked about the error): Those things happen in baseball, Rachel is a world class fielder). Coach Christina Sanders went with Sara Schaefer, who’s become the extra inning specialist, and she did pitch the final three innings without allowing even a baserunner. In the top of the 12th, the Rockets had seven hits, scoring four-runs. (Camera highlights coach Sanders for a clip: We were resilient. We may not have pounded the snot out of the ball there, but we moved runners around and ended up having a big inning, which in extra frames, is always welcomed). With the win, Newmanistan sweeps Cathatis, and awaits their next opponent.”

General Freeman turns it off, “Do we know the next opponent?”

“Yes, Milchama won tonight, they went three games, so we see them again. Ahearn and Castelli, then maybe she goes back to Ratigan if there is a game three instead of Brianna (Bruce).”

“The Warriors are always tough.”

“Yes but our ladies in Lycrabon know that we are true warriors out here. By the way, did you see the latest comment from Queen Cassie?”

“More statements. So far she hasn’t really backed them up and they have a World Cup to worry about. They don’t want to be a nation in conflict then.”

[Lycrabon]

CAPITAL CITY GAZETTE

The Three Rivers' source for news
www.capitalcitygazette.com.lyc

Quarterfinals set; LSPN makes their predictions

ST. CATHERINE - After three exciting game three's, the first round of the World Baseball Classic playoffs concluded with all of the top eight seeds advancing to the quarterfinals. With the help of Mercersburg Michael (the semi-famous prognosticating groundhog), LSPN made their quarterfinal predictions last night on SportsNight.

- 6 Silver Beach vs. 3 Western Cuba AT SUMMERSVILLE
Two relative newcomers, the Western Cuba Reds and Silver Beach Surfers come to Welcome City Stadium to battle for a spot in the semifinals. The downside is a possible matchup with the top-ranked Rockets.
PREDICTION: Western Cuba in 3

- 7 Milchama vs. 2 Newmanistan AT NEW ALEXANDRIA
Two long standing franchises, the Warriors of Milchama and Rockets of Newmanistan battle at Cordell Walker Stadium in East Nampa's capital city. Mercersburg Mike loked long and hard at this matchup before finally making a decision.
PREDICTION: Newmanistan in 3

- 5 Tarrentum vs. 4 Saugeais AT CHARLESTOWN
Saugeais comes in as a slightly surprising group winner, while the Falcons gutted out a group title of their own. Both teams travel to where Lycrabon's group stage started in Riverton. Mike didn't waste time here.
PREDICTION: Tarrentum in 2

- 8 Qazox vs. 1 Mytannion AT PHILIPSBURG
Municipal Stadium in Philipsburg hosts the top-seeded (and by some, overrated) Mytannion and the Phoenix from Qazox. Assuming the boys in blue don't become the story, this might get a surprising series of the round award. If it goes the way the Phoenix want...
PREDICTION: Qazox with the minor upset in 2

The four game ones are tomorrow, with the semifinalists by Wednesday. The semifinals will be split up slightly, as there will be a 1-day break between games one and two of he semifinal series, due to Christmas in Lycrabon.

[The Hushlands]

Can the Hushlands team join the teams competing to enhance their talents?

[Zwangzug]

(OOC: Nope, this tournament is already in progress. Some time in the future there will be a "signup thread" for World Baseball Classic 18, and you can post there to sign up for the next thread.

Welcome to NationStates! The Guide to Sports Roleplaying will tell you more about this forum, and you can ask more about sports RP in this thread. If you have more baseball-specific questions, you can ask here.)

[Tarrentum]

Tarrentum Falcons Sporting News
Tarrentum Falcons Hunt Saugeais "Micemen"

Tonight begins the Quarterfinals of the XVII World Baseball Classic. The Falcons have made it further than any other Tarrentian team and now look to the little nation of Saugeais for the next victims. Becuase news out of Saugeais has been non-existent we here at TFSN have taken to calling them the "Micemen" for how they will be absolutely devoured by the Falcons. The Micemen beat out Quintessence of Dust, Delaclava and Qazox to claim tops in Group A, a stunning feat in its own right. But now, most believe that the Micemen's time has run out.

[OOC: Forgive my poetic license here. With little material, I must make stuff up - at least I used their roster ]

The little Republic of Saugeais came quietly into the World Baseball Classic but has made quite the impression. Nestled between rolling hills of llama farms and goat milk factories, the Saugeais' culture has always had a love of baseball. From all walks of life came their players for this WBC. Jim Bochy used to mend fences near the National Prison; Jean-Paul Romero used to be in that same prison. Bruno Baylor comes from the well-known (in Saugeais) Baylor pipe-fitting dynasty. While Kim Yun-Sung was once considered for the job of Trash Supervisor (we have done extensive on the ground research). So what does this all mean for the tiny little Republic?

Absolutely nothing.

In the end, the miracle run by this tiny nation will end, abruptly, in these next couple of games in Charlestown. Many will say, "What an inspiring story..." about those amazing Micemen, but no one will remember them come next year. No, it will be how the Falcons triumphed and moved on - all on the bat of Dessea Vallena-Favella.

[Sarzonia]

Under normal circumstances, a team finishing 4-6 and failing to qualify for the knockout rounds of the World Baseball Classic despite being highly ranked would clean house. Out would go the manager, the pitching coach, the hitting coach, whomever would be considered the scapegoat.

However, this is Sarzonia we're talking about here.

"Things just didn't go our way this time," said Incorporated Baseball Federation Board of Governors Chairman Louis Coletti. "We just didn't recover after a miserable start."

Coletti said any personnel moves regarding the team would be up to manager Khalil Dennis.

"We're not going to get in his way," Coletti said. "We're not going to overreact to one bad World Baseball Classic."

Regarding controversy surrounding hosting decisions and results, Coletti dismissed any talk that the current World Baseball Classic was "the worst ever."

"It's not something we even care about, to be honest," Coletti said. "What other people think of how this tournament has gone is none of our concern while it's still in progress."

[Saugeais]

National Journal
Saugeais baseball makes quaterfinals

You'd figure with Saugeais in a competition such as the World Baseball Classic, we'd have paid more attention to the national team. Apparently, nobody thought they would get this far, not even the National Journal staff! But being anchored by such players as Tuffy Jackson and Dick Robinson at the plate and Kelvin Lane and Ringo Grenier on the mound, Gregory Hanson has put together a tremendously winning team. "It was a little bit hard trying to find everyone. I mean, some people, not naming names, had the ability but were unable to perform due to what the law has said they've done. But I'm all for second chances, and from what I've seen, these players have truly earned their spots on this team."

Let's get a little recap for all those people who didn't follow the WBC up until now:
Game 1: Quintessence of Dust 7, Saugeais 1 (L Claude Gagné 0-1)
Game 2: Saugeais 2, Cotdelapoms 1 (W Richard Cochon 1-0, S Ringo Grenier 1)
Game 3: Saugeais 7, Qazox 4 (W Kim Yun-Sung 1-0, S Ringo Grenier 2)
Game 4: Saugeais 3, Royalsoldiers 2 / 10 innings (W Aaron Jones 1-0, S Ringo Grenier 3)
Game 5: Saugeais 1, Delaclava 0 (W Kelvin Lane 1-0)
Game 6: Saugeais 2, Quintessence of Dust 1 (W Claude Gagné 1-1, S Ringo Grenier 4)
Game 7: Saugeais 3, Cotdelapoms 0 (W Richard Cochon 2-0)
Game 8: Qazox 8, Saugeais 4 (L Randy Blackman 0-1)
Game 9: Saugeais 9, Royalsoldiers 1 (W Jim Bochy 1-0)
Game 10: Saugeais 1, Delaclava 0 (W Kelvin Lave 2-0)

So after the 8-2 group stage, Saugeais grabbed the number 4 spot in the knockout round, going up against North Orus. Saugeais handled them fully, beating them by a combined score of 15-2. Claude Gagné pitched well to earned the 7-2 win in game 1, but Richard Cochon pitched even better the next night, with a 4 hit shutout in the 8-0 win. And this where our team is right now. We have shown signs of dominance here and there, but also signs of struggle, and coming up against #5 Tarrentum we are going to have a rough time. Could we beat them? Yes, but it'll take every A+ effort from every player to do it

Prediction: Saugeais in 3

[Lycrabon]

Game 1 Quarterfinal Cutoff...brought to you by Lake Shore State University, home of tonight's LCAA "Snow Bowl" Vikings football game vs. the Newcastle University Hurricanes.....(sound familiar to NFL fans?)

As before, winners lead 1-0
Silver Beach 4, Western Cuba 3
Newmanistan 6, Milchama 5
Saugeais 4, Tarrentum 2
Qazox 7, Mytannion 5

[Qazox]

Qazox at WBC17

Pheonix hold off Mytannion's late charge, 1 win away from Semis.

Jerri Werth went 7 strong innings and Qazox looked like they were going to cruise to an easy victory over #1 Seed Mytannion, but 4 runs in the 8th with 2 outs; closed the gap to 7-5. Robert Tokadden, who at times had struggled in this WBC, came in and retired the final 4 batters to earn his 4th save.

Qazox took a 7-1 lead in the 5th, thanks to back-to-back 2 RBI doubles by Emma Flint and RF Hannah Carre to chase the Mytannion Starter. In the 8th, a pair of HR started the comeback before Tokadden shut Mytannion down. Now Qazox is just a win away from their first WBC semifinal since WBC 11. Michael Hunter will take the mound for Game 2, as they seek to end the series.

In other action, Newmanistan and Milchama had a nail-biter, Saugeais continued their impressive run and Silver Beach upended Western Cuba.

LINESCORE

Qazox     1 0 0 1 5 0 0 0 0  7 14 0
Mytannion 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 0  5 10 0

W- Jerri Werth (2-1)
L- Mytannion SP #4
Sv.- Robert Tokadden (4)

BOX SCORE: <For purposes of this game, I'm assuming Mytannion, who didn't have a roster, was using the DH>.
Qazox 1st: Corell flied out to left. McGillicutty singled to right. Sdmar singled to left, McGillicutty to 3rd. Holmes struck out. Sinclair singled to center, McGillicutty scored, Sdmar to 2nd. Flint lined out to 2nd. 1 runs, 3 hits, 2 LOB. 1-0 Qazox.

Mytanion 2nd: Double. Strike out. Double, runner on 2nd scored, fly out to left. Strike out. 1 run, 2 hits, 1 LOB. 1-1.

Qazox 4th: Sinclair walked. Flint doubled to left, Sinclair to 3rd. Carre walked. Jae popped out to 3rd. Thomas flied out to left, Sinclair scored. Corell struck out. 1 run, 1 hit, 2 LOB. 2-1 Qazox.

Qazox 5th: McGillicutty flied out to right. Sdmar singled to right. Holmes singled to center, Sdmar to 2nd. Sinclair singled to right, Sdmar to 3rd, Holmes to 2nd. Flint doubled to left, Sdmar and Holmes scored, Sinclair to 3rd. Carre doubled to center, Sinclair and Flint scored. <Pitching change: Mytannion SP #4 out, RP #1 in>. Jae singled to center, Carre to 3rd. Thomas struck out, Carre scored on dropped 3rd strike, Jae to 2nd on dropped third strike. Corell walked. <Pitching change: Mytannion RP #1 out, RP#2 in>. McGillicutty flied out to right. 5 runs, 6 hits, 2 LOB. 7-1 Qazox.

Mytanion 8th: <Pitching change: Werth out, Issac Greene in>. Strike out. Fly out to center. 346ft HR to right. 411ft HR to center. Single to left. Double to center, runner on 1st to 3rd. GR Double to left (fan interference), Runners on 2nd and 3rd scored. <Pitching Change: Greene out, Tokadden in>. Groundout to short. 4 runs, 5 hits, 1 LOB. 7-5 Qazox.

(OOC: the link in my RP header is the link to the WBC17 wikipage.)

[Tarrentum]

Tarrentum Falcons Sporting News
Umpires Called into Question as Falcons Fall to Saugeias

Charlestown, Lycrabon - The Falcons fell and not from their own accord. The game could not have been going any better for Liona Fironte Sareb and the rest of the Tarrentians as Dessea Vallena-Favella had already belted her team-leading 15th home run of the tournament in the 2nd inning. Then the mayhem started. The Falcons were prevailing over the "Micemen" but could not prevail over the officiating crew.

The Falcons started the fourth inning up 2 - 1 over the Saugeian team. Then, Sareb was called for a rare balk, moving Takahasi Honda to second and Jacques Benoit to first (on the balk). Ferdinand Cossomo had come out to argue the balk as Sareb had made the same move twice and not been called. The Newmanistani Umpire listened but in the end just sent Cossomo back to the dugout. Fironte's next pitch was belted down the first base line but clearly, as replays showed, curled foul before crossing the base before finally landing, just barely, in bounds. Joe Thomas, in right field, made a slow attempt at the ball not sure as to the call. He later told TFSN that he tought the ball was out of bounds as it was "about 3 feet to the left [out of bounds] of the bag." Yet the First Base Umpire (Zwangzug) made a fair ball call late, which Thomas did not see. Two runs scored before Thomas was finally able to get the ball into the infield.

Cossomo came bursting out of the dugout full of spit and vinegar and was immediately thrown out, not by the First Base Umpire, but by the Home Plate Umpire. An unusual move to say the least. That got Gradoni's blood going as it was clearly outside the "etiquette" rules of baseball. Cossomo should have been able to speak his mind to the First Base Umpire. Gradoni was promptly thrown out of the game by the Zwangzugian umpire.

Down a manager and their star first basemen (Raefele Magaglio came in at second base as Zappataro moved to third and Erni Washini moved to first base) the Falcons couldn't recover. Not helping their cause was the drastically reduced strike zone after the fourth inning for the Falcons pitchers and, conversely, vastly enlarged strike zone against the Falcons hitters. Ferdinand Cossomo was furious after the game. "We come this far and to have this slipshod officiating of our games is humiliating and disgraceful. Maybe Bobby [home plate umpire] had one two many last night, maybe his wife found out about his mistress...who the hell knows? But to have that kind of crew out there for two more games just curdles my blood!"

Father DeSalvo had a calmer reflection of the game. "Sometimes we just cannot execute. Tonight we were confounded by that problem and the missed calls in the fourth inning. We were knocked out of our rhythm and could not find that focus again." Outspoken Erni Washini was blunt and to the point as always in the locker room. "It's a ****ing tragedy! That kind of elementary school bullshit umpiring for a Quarterfinal series? Pure WBC bullshit. I wouldn't be surprised to find a bag full of money in that damn zebra's car!"

While Saugeias won, most on the Falcons saw an underperforming team helped along by incredible lapses in judgement by the umpires. "I don't know what game they were watching," Vallena-Favella stated in her post-game press conference. "For those calls to be made...I don't know but we would have beaten the Saugeians, and we will."

[Western cuba]

Vladgrad Tribute

Vladgrad Sports

Reds upset by One, lose shocker, need two wins to advance in a Row!

The Western Cuban locker room was filled with sadness after the game yesterday for several reasons. One obviously they lost there first game, and are facing elimination, and a more dreadful second. Western Cuba had been invaded. They were safe for now in Lycrabon. However though if they lost, they were going to be sent back to Western Cuba, and sadly enlisted. Probably a few would die on the team. Hopefully those roster spots would be filled by the U-21 Team. Which several of there players were safe in Tarrentum in the IBl. With a stated contract that they could not be drafted into the military. However the rest of the U-21 Team, and the National Team were at risk. There only chance was a victory in the WBC. They had to win a championship. If so Vladimir Makarov would grant them there freedom, and expel them from the military draft. They had to win, and they were desperate, and they would do anything.

Jose Peterson, had speech that afternoon with his players. Announcing the invasion, and that there family. The national team might be possibly separated. However they had the chance to prevent that, and they would. They would win a championship. They would play for there freedom, it wasn't for fun anymore but a matter of survival.

Evan Jackson is starting today against a T.B.A Silver Beach pitcher. Now good luck Red's and let's win a championship.

Injury Reserve

No one on the lineup is sitting out today's game, however pitcher Tom Novak complained yesterday of a possible problem in his arm. He hurt it in the 7th inning yesterday, and many critic's are predicting that is why Peterson pulled him out of the game.

Series Predictions

Western Cuba v.s. Silver Beach- Silver Beach is quite a team, and will challege the Reds, however though Western Cuba will win in 3

Milchama v.s. Newmanistan- Both of these teams are great. I'm surprised there in the Quarter Finals facing each other. This is more like a semi-final match or possibly a final. However though there must be a victor, and Newmanistan will win in 3. However though this game will be much closer.

Tarrentum v.s. Saugeais- Saugeais is entering it's first WBC this year, and is putting quite a show. Winning there group stage and taking the fourth seed in the tournament. However though Tarrentum will win in 3, due to there experience and the clock will strike midnight for Saugeais, and the story will end.

Qazox v.s. Mytannion- This is a surprise however though I predict Qazox will win. It is a surprise that Qazox is ranked this high in the bracket. There a great team, and really tough. Qazox will beat Mytannion in 2, however the series will still be a good watch.

[Lycrabon]

Quarterfinal Game 2 cutoff....are there going to be game 3's like there were in the first round?

Silver Beach 5, Western Cuba 4 [Silver Beach advances 2-0]
Newmanistan 4, Milchama 3 (F/19) [Newmanistan advances 2-0]
Tarrentum 5, Saugeais 3 [series tied 1-1]
Qazox 5, Mytannion 3 [Qazox advances 2-0]

Tomorrow's games:

Tarrentum vs. Saugeais at Charlestown

Wednesday: Off day

Thursday:
(6) Silver Beach vs. (2) Newmanistan at Lakeview
(8) Qazox vs. Saugeais/Tarrentum winner at Summersville

[Tarrentum]

Tarrentum Falcons Sporting News
Falcons Reignite the Flame of Victory

Charlestown, Lycrabon - First the tale of the check. Unnamed and shadowy World Baseball Classic officials announced earlier today that Ferdinand Cossomo, manager of the Tarrentum Falcons, had been suspended due to "deterimental comments" about the officiating crew of their Quarterfinal Series against #4 ranked Saugais. With Newmanistan embroiled in an ongoing conflict with both Dagan and former Secristan forces the backlash on the blogosphere was tremendous. The Tarrentum Sports Committee played damage control the rest of the day becuase of Cossomo's comments. In addition to the one game suspension, Cossomo was fined $45,000 by the TSC. The most outspoken players, Erni Washini, Xavier Gradoni (who was thrown out of Game 1) and Dessea Vallena-Favella were each fined $35,000 by the TSC.

Next came the tale of the game. With Father DeSalvo, manager of the Apollonian Monks, at the helm the Falcons played a more conservative brand of baseball. Interesting that the Falcons were able to adjust but in the end the experience of three WBC's by most of the infield helped the team through the gruelling morning practice. "I was amazed at the ability of our team to focus. Of course the Good Lord Above watched over us today. Yet these athletes were blessed and focused tonight in order to pull through this game," DeSalvo stated during the post-game press conference. Under his guidance the Falcons made key plays when they needed them.

Bertrando Sabre took the mound in Game 2 and, although allowing runs at the top of each of the first three innings, pitched well enough to give his team a fighting chance. The infield, with young Raefele Magagglio in on defense to start the game in place of Erni Washini at third. DeSalvo said after the game that it was a purely defensive move. "Washini didn't start because I, we, the team, needed a stronger defensive arm out there." Indeed, after the third inning DeSalvo pinch hit for Magagglio with his star third baseman. Washini promptly hit an RBI single, like it was scripted. In fact, the Benedictine monk DeSalvo stated that it was just such. "The Lord knew what was going on. Would I say it was preordained? I don't know if the Lord cares that much about a little baseball game between nations." Washini's RBI (he brought home Nax Gatto from second) helped start the Tarrentian Power Company. In the last 6 innings the Falcons scored 5 runs, including a two run home run by Xavier Gradoni. While Dessea Vallena-Favella didn't hit another signature home run, she provided two doubles for the team to build off of throughout the game.

The Falcons must now look towards tomorrow's Game 3 - the lone game three in the Quarterfinals. A victory over little Saugeais would be a dance with long-time contender Qazox. While it is unknown if the Continuum could withstand a Tarrentian v. Qazox matchup with Tarrentum holding the higher seed, most Falcons are not thinking that far ahead. "Qazox? Interesting. I'm more worried about stopping this damn little republic team from taking would should be ours - advancement!" Erni Washini, always the man in the spotlight, ended his interview with a wink and a smile.

[Qazox]

Qazox at WBC17

Sdmar's walk-off shot sends Qazox into semis.

Tied at 3-3, Davis Sdmar, who was 0-4 entering the at-bat, hit his 2nd homerun of the WBC to dead center, scoring Janet Corell; who'd lead off the 9th with a single to left. The walk-off HR sends Qazox to the semifinals for the 1st time in 12 years, and perhaps the lost decade is finally over.
Mytannion struck first in the 2nd, getting 3 runs off of Michael Hunter, but none were earned, as Qazox committed two errors in an inning for only the 2nd time in their 34-year history of the WBC. Qazox rallied back to tie it at 3-3 with runs in the 3rd and 5th innings. Hunter went 8 innings, allowing just those 3 runs, but was pulled for a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the 8th. Randall Wynne came out to start the 9th, and after allowing a pair of singles, Wynne managed the final 3 batters out setting up the dramatic home half of the 9th.

Now Qazox awaits the winner of Saugeais-Tarrentum's Game 3 tommorrow night. Not to look ahead, but there is a possibility that this WBC championship could be a historic one, as Newmanistan has advanced to the semis as well. Silver Beach reached their 1st ever semifinal as will the Tarrentum/Saugeais winner. Despite some problems this WBC has had, enumerated elsewhere; history will likely be made, regardless of whichever set of teams face off in the finals.

LINESCORE

Mytannion 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  3  8 0
Qazox     0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 2  5 11 2

W- Randall Wynne (2-0)
L- Mytannion RP #2

BOX SCORE:
Mytanion 2nd: Batter reached on Flint throwing error, batter to 2nd. Single to right, runner to 3rd. Batter reached on Hunter's throwing error, Runners on 3rd and 1st scored, batter to 2nd. Strikeout. Single to center, runner on 2nd scored. Fly out to center. Single to left, runner on 1st to 2nd. Fielder's choice (6-4), runner on 1st out. 3 runs, 3 hits, 1 LOB, 2 errors 3-0 Mytannion.

Qazox 3rd: Thomas singled to left. Hunter struck out. Corell double to center, Thomas to 3rd. McGillicutty double to right, Thomas and Corell scored. Sdmar struck out. Holmes flied out to center. 2 runs, 3 hits, 1 LOB. 3-2 Mytannion.

Qazox 5th: Thomas singled to right. Hunter hit ito fielder's choice (2-4), Thomas to 2nd. Corell walked. McGillicutty singled to right, Thomas to 3rd, Corell to 2nd. Sdmar flied out to left, Thomas scored. Holmes singled to center, McGillicutty to 3rd, Corell out advancing home (8-4-2-5-3) 1 run, 3 hits, 2 LOB. 3-3.

Qazox 9th: Corell singled to left. McGillicutty flied out to right. Sdmar 433ft HR to center, Corell scored. 2 runs, 2 hits, 0 LOB. 5-3 Qazox. 1 out when winning runs scored.

(OOC: the link in my RP header is the link to the WBC17 wikipage.)

[Newmanistan]

The investigation into the car bomb that went off in Pocono City didn’t take long to come to a conclusion as a radical group claimed responsibility. Were they rebel Secristanis? Cassadagans? Other OBIers? No, turns out they were from Olympia, in Northwest Newmanistan. Old timers might possibly recall the Empire’s other conflict of note, which was with the democratic movement that wanted Newmanistan to become a democracy, citing monarchies as a thing of the past and that it would be best for Newmanistan. Those rebels were taken care of pretty quickly before settling in an area northwest of Newmanistan in which they dubbed “West Newmanistan”. Ironically, perhaps, that land was “available” because of another nation that, as we call it, “ceased to exist”. Turned out this was a rebel group from West Newmanistan who wanted to send a message that they disapproved of Emperor Michael IV’s mission to take over the former land of Secristan while conveniently forgetting that’s how they, themselves, have a country to begin with. The President of West Newmanistan, Eric Tomlin, was quick to condemn this action, and the Emperor, who’s been able to co-exist with Tomlin, accepted the apology. Whether the friends and family of the victims did, is another story. The death toll stands at 76 from the attack.

Out in the former land of Secristan, the expanded forces were able to move eastward without a level of resistance that they could not easily turn aside. It appeared as though Cassadaigua was ready to fight for Lakeland, and the Emperor decided that wasn’t worth it, responding to Cassadaigua’s concern with the following response:

(Statement from the Emperor to Queen Cassie):

“Your Majesty, first off let me congratulate your great country on being awarded hosting rights for the upcoming World Cup. I know that you will do a great job, and that the leadership of The Babbage Islands will as well. Newmanistan is excited about making their return to the World Cup, and loves the fact that they will be able to do it in a year in which the event will be in One Big Island. I also know that the last thing you want to be involved with as the World Cup gets set to begin is any sort of military conflict and you have taken a hard stance in your desire to have the city of Lakeland. So here is my proposal:

We will not fight you for Lakeland. You can have it, it’s all yours. We will also allow you to stretch your entire border westward, with no resistance a total of 500 miles. In exchange, you will allow us to host one of those interzonals that you will be having in the World Cup. We will host said interzonal in the city of Putnam Lake and Loudon, and also in Jessicaville (formerly Amherst). I think this would be a great way for the former people of Secristan to get excited about their future. This, to me, seems like a good compromise as you will also get a hold of other former Eastern cities, and your having Lakeland is of considerable value. We will also allow Cassadagan vessels to travel the Penthoria River as if they were our own and not subject you to the recently added taxes for its passage, and eliminate you from having to pay what you had before.

Please accept this offer, as it will be of benefit to both of us.

(End statement)


Back in Secristan, Sargeant Hillcrest and General Freeman knew they shouldn’t stay up late, but this game against Milchama was becoming an instant-classic. Thanks to Brittany Castelli’s good start in game one, it was a chance to send Milchama home, but they don’t call that team the Warriors for nothing, as they fought hard. As for that first game, it was a great game all-around for the ladies in sky blue and white, winning it 6-5. Castelli allowed just one run on four hits through seven innings as the Rockets opened up a 5-1 lead. Courtney Weinman and Meghan Butler each had two-run homers as the team took control of the game early on. However, Milchama fought back and tied the game in the 8th, led by a Martin LaPlante three-run bomb. It came suddenly. Castelli had retired the first two batters, but then gave up consecutive singles, and fell behind LaPlante 3-1. She’ll be the first to tell you she tried to force that fastball up high, and the Milchaman slugger made her pay. Rattled, Castelli gave up two doubles afterward to allow the game to be tied at five. But the Rockets were resilient, getting a run back in the 8th on a Tara Rulison RBI-double, that proved to be the game winner.

In the second game, coach Christina Sanders saw no reason to skip over #1E starter Brianna Bruce given the Rockets were up in the series and that it could be a confidence booster if the 24-year old came up with a big performance, and to her credit she pitched very well. So too, did her counterpart in the white and red. After nine innings, the game was all tied up at 1. Bruce tossed all nine, walked one and struck out ten. It looked as though the Rockets were going to get the win in the 13th, as Rachel Cuyler hit a clutch two-out double to score Julie Sexton, but it wouldn’t be enough as the Warriors lived up to their name and got the run right back. LaPlante’s second HR of the series tied it at 2. In the 15th, the Rockets went back ahead as Courtney Weinman tripled and scored on a sac fly from Kristen Wheeler. Though again, Milchama would not roll over, and got a big two out double from Rudyard Davies to lead it off and small-balled him in to tie the game. Finally, in the 19th, the Rockets would win the ball game as Kristen Wheeler said sayonara to a hanging slider to make it 4-3. Reliever Michelle Harrison, who had entered in the 16th, made sure that the Warriors would not tie it again, and sat them down in order.

So, once again, Newmanistan is going to World Baseball Classic semifinal, and they will meet Zwa....? no, Cass... no?, Sar.... no? Tocr.... no?! That opponent will be Silver Beach. Yes, Silver Beach. Newmanistan will go to the top of the rotation and have Courtney Ratigan on the mound for the start of the series. If they are to win, the other semifinal is Qazox vs either Tarrentum or Saugeais. Looks like Qazox is good again and we know Tarrentum is up-and-coming, and not a surprise. But Saugeais and Silver Beach? Silly upstarts, its time to go home.

[Saugeais]

The Saugeais players came off the practice field into the locker room. Game 3 of the quarterfinals was mere hours away, and the air was full of tension and excitement. As the last player enters, manager Gregory Hanson comes out of his office.

"Alright everyone, circle around here and listen up."

The players formed on big circle of chairs around the esteemed manager, eager to here what he has to say.

"Now, I want you to know that I'm very proud of you that we've come this far. We've gone further than any analyst has predicted. And you wanna know why? Talent and heart. You guys have some of the best talent on that field today. And as far as heart, well, you don't have to convince me that you've been playing at 110%. But these are desperate time, gentlemen. You need to play well beyond your capabilities. You need to make smart plays, don't force anything. And most of all, try to have fun doing it. Heh, I know you guys will do well, but this Tarrentum team will go out and stomp all over you if you ease up. So gentlemen, if your want victory, stand up and shout it!"

Each and every player stood up, and in unison, shouted, "Victory!"

"What do we want?" "Victory!" "What do we want?" "Victory!"

"Alright! Hands in. Saugeais victory on 3. 1..2..3..." "SAUGEAIS VICTORY!"

As the players left the locker room, their confidence in their ability grew and were ready to take on the force known as Tarrentum.

[Silver Beach]

5-4 victory rockets Silver Beach to WBC semis!

A 5-4 victory over Western Cuba two nights ago completed the sweep for the Silverian baseball team, and now they are in the semifinals for the WBC against the #2 team in the world, Newmainstain. They are showing that they are a forced to be messed with.

This 5-4 victory was a thrilling comeback, ended with a three run home run by Todd Jones in the bottom of the ninth to lift Silver Beach over Western Cuba. The crowd made it feel like it was a home game, easily 2/3 of the fans were wearing the silver and blue, while only the other third was wearing Western Cuban red. Well, let us take you to the game recap.

In the first 3 innings, both pitchers went up and down the respective orders, allowing no hits, so 9 up and 9 down on both sides. It looked like it would be a pitchers deul from the start, but then in the fourth inning, Western Cuba got a little something going.

After the leadoff hitter in the top of the fourth drew a walk, the next hitter came up and hit a single, to put men on the corners with nobody out. Then, with nobody out and their #3 hitter at the plate, the game took a turn for the worst for our men in Silver and blue. A hanging curveball was left sitting on a silver platter, and it was blasted 449 feet to deep center field for a home run, to let Western Cuba take a 3-0, and the score would stay that way until the 7th inning. In the 7th inning, Silver Beach drew the game a little closer.

When Alphonso Ramirez led off the 7th inning, he immediately hit a single, and then stole second base, to put a runner on second with nobody out. Franklin De Winters immediately drove him in with an RBI double, to close the gap to 3-1. The next hitter for Silver Beach hit a grounder to the right side to move De Winters to third, and the #8 hitter hit a sacrifice fly to deep center field, to move him on home to make it 3-2 Western Cuba, where it would stay until the 9th inning.

In the top of the 9th inning, the Silver Beach manager decided to put in Grant McLeonard, so they could go to the bottom of the 9th down 3-2. That did not work out so well. After getting a ground out to begin the inning, McLeonard allowed a single, then a walk, then another walk, to load the bases with only one out. Then, the next hitter for Western Cuba hit a sacrifice fly to drive the runner in from third, and then runners were on the corners with two outs, and the run had crossed the plate.

After McLeonard struck the next guy out, they went to the bottom of the 9th. After the 8 and 9 hitters both grounded out to begin the inning, the 1 and 2 hitters both hit singles to put two on, two out, and Todd Jones up at the plate. After 11 pitches to make it a 3-2 count, Todd Jones crushed a pitch 412 feet down the left field line, and the game was over. A walkoff three run jack won it for the Silverians, and they ended up going on to the semis. We see you there tomorrow, on SBBC.

[Tarrentum]

Tarrentum Falcons Sporting News - LITE
Game 3 Preview; Statistics Black Hole

Tonight the Falcons of Tarrentum face the...somethings...of Saugeais in Game 3 of this XVII World Baseball Classic Quarterfinals. The knockout game will have all of the excitement and atmosphere associated with most International Baseball League playoff series. With cries of foul-play now a memory (but not yet distant) of Game 1 and the steadfast heroics of the Falcons in Game 2 in the forefront of Saugeian fans everywhere, a great game looms on the setting sun's horizon.

The game time temperature is looking at a chilly 33 degrees Farenheit with keeping warm a high priority. The Field Manager for Charles Davis Stadium here in Charlestown said that the turf will be hard, "but playable for baseball." The field has so far not been a factor in any WBC playoff game and most Tarrentians hope that it will not start to be a factor in tonight's game. Margarita Bashafield, an avid Tarrentum National supporter, said that all anyone wants to see is "a great game...meaning a win for Tarrentum!" The next 30 seconds (we timed it) was filled with hooping and hollering and one of Tarrentum's famous raindances that has been reworked by the Tarrentum Storm (IBL squad) front office for use as a "Rally Dance".

TFSN also received word earlier that Tarrentian pop-star (and Keisler Cup veteran pitcher) Candi Destani, best known for her past two hit singles "Take Me Inside the Park" and "Touch All the Bases (On Me)", will be the Seventh-Inning Stretch entertainment. While this is a coup for Tarrentian advertising firms, Gina Torretta expressed worry that it could take away from any momentum. "Look, Destani's going to lengthen the [7th-Inning] Stretch by 10 minutes. What happens if Marrada is still in there and here arm tightens up becuase of the cold? What happens if the flow of the game is just totally interrupted? I don't know...seems troublesome."

Speaking of Liona Marrada, the Tarrentian Ace will be starting on the mound tonight to hopefully shut down the Saugeian National Team. Marrada has still yet to record a win in this tournament even though her pitching has been phenomenal. "I don't mind," Marrada said in a recent interview. "I know my teammates and they will help. I'm not in a slump, I'm not going to get discouraged. All I can do is go out there and pitch the best I can. That is my job, limit the fly balls, limit the baserunners, limit the runs. That's pitching."


Many fans have posted worrisome comments on our TFSN.tar message boards about the lack of statistics since the beginning of the knockout rounds. We understand that you have not been able to see them and are working diligently to get them online. We just ask for some patience also, because I can, the person under the username: ALhotPockEt needs to stop spamming our inbox with your pictures - no one thinks they are funny.

Be sure to watch the game live on TSPNN tonight at 6pm or stay tuned for the scores and report afterwards.

[Milchama]

OOC: Is the 19 inning game the longest in Classic history? Because if so I'll have a more detailed RP post at some point with an inning by inning report.

"Well holy <list of expletives here> that was crazy"

"Yes it was"

"19 innings!"

"That was a great game our boys played"

"Yes it was"

"How the hell did they do it?"

"I have no idea"

"I mean it sucks, I hate being that team in extra innings"

"What do you mean by that team?"

"The team that just barely gets out of innings and always goes down in order 1-2-3"

"What do you mean?"

"Have you ever watched an extra inning game before?"

"Of course"

"Well there are two sorts of long extra inning games. If the hitters do good then the game ends pretty quickly. Anyway the first type of extra inning game is when both staffs are dominating and every team just seems to go down in order no matter what happens, it's just pure luck as to who wins that game. The second type is where one team seems every inning to be getting runners on 1st and 2nd 1 out or bases loaded or something threatening while the other team gets one guy on in 3 innings. In those games the team that is threatening almost always wins (OOC: Unless Dan Uggla's involved)."

"And?"

"And we were involved in the second game and we were that team, the team that kept on just getting out of innings"

"We scored two runs in extra innings."

"Yeah in the only two innings we got runners on base. Newmanistan got runners on base in the 11th, 12th, 13th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th and of course 19th innings. That's 8 out of 10 innings where they got a runner on base. We got runners on in the 10th, 13th, 14th, and 15th. That's half as many times and more importantly in the 10th and 14th they were two out walks where the next guy got out. I don't think we got the leadoff guy on in extras once. We were lucky to have the game that long."

"Well we still should have won"

"Oh absolutely, that 8th inning rally with the bases loaded 1 out and we couldn't get a run out of it is ridiculous. Anyway they're run in regulation was unearned to begin with. "

"Yeah why can't Dani Eltanor field his position anyways? He used to be so good. Oh well this sorts of things happen."

"And always in big moments"

"A 6th inning double play opportunity that he muffed was a big deal?"

"Well it became one"

"בטח it became one, but that doesn't mean it was one at the time. You really didn't think Milchama wasn't going to score another run until the 12th inning at that point?"

" No, fine, you're right about that"

"I know I am, still what a game huh?"

"Yeah, I didn't think anything was going to top that first game but man 19 innings"

"I never saw that one coming"

"Yeah, it's just a pity we couldn't have won"

"Yep"

"Well we'll beat 'em next time"

"Absolutely"

"Yep"

"Come on You Warriors!"

"Come on You Warriors!"

[Lycrabon]

Just a friendly reminder:

Only the one game tonight, then Game 1 Christmas Eve. The Game 2's will be Sunday (due to Christmas Day).

OOC #1: Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, etc. to all that celebrate them!

OOC #2: Milchama, I don't know if 19 innings is a record or not. It's the longest of this Classic, I'm sure of that.

[Lycrabon]

Cutoff for the only quarterfinal game 3, but then I think they've both told their stories.....

Tarrentum 7, Saugeais 1 [Tarrentum advances 2-1]

That makes the Semifinal matchups:

(6) Silver Beach vs. (2) Newmanistan at Lakeview
(8) Qazox vs. (5) Tarrentum at Summersville

And in case anyone has forggotten by chance, the semifinals are best of 5.

[Qazox]

Qazox at WBC17

SEMIFINALS PREVIEW and Predictions review.

PLAYOFF PREVIEW:
#8 Qazox v. #5 Tarrentum:
BREAKDOWN: (including the R16 matches)
RPG scored: Qazox 5.21::Tarrentum 5.00 Edge: Qazox
RPG allowed: Qazox 3.86::Tarrentum 3.44 Edge: Tarrentum

Prediction: Qazox in 5. Close matchup. Qazox' offense have been very consistent during this 8-game winning streak, the 3rd longest in team history. Tarrentum, excepting the 10 runs allowed in Game 1 vs. Telemar; have had very good pitching in the playoffs. But the Falcons have had to rally from losing game 1 in each of the 2 series so far. While this is a best-of-5 series, and falling behind 0-1 isn't time to panic, whomever loses game 1 will probably lose the series.

Other Semifinal matchup:
2 Newmanistan vs. 6 Silver Beach: 10 times out of 11. That's how many semifinals the Rockets have reached. Silver Beach is in their 1st. Rockets are basically coming off of a 3-game series, due to the WBC record-setting 19 inning win over Milchama in Game 2. So Silver Beach steals game 1, but the Rockets will cruise to a 9th finals appearence. Newmanistan in 4.

Reviewing our picks so far, we correctly predicted 10 of 12 series overall. While we've only been 50/50 on the length of each series; 16/24 (66.67%) of all predictions is a good indicator of we know what we are talking about.

[Cassadaigua]

'tis more of that RP for the sake of RP!

Queen Cassie's Response to Emperor Michael IV of Newmanistan:

Your Highness I have evaluated your proposal with many people that I trust here in Concord Heights. I am sure that you have placed a lot of thought into this proposal, but I cannot accept it at face value. What I would like is more land on Gulf of South Thumbria. This is not as big of a deal to Newmanistan since your entire nation has this as its Southern boundary, but we do not. Therefore, my counter offer is that for 75 miles north of the Gulf, our border is allowed to extend westward by an additional 300 miles. This seems very reasonable to us.

As for granting you an interzonal during World Cup 54, it is not entirely my decision. I have spoken with CASE, who in turn has spoken with representatives from our co-hosting partners in The Babbage Islands. What I can tell you is that it is highly likely that we will grant this to you simply to have an additional One Big Island presence during the World Cup.

I wish your team the best of luck in the remainder of World Baseball Classic. Let's keep the trophy on One Big Island a little longer!