WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC XXIV - LYCRABON

[Estope]

Estope used a nine run 5th inning to defeat West Guiana for the second time this tournament. Estope played form behind for much of the first part of the game but were able to come back and dominate the latter portion of the game. At the plate, Estope stepped up by scoring nine runs in the 5th inning and were able to rely on their relief pitchers to close the game. Estope pitcher Garrett Masser did not play very well and allowed all six runs. However he was still able to earn the win. This has been a rough tournament for him as he has allow 13 runs in only seven innings. The bullpen on the other hand put together yet another masterful performance and provided no opportunities for West Guiana to get back into the game. Relief pitchers Noel Pelot and Colin Noakes allowed no hits in three innings of work. This win and a loss by Taeshan moves Estope into a tie for first in the group but would be second by virtue of the head to head tiebreaker. A win tomorrow would leave Estope with a comfortable lead over the rest of the group members and put them into position to advance. Tomorrow Estope will host Lymantatia. Estope won the first encounter on the road but Lymantatia is coming off a string of impressive victories. They are playing their best ball right now so Estope will have to come out focused and ready to play. Estope ace Eric Almanzastart will start for his third game. The coaches feel confident he will come out rested and ready to go even though he has played so much over the past week.

Estope                002 090 000 - 11			
West Guiana           103 110 000 - 6

EST (4-2) WGU (2-4)

Hitters                  AB  R  H  RBI   BB   SO
Alex Avez SS             5   2  3    0    1    1
Max Meister LF           4   2  2    1    1    1
Cory Keys 1B             4   1  3    3    1    1
Jessie Driggers RF       5   0  2    0    0    2
Henry Fowler CF          5   1  3    1    0    0
Fabio Fernandez 3B       5   2  3    0    0    0
Austin Forde 2B          5   1  4    3    0    0
Bryant Bolman DH         4   1  1    0    1    1
James Campella C         5   1  1    3    0    1

Batting:
2B - Avez - 3rd
     Meister - 3rd
     Forde - 5th
     Forde - 9th
       
3B - None

HR - Campella - 5th
     Keys - 5th

SAC - None

Baserunning:
SB - None

CS - None

Fielding:
E - None
A - Forde - 4
    Avez - 3
    Fernandez - 3     

Pitching
Pitchers            IP   H  R  ER  BB  SO
Garrett Masser      6.0  9  6   6   4   6
     (W, 1-1)
Noel Pelot          2.0  0  0   0   0   3
Colin Noakes        1.0  0  0   0   0   1

Scoring Summary
Bottom 1st: Fish doubled, Bani scored. West Guiana, 1-0.
Top 3rd: Meister doubled, Avez scored. Tied, 1-1.
Top 3rd: Keys singled, Meister scored. Estope, 2-1.
Bottom 3rd: Dani doubled, Ali-Velsh, Sims scored. West Guiana, 3-2.
Bottom 3rd: Louis singled, Dani scored. West Guiana, 4-2.
Bottom 4th: Daneils singled, Fish scored. West Guiana, 5-2.
Top 5th: Forde doubled, Fowler, Fernandez scored.West Guiana, 5-4.
Top 5th: Campella hit three run home run, Forde, Bolman scored. Estope, 7-5.
Top 5th: Keys hit three run home run, Avez, Meister scored. Estope, 10-5
Top 5th: Forde singled, Fernandez scored. Estope, 11-5
Bottom 5th: Bani singled, Daneils scored. Estope, 11-6.

Unofficial Group Table

Group 10            W   L    RF   RA   RD
1 Taeshan (5)	    4   2    37   24   +13
2 Estope	    4   2    35   37   −2
3 Lymantatia (41)   3   3    40   30   +10
4 Wyztrkstan	    3   3    31   41   -10
5 West Guiana (14)  2   4    32   30   +2
6 Birolika	    2   4    31   44   -13

[Zandistan]

COASTAL ZANDAR SENTINEL

report compiled by Jacques Coleman

---

Zandistan             001 100 000 - 2  5 0
Qazox                 100 211 00X - 5 10 2

Anyway, I’m back. I know y’all missed me, couldn’t bear the thought of Zandistani baseball without the witty commentaries and summaries of ol’ Jacques. Although doing my research, it appears my replacement for this article didn’t show up while I was on vacation. Guess he was on vacation too. Although maybe I should go take breaks more often. Seems every time I write, we lose. Went 2-0 while I was gone. Asambwe took our advice and went six shutout innings before a three-run blast chased him in the eighth, but the bullpen held for a 5-4 win over Pacificius. Next, facing a higher ranked Califan side and trailing 6-1 in the fifth, 14 batters came to the plate and 9 scored. An 11-6 dominant victory.

And now I write and we lose to Qazox. Yes, it was predictable, but now I’ve written on one win and three losses. Tell the Sentinel to fire me, and we’ll win. No, please don’t Thankfully though, this time we didn’t get pounded into the ground, only a 5-2 loss. And I know Mosgodev is our ace and he’s gotten unlucky with having to face Qazox twice, but I still think we should maybe reassign that position to Jack Pollard. We’ve given up 9, 2, 11, 4, 6, and 5 runs. Pollard gave up two. That’s the lowest any way you look at it.

Also, Mosgodev hasn’t shown the poise you would expect out of a number-one starter. After Über Q doubled in Kamohui Sander in the third to tie and Mark Vardell scored on a Ryan Dodge throwing error in the fourth, we had a surprising 2-1 lead against number 11 in the world. At this juncture, you would expect your top starter to lock down for a couple innings and give your offense a chance to add to the lead. And I will give it to Mosgodev: the offense didn’t score for the rest of the game, but as a pitcher, you can’t put your team behind like that right after they score for you. 2 runs for the Eagles and Zandistan trailed 3-2 before they came to bat next, then double-single-sac fly in the fifth and a Dodge blast to right-center to give the Eagles a 5-2 lead. Sure, 5 runs allowed in 6 innings is better than last start and still a decent stat line for any pitcher against Qazox, but we need our ace to be better than any pitcher.

The case for Pollard: pretty much only that he’s given up 2 runs in 7 and 2/3. But that’s a significant number, considering how much the ball seems to be flying this tournament. Yes, he did it against unranked Belshaw and Pevenessy, and not against Qazox, but Pollard had a calm, confident demeanor about him in his one start. And Jackie-boy is starting tomorrow, so we’ll get to see how he does in front of our cheering fans. We took down Belshaw on the road last time, and now Pollard awaits the arrival of Pevenessy. With a chance to bring our record over .500, you better not let us down, old boy.

WBC SUMMARY
Overall: 3-3, 32 scored, 37 allowed
vs. Qazox, L 0-9
at Belshaw and Pevenessy, W 6-2
vs. Homelands our, L 8-11
at Pacificius, W 5-4
vs. Free South Califas, W 11-6
at Qazox, L 2-5
Next: vs. Belshaw and Pevenessy (2-4)

[Ko-oren]

Talking about impossible losses A column from Lycrabon: WBC XXIV

After the fantastic form of the Greenblues in the first few matches, the team's confidence has got a blow from the loss against Byfugland. But it was not unexpected. Then the match against Tidal Wake came, a match that should have been okay, given the difference in ranking, in form, in everything. But the Greenblues lost... By conceding 9 runs in one inning. You just can't beat that.

Ko-oren did pick itself up one match day later, by getting four runs in the first inning already, adding to the statistic that the team is fantastic in the first inning, then do bad for a few innings, and then do well again near the end of the game. The opposing team tends to get the better of our team in the fourth and eighth inning mostly, but never in the second, fifth or seventh.

Now that the second half has begun, the only hope for Ko-oren is that it picks up the form of the first few matches (and hopefully the team is already beginning to get back into it after the victory on JUR). After two losses, the team could lose the number one spot, but finishing second place is okay too... Or actually anything that's better than fifth place, the place Ko-oren has finished on on both previous occasions.

Ko-oren               9 1 3/3 4 5/1 3  2/4 - 30
Opponent              3 0 2/8 1 2/1 10 2/0 - 25


Hidetada (Ekhiv) (6)
Yoshimune (Dasthan) (5)
Fujiwara (Kalatutrthu) (4)
Minamoto (Hagru) (4)
Nobunaga (Ohasa) (3)
Ashikaga (Ekhiv) (3)
Yoshinobu (Othushuno) (2)
Shotoku (Ohasa) (2)
Godaigo (Yulai) (2)
Ienari (Anhatham) (2)
Ieharu (Anhatham)

[Homelands our]

Qazox Hold's Key to Lycrabon

Tonight Homelands Our's premier baseball players head to Qazox knowing that a win will all but secure a place in the WBC finals for the first time. A loss would mean that if we go perfect for our last 3 games then we should make it, we may have to go through the peril's of a playoff in  Lycrabon. Yes, Qazox are ranked 11th and we're only 19th this is a game we belive that we can pull an upset on. We have been close in past years to making it to the finals, who can forget the time we declared a 'baseball war' with Western Cuba in WBC 20 or 21. But this is the year out of all of them that the best chance has been had. We as you know are second seeds in the group in which 3 of the 6 teams are unranked. If we do make it to the last 16 then it's this year that we become an international baseball power.

HoAir however, our national airline has been shamed by the fact that Grey Space (GYS) has had to take over the fans charter flight to Qazox from Greenville Pesit Airport (GVP) after hey sold 100 to many tickets a statement no their website read: 
'HoAir is saddened to announce that 100 to many tickets were sold for the WBC 24 flight from GVP. All fans will however travel to watch the game with our competitor GYS if they have a valid ticket for the match. Compensation would only have been given if no alternative travel arrangements could have been aranged. HoAir thanks Grey Space and apologises for any inconvenience cause by this hiccup.'

So excitement is building for the big match tonight latest odds have Qazox slight favourites:
Qazox: 1/6
Homelands Our: 1/8
Most pundits despite going for a Qazox win are putting this down to a hostile home crowd as Qazox looks to go level with us at the top of the group. No one is ruling out a surprise win for Homelands Our to seal a place in the last 16 and send Qazox into dissary.

[Milchama]

Milchama National News- Tribune- Sun- Times- Post- Gazette- Chronicle- Journal- Dispatch- Telegram- Star- Monitor- Enquirer

Sports Section

Game of the Day

Today instead of focusing on a great Milchamian victory that put the Warriors in first place in Group 3. We look around the World Baseball Classic for interesting things/events. Among the most interesting and rare feats was today's Karditan vs. Free Swiss States. Karditan achieved a feat that I do not believe has ever occurred in international baseball history, whether WBC or pre-WBC. Moreover, the Wild Kards achieved a feat that has only been accomplished 3 times in MBL history (OOC: 7 times in NL history, it has never happened in the AL) by scoring at least one run in every inning of the game in their 12-6 demolition of the Neutrals.

The damage was spread out for the Wild Kards who scored no more than 3 runs in any single inning and in fact tallied only one 1 run in 5 of the 8 innings in which they batted (Karditan was the home team). However, the spreading out of the damage really shows the talent and determination of the Karditan squad. While sometimes in baseball people get overwhelmed at the individual accomplishments like no-hitters, perfect games, or Socki Lewis hitting 4 home runs on a seemingly regular basis it's nice to see a team do things together instead of on an individual level.

Yes we know that luck is always involved in these type of things, as several Milchamian demolitions over the years could easily have involved runs in every inning with the right luck/fortitude, but still for it to happen is rare and an accomplishment that should celebrated for what it is (Or just to give an example from today's games Sakuroku scored 19 runs but was still shut out in 3 innings). Now of course, outside of their game with the Warriors, we wish Karditan the best of luck and hope it can continue their run back towards respectability after what was an awful start to this Classic.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Can you believe that Malokhi Vai responded to us"

"No not at all"

"I didn't know anybody else knew about our existence"

"Well we did kinda start the rubber chicken thing"

"No those were our great-grandfathers"

"We might as well be the same people for all anybody else knows"

"Fair"

"But my real question is how terrible was the Hebrew"

"Or why they decided to respond in Hebrew in the first place"

"Yeah that Basque stuff was totally legit"

"Really, great language, I have no idea what it means perfect"

"The only way it could be better was ominous Latin chanting"

"But of course people don't really need to go above and beyond the call of duty there"

"True, the Basque totally works"

"I bet they win their next game"

"Yep, they just need to keep it up for the World Cup"

"Yeah it really works there"

"Except for the final for some reason"

"Yeah it never works out in the final"

"But if Malokhi Vai makes the final I really don't think they'll care"

"Fair"

"Man this RP has been surprisingly complimentary to nations that have very little to do with Milchama"

"It's good to know that we're finally reading RPs besides our own"

"True"

"You know seeing what's going on in the wide world"

"This is good stuff"

"Ah internationalism"

"Great time"

"Fun stuff"

"Well let's end it on a compliment of Milchama"

"Ok"

"Come on You Warriors!"

"Let's Go Milchama!"

[Lymantatia]

Man, Win-Lose is 50-50!
The Lymantatian baseball team winning against Birolika made the percentage 50%.

Run Scorers:
Inning 1: Laurent Gonzalez
Inning 2:
Inning 3:
Inning 4: Laurent Gonzalez, Mario Raymond
Inning 5: Tim Ocks, Mario Raymond, Mario Raymond, Laurent Gonzalez
Inning 6:
Inning 7:
Inning 8: Tim Ocks, Tim Ocks
Inning 9:

Black is Lymantatia
Dark Blue is Birolika

[Zwangzug]

Greetings posterity, this is Hiroto Empp-Ishikawa. Gareth has agreed to let me take notes on his first Zebras start to be part of his book or whatever. He refuses, however, to let anyone see what he has written so far. He is not the most trusting teammate.

First inning--although maybe he's different with the Bears? Kostomel just drove in Rusensman for an early lead.

Second inning--Gareth likes to work quickly and keep the ball low. What's funny is that he doesn't strike out that many people so clearly he trusts the infield to get the plays right. Kostomel's out there in center field but she's not doing anything.

Third inning--totally struck out on his first at-bat. Forwards K though! Hope he didn't hurt himself although that would have been hilarious

Fourth inning--hi, this is Tikva Penmadder pointing out that Gareth did actually bat in the Equestrian States game. Backwards K and grounded into a fielder's choice. Hiroto, whenever you get back from the bathroom, don't you remember that? I thought you were keeping score.

Fifth inning--Exactly, I was keeping score. So I don't have to commit it all to memory. Thanks for taking over, by the way.

Sixth inning--A bumpier start than usual. MacElligott walked to lead off and then Perez singled. Two on, nobody out, so Cobara goes out to the mound and then so does Skriand. Charlie Skriand, of the Werwolfs, who's just as new as Gareth and far harder to make sense of. And he's the only one talking! It's just Cobara standing around and glaring, Gareth standing around and glaring, and Skriand just talks at them until they both get bored. Boom, strikes out Miller looking and Gavine grounds into a double play.

Seventh inning--We're not that far from Tyneala. Why couldn't we have had our road game there on back-to-back days so we didn't have to fly out here twice? This is a pretty fast-moving game so far, we'll hopefully be heading back soon.

Eighth inning--Okay, one on, one in, and one out so far. 4-2 Zebras still but that looks like that'll be all for Gareth so I'm turning it over now. This was fun, hopefully we make the playoffs and I can do it again!


Bleep this.

Bleep this.

I hope they're not watching. No, it's a stupid thing to hope for, they watch, or they listen but with the radio these days they're not pretending when they care. About all of us, for a few weeks at a time, then they can go back to rooting against each other and not needing to rely on other teams' players. Having actual bullpens rather than this joke.

Cobara went with Tikva went ahead with this no-bullpen thing. Marjorie Cobara, she doesn't do anything she doesn't want to, she doesn't let other people push her around! We went out of the group stage and she went with this anyway...

Of course, if they had a bullpen, they would only need five starters, I wouldn't none of us would have

[Equestrian States]

Here's another installation of my tables. I used the xkoranate table generator with the established tiebreakers (see OP for details), then made them look a bit nicer. Teams marked as being eliminated are no longer able to finish in first or second. Some teams may no longer be able to make first place, but could still reach second place and are not marked as eliminated.

Enjoy!

The Pony Republic of Equestrian States
World Baseball Classic 24 - Tournament Standings (Post-MD6)

  Group 1                        Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %
1 Saugeais                         6    5   1    58   31  +27    0.833
2 Byfugland                        6    5   1    34   25   +9    0.833
3 Ko-oren                          6    4   2    38   34   +4    0.667
4 The Tidal Wake                   6    2   4    32   39   −7    0.333
5 Pathogeria                       6    1   5    27   46  −19    0.167
6 The Jahistic Unified Republic    6    1   5    31   45  −14    0.167

  Group 2                Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %
1 Yesopalitha              6    6   0    45   21  +24    1.000
2 The Kytler Peninsulae    6    5   1    35   12  +23    0.833
3 Kintratar                6    3   3    26   29   −3    0.500
4 Cyborg Holland           6    3   3    35   30   +5    0.500
5 Riyahda                  6    1   5    23   43  −20    0.167
6 Pugh                     6    0   6    21   50  −29    0.000   Eliminated

  Group 3               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %
1 Milchama                6    4   2    41   18  +23    0.667
2 Shadowbourne            6    4   2    37   38   −1    0.667
3 Free Swiss States       6    3   3    37   38   −1    0.500
4 Maklohi Vai             6    3   3    55   44  +11    0.500
5 Kerblaekistan           6    3   3    35   49  −14    0.500
6 Karditan                6    1   5    36   54  −18    0.167

  Group 4               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %
1 Darmen                  6    5   1    50   24  +26    0.833
2 Sakurakoku              6    5   1    54   26  +28    0.833
3 Ezryel                  6    3   3    37   45   −8    0.500
4 Torisakia               6    3   3    36   39   −3    0.500
5 Branta Island           6    2   4    29   42  −13    0.333
6 Unified Hyrule          6    0   6    27   57  −30    0.000   Eliminated

  Group 5               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %
1 Civil Citizenry         6    6   0    53   31  +22    1.000
2 THRILLEDGE              6    5   1    46   24  +22    0.833
3 Super-Llamaland         6    4   2    39   31   +8    0.667
4 STORMCHASE              6    2   4    36   46  −10    0.333
5 Madsen                  6    1   5    22   45  −23    0.167   Eliminated
6 Mapletish               6    0   6    29   48  −19    0.000   Eliminated

  Group 6               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %
1 Lycrabon                6    5   1    47   29  +18    0.833
2 New Montreal States     6    5   1    46   29  +17    0.833
3 Sicountimont            6    4   2    45   28  +17    0.667
4 Powersith               6    2   4    32   36   −4    0.333
5 Allinlia                6    1   5    35   49  −14    0.167
6 Raxillion               6    1   5    20   54  −34    0.167

  Group 7                 Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %
1 Tyneala                   6    4   2    42   29  +13    0.667
2 Equestrian States         6    4   2    34   35   −1    0.667
3 Zwangzug                  6    3   3    40   31   +9    0.500
4 Weatherdon                6    3   3    28   36   −8    0.500
5 Lunar Republic Islands    6    2   4    32   41   −9    0.333
6 Backyard Sports           6    2   4    35   39   −4    0.333

  Group 8                      Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %
1 Western Cuba                   6    6   0    50   23  +27    1.000
2 Cosumar                        6    5   1    46   31  +15    0.833
3 Michael VII                    6    4   2    34   33   +1    0.667
4 Westros                        6    2   4    43   37   +6    0.333
5 The Royal Kingdom of Quebec    6    1   5    22   46  −24    0.167
6 Slembana                       6    0   6    15   40  −25    0.000   Eliminated

  Group 9                Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %
1 Homelands our            6    5   1    50   30  +20    0.833
2 Qazox                    6    4   2    51   33  +18    0.667
3 Zandistan                6    3   3    32   37   −5    0.500
4 Free South Califas       6    3   3    34   51  −17    0.500
5 Belshaw and Pevenessy    6    2   4    34   39   −5    0.333
6 Pacificus                6    1   5    35   46  −11    0.167

  Group 10              Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %
1 Taeshan                 6    4   2    37   24  +13    0.667
2 Estope                  6    4   2    35   37   −2    0.667
3 Lymantatia              6    3   3    40   30  +10    0.500
4 Wyztrkstan              6    3   3    31   41  −10    0.500
5 West Guiana             6    2   4    32   30   +2    0.333
6 Birolika                6    2   4    31   44  −13    0.333

[Powersith]

After 8-7 Loss, Powersith In a Bigger Hole


Powersith 003 020 101 - 7
New Montreal States 121 121 00X - 8

We are dug in a deeper hole. After a 8-7 loss we are now 2-4. With 4 games left we need the wins in all of them, being 3 games behind 1st place.

"Bloody hell guys, one run and we shoulda won." said the manager.

Captain Willie Ways says, "4 Games ,4 wins, that's what we need. I don't care if you get hurt, do whatever it takes to win!"

Willie Ways starts tonight as we play Sitcoutmount at home. With the urgency of a win, everyone is putting their game faces, and eye black.

Pitcher's update:
Mentov Rislo - 42 - L - L #1 Record: 0-1 6.5 ERA
Willie Ways - 52 - L - L- #22 Record: 0-1 9.0 ERA
Willie Ways Jr. - 34 - R - R #12 Record: 1-0 3.0 ERA
Willie Ways III - 16 - L - L # 33 Record: 1-0 0.0 ERA
Lei Wingo - 32 - L - L #13 Record: 0-0 6.0 ERA
Closers :
Joseph Wasco - 33 - L - L #2 Saves: 1
Jermey Les - 21 - R - R- #3
Relief:
Kivnov Reknov - 22 - R - R #5 Record: 0-1 1.0 ERA
Nino Rodriguesz- 27 - L - L #7 Record: 0-1 4.0 ERA
Michael Mendez - Age 40 - L - L #10

Willie Ways will start tonight. He has a record of 0-1 and a 9.0 ERA. After being asked of his age and his pitching for tonight he says, "So what if I'm 52, I can still throw my 94 MPH fastballs, and 90 MPH Change-Ups!"

Let us hope that he can deliver

Reporting from Imperial Capital City,
Varlok Winstrum, reporter for PSSN

Riots Break Out From Unallowed Run

After last night's game against the New Montreal States, a run in the top of the 9th that would have tied the game was not called. After a sliding effort at home, the umpire called out. By the look by the replay, it was clearly safe, this pushes the issue of instant replay further to allowing it.

Riots broke through the entire nation's streets, calling for all police forces to control the riots.

"If another incident like that s*** happens, I will personally kill the umpire," said an angry fan.

The umpire from last night who gave the call, has gotten emails, texts, and chat messages regarding he should die and/or be fired.

World Baseball Classic XXIV is getting crazier.

Reporting from Imperial Capital City,
Leslie Thoraxium, reporter for Capital News Channel, CNC

[Allinlia]

Hopes Dashed!
Allinlia has been all but eliminated after their attempt at revenge falls flat in lopsided road loss

Allinlia              002 001 000 - 3			
Sicountimont          200 230 00X - 7

(ALL: A. Stairs: 4-5, 2HR, 3RBI)

Allinlia's offense fell flat late and Les Royales once again got to Xavier Wilson early in Sicountimont to drop Allinlia down to 1-5 in its first WBC with a lopsided 7-3 victory over the imperial all-star team.

Wilson improved on his previous performance but still did not fare nearly as well as has been expected of him, posting a dismal 6 runs in 5 innings pitched performance before being bailed out by the relievers.

Wilson refused to comment after the game and when asked by our reporter about Wilson's thoughts, Cal Gordo just dangled a set of keys in front of us and shrugged a bit matter-of-factly. These are likely the keys to Wilson's rental car, which if true, would be all that's be necessary to describe Wilson's disappointment in being unable to pull off a bit of storybook retribution against the Sicountimont.

X will very likely not get another chance to pitch in the WBC. At 1-5 and with the top 2 teams at 5-1 it would seem that although they have not been mathematically eliminated yet, Allinlia advancing would require such a miracle of numbers and coincidence that all in the locker room and at home were likely confident that it just isn't going to happen.

"It sucks, we were hoping for so much more. Heh, in a way its a shame that you aren't allowed to just pack up and go home at this point, we gotta play this thing through." said Aiden Stairs who represented Allinlia's only runs this game, putting forth a valiant effort to save his team with 2 home runs. A 2 run blast followed by a solo homer.

"We can just play loose now at least." said Ferris Silver, " There's no pressure anymore since we already failed in what we set out to do, we can just play for fun now, and we all love this sport and have fun when we play. It stings now but once we all step on the field tomorrow we will be too lost in baseball to think about it, or at least I will."

Matt Eastman will be pitching, this may be good news for Allinlia because he has been by far the most dominant starting pitcher for us thus far in this tournament "Cael willing, I will do just as well tomorrow and give the fans something to cheer for. we just have to believe." said Eastman.

One lone bright spot of Allinlia's WBC debut has been Aiden Stairs, whose consistently impressive performance seems to be making foreign fans take notice, some have been seen on our message boards asking for his stats and inquiring about what the rules are in the ABL for shipping/auctioning off players to the struggling team of their choice. A-mazing smiled at this and noted that he still has an ABL home run record to break before he can start getting starry eyed over bringing his game to foreign shores. Stairs is just a handful of homers away from that goal and is expected to do so next season. This has been the first time he has given any indication that he is thinking about the record.

When asked about the team's status, Emperor Tomni, who has been following the entire WBC very closely in between the hectic schedule that comes in the days after a new Head Senator is elected, said the following:

"I keep looking at our lost games, and at how we lost them, and it all keeps screaming one word again and again: inexperience, inexperience, inexperience. Problems with the starting pitching? Losing close matches? The offense not producing in road games without the DH? It all shows that this team just isn't used to international play and these opponents. Its not like we haven't been scoring, its not like these games haven't been very competitive. It is clear this isn't a bad team at this level of play. In fact it showed alot of signs it can be very very good if we had only formed it earlier and played some friendlies. I'd be curious to see what would happen if we left this team unchanged and gave them another shot next tournament."

Crowder Grimes said the following on playing for this team, "This experience has been frustrating at times but there's something to be said about getting to play with these guys on one team like this. I feel like I've connected with and come to understand colleagues from all across the league in that special way that only comes from having to work together on a team. If nothing else I am thankful to Cael for this experience for that reason."

Here's hoping that our all-stars can have fun playing the spoiler (matches against both group leaders and underdog hopeful Powersith are coming up!) and give us all a thrilling second half of the group stage. Good Luck Allinlia!!!

AESN PowerStats(tm)
Stairs: 4HR 9RBI
Marteen: 3HR 5RBI
Levins: 2HR 4RBI
Majuwitz 1HR 3RBI
Hunter 1HR 3RBI
Silver 0HR 3RBI
Grimes 0HR 3RBI
Gordo 0HR 3RBI
Reece 0HR 1RBI

[New West Guiana]

Sigh
Liz Sith

Really...just really. After two wins in a row once again the Redhawks lose to Estope. Never mind the scores at this point, wins that is all that matters rights now. After six games West Guiana is second to last in the group with a 2-4 record.

Group 10              Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %
1 Taeshan                 6    4   2    37   24  +13    0.667
2 Estope                  6    4   2    35   37   −2    0.667
3 Lymantatia              6    3   3    40   30  +10    0.500
4 Wyztrkstan              6    3   3    31   41  −10    0.500
5 West Guiana             6    2   4    32   30   +2    0.333
6 Birolika                6    2   4    31   44  −13    0.333

(thank you ES!)

But when we look at the group we are only two games back from the much needed second spot, but there is only one thing stopping us we need to win out the rest of the games, and right now that isn't looking very likely. Guess what I don't have much to type about because of this heart breaking loss, had we won we'd been in that second spot right now with a 3-3 record, but we didn't. What needs to happen over the next four games is simple, you know what it is and I know.

Well sorry for a short post today everyone, but hopefully there will be a much longer one tomorrow pending if we win, if we lose there is a good chance i'd be writing the draft of this on the plane back to St. Johns.

[Torisakia]

Good news. We're still in the run for the playoffs. We just have to win out.

The team did a hell of a lot better today, winning by 4 runs and only allowing 1 in 3 innings.

Carlos agreed to the "game plan" I set up. Which was surprising because I thought he would get pissed at me or something. I may be able to get Jason to come back now. I want everybody to get some playing time and experience. We've done a whole lot better since we initiated this "game plan". Maybe now we can win at least 2 more games and maybe make it to the playoffs.

So far, I still have my job. We just need to win at least 2 more games. After this game, we'll be 3rd in the group. Hopefully we can still win out with the players we have. Jason may be coming back, I'll have to call him and tell him about the "game plan". I'm very impressed with our team and how far we've come since our losing-streak. If we beat Ezryel today, we take the 3rd spot in the group. We still have to play Darmen tomorrow, which will be a tough game. However, Darmen and Sakurakoku play each other today. So no matter who wins that match, that will still put us in the hunt.

The team is still improving. I believe we can still win out and make it to the playoffs, whether Jason comes back or not.

BOX SCORE

Branta Island         001 001 010 - 3			
Torisakia             100 132 00X - 7

TOR (3-3)
BTI (2-4)

UP NEXT:
at (UR)Ezryel (3-3)

TV: TSPN
RADIO: 102.2 The RЏSH

[Lycrabon]

Matchday 7 cutoff....will anyone clinch? Answer coming.....

Group Three is a tiebreaker NIGHTMARE right now.....

OOC: It's not perfect, but it's better than the last one.

Group One

The Jahistic Unified	600 130 010 - 11
The Tidal Wake	000 002 010 - 3
	
	
Ko-oren	131 111 000 - 8
Pathogeria	300 002 112 - 9
	
	
Byfugland	000 001 000 - 1
Saugeais	102 101 00X - 5

Group 1					W-L	RS-RA	RD
Saugeais					6-1	63-32		31
Byfugland					5-2	35-30		5
Ko-oren					4-3	46-43		3
z-The Jahistic Unified Republic	2-5	42-48		-6
z-The Tidal Wake			2-5	35-50		-15
z-Pathogeria				2-5	36-54		-18

- Jahistic Unified Redpublic is fourth due to H2H records (2-1 to PAT's 1-1 to TTW's 1-2, respectively)
- The Tidal Wake is fifth due to H2H victory

Group Two

Kintratar	100 310 000 - 5
Riyahda	302 001 01X - 7
	
	
Cyborg Holland	100 114 200 - 9
Pugh	000 001 320 - 6
	
	
The Kytler Peninsulae	020 000 310 - 6
Yesopalitha	101 110 001 - 5

Group 2			W-L	RS-RA	RD
Yesopalitha		6-1	50-27		23
The Kytler Peninsulae	6-1	41-17		24
Cyborg Holland		4-3	44-36		5
z-Kintratar			3-4	31-36		-5
z-Riyadh			2-5	30-48		-18
z-Pugh			0-7	27-59		-32

- Yesopalitha is first due to H2H RD (split two games; YSP +3, TKP -3)

Group Three

Kerblaekistan	300 100 030 - 7
Shadowbourne	000 001 000 - 1
	
	
Maklohi Vai	101 132 000 - 8
Free Swiss States	000 000 000 - 0
	
	
Karditan	020 000 002 03 - 7
Milchama	100 120 000 00 - 4

Group 3			W-L	RS-RA	RD
Kerblaekisistan		4-3	42-50		-8
Milchama			4-3	45-25		20
Shadowbourne		4-3	38-45		-7
Maklohi Vai		4-3	63-44		19
Free Swiss States	3-4	37-46		-9
Karditan			2-5	43-53		-10

- Kerblaekistan is first due to H2H records (KER 3-2; MIL and MKV 2-2; SHD 2-3)

- Milchama is second due to H2H RD with Shadowbourne (MIL/SHD 2-1; MKV 0-2; MIL +1; SHD -1)

- Shadowbourne is third due to H2H (12-11)

Group Four

Branta Island	100 111 011 - 6
Unified Hyrule	100 001 41X - 7
	
	
Torisakia	110 139 010 - 16
Ezryel	100 010 010 - 3
	
	
Sakurakoku	001 100 200 - 4
Darmen	101 110 001 - 5

Group 4		W-L	RS-RA	RD
Darmen		6-1	55-28		27
Sakurakoku	5-2	58-31		27
Torisakia		4-3	52-42		10
Ezryel		3-4	40-61		-21
z-Branta Island	2-5	35-49		-14
z-Unified Hyrule	1-6	34-63		-29

Group Five

Mapletish	001 000 002 000 - 3
STORMCHASE	001 101 000 001 - 4
	
	
Super-Llamaland	100 212 020 - 8
Madsen	001 011 120 - 6
	
	
THRILLEDGE	220 001 001 - 6
Civil Citzenry	120 121 00X - 7

Group 5		W-L	RS-RA	RD
Civil Citizenry	7-0	60-37		23
THRILLEDGE	5-2	52-31		21
Super-Llamaland	5-2	47-37		10
STORMCHASE	3-4	40-49		-9
z-Madsen		1-6	28-53		-25
z-Mapletish	0-7	28-45		-17

- THRILLEDGE is second due to H2H result (4-0)

Group Six

Allinlia	200 000 000 - 2
Raxillion	000 000 010 - 1
	
	
Sicountimont	120 230 201 - 11
Powersith	121 101 020 - 8
	
	
New Montreal States	000 000 000 - 0
Lycrabon	100 111 00X - 4

Group 6			W-L	RS-RA	RD
Lycrabon			6-1	51-29		22
New Montreal States	5-2	46-33		13
Sicountimont		5-2	56-36		20
z-Powersith		2-5	40-47		-7
z-Allinlia			2-5	37-50		-13
z-Raxillion			1-6	21-56		-30

- New Montreal States is second due to H2H result (5-1)

- Powersith is fourth due to H2H result (5-3)

Group Seven

Backyard Sports	000 010 001 - 2
Weatherdon	000 010 02X - 3
	
	
Equestrian States	100 410 100 - 7
Lunar Republic Islan	101 002 020 - 6
	
	
Tyneala	000 200 020 - 4
Zwangzug	200 110 22X - 8

Group 7				W-L	RS-RA	RD
Equestrian States			5-2	41-41		E
Weatherdon			4-3	31-38		-7
Zwangzug				4-3	48-35		13
Tyneala				4-3	46-37		9
Lunar Republic Islands		2-5	38-48		-10
Backyard Sports			2-5	37-42		-5

- Weatherdon is second due to H2H (WEA 2-1; ZWA 2-2; TNL 1-2)

- Zwangzug is third due to H2H RD (split; ZWA +1; TNL -1)

- Lunar Republic Islands is fifth due to H2H result (10-9)

Group Eight

Westros	302 120 000 - 8
Slembana	102 110 70X - 12
	
	
Cosumar	101 110 000 - 4
The Royal Kingdom of	020 021 30X - 8
	
	
Michael VII	002 011 020 - 6
Western cuba	110 211 01X - 7

Group 8				W-L	RS-RA	RD
Western cuba			7-0	57-29		28
Cosumar				5-2	50-35		15
Michael VII			4-3	40-40		E
z-Westros				2-5	51-49		2
z-Royal Kingdom of Quebec	2-5	30-50		-20
z-Slembana			1-6	27-48		-21

- Westros is fourth due to H2H result (15-3)

Group Nine

Belshaw and Peveness	001 100 010 - 3
Zandistan	101 240 02X - 10
	
	
Free South Califas	111 310 900 - 16
Pacificus	011 131 200 - 9
	
	
Homelands our	100 000 100 - 2
Qazox	101 022 00X - 6

Group 9				W-L	RS-RA	RD
Homelands our			5-2	52-36		16
Qazox				5-2	57-35		22
Zandistan				4-3	46-50		-4
Free South Califas		4-3	50-60		-10
z-Belshaw and Pevenessy	2-5	37-49		-12
z-Pacificus				1-6	44-62		-18

- Homelands our is first due to H2H RD (split; HOU +3; QZX -3)

- Zandistan is third due to H2H result (11-6)

Group Ten

Birolika	201 000 000 - 3
Wyztrkstan	000 200 12X - 5
	
	
Lymantia	301 250 000 - 11
Estope	003 200 001 - 6
	
	
West Guiana	004 000 000 - 4
Taeshan	200 010 000 - 3

Group 10		W-L	RS-RA	RD
Lymantia		4-3	51-36		15
Wyztrkstan		4-3	36-44		-8
Taeshan		4-3	40-28		12
Estope		4-3	41-48		-7
West Guiana	3-4	36-33		3
Birolika		2-5	34-49		-15

- Lymantia is first due to H2H RD (all four tied 2-2 H2H; LYM +11; TAE +6; EST -6; WYZ -11)

- Wyztrkstan is second due to H2H results (WYZ 2-1; EST 1-1; TAE 1-2)

- Taeshan is third due to H2H result (9-4)

x-clinched group title
y-clinched playoff berth
z-eliminated from contention

[Taeshan]

"This is just getting sad."

"I know, three loses to those losers...Come on. We are the Fricking Purple Knights of Taeshan. Former World championships. We shouldn't be taking this shit from nobody."

"Word son."

"We might not even make it out of the group stage, what is this shit."

"I know right."

"We can't even beat a team thats unranked. Twice we fell to them, and then last night to NWG. What the hell is wrong with us? We need to go out in these last 3 games, win this group and show the world how strong Taeshan is. How we became the number 5 team in the world at baseball."

"Yeah we do. Purple and Gold pride."

"No more of this pussy ass shit. We don't just beat teams anymore, we crush them and make them cry mercy. We make them wish they had never heard of the game of baseball, wish they never had picked up a glove. Rue the day Taeshan rose up again, show them who is the boss."

"We are the boss."

"Who are we?"

"We the Purple Knights, bosses of the baseball diamond."

"We gonna own these losers who think they can take us down. We are the Purple Knights, we are one of the greatest teams in the history of international baseball, and we don't take this shit."

"No we give the shit, and we are going to do it from now on."

"Don't doubt me guys, we will crush all that stand in our way, we will make them cry, and we will do it with no remorse, leave everything on the field."

"Hearts on our sleeves."

"Yes, we are the Purple Knights, and tonight we take this tournament into our own hands. Who dares stop us now?"

[Powersith]

Powersith Eliminated From Playoff Birth in World Baseball Classic XXIV

Sicountimont 120 230 201 - 11
Powersith 121 101 020 - 8

The fans walked home in sorrow and tears as they witnessed the Powersith Baseball Giants lose 11-8, and be eliminated from Playoff Contention. With the record of 2-5, and in 4th place the standings state that they are eliminated.

"We are only in now for honor, without a playoff birth we play to keep our dignity and not get blown out," said the manager.

Starting pitcher Willie Ways had let up 8 runs, thought the loss was given to relief pitcher Michael Mendez who let in 3.

"I guess the old age has got to me," says Willie.

"Imma go ahead hang up the cleats, cap, and jersey."

Willie announced his retirement, as the legendary pitcher will surely be enshrined to the hall of fame. The Emperor states that his jersey number will be retired.

"However, we will return for World Baseball Classic XXV, and we will be ready!" states The Emperor as he finishes his speech.

Wille Ways Jr. starts on Monday as we play Raxillion. He is currently 1-0 with a 3.0 ERA.

"Again, it will be for honor and dignity, and good international image. I want this nation to be ranked next WBC!" says Willie Ways Jr.

Pitchers update:
Mentov Rislo - 42 - L - L #1 Record: 0-1 6.5 ERA
Willie Ways - 52 - L - L- #22 Record: 0-1 8.5 ERA
Willie Ways Jr. - 34 - R - R #12 Record: 1-0 3.0 ERA
Willie Ways III - 16 - L - L # 33 Record: 1-0 0.0 ERA
Lei Wingo - 32 - L - L #13 Record: 0-0 6.0 ERA
Closers :
Joseph Wasco - 33 - L - L #2 Saves: 1
Jermey Les - 21 - R - R- #3
Relief:
Kivnov Reknov - 22 - R - R #5 Record: 0-1 1.0 ERA
Nino Rodriguesz- 27 - L - L #7 Record: 0-1 4.0 ERA
Michael Mendez - Age 40 - L - L #10 Record: 0-1 3.0 ERA

Reporting from Imperial Capital City,
Limon Asro, Baseball Analyst for PSSN

Aged Pitchers Retiring also from International Play

Willie Ways, Michael Mendez, are saying their good-byes from international play due to their old age. Tryouts have already begun to fill in the starting pitcher spot and relief for the next WBC.

Sex Scandal surrounding Mentov Rislo

Investigations are underway here as Mentov Rislo is accused of having sex with underaged teens and 18 year olds today. It appears that he also may have taken part in the prostitution ring at the Playtime Casino. More information tommorow. However, this can put his name on the roster at risk.

[Civil Citizenry]

"Hello? Is this Jake Birdinthesky?"

"Who the shit is this?"

"Well, obviously I'm Adney Alvar. Journalist premier general extraordinaire."

"Journalist shitty ass shit if you ask me."

"I didn't ask you."

"Then why the shit are you calling me?"

"Are you busy?"

"Yeah, shitting bricks over this loss. Lost to some shitty team from Africa."

"West Guiana is not African."

"Oh, a geography major, eh? Tell me, where is Shit City?"

"Somewhere on the Valladares mainland."

"I don't know where the shit that us, I don't give a shit about Vall-uh-dur-ees."

"Listen, Mr. Bird, I'd li-"

"Birdinthe-shitty-sky!"

"I'd just like to ask you a few questions about how you feel the Classic is going."

"Classic shit, if you ask me."

"Technically, I hadn't asked you, but was about to-"

"You piece of shit highbrow Citeeeeeeeez."

"That's actually a compliment to me. Anyway, Taeshan's group is pretty tight - do you find that exciting? Nervous about the team's chances?"

"I'm as excited as a guy who goes to his car and sees a bird took a shit on his windshield."

"May I quote you directly?"

"Shit you."

"You are such a Taeshani."

"That's actually a compli-shitty-ment."

"How about all the runs being scored? I'd say higher than usual, but then again, we Citiz are used to scoring 22 runs a game."

"I don't give a shit. I gotta go."

"Go do what?"

"Take a shit."

"Figured."

"You shitty highbrow Citiz know how to do math, too?'

[New West Guiana]

So..k
Liz Sith

If you had me name just one World Baseball Classic that i've come to report one that has much tension while still in group play, hell hands down I'd right now say this. So far World Baseball Classic 24 is looking like what a dirt and grimy, toughest of the tough tournament should be looking like, with only three games left the race to the playoffs is very close here in group ten. One and only one game separates most teams from first to second to last. Four of the teams are tied for first with a four and three record, while West Guiana trials by only one game back with a three and four record. While in all ways team Birolika's run maybe over, and might as well be as they are now two and five.

Wow just wow, this competition is close i'm actually getting nervous we are only one game behind, and we really need to win the last three games and have Estope to lose two of the last three, and if possible Taeshan also do the same, the likelihood of that happening is near zero, but didn't we just beat them? I know this isn't any time to talk trash, but we did just beat Taeshan so we get to talk a little but not right now...maybe latter.

So lets see here our last three opponents that we play, well we've beaten each of them so we hold the tie breaker over them right now and if we beat them all again, our chances at grabbing that ever so crucial number two spot in the group is right now looking very good. Of course there is still that large ever so looming "but", of course like I said yesterday if we lose one more, just one more game that's it, we blew our chances at making the playoffs for a second time in a row. Now if we by the grace of the ever presence sports Goddess Margret we'll win out and clinch that second spot giving us a breath in the playoffs, where we may just go ahead and lose.

I know though that as I write this many in West Guiana are praying for a miracle, that by some way or some how the Redhawks are able to get into the playoffs. Now look everyone that did or is doing that, look how close the group is and any one win or loss by the top four teams plus a win for the Redhawks will greatly help us in many more ways than I can think of. Now however though while writing this out I did forget to mention one bitsy, our second to last game against Lymantatia who for right now is on top of the group, they have one hell of a hitting team. They have scored fifty one runs, but they have also allowed thirty-six. So they have a powerful offense, but they lack a powerful defense. So if team WG shows up with a powerful defense that game, because a good D wont do, that game might be won.

So with three games left we'll have to see how it all plays out, but I do cheerfully hope that a playoff breath will be in the bag after game ten. Though I do grantee this if we do get the second place in the group it will be via a hell of a lot of tie breakers knowing how close this group is at this point. So my advice to the Redhawks, keep calm and carry one.

Group 10              Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %
1 Lymantatia              7    4   3    51   36  +15    0.571
2 Wyztrkstan              7    4   3    36   44  −8    0.571
3 Taeshan                 7    4   3    40   28  +12    0.6571
4 Estope                  7    4   3    41   48   −7    0.571
5 West Guiana             7    3   4    36   33   +3    0.428
6 Birolika                7    2   5    34   49  −15    0.285

[Estope]

Multiple upsets have created a crazy situation atop the Group 10 standings. Currently four teams, Lymantia, Wyztrkstan, Taeshan, and Estope, are tied for first and West Guiana is only one game behind. Every game now has become critically important for any teams playoff aspirations. Estope has been doing well and has been near the top for most of the tournament but now due to complex tiebreakers finds themselves in 4th place. The loss today versus Lymantia, along with Taeshan's loss to West Guiana, has opened the door for everyone else and may have killed Estope's shot at qualifying. We still control our own destiny and if we win out we will be advancing but our schedule will be very challenging. Two road games versus Birolika and Wyztrkstan and then the home finale against Taeshan. Birolika embarrassed Estope 10-3 earlier so even though they are last in the group they have a good shot at winning. That game will definitely be challenging but should not be a problem. A loss there would be devastating. The next day Estope must travel to Wyztrkstan. Wyztrkstan is in the tie atop the standings so Estope needs the win to have the head to head tiebreaker. Estope beat them at home on day four but it took ten innings to do so. Anther dangerous team but a team that we should beat. Finally the most important game will be against Taeshan. The number five team in the world will be visting Thomas-Johnson Park and a spot in the playoffs could be on the line. This will be by far the most challenging game but should also be the most important, that is if Estope takes care of business in the days leading up to. This should be for an interesting three days of baseball that decide who will advance and who will go home.

As for todays game against Lymantia, lets not talk too much about it. They simply out-played us. It has become evident in this tournament that pitching has become a serious problem. The bullpen is fine by the starters need to be able to give the relief pitchers a lead. They have shown they can hold one if there is one but every day the starters allow big innings and lots of runs. The problem there may lie in depth and coaching. Estope has no formal pitching coach and needs to hire one if they want to be competitive on the international stage. Also they need a rotation of more than just three players. Estope has quality pitchers and the team needs to take advantage of them. Having Meister drop an easy catch that would have ended the 5th with no runs but instead allowed three runs there and indirectly two runs later was probably the lowest point of the day. Usually Estope is very efficient on defense and makes few errors but as it goes our strong point led to our demise. The lone bright spot I can take away from this is that Austin Forde is still playing fantastic. I don't know if I have ever seen a better player. He comes up with big hits and seems to always get on base and hit runners in. This whole tournament has been a series of ups and downs. Hopefully this down will turn into three big ups in the next three days. (So much for not talking much about it)

Lymantia	301 250 000 - 11
Estope	        003 200 001 - 6

EST (4-3) LYM (4-3)

Hitters                  AB  R  H  RBI   BB   SO
Alex Avez SS             5   1  2    0    1    2
Max Meister LF           5   0  1    0    1    1
Cory Keys 1B             5   1  2    2    1    1
Jessie Driggers RF       6   1  2    0    0    2
Henry Fowler CF          6   1  3    1    0    0
Fabio Fernandez 3B       6   1  2    0    0    1
Austin Forde 2B          4   1  3    2    2    0
Bryant Bolman DH         5   0  2    1    1    1
James Campella C         5   0  2    0    0    3

Batting:
2B - Forde - 3rd
     Avez - 4th
     Forde - 5th
     Driggers - 9th

3B - None

HR - Keys - 4th

SAC - Fowler - 9th

Baserunning:
SB - Driggers - 9th

CS - None

Fielding:
E - Meister - 5th
A - Forde - 5
    Avez - 4
    Fernandez - 2     

Pitching
Pitchers            IP   H  R  ER  BB  SO
Eric Almanz      5.0  8  11  6   2   7
     (L, 1-1)
Ed Knippenberg     3.0  2  0   0   1   3
Colin Noakes        1.0  0  0   0   0   2

Scoring Summary
Top 1st: Stephen doubled, Gonzalez, Raymond scored. Lymantia, 2-0.
Top 1st: Cornwall singled, Stephen scored. Lymantia, 3-0.
Top 3rd: Meister doubled, Avez scored. Lymantia, 4-0.
Bottom 3rd: Forde doubled, Fowler, Fernandez scored. Lymantia, 4-2.
Bottom 3rd: Bolman singled, Forde scored. Lymantia, 4-3.
Top 4th: McIntyre hit two run home run, DeLisle scored. Lymantia, 6-3.
Bottom 4th: Keys hit two run home run, Avez scored. Lymantia, 6-5.
Top 5th: Stephen reached on error, Gonzalez, Raymond, Nicholas scored (unearned). Lymantia, 9-5
Top 5th: Claude singled, Stephen scored (unearned). Lymantia, 10-5
Top 5th: St. Simon doubled, Claude scored (unearned). Lymantia, 11-5.
Bottom 9th: Fowler singled, Driggers scored. Lymantia, 11-6.

Official Group Table

Group 10		W-L	RS-RA	RD
Lymantia		4-3	51-36	+15
Wyztrkstan              4-3	36-44	-8
Taeshan		        4-3	40-28	+12
Estope		        4-3	41-48	-7
West Guiana	        3-4	36-33	+3
Birolika		2-5	34-49	-15

[Qazox]

Eagles sweep homestand.

Qazox' much maligned bullpen allowed just one run in 3 innings, as Qazox finished it's 3 game homestand 3-0 to move into a 1st-place tie with Homelands our after a 6-2 win over the same team. Homelands our does still own the H2H tiebreaker on H2H RD (17 to 14), but at least being tied for 1st with 3 games left is better than being 2 games back with 3 left. Toby Wade got the start at short as Harold Hodgman missed the game due to a family matter, and Wade went 3-5 with 3 runs scored in his first start since Game 10 of WBC 23's group stage.

Up next, Qazox heads to 4-3 Free South Califas, where a win there and a Zandistan loss would see Qazox clinch a playoff berth.

Homelands our	100 000 100 - 2  9 0
Qazox	        101 022 00X - 6 12 0

SCORING SUMMARY

Homelands our 1st: LF flied out to center. 2B doubled to left. 3B singled to center, 2B to third. RF struck out. 1B singled to center, 2B scored, 3B to second. C flied out to right. 1 run on 3 hits, 2 LOB 1-0 Homelands our

Qazox 1st: Wade singled to left. Jimenez flied out. Hamilton singled to center, Wade to second. Dodge doubled to right, Wade scored, Hamilton to third. Zimmerman struck out. Espinoza flied out to center. 1 run on 3 hits, 2 LOB 1-1

Qazox 3rd: Wade struck out. Jimenez flied out to left. Hamilton 433ft HR to right, Hamilton scored. Dodge walked. Zimmerman singled to center, Dodge to second. Espinoza grounded out to third. 1 run on 2 hits, 2 LOB 2-1 Qazox

Qazox 5th: Wade doubled to right. Jimenez grounded out to first, Wade to third. Hamilton singled to right, Wade scored. Dodge singled to center, Hamilton to second. Zimmerman doubled to center, Hamilton scored, Dodge to third. Espinoza struck out. Lee flied out to right. 2 runs on 4 hits, 2 LOB 4-1 Qazox

Qazox 6th: Bryant singled to left. <PINCH-HITTER: Brian Garnett batting for Mark Hummel> Garnett struck out looking. Wade doubled to left-center, Bryant to third. Jimenez singled to right-center, Bryant and Wade scored. Hamilton grounded out to third, Jimenez to second. Dodge struck out. 2 runs on 3 hits, 1 LOB 6-1 Qazox

Homelands our 7th: <PITCHING CHANGE: David Scott pitching for Hummel> 2B doubled to center. 3B singled to left, 2B to third. RF flied out to center, 2B scored. 1B grounded out to short, 3B to third. C walked. SS struck out. 1 run on 2 hits, 2 LOB 6-2 Qazox

[Sakurakoku]

Checked At The Line
Questionable checked swing call gives winning run for Darmen and 1-game lead plus tiebreaker in Group Four with three to play

Sakurakoku	001 100 200 - 4  8 0
Darmen	        101 110 001 - 5 14 1

One out when winning run scored.

W - Snider (*smudge*)
L - Tachibana (0-1)

Partial Box Score:
Hitting

Hitters                  AB  R  H  RBI  BB  SO
Y. Katou, CF              4  0  1    0   1   1
M. Kaneko, 3B             3  1  2    0   2   1
H. Horie, DH              4  1  2    1   0   1
G. Furukawa, 2B           4  0  0    1   0   2
A. Kimihara, 1B           4  0  1    0   1   0
M. Yamagishi, RF          4  0  1    0   1   1
S. Takeda, SS             4  1  1    1   0   0
K. Kusao, LF              2  0  0    0   1   0
-> (a) S. Yasuzumi, PH-LF 1  0  0    0   0   1
K. Suzuki, C              3  1  0    0   1   2

(a) Struck out for Kusao in 7th.

Batting:
2B - Katou in 1st, Kaneko in 2nd, Horie in 5th, Horie in 6th (ground rule)
Sac fly - Horie in 2nd, Furukawa in 7th

Baserunning: none

Fielding:
Double play - Suzuki/Kimihara in 5th, Takeda/Furukawa/Kimihara in 6th
Outfield assist - Yamagishi in 3rd (Ott at home), Yasuzumi in 8th (Thomas at home)

Pitching

Pitchers                 IP  H  R  ER  BB  SO
K. Namiya               4.1  8  4   4   2   4
Y. Saito                2.2  2  0   0   2   1
T. Kono                 0.1  1  0   0   1   0
R. Tachibana (L, 0-1)   1.0  3  1   1   0   1
N. Minamoto             0.0  0  0   0   2   0

Saito pitched to one batter in 8th.
Minamoto pitched to two batters in 9th.

Scoring Summary
Bottom 1st: Gary singled to left. Gary stole second. Ott doubled to center, Gary scored. Cannon popped out to first. Prince flied out to left. Garret grounded out to second. Darmen, 1-0.
Top 3rd: Suzuki walked. Katou lined out to first. Kaneko doubled to left, Suzuki to third. Horie sacrifice flied out to left, Suzuki scored. Furukawa grounded out to shortstop. Tied, 1-1.
Bottom 3rd: Hilton popped out to first. Gary walked. Ott singled to center, Gary to second. Cannon singled to center, Gary scored, Ott to third. Prince flied out to right, Ott out at home. Darmen, 2-1.
Top 4th: Kimihara grounded out to third. Yamagishi singled to left. Takeda grounded into fielder's choice, third baseman Thomas to second baseman Parish, Yamagishi out at second. Kusao walked, Takeda to second. Suzuki safe at first on error by pitcher Rennold, Takeda to third, Kusao to second. Katou walked, Takeda scored, Kusao to third, Suzuki to second. Kaneko struck out. Tied, 2-2.
Bottom 4th: Garret struck out. Parish lined out to shortstop. Thomas homered to right. Payne hit by pitch. Hilton singled to center, Payne to second. Gary grounded out to second. Darmen, 3-2.
Bottom 5th: Ott walked. Cannon struck out. Ott stole second. Prince singled to right, Ott scored. Garret doubled to left, Prince to third. Saito pitching. Parish intentionally walked. Thomas grounded into double play, catcher Suzuki to first baseman Kimihara, Prince out at home, Thomas out at first. Darmen, 4-2.
Top 7th: Katou struck out. Kaneko walked. Horie reached second on ground-rule double, Kaneko to third. Furukawa sacrifice flied out to right, Kaneko scored, Horie to third. Kimihara walked. Yamagishi intentionally walked, Kimihara to second. Neville pitching. Takeda infield singled to third, Horie scored, Kimihara to third, Yamagishi to second. Yasuzumi batting. Yasuzumi struck out. Tied, 4-4.
Bottom 9th: Prince singled to center. Belcher pinch-runs for Prince. Garret struck out. Parish singled to center, Belcher to third. Minamoto pitching. Thomas walked, Parish to second. Payne walked, Belcher scored. Darmen, 5-4.

[Free South Califas]

The Mice trounced the group's bottom feeders in a 19-6 victory that also transfers the dubious claims of worst scoring defense and scoring differential to the latter nation. So far so good, as they are still technically still in the race, but they need to put Zandistan in their place and sneak an upset against Qazox or Homelands our to repeat their miraculous freshman playoff run.

[Zandistan]

COASTAL ZANDAR SENTINEL

report compiled by Jacques Coleman

---

Belshaw and Pevenessy	001 100 010 - 3  6 1
Zandistan	        101 240 02X -10 16 0

Two things: Yeah yeah Pollard! Jackie-boy made me proud. Oh, and thank you Qazox for beating Homelands our. Our record currently stands at 4-3, one game behind the group leaders, who are both 5-2. And if we beat Homelands our by three runs or more, we’ll control our destiny for traveling to Lycrabon. I haven’t been so excited about Zandistani baseball in years! Hush, I know this is the first Zandistani tournament. Just trying to garner reader excitement.

But seriously. I know it’s unlikely, but a win against Homelands our tomorrow would put us into, at the very least, a tie for second place in the group. Which would be good enough to get us to Lycrabon, assuming we win out. Our hardest game is the next one. So, win, then beat Pacificius and Free South Califas again? Not as tall an order as it might seem. Still, our position hangs precariously in the balance. With three games to go, a loss to Homelands our combined with a Qazox victory (very, very likely) would see us waving goodbye to the WBC without ever seeing the soil of Lycrabon.

And to my next topic: Jack Pollard. Are you listening, Zandington? I guess I’m sounding a bit harsh, as I do credit our manager with some things. Putting Wily Collander in for Kamohui Sander at catcher was a stellar move. Collander was a triple shy of the cycle and knocked in half of our runs. And sliding the slumping Migliotti down in the lineup and replacing him with Felipe Tresor did wonders for the ability of the top to set the table. But I digress.

Jack Pollard once again pitched seven innings strong, and again allowed only two runs. His 14 and 2/3 innings pitched and four earned runs have him pitching for 23.66% of all Zandistani innings at this WBC while allowing only 10% of our runs. That’s an ERA of 2.45, compared with the rest of our staff’s 6.85. Yow, is that an ugly number. But Pollard is averaging nearly a run every two innings better than the rest of our staff, and that should really be accounted for. I realize that our pitching rotation really can’t be adjusted to reflect this until we’re in the playoffs in Lycrabon, assuming we make it there. But it’s a strong point that Zandington really should be thinking about, especially as Mosgodev has been putting up less than stellar numbers.

More on that 6.85 number: Trust me, it isn’t as bad as it looks, with how much the ball has been flying this WBC. But there is a great deal of room for improvement in there. Especially from our starter tomorrow: Last time Casper Martins went out there, he was chased in the first inning after giving up six runs. 81.00, anybody? Maybe we should think about shifting around the order, having Coatou Asambwe pitch tomorrow after he showed poise against Pacificius. Just speculation here but it really couldn’t hurt, could it? I can’t imagine Martins being confident after that last outing. Alas, I doubt William Zandington reads my column, but I hope we can trust he’ll make the right decision. And the hitters: Couch, Tresor, Carlitos, Vardell, Shedemik, Collander, Migliotti, and Q: you guys come out hot tomorrow, take it right to Homelands our.

But that’s tomorrow. And tonight, all we need to do is celebrate a pounding 10-3 win. So long, Pevenessy.

WBC SUMMARY
Overall: 4-3, 42 scored, 40 allowed
vs. Qazox, L 0-9
at Belshaw and Pevenessy, W 6-2
vs. Homelands our, L 8-11
at Pacificius, W 5-4
vs. Free South Califas, W 11-6
at Qazox, L 2-5
vs. Belshaw and Pevenessy, W 10-3
Next: at Homelands our (5-2)

[Maklohi Vai]

It was applause. Uncommon for men of the cloth, even more uncommon for this group. As Nomolo stood before the Executive Council, he felt a warm wave washing over him. Respect, he had been warned, was hard to come by in this group. As an oft-described oddball, it was even the stranger. Nomolo guessed that perfect games tend to do that to people. It had truly been a masterful performance by Arwai, nine innings and not even a 3 ball count. And after the game, he had thanked Nomolo for his work, and Margaret as well for hers. One more ceremony, to thank Margaret, would be in order.

At midnight, the team gathered again, as they had previously. 10,000 rubber chickens were carted in. "No messing with success," Lomnai always said. Nomolo had been reading up on the traditions of Margaret, and had surmised that there needed to be one foreign language for every good deed Margaret had performed. Nomolo saw three: the two wins, and the perfect game, as that was special on its own.

First incantation:

"Margaret, mi se ovdje okupljaju večeras vam zahvaliti za svoj rad.
Vi ste bili milostivi izvan sredstvima, i brige izvan mašte.
Vi nam je pružila puno radosti i puno zahvalnosti, i za to smo vječno zahvalan.
Čuda li su napravili ne može se uskladiti, ne može ni svoju moć.
Međutim, moramo vas ostaviti nakon tog dana.
Mi zauvijek moliti za vas, ali nama tek smrtnici imaju samo toliko sredstava, za razliku od neograničene stavke koje uživaju.
Naša srca su s vama, čak i ako su naši kolektivni žrtve nisu.
Želimo li toliko dugo za sada, o velikom Margaret, i želim vas vidjeti na jednom prigodom kad smo mogli posvetiti punu pažnju, odanost i snalažljivosti na svoj konačan snage."

Second incantation:

"Margaret, kita berkumpul di sini malam ini untuk mengucapkan terima kasih kepada anda untuk kerja-kerja anda.
Anda telah pengasih di luar kemampuan, dan menjaga luar imaginasi.
Anda memberikan kami dengan kegembiraan dan terima kasih banyak banyak, dan untuk itu kita bersyukur dan berterima kasih.
Keajaiban yang anda telah dilakukan tidak boleh dipadankan, tidak boleh kuasa anda.
Walau bagaimanapun, kita mesti meninggalkan anda selepas hari ini.
Kami selama-lamanya berdoa kepada anda, tetapi kita manusia semata-mata hanya mempunyai sumber yang banyak, tidak seperti barangan terbatas anda menikmati.
Hati kami dengan anda, walaupun pengorbanan kita bersama tidak.
Kami menyuruh kamu begitu lama untuk sekarang, O besar Margaret, dan ingin melihat anda apabila kesempatan apabila kita boleh menumpukan perhatian penuh kami, kesetiaan, dan kepintaran kepada kuasa mutlak anda."

Third incantation:

"Margaret, nou ranmase isit la aswè a di ou mèsi pou travay ou.
Ou te gen bon kè pi lwen pase vle di, ak pran swen pi lwen pase imajinasyon.
Ou bay nou ak kè kontan anpil ak gratitid anpil, epi pou ke nou se etènèlman rekonesan.
Mirak sa yo ou te fè pa kapab matche, ni kapab pouvwa ou.
Sepandan, nou dwe kite ou apre jounen jòdi a.
Nou pou tout tan lapriyè nan pye ou, men nou mòtèl sèlman sèlman gen resous pou anpil moun, kontrèman ak atik yo illimité ou renmen.
Kè nou yo ki la avèk ou, menm si bèt pou touye kolektif nou yo pa.
Nou òf ou lontan pou kounye a, O gwo Margaret, epi yo ta renmen wè ou sou yon okazyon lè nou ka bay tout tan tout atansyon nou an, devosyon, ak rsours sou pouvwa ultim ou a."

(The English translation)

"Margaret, we gather here tonight to thank you for your work.
You have been merciful beyond means, and caring beyond imagination.
You provided us with much joy and much gratitude, and for that we are eternally grateful.
The miracles you have performed cannot be matched, neither can your power.
However, we must leave you after this day.
We forever pray to you, but us mere mortals only have so many resources, unlike the limitless items you enjoy.
Our hearts are with you, even if our collective sacrifices are not.
We bid you so long for now, O great Margaret, and wish to see you upon an occasion when we can devote our full attention, devotion, and resourcefulness to your ultimate power."

(OOC 1: Name any of the three languages and you could be mentioned in a future RP! TG me with answer and specifics about RP. Good luck with number 3)




(OOC 2: Runscorers, etc., are added onto this RP below, mainly for statistical purposes)

Maklohi Vai	        101 132 000 - 8
Free Swiss States	000 000 000 - 0

Maklohi Vai Scoring Summary
1st: Mae'ao hit a triple to drive Iao Laina in, who had hit a single.
3rd: Mae'ao hit a home run to left.
4th: Aputo Roma’ai hit a solo shot with two outs.
5th: Ri'ino Uilnai and Mae'ao drew back to back walks to lead off the inning. With one out, Arnao hit a three run homer.
6th: Uilnai hit a single with two outs, setting up Mae'ao for a home run to right.

Stat update:
HR: Mae'ao 14, Arnao 1, Koilani Ruputuo 1, Moalna’akai Lai 1, Ri'ino Ulnai 1, Iao Laina 1, Wolo Rakinalmanai 1, Aputo Roma’ai 1
RBI: Mae'ao 34, Moalna’akai Lai 4, Aputo Roma'ai 4, Arnao 4, Wolo Rakinalmanai 3, Koilani Ruputuo 1, Iao Laina 1, Ri'ino Ulnai 1

[Yesopalitha]

The Kytler Peninsulae became the first team to defeat the Yesopalitha Assassins in the World Baseball Classic XXIV by a score of 6-5. Although Melody Johanson pitched a pretty good game through six innings, it was the bullpen that gave up four runs in the seventh and eighth innings that broke the Assassins in. Valentin Sorin's solo homer at the bottom of the ninth left the Assassins one run short as they fell.

The team is first in the standings due to the fact that Yesopalitha's head to head series with The Kytler Peninsulae gives the Assassins more runs scored than against. However, with a game against Cyborg Holland looming, the Assassins must not falter again if they wish to continue on to Lycrabon without experiencing too much drama.

Will this be a wake up call or the start of a trend? That is the question this team must answer as it tries to live up to its #1 in the group billing.

And can the bullpen get better?

[Milchama]

"Of course Karditan beats us"

"Yep"

"Could have seen that coming from a mile away"

"It's all the newspaper's fault"

"Yeah you really can't compliment you're opponents for the next MD"

"Well apparently we can"

"Well I guess you can do anything but that doesn't mean you should"

"Yeah they really should not have done that"

"I mean sure it's a rare feat but just show it at the end. That's all you need to do"

"A footnote, we don't need three paragraphs worth of goddamn compliments"

"It's awful"

"Terrible"

"Borderline illegal"

"Well not at all, freedom of the press is good. Even when used for bad things like complimenting current competitors"

"Fair, still bad"

"I said that didn't I?"

"Oh yeah you did"

"Ok then"

"Sorry"

"Look we're just sucking it up"

"Yeah I thought we were about to put it all together and then this happens"

"It's so typical"

"Maybe we should start praying to Margaret again"

"Heathen!"

"Fine"

"No way am I doing that pagan bs! Let Maklokhi Vai do their pagan things. We Jews will not do that!"

"Ok then"

"Yeah, though I do support the legacy of SnubNose38"

"Who?"

"Don't worry about it"

"Ok"

"Well we're still in second"

"True but it could have been so much better"

"Yes"

"Well let's hope"

"Yes"

"Come on You Warriors!"

"Let's Go Milchama!"