World Baseball Classic XXV - Everything Thread

[Equestrian States]

The Pony Republic of Equestrian States
The 25th World Baseball Classic Visitors’ Guide

HOST CITY: WHITETAIL

THE CITY

The third smallest city in the Equestrian States that has a professional baseball team, Whitetail is a pleasant city that has even more of a small town feel than Ponyville. Locked within the leafy embrace of Whitetail Woods (from which the city takes its name), the city is far from being one of the larger tourist destinations for foreigners. However, with its polite population and beauty in spring and fall, it is a popular destination for visitors from other parts of the Equestrian States.

The small size of Whitetail leads many to assume that it is not very old, but are incorrect in thinking so. Whitetail has found itself largely free from the immense population growth that came with the Equestrian States' emergence from isolation over two decades ago. Without explosive growth, Whitetail's residents have developed a relatively close-knit community (even by Equestrian standards), and are considered to be among the nicest in the country. Foreigners are a rare sight in Whitetail, especially non-equines, so visitors are typically recognized immediately and welcomed by the locals.

Most tourists in Whitetail come to the city for no other reason than to relax. But for those visitors looking for something active to do, the city's heavily-forested parks and surroundings are rich in trails and paths for both avid hikers and casual walkers.

THE VENUE

FORAGERS FIELD


Location: Whitetail
Capacity: 28,000
Tennants: Whitetail Foragers
Will host: Round of 20 and Round of 16 games
Within easy walking distance of Whitetail Town Hall, Foragers Field is a relatively small and cozy stadium. On game days, the town has been known to shut down almost entirely, with residents either piling into Foragers Field or heading to the numerous sports bars and cafés that are spread throughout the city. Within the stadium, the seats are packed together to maximize the number of fans that can fit. Although it may be crowded, Foragers Field's regular Equestrian attendees are generally as polite and considerate as those that inhabit the city the ballpark is located in.

HOST NOTE: This is not a cutoff, just me getting another city guide up. For those of you who see this: you have a little over one hour until the MD9 cutoff, so get those RPs in!

[Ko-oren]

Central North America            0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0  1
Ko-oren                          2 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 X  5

--reader submitted column---
8/9 lives

The Greenblues are starting to resemble a (fairy tale) cat more and more. Nine lives, 10 matches in all, eight have been played. Just as you expect that the team is out for good (losing both matches against FSC), they pull back together, get a convincing win and all of a sudden they're in third place again, edging out over two other teams with the same record (all on 4-4) on H2H record.

Then again, there is something peculiar with this group. The team with the poorest run difference? Free South Califas. The team with BY FAR the most runs conceded? Free South Califas. Team in first place? Free South Califas. Most scoring team? Central North America. And they're in fourth place. There are still five teams with some hope to reach the tournament proper, only Saintland (and even they have got two wins) is eliminated so far. There are three teams on 4-4, and a further two on 5-3.

As for the chances of the Greenblues: Two matches left, against Byfugland and Saintland. One is probably going to be a defeat, one should maybe come out as a win. Is it enough to advance? It's not just our team that is looking forward to the end of another nerve-wrecking qualifying cycle. Two matches to go means that many teams are already eliminated, and for almost all of the rest, it's going to be close to qualify. Stay tuned!

---

Do you want your column to appear in the KSN too? Submit a column of not more than 300 words (longer will be ignored/redacted) and hope it will be published! Your columns could also appear in your local edition: Northeast, East, Northwest/Center/West or South.

OOC: For a second there I thought I'd miss cutoff by four minutes...

[Karditan]

Adair Sports
presents
PonySport!

The next items in our line of Pony-themed baseball equipment are an inseparable duo: the pony mask and pony mitt!

Being a catcher isn't easy for a pony. The quick reaction times, the awkward positioning, it is extraordinarily uncomfortable even for a human. But for the aspiring pony catchers out there, we want to offer any help we can. The use of these items has not been licensed for use at the professional level--as pony catchers in the past have used human equipment before (usually not very well, but there's been the occasional seemingly physics-defying star), independent agencies are doing studies into whether they give ponies an unfair advantage--which is why they are being included later in our presentation. However, they have been fully approved for use in lower leagues, including Little League. The pony mask is simply a catcher's mask properly made to fit a pony's head (and provide adequate protection to the somewhat more exposed neck); a pony could theoretically wear a human's mask, but it's beyond uncomfortable and often leaves near-permanent grooves on their nose. Likewise, ponies have used human catcher's mitts, but our scientists still haven't figured out exactly how. Even Geo Soot, the premier defensive pony catcher in the KBL, could not put into words his process of holding the mitt. Such a mystifying practice is no way to introduce a game to the colts and fillies, so we set out to modify our hoof-glove into a proper catcher's mitt. The new version features extra padding and a stronger closing mechanism, to minimize the occurrence of equipment-caused passed balls. Extensive testing has shown that our designers did an excellent job, as the mitt will catch pretty much anything you care to toss its way. For a more solid form a proof, attached is a clip of Short Stop's younger brother, Back Stop (who travels with the Wild Kards as a bullpen catcher), using the pony mitt and pony mask to warm up Hessafa Merana in last week's game against Parsee Mizuhashi.

The camera pops to life behind the home plate umpire, panning over the field. Casey Brant is sweating on the mound, with runners on first and second and no-one out. The Youkais had hit him hard in the first and tagged him again in the second. The Kards had scored once in the top of the first, but could only muster one more run in retaliation, which put Casey firmly in the position to take the loss. This situation wasn't helping. The camera suddenly switches to the visiting bullpen, where Hessafa and Pedro Feliciaro where taking to the mini-mounds. Back Stop and Wellman Roberts took their positions across their respective pitchers, the pony taking the fireballer righty while the human took the sidearming lefty. Both are wearing well-fitting masks, though of quite different shapes. On the other hand (hoof?), their gloves look almost identical--except for the fact that Back's hoof doesn't enter the back of his; instead, a few metal rods extending from the contraption on his hoof did. Both gloves easily closed on the fastballs that came to them; same with the curveballs, and the sliders, and the changeups. Not a single dropped ball throughout the entire session, the ball traveling back and forth like clockwork (with the rhythmic *thwak* of Back hoof-striking the ball spread throughout), eventually with the call for Pedro coming in. Casey had gotten himself a bit deeper; bases loaded with one out. No runs had crossed, thankfully. But when the one lefty Ledée needed Pedro to take care of hit a sac fly and put the Kards into a three-run hole, the phone was ringing off its hook for Hessafa. Back gave the reliever from suburban Seaddle a pat on the tucus as he went out to get the Kards out of the inning without any more damage; a vital cog in their eventual one-run win.

[Darmen]

"614 Bedson Street," said Nilani Porunakalanapai as she climbed into the taxi, on her way to her first visit of the Darmeni Church of Margaret. The taxi driver took off, and finally pulled up in front of a run down building just outside of town. She paid the driver, thanked him, and got out of the taxi. She wasn't sure exactly where she was supposed to enter the building, but decided that the somewhat open door on the side of the building was her best bet. A sliver of light shone through the doorway.

But before she could enter, the same man that she had met at the airport approached her, running.

"Not through there! This way," he said in a hushed voice as he waived her over. "That's the entrance to the warehouse, they don't like visitors. We meet down stairs. Did you bring any ruber chickens?"

"I only bought one, didn't have enough Babas for any others."

"That's fine," said the man, "by the way, I don't think I've introduce myself yet. Name's Jimi Dylan." He extended out his hand.

She shook it and replied, " Nilani Porunakalanapai. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Mind if I just call you by your first name, Porunakahlenepu might be a bit much."

"Not all," replied Nilani, laughing.

"Shall we go in." He started walking towards the back of the building, and Nilani followed. They walked through a doorway in the back, and down a dark set of stairs. Before long they entered into a dark room filled with smoke, and the smell of burning rubber filled the air. "We're a bit late, but before we pray and make our sacrifices, I'll take you to meet the local priest."

"Oh, thank you, I'd be honored."

They continued on towards the back of the room, where a man in dark purple robes was kneeling and murmering under his breath.

"Father Lennon, we have a guest from Maklohi Vai here, she wants to learn more about our Church."

Father Lennon continued to repeat his prayer, but stood up and looked at Nilani. Finally he stopped, smilied, and said, "And who are you?"

"I'm Nilani Porunakalanapai, here to observe your Church. I'm a member of the Observers for the Awareness of Margaret."

"We're glad to have you here."

Nilani and Jimi proceded to make their sacrifices and prayers to Margaret, and all the while Nilani was watching the Darmeni Margaret worshipers. She noticed several peculiar things about them.

[Equestrian States]

The Pony Republic of Equestrian States
The 25th World Baseball Classic Visitors’ Guide

HOST CITY: TROTTINGHAM

THE CITY

Of all the cities that will be hosting games during the World Baseball Classic, Trottingham is the only one that is not located on the Equestrian mainland. Additionally, Trottingham is the northernmost major city in the Equestrian States with a population of roughly 2 million. Although it may be colder than most other Equestrian cities, Trottingham's summers are relatively mild in comparison to those of other, more arctic, nations.

Although a city with a major emphasis on tradition and culture, Trottingham is rather young as it was founded just 75 years ago. Settled first by adventurous explorers looking to find wealth on the island, Trottingham has seen tremendous growth with the emergence of the Equestrian States as a port city for international travel and commerce. However, due to the city’s cold winters, Trottingham often is much less crowded in winter and late fall than it is during the spring and summer months.

International tourists may find Trottingham to be an attractive destination for rock-climbing and surfing, which are exceptionally popular among the island’s humanoid inhabitants. In general, Trottingham holds much greater appeal for non-equines than for sapient ponies, with the exception of the earth ponies, which make up approximately 65% of the city’s population. Although not as diverse as Everfree in terms of species make-up, Trottingham can safely be considered more normal by foreigners who come from nations where humans are the only (or primary) species.

THE VENUE

TROTTINGHAM MEMORIAL STADIUM


Location: Trottingham
Capacity: 31,900
Tennants: Trottingham Titans
Will host: Round of 20 and Round of 16 games
Trottingham Memorial Stadium is arguably one of the least interesting venues in the Equestrian States. A typical stadium in just about every way imaginable, there’s nothing particularly intriguing about the stadium itself. Aside from the devoted fans of the Titans who call the stadium home, regular attendees are hardly unusual unless you aren’t used to seeing multicolored sapient ponies strolling around.

RP Cutoff for Match Day 9

[Equestrian States]

World Baseball Classic 25 - Match Day 9 Results

Group 1

Central North America            6 4 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 11
Raxillion                        0 4 1 0 0 6 0 0 1 12

Ko-oren                          1 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 1  5
Byfugland                        0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0  2

Free South Califas               1 0 3 1 0 0 0 1 1  7
Saintland                        0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 1  4

  Group 1                Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %
1 Free South Califas       9    6   3    45   54   −9    0.667
2 Ko-oren                  9    5   4    38   31   +7    0.556
3 Raxillion                9    5   4    37   40   −3    0.556
4 Byfugland                9    5   4    32   34   −2    0.556
5 Central North America    9    4   5    59   40  +19    0.444
6 Saintland                9    2   7    33   45  −12    0.222

Group 2

Songhia                          0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0  1
Birolika                         0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 X  2

Elykyellek                       1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1  3
Shadowbourne                     0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 X  4

Darmen                           0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0  2
West Guiana                      0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0  1

Note: Apparently I screwed up the Group 2 table. It's currently being fixed.

Group 3

Super-Llamaland                  1 0 1 1 1 1 0 3 0  8
Bloodbath Generation             2 0 0 1 3 0 0 1 0  7

Quebecois Acadiana               0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1  2
Skeckoa                          0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 X  4

Cyborg Holland                   0 0 2 2 0 1 0 0 0  5
Yesopalitha                      0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 4  7

  Group 3               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %
1 Yesopalitha             9    8   1    55   25  +30    0.889
2 Skeckoa                 9    5   4    44   49   −5    0.556
3 Super-Llamaland         9    4   5    39   44   −5    0.444
4 Quebecois Acadiana      9    4   5    46   48   −2    0.444
5 Cyborg Holland          9    4   5    38   52  −14    0.444
6 Bloodbath Generation    9    2   7    42   46   −4    0.222

Group 4

Rodard                           0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1  4
Taeshan                          0 1 5 1 1 0 1 0 X  9

Powersith                        0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0  2
Karditan                         0 0 1 1 0 0 3 0 X  5

Parsee Mizuhashi                 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  2
Sicoutimont                      0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 X  3

  Group 4               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %
1 Sicoutimont             9    7   2    47   33  +14    0.778
2 Taeshan                 9    6   3    45   24  +21    0.667
3 Karditan                9    6   3    50   41   +9    0.667
4 Powersith               9    4   5    39   47   −8    0.444
5 Parsee Mizuhashi        9    4   5    36   44   −8    0.444
6 Rodard                  9    0   9    25   53  −28    0.000

Group 5

Estope                           0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  5
Aardenland                       1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0  3

Komodo Dragon                    0 0 0 4 0 0 0 2 0  6
The Serbian Empire               0 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 1  5

Lycrabon                         0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0  3
New Montreal States              1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1

  Group 5               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %
1 Lycrabon                9    6   3    30   34   −4    0.667
2 The Serbian Empire      9    5   4    37   30   +7    0.556
3 Komodo Dragon           9    5   4    43   46   −3    0.556
4 Aardenland              9    5   4    43   38   +5    0.556
5 Estope                  9    4   5    32   31   +1    0.444
6 New Montreal States     9    2   7    20   26   −6    0.222

Group 6

Michael VII                      5 0 0 0 0 2 5 1 2 15
Grandterre                       0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0  1

The Alphabet Letters             0 1 0 0 0 5 0 0 0  6
Saugeais                         0 0 1 2 1 0 7 3 X 14

Thatius                          1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0  2
Slembana                         0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0

  Group 6               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %
1 Thatius                 9    7   2    44   26  +18    0.778
2 Slembana                9    5   4    37   27  +10    0.556
3 Saugeais                9    5   4    35   35    0    0.556
4 The Alphabet Letters    9    4   5    38   51  −13    0.444
5 Michael VII             9    3   6    34   30   +4    0.333
6 Grandterre              9    3   6    28   47  −19    0.333

Group 7

New Matawan                      0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 3  5
Tyneala                          0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 0  4

Equestrian States                0 0 1 0 0 0 2 4 0  7
Strawbee                         0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0  1

Schmiegelland                    0 0 6 0 0 1 0 0 0  7
Kintratar                        1 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0  4

  Group 7               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %
1 Equestrian States       9    8   1    64   25  +39    0.889
2 Strawbee                9    5   4    39   57  −18    0.556
3 Tyneala                 9    5   4    40   33   +7    0.556
4 New Matawan             9    4   5    38   28  +10    0.444
5 Kintratar               9    3   6    40   56  −16    0.333
6 Schmiegelland           9    2   7    36   58  −22    0.222

Group 8

The Royal Kingdom of Quebec      0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  3
Qazox                            5 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 X  9

Pretty Awesome Persons           0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  1
Milchama                         3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 X  4

Kinzar                           1 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0  4
Mapletish                        1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0  3

  Group 8                      Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %
1 Milchama                       9    7   2    50   34  +16    0.778
2 Kinzar                         9    7   2    42   27  +15    0.778
3 Qazox                          9    5   4    38   35   +3    0.556
4 Pretty Awesome Persons         9    3   6    26   41  −15    0.333
5 Mapletish                      9    3   6    33   38   −5    0.333
6 The Royal Kingdom of Quebec    9    2   7    25   39  −14    0.222

Group 9

Backyard Sports                  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5  5
The Sova Empire                  1 1 0 4 0 0 0 1 X  7

Thrilledge                       2 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0  6
Vaugania                         0 0 1 0 1 0 0 2 0  4

Lymantatia                       0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0  3
Zwangzug                         0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2  4

  Group 9               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %
1 Zwangzug                9    7   2    40   28  +12    0.778
2 Vaugania                9    6   3    49   44   +5    0.667
3 Lymantatia              9    4   5    34   29   +5    0.444
4 Thrilledge              9    4   5    44   48   −4    0.444
5 The Sova Empire         9    4   5    34   41   −7    0.444
6 Backyard Sports         9    2   7    33   44  −11    0.222

Group 10

Kerblaekistan                    0 0 0 1 3 1 0 0 0  5
The Priory of St. Luc            0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 4  6

Western Cuba                     3 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0  6
Maklohi Vai                      0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2  3

ViZion                           0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2  3
Allinlia                         0 0 0 0 3 0 0 1 X  4

  Group 10               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %
1 Western Cuba             9    6   3    37   25  +12    0.667
2 Maklohi Vai              9    6   3    54   30  +24    0.667
3 Kerblaekistan            9    5   4    45   41   +4    0.556
4 Allinlia                 9    4   5    35   35    0    0.444
5 The Priory of St. Luc    9    4   5    28   49  −21    0.444
6 ViZion                   9    2   7    30   49  −19    0.222

Clinched Group
Clinched Playoffs
Cannot Win Group
Eliminated from Playoffs

[Aardenland]

Down to the wire

Loss against Estope leaves Aardenland in a must-win situation

One game left, and nothing is certain in group five. Lycrabon now tops the volatile division, but with all of the hot competition, even fifth-place Estope has a small shot at making the playoffs, and first place could end up being a four-way tie. With a 5-3 loss to Estope, Aardenland is back in second place, tied with Komodo and Serbia, one game behind Lycrabon. Lycrabon is their next opponent, and should Lycrabon win, Aardenland's only chance at the playoffs is if Komodo and Serbia lose as well. Should Lycrabon lose, Aardenland should easily make the playoffs, though perhaps in a lower seed. As far as run difference (the secondary ranking factor in seeding) goes, the two highest in the fifth group are Aardenland and Serbia. Serbia currently edges Aardenland by two runs. The game is also a must-win for Lycrabon, since their RD is lower than Aardenland's, and would drop lower if they lose, making it unlikely they'd make the playoffs, unless Serbia and Komodo both lose their games (though a decent possibility, considering they're both unranked and facing ranked teams). All of this considered, Lycrabon is still a favorite to make the playoffs, due to their high world ranking (8th). Still, Aardenland beat Lycrabon in their first contest, and with ace-in-the-hole Wolf Schensema pitching tomorrow, anything can happen (At least one or two Lycrabon batters are speculated to be beaned). Whichever team wins will almost definitely make the playoffs. Whichever loses will have a tough time, but still have a small chance. Should Lycrabon lose, they'll be worrying about Serbia or Komodo winning because although they'd be tied in the standings. Both teams would have to lose for Lycrabon to remain in the running. Whereas if Aardenland loses, their worries will be simply that either team winning gets ahead of them in the standings, meaning they would have no chance of making a seed. Both teams would have to lose, since Serbia's record against Aardenland is 2-0. Aardenland leaves for Lycrabon tonight. Here's wishing the managers, Schensema, and the entire national team, good luck.

GAME SUMMARY

First Inning

Aardenland: With Eric Almanza pitching and with two outs, Silver Wouda hit a home run to left-center field. Aardenland leads 1-0

Second Inning

Estope: With Ally Valiant pitching and with two outs, Fabio Fernandez doubled into the right-center field gap. Austin Forde singled to center, moving Fernandez to third. Almanza reached first on a fielding error by the catcher, moving Forde to second. James Campella doubled into the right-center field gap, scoring Fernandez, Forde, and Almanza. Alex Avez singled to center field, scoring Campella. Estope leads, 4-1

Fifth Inning

Aardenland: Ricky Bruijn singled to center. Crijn Legierse singled to center, moving Bruijn to second. Barry Rillo struck out. Valiant grounded out to first, moving Bruijn to third and Legierse to second. Zef Veek singled to right field, scoring Bruijn and Legierse. Estope leads, 4-3

Ninth Inning

Estope: With Aaron Spielman pitching, Cory Keys doubled into center field. Bill Sands relieved Spielman. Jessie Driggers grounded out to first, moving Keys to third. Henry Fowler singled to center, scoring Keys. Estope leads, 5-3

ESTOPE WINS 5-3

Player of the Game:

JAMES CAMPELLA -
Hit three run double in the second, which kept Estope in the lead for the rest of the nine innings.

[Skeckoa]

Words of President Alex Pizarro after watching his nation's baseball team defeat the Expos:

Amid the rise on diplomatic tensions in Skeckoa's home region, it is such a nice thing to go see the game. Whether at the Palace or at the City Center. I can't believe it though. Us, of all nations. US! An unranked little nation.This truly is our year. I told our selection before the tournament, that we had to make a BIG splash entrance into this tournament. That there would be many who would think little of us. Amazing it truly is. But hey, it's not over yet.

[Super-Llamaland]

Super-Llamaland 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 3 0 8
Bloodbath Generation 2 0 0 1 3 0 0 1 0 7

Quebecois Acadiana 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 2
Skeckoa 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 X 4

Cyborg Holland 0 0 2 2 0 1 0 0 0 5
Yesopalitha 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 4 7

Group 3 Pld W L RF RA RD Win %
1 Yesopalitha 9 8 1 55 25 +30 0.889
2 Skeckoa 9 5 4 44 49 −5 0.556
3 Super-Llamaland 9 4 5 39 44 −5 0.444
4 Quebecois Acadiana 9 4 5 46 48 −2 0.444
5 Cyborg Holland 9 4 5 38 52 −14 0.444
6 Bloodbath Generation 9 2 7 42 46 −4 0.222

RECAP: The Llamas simply scored. A lot. So it didn't matter that Chris Lee, the efficient knuckleballer (at least in # of pitches), threw poorly with the awful defense. (Lee threw just 119 pitches while giving up 7 runs, 5 earned, in 8 innings.)

Of course, Nick Bowden easily closed the game despite errors while Lee was pitching: Darren Bradley and Chris Harder both fumbled run-scoring grounders. (one was already a single)

To the offense, which still has a chance to break out of this tie and defeat a worse team!

In the first seven innings, the team scored no more than one run in any inning, but scored in five innings by simple clutch play. Danny Mills doubled in a run, Max Danks and Darren Bradley had sac flies, Alex Cameron walked with the bases full, and Brett Rochester bunted in the final run.

In the eighth inning, the team was down 6-5. Keith Dawson came up with two on and two out and hit a clutch homer in a 3-2 count to the roar of the audience. That simple act iced the game and the Llamas were triumphant.

MVP: Keith Dawson was just 1-4, but the "one" was the game-winning 3-run full-count 2-out home run.
LVP: We could have used Chris Harder, who was 0-4 with 3 Ks and an error.

[Qazox]

Qazox wins, but loses out on playoffs.

Quebec 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  3
Qazox  5 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 x  9

Sparked by Sean Orton's 2 homeruns, Qazox had their playoff hopes still alive, but 30 minutes after the home finale, the scores from Mapletish and Milchama were shown and Qazox now has to get started on the next 50 years of WBC history.

WIN: Deidre Hammond (1-1)
LOSS: Maurice Bergeron (0-2)
SAVE: NONE
MVP of Game: Sean Orton (QZX): 4-6, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 3 runs.

Since now I'm eliminated, I'll start on the list of the top 24 WBC champions of all-time.

#24: AZ-CZ (WBC 1)
Huh? The first champions are the lowest ranked? Yep.

RECORD: 12-3
Best Win: Game 4 of finals. (Az-Cz 7-West Pasco 1)
Why this ranking? Basically this tournament started it all and didn't even have a third place game or series. The group stages were so close that almost any team could've won it. Not that being the 1st team to win the WBC title wasn't important, but given the overall level of competition since, this team wouldn't win a game today. Overall this team had decent pitching, but it wasn't until the finals that their hitting began to come around.

Up next #23...

[Saintland]

Editorial: Saintland will win World Baseball Classic XXVI
By: Ioannes Bebius

(SP) Like everybody else in the Kingdom, I am disappointed by our poor performance in our first World Baseball Classic tournament. I understand why WBC games have been relegated to Royal Five. I understand why we've played in front of a crowd of mostly empty seats at Royal Park. I understand your frustration.

I pitched 3 games in this tournament. My first start was a disaster against Central North America. I wasn't ready to go and it showed. My second start was a good performance, but we were no-hit by Ko-oren. It is just not possible to win a game when you get no help from your offense. My third start against Raxillion went according to plan, as I pitched well and it was even better when my brother Matthaeus hit that walk-off home run. Once I got into form in this tournament, I was myself.

Attention has now turned in the Kingdom to March Mania and the entire Kingdom is looking forward to watching our soccer and gridiron teams show the world how good we are. We are also anticipating the Summer Olympics, which our King, Paulus XV, has already declared will be the Summer of Saintland. Like everybody else, I am confident that my countrymen will send a message to the rest of the world that this island of just 500 thousand souls is the home of the True Church of Iesus Christus. Although many nations follow false variants of our Faith, we are the only remnant of the True Faith and we will show the heretics, schismatics and nonbelievers that we are blessed with a Divine Favor.

One of the big stories of this tournament was the editorial by Sister Maria Polus, published by the SP. I respect Sister Polus and everything she has done to clean up that school of vice. I want to thank her for her spiritual advice. I appreciate it and I am certain that most of the Kingdom appreciates it. I have recommended to our former captain Petrus Arminus that he seek out Sister Polus, for he has sinned greatly and in doing so irreparably harmed our chances in this tournament.

Back to the point, I believe we will perform better at the next WBC. We will dedicate ourselves to getting better over the coming months. More importantly, King Petrus has announced plans to launch a baseball scouting operation, which will focus on acquiring as much footage as possible of foreign baseball leagues and uploading all of it to Sanctustube. This will enable us to study the film and learn the tendencies of foreigners, just as we learn the tendencies of our opponents in league games. The operation will especially focus on the 20 nations that advance to the next round of the current tournament. We will know your tendencies and we will be ready to beat you next time.

My WBC is already over, but my teammates still have to visit Ko-oren as they will try to avenge the no-hitter. In the final game of the WBC, Petrus Iulus will play right field and bat 8th while Paulus Sittius will move to DH. Marcus Tragus will bat 9th. I will be watching the game on Royal One and cheering my teammates on. Ko-oren will advance to the next round with a win, but it would be sweet indeed to avenge the no-hitter and send them home. I am confident that Andreas Funanus can pitch well and I doubt that Iemitsu can throw a no-hitter again.

OOC: I decided to leave the linescore up to my opponent. Given that tomorrow is my team's final game, I wanted my final RP to focus on my team's goals for the next WBC instead of my team's 7th loss.

[Vaugania]

VauganiaSportsToday

Vaugania Advances Despite Loss

Thrilledge                       2 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0  6
Vaugania                         0 0 1 0 1 0 0 2 0  4

Landvik Memorial Ballpark was hushed after Thrilledge avenged their loss at the Golden Eagles' hands. Kostyantyn Wasylyk struggled and gave up all of Thrilledge's runs in the first 5 innings. Vaugania scored in the 3rd, 5th, and 8th.

1st Inning: Wasylyk is unable to find a rhythm. That costs Vaugania 2 runs. With results of Lymantatia's game still unknown, Leif Solberg grows very nervous. With a Vauganian loss and a Lymantatian win, things would be left up to run differential because they are tied head to head.

Thrilledge 2, Vaugania 0

3rd Inning: Down 2-0, Mathias Hummel pulls his team closer to their adversaries with a solo home run. Spirtis were lifted throughout the ballpark. There were widespread chants of "Hummel, Hummel, Hummel" from the fans in the grandstands.

Thrilledge 2, Vaugania 1

4th Inning: The crowd is silenced after Thrilledge puts across their 3rd run. The Golden Eagles were then back where they were at the start of the 3rd. There were visible signs of anxiety in many of the players, fans, management, staff, and even the security guards.

Thrilledge 3, Vaugania 1

5th Inning: Pitching woes continue. Thrilledge got runners on second and third, putting them both in scoring position. There were a total of 0 runners in scoring position after the next at-bat due to a Blastings Thrilledge homer. Wasylyk was yanked from the game after that. Frano Zupan replaced him. The Golden Eagles showed some signs of life in their half of the inning with a solo shot by Marty "Oblitertron 5300" Bzibziak.

Thrilledge 6, Vaugania 2

8th Inning: The Golden Eagles were at this point, running out of time. It seemed odd for that to be happening in a game with no clock, but still, there was no time for them to goof off. Radim Mencher drew 4 balls on 5 pitches and earned himself a free pass to first base. Obliteratron failed to live up to his name by following with a strikeout. Fortunately, Roman Janicek delivered and brought Vaugania's run total up to 4. To the Golden Eagles' misfortune, Thrilledge hung on for the win.

Final Score: Thrilledge 6, Vaugania 4

Vaugania was relieved after watching Zwangzug's 9th inning rally against Lymantatia. That means that even though they lost, the Golden Eagles are guaranteed a playoff spot. With a win against Backyard Sports, and certain teams winning or losing in other groups, Vaugania could also be able to bypass the Round of 20.

[New West Guiana]

Sports Blog
-Liz Sith

I know, I know I haven't wrote anything, ANYTHING for this whole Baseball Classic it seems like, I guess all this "happniess" in this damn country where it's being held has put me down into the dumps. Yea seriously I like shiny eye popping colors but to a point, what hellish nightmare that this nation is about really depresses me. Equestrian States, that is populated by talking horese...sorry ..ponies. You really wouldn't believe the crap they say to you when you call them a horse. Oh but I've had my fun, you see when I first landed here I brought with my fake horse-burgers...oh yea! Wow the security and many of the citizens of this nightmare looked like they were about to form a lynch mod, but honestly what were they going to expect. Any how, other than the color nightmare that I've been able to live through and the damn continuing happiness has made me sick, which I guess is the reason for my un-willingness to post anything.

MDs 1-3
But let me get down to the tournament, the World Baseball Classic has entered into its 25th classic, Silver edition. Well it didn't start all fun and games for WG, losing to newcomer Songhia 3-2 on the first day, well what ever high hopes we had for a fast run were dashed. But come the second day WG did break a team record for most innings in a game, the previous was 11 this one broke that by six..team WG beat Shadowbourne in a seventeen inning four -two game, record so far 1-1. Well come game three when things started to turn around a bit, we lose to Birolika three - one, hmm...this isn't starting to look good and many remebered from two years earlier in WBC 24 when team WG started the same way only to miss out on the playoffs again.

MDs 4-6
Team West Guiana starting out 1-2 again this wasn't looking good not one bit at all what was needed to bost the moral was a big prime time game and that is exactly what they did when they beat fourth ranked Darmen six to four, maybe that was enough to help the struggling team onto a winning streak of sorts. A surprisingly tough game against Elykyellek, then again it wasn't that much of a surprise I mean the team seemed to be struggling greatly out to a 2-2 start, but now having won two in a row with a one zero win against Elykyellek, maybe that Darmen win did the job? Mmm maybe not, yet again West Guiana failed to get anywhere with Songhia who slamed WG with a three - eight loss, ouch. At this stage what would it take for WG to get anywhere just when they started to progress they shutdown and where slammed back to earth. (3-3)

[u]MDs7-10[/b]
tba

[Maklohi Vai]

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

With the approval by the government appearing to come shortly, Kumalo was only thinking about one thing on the secular front: Nilani's visit to Darmen. She had called yesterday to say she was down on the ground and ready tog o to her first meeting, but there hadn't been any news since. Kumalo suspected she would call later....

"Hello?"
"Hello, Kumalo, it's Nilani."
"Ah, hello! Did you go to your first meeting?"
"Yes, and it went well. I met a couple members and also a father of the church."
"Were they pleasant?"
"Yes, they were quite nice. They did have some strange practices, though."
"Oh, really? Like what?"
"Well, they each say their own prayer to Margaret instead of a larger prayer."
"Interesting. Does it seem like it works well?"
"I'm not quite sure yet. I need to spend more time there to figure out."
"Fair enough. Were there other things?"
"Well, they have a strange obsession with the number 1093."
"That's quite odd. Do you know why?"
"No, I have no clue. I don't think I should ask them either. They might get sensitive."
"Thats' true. I suppose it's something not to worry about."
"Yes, I suppose so. Well, I'll be going again tonight. Hopefully there will be more insights."
"Ok, good luck."
"Oh wait! I don't have enough money to buy rubber chickens for the remaining prayers, so I would greatly appreciate it---"
"Of course! Yes, I will wire you some money. Good luck and good bye."
"Thank you. Good bye."

So things on the homefront were going well. Going well at least until Kumalo's grandmother found out about his activities, but that wasn't something to think about. Instead, Kumalo focused on the spiritual level. Margaret apparently hadn't been happy with Kumalo's last prayer, because in the loss against Western Cuba, the team appeared disjointed and rather sluggish. Kumalo knew he had to focus on a good prayer tonight.

At the meeting, record numbers once more showed. 2395 people bearing 5024 chickens appeared at 9 o'clock or shortly afterwards, making it a necessity to have two seatings. Kumalo looked upon the crowd and reflected on his time so far leading OAM. It had been such a rapid growth that he wasn't sure what to think yet; the organization was almost climbing faster than he could think. But now was the time, with everyone in their seats, to start the prayer.

"Margaret, we pray to you tonight with great humility and respect for your power.
We recognize that we may not have held up our end of the deal recently, seeing as our sacrifice was strong, but our words were weak.
Margaret, we entered this agreement because we know that you are the sole decider of our team's fate.
It is your power alone that can control their destiny, and it is your compassion alone that can transfer these mortal prayers into power.
Margaret, we pray for this team because we love them, and their fate directly decides much of our spirits.
For this, we pray to you. For the emotions and state of mind of the Vaian people, we pray to you.
We beg of you, Margaret, to not forget this, for it is the reason for us being here tonight.
We offer you a sacrifice to show you how devoted we are, and we beg for your assistance. Thank you."

Hopefully that would ge the job done, because Kumalo sure didn't have a lot of new material left in the tank.

---

Game Recap

Western Cuba                     3 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0  6
Maklohi Vai                      0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2  3

Scoring Summary
8th: Moalna’akai Lai hit a double to drive in Arnao, who had tripled.
9th: Mae'ao hit a two run home run to right, scoring Iao Laina.

Stat update:
HR: Mae'ao 20, Arnao 2, Wolo Rakinalmanai 1
RBI: Mae'ao 40, Arnao 6, Wolo Rakinalmanai 3, Aputo Roma’ai 1, Iao Laina 1, Moalna’akai Lai 1, Koilani Ruputuo 1

[Kinzar]

Wildcats are Playoff Bound!
(Warning: Article contains a bunch of math)

For those of you who wanted to wait until it was official, now its time to celebrate! Heading into the last couple games, it was indeed looking very good that the Wildcats were going to the playoffs in Equestrian States, but there was always that concern for not wanting to celebrate prematurely. Sometimes in football, that last second 60-yard “hail mary” pass will work. Or in auto racing, a car with a huge lead will blow a tire and crash on the final lap. Now, we can down the ball and run out the remaining seconds of the proverbial football game as we have attained the checkered flag for qualification. There is still meaning to the Qazox game, and we will get to that in a moment, but first, a brief rundown of the 4-3 victory in Mapletish.

For starters, it was good to see a fair number of Kinzites make the trip to the famous sporting region of Rushmore for this contest. A rough estimate would be that there were about 2,500 fans from Kinzar that wanted to see what could be a historic game for the team. It started well, when Pablo Morales singled in Marion Phillips, who had drawn a leadoff walk and then stole second base, but Mapletish evened it up immediately in the bottom of the 1st. The big blow, which put Kinzar ahead to stay, came in the third inning, when Howard Treadwell deposited a Reynard Roland fastball into the left-field bleachers of Nationzle Béisbol Stadia to make it 3-1. The Wilmington slugger has had a good tournament, but that is his biggest hit to date in qualifying. “I know Reynard wants that pitch back,” Treadwell said, “It was right in my wheelhouse and I got a great swing on it. I knew it was gone as soon as it left the bat.” So did pretty much everyone else at the stadium. The lead was extended to 4-1 in the fifth, and the Wildcats held off the Baseball Lions from there. Mapletish got the bases loaded with no one in the bottom of the 8th to make for some drama, but Julio Alvarado was able to get Calvin Horace to ground into a double play, while conceding a run. Following the double play, closer Francisco Velazquez entered to get a 4-out save, and was able to do that. After striking out Theo Deangelo to win the game, the team briefly celebrated on the mound, before going back to the dugout area and celebrating with some Kinzite fans who headed down there after the game as the Mapletish fans headed to the exit. The team mingled with the fans a bit, before heading to the locker room to celebrate the win.

So, what happens now? Many Kinzites may have been guilty for not reading this far into the plans for the tournament, assuming the team would not qualify and that would be the end of it. There is still one game left to play, and the Wildcats can still win the group outright, which will mean a better seeding for the tournament. Since Milchama won both of the head to head matches between us, they will have the tiebreaker, so in order for us to win the group, we have to beat Qazox, and The Royal Kingdom of Quebec has to defeat Milchama. While the Expos are at home for that game, many will consider that scenario unlikely as the Warriors, winners of seven straight, are in great form right now. There is much more then that, even if Kinzar finishes second. Seeding is determined by allowing the group winners that top 10 seeds. So naturally, if Kinzar would win the group, we’d like as good of a seed as possible, but there is a preliminary playoff round in which the Wildcats would like to avoid. The top two second place teams also avoid the preliminary round, while the remaining eight have to play an additional series. If mathematics give you a headache, you may want to stop reading the rest of this paragraph. If you’re good with a bunch of numbers, let’s get with the scenarios! If Kinzar finishes 2nd, with a record of 8-2 (meaning both us and Milchama won) , Kinzar will completely avoid the preliminary series and have the best record of any second place team. That was the easy part, now grab some Advil. If Kinzar loses, then we have to become concerned with happens in the groups 4, 9, and 10. It is possible that all three of these groups will end up with a second place team at 7-3. We can get by if one of these teams wins a tiebreaker on us, but if two teams do, then we head to the preliminary round. In Group 4, Taeshan and Karditan are tied for second at 6-3, with group leader Sicoutimont at 7-2. Taeshan has the tiebreaker, and both Taeshan and Karditan, despite each on the road, have a game they should win, with ease. Sicoutimont should also win. Taeshan has a run differential of +21 currently, and Karditan is at +9. We are at +15, so we’ll be wanting Karditan to somehow find a way which mean Rodard would have to pull off what would be an incredibly unlikely upset. (Rodard is 0-9, so don’t get your hopes up). In Group 9, our concern is with 6-3 Vaugania. (7-2 Zwangzug has clinched the group). Vaugania will be at 2-7 Backyard Sports. Fortunately, they only have a run differential of +5, meaning that to surpass they will have to win by a large margin. Now, to Group 10, where the concern is with with 6-3 Maklohi Vai and believe it or not, 6-3 Western Cuba. Maklohi Vai has a tough on at 5-4 Kerblaekstan, with the latter also in this group race. Unfortunately, if Maklohi Vai wins, they have a hefty RD advantage on us. So, what would be hoping for in that case would be for Western Cuba to lose at home to Allinlia. That’s not a complete stretch of the imagination, actually.

As you can see, things become confusing if we lose to Qazox, making this an important game. If there was any thought that Rogers might rest starters in this game, all those playoff seeding scenarios should put that to rest.

[Strawbee]

So It All Comes Down to This
Strawbee Prepares for Deciding Match Against New Matawan After Falling to Equestrian States 1-7

    Equestrian States                0 0 1 0 0 0 2 4 0  7
    Strawbee                         0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0  1

The sell-out home crowd in Peerson was disappointed as Strawbee failed to deliver the upset against the Equestrian States and clinch the playoffs. Like all of Strawbee's losses it was another blowout, 1-7 the lone run coming off a Hank Orr homer in the bottom of the 8th. The game remained pretty close until a grand slam devastated the bull-pen in the 8th. Walt Oyunchimeg pitched much better than the last time he faced The Equestrian States, allowing 3 runs in 7 innings pitched against the host nation, which had already clinched first place in group 7 and is now only battling for the first playoff seed.

The loss, and New Matawan's win over Tynaela sets the stage for a thrilling match day 10 showdown between New Matawan and Strawbee as the Strawbeeans will clinch the final playoff spot in group 7 with a win, but will be eliminated should they lose. New Matawan can advance if they win and Tynaela loses their match against last place Schmeigelland.

"We are in full control of our fate now, not many teams hoping to get to the WBC playoffs can say that. This game is critical, there is alot of pressure but it's also a great opportunity, we need to rise to this challenge and seize that opportunity. We have played very well, but it is time to grow into a playoff caliber team, right here and right now. " said manager Kevin Saran.

Shortstop Rolland Tomorbaatar, who along with Allinlia's Xavier Wilson won the ABL championship for the Caoloon Bull's had this to say. "This is a very exciting game, it is like game 7 of the ABL championship, that is how we must view this game, that is the attitude we must bring. This is a must-win, we must go in with the determination that losing it is not an option."

Hector Bolormaa will take the mound for Strawbee in what is sure to be one of the most watched games of match day 10. There are several other very intriguing games that will decide the make-up of the 20 playoff teams but there are few indeed that will be between opponents who seem so evenly matched on paper. Good luck Strawbee!

[Taeshan]

"Well we at least have the better chance to make it to the next round."

"Yeah, but what if we somehow lose to Parsee Mizulamenamistland or whatever they are called."

"Well then i guess the tar and feathering will commence."

"Yeah, but we shouldnt lose. We just need to win this game and advance. All we have to worry about until then, and we can figure the rest out."

"Yeah, and who knows maybe Sicoutimont will lose and we will win the group or something. That would be helpful."

"We win, Sicoutimont lose, we win a tiebreaker somehow. Crisis averted."

"In more ways then one."

"Come a year from now they will all forget this ever happened and will just be a small dark spot in the history of the nation."

"Yes, we can easily make something out of nothing."

"Hopefully for our own souls we do."

[Allinlia]

The Ultimate Test
Allinlia holds on to defeat ViZion in thrilling match; prepares for toughest challenge yet against Western Cuba

    ViZion                           0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2  3
    Allinlia                         0 0 0 0 3 0 0 1 X  4

The Allinlian all-stars are already in Western Cuba enjoying the sites and preparing diligently for their rematch against the world's #1 team. They won their second game in a row in front of the home crowd to improve to 4-5, already step up from their WBC debut last year. Home field advantage has proven critical in the hotly contested series between ViZion and Allinia, with both games being decided by a singe run in favor of the home club. Veteran ace pitcher of the Roos Aces, Buddy Cox, pitched a true gem allowing just 1 run in 8 innings of work (and unlike the last time these teams faced off, allowing 0 amazing home plate steals!)

Crowder Grimes hit a solo home run, backed up with a 2RBI double from Aiden Stairs to get the offence started in the 5th inning. Cal Gordo would a solo homer in 8th to bring the game to 4-1. ViZion seriously threatened recently struggling closer Bobby Lecroy in the 9th inning but the rally in the making was eventualy squashed and Allinlia managed to survive with a 4-3 win.

They now face the game that they have considered their toughest challenge of the group stage in their final outing. An away game agaisnt rank 1 Western Cuba. Allinlia has pulled off the upset of this team before but they had the home crowd in ful support during that match and it took everything they had to pull it off.

The All-Stars probably didn't expect the game they had circled, underlined, and bolded on their calender since the schedule was released to be meaningless in all matters of pride and symbolism. (for them at least, Western Cuba needs to a victory to ensure a good playoff seed)

Paul Majuwitz, manager Ron Gardner, Buddy Cox, Bonser Aidrun, Crowder Grimes, and Cal Gordo were found staring off across the ocean on a peaceful seaside hill, seemingly deep in thought. For some, many, or all of these respected veterans of the sport, this coming game could be their WBC swansong, particularly for manager Ron Gardner, as there have been loud and renewed calls to drastically shake up the roster ever since the second loss to Kerblaeckistan, despite the team winning 2 straight. Each of these players have expressed a desire to continue playing with each other on this team. They have already improved on their previous WBC outing but a 5-5 record looks really promising to outside observers and shows a strong sign that the playoffs may not be far off. A second win over Western Cuba would also make a strong case for the players to keep their current spots on the roster.

"Regardless of what happens here on out, this is an important game for us. We're gonna play this as hard as we can and just enjoy the moment right here and now. I've loved playing with these guys, on one team. Hopefully I can continue, but I will enjoy this while I can, I am very much looking forward to the game." stated Paul Majuwitz.

The Allinlians will once again rely on Bonser Aidrun in their bid to repeat the magic that they summoned the last time these teams faced off.

Game MVP: Buddy Cox: 8ip, 1run, 5ks

[Zwangzug]

The Kerlagrad Courier
Zebras actually walk off field

The Zwangzug baseball team defeated that of Lymantatia, 4-3, with their third and fourth runs coming in the bottom of the ninth inning. They have secured first place in group nine. Immediately following the win, two members of the team walked off the field. They did not sprint, nor dawdle waving to the fans, nor did their teammates join them on the field before they departed. But, in fact, they actually walked off the field.

After four scoreless frames, Lymantatia took the lead in the fifth inning, when Mario Raymond's single pushed in Laurent St. Simon. They would add to that in the sixth and seventh; a solo homer from Nicholas McIntyre gave them their second run, and Raymond would score after a double from Victor Claude. But the Zebras proved resilient, or just inspired by the stretch, because they came out strong in the bottom half. Kate Penmani-Trebs walked, and pinch-hitter Moana Mesliss-Pfell grounded into a fielder's choice. Sonia Ross-Meyer also walked, and Amir Rusensman's single to right scored both runners. However, Jen Kostomel would ground into a double play to thwart the rally.

Hiroto Empp-Ishikawa had a scare to start the eighth, hitting the first batter and seeing the third reach on an error after a backwards k, but got out of it for a change. Penmani-Trebs would lead off the ninth, but struck out looking, to bring up another pinch-hitter, Charlie Skriand. Skriand worked a full count before singling into left, bringing up Sonia Ross-Meyer, who'd thwarted the Lymantatian team half a stage ago. Sure enough, she'd do it again, homering to the opposite field to give the Zebras a comeback victory.

As the ball was hit, Skriand ran around the bases in a manner befitting a baserunner when the ball is in play. After the ball left the yard, and the Worm Hole fans cheered, he slowed down moderately, while not so much as to insult the opponents, take away credit from Ross-Meyer, or allow her to catch up with him before scoring. Ross-Meyer also slowed down, though not as much, due to the adrenaline rush.

Upon reaching home plate, Skriand paused and waited for Ross-Meyer to follow, before high-fiving her. At that point, they proceeded to walk off the field.

"It's weird, watching that," said fan Yudan Zhang. "I expect, you know, people to hot dog it a little more. I also expect the Zebras not to be the ones with these big comebacks, because I'm afraid of getting my hopes up." Zhang claimed he would "really enjoy seeing more of that kind of thing," while conceding that they rank the risk of melodrama. "What's more," he added, "it would be really nice if those sort of come backs weren't actually necessary.

The Zebras will finish the group stage in THRILLEDGE, where as the visitors, they will be completely unable to walk off the field, unless they are shuffling off it in disgrace after collapsing in the final inning.

[Equestrian States]

The Pony Republic of Equestrian States
The 25th World Baseball Classic Visitors’ Guide

HOST CITY: BALTIMARE

THE CITY

Although Manehattan is easily the largest and most prosperous industrial port city in the Equestrian States, Baltimare is just as easily second on that list. Home to a majority earth pony population, Baltimare distinguishes itself by being home to the Royal Equestrian Navy and the country’s largest shipyards. For those who love the water, Baltimare is a dream city.

Located on the southeastern coast of the Equestrian States’ mainland, Baltimare was founded about 100 years after the initial colonization of the future nation to be a seaport. Its role in the area of shipbuilding increased dramatically when the Equestrian States emerged from isolation and Manehattan shifted the majority of its industrial strength to other areas.

If you enjoy boating, water-skiing, or just about anything else related to the ocean, Baltimare is the city for you! A common first stop in the city is the Maritime Museum, which offers visitors a chance to view examples of various Equestrian ships and the history behind the Equestrian States’ navy. Tourists often visit other sea-related attractions, including the Baltimare Harbor Pier, where dozens of shops offer visitors the chance to purchase souvenirs or passes for fishing and whale-watching trips.

THE VENUE

BALTIMARE HARBOR GROUNDS


Location: Baltimare
Capacity: 31,850
Tennants: Baltimare Colts
Will host: Round of 16 and Quarterfinal games
Next to the Baltimare Harbor Pier is Baltimare Harbor Grounds. Thanks to a lack of success from the city’s prime hoofball team, the Baltimare Colts (and baseball in general) have seen a noticeable spike in attendance in the past couple years. The Stadium itself is relatively new, but was designed to keep in mind the older style of stadiums that were built when baseball first gained some popularity in the Equestrian States.

HOST NOTE: This is not a cutoff, just me posting the penultimate city guide. For those of you who read this: you have about one hour until the final (MD10) group play cutoff, so get those RPs in ASAP!

[Darmen]

Nilani had gone to her second service that night, and this time had brought with her quite a few rubber chickens. She had also asked Father Lennon about a meeting between some representatives of both churches, but was going to have to wait a while until she heard back from him.

* * * * *

Father Lennon stepped into the light, and bowed to the three High Priests of the Church of Margaret.

"Father Lennon, how great to see you," said the first High Priest.

"How great to see you as well, Roberts," replied Father Lennon.

"What have you come before us to ask for?" asked the second High Priest.

"Well Thomas, a lady from Maklohi Vai by the name of Nilani Porunakalanapai has come to Darmen to observe our Church. I must say that she is a kind women, and very supportive of our faith in Margaret."

"Does she believe?" asked the third High Priest.

"Yes, she does. She is a member of the Observers for the Awareness of Margaret, a group of fellow believers in the Great Goddess in Maklohi Vai. In fact, she says that the goals of her mission here in Darmen were not only to observe us and our practices, but also to set up a meeting between representatives of our two groups."

"A council of sorts?" asked Bob.

"Yes, I believe so, the details would be arranged once I, or another apointed brother in the faith receives your blessing."

The three High Priests huddled together, whispering among themselves. Finally, Thomas spoke. "You, Father Lennon, receive that blessing. Go forth to Maklohi Vai and observe this group of fellow believers in Margaret. Talk with their leader, be our ambassador."

Father Lennon bowed again, and left to return to his apartment.

[The Serbian Empire]

Komodo Dragon Wins in Smashing Upset

Komodo Dragon 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 2 0 6
The Serbian Empire 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 5

The loss yesterday was a blow to the Serbian Empire team although facing a team that is certainly eliminated and possessing a situation where a win is desirable, but not necessary to make the playoffs due to run differential in all but one situation where Aardenland wins and the Serbian Empire loses their respective games. The urinal jokes were used as a taunt by fans of Komodo Dragon every time that Marko Pavelovic came to the plate. Fortunately, he silenced the crowd with two home runs yielding 3 RBIs smashing the ball in a similar fashion to his smashing of the urinal the day before. The pitching for the Serbian Empire was off and terribly so yielding 6 runs and making the Pavelovic driven rally a moot point.

[Ko-oren]

Ko-oren                          1 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 1  5
Byfugland                        0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0  2

--reader submitted column---
So... Are we in the playoffs now?

And with the surprising victory over Byfugland, Ko-oren suddenly is one of the main candidates for the second place in Group 1. I know this is a reader submitted column, but maybe it's time for some maths involved with the final match day.

The situation is as follows: Free South Califas is in first place (6-3), then Ko-oren, Raxillion and Byfugland are in second place with 5-4, but one edging out over the other on run difference. Then there is Central North America on 4-5 and Saintland on 2-7, both eliminated from the tournament.

Free South Califas will take on Raxillion in a direct fight for first place (and possible these two teams will advance together), Ko-oren will play Saintland, and Central North America will face Byfugland. This means all of the teams that are on 5-4 have the chance to all win and go to 6-3 (which will then be along with Free South Califas). In this case, it depends on the H2H records (which are a pain when four teams are involved). In any other case, it will probably come down to three teams to determine the second place. In a weird situation, the three 5-4 teams lose and FSC, CNA and Saintland win. In this case, FSC clinches the group by some difference, and CNA are with Ko-oren, Raxillion and Byfugland to determine the second place.

Now one would want to know which teams we beat based on H2H record:
FSC: 3-6, 3-4 (agg 6-10 = LOSS)
Raxillion: 2-3, 8-4 (agg 10-7 = WIN)
Byfugland: 4-6, 5-2 (agg 9-8 = WIN)
CNA: 6-5, 5-1 (agg 11-6 = WIN)
So through some mysterious luck the Greenblues managed to fix their awful results from the first five matches, and convert this into three out of four wins over these teams! The match starts in a few minutes, so let's hope for the best! After the first five matches, Ko-oren seemed out of the tournament. Though the second half of the group phase proved that every team could beat anyone else, and combined with some stellar results (except for the results against FSC), this means we've got a chance! All the luck to other teams, too (but not too much). Until so far, the last half of the game was often the reason we lost... and interestingly, the last half of the entire set of matches causes us to get back in it.

---

Do you want your column to appear in the KSN too? Submit a column of not more than 300 words (longer will be ignored/redacted) and hope it will be published! Your columns could also appear in your local edition: Northeast, East, Northwest/Center/West or South.

[Equestrian States]

The Pony Republic of Equestrian States
The 25th World Baseball Classic Visitors’ Guide

HOST CITY: APPLEOOSA

THE CITY

If there’s one city in the Equestrian States that falls into the description of a so-called “boom town”, it’s Appleoosa. Located in the drier, southern region of the mainland, Appleoosa is a small city that is absolutely devoted to what it does best: growing apples and sports. Young and full of life, the town has seen considerable growth in recent years, earning it the final hosting job for the World Baseball Classic.

Founded just 25 years ago, Appleoosa sprung up in an area that historically has been dominated by apple orchards. The town’s early years were difficult, but once it became known that Appleoosa was a town on the rise, ponies began to flock to it. Interestingly, Appleoosa isn’t just home to earth ponies, but also a large community of buffalo who inhabited the area before the town was built. One of the city’s largest roles in the Equestrian States (aside from agriculture) has been in sports, where the town’s teams have quickly risen to the top in nearly every professional sport. Although no team has won a title yet, Appleoosa’s denizens are absolutely dedicated to sports.

For tourists, Appleoosa’s biggest attraction is its sports teams. However, the old town area of Appleoosa is also a popular destination, drawing in hundreds of thousands of guests every year with its older-looking saloons and architecture. Elsewhere, there are dozens of agri-tourism spots scattered around the city’s outer limits, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to pick their own apples (for which the city is well known).

THE VENUE

WEST ORCHARD FIELD


Location: Appleoosa
Capacity: 18,500
Tennants: Appleoosa Cider-Brewers
Will host: Round of 20 and Round of 16 games
Built on the site of an old apple orchard (hence the name), West Orchard Field is the smallest venue that will host World Baseball Classic games. However, the stadium’s small size is partially made up for by seating on the hills beyond the outfield bleachers, where attendees can purchase tickets for a small fee. West Orchard Field is also well-known for its apple cider, which is sold either alcoholic or non-alcoholic, and is brewed at a nearby brewery that is owned by the same family that owns the Appleoosa Cider-Brewers.

RP Cutoff for Match Day 10

[Equestrian States]

World Baseball Classic 25 - Match Day 10 Results

Group 1

Raxillion                        0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0  2
Free South Califas               1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 X  3

Saintland                        1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0  3
Ko-oren                          0 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 X  5

Byfugland                        0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Central North America            0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 X  1

  Group 1                    Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %
1  Free South Califas      10    7   3    48   56   -8    0.700
2  Ko-oren                 10    6   4    43   34   +9    0.600
3  Byfugland               10    5   5    32   35   -3    0.500
4  Central North America   10    5   5    60   40  +20    0.500
5  Raxillion               10    5   5    39   43   -4    0.500
6  Saintland               10    2   8    36   50  -14    0.200

Byfugland ahead of Central North America and Raxillion on H2H RD
Central North America ahead of Raxillion on H2H RD

Group 2

Birolika                         0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0  3
Darmen                           0 1 4 2 0 0 0 0 X  7

West Guiana                      0 1 2 0 3 0 2 0 0  8
Elykyellek                       0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0  2

Shadowbourne                     8 0 1 0 0 1 1 2 0 13
Songhia                          0 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 0  4

  Group 2                   Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %
1  West Guiana            10    6   4    35   26   +9    0.600
2  Darmen                 10    6   4    49   35  +14    0.600
3  Songhia                10    5   5    49   48   +1    0.500
4  Birolika               10    5   5    28   39  -11    0.500
5  Elykyellek             10    4   6    35   41   -6    0.400
6  Shadowbourne           10    4   6    39   46   -7    0.400

West Guiana ahead of Darmen on H2H RD
Songhia ahead of Birolika on H2H RD
Elykyellek ahead of Shadowbourne on H2H RD

Group 3

Bloodbath Generation             1 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 0  5
Cyborg Holland                   0 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 0  4

Yesopalitha                      0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2  3
Quebecois Acadiana               0 1 0 1 1 2 0 0 X  5

Skeckoa                          0 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 0  4
Super-Llamaland                  1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 X  5

  Group 3                   Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %
1  Yesopalitha            10    8   2    58   30  +28    0.800
2  Skeckoa                10    5   5    47   55   -8    0.500
3  Super-Llamaland        10    5   5    45   47   -2    0.500
4  Quebecois Acadiana     10    5   5    51   51    0    0.500
5  Cyborg Holland         10    4   6    42   57  -15    0.400
6  Bloodbath Generation   10    3   7    47   50   -3    0.300

Skeckoa ahead of Super-Llamaland and Quebecois Acadiana on H2H Record
Super-Llamaland ahead of Quebecois Acadiana on H2H RD

Group 4

Taeshan                          3 2 3 0 1 0 0 0 0  9
Parsee Mizuhashi                 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0  4

Sicoutimont                      0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 2  6
Powersith                        0 2 1 1 0 0 0 1 0  5

Karditan                         0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0  3
Rodard                           1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1

  Group 4                   Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %
1  Sicoutimont            10    8   2    53   38  +15    0.800
2  Taeshan                10    7   3    54   28  +26    0.700
3  Karditan               10    7   3    53   42  +11    0.700
4  Powersith              10    4   6    44   53   -9    0.400
5  Parsee Mizuhashi       10    4   6    40   53  -13    0.400
6  Rodard                 10    0  10    26   56  -30    0.000

Taeshan ahead of Karditan on H2H Record
Powersith ahead of Parsee Mizuhashi on Overall RD

Group 5

Aardenland                       0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0  3
Lycrabon                         2 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 X  5

New Montreal States              0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5  5
Komodo Dragon                    0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  1

The Serbian Empire               0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0  4
Estope                           3 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 X  5

  Group 5                   Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %
1  Lycrabon               10    7   3    35   37   -2    0.700
2  The Serbian Empire     10    5   5    41   35   +6    0.500
3  Estope                 10    5   5    37   35   +2    0.500
4  Komodo Dragon          10    5   5    44   51   -7    0.500
5  Aardenland             10    5   5    46   43   +3    0.500
6  New Montreal States    10    3   7    25   27   -2    0.300

The Serbian Empire ahead of Estope, Komodo Dragon, and Aardenland on H2H Record
Estope and Komodo Dragon ahead of Aardenland on H2H Record
Estope ahead of Komodo Dragon on H2H RD

Group 6

Grandterre                       1 1 5 0 1 0 0 1 0  9
Thatius                          0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0  3

Slembana                         0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0  1
The Alphabet Letters             1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 X  2

Saugeais                         0 0 0 0 0 1 0 6 2  9
Michael VII                      1 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 1  6

  Group 6                   Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %
1  Thatius                10    7   3    47   35  +12    0.700
2  Saugeais               10    6   4    44   41   +3    0.600
3  The Alphabet Letters   10    5   5    40   52  -12    0.500
4  Slembana               10    5   5    38   29   +9    0.500
5  Grandterre             10    4   6    37   50  -13    0.400
6  Michael VII            10    3   7    40   39   +1    0.300

The Alphabet Letters ahead of Slembana on H2H Record

Group 7

Tyneala                          0 0 0 2 0 0 1 4 0  7
Schmiegelland                    1 0 0 1 4 0 0 0 0  6

Kintratar                        0 0 1 0 1 0 1 3 0  6
Equestrian States                2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1  5

Strawbee                         0 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 0  4
New Matawan                      0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1

  Group 7                   Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %
1  Equestrian States      10    8   2    69   31  +38    0.800
2  Strawbee               10    6   4    43   58  -15    0.600
3  Tyneala                10    6   4    47   39   +8    0.600
4  Kintratar              10    4   6    46   61  -15    0.400
5  New Matawan            10    4   6    39   32   +7    0.400
6  Schmiegelland          10    2   8    42   65  -23    0.200

Strawbee ahead of Tyneala on H2H Record
Kintratar ahead of New Matawan on H2H Record

Group 8

Qazox                            1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 4  7
Kinzar                           2 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0  6

Mapletish                        2 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 2  6
Pretty Awesome Persons           0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1

Milchama                         2 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  9
The Royal Kingdom of Quebec      0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0  3

  Group 8                          Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %
1  Milchama                      10    8   2    59   37  +22    0.800
2  Kinzar                        10    7   3    48   34  +14    0.700
3  Qazox                         10    6   4    45   41   +4    0.600
4  Mapletish                     10    4   6    39   39    0    0.400
5  Pretty Awesome Persons        10    3   7    27   47  -20    0.300
6  The Royal Kingdom of Quebec   10    2   8    28   48  -20    0.200

Group 9

The Sova Empire                  2 0 0 7 0 0 2 0 0 11
Lymantatia                       0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  1

Zwangzug                         0 1 1 3 0 0 0 1 1  7
Thrilledge                       0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0  3

Vaugania                         1 2 0 2 2 0 0 0 0  7
Backyard Sports                  0 3 0 0 0 0 2 0 0  5

  Group 9                   Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %
1  Zwangzug               10    8   2    47   31  +16    0.800
2  Vaugania               10    7   3    56   49   +7    0.700
3  The Sova Empire        10    5   5    45   42   +3    0.500
4  Lymantatia             10    4   6    35   40   -5    0.400
5  Thrilledge             10    4   6    47   55   -8    0.400
6  Backyard Sports        10    2   8    38   51  -13    0.200

Lymantatia ahead of Thrilledge on H2H RD

Group 10

The Priory of St. Luc            1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0  3
ViZion                           0 0 0 1 4 0 0 1 X  6

Allinlia                         1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0  2
Western Cuba                     0 4 1 0 0 0 2 0 X  7

Maklohi Vai                      0 4 0 1 0 0 2 0 0  7
Kerblaekistan                    0 1 1 3 0 1 0 0 0  6

  Group 10                   Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %
1  Western Cuba            10    7   3    44   27  +17    0.700
2  Maklohi Vai             10    7   3    61   36  +25    0.700
3  Kerblaekistan           10    5   5    51   48   +3    0.500
4  Allinlia                10    4   6    37   42   -5    0.400
5  The Priory of St. Luc   10    4   6    31   55  -24    0.400
6  ViZion                  10    3   7    36   52  -16    0.300

Western Cuba ahead of Maklohi Vai on H2H Record
Allinlia ahead of The Priory of St. Luc on H2H Record

Advances to Round of 16
Advances to Round of 20 Playoffs

Playoff Stage

Playoff Seeding

   Group Winners              Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %
 1  Equestrian States       10    8   2    69   31  +38    0.800
 2  Yesopalitha             10    8   2    58   30  +28    0.800
 3  Milchama                10    8   2    59   37  +22    0.800
 4  Zwangzug                10    8   2    47   31  +16    0.800
 5  Sicoutimont             10    8   2    53   38  +15    0.800
 6  Western Cuba            10    7   3    44   27  +17    0.700
 7  Thatius                 10    7   3    47   35  +12    0.700
 8  Lycrabon                10    7   3    35   37   -2    0.700
 9  Free South Califas      10    7   3    48   56   -8    0.700
10  West Guiana             10    6   4    35   26   +9    0.600

All ties were broken using RD

   Runner-Ups                 Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %
11  Taeshan                 10    7   3    54   28  +26    0.700   Advances to Round of 16
12  Maklohi Vai             10    7   3    61   36  +25    0.700   Advances to Round of 16
13  Kinzar                  10    7   3    48   34  +14    0.700
14  Vaugania                10    7   3    56   49   +7    0.700
15  Darmen                  10    6   4    49   35  +14    0.600
16  Ko-oren                 10    6   4    43   34   +9    0.600
17  Saugeais                10    6   4    44   41   +3    0.600
18  Strawbee                10    6   4    43   58  -15    0.600
19  The Serbian Empire      10    5   5    41   35   +6    0.500
20  Skeckoa                 10    5   5    47   55   -8    0.500

All ties were broken using RD

Round of 20 Matchups

#13 Kinzar vs. #20 Skeckoa
at New Harmony Arena (cap. 37,500) in Manehattan

#14 Vaugania vs. #19 The Serbian Empire
at Foragers Field (cap. 28,000) in Whitetail

#15 Darmen vs. #18 Strawbee
at Trottingham Memorial Stadium (cap. 31,900) in Trottingham

#16 Ko-oren vs. #17 Saugeais
at West Orchard Field (cap. 18,500) in Appleoosa

Round of 16 Matchups

#1 Equestrian States vs. To Be Determined
at Ponyville Park (cap. 32,000) in Ponyville

#8 Lycrabon vs. #9 Free South Califas
at Foragers Field (cap. 28,000) in Whitetail

#4 Zwangzug vs. To Be Determined
at Mountainside Field (cap. 34,750) in Stalliongrad

#5 Sicoutimont vs. #12 Maklohi Vai
at New Harmony Arena (cap. 37,500) in Manehattan

#2 Yesopalitha vs. To Be Determined
at Forest Stadium (cap. 25,000) in Everfree

#7 Thatius vs. #10 West Guiana
at Trottingham Memorial Stadium (cap. 31,900) in Trottingham

#3 Milchama vs. To Be Determined
at Baltimare Harbor Grounds (cap. 31,850) in Baltimare

#6 Western Cuba vs. #11 Taeshan
at West Orchard Field (cap. 18,500) in Appleoosa