World Baseball Classic XXV - Everything Thread

[Equestrian States]

World Baseball Classic 25 - Playoffs Results

Round of 16 - Game 1

Ponyville Park, Ponyville - Scorinated by Cassadaigua
#16  Ko-oren                 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0  3
 #1  Equestrian States       3 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 X  7

Equestrian States Leads 1-0

Foragers Field, Whitetail
 #9  Free South Califas      2 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1  5
 #8  Lycrabon                0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0  2

Free South Califas Leads 1-0

Mountainside Field, Stalliongrad
#13  Kinzar                  1 0 5 0 0 1 1 0 0  8
 #4  Zwangzug                1 3 0 0 0 2 0 0 0  6

Kinzar Leads 1-0

New Harmony Arena, Manehattan
#12  Maklohi Vai             0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0  2
 #5  Sicoutimont             0 0 0 0 2 1 1 1 X  5

Sicoutimont Leads 1-0

Forest Stadium, Everfree
#15  Darmen                  0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0  3
 #2  Yesopalitha             0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0  1

Darmen Leads 1-0

Trottingham Memorial Stadium, Trottingham
#10  West Guiana             0 3 0 1 0 0 0 2 0  6
 #7  Thatius                 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0  1

West Guiana Leads 1-0

Baltimare Harbor Grounds, Baltimare
#14  Vaugania                0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  3
 #3  Milchama                3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 X  4

Milchama Leads 1-0

West Orchard Field, Appleoosa
#11  Taeshan                 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 1 0 1  6
 #6  Western Cuba            0 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  5

Taeshan Leads 1-0

Round of 16 - Game 2

#16 Ko-oren vs. #1 Equestrian States
at Ponyville Park (cap. 32,000) in Ponyville

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

#13 Kinzar vs. #4 Zwangzug
at Mountainside Field (cap. 34,750) in Stalliongrad

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

#15 Darmen vs. #2 Yesopalitha
at Forest Stadium (cap. 25,000) in Everfree

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

#14 Vaugania vs. #3 Milchama
at Baltimare Harbor Grounds (cap. 31,850) in Baltimare

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

[Cassadaigua]

Game 1- #1 Equestrian States vs #16 Ko-oren @Ponyville Park, Ponyville

Ko-oren                          2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0  3
Equestrian States                3 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 X  7

[Qazox]

BEST WBC CHAMPIONS LIST
#24: AZ-CZ (WBC 1)
#23: MILCHAMA (WBC 4)
#22: QAZOX (WBC 6)
#21: NEWMANISTAN (WBC 12)

#20: LYCRABON (WBC 20)
RECORD: 19-2
Best Win: Game 3 in Semifinals (Lycrabon 7- Zwangzug 5)
Why this ranking? Because of not who won or how, but for who wasn't here. No Newmanistan, Sarzonia or Tarrentum, 3 of the highest ranked teams after WBC XIX didn't participate. Not to say that Lycrabon might not have won if those 3 teams were playing; but when 3 big roadblocks aren't in the way it makes it a bit easier and in retrospect makes this title a bit less impressive.

Up next #19...

[Maklohi Vai]

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Part 10
Part 11

Kumalo has just gotten into his office when the phone rang.
"KUMALO!"
"Who is this? What is going on?"
"It's Nilani. Two men tried to kidnap me, but I'm ok because a man from the church knocked them out and now he's being made a priest and I just want to come home now."
"Oh my goodness! Nilani, in the names of the ancestors, are you ok?"
"I'm fine now. It was pure luck that Jimi was there."
"He saved your life. We owe him a great debt of gratitude."
"I don't know about life saving, but he certainly saved me."
"Nilani, we need to get you back as soon as possible. Can you catch the next plane out?"
"Yes, I think so. I'll be back by tomorrow's meeting."
"Good. Say good bye to your hosts in Darmen, ok?"
"Ok, I will do."
"Are you ok, Nilani?"
"I'm fine, Kumalo, just shaken up."
"Ok, I will see you soon. Good bye."
"Good bye."

"My oh my what a way to start the day!" thought Kumalo. It had certainly been an eventful start to what otherwise had been a dreary day ahead. What mattered was that Nilani was safe and sound, and would be heading home. For Kumalo, though, there was still the matter of hosting Father Lennon. They had planned to have a discussion about doctrine and dogma today before the meeting.

"Father Lennon, thank you for coming."
"I am glad to be here. First of all, may I inform you that as of recently, I have been promoted to bishop in the Church."
"Ah, then Bishop Lennon a hearty congratulations to you!"
"Thank you very much. So I would like to discuss a key difference between our organizations."
"Of course, and I believe I know where you are headed. Is it on structure?"
"Most certainly. We are a church, such as one used by a mainstream religion, while you are an organization of like-minded people who meet in a more informal, community style fashion."
"This is true, and I think there's no need to try and conform to one belief or another. Each system works well for its respectant country, so I see no need to change that."
"But I have concerns over your method. I find that the informality may lead to improper worship of Margaret."
"We don't have a problem with that, though. The prayers are still as strong no matter what the surrounding is."
"That is good, then. Now about your prayer method."
"Ah, bishop, I believe I need to clear something up. While I say my prayer on stage, the members of the audience are praying to themselves."
"I was not aware of that. Well, that does make it much better. Are there other matters you wish to discuss?"
"Yes, I was wondering how I should balance between growing the church and letting it find its proper number of people."
"Well, I think you should just let it take its own path. Forcing it to become something it is not can only lead to bad things."
"That makes sense. I can also see the growth of OAM leveling off, so we might end up with around 3500-4000 members."
"That is an appropriate amount. We have over 5000, but we are divided into multiple churches."
"We will see about divisions at a later time, I suppose."
"Yes, yes. Well, I must prepare for my departure. I will see you another time, Kumalo."
"And you as well, Bishop Lennon. Thank you for visiting."
"Ah, it was my pleasure."
"Have a safe trip."
"Good bye."

And so this chapter of Kumalo's journey was over. The exchange with Darmen had certainly had its ups and downs, but there was nothing they could do about that now. All Kumalo could do was to pray to Margaret. The team was on the brink of elimination, so only some divine providence could save them.

The meeting was once again larger than ever, but Kumalo was right in his prediction: growth seemed to leveling off. Still, 2842 people showed up bearing a collective 5976 rubber chickens. The prayer that night would have to be to the point and not too long winded.

"Margaret, we pray tonight in the greatest respect and reverence for your power for you are the divine being.
You are the divine being who controls the fate of several million people, each of whom is a fellow countryman.
These are the Vaian people, Margaret, people who's emotions rise and fall with their baseball team.
This baseball team, Margaret, is the one that you are in control of. If you can help them win this game, we will be eternally grateful.
Margaret, we pray to you because you can control this team's fate, and we know no other being can do so.
It is your power alone that controls the fate of a nation. Please think this through and decide wisely. We know you will."

It was just up to her now. Margaret alone controlled the fate of the team.

---

Game Recap

#12  Maklohi Vai             0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0  2
 #5  Sicoutimont             0 0 0 0 2 1 1 1 X  5

Scoring Summary
3rd: Mae'ao hit a solo home run to right to lead off the inning.
4th: Mae'ao hit a monster homer to left with one out.

Stat update:
HR: Mae'ao 24, Arnao 2, Wolo Rakinalmanai 1
RBI: Mae'ao 48, Arnao 6, Wolo Rakinalmanai 3, Aputo Roma’ai 2, Iao Laina 1, Moalna’akai Lai 1, Koilani Ruputuo 1

[Ko-oren]

---reader submitted column---
Two finals to go

The Greenblues lost against the hosts of the Equestrian States in the first of two or three games in the Round of 16. As the hosts were involved in a finals game, officials from another nation were flown into Ponyville Park to take care of this game, to prevent any accusation of corruption or favoritism. In the end, it turned out that Cassadaigua supplied the officials for the Ko-oren v. Equestrian States game, and looking at the results of last night, chances are that the Cassadaiguan officials will stay in Equestrian States for a while to oversee the matches of the host.

Losing the first game means that you will need to win both remaining games, so no mistake or day off will be allowed for the Greenblues from now on. Both teams started very well, though Equestrian States had just a little more oomph in their hitting, scoring three runs in the first inning versus two runs by the Ko-orenites. The hosts would go on to score a total of seven runs, three of which were in the first inning and a further two in the seventh inning. Ko-oren got to three runs.

As predicted by the bookies, Ko-oren had a very tough game. I do think that many baseball fans would not have predicted the four run difference between the teams, as the difference in rank between the teams is not very big. The only thing that is different is the way in which both teams qualified for the Ro16. Equestrian States had a casual roll into the round as highest seeded team out of the remaining 16 teams. Ko-oren on the other hand had a very tough group, and the team lost so many point in the first half of the group stage, that they had to win all of their last four matches to even have a chance to advance. There they played Saugeais in the Ro20.

So for the one or two remaining matches, Ko-oren needs to win, have fun and hope the tournament does not end here. In any case, the national team never got this far (never even got past the group stage) and every fan expects the association to select more young players from next WBC on. This is the last WBC this group of players will be together, and they'll surely try to make this one count!

[Taeshan]

"Well that was interesting, and we pulled it out late. Very exciting afternoon."

"Yeah, didn't expect Western Cuba to keep letting us back in, and then to let us walk away with the win, it was very interesting."

"Told you they would toy with us."

"Yeah, probably felt it was best to work from behind to beat us, give our fans some hope and then crush it to pieces."

"Great save performance from Dan Mashkov after we took the late lead."

"Yeah, and the small ball after Todd Addams doubled in the 9th to make sure he got home and scored, really worked as a team for this one."

"Now at least we dont have to worry about making it look really good."

"8-5 does not look really good overall, got to make sure we come out of this with a really good record, but sometimes they dont care about the record."

"We just need to continue to win, and the rest of it will work out."

[Sicoutimont]

Radio-Baseball750-Podcastin' With Jacques and Fidel!

"Hello my friends! This is Jacques....."

"....and this is Fidel!"

"As you may have heard, Les Royales baseball team defeated Powersith to advance to the playoffs! They'll meet Maklohi Vai in the first game of a best-of-3 series to advance to the quarterfinals. These games will take place in Equestrian States, in the city of Manehatten, at New Harmony Stadium! Capacity 37,500, it is located right in Manehatten, and will host round of 20 and round of 16 games. Now..you may ask? Where are we recording from? Well, we've already recorded the episode, now we're just recording the opening and ending."

"So what will I find in this podcast, you ask? The fun times as Jacques and I try to get from the airport to the hotel, then to the stadium, our best comments from the game, and an interview with a star Les Royales player! Can you wait?"

"So, without further ado....let's get to the show!"


*This is AirSicoutimont Flight 191, we're touching down in Manehatten, Equestrian States. Enjoy your time here, signing off now for the captain.*

"Captain seems pretty chill,"

"Yeah,"

"So we've got to get to the hotel, right?"

"Yeah,"

"Not talkin' much today?"

"Shut up, Jacques. Let's just get off this plane."

"We're still in the air....."

"No, you idiot! The captain just said we were on the ground!"

"Fine...you have our passports?"

"Right here."

"Let's go, then."

*Shufflling of Jacques and Fidel leaving plane, other passengers murmuring in the backround*

"Well, this airport looks pretty palatial."

"Yeah, looks nice. C'mon, let's go to customs, so we can get out of here,"

"What, d'ya hate airports for some reason? Ya need to go to customs, get yer baggage, and a whole lot else, haha."

"Nah, it's just I don't usually fly-you know how good the trains are back home,"

"Ah. Well, anyways, here's our baggage. Looks like customs is that way,"

"Ok, let's go."

*sounds of Jacques and Fidel walking, other tourists talking in background^

"This is customs....."

"The line extends back to where we were before....."

"So, while we wait, want to set up tonight's game?"

"Sure. We've got Les Royales, who just survived Taeshan and new Rushmori nation Karditan to make it to these playoffs. Maklohi Vai was in from matchday 9, but the victory of Kerblaekestan gave them a better seeding then if they were 6-4. Each team has something to play for, and with these teams so similar in ranking, anything could happen. You could see a 2-game demolition, or a 3-game nailbitter. It's all what Margaret decides,"

"Yeah. So, who's pitching for Les Royales tonight?"

"It looks like Trent Davis will get the start. Claude Perrault and Ingham Reginald are best bets to close tonight, with Fernard Dantes looking at coming in around the 7th inning."

"Can you tell us why Maurice Sorotane went with Trent Davis ahead of Fidel Sanchez?"

"I would guess that's because he wants to save Sanchez for game 2. That's because if Les Royales win tonight, Sanchez can close off the series, have 2 days off, and play again in the next series. He could have done that tonight as well, but I think Sanchez is being saved for the most important games. A guy you could see getting the first games if this is true would be Javier Perreois, if Les Royales can survive Maklohi Vai."

"That's great, and we're now at customs."

*cue quick jingle, and skip ahead to Jacques and Fidel standing in Manehatten city centre.*

"Well, this is a new thing, eh Fidel?"

"Yeah. Most of the population in Equestrian States are ponies. Can you believe that? There's so many different races in the world....elven, dwarf, pony, human! It's amazing, isn't it?"

"Yeah, it is,"

"Well anyways, where is our hotel again?"

"It's called the Hotel Manehatten, so it's likely to be near the city centre"

"So how do we get to the city centre?"

"I don't know...see those tall buildings? Let's walk towards them,"

"Have a better plan?"

"Not really......"

"Let's hitchhike!"

"Do you think there's people here who know about hitchhiking?"

"Well, somebody must recognize the thumb-up hitchhiking call!"

*Cue cars driving by, and Jacques and Fidel wondering aloud why no-one will pick them up,"

"Hey, look at that car!"

"It's got a Sicoutian flag!"

"Have the passports!"

"Right here!"

"Let's wave at this guy!"

*cue car pulling in beside Jacques and Fidel,"

"Yeah, I can give ya's a ride, for my fellow countrymen. Where ya going?"

"The Hotel Manehatten,"

"Ah, that place?"

"Yeah, it's down the uh...."

"Oh, down the uh..."

"Yeah,"

"Well, we'll have to give the drive some time then,"

"Yeah,"

"You's here for the baseball game?"

"Yeah,"

"What's that big microphone thingy?"

"Oh, we're doing a podcast for Radio-Baseball750,"

"You guys are Jacques and Fidel?"

"Yeah,"

"Get out of my car, now!"

"Wait, what?"

"Ah, I'm just ribbing ya's. Who d'ya think's gonna win the game tonight?"

"I don't know, should be pretty evenly matched. Think they have some good hitters, guys like Mae'ao, but our pitching might be a bit better."

"Series should be good. Anyways, we're here."

"Thanks for the ride, mister. Are you going to the game tonight?"

"I wish. I'm going to game 2, though. See ya round, maybe."

"See ya."

"That man was nice,"

"Jacques, c'mon, let's go. It's 2 hours before the game. Good news is the stadium is right over there."

"Ok. Let's go check in."

*cue jingle music, and playing of "Take Me Out To The Ball Game*

'TAKE ME OUT TO THE TOWN!"

"Shut up, Jacques! You can't sing!"

"You just don't appreciate my talents,"

"Anyways, we're here in the 7th inning! Victor Santana's up to bat, 2 outs and nobody on. The Vaian pitcher throws...hit! It's going deep...home run Sicoutimont!"

"That's Santana's 3rd hit of the day, putting him at 3-3. This puts Les Royales ahead of Maklohi Vai 4-2!"

"Mae'ao hit two home runs for the Vaians in the 3rd and 4th inning, and that's been their only score so far. On the other hand, Loic St-Ignace, Boullion Carvier, Alfonso Soriano and Victor Santana have crossed the plate for Sicoutimont."

"Now it's Jose Colognon up to bat....."

"He's 0-3, flying out in the first, and being struck out in the 3rd. The other play was being thrown out on a double play to end the 4th inning,"

"The throw.....Colognon pops it up....caught by the Vaian catcher, Moalna'aikai Lai to end the inning."

*cue jingle music, and sounds of Fidel eating popcorn*

"Fidel, come on! This game is just about done, we're in the 9th! Why would you buy popcorn now?"

"Uhh...to bring it back to the hotel!"

"Whatever. Anyways, we're in the top of the 9th, Claude Perrault pitching 2 outs to Vaian Wolo Rakinalmanai."

"Here comes the fastball...strike 1"

"The second pitch now, it's a curveball.....popped into the crowd, foul ball, strike 2"

"It's a pitcher's count, now. Here comes the knuckleball......poked down the right field line. It's fair, and scooped into the glove of Alfonso Soriano. The throw, going across and Rakinalmanai is called.....out. That's the game! Les Royales have taken a 1-0 series lead over Maklohi Vai! In the words of my friend Oscar de la Rovere, see you back here for game 2, Maklohi Vai vs Sicoutimont, same place, same time! But for us, we're going to interview the winning pitcher, Trent Davis!"

*cue jingle music, with the sung line of 'Jacques and Fidel, with Trent Davis!'*

"Hello, Mr. Davis. Nice pitching out there. For those fans who couldn't see the game, Trent worked 7 innings, giving up 2 home runs to the Vaian Mae'ao. His fine work, along with closers Fernard Dantes and Claude Perrault, have put Les Royales ahead of Maklohi Vai in the playoffs. So Trent, how did it feel when Maurice Sorotane told you you were starting?"

"Well, it felt good. I've been struggling recently, I lost that game against Taeshan, and it just felt good to know my manager had the confidence in me to start the first game of the playoffs,"

"You were a late bloomer in baseball. Can you tell us about your youth in Soute-sur-Mer?"

"Sure. Well, Soute is a town of about 25,000 people south of Richelieu, so on Baie-Trinite, in the west near Cassadaigua. I got my baseball from hearing about the local Midget A team, the Soute-sur-Mer Pommes, who won the national championship when I was 12. Of course, I had to try out for them. I started as shortstop, but I wasn't very good. I would often way overthrow the bases, and I was usually on the bench. But then, my manager told me to try pitching. I could throw a fastball, a curveball, a splitter-but my change-up was the one that really struck out a lot of those players. Anyway, the Pommes won the championship again, and after playing in high school, I went to Universite-St-Simeon and played for a few years. Then, the Baie-Eternite Cardinals signed me to a contract, but I mostly played minor league ball for them in Lac-Rouen. I shifted around between the Lac-Rouen Racers and the Port-Nord Cardinals for 2 years, and then Baie-Eternite traded me to Ile Perrot. First I started in the minors, in Beaudette, but then I got my break-it was the playoffs of my first year, and Yves Canton and I were riding the buses, when suddenly the call came. Yves and I were being called up to the big club. Now, I only sat on the bench for the playoffs, but next year I started playing regularly. You know what happened a few years later-Yves and I helped win the BCCC, and now we're both on the WBC team,"

"You speak of fellow Royales pitcher Yves Canton-what's the relationship like between you two?"

"Well, we share a house in Ile Perrot, and we're pretty good friends. Roommates on the road, and all that. We're the pranksters on the team, though haha."

"What's the best prank you pulled so far?"

"Pretending to chainsaw massacre Pedro Santana, hahaha. We still laugh at him for that one!"

"Well, that sounds lovely, haha. Thanks for this, Trent, and good luck to you and Les Royales in the series against Maklohi Vai, and maybe in the future as well,"

"Thanks,"

*cue jingle*

"Well, that was fun, eh Fidel?"

"Yeah,"

"We'll be back recording tomorrow, where we eat out at a restaraunt, go to the game, and interview another star Les Royales player! Thanks for listening to Podcastin' With Jacques and Fidel!"

*cue ending jingle, with sung line 'Podcastin' With Jacques and Fidel!"*

[Kinzar]

Kinzites Young and Old Revel In Win

The city of Stalliongrad, like the seven other host cities were filled to capacity as the World Baseball Classic Playoffs officially get under way. Sixteen of the best baseball-playing nations are all hoping that this is the year they finally attain glory. There are many different stories that could be written at the end of the Classic. Will it be Western Cuba grabbing their third title, especially after many wrote them off after what wasn’t exactly a dominant performance in qualifying? Maybe it will be another dominant team, after all Milchama was very impressive after they dropped their first two games of qualifying? Or Zwangzug? Or maybe not Zwangzug, if Kinzar has anything to say about it. Can a first time nation actually win this thing? Perhaps that notion has moved up a notch on a probability scale from “totally absurd, what the hell are you thinking!” to “highly unlikely”.

The Equestrian States is an interesting place for many, and it’s the kind of nation that we may have never been able to truly appreciate if we stayed in our own isolated borders and acted as if we were the only country in the world. 8-year old Abigail Bennett puts it best, “The Ponies are awesome!!! It’s like magic!!” Yes, Abigail, we don’t have ponies like that in Kinzar now do we? Forget amusement parks, or carnivals or anything of that sort, most parents get a free ride in entertaining their children just by having them meet the ponies. With the horse being the national animal of Kinzar, many children become fascinated with the large majestic animals at a young age, and most kids are taught to ride a horse before they turn twelve years old. It’s not the same thing, at all, in Equestrian States, but the pony culture has captured the imagination of young kids and adult kids that have made the trip to Kinzar. Abigail’s father admits, “It was hard to convince Abby that we are here to watch baseball and not just stare at the ponies. We assured her that she would see more ponies at the game, and thankfully we did. It is pretty cool, but at the same time, I have to convince her that these ponies are like people in Equestrian States, and not just an animal we can bring back to Kinzar and keep as a pet. She’s beginning to understand that now.” We’re sure there are many Kinzite families with young children that have a similar story and are having a great time appreciating this unique aspect of Equestrian States culture.

Families with small children are not the only ones in attendance for the series against Zwangzug. Scattered across the seats of Mountainside Field are baseball legends. Not World Baseball Classic legends and no one that anyone other then a Kinzite would recognize, if even a Kinzite recognized them in their golden years. For these fans, the ponies are an afterthought, and watching the World Baseball Classic is both enjoyable and bittersweet. The name Mickey DelMonico is well known across Kinzar. The now 81-year old lives a happy life in the suburbs of St. Petersburg and is enjoying his retirement. The former St. Petersburg outfielder played 17 seasons of professional baseball, with a career batting average of .342 and has 624 lifetime homeruns (4th on the all time list) now sits in a seat in the front row behind the visitors dugout, where Kinzar will be for game 1 and (hopefully not, now) 3. Undoubtedly, if Kinzar participated in earlier Classics, he would have represented the country and played against the best nations of WBC history. “I’m thrilled for the kids (meaning the players representing Kinzar now). They have a chance that I never had and I wish them the best. Many of them I have met through the years and they are great people and deserve to be out there. I am really proud that they have got this far too,” he began, and was then asked if he wished he had a chance, “Yes I do. How couldn’t I, representing your country is very honorable. I always wondered how we would do and I see how good the kids are playing now and it makes me wish even more that we could have played because we could have been right there with Cassadaigua, or Newmanistan, or Sarzonia, or the older Zwangzug and Qazox teams. I don’t know if we would have been able to beat them but I would have love to have tried. Fortunately now the kids don’t need to worry about that.” DelMonico’s views represent what a lot of the old-time greats think, many of whom are in Stalliongrad. The success of the team this year makes them wonder even more what they could have done in their prime against some of the older World Baseball Classic teams. DelMonico said that ultimately it doesn’t bother him, and that he to is getting some enjoyment right now, “You have parents of kids that notice me and recognize me and they bring them down for pictures and autographs. I can’t sign them as fast as I used too but I love this connection I have with the kids now and its great that their parents still tell them our story. I can’t ask for anything more now.”

On the field, the current players representing the country were very impressive as they recorded an 8-6 win over the Zebras. While it’s not the greatest game that Javiar Arroyo will ever pitch, he bounced back pretty well after a slow start. Manager David Rogers admitted he was thinking of pulling him out after the second inning, but after the Wildcats scored five in the top of the third, he kept Arroyo in. Rogers explained why, “Zwangzug wasn’t crushing the ball, they were simply finding spots. Singles finding a hole between infielders, balls dropping between outfielders, they did a lot of the little things that a manager like me begs for his own team to do every game. We just needed to make some adjustments but more then anything, get some luck to go our way so that these singles would become outs. After we went up 6-4, I told Javy (Arroyo) that he had a second chance.” Arroyo made the most of it, and retired the next nine Zebras he faced, going five innings on the day before Rogers went to the bullpen. Kinzar showed a lot of heart and determination in this game, with the five run third inning being just a small part of it. Most will agree that after Zwangzug closed to 7-6, getting a run right back in the top of the 7th was a big deal. “Yes that was a big run and I am proud of my guys for getting it. If the Zebras were to have been building any momentum up to that point, we immediately responded and got the run right back.” With the win, Kinzar leads the series, but still needs to get one more. Glenn Elliot will look to deliver in game 2.

[Vaugania]

Gregory Gilmore stared on from the top deck of the Baltimare Harbor Grounds. It was a beautiful city with beautiful views. Baltimare was the kind of city you could get lost for a while and just stare out at the water with not a thing in the world to bother you. A couple of the sports commentators back home said it was one of their favorite venues for the WBC. They wern't wrong at all. The Harbor Grounds provided a great atmosphere to watch some great games.

The scene on the field, to Gregory at least, was uglier than the city is beautiful. Milchama homered making it 3-0 in the bottom of the 1st. Stian Losnedahl wasn't looking too good out there. Karl Flork had brought him low. Leif Solberg walked out to the mound with his head down. He can't be taking him out already. It's only the first inning, Gilmore thought.

There was obviously magic in Solberg's words. Yossi Millar came up to the plate hoping to replicate Flork's success. Losnedahl burned him with a big slider that made it's way to the outside of the strike zone. Millar chased it. He went to an 0-2 count after a high inside fastball. He was dusted off by an inside curve. Dan Scoot's at-bat progressed in a similar fashion and Losnedhal was out of the inning.

Down three runs in the top of the 2nd, Roman Janicek smacked Eddie Hunt's fastball into right center field for a double. The second baseman got there in record time, not wanting to fail his country. Jaromir Braun came up to the plate with just Janicek on. Braun checked his swing on the first pitch. It was an appealing curveball, but it went a little too far outside. The same thing happened with Hunt's slider on the next pitch. Hunt gained some control back and put a fastball right down the middle. Exactly where Braun wanted it. the ball was smashed over the fence at the Baltimare Harbor Grounds and the Golden Egales were only down by 1. That deficit held for a very short time. Asmund Skjeggestad homered on the 4th pitch of his at-bat to tie the game up.

Gregory Gilmore was hopping up and down cheering. Peanuts flew from his bag and it's lucky for the people sitting around him that he wasn't holdinghis drink. Gilmore was ecstatic thinking that his team quite possibly had a shot at winning this one.

Hunt and Losnedahl dueled until they were both taken out following the 7th. Frano Zupan came in for Losnedhal and Teashmo Contallion for Hunt. Tal Artik brought the Golden Eagles' world crashing down. 8 pitches into a duel with Zupan, he connected. And he connected very well. 4-3 Milchama. They held and Contallion eventually turned the mound over to Simon Shem Tov who put Vaugania away by a score of 4-3. The Golden Eagles were suddenly on the brink of eliminaton. It would take skill, determination, and a little bit of luck to defeat the second best team in the world.

[Zwangzug]

Well, we're all holed up here in Stalliongrad--there's not much to see, not many people who are recognizably--well--anyway, nobody really wants to get out, the fans are cranky, we're cranky.

The thing about this game is, yeah, we blew a 4-1 lead in the third, but they'd actually taken the lead even before then, with Treadwell's double pushing in Watanabe. Then came the third, of course, with Deakin and Phillips and everyone pushing out Cynthia. Janvier was on edge after that, she definitely had not expected to go to the bullpen that early, and basically spent most of the rest of the game hovering over the phone as if, should she step away, she'd never be able to come back to it and wanted to reserve the option. She did, with Bradley taking over from Tikva a little while on.

That being said, the batters were keeping it loose from all I could tell. I mean, being set down nine in a row didn't help, but they still felt--like they were the favorites and had time to get back into it. I think. And I do generally try to keep a decent view of things, it's not like in the league when if it's not your day to start you can just sleep through basically. Not that that ever happens in Zwischen Well they did get a couple more runs eventually, Nibey-Bute pushed in Yania and Vondle, so that was okay.

So it's up to Cholpon and company now. She's excited because apparently the Equestrian States are about to host a regional football tournament too, or something. Although if the rest of the region is like what we've seen so far Well, I don't know. It's a big place. There could be...more mountains or whatever.

Maybe we should go hiking. Boipelo sounds like he's getting a group together, maybe somewhere quiet where we don't have to deal with the local fans--they can be a little off-putting. I'd say I need some fresh air to relax after that game, but, you know, the air is thin.

On the plus side, no nosebleeds for Aminda.

[Yesopalitha]

They'd made it this far, hadn't they?

Valentin Soren scratched his forehead after the shocking defeat in Game 1 of the Round of 16 against Darmen, ranked #15 after the Group Stage AND the play-in round. Victor had been uncharacteristically risky, and the bats had gone silent. It had been a dismal performance, and now, the Assassins had their backs against the wall.

It'd seemed like it'd be an easy game for sure after the dominance that the Assassins had shown during the Group Stage. After the initial loss at the hands of Super-Llamaland, the Assassins had bounced back.

Did they have what it takes to bounce back from this one, too? To force a game three in front of the ponies that lined the stands? He'd even seen one pony holding up a "Go Yesopalitha!" sign in the stands. It seemed as if, gridiron football rivalries aside, Yesopalitha was in good standings with the ponies.

Then, Valentin thought back to his folks at home, watching the games on TV. To his girlfriend, Sarah. To his Mom and Dad, to his buddies, to everyone who was cheering for him.

No, he couldn't let them down. Not in the Round of 16. Not when he'd helped this team to the Finals last time around.

It was time to go watch some tape.

[Darmen]

Bishop Robert Lennon, a servant of the Great Goddess. To my brother in the faith, Kumalo Nalokupani, a man of whom I respect greatly for leading your people in the faith. I have returned home safely and have been given instructions by the three High Priests of my Church as to what my duties are as a Bishop in this Church. Upon my return, my first task given to me was to pray to Margaret, and reflect on what I had seen in your country. I admire your ambition to win souls to the faith, but Margaret has spoken to me, and I shall endevour to tell you what she told me. When I observed one of your services, I noticed that I could only hear yourself praying to the Great Goddess. You corrected me though, pointing out that the other brothers and sisters of the faith present at the service were also praying. Yet there was something that still disturbed me about this. It is through my reflection on my time with you, and through prayer to Margaret that my eyes have been opened. Silence. Why should we keep our faith silent, why should we keep our hopes within. No. We should lift our voices to the heavens, and let Margaret hear them for herself. There is nothing more powerful than the spoken word. Tell me dear brother in the faith, what is more admirable, that a man say his prayers within his mind, so that only he knows that he has prayed, or a man who prays aloud, so that others may hear and grow in faith. Doesn't the Christian Bible say this as well: that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word. Even one of the High Priests, those who lead our Church in the faith, has said in the past: sing to her who gives you breath. For it is with her great love that all things are possible, and that all things happen. I say again dear brother, lead your fellow believers in the faith in prayer, but let them also raise their own voices in praise and worship to Margaret.

It was with great sadness that I returned to Darmen. The authorities here are concerned about my trip to Maklohi Vai, they know that I visited your Church, and are curious about it. They are already trying to bring me in for questioning, just as they did to Sister Nilani Porunakalanapai. I have escaped their grasp though, and am currently in hiding. It has made my ability to fulfill my duties as Bishop very dificult indeed, but nevertheless, I shall continue in my struggle to win souls to the faith. I have faith in Margaret that she shall see me through these terrible times. Be careful dear brother in the faith, there are enemies of Margaret throughout the world, just as there are enemies of other faiths and deities. Be on constant watch, trust only in Margaret and your fellow believers in the faith.

I shall finish my letter to you with one final piece of advice given to me by the Great Goddess herself which I shall relay to you. I noticed that each member of your church brought only two rubber chickens to the service to be sacrificed. Margaret has led me to the realisation that each person should bring as many rubber chickens as they can, within reason of course. A wise man once said: from each according to his ability, to each according to his need. Margaret shall provide for our every need, regardless of whether we bring two rubber chickens to sacrifice, or one-thousand ninety-three, or even one for that matter.

These are only suggestions though, given to me by the Great Goddess herself. You are by no means required to change your ways, but I would suggest that you do, for her wrath is unwanted, and it is best to avoid. I bid you good luck in your future endevours in winning souls to the faith, and pray that Margaret shall keep you healthy. I look forward to seeing you again, whether in Darmen or Maklohi Vai. I believe it will be some time though, as I will be traveling around the world to visit other believers in the faith, and will be spending much time in Birolika, where over forty-seven percent of the nation is a believer in the Birolik Church of Margaret. Farewell dear brother in the faith.

[Equestrian States]

ICly, this would (obviously) be before the first game with Ko-oren.

ESPN: Equestrian Sports Programming Network

WBC 25: A Look Back
by Steve McNotapony

PONYVILLE - Over the next several weeks, the eyes of the international sports community will be fixed upon the Equestrian States as the country plays host to the playoff rounds of the landmark 25th edition of the World Baseball Classic. Although many in baseball circles were surprised by the decision of the WBC Council to award the Classic to a nation that lacks a strong history in the sport, the Equestrians have seemed to embrace the game, rallying public excitement surrounding the tournament to record levels nationally.

But the WBC being hosted in the Equestrian States isn’t the only thing that has helped spur the popularity of baseball to new highs. Also contributing to the rise of the game is the Equestrian national team’s success in the group stage of the tournament. Coming into the 25th World Baseball Classic, the Phoenixes (as they have been dubbed by fans, particularly in Everfree) were ranked just 23rd in the world. While that might seem impressive to some, fans should remember that it isn’t the same as being ranked in the top 25 in hoofball since the World Cup has over three times the number of ranked teams that the WBC does. Regardless of their rank, the Phoenixes came into the tournament looking to advance to the playoffs, or at the very least finally push their all-time record above .500 for the first time. But they took it a bit further, cruising into the playoffs with an 8-2 record and the top seed (by virtue of having a +38 run differential).

Now, with the first pitch of the Equestrian States vs. Ko-oren series set to be thrown later today, let’s take a look back at the Phoenixes’ impressive run to this point…

Group Play - Game 1             1 2 3  4 5 6  7 8 9      R  H  E
 Schmiegelland (0-1)         0 0 1  0 0 1  0 0 0  -   2  5  1
 Equestrian States (1-0)     0 3 0  0 1 5  1 1 X  -  11 18  0

WP: Ripcurrent (1-0)
LP: Majou Javri

The Phoenixes opened the tournament at Royal Canterlot Stadium looking for a strong start for their fourth WBC campaign, and easily obliterated their unranked opponents. Third baseman Matt Jackson would be the game’s clear MVP, homering twice to drive in four runs. Ripcurrent was also a player of note, allowing just two runs in seven innings before being taken out for pinch hitter Goldstar, who promptly launched a cannonball into the leftfield stands. Seeing Tyneala lose to an unranked Strawbee team also gave the Phoenixes good cause to hope for an upset when the group’s top seed came to town.

Group Play - Game 2             1 2 3  4 5 6  7 8 9 10      R  H  E
 Tyneala (1-1)               1 0 1  0 0 1  0 0 0  1  -   4 10  0
 Equestrian States (1-1)     0 0 0  1 0 1  0 1 0  0  -   3  8  0

WP: Unknown Pitcher
LP: Amanda Hill (0-1)
SV: Unknown Pitcher

Despite their best efforts, the Equestrians weren’t able to put top-seeded Tyneala into a 0-2 rut. Falling behind early, the Phoenixes spent the rest of the game trying to make up ground, eventually pulling even on Firefury’s 8th inning RBI double. But Firefury’s splendid performance at the plate (3-3, 1 2B, 2 RBIs) was ultimately for naught, as a 10th inning triple by one of Tyneala’s stars dropped the hammer on the short-lived (and absurdly unlikely) Equestrian bid for a perfect record.

Group Play - Game 3             1 2 3  4 5 6  7 8 9      R  H  E
 Equestrian States (2-1)     0 0 1  1 1 0  1 0 0  -   4 12  0
 New Matawan (1-2)           0 0 1  0 0 0  0 1 1  -   3  6  0

WP: Kerry Stevens (1-0)
LP: Trygve Holmstrom
SV: Flutterfire (1)

After a disappointing game against group favorite Tyneala, the Equestrian States headed off to New Matawan for their first road game of the tournament. In the end it was another decidedly mediocre showing for the Phoenixes, who managed to get on base regularly, but failed to make it beyond second base most of the time. A couple slip-ups by the bullpen gave the New Matawan home crowd hope, but Flutterfire struck-out the final two batters in the bottom of the ninth to preserve the Equestrians’ lead and secure a win.

Group Play - Game 4             1 2 3  4 5 6  7 8 9      R  H  E
 Strawbee (3-1)              2 0 0  1 0 0  0 0 1  -   4  9  0
 Equestrian States (3-1)     0 1 0  0 2 1  3 1 X  -   8 14  0

WP: Ripcurrent (2-0)
LP: Walt Oyunchimeg

When Strawbee stunned Tyneala to open their own campaign, most wrote it off as just another in the wave of upsets that swept through almost every group on that first day. But when the “Legends” followed it up with wins against Kintratar and Schmiegelland, people started to pay attention to the “other” team from the Pony Lands (ignoring the perpetually-struggling Allinlians). Thus, the Equestrian States-Strawbee game was to be a test for the unranked team, to see if their 3-0 run was a mistake or a sign of future greatness. After dropping behind early, the Phoenixes rallied, hammering out seven runs in their last four turns at the plate to put the “Legends” in their place.

Group Play - Game 5             1 2 3  4 5 6  7 8 9      R  H  E
 Equestrian States (4-1)     0 1 4  2 6 0  0 0 1  -  14 21  0
 Kintratar (1-4)             1 1 0  0 0 1  0 0 0  -   3  5  2

WP: Fireball (1-0)
LP: Unknown Pitcher

Following their convincing triumph over Strawbee, the Equestrian national team hit the road for a three-game trip, the first of which was against third-seeded Kintratar. Although a quick glance at the rankings would tell you these teams weren’t all that far apart, the standings told a different story. Coming into the game, the Phoenixes were 3-1 and their opponents a pitiful 1-3. Ultimately, it was the picture given by the standings that would prove to be more accurate as the Phoenixes battered the Kintratar pitchers for 13 runs in the game’s first five innings. The win easily set the mark for the Equestrians’ most convincing win of the campaign.

Group Play - Game 6             1 2 3  4 5 6  7 8 9      R  H  E
 Equestrian States (5-1)     0 1 0  0 1 1  2 2 0  -   7 13  0
 Schmiegelland (1-5)         0 0 0  0 3 1  0 2 0  -   6 11  0

WP: Cirius (1-0)
LP: M'ziimi Kanqa
SV: Flutterfire (2)

Overconfidence is typically not what one would consider to be virtue. But regardless, the Phoenixes’ heads seemed to be in the clouds for most of the game, not caring as their opponents overcame a minor 2-0 deficit in the 5th inning. The Equestrians finally came to life in the 7th and 8th innings, putting together four runs to leap back in front 7-4. However, going on cruise control in the bottom half of the 8th would prove unwise as the home team narrowed the Phoenixes’ lead to one. Another strong outing by Flutterfire truly did save the Equestrian States, but questions would fly as the Phoenixes headed off to Tyneala to close out their road trip.

Group Play - Game 7             1 2 3  4 5 6  7 8 9      R  H  E
 Equestrian States (6-1)     2 0 0  0 4 0  0 0 3  -   9 17  0
 Tyneala (4-3)               0 0 0  0 0 0  0 2 0  -   2  6  1

WP: Ripcurrent (3-0)
LP: Unknown Pitcher

By all counts, the second Equestrian States-Tyneala game was vital. A loss would drop the Phoenixes to a tie with the higher seed and give their opponents the easy head-to-head tiebreaker. But the critics were silenced early as Blazer and Matt Jackson led-off the game with back-to-back blasts to opposite sides of the ballpark. By the time the favored Tynealans scored in the bottom of the 8th inning, the Equestrian States was already far ahead. Three runs in the top half of the 9th effectively clinched the win before Flutterfire swiftly mowed down the three Tynealan batters to close the door on the home team. With the win and Strawbee’s loss to Kintratar, the Phoenixes’ lead in the standings was extended to two games, putting them in position to clinch a playoff spot in their next game.

Group Play - Game 8             1 2 3  4 5 6  7 8 9      R  H  E
 New Matawan (3-5)           0 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  -   0  1  0
 Equestrian States (7-1)     0 1 0  0 0 0  0 0 X  -   1  5  0

WP: Fireball (2-0)
LP: Trygve Holmstrom
SV: Flutterfire (3)

Coming home, the Equestrian States looked for a strong performance in front of a friendly crowd, but would leave the fans with a rather dull affair. Fireball’s chances for a no-hitter were ended on the first pitch, but the earth pony pitcher was absolutely dominant for the next seven innings. A lackluster offensive effort gave the Phoenixes five singles, with the only excitement of the game coming from Ashley Hamilton stealing home in the second. But the win was enough for the Equestrians, as they secured themselves a spot in the final twenty at the very least.

Group Play - Game 9             1 2 3  4 5 6  7 8 9      R  H  E
 Equestrian States (8-1)     0 0 1  0 0 0  2 4 0  -   7 14  0
 Strawbee (5-4)              0 0 0  0 0 0  0 1 0  -   1  7  1

WP: Kerry Stevens (2-0)
LP: Walt Oyunchimeg

Unlike their other away games the Phoenixes’ trip to Strawbee was short, courtesy of the two being relatively nearby in the Pony Lands. Thanks to the proximity of Strawbee, a good number of Equestrian fans made the journey with the team, hoping to see the Phoenixes wrap up the group title with a win. They wouldn’t be disappointed. Although only ahead by one heading into the final three frames, the Equestrians pulverized their opponents’ bullpen with the death blow coming from a Firefury grand slam. Flutterfire promptly gunned down the last three Strawbee batters in the ninth to assure the Phoenixes the group title. Back in the Equestrian States, thousands of fans celebrated as they watched jubilant Phoenix players pile atop of Flutterfire on the mound.

Group Play - Game 10            1 2 3  4 5 6  7 8 9      R  H  E
 Kintratar (4-6)             0 0 1  0 1 0  1 3 0  -   6 12  1
 Equestrian States (8-2)     2 0 2  0 0 0  0 0 1  -   5  8  0

WP: Unknown Pitcher
LP: Amanda Hill (0-2)
SV: Unknown Pitcher

With the group title secured along with a reasonable chance of getting into the top two seeds, the Phoenixes rested a number of starters against Kintratar. After leaping to a 4-1 lead in the 3rd inning, most of the bench was cleared to give the reserve players some valuable field time. At first it seemed the Equestrians would cruise to an effortless 9-1 record, but a bullpen collapse would topple the slimmed lead and put the Phoenixes on the receiving end of a comeback. A short-lived attempt to mount a comeback petered-out for the Equestrian States in the 9th inning and sent the fans home a bit disappointed by their team’s performance, even though the Phoenixes had already clinched.

  Group 7 Final Standings     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

As it would turn out, the loss to Kintratar would do little actual damage to the Equestrian States’ final standing in the group and in the tournament as a whole. Yesopalitha fell to Quebecois Acadiana, handing the top seed in the playoff stage to the hosts.

However, it remains to be seen whether the seeding will be a blessing or a curse for the Phoenixes. On one hoof, the team has the opportunity (and reasonable betting odds) to become the first host nation to win their own Classic since the legendary Az-cz managed the feat in the second running of the WBC. However, the Equestrians will now present perhaps the largest target for any team looking to make headlines with an upset. Home field advantage is an asset, and only the second-seeded Yesopalithans from the neighboring region of Mystria can truly make an attempt to challenge the superior numbers of Equestrian fans that will descend on the ten stadiums throughout the nation.

But despite being a prime target for every team still in contention, the Phoenixes have proven one thing throughout this Classic: they are no longer the 3-7 punching bag from WBC 22, rather they a contender that will be sure to demand respect from any and every opponent they face.

[Equestrian States]

World Baseball Classic 25 - Playoffs Results

Round of 16 - Game 2

Ponyville Park, Ponyville - Scorinated by Cassadaigua
 #1  Equestrian States       0 0 0 0 1 4 0 0 3  8
#16  Ko-oren                 1 3 0 0 1 1 0 0 0  6

Equestrian States Wins 2-0

Foragers Field, Whitetail
 #8  Lycrabon                1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0  3
 #9  Free South Califas      0 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 X  4

Free South Califas Wins 2-0

Mountainside Field, Stalliongrad
 #4  Zwangzug                3 0 2 1 1 2 1 2 0 12
#13  Kinzar                  1 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0  4

Series Tied 1-1

New Harmony Arena, Manehattan
 #5  Sicoutimont             0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 1 0  5
#12  Maklohi Vai             3 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1  6

Series Tied 1-1

Forest Stadium, Everfree
 #2  Yesopalitha             0 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 1  6
#15  Darmen                  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0

Series Tied 1-1

Trottingham Memorial Stadium, Trottingham
 #7  Thatius                 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  3
#10  West Guiana             0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  4

West Guiana Wins 2-0

Baltimare Harbor Grounds, Baltimare
 #3  Milchama                1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2  5
#14  Vaugania                0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 3  6

Series Tied 1-1

West Orchard Field, Appleoosa
 #6  Western Cuba            0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 1  5
#11  Taeshan                 2 3 1 0 0 2 0 1 X  9

Taeshan Wins 2-0

Round of 16 - Game 3

#4 Zwangzug vs. #13 Kinzar
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. #15 Darmen
at Forest Stadium (cap. 25,000) in Everfree

#3 Milchama vs. #14 Vaugania
at Baltimare Harbor Grounds (cap. 31,850) in Baltimare

Quarterfinals - Game 1
Tuesday, March 12 @ 6:00 PM EDT

#1 Equestrian States vs. #9 Free South Califas
at Baltimare Harbor Grounds (cap. 31,850) in Baltimare

Zwangzug/Kinzar vs. Sicoutimont/Maklohi Vai
at Forest Stadium (cap. 25,000) in Everfree

Yesopalitha/Darmen vs. #10 West Guiana
at Mountainside Field (cap. 34,750) in Stalliongrad

Milchama/Vaugania vs. #11 Taeshan
at Ponyville Park (cap. 32,000) in Ponyville

[Cassadaigua]

Game 2- #1 Equestrian States vs #16 Ko-oren @Ponyville Park, Ponyville

Equestrian States                0 0 0 0 1 4 0 0 3  8
Ko-oren                          1 3 0 0 1 1 0 0 0  6

[Milchama]

"You know what sucks?"

"What? We're doing great. Just beat Vaugania and we're one game away from quarterfinals"

"Oh that's entirely fair. It has nothing to do with the Warriors"

"But aren't we concerned with the Warriors?"

"Yes we are"

"So what could possibly be bad?"

"Simple. We have no will to RP"

"So?"

"It makes Milchama look boring and our makes our success look cheap"

"Who cares as long as we have success?"

"You know that's fair"

"Yeah. But I think our success is based on our RPing and yet we just have no will"

"Then what is this?"

"An RP"

"Yeah an RP about not being able to RP. What a boring concept"

"Actually I find it fascinating"

"Why?"

"Because how many people actually make RPs like that, not many. It's new, unique, original"

"I think we've already done one about it"

"Oh then I hate it"

"Good to see you keep your opinions strong"

"They're always strong, consistent no, strong yes"

"Ok then"

"Yep"

"Definitely"

"Most absolutely"

"I agree"

"Well I concur"

"Well that got boring"

"Yeah"

"Whatever, the key here was to dismantle the 4th wall"

"Consider it dead"

"Woo hoo!"

"Nothing like a destruction of the 4th wall to get everybody happy"

"Yep"

"You know we should talk about alternate dimensions"

"Nah, too much work"

"Ok"

"Well how about those Warriors?"

"3rd place, 1-0 lead in octos, all is going according to plan"

"Yeah"

"So it's not that interesting"

"Right, thus the lack of RP"

"Exactly"

"Well hopefully they can advance"

"Yep"

"Come on You Warriors!"

"Let's Go Milchama!"

[Qazox]

BEST WBC CHAMPIONS LIST
#24: AZ-CZ (WBC 1)
#23: MILCHAMA (WBC 4)
#22: QAZOX (WBC 6)
#21: NEWMANISTAN (WBC 12)
#20: LYCRABON (WBC 20)

#19: ZWANGZUG (WBC 7)
RECORD: 14-3
Best Win: Game 3 in Semifinals (Zwangzug 5-Qazox 3)
Why this ranking? Because of controversy from the group stage. Newmanistan and Milchama both finished in a 3-way tie for first and under the assumed tiebreaker, both teams were eliminated. But since it wasn't specified what the tiebreakers would be after the group winner was determined; both teams lobbied for and were given advancement into the 2nd round. Zwangzug though loses points because they faced a team that by some accounts shouldn't have been in the 2nd round, let alone the playoffs.

Up next #18...

[Free South Califas]

After a shaky and rudderless start, the Federal Team really began to solidify under the elected management of ace pitcher and retired FSC delegate to WAGA Aram Derderian in the second half of the group stage. Finally winning the group at 7-3, the Harvest Mice still rang alarm bells with their group-worst defense and run differential. While the ever-deferential Derderian was none too hasty to modify the lineup, and it didn't seem like he would change, it became clear to Baseball Assembly voters that a different approach would be needed. Catcher Steve Aiolos, with his notorious problem containing wild pitches, was blamed as well as a cautious batting approach across the lineup that too often failed to manufacture needed runs in key situations.

The results of the election were still surprising in detail, because typically voters are more likely to trust a wisened pitcher or bench player than a regular starting fielder. However, switch-hitting gold-gloved slugging first baseman Slavoj Merce was granted an exception by BA voters, who made him manager for the octofinal series against Lycrabon after he promised a shake up. Well, he delivered: against Lycrabon, the Mice bunted, stole bases, fouled off bad pitches, worked deep counts, and generally made a nuisance of themselves when they had bats in their hands. Aiolos was benched and former 1/4-time catcher Sanda Kisha was given 3/4 of the work, while workhorse left fielder Lusine Claribel was replaced by aggressive baserunning center fielder Isidore Bentsen. Phil Arnifrid and Ximeno Dylan, utility infielder and outfielder respectively, also saw more action against right-handed and left-handed pitching repsectively. Few could have predicted the outcome, but the Federal Team swept the favorites with Merce's new lineups:

http://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?p=13111111#p13111111

http://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?p=13111111#p13111111
Batting Lineups
Group Stage Ideal
1. Fernando	3b score	walk	speed	S
2. Eran		ss speed	contact	defense (turn)	R
3.-Claribel	lf speed	triples		R
4. Hisakawa	rf hit power	k	arm	L
5. Merce	1b hit power	gold glove	S
6. Gutierrez	2b defense (turn)		L
7. Dubanowski	cf speed	arm		S
8.-Aiolos	c  arm		wild pitch problem	hit power (k)	L

New Ideal
S 1. 3b Fernando E.	score	walk	speed
R 2. ss Eran		speed	contact	defense (turn)
L+3. cf Bentsen		speed	triples	steals
L 4. rf Hisakawa	slugger	k.o.	defense (arm)
S 5. 1b Merce		slugger	defense (1b dig/scoop)
S 6. lf Dubanowski	speed	arm
L 7. 2b Gutierrez	defense (turn)
L+8. c  Kisha		always catches when N. Beverley (SP) pitches

New vs Some RHP
S 1. 3b Fernando E.	score	walk	speed
L 2. ss Arnifrid	utility infielder
L 3. cf Bentsen		speed	triples	steals
L 4. rf Hisakawa	slugger	k.o.	defense (arm)
S 5. 1b Merce		slugger	defense (1b dig/scoop)
S 6. lf Dubanowski	speed	arm
L 7. 2b Gutierrez	defense (turn)
L 8. c  Kisha		always catches when N. Beverley (SP) pitches

New vs Some LHP
S 1. 3b Fernando E.	score	walk	speed
R 2. ss Eran		speed	contact	defense (turn)
R 3. lf Claribel	speed	triples
S 4. 1b Merce		slugger	defense (1b dig/scoop)
R 5. cf Dylan		contact	utility outfielder
S 6. rf Dubanowski	speed	arm
L 7. 2b Gutierrez	defense (turn)
R 8. c  Castro S.

DH: New Ideal
S 1. 3b Fernando E.	score	walk	speed
S 2. dh Mieczyslawa	contact	doubles	hr
L 3. cf Bentsen		speed	triples	steals
L 4. rf Hisakawa	slugger	k.o.	defense (arm)
S 5. 1b Merce		slugger	defense (1b dig/scoop)
R 6. ss Eran		speed	contact	defense (turn)
S 7. lf Dubanowski	speed	arm
L 8. 2b Gutierrez	defense (turn)
L 9. c  Kisha		always catches when N. Beverley (SP) pitches

DH: New vs Some RHP
S 1. 3b Fernando E.	score	walk	speed
S 2. dh Mieczyslawa	contact	doubles	hr
L 3. cf Bentsen		speed	triples	steals
L 4. rf Hisakawa	slugger	k.o.	defense (arm)
S 5. 1b Merce		slugger	defense (1b dig/scoop)
L 6. ss Arnifrid	utility infielder
S 7. lf Dubanowski	speed	arm
L 8. 2b Gutierrez	defense (turn)
L 9. c  Kisha		always catches when N. Beverley (SP) pitches

DH: New vs Some LHP
S 1. 3b Fernando E.	score	walk	speed
S 2. dh Mieczyslawa	contact	doubles	hr
R 3. lf Claribel	speed	triples
S 4. 1b Merce		slugger	defense (1b dig/scoop)
R 5. ss Eran		speed	contact	defense (turn)
R 6. cf Dylan		contact	utility outfielder
S 7. rf Dubanowski	speed	arm
L 8. 2b Gutierrez	defense (turn)
R 9. c  Castro S.

After the shocking sweep of Lycrabon, the newly-renicknamed 'Coach Merc' easily won reelection for the Equestrian States series, routing Derderian and backup right fielder Gwen Matias while winning 86% of the vote. The Mice got the job done against favored opposition once, but can they do it again, facing the home team, a top-seeded squad that has just dispatched Ko-Oren?

[Sicoutimont]

(OOC Note: Don't have time for a large RP today, as I'm going away for the next few days. Good luck to Maklohi Vai tonight, and everyone else in the tournament.)

Les Royales Stopped by Maklohi Vai In Game 2

Even Sicoutian ringer Fidel Sanchez couldn't beat the Vaians tonight. Les Royales lost 6-5 in a heartbreaker that sends this Round of 16 series to the 3rd and final game. In the first inning, Vaian superstar Mae'ao hit a home run to drive in 2 other runners, giving them the 3-0 lead. Manager Maurice Sorotane could see Sanchez wasn't on his game today, especially after giving up a walkoff to Mae'ao in the 6th inning. He walked 4 batters, was taken deep twice, and gave up every Vaian run except for one. In the 7th inning, Les Royales began to make a comeback. Victor Santana earned an RBI in the 7th, hitting a triple to drive in Alfonso Soriano. He would be left stranded as Martin Vauton would strike out after the Vaians walked Loic St-Ignace. In the bottom of the inning, Fernard Dantes replaced Fidel Sanchez, and struck out 3 batters. In the 8th, Alfonso Soriano hit the most important home run of the game. In a similar fashion to Mae'ao earlier in the game, Soriano drove the ball deep, bringing Pedro Santana and Boullion Carvier home with him. Now, the score was 5-4. Dantes struck out 2 batters, gave up a single, and Jose Colognon ended the inning by catching a pop fly ball. It was the top of the ninth inning. Victor Santana hit a walkoff home run to tie the game, and Loic St-Ignace would be left stranded after walking, and the score was tied. Fernard Dantes made sure the Vaian bats were silent in the bottom of the 9th, and we went to the tenth inning. Jose Colognon made it to 1st base off a poke shot, and Martin Vauton was struck out. Victor Santana was brought up to pinch for Jaeg Nordstrom. He was intentionally walked to 1st base, and it was Francis Boullion up to bat. He couldn't get it done, however. His drive went straight to the Vaian shortstop, who converted for the double play. It went to the bottom half of the inning. Ingham Reginald was brought in for Fernard Dantes. First batter, Mae'ao. First pitch, deep. Home run for the Vaians. 6-5 final score. Sicoutimont and Maklohi Vai will go to game 3. This game was the most evenly matched game between these two so far, with the other being a 5-2 Sicoutian victory. So, what could we see in game 3? Extra innings is again possible, but it's more likely this game will end in the 9th inning. We asked Fernard Dantes about the game:

"Fernard, you pitched a great game, and to see it fall short in the 10th, how do you feel?"

"Well, not so great, haha. But I think that if we keep pitching like Fidel and I did today, we've got a good chance at winning game 3,"

"Do you think home field advantage is a factor? Your club will have home field advantage for the final game,"

"I don't think it's as big a factor as you would think. I mean, we're playing across the world, that's not really 'home field advantage.' But I guess you media would think that, because we one the 'home' game and so did they. But I don't think it will come down to that: the only difference is that we're wearing purple and blue in the final game rather than white and purple."

"Do you know who will start game 3?"

"Yves Canton is next up in our rotation, so I think he'll be in. He's a great pitcher, and he should be able to deliver us the win,"

"What do you think of Victor Santana pinch hitting in the 10th?"

"I think it was a pretty good idea, but didn't work out. I mean, Santana and Francis are our two most dangerous players, and with a guy on base, you don't expect them to be taken out easily. But, I guess Maklohi Vai have pretty good defense, and they figured out how to get those guys on a double play,"

"Maurice Sorotane replaced you in the 10th inning in favour of Ingham Reginald. He proceeded to give up a walkoff home run that lost you the game. Do you think this was the right move?"

"Well, I'm not going to question the authority of someone who's payed to make those decisions. Maybe Ingham shouldn't have gone in, he hasn't pitched in a week, but I'm a closer, I probably should have been out in the 8th inning, haha."

"Thanks for this interview, and good-luck tomorrow night,"

"Yeah, anytime. No problem,"

Catch us back here on Radio-Baseball750 for the final game, TVSportSicoutimont for the visual picture, or head on over to http://www.sicoutiansportsnow.scm to catch the game online or on you tablet device! You can also keep up with the scores via the Radio-Baseball750 tablet app for the World Baseball Classic! It'll be a great game, possibly the greatest Sicoutian baseball game ever, so be sure to tune in to watch the final clash between Sicoutimont and Maklohi Vai!

[Kinzar]

Elliot Roughed up Again!

If there is one story that will be analyzed by Kinzite media after the Classic is over, it will be whether or not too much faith was put in Glenn Elliot. It may just be a coincidence, but the right from St. Petersburg now has an 0-3 record in his starts to date. Overall, Kinzar is 9-4, so the math isn’t that complicated to realize that when Elliot is not the starting pitcher, the Wildcats are 9-1. Perhaps too much slack was given to him over the losses to Milchama, but he didn’t really pitch that great in them, either. We wanted to forgive that because the Warriors, especially with Western Cuba now out, may be the team to beat in the entire tournament. What needs to be done, is to put things in perspective. Javiar Arroyo did not get off to a good start in the first game of this series, but after two bad innings, he really settled in, and the team was able to win that game.


Tonight, Elliot never was comfortable. Zwangzug got to him right away, with their first two batters making him throw ten and nine pitches, respectively, before they each picked up singles. The patience of the Zebra batters seemed to really play with the mind of Elliot, and he just never looked good. After walking Jen Kostomel, Elliot surrendered a bases-clearing double to Jeremy Maugher. The inning, in fact, could have been much worse if not for some nice defensive plays behind him, to keep it 3-0. Since the Wildcats got a run back in the bottom of the inning, manager David Rogers hoped that Elliot would eventually calm down. While the Zebras did not score in the second, they still drew two walks in the inning, and that infuriated Rogers, but still he kept Elliot in for the third, which would be his final inning. Though he only allowed the one run in the third, Rogers had seen enough, and went to the bullpen.

The relievers didn’t exactly pick up their starter, allowing at least one run that they pitched in all but the ninth inning. Most can blame it on nerves, but a lot of this is a credit to Zwangzug, who once this game was finally over, had defeated the Wildcats 12-4. After the game, Rogers dissected the loss, “Zwangzug really got to us tonight, making our pitchers work up their pitch counts and with that, came some nerves. Any time a team pounds out 21 hits like they did, its tough, but we also conceded six walks in this game, and that number also is something that can’t continue if we are to advance in this series. We’ll try to learn from our mistakes, and make this something we can build on for game three. We’re still alive.”

Rogers announced also that the team will skip over Radeek Williams and start Wang Zhu in game three. “It’s because of the type of pitcher each of them are. Radeek is the power pitcher who goes for the strikeout and can be very dominant, while Wang is the deliberate master of control and working the plate. Based on the way Zwangzug plays and their patient style, Zhu is very capable of winning the chess matches with the batters, at bat by at bat.” Williams said he completely understands the move and wishes Zhu the best. “A little disappointed its not me but coach knows what he’s doing. And he’s right, Wang is a great arm for us to have out there against them. (OOC: Zwangzug, this pitching move also means that Brett Chizinski starts behind the plate and not Carreon).

[Zwangzug]

And just like that, we can play like--well, we're facing an unranked team. I'd say the Wildcats' defense was nervous, a couple deep balls to the corners maybe should have been outs but instead landed for extra bases. But that was only in the latter innings, and really, the offense was more than capable of putting runs together for the start of the game. Nice feeling. The way Sonia and Amir kept fouling them off! It was amazing. I'm on a first-name basis with everyone when they win big, or I'm just sitting there watching like a fan back home.

Cholpon got a little fancy in the bottom of the first, and I can't really blame her--we'd already had a three-run lead, thanks to Jeremy's bases-clearing double and all that. It came back to bite her, though, after she walked Phillips and he came into score. After that she was mostly in control, lots of changeups but working quickly. Kinzar added a couple more runs in the fourth, with Carreon hitting a two-run homer, but like I said, by that point we'd even pieced together a run from a non-fluky fly ball...walk, single, and Amypushing in our sixth. Just smooth going from there.

Our own Wildcat, Tikva, had pitched yesterday so she was mostly just relaxing. Apparently the press from Qazox have been ranking the most dominant champions of all the tournaments? I want to have her opinions on it for the book, but Hiroto has made the evidently convincing argument that acknowledging the validity of the Qazoxian press will just set a really bad precedent.

It sounds like Boipelo did get that hiking trip together after all and now he thinks it's good luck, hence is going again with as many of the batters as he can rustle up. Better now than if we get to Everfree, I guess, that supposedly has more treacherous surroundings and a few more down-to-earth fans. Myself, I stayed in, and lost to Danny at poker which is embarrassing--I think he tried to go on the hike for no apparent reason, then got a nosebleed and headed back.

So, winner-take-all tomorrow. I'm excited. The Wildcats' manager claims they can win the chess matches at the plate but Jen, stop laughing, it's a little creepy Let's just go ahead and give this a try while we have the momentum.

[Maklohi Vai]

Sorry about the length, lateness, and lack of a prayer, but I'm having issues in RL that's making it tough to get a solid block of time to sit down and write.

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Part 10
Part 11
Part 12

Kumalo just wished for a little peace and quiet today. Yesterday, he had dealt with a panicked Nilani and a vigilant Bishop Lennon, not to mention more and more people coming into the church. If he could have calmer day today, that would be nice.

However, that was not necessarily the case. Kumalo went to his mailbox* to find a message from Bishop Lennon. He read it slowly, nodding his head from time to time. Why not write back now?

Kumalo Nalokupani, Servant of Margaret
To Bishop Robert Lennon of the Darmeni Church of Margaret, my brother in the faith. I am glad to hear of your safe arrival in your home land and your new ordination as a bishop in your blessed church. I wish to respond to your advice, which from what you have said has come from Margaret herself. I, of course, respect the word of our divine being,** and wish to heed her word whenever possible. On the matter of open prayer, which you addressed first in your letter, I can see the reasoning. It is true that the voices of the believers should be carried out of this mortal sphere and rise with rapid ascension to the ears of Margaret. It is also true that our current method of worship was the one that our group was started with, and it is a method of worship that has been very effective for us. At the moment, I feel it is best to not startle the faithful population at such a stressful time in our lives, what with the team being in an elimination game. I will, therefore, not implement your suggestion for this tournament, but I will most certainly look into it for later use.

On the matter of chickens, I believe your idea is the one that we should strive for at OAM. We should allow believers to express their gratitude towards Margaret in whatever way they find appropriate. While there are significant challenges associated with taking and burning so many rubber chickens, I believe with Margaret's grace and power we can overcome these.

I am sorry to hear that you must run from the authorities in your land. We are blessed with an accepting government, and as such do not have to hide. If you require any assistance, please do not hesitate to ask. We will do our best to assist any brother of the faith, as you in Darmen have assisted our sister Nilani. Also, I hope to see you soon. The faith of Margaret is one that can overcome many things in this world, and spreading it can only be beneficial. I certainly hope to keep up communication after this tournament, as it can only be beneficial for both of us.
Farewell brother, may you prosper under Margaret's guidance.

*OOC: leaving this wording intentionally ambiguous as to what form the letter was in, seeing as Bishop Lennon seems more like a handwritten letter person, but I couldn't RP back if it wasn't an email.
**IC: OAM does not refer to Margaret as a goddess, but rather a divine spiritual being.

---

Game Recap

#5  Sicoutimont             0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 1 0  5
#12  Maklohi Vai             3 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1  6

Scoring Summary
1st: Mae'ao hit a three run home run to right to drive in Laina and Uilnai
4th: Mae'ao hit a triple to drive in Iao Laina, who had doubled.
6th: Mae'ao hit a solo shot to left that went over 450 feet.
10th: On the first pitch, Mae'ao took a curveball deep to hit a home run over the left field wall, winning the game.

Stat update:
HR: Mae'ao 27, Arnao 2, Wolo Rakinalmanai 1
RBI: Mae'ao 54, Arnao 6, Wolo Rakinalmanai 3, Aputo Roma’ai 2, Iao Laina 1, Moalna’akai Lai 1, Koilani Ruputuo 1

[Yesopalitha]

Well, that was better. Two RBI doubles by himself, Frederick with a complete game, and the Assassins had tied the series up 1-1, with the Equestrian fans cheering them on, and their whole nation behind them. They'd known that their backs were against the wall, but a clutch performance by a clutch team had done it. With Western Cuba out of the title picture (with the Taeshanis doing them in), the Assassins now have almost no reason to not go for the title once again.

Joey Derek will make the most important start of his life in Game 3 in Everfree, in the Forest Stadium. Darmen is no pushover in any sport, let alone baseball; it will be a bitter fight to the end, but the experience that the Assassins have accumulated in the recent classics should kick in and make all the difference in the world.

Anne Sullivan has been a force to be reckoned with, preserving the shutout with a nice over-the-wall catch at the bottom of the eighth inning. She might not swing the best bat, but at times, an outfield assist to home does more for a team's morale.

Of course, Everything is relative. Nothing is certain, and the scoreline remains to be written.

West Guiana awaits the winner in Stalliongrad. Will it be the Assassins aiming for another Quarterfinal berth, en route to another bid for the Championship? Or will Darmen come through with an upset?

Everything hangs on the balance. All that training. Pressure exists.

The only thing that remains is to overcome.

[Vaugania]

VauganiaSportsToday

Stayin' Alive

Baltimare Harbor Grounds, Baltimare
 #3  Milchama                1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2  5
#14  Vaugania                0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 3  6

In the 2nd game of the Round of 16, Vaugania stayed alive against Milchama with a 6-5 win.

1ST INNING

Milchama went after Felix Brauer right out of the starting gate. Leah Finter started things out with a single and got advanced to third on Red Vlorber's single. Marion HaLivni smacked a single up to middle to bring Finter home. 2 at bats later, Brauer could finally take a rest.

Vaugania 0, Milchama 2

2ND INNING

A new inning meant the same results for Milchama. Third baseman Dan Scoot homered off of Brauer to take his team up 2-0. Marty Bzibziak, aptly nicknamed Obliteratron 5300, homered in the Vauganian half of the inning to cut the deficit back down to one. That gave the Golden Eagles a bit more fight going into the later innings.

Vaugania 1, Milchama 2

7TH INNING

The first two innings proved to be flukes. Garrett El-Karabi and Felix Brauer played some really good baseball, effectively shutting down their respective opponents' hitting game. Both pitchers lost a bit of their hold during the 7th though. Milchama, maintaining their lead, pushed across a single run on 2 hits with the help of a stolen base. A few Vauganian fans felt their hearts drop into their stomachs at that point because El-Karabi was expected to continue his dominance. They reined in their emotions when Vaugania came storming back. Jaromir Braun opened up the inning with a line drive single into left field. While Asmund Skjeggestad fought off pitch after pitch, Braun managed to steal 2nd base. Skjeggestad doubled on the next pitch which pushed Braun over home plate. After getting Mathias Hummel to pop out, El-Karabi seemed to be regaining control, but Felix Brauer himself begged to differ. He knocked Skjeggestad home with a hard grounder, sacrificing himself, that tied up the game.

Vaugania 3, Milchama 3

9TH INNING

Milchama had their own resurgence when it counted. Karl Flork let loose the flood gates and tripled into deep right center. A good throw by Hummel was the only thing that held him back. After bearing strikeouts by Yossi Millar and Dan Scoot, he got home when Naomi Flentstein smashed a home run to left field. The Golden Eagles seemed to be done for, but they refused to die. Kerby Rychel started things by getting a grounder through the infield along the first base foul line. Radim Mencher followed up with a big fly ball to center field. It landed just out of Tal Artik's reach, but the centerfielder kept them on 2nd and 3rd with a fireball of a throw. Next up was Marty "Obliteratron 5300" Bzibziak. It was a ridiculous nickname, but it fit. After a 9 pitch duel with Simon Shem Tov, he hit the ball with the meat of the barrel. It flew up, up, and away for a 3 run walk off homer. The Golden Eagles stormed the field in triumph.

Final Score: Vaugania 6, Milchama 5

The winner of game 3 will go on to face #11 Taeshan. The Golden Eagles would love to go up against an opponent who was rated considerably less than Milchama and hopefully get as much of a break as you can in the WBC.

[Equestrian States]

RP Cutoff for Round of 16 (Game 3)