World Baseball Classic 26- Everything Thread (IC)

[Super-Llamaland]

Starting pitchers announced for the two vital games ahead:

GAME NINE vs. Zwangzug (4): Evan Masorka
GAME TEN vs. Allinlia (39): Leo Davis

Some believe Masorka should go against Allinlia. However, Yaft and Evans, pitching and bullpen coach, supported it, citing Davis's solid outings as grounds to play him in what could be a vital game at Allinlia. If the Llamas beat Allinlia, they will take second place due to the sweep (if Allinlia wins, which they probably will.) If Allinlia does win, they will knock out Sakurakoku. Could the Llamas steal a playoff spot?

The Game Log of Jack Aaron, 37
"With the sixty-eighth pick of the 1998 draft...the New Llama Cyclones select...first baseman Jack Aaron from Talahita University!"

So began Aaron's career. He hit .324 in three seasons at the Level-One and Level-Two minor leagues. At Level Three, he took three seasons but hit a solid .282, also switching to catcher. It was 2005, and Aaron was a hot prospect although aging at twenty-nine. He was dealt to Talahita, but then the injury bug struck:

2006: 26 Games Played (Shoulder, Elbow)
2007: 15 Games Played (Arm)
2008: 3 Games Played (Pretty Much Everything)

Suddenly, he was a 32-year-old washed up Level-Four backup catcher instead of a 29-year-old hot propsect and starter for Level Four. He retired, auditioned for bullpen catcher, and got the award. Through 2009 and 2010, 2011 and partially 2012. But then he left for the 2012 ReDraft: Selected thirteenth out of twenty-four to the Talahita Tigers. And then something happened:

4/1: Opening Day Catcher at Level Three after Jack McMahon injury. 3-5, 4 RBI, three doubles, two runs.
4/2: 2-2, 3 walks, 3 runs.
4/4: Doubleheader. 5-7, 2 walks, 4 runs, 6 RBI's, walk off 2-R HR in game two.
4/5: Jason Ari injured. Need for catcher at Level Four. Aaron (10-14, 12 RBI's) promoted.
4/17: Boosted batting average to .594 with 3-4 night in 11-2 blowout. 2 RBI's.
4/29: Ended April with 15-game-hitting streak. 2-4, Grand Slam.
4/30: Voted Player of the Month in Level Four. .608/.641/.852, 6 Homers, 21 RBI's. Played Catcher, First Base, and DH.
5/2: Began May 2-5 with walk off home run.
5/12: Hits Streak improved to 26, total line now .642/.705/.881, 10 Homers and 31 RBI's.
5/18: Promoted to Level Five after Talahita backup catcher Roger Moore out for season. Mike McNeal promoted, Aaron filling place.
5/23: Hits Streak improved to 37. Talahita Minor League Record 38 from Tyler Campbell in '03 (Levels Two and Three. Campbell finished .357 with 21 HR's, nothing like Aaron's season.)
5/24: Doubled in third to tie record. .663 with 12 HRs, 34 RBIs.
5/25: Tripled in two runs in first inning to break record. Tyler Campbell now Tigers third basemen visited and congratulated Aaron. .668 with 36 RBI's now.

And then, later that night, a LlamaTwitter Rumor spreading like wildfire:
@#RosenTigerGM:

Traded Mike McNeal. It's official now. Received Minor League Pitcher Jeffrey Skragg from Nikcoro (5-4, 4.23 ERA at level five). Maybe calling up Aaron.

[Maklohi Vai]

OOC: It's 1:30 am and I was studying for my chemistry final the entire day, so it might be bad, I don't know. Hopefully I did it justice.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5

Kumalo had left Bishop Lennon at the hospital, now 5 days after the heart attack. The man seemed to be getting better. His complexion was no longer pallid, and he had some color in his cheeks. He had even been able to write a letter, but he didn't let Kumalo see the contents. Kumalo felt like this may not be the Bishop's last trip aft----

*ring ring*
"Hello?"

"Hello, are you Kumalo, the friend of the Bishop?"

"Yes, I am, who is this?"

"Doctor Lokunopoturakanai, his night care. You should come immediately. He has taken a turn."

"Is he going to die?"

"We still don't know. We can fill you in when you get here."
*click*

Kumalo hustled together his supplies and rushed out the door. 10 minutes later, he was at the hospital and rushing upstairs. The doctor he had spoken to on the phone saw him and waved.

"Ok, he woke up with some new palpitations and he also had a stroke."

"WHAT?"

"He had a stroke. I'll be honest, it was very severe. The odds are not looking good."

"Can I see him?"

"Yes, yes. We're still tending to him, of course, but he's stabilized."

Kumalo could feel his heart racing. This was the moment he had dreaded for a long time. He had always been afraid he wouldn't come up with the right thing to say to the man, and that there would be awkwardness. Too late now, he was coming into the room.

"Kumalo, come quick. My time is now."

"Bishop, you are going to g---"

"No, no, no. I know when I'm done. I'm done. I need you to do three things."

"Of course, Bishop."

"1. Make sure that Father Dylan got my letter and he obeys its provisions. That is crucial to the church."

"Of course."

"2. Pray for me, even if you are not a full believer. Margaret will listen. That is crucial for me."

"As you wish, Bishop."

"3. Face..." He trailed off. The machine beeped on his bedside.

"Bishop, I'm here."

"Kumalo, these are the last words of a dying man. You must obey them."

"Yes, Bishop, tell me. I will do it."

"Face your enemies, for no man can be great until his fears have been confronted."

"Bishop, does thi-------" *BEEEEEEP*

He slumped over. Kumalo looked in disbelief. He was stuck in a statue, kneeling at the bed, staring into the Bishop's face. He didn't know how long he was there. It was an eternity. The moment he knew was going to happen, the feeling he knew was going to feel. Yet, it was all real now. The Bishop was gone.

"Kumalo, you have to leave now. We're taking him out."

"One second. Margaret, I pray to you today for my friend Robert Lennon, hallowed be his name. He was a man of courage and strength, a man of dignity and of faith. But most of all, to me, he was a friend. I can offer no greater praise, dear Margaret. Please, if you can, aid him in his current form."

Kumalo took one last look as he walked out of the room. The end of one era begat another.

---

OOC: I know a lot of this Mae'ao stuff seems like godmodding, but it's not. All of these scenarios can actually happen, and fit in with my lineup in order.

Maklohi Vai                0 1 3 3 0 1 1 0 2 11
Vaugania                   0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0  2

Scoring Summary:
2nd: Mae'ao hit a solo home run to right to lead off the inning.
3rd: Mae'ao hit a home run to drive in Ri’ino Uilnai and Iao Laina, each of whom had singled after Aputo Roma'ai lined out to lead off the inning.
4th: Mae'ao hit yet another home run, this time driving in Iao Laina, who had walked, and Aputo Roma'ai, who had doubled.
6th: Mae’ao hit a double to drive in Iao Laina with two outs.
7th: Arnao hit a solo shot to left to lead off the inning.
9th: Mae’ao led off with a triple to right. Koilani Ruputuo then followed up with a single, driving him in. Arnao then hit a triple, driving Ruputuo in.

Stat Update:
HR: Mae'ao 15, Wolo Rakinalmanai 2, Arnao 2, Iao Laina 1
RBI: Mae'ao 39, Arnao 5, Wolo Rakinalmanai 4, Moalna’akai Lai 2, Koilani Ruputuo 2, Iao Laina 1, Ri’ino Uilnai 1, Rimai Lomukiwo 1

[Saintland]

Saintland overcomes off day by Fundanus, defeats Slembana 10 to 7 with 7-run 6th inning

(SP) The Kingdom of Saintland improved to 5-3 today in the World Baseball Classic with a 10 to 7 victory against Slembana. Although the Sanctii fell behind 6 to 2 after 4 innings, a big inning in the top of the 6th made the difference and ensured a non-losing record for the National Baseball Team. Whether or not they achieve the goal King Paulus XV set of qualifying for the playoffs, they have had a successful sophomore campaign in the WBC. "Andreas [Fundanus] didn't quite pitch as I hoped he would today, but that didn't matter. Even when we fell behind, I knew we would get a big inning eventually. During the break between the 5th and 6th innings, I told my team to be ready when God gave us a chance to get back into the game. We were ready. We now need to win 2 more games to get a trip to Cassadaigua, where we can promote the Word of God to the heathens." - Petrus Tragus

Indeed, Cassadaigua seems poised to be hostile territory for the Sanctii. Apparently, an English-subtitled version of a Sister Polus's Thoughts video went viral in Cassadaigua prior to Game 2 of the International Basketball Championship. In that video, the High Inquisitor at Progress High School discussed the current situation in Cassadaigua, where the country is brutally oppressing men. The Saintland Press can confirm that the English translation of that video was accurate. We are certain that we have a readership in Cassadaigua, so we may need to inform you that Sister Polus was expressing her personal opinions. She was not speaking in her capacity as a teacher or her capacity as a nun. She was not authorized to speak on behalf of the King's Government. Sister Polus has served our Kingdom in recent months by helping to turn some disrespectful foreign punks into morally upstanding youth, although the job is not yet done.

It seems that the basketball fans from Cassadaigua have taken to throwing apples at fans and players of opposing teams. They not only pelted Sanctii players with apples, but also players from Qazox. This disgusting tactic has enabled their National Team to pick up victories in the International Basketball Championship. The Queen of Cassadaigua has openly expressed support for the terrorist organization Feministvs Sanctvsterra. We consider it very likely that they will pull the same stunt again if the National Baseball Team makes the playoffs. It is rather unfortunate that our Great and Wise King Paulus XV cannot deal with them in the same manner in which he dealt with Arc's soccer-playing snakes at the Swamp Soccer World Cup. Regardless, His Majesty would certainly love nothing more than to win the World Baseball Classic in Cassadaigua. Those women, who would be card-carrying Feministvs Sanctvsterra members, would be furious, but more than anybody else they need to find out that men are superior athletes and that sports are no place for a lady. They need to find out that God is real, that they are going to Infernus if they don't repent and that the Church of Saintland is the True Church of Iesus Christus.

Of course, there was a baseball game today. Andreas Fundanus got the start for the Sanctii. He conceded no hits in the first 2 innings. After a 1-2-3 first inning for Slembana, Lucius Maccius led off in the top of the 2nd. Maccius decided to swing at the first pitch, a split-fingered fastball. Maccius sent it off the wall in center for a double. Matthaeus Bebius hit a ball off the right field wall and into foul territory. Maccius came in to score, as Bebius easily ended up at third base with a triple. However, Bebius went for the inside-the-park homer and got thrown out at the plate. The Sanctii did not threaten to score again in the second and ended up leading 1 to nothing.

In the top of the 3rd, Marcus Vagnius struck out and Marcus Tragus grounded out to the shortstop to start the inning. Petrus Tragus was up 3rd. He worked the count to 2-2 and hit a 2-2 changeup into shallow left field, where it dropped and rolled into foul territory. Tragus used his speed to get to second before the left fielder could get to the ball and throw it back to the infield. Ioannes Sentius hit a line drive into right field, enabling Tragus to score from second on a single. Saintland led 2 to nothing. Paulus Sittius made good contact and would have beaten out the throw from the center fielder if he was in shape, but instead he became the 3rd out of the inning. "I used to get hits on those kinds of balls. When this WBC is over, I think I need a weight loss program because my weight is jeopardizing my playing ability and that jeopardizes our ability to win ballgames. After failing to beat that ball out in the 3rd inning, I realized that my weight cost me my speed and I want to lose weight and get it back." - Paulus Sittius

In the bottom of the 3rd, Andreas Fundanus got into trouble. After getting 2 outs, he hit their 9th hitter in the order. Then, their leadoff man drew a walk after he fouled off a few pitches with 2 strikes. The #2 hitter decided to swing at the first pitch he saw and Fundanus had thrown a fastball on that pitch. He connected and it was hit deep to center field. Petrus Tragus chased after it and even climbed the center field fence to try to get to it, but the ball was out of the reach of the Sanctii center fielder, landing in the seats for a 3-run homer. Suddenly, the Kingdom of Saintland trailed by a run.

Things got worse in the 4th when Slembana led off with back-to-back home runs. Petrus Tragus wasted some time talking to Fundanus, allowing Marcus Laelius to get loose in the bullpen. Laelius got the first batter he faced to fly out at the warning track and the second to ground out to Marcus Tragus. However, he did concede a home run before striking somebody out to end the bottom of the 4th inning. Slembana now led 6 to 2.

Petrus Iulus struck out to start the top of the 5th. Marcus Vagnius was up next. The Sanctii catcher took ball 1 and then decided to swing at a curveball that appeared to be barely in the strike zone. Vagnius swinged the bat as hard as he could. Immediately, he knew it was gone and went on a home run trot around the bases. The Kingdom of Saintland was down just 3 runs now. Although both Tragus brothers got on base, Ioannes Sentius grounded into a double play to end the inning.

Marcus Laelius got 3 quick outs in the bottom of the 5th. Going into the top of the 6th, Petrus Tragus had already decided to pull the starter turned long reliever so he would be available to pitch the Scandigrad game. Tragus confirmed to the SP that he still isn't sure who is pitching against Scandigrad. Paulus Sittius led off the top of the 6th by hitting a ball off of the left field fence for a single. Lucius Maccius was up next. He singled to right field. Sittius moved to second. Matthaeus Bebius drew a walk to load the bases. "Iron" Lucas Maianius was up next. He popped up a 2-1 pitch to left field. Both the shortstop and left fielder ran past the ball and watched it drop. Sittius came around and score. Maccius held up at 3rd, so the bases were still loaded, with the Sanctii down 6 to 4 at this point. Petrus Iulus came up after Slembana changed their pitcher. He took a swing at the first pitch from the new pitcher and sent it into the gap in right-center field. Maccius scored easily. Matthaeus Bebius came around to score. Maianius decided to try for a run while Iulus made his way to third. When the throw made it to the cutoff man, he decided to go for home. The catcher caught it and blocked the plate. Maianius ran him over and the ball fell out. Maianius was called safe by the umpire to put the Sanctii up 7 to 6. The catcher for Slembana did not get up.

Just as Slembana failed to provide a roster, they also failed to have trained medical staff on hand at the stadium. They had to wait for EMTs to arrive from a local hospital. The game was delayed and Iulus was stranded momentarily on 3rd base. Finally, the EMTs arrived and stretchered their catcher out of the park and to the local hospital. The Sanctii were eager to resume play.

Play resumed after the catcher for Slembana was out of the park. Slembana put a new player in at catcher as Marcus Vagnius came out to hit for the Sanctii. Vagnius struck out for the first out of the inning. Marcus Tragus would draw a walk, a rarity for the Sanctii #9 hitter. Petrus Tragus was up next. He hit the ball barely fair in deep right field. It rolled foul and just kept rolling. Iulus scored easily. Marcus Tragus ran as fast as he could and was soon rounding 3rd. He made it easily. Petrus Tragus saw that he had a triple, but that wasn't enough for the Sanctii captain. He turned for home as the ball was coming in. The throw would be wild, going over the head of their backup catcher, who appeared to be scared for his own safety and unwilling to risk a collision at the plate, and Tragus scored. He cared little whether the play was a triple and an error or an inside-the-park home run. As far as he was concerned, he had homered. The Sanctii led 10 to 6 and they weren't done. After another pitching change, Ioannes Sentius drew a walk. Paulus Sittius singled, allowing Sentius to advance to third. Lucius Maccius drew a walk to load the bases. Matthaeus Bebius would ground into a double play to end the inning, but the damage was already done.

Alessandro Arius shut down Slembana for 2 innings. The knuckler was moving correctly on this day. Tragus went to Petrus Nonius in the bottom of the 8th. Nonius conceded a run, but the score was still 10 to 7 after he got out of the inning. The "Wild One" Josephus Oppius came on in the 9th inning in a save situation. Today, he wasn't all that wild. He struck out the side and the Kingdom of Saintland had a 10 to 7 victory. The Sanctii were 5-3 in the World Baseball Classic with 2 games still to go.

Elsewhere, Lycrabon defeated Taeshan 3 to 2 and Scandigrad won a meaningless game in the 10th inning. Both were come from behind victories as well. As a result, Lycrabon now leads Group 10 with 6 victories while the Sanctii are tied for 2nd with Taeshan at 5 wins and 3 defeats. All 3 of the leaders split their head-to-head games, which means that any ties will be broken by point differential. The Sanctii are currently +12 in that. Lycrabon is just +3 while Taeshan is +8. Tomorrow is the final Sanctii home game of World Baseball Classic 26, as the National Baseball Team hosts Komodo Dragon at Royal Park. A victory against Komodo Dragon and a victory against Scandigrad will all but ensure that the Kingdom of Saintland will be participating in the playoffs, although the Sanctii would still like to win both games by a large margin to increase their chances of a bye in the first round. Although tomorrow's game is on Royal One, King Paulus XV has requested that Royal One black out the game if Royal Park is not sold out by game time. If the game is blacked out, it will not be uploaded to Sanctustube until after the Scandigrad game on the final day. Be sure to buy a ticket and fill up Royal Park so the entire Kingdom can watch live as the Sanctii face Komodo Dragon. Komodo Dragon, Scandigrad and Slembana will be looking to pull out upsets. Whoever can survive both of their remaining games will be all but assured of a playoff spot and a trip to Cassadaigua. Maybe we should be careful what we wish for...

Hopefully, my RP should be in earlier tomorrow. I forgot that Free Republics hadn't RPed the one day and I haven't had time to RP for 2 nations over this past weekend. I've been RPing so late in the day that I fall asleep while RPing. I don't know whether I'll RP again with Free Republics because I don't know if I'll be entering a puppet in future WBCs unless necessary to make the numbers work.

[Sangti]

CENTRADO EN EL BEISBOL (logo soon)

So what do we have in stall in Group 2? Three teams will know that they will go home and three are still in running for AT LEAST two spots in the playoffs. The team that ranks third cannot be sure though, they must perform well to be one of the best third placers in the qualifiers. So its decided who will go home. Now, the questions. Which team will go to Cassadaigua? Will THREE teams go to Cassadaigua?

The answer lies on the all-important game between the Warriors and the Indios. But let''s not forget the Greenblues.

MILCHAMA WARRIORS
Rank - 1
Standing - 1st in Group 2
Current Record - 7W 1L (+25 RD)
Run-in
H vs Sangti (UR)
A vs German-Spanish Empire (UR)

Milchama overpowered their opponents with ease, until that defeat against Ko-oren. The current world leaders in NS Baseball has the easiest of run-ins - two unranked teams. But one of them might be disguising as an unranked team - Sangti. The last time the two sides met at the Estadio Beisbol, it was a two-run win by the Warriors. Their only loss came to Ko-oren and is very in form. If the Warriors win, Milchama and Ko-oren will be locked in the top two and Sangti has to win the last game. Currently among third placed teams, the Indios lie in fifth, one spot below the Magic 24. If they lose to Milchama, a win will be a must.

KO-OREN GREENBLUES
Rank - 17
Standing - 2nd in Group 2
Current Record - 6W 2L (+12 RD)
Run-in
A vs Royal Kingdom of Quebec (58)
H vs Cyborg Holland (27)

The only team to inflict a defeat to the Mighty Warriors. The world number 17 had a winning run that includes beating the team who beat them at MD1, stellar offense and a tight defense, until they met Sangti at their Sraltlur State Baseball Arena. The score, 9-1. This however kept the Greenblues unfazed by beating GSE. Ko-oren would look to avoid drama and earn a ticket to Cassadaigua by winning their game and Milchama beating Sangti. However a GSE win will allow Sangti to live for another matchday, win or lose.

SANGTI INDIOS
Rank - UR
Standing - 3rd in Group 2
Current Record - 5W 3L (+7 RD)
Run-in
A vs Milchama (1)
H vs Royal Kingdom of Quebec (58)

The fairy tale run of this unranked team continued after beating Cyborg Holland 6-2. They had a rough start of their campaign - after a narrow win to GSE, they came back down to earth with a spanking from Ko-oren. After a narrow loss against Milchama and a 11-inning loss to RKQ, all hope seemed to lost. But this team would never back down. After a walk-off grand slam against GSE, they demolished Ko-oren, 9-1. Of the three teams, this is the team that is most in-form in the last three games. However, if Sangti loses versus Milchama, their ticket to Cassadaigua will depend on other groups. Currently Sangti is fifth, and with a loss, will have to win against RKQ or forget going to Cassadaigua.

The other three teams(CH, RKQ, GSE) can provide spoilers for the top three, but one thing is certain. Sangti's match against Milchama is crucial, not only to the two of them but to the upper echelon of Group 2.

[Cassadaigua]

"What's it time for?"

"RP Cutoff!"

Group 1
Kriegiersien                  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2  2
The Sova Empire               2 3 0 5 6 0 3 3 X 22

Yesopalitha                   0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  1
Michael VII                   0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 X  2

Thrilledge                    0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0  4
Schmiegelland                 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 X  6


  Group 1                      Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 The Sova Empire                9    6   3    65   33  +32    18
2 Michael VII                    9    6   3    36   27   +9    18
3 Thrilledge                     9    5   4    39   29  +10    15
4 Kriegiersien                   9    4   5    24   65  −41    12
5 Yesopalitha                    9    3   6    28   29   −1     9
6 Schmiegelland                  9    3   6    34   43   −9     9
                            

Group 2
Ko-oren                       0 1 1 2 0 0 2 2 0  8
The Royal Kingdom of Quebec   0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0

German-Spanish Empire         0 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 0  5
Cyborg Holland                0 0 0 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 1  6

Sangti                        0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0  2
Milchama                      0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 X  3


  Group 2                      Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Milchama                       9    8   1    58   32  +26    24  Q
2 Ko-oren                        9    7   2    56   36  +20    21  Q
3 Sangti                         9    5   4    48   42   +6    15
4 Cyborg Holland                 9    3   6    37   53  −16     9
5 German-Spanish Empire          9    2   7    37   54  −17     6
6 The Royal Kingdom of Quebec    9    2   7    35   54  −19     6

Group 3
Strawbee                   0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 2  5
Karditan                   0 2 0 1 0 1 3 0 X  7

Equestrian States          1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0  4
The Republic of Lanos      1 0 0 0 0 2 1 3 X  7

Skeckoa                    0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0  1
Free Republics             2 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 X  5


  Group 3                   Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Karditan                    9    7   2    50   26  +24    21
2 Equestrian States           9    6   3    39   28  +11    18
3 Strawbee                    9    6   3    46   43   +3    18
4 The Republic of Lanos       9    3   6    32   38   −6     9
5 Free Republics              9    3   6    37   46   −9     9
6 Skeckoa                     9    2   7    23   46  −23     6

Group 4
TWS of the Mediterranean   1 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0  4
Maklohi Vai                0 0 0 1 0 1 5 0 X  7

Shadowbourne               0 0 0 1 0 5 0 0 0 0 1  7
The Serbian Empire         0 1 0 0 2 2 0 1 0 0 0  6

Beldonia                   0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 3  5
Vaugania                   1 2 3 0 1 0 0 0 X  7


  Group 4                   Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Maklohi Vai                 9    7   2    63   38  +25    21  Q
2 The Serbian Empire          9    5   4    41   34   +7    15
3 Beldonia                    9    5   4    43   44   −1    15
4 Shadowbourne                9    4   5    42   41   +1    12
5 Vaugania                    9    4   5    43   53  −10    12
6 TWS of the Mediterranean    9    2   7    38   60  −22     6

Group 5
Free Swiss States      0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Backyard Sports        0 0 0 0 4 1 0 0 X  5

New Bierstaat          0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2  4
Sicoutimont            0 1 1 1 2 0 3 0 X  8

Saugeais               0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 3  6
Estope                 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0  3


  Group 5               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Saugeais                9    7   2    58   28  +30    21  Q
2 Sicoutimont             9    7   2    67   41  +26    21  Q
3 Backyard Sports         9    5   4    32   28   +4    15
4 New Bierstaat           9    3   6    33   47  −14     9
5 Estope                  9    3   6    26   50  −24     9
6 Free Swiss States       9    2   7    30   52  −22     6

Group 6
Mapletish              2 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 3  9
Kinzar                 0 0 2 0 0 1 2 0 0  5

The Fair Republic      3 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 0  7
Bloodbath Generation   0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 1  4

Thatius                1 0 1 0 1 1 3 0 0  7
Darmen                 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0


  Group 6               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Thatius                 9    6   3    42   26  +16    18
2 Kinzar                  9    6   3    44   30  +14    18
3 Darmen                  9    5   4    42   40   +2    15
4 Bloodbath Generation    9    4   5    41   48   −7    12
5 The Fair Republic       9    4   5    28   38  −10    12
6 Mapletish               9    2   7    32   47  −15     6

Group 7
Western Cuba                    0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
The Priory of St Luc            0 0 4 0 0 3 0 0 X  7

New Montreal States             2 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0  6
Cowardly Pacifists              1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2  3

The Jahistic Unified Republic   0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0  3
Qazox                           0 1 0 0 0 0 4 0 X  5


  Group 7                        Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 New Montreal States              9    7   2    51   37  +14    21  Q
2 Western Cuba                     9    5   4    58   50   +8    15
3 Qazox                            9    5   4    42   36   +6    15
4 Cowardly Pacifists               9    5   4    46   46    0    15
5 The Priory of St Luc             9    4   5    40   38   +2    12
6 The Jahistic Unified Republic    9    1   8    32   62  −30     3

Group 8
Free South Califas              2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1  5
Ethington                       0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0  1

Aardenland                      0 0 2 1 2 0 1 0 1  7
Byfugland                       0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 2  5

Powersith                       0 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0  3
Cassadaigua                     7 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 X 11


  Group 8                        Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Free South Califas               9    5   4    47   33  +14    15
2 Byfugland                        9    5   4    38   34   +4    15
3 Cassadaigua                      9    5   4    36   37   −1    15
4 Ethington                        9    4   5    41   31  +10    12
5 Aardenland                       9    4   5    32   43  −11    12
6 Powersith                        9    4   5    31   47  −16    12

Group 9
Carasatoga             0 2 2 0 4 0 0 2 1 11
Soviet Party           0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0  1

Allinlia               0 2 1 0 0 0 2 1 1  7
Sakurakoku             0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 1  4

Zwangzug               0 0 1 0 1 0 4 2 0  8
Super-Llamaland        1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0  2


  Group 9               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Zwangzug                9    7   2    54   23  +31    21  Q
2 Allinlia                9    6   3    50   32  +18    18
3 Super-Llamaland         9    5   4    44   50   −6    15
4 Sakurakoku              9    4   5    42   48   −6    12
5 Carasatoga              9    3   6    36   41   −5     9
6 Soviet Party            9    2   7    14   46  −32     6

Group 10
Scandigrad             0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Lycrabon               1 0 2 0 2 1 0 0 X  6

Komodo Dragon          0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0  1
Saintland              0 3 2 3 2 0 0 0 X 10

Slembana               0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1
Taeshan                1 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 X  5


  Group 10              Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Lycrabon                9    7   2    38   29   +9    21
2 Saintland               9    6   3    49   28  +21    18
3 Taeshan                 9    6   3    37   25  +12    18
4 Slembana                9    3   6    32   42  −10     9
5 Scandigrad              9    3   6    31   45  −14     9
6 Komodo Dragon           9    2   7    25   43  −18     6

Challenge: (In no way does this need to be followed. The purpose is to provide inspiration for RP when it could not otherwise be found).

Historical Challenge: Reference a past World Baseball Classic that I pre-determine. Today, World Baseball Classic 7

2nd Edit: Forgot to add the Challenge.

[Allinlia]

Preparing for the Final Stretch
Allinlia on verge of securing 2nd place, excitement building

Soviet Party           0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0  1
Super-Llamaland        3 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 X  5

Sakurakoku             0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1  2
Zwangzug               0 0 2 0 2 3 1 0 X  8

Carasatoga             0 0 3 0 0 0 1 0 0  4
Allinlia               0 1 0 0 4 0 1 0 X  6

Group 9               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Zwangzug                8    6   2    46   21  +25    18
2 Allinlia                8    5   3    43   28  +15    15
3 Super-Llamaland         8    5   3    42   42    0    15
4 Sakurakoku              8    4   4    38   41   −3    12
5 Carasatoga              8    2   6    25   40  −15     6
6 Soviet Party            8    2   6    13   35  −22     6

reporting from Fonzona, Allinlia

There is a but if a stir in Allinlia's bars, offices, and homes. A steady growing excitement. With 2 games remaining in the WBC group stage Allinlia continues to remain in second place despite the now apparent extreme competitiveness of group 9. Allinlia's massive lead in run differential is now looking like the major advantage we predicted it could be as teams like Sakurakoku realize that they not only need us to lose, but lose hard to be overtaken when the dust settles after match day 10

With 2 games remaining Allinlia is in good, but far from certain position to secure our first ever trip to the playoffs. Our cause was helped a bit by being able to even up our series with Carasatoga

Jerry Bowler took the mound once again to make the second start of his WBC career. No one would score in the first inning but in the second inning Nick Fasano would hit a home run to give Allinlia the lead. 1-0

Carasatoga would get the long ball working as well in the third inning to the tune of a 3-run homer to put themselves ahead 3-1

Bowler would recover in the 4th and Allinlia's hitters would break through again against the Carasatoga starter with a big 4 run 5th inning inning to take the lead. Conan Marteen got 2 RBIs off a double and Fasano hit an RBI single to bring it to 5-3 and send the visiting team's starter out of the game

no runs in the 6th. In the 7th Carasatoga would bring it to 5-4 but Allinlia would answer back with an RBI from Joey Bezzio Jr. The bullpen would close the game out strong and Allinlia walks away with a 6-4 win bringing them to 5-3 and 2nd place in the group on run differential

We travel to Sakurakoku tomarrow, we are favored to win this matchup but it will not be easy as the home team will be likely to throw everything they have at us due to a loss in all likelihood spelling their elimination from the tournament.

Player of the Match: Nick Fasano 4 hits, 1 Home Run, 2 RBI

--RBI Tracker--
Aiden Stairs 3HR 7RBI
Paul Majuwitz 2HR 8RBI
Conan Marteen 2HR 8RBI
Nick Fasano 1HR 6RBI
Andy Capps 0HR 4RBI
Devin Kearns 0HR 4RBI
Ferris Silver 0HR 2RBI
Joey Bezzio Jr. 0HR 2RBI
Toby Abbot 0HR 1 RBI

ooc: not again...

[Ko-oren]

In!

As one of only 7 teams, Ko-oren secured a spot in the WBC. Where Milchama beat Sangti in a low scoring match that had its last run in the fifth inning, Ko-oren went on to win against RKQ with style. The second shutout the Ko-orenite pitchers achieved during this cycle was exactly the win that the Greenblues needed to be sure of the WBC. Eight runs in total were scored too, which makes this one of the best wins by the National Team. We of course had the 12-3 win over Sangti earlier, which was a 9 run difference, but the fact that this match was a shutout makes this one so much better. Now the team can concentrate on which teams it might face during the main tournament in Cassadaigua, and as said the preparations can begin for seven teams already. Two of these are runners-up in groups that are completely decided. As far as the top two goes, because there are some third placed teams that will make it to the WBC too. Sangti could very well be one of these.

As for the standings among second placed teams: The Greenblues are the second best runner-up of the entire group of teams. Sicoutimont is the only better team on run difference. Coincidentally, that is the only other runner-up that is sure of the WBC.

2 Sicoutimont             9    7   2    67   41  +26    21
2 Ko-oren                 9    7   2    56   36  +20    21
2 Saintland               9    6   3    49   28  +21    18
2 Allinlia                9    6   3    50   32  +18    18
2 Kinzar                  9    6   3    44   30  +14    18
2 Equestrian States       9    6   3    39   28  +11    18
2 Michael VII             9    6   3    36   27   +9    18
2 Western Cuba            9    5   4    58   50   +8    15
2 The Serbian Empire      9    5   4    41   34   +7    15
2 Byfugland               9    5   4    38   34   +4    15

On run difference, Sicoutimont and Saintland rank above Ko-oren. Saintland ranks this high mainly because of their defense: their offense is not bad, but the fact that they also did not concede more than 28 runs yet, makes their team really strong. A 6-3 record is the record that most teams are on right now, with just two 7-2 teams and three 5-4 teams. With the 7-2 record, Sicoutimont and to a lesser extent Ko-oren can measure themselves with some group winning teams.

The last game in the qualification is against Cyborg Holland. The previous game between the two teams ended on 5-0 which was the other shutout by the Greenblue pitchers. Could they match that achievement again?

[Schmiegelland]

Smileys Crash Out Of Disastrous Tournament, Look to A New Start

Report by Aalmen Iskandrii
-Sjandle, Schmiegelland

The Schmiegelland National Baseball team has done miserably, falling to a 3-6 record with a game to go. The group is almost closed, with only 3 teams in the playoff hunt. Schmiegelland have only 1 game remaining, and that is against fellow bottom-scrapers, Yesopalitha. The SBA has formed a domestic league to help the remaining undernourished baseball talent of our country. This may be one of the steps towards success. Many people have not been pleased with the way results have been going for the Smileys, and call for a revamp of the team. One fan said,"These players have failed us time and time again. It is time to start over with a brand-new squad, one that will bring us sporting glory." Many people have agreed with that sentiment here, and the fans leave almost every game dejected. Now is the time to start new, brand new, and with a clean slate. I am Aalmen Iskandrii, and that is all for now. Goodbye.

[Sakurakoku]

Allinlia               0 2 1 0 0 0 2 1 1  7 14 0
Sakurakoku             0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 1  4 12 1

Scoring Summary

Top 2nd: Silver doubled to left-center. Fasano singled to right, Silver to third. Kearns sacrifice flied out to center, Silver scored. Abbott grounded into fielder's choice, third baseman Kaneko to second baseman Uemura to first baseman Horie, Fasano out at second, Abbott safe at first. On passed ball, Abbott to second. Bezzio, Jr. doubled to right, Abbott scored. Capps walked. Stairs struck out swinging. Allinlia, 2-0.

Top 3rd: Marteen lined out to second. Majuwitz homered to left-center. Silver singled to left. Fasano reached on error by first baseman Horie, Silver to second. Kearns grounded into double play, second baseman Uemura to shortstop Dojima to first baseman Horie, Fasano out at second, Kearns out at first. Allinlia, 3-0.

Bottom 6th: Kimihara doubled to left. Dojima grounded out to first, Kimihara to third. Suzuki singled to right, Kimihara scored. Suzuki stole second. Uemura lined out to first, Suzuki scored on throwing error by first baseman Silver. Katou popped out to shortstop. Allinlia, 3-2.

Top 7th: Majuwitz walked. Silver homered to center, Majuwitz scored. Fasano struck out swinging. Kearns doubled to left-center. Junji pitching. Abbott grounded out to shortstop. Bezzio, Jr. grounded out to second. Allinlia, 5-2.

Bottom 7th: Horie singled to right. Yasuzumi lined out to first, Horie safe at first. Yamagishi doubled to right, Horie to third. Kaneko sacrifice flied out to left, Horie scored. Kimihara walked. Dojima struck out looking. Allinlia, 5-3.

Top 8th: Capps struck out swinging. Stairs homered to right-center. Marteen flied out to center. Majuwitz walked. Silver grounded out to second. Allinlia, 6-3.

Top 9th: Fasano lined out to third. Kearns hit by pitch. Abbott grounded out to pitcher, Kearns to second. Bezzio, Jr. singled to right, Kearns scored. Capps fouled out to catcher. Allinlina, 7-3.

Bottom 9th: Horie singled to left. Yasuzumi singled to right, Horie to third. Yamagishi grounded into doubled play, second baseman Kearns to shortstop Capps to first baseman Silver, Yasuzumi out at second, Yamagishi out at first, Horie scored. Kaneko struck out looking. Allinlia, 7-4.

[The Serbian Empire]

The Serbian Empire is positioned in 2nd and nearly destined for a playoff spot with only a Shadowbourne win and Serbian Empire loss resulting in elimination tomorrow. Even though the Serbian Empire is actually one of the weakest teams in the second slot and destined for another 19th seed which puts powerful teams safely locked in as the opponent, there is only one way to elimination and it's extremely unlikely as the opponent might have to be made different as to prevent a repeat matchup that has occurred no fewer than three times against Shadowbourne. The 7-6 loss to Shadowbourne went into extra innings and was a nail biter with no fewer than 32 strikeouts between the two teams and an outburst of home runs with 4 long balls leaving the park.

[The Fair Republic]

Toucans in 5th Place, Hope Fading

The Toucans won 7-4 today but are still stuck in 5th place. Now with only 6 points behind the leaders can the Toucans make a miracle run for the group stage?

[Lycrabon]

Benson goes back to the future, Bay to pitch for group title

ST. CATHERINE - Tom Benson went back to the future, throwing a no-hitter with fourteen strikeouts, and the Blue Jays pounded out sixteen hits as Lycrabon shut out Scandigrad 6-0 in the home finale for group play. Paul Bray will pitch tomorrow against Slembana, with a win clinching the group title and a loss opening up possibililties from winning the group to being out of the postseason altogether. Mark Bray hit a two-run blast into the river to start the scoring in the third for the Jays.

[Sangti]

DELIGERO: 'BEST LOSS IS A LOSS WE CAN HOPE FOR'

By Rafael Sigua

Sangti 2-3 Milchama
Group 2, World Baseball Classic
Reporting from Milchama

Milchama and Ko-oren have booked their tickets to Cassadaigua. Sangti meanwhile will wait for MD 10 and results to go their way to book theirs.

This was after the Warriors defeated the Indios by one run in group 2 play at Milchama.

Sangti                        0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0  2
Milchama                      0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 X  3


  Group 2                      Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Milchama                       9    8   1    58   32  +26    24  Q
2 Ko-oren                        9    7   2    56   36  +20    21  Q
3 Sangti                         9    5   4    48   42   +6    15
4 Cyborg Holland                 9    3   6    37   53  −16     9
5 German-Spanish Empire          9    2   7    37   54  −17     6
6 The Royal Kingdom of Quebec    9    2   7    35   54  −19     6

The scoring came only in the fourth and fifth innings. Milchama and Ko-oren advanced as Sangti cannot overtake them and thus also secured third, therefore becoming a bubble team as only four third placers can go through. And if that playoffs started today, here is the standings.

3rd Placers	      Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts
3 Taeshan (G10)		9    6   3    37   25  +12    18
3 Strawbee (G3)		9    6   3    46   43   +3    18
3 Thrilledge (G1)	9    5   4    39   29  +10    15
3 Sangti (G2)		9    5   4    48   42   +6    15
3 Qazox (G7)		9    5   4    42   36   +6    15
3 Backyard Sports (G5)	9    5   4    32   28   +4    15
3 Darmen (G6)		9    5   4    42   40   +2    15
3 Beldonia (G4)		9    5   4    43   44   −1    15
3 Cassadaigua (G8)	9    5   4    36   37   −1    15
3 Super-Llamaland (G9)	9    5   4    44   50   −6    15

For Sangti to be in the playoffs or even have a fight for a spot at the playoffs, they must beat RKQ AND hope that the Group 8 results favors the Indios. The one run loss helped Sangti for their cause, but would love to win instead.

This is Sangti. WIn or Go Home.

[Saintland]

Rank Team (Group)                       PLD   W   L    RS   RA   RD    PT  Q?  MD10 Opponent
 1 1 Milchama (2)                        9    8   1    58   32  +26    24  Q   German-Spanish Empire
 2 1 Zwangzug (9)                        9    7   2    54   23  +31    21  Q   Soviet Party
 3 1 Saugeais (5)                        9    7   2    58   28  +30    21  Q   Backyard Sports
 4 2 Sicoutimont (5)                     9    7   2    67   41  +26    21  Q   Free Swiss States
 5 1 Maklohi Vai (4)                     9    7   2    63   38  +25    21  Q   Shadowbourne
 6 1 Karditan (3)                        9    7   2    50   26  +24    21      Skeckoa
 7 2 Ko-oren (2)                         9    7   2    56   36  +20    21  Q   Cyborg Holland
 8 1 New Montreal States (7)             9    7   2    51   37  +14    21  Q   Qazox
 9 1 Lycrabon (10)                       9    7   2    38   29   +9    21      Slembana
10 1 The Sova Empire (1)                 9    6   3    65   33  +32    18      Thrilledge
11 2 Saintland (10)                      9    6   3    49   28  +21    18      Scandigrad
12 2 Allinlia (9)                        9    6   3    50   32  +18    18      Super-Llamaland
13 1 Thatius (6)                         9    6   3    42   26  +16    18      Kinzar
14 2 Kinzar (6)                          9    6   3    44   30  +14    18      Thatius
15 3 Taeshan (10)                        9    6   3    37   25  +12    18      Komodo Dragon
16 2 Equestrian States (3)               9    6   3    39   28  +11    18      Free Republics
17 2 Michael VII (1)                     9    6   3    36   27   +9    18      Kriegiersien
18 3 Strawbee (3)                        9    6   3    46   43   +3    18      The Republic of Lanos
19 1 Free South Califas (8)              9    5   4    47   33  +14    15      Byfugland
20 3 Thrilledge (1)                      9    5   4    39   29  +10    15      The Sova Empire
21 2 Western Cuba (7)                    9    5   4    58   50   +8    15      Cowardly Pacifists
22 2 The Serbian Empire (4)              9    5   4    41   34   +7    15      TWS of the Mediterranean
23 3 Sangti (2)                          9    5   4    48   42   +6    15      The Royal Kingdom of Quebec
24 3 Qazox (7)                           9    5   4    42   36   +6    15      New Montreal States
25 2 Byfugland (8)                       9    5   4    38   34   +4    15      Free South Califras
26 3 Backyard Sports (5)                 9    5   4    32   28   +4    15      Saugeais
27 3 Darmen (6)                          9    5   4    42   40   +2    15      The Fair Republic
28 4 Cowardly Pacifists (7)              9    5   4    46   46    0    15      Western Cuba
29 3 Beldonia (4)                        9    5   4    43   44   −1    15      Vaugania
30 3 Cassadaigua (8)                     9    5   4    36   37   −1    15      Aardenland
31 3 Super-Llamaland (9)                 9    5   4    44   50   −6    15      Allinlia
32 4 Ethington (8)                       9    4   5    41   31  +10    12      Powersith
33 5 The Priory of St Luc (7)            9    4   5    40   38   +2    12      The Jahistic Unified Republic
34 4 Shadowbourne (4)                    9    4   5    42   41   +1    12      Maklohi Vai
35 4 Sakurakoku (9)                      9    4   5    42   48   −6    12      Carasatoga
36 4 Bloodbath Generation (6)            9    4   5    41   48   −7    12      Mapletish
37 5 Vaugania (4)                        9    4   5    43   53  −10    12      Beldonia
38 5 The Fair Republic (6)               9    4   5    28   38  −10    12      Darmen
39 5 Aardenland (8)                      9    4   5    32   43  −11    12      Cassadaigua
40 6 Powersith (8)                       9    4   5    31   47  −16    12      Ethington
41 4 Kriegiersien (1)                    9    4   5    24   65  −41    12      Michael VII
42 5 Yesopalitha (1)                     9    3   6    28   29   −1     9      Schmiegelland
43 5 Carasatoga (9)                      9    3   6    36   41   −5     9      Sakurakoku
44 4 The Republic of Lanos (3)           9    3   6    32   38   −6     9      Strawbee
45 5 Free Republics (3)                  9    3   6    37   46   −9     9      Equestrian States
46 6 Schmiegelland (1)                   9    3   6    34   43   −9     9      Yesopalitha
47 4 Slembana (10)                       9    3   6    32   42  −10     9      Lycrabon
48 4 New Bierstaat (5)                   9    3   6    33   47  −14     9      Estope
49 5 Scandigrad (10)                     9    3   6    31   45  −14     9      Saintland
50 4 Cyborg Holland (2)                  9    3   6    37   53  −16     9      Ko-oren
51 5 Estope (5)                          9    3   6    26   50  −24     9      New Bierstaat
52 6 Mapletish (6)                       9    2   7    32   47  −15     6      Bloodbath Generation
53 5 German-Spanish Empire (2)           9    2   7    37   54  −17     6      Milchama
54 6 Komodo Dragon (10)                  9    2   7    25   43  −18     6      Taeshan
55 6 The Royal Kingdom of Quebec (2)     9    2   7    35   54  −19     6      Sangti
56 6 TWS of the Mediterranean (4)        9    2   7    38   60  −22     6      The Serbian Empire
57 6 Free Swiss States (5)               9    2   7    30   52  −22     6      Sicoutimont
58 6 Skeckoa (3)                         9    2   7    23   46  −23     6      Karditan
59 6 Soviet Party (9)                    9    2   7    14   46  −32     6      Zwangzug
60 6 The Jahistic Unified Republic (7)   9    1   8    32   62  −30     3      The Priory of St Luc

OOC: I will edit my RP into this post later. Just figured I'd post this table for the benefit of anybody that wants to use it. Every team is sorted by record, run differential and runs scored, in that order. The first rank is overall, second is group.

---

Saintland 10, Komodo Dragon 1

(SP) The Kingdom of Saintland was victorious today in dominant fashion against Komodo Dragon. Paulus Famulus threw a no-hitter against Komodo Dragon, but still managed to concede a run in the 5th inning. The Sanctii offense was absolutely dominant today, putting up 10 runs in the first 5 innings. Petrus Tragus pulled most of the starting lineup out of the game after the 5th to give the backups an opportunity to play and rest up for the final game of group stage against Scandigrad, but left Famulus in the game to give the bullpen a day off. "That was a dominant performance. I'm satisfied with our performance through the first 9 games. We're on track to reach the goal that the King set for us. Paulus [Famulus] had a great game today. Komodo Dragon just never stood a chance against us. Next, we have Scandigrad. I'm not going to take them lightly because I am treating this game like a must-win game. Tomorrow, I'm hoping for a Slembana win. If that happens, we just need a victory and we are almost assured of holding onto that tiebreaker over Taeshan, which would put us atop Group 10. Tomorrow is the final stop on the road to redemption. I want to win and I want a top 8 seed, for the Glory of God and His Kingdom. Then, we will travel to Cassadaigua and show that sinful nation that we, the only nation in the world that follows God's True Church, are God's Chosen People. As Ioannes [Bebius] predicted at this point in the last World Baseball Classic, I now have no doubt in my mind that God has pre-ordained that we will be the champions of this 26th World Baseball Classic, but only God knows for certain." - Petrus Tragus

Prior to today's game, Cantus Virginum sang the national anthem and the Patriarch of the Church of Saintland prayed that the world would soon embrace God's True Church. Paulus Famulus took the mound for the National Baseball Team and immediately struck out the side. After Petrus Tragus was stranded at third base, Famulus came back out and struck out 2 more batters before forcing the 6th batter of the game to ground out to Ioannes Sentius. Famulus already appeared to be in dominant form and the Komodo Dragon offense appeared to be just as hapless as they were during the Ioannes Bebius one-hitter just a few days earlier.

Matthaeus Bebius led off in the bottom of the 2nd. He hit a ball to the warning track in center, which was caught by their center fielder. Lucas Maianius was up next. He hit a ground rule double to left field. Petrus Iulus singled through the hole, just past their shortstop to set up runners at 1st and 3rd for Marcus Vagnius. Vagnius took the first pitch, a splitter, for a strike. The second pitch was a screwball. Vagnius swinged at the pitch and the entire capacity crowd at Royal Park knew it was gone. The Kingdom of Saintland led 3 to nothing. The Komodo Dragon pitcher walked both Tragus brothers consecutively to put runners on first and second. Ioannes Sentius worked the count to 3-2 and grounded into a double play to end the inning, but the damage was done.

After another dominant half-inning from Famulus, the Sanctii took the field again. This time, Paulus Sittius led off with a single. That brought up Lucius Maccius. Maccius fell behind 0-2. Their pitcher threw a slider just outside the zone on 0-2 and Maccius swinged at it. He missed it by just inches. Lucius Maccius had struck out. Matthaeus Bebius took his swing at the first pitch he saw in his second at bat of the game. He hit a line drive down the right field line. It was deep, but didn't appear likely to be gone. However, it just kept carrying. Their right fielder went back and tried to scale the wall and catch it for out #2, but just missed the ball by inches. The Kingdom of Saintland led 5 runs to nothing, having once again proven that baseball is a game of inches.

In the bottom of the 4th, Marcus Vagnius led off for the Sanctii by popping up in foul territory. The Komodo Dragon catcher caught it for the first out. Marcus Tragus bunted for a hit from the 9 hole. He barely beat out the throw to first. Petrus Tragus decided to swing for a hit instead of bunting his brother to second. Tragus got ahead 3-0, but decided to go after a 3-0 fastball anyway. He hit it off the wall in left field. Marcus Tragus scored while the ball bounced away from the Komodo Dragon left fielder. Petrus Tragus daringly tried for a tripe and barely beat out a throw. Ioannes Sentius got ahold of the first pitch from the Komodo Dragon pitcher, hitting it over the left field fence. Suddenly, the Kingdom of Saintland had an 8 to nothing lead. Komodo Dragon finally panicked and changed their pitcher.

The pitching change may have gotten the visitors out of the bottom of the 4th inning, but the Sanctii remained confident. In the top of the 5th inning, Paulus Famulus conceded a walk with no outs. The Komodo Dragon player stole second base. Vagnius couldn't get it to the bag in time. Their next hitter hit a 3-1 pitch into deep center field. The player from Komodo Dragon advanced to third. Komodo Dragon's next hitter swinged for the fences on the first pitch he saw. He hit it hard, but it fell into the glove of Matthaeus Bebius. The Kingdom of Saintland had conceded a run. After forcing their next hitter to ground out to Marcus Tragus, the Sanctii were out of the inning, but now led just 8 to 1. Paulus Famulus's no hitter was miraculously still intact.

Matthaeus Bebius led off the 5th inning with an infield single. "Iron" Lucas Maianius struck out for the first out. Petrus Iulus drew a walk, putting runners on first and second. On the first pitch to Marcus Vagnius, the runners took off on a double steal. The catcher had not expected that and both runners were able to successfully steal a base uncontested. Vagnius hit a fastball into right field, reaching with a single. Both runners came home to score and the Kingdom of Saintland led 10 to 1.

After that half-inning ended, Vagnius, Sentius, Maccius, Mattheaus Bebius and Iulus were all removed from the game by Petrus Tragus. Thomas Ennius came in as the new catcher. Lucas Cnisius was playing short, with Stephanus Neratius at third. Paulus Juventus took left field while Petrus Fannius moved into right field. Neither team would score a run in the remainder of the game. Paulus Famulus remained in, finishing with 19 strikeouts on the day and a no hitter. In 2 games, Komodo Dragon hitters had just 2 runs on 1 hit and 39 strikeouts against Sanctii pitching. Serves them right for being so incompetent that they can't even distribute a roster to their international opposition.

With the victory, the Kingdom of Saintland is now 6-3 and the Sanctii remain in second in Group 10, leading Taeshan by 9 runs in run differential. Lycrabon is currently a game ahead in the group. As you can see from the above chart, the Sanctii have the 11th best record in the World Baseball Classic. If Lycrabon falters tomorrow, the Sanctii would almost certainly win the group with a victory and be assured of a bye. Although that chart says that Karditan and Lycrabon are not qualified, both are qualified as both would finish among the top 4 3rd place teams in the event that they finish in 3rd. There are currently 31 teams with a winning record. Among the 5-4s, there are matchups between Free South Califras and Byfugland and between Cowardly Pacifists and the now PED-free Western Cuba. Meanwhile, Thrilledge, Qazox, Backyard Sports and Super-Llamaland are 5-4s that will face opponents with better records. Assuming those 4 teams are defeated, that makes just 25 teams with a winning record and 24 spots, assuming that Cassadaigua wins against Aardenland and secures a spot in the playoffs in their home country. Otherwise, there would be 24 teams with winning records and a 5-5 team would get the spot as runner-up in Group 8, leaving just 23 playoff spots for those 24 teams. For the Sanctii to miss the playoffs in such a scenario would require Beldonia, Darmen and Sangti to all put up big wins and the Sanctii to be blown out by Scandigrad, a very unlikely scenario. At WBC 25, no team with a winning record would have been left out of the playoffs under the current format. The SP expects this to be the case. Expect a few upsets on the final day. Our prediction has exactly 24 teams finishing at 6-4 or better and those 24 teams qualifying for the playoffs.

Tomorrow, the National Baseball Team will face Scandigrad in their finale. That game will be broadcast live on Royal One. Ioannes Bebius will start for the Sanctii, his 4th start of the WBC so far. A victory assures the Sanctii of a playoff spot. Even with a loss, they are probably still going to the playoffs, but Petrus Tragus is determined to win this game. Soon, we will know whether our Kingdom will be going to Cassadaigua and who our first opponent will be once we arrive. With talk that this team could win it all, most of the Kingdom will likely be watching tomorrow's game on TV. We will be hoping for a victory, a Lycrabon loss to Slembana and a first round bye. That is still attainable as the Sanctii continue the most remarkable turnaround of this World Baseball Classic. What a difference getting rid of a sinful captain can make.

[Aardenland]

BYFUGLAND BEATEN

7-5 Win is Third in a Row

Third Inning:

Aardenland: With one out, Ricky Bruijn singled to left field. Crijn Legierse struck out. Barry Rillo doubled into the left-center field gap, scoring Bruijn. Rowan Aydin singled to center field, scoring Rillo. Aardenland leads, 2-0

Fourth Inning:

Aardenland: With two outs, Silver Wouda hit a solo home run to right field. Aardenland leads, 3-1

Fifth Inning:

Aardenland: With one out, Legierse singled to left field. Rillo singled to center field, moving Legierse to second. Aydin hit a sacrifice bunt that moved Legierse to third and Rillo to second. Zef Veek doubled into the right-center field gap, scoring Legierse and Rillo. Aardenland leads, 5-1

Seventh Inning:

Aardenland: With two outs, Veek singled to center. Sally Karlsson singled to center, moving Veek to third. Wouda singled to right field, scoring Veek and moving Karlsson to third. Aardenland leads, 6-3

Ninth Inning:

Aardenland: With one out, Wouda doubled to left field. Desmond de Waal singled to center, scoring Wouda. Aardenland leads, 7-3

AARDENLAND WINS, 7-5

Player of the Game:

SILVER WOUDA -

Went 4 for 5 with two RBIs and two runs, including a solo home run.

[Qazox]

Qazox finally over .500.

The Jahistic Unified Republic   0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0  3
Qazox                           0 1 0 0 0 0 4 0 X  5

This reminds me of WBC 7, when there were 2 three-placed ties for qualifying and each team had identical H2H records. A similar situation currently exists in Group 7, as Western Cuba, Qazox and Cowardly Pacifists are all 5-4 with one game to go. Unlike WBC 7, there won't be a 3-way tie as Western Cuba hosts Cowardly Pacifists tommorrow. If Western Cuba wins, they'll have the inside track on the #2 spot, as Qazox faces group 7 Champions New Montreal States on the road. But if Cowardly Pacifists win, Qazox has a slim chance to get through. Qazox needs to win against an NMS team that has little to play for, other than playoff seeding at this point. Qazox would likely need to win by 3 or more runs and hope the WC-CP game is decided by 1 run or a CP win by 4 runs to advance.

CF- Justin Madroe 3-5, double, triple, 1 run, 2 RBI
2B- J. C. Vulp 2-4, 1 run, 1 RBI
3B- Brianna Handel 2-4, Double, RBI
RF- Chad Cochran 1-4, reached on error
C- Allie Durmitt 0-4, 
SS- Zach Joswyn 2-4, HR, RBI
1B- Joshua McCullen 1-4, 1 run
LF- Leslie Fanueil 1-4, 1 run

SP- Gerry Asche- 7.0 IP, 3 runs, 2 ER, 7K, 2 BB, 2 HR allowed, 6 hits (W 2-0) (0-3 batting)
CP- Thad Whiski: Save (2)

[Zwangzug]

The Arlington Moon-Tribune
A retrospective survey

When the Zebras won World Baseball Classic 7, we (well, our predecessors on staff) wondered whether it was just the right time for them to come through. With the LAZY purporting to get up off the ground around then, maybe all of Zwangzug needed a team to rally around before they went back to rooting for their different cities. In retrospect, were we right? Does rooting for your pro teams change how you think of the Zebras? Who would you rather see win it all?

We asked fans around the country to share their thoughts, and here's what you told us...

"When the Tigers won the championship, we had a victory parade and stuff. When the Zebras won the WBC, you wrote a self-deprecating newspaper article. Says it all." -Thomas, Hadiln

"Some would say WBC21 was the "right time" for the Zebras to win it, and since they sound like they're talking out of their butts, it speaks for itself." -Fergie, Weegham

"I think if the LAZY actually had gotten off the ground as quickly as we expected, you'd have been bourne out. As it stands, eh, the Zebras were there league or no league." -Catherine, Bassabook

"Baseball has such a connection to its past that, being an Aurora and Zebras fan, I can almost rest on those laurels and be like "they've both won it twice, what more can you ask for." Would things be different if I was a Worms fan? Probably..." -Rahul, Arlington

"Interesting question. Have you asked football fans?" -Fiona, Canbix

"Hmm. I think I have higher expectations for the Zebras, in the sense that, volatility in our league, which happens, is probably a good thing, it means we all have a chance. (Traditionalists take note; my predecessors would have assumed the Mustangs could be a dynasty forever! Today, the system's changed, and we realize that's not going to happen.) Whereas, volatility in the WBC is much more likely to annoy me." -Liz, FTC

"With the Zebras success is more expected, yeah, so it's like you're not allowed to be proud of it because the country's so diffuse. Give me the Dragons win again!" -Josef, Kerlagrad

"A lot of us don't really have local teams to root for--yeah, I'll go along with the Wildcats or whatever, but don't count out the importance of the Zebras. I'd guess this is even more so for tiny first-generation cities." -Renee, Twineur

"Whatever the answer, I think we can agree; none of us expect success in--or indeed, care much for--the AIBC." --Dave, Spenson

[Maklohi Vai]

OOC: This might be my last full-ish RP. I've got finals starting on Wednesday, and then I'm immediately going on vacation afterwards. I should be able to get something up on Thursday and Saturday, but no guarantees. I'll try to make things work.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6

It wasn't really a state of despondency, but rather a vacancy. Clouds drifted through his head with an ethereal presence. Kumalo's senses were clouded too. Things were duller in sight and touch, and sounds were vague and distant, as if they were underwater. This was the first time he had lost somebody close to him that he remembered. His grandfather died when he was 3, and all of his other grandparents were living, not to mention both parents, all 4 uncles and 3 aunts, and 20 cousins and all their children. It may seem odd for a man of Kumalo's age to only be experiencing this now, but keep in mind that the average life expectancy exceeds 95. His grandfather was the outlier.

His mind naturally shifted back to the hospital where he knelt at the bedside of the Bishop. "Face your enemies," he had said. Kumalo didn't think he had any enemies, but he remembered their other conversation. There, the Bishop had made reference to Kumalo's anti-theist grandmother as an enemy. Kumalo had disagreed then and disagreed now. There was no way his grandmother was an enemy.

Yet he had to consider where this was coming from. This was one part of a dying man's last wish. He had to respect it. There was no choice but to call his grandmother and explain everything.

"Hello?"

"Hello, tama.*"

"Kumalo! How are you, honey?"

"I am well, tama, but I am grieving for a friend."

"Oh, honey. Who?"

"He was a man I met through a foreign exchange. Darmen."

"I'm sorry, honey. Were you close?"

"Surprisingly so. We had much in common."

"What did this man do?"

"He was a Bishop in the Darmeni Church of Margaret."

"Well if he was a religious man, he must have spent all his time with that ancient drivel. How on earth did you have something in common?"

"Well, we had a mutual connection of beliefs."

"Are you telling me what I think you are?"

"That's why I called, tama. To tell you who I really am."

To be continued...

*endearment for grandmother

---

TWS of the Mediterranean   1 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0  4
Maklohi Vai                0 0 0 1 0 1 5 0 X  7

Scoring Summary:
4th: Mae’ao led off the inning with a solo shot to right.
6th: Moalna’akai Lai hit a double to drive in Arnao, who had singled.
7th: Mae'ao hit a grand slam after a single, single, walk from the first three hitters to lead off the inning. Arnao answered two hitters later with a shot of his own.

Stat Update:
HR: Mae'ao 17, Arnao 3, Wolo Rakinalmanai 2, Iao Laina 1
RBI: Mae'ao 44, Arnao 6, Wolo Rakinalmanai 4, Moalna’akai Lai 3, Koilani Ruputuo 2, Iao Laina 1, Ri’ino Uilnai 1, Rimai Lomukiwo 1

[Equestrian States]

Low Expectations
The Realistic Fan Site for Equestrian States Sports

5 Reasons Why the Phoenixes Won't Go Far
By Downtrodden Crankyface

Well, whuddayaknow. The Equestrian national baseball team lost last night against the all-powerful, much-feared force that is - what's that? The Lanosians aren't any of those things? They're unranked? Oh...well, that actually explains a lot... Here's five quick n' easy reasons why the Equestrian States won't make it far into the playoff stage of the 26th World Baseball Classic (if they even get there in the first place).

5. The Bats (Like the Fans) are Mostly Silent
Sure the Equestrian States has scored some runs in this WBC (it's baseball, so if you can't score you know that you're truly made of fecal matter), but the Phoenixes have been rather dismal at the plate, save a couple of games against the punching bags of the groups. Even when the Equestrians get on base, they never can seem to get those runners home to - you know - actually give the Phoenixes a boost in one of the two stat columns that actually matters (the other being wins).

4. "You mean we actually have to try in all nine innings?"
Late game collapses, whether on offense, defense, or on the mound have really plagued the Equestrian States thus far. You're no longer in the Foal Leagues, Phoenixes. It's time to ditch the 6-inning-game mentality if you want to be any good.

3. Bullpen Blowups
Somewhat expanding on the fourth point here, but the Equestrian bullpen has been incredibly bad this year, with all but one of the team's losses coming from the relievers. I see why the team staff has been reluctant to pull their starting pitchers (who have been only slightly better than their late-game counterparts).

2. Free Republics' Fury
Here's my "they don't make the playoffs" spin. The Equestrian States faces Free Republics next in their tenth and final group stage game. If the Republican team has paid any attention to other sports, they'll notice that the "Little Ponies" somehow beat whatever the heck they call their U-21 football/soccer (that's what the silly humans call hoofball) team in the recent Di Bradini Cup final. Tack that on to the baseball team's loss earlier in the campaign, and the Equestrian States presents a nice target for a team bent on vengeance for their nation's losses.

1. They're From the Equestrian States
No national team from the Equestrian States ever wins anything, bar a couple of low-level, insignificant tournaments that nopony outside of the Equestrian States is really invested in. You might make a case that the Di Bradini Cup doesn't fall in that category, but I'd counter that they didn't have to face then-defending champs Blouman Empire because of that "football" association's own administrative blunders. Put the Little Ponies up against someone decent, and they're sure to lose. In the World Baseball Classic, you don't get weak opponents. You get Milchama, Darmen, and Zwangzug instead. We all saw what happened to the Phoenixes in the last Classic's semifinals, and you'll probably see that happen again this time, only much earlier on.

[New Montreal States]

Loic Cloutier was the greatest scientist in NMS history.

A combination of good genes - his father was an actuary, his mother was a veterinarian and fifth-generation mule breeder - gave him a high degree of rationality and the stubbornness required for long hours of arduous labwork. And the accident of his birth into a well-to-do family, with parents that really meant it when they said that they valued education over all else.

Blessed with all the advantages of nature and nurture, Cloutier's path through childhood and high school to an elite university seemed assured. From there, he would be a precocious PhD candidate, upending established research and making a name for himself with his dissertation. He would then bounce from breakthrough to breakthrough, extracting the New Montreal States out of the late-modern technological funk they had been in since time immemorial and dragging the nation, kicking and screaming, into the infinite multiverse of the future.

Cloutier's research would lay the foundation for an era of hyperspatial travel, unbelievably sophisticated robots and the automation of energy. Average citizens everywhere would silently curse his name every time they forgot to activate their black market static fields to ward off mosquito-sized drones from their employers and their government, gathering information on everything about them and then using it to screw them long and hard. As the rich and well-connected prospered through newly forged cartels in interstellar travel and asteroid mining and increased profit margins from automatization, the poor and middle classes, beset by rising unemployment and declining wages, eventually descended into a permanent underclass called The Rabble by both themselves and their betters. Forced to either hustle for scraps in the NMS or accept a life of indentured servitude in return for passage to newly founded interstellar colonies, the Rabble eventually rose up against their betters and chased them from the surface of the planet. As word came back that the colony planets had used the instability as a chance to revolt against the motherland, the newly dispossessed elites fled the surface of NMS forever, but not before bombarding the burning cities from the skies while the Rabble triumphantly drug the corpses of those elites who had been unable to escape through the streets.

Fortunately for all concerned, Loic Cloutier was also dynamite with a bat in his hands, and the same gifts that made a great scientists also gave him the focus to study film or hit BP for hours on end and the wisdom to learn a thing or eight in the process. Life could go therefore go on as planned for everyone except the pitchers who had to face him. Tonight, that was Seth Soto, from the Sandpipers of Cowardly Pacifists. It was the top of the sixth inning in Phrytton, and Soto's night was about to take a turn for the worse. He had been testing the Reformed Expos inside all night, after Tam Nguyen had taken a fastball to the hip in the first inning and had been forced to leave the game. Cloutier had figured out how to handle Soto, though - he'd been stepping out of the batter's box after every pitch, setting up further and further back from the plate each time. Soto, already frustrated after having given up an infield hit to Greg George along with a pair of walks to load the bases, kept going further and further inside each time, eventually digging himself into a 3-1 hole. Clouter had earned the chance he'd been waiting for all night.

Soto shook off three straight signs from Austin Schneider before finally consenting to get into his stance. He wound, and delivered, and flinched before the pitch even reached the plate. A hung breaking ball that Cloutier fell on and sent soaring into the cove outside right field at Sandpiper Park. A grand slam, Cloutier's fifth home run of the Classic, and one that might have killed the playoff hopes of twenty-five birds with one stone.

[The Sova Empire]

Home Run Derby

TSE get's the long ball working for the highest score of the tournament

2 matches to go and barely in contention, The Sova Empire found a source of inspiration: Memorial Day. Many of the players had family members serving in the armed forces, so after pre-game cerimonies, the team was fired up. The best offense versus the worst defense. The match was billed as a high scoring match,m and for the home team, they delivered. Just look at the scoring plays, and you will see why. Tammarah had a no hitter going before he exited the game in the 8th with a sore abdomen. Fil Pepsi closed, and gave up 2 walks, and a 2 RBI single before finally striking out the side. More game highlights later. The big news was a huge upset in Schmiegelland: A come-from-behind win for the Schmiegellanic team over the THRILLEDGE squad. Also, Michael VII held off a furious comeback from the Yesopalithan team.

The main focus is going to be the final qualifying matchday. THRILLEDGE is hosting The Sova Empire, and THRILLEDGE has to win, and either:
A. Beat TSE by 11
B. Hope for a Michael VII loss at Kriegiersien

With the Sovan offense scoring a mind-boggling 42 runs in the last 3 games, the first option is seeming less and less likely. But, with a superior rank, THRILLEDGE might just pull it out. Also, Schmiegelland has a huge media prescence at this game, so M7 could see a close match. Either way, playoff hopes hang in the balance, and this will be the most anticipated match of the qualifying stage.

GAME 9

Kriegiersien 2-22 The Sova Empire

Scoring Plays:
1st: 2 run HR by Watt. 2-0
2nd: With runners at the corners, Huu blasts one over the fence. 5-0
4th: Solo HR by "Y". 6-0
4th: Solo HR by Taday over the right-field bleachers. 7-0
4th: Watt tattoo's the ball for his 2nd HR of the game with runners on 1st and 2nd. 10-0
5th: 2 walks and an infield single load the bases for Roffeld, who swings the lumber for a huge grand slam. 14-0
5th: Inside-the-park homerun by Huu; of course aided by 2 throwing errors. 15-0
5th: A ground rule double by Ida Kno scores Watt from 3rd. 16-0
7th: 4 doubles scores 3 runs. 19-0
8th: After 3 walks, Dee Ayce has a bases-clearing triple. 22-0
9th: The no-hitter is broken up by a 2 RBI single by Dagorobert III. 22-2

[Allinlia]

It All Comes Down To This
Allinlia closest it's ever been to WBC playoffs after win at Sakurakoku

Carasatoga             0 2 2 0 4 0 0 2 1 11
Soviet Party           0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0  1

Allinlia               0 2 1 0 0 0 2 1 1  7
Sakurakoku             0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 1  4

Zwangzug               0 0 1 0 1 0 4 2 0  8
Super-Llamaland        1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0  2

Group 9               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Zwangzug                9    7   2    54   23  +31    21  Q
2 Allinlia                9    6   3    50   32  +18    18
3 Super-Llamaland         9    5   4    44   50   −6    15
4 Sakurakoku              9    4   5    42   48   −6    12
5 Carasatoga              9    3   6    36   41   −5     9
6 Soviet Party            9    2   7    14   46  −32     6

Buddy Cox took the mound to face off against a Sakurakoku facing a must-win game on their home soil. It was sure to be intense as these teams have always been closely matched and an experienced WBC team like them were certain not to drop a match like this without putting up a significant fight..

Allinlia would not be messing around though as our bats woke up early in the 2nd inning with a sac-fly from Kearns and an RBI double from Bezzio Jr. to give Allinlia a 2-0 lead

we would only extend the lead in the 3rd inning when Paul Majuwitz clobbered a long solo home-run to left center. 3-0 Allinlia

the score would stay this way through much of the game as the veteran Buddy Cox pitched brilliantly, not allowing a run until the 6th inning when he gave up 2 runs to bring the score to 3-2

in the 7th, a 2 run homer by Ferris Silver brought the score to 5-2 Allinlia.

Sakurakoku struck back in the bottom of the inning as a sacrifice fly brought it to 5-3 and Cox left the game having given up 3 runs in 7 innings of work.

Allinlia would again add to their lead with a solo home run from Aiden Stairs in the 8th and a Bezzio Jr. RBI in the top of the 9th. Sakurakoku would score in the bottom of the 9th from third off a double play but Allinlia would swiftly put an end to the match after that. 7-3 the final score

Allinlia now goes into a MD10 matchup on the verge of making it's very first trip to the postseason in it's 3 year WBC history (and in the entire history of Allinlian international competition) It is an absolutely critical match for both teams and one that should be near the top of every international fan's viewing wishlist as we head into a day 10 full of meaningful games across the board

For Allinlia: Allinlia will be extremely motivated coming into this game due to never having been to the playoffs and 2 painful previous tournaments where they didn't make it. Most of the players from Allinlia's 3-7 debut remain with the team, so there is no doubt that Allinlia will be hungry to clinch the group now and not have to hope their large advantage in run differential holds against the likely flood of 6-4 third place teams

If Allinlia wins they clinch the group 2nd place spot with a 7-3 record. If the lose, they may still make the playoffs as one of the top 4 3rd placers but they will have to hope that fate smiles on them as there will be alot of 6-4 teams in 3rd place across all the groups. Their run differential should be a significant advantage should they not lose a massive chunk of it against the Llamas. Allinlia will play at home in Fonzona, where they have been undefeated in the group stage so far

For Super-Llamaland. The Lamas are in a unique situation where they will flat out clinch if they win and be almost certainly eliminated from the tournament if they lose. They are a team which is entirely in control of their own destiny, a position they may be somewhat grateful for after painfully just barely missing the postseason due to the thinnest in tiebreakers. The near loss will have them coming into this game firing on all cylinders to prevent another near playoff miss from befalling them once again

If the Llamas win they flat out clinch group 2 and are on their way to the playoffs as they have beaten Allinlia previously and will be 2-0 in the head-to-head. The win will drop Allinlia down to 6-4 to tie with them and bring the head-to-head tiebreaker into play.

While Allinlia may still advance even with a loss, The Llamas losing will mean a 5-5 record and almost certain elimination. While it is not clear just how aware the players themselves on these teams are aware of their chances in the playoffs should they win or lose or how the tiebreakers will break down the fact that this is an outright elimination game for Super-Llamaland could be a huge factor

Bonser Aidrun will be the starter for Allinlia, Leo Davis will start for the Llamas

AESN Player of the Game: Ferris Silver, 3 hits, 1 HR, 2 RBI

--RBI Tracker--
Aiden Stairs 4HR 8RBI
Paul Majuwitz 3HR 9RBI
Conan Marteen 2HR 8RBI
Nick Fasano 1HR 6RBI
Ferris Silver 1HR 4RBI
Devin Kearns 0HR 5RBI
Andy Capps 0HR 4RBI
Joey Bezzio Jr. 0HR 4RBI
Toby Abbot 0HR 1 RBI

[Strawbee]

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE FROM "NEWS OF BASEBALL" ON STRAWBEE GOVERNMENT TV CHANNEL 8: THE SPORTS ZONE!!

Strawbee                   0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 2  5
Karditan                   0 2 0 1 0 1 3 0 X  7

Equestrian States          1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0  4
The Republic of Lanos      1 0 0 0 0 2 1 3 X  7

Skeckoa                    0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0  1
Free Republics             2 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 X  5

Group 3                   Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Karditan                    9    7   2    50   26  +24    21
2 Equestrian States           9    6   3    39   28  +11    18
3 Strawbee                    9    6   3    46   43   +3    18
4 The Republic of Lanos       9    3   6    32   38   −6     9
5 Free Republics              9    3   6    37   46   −9     9
6 Skeckoa                     9    2   7    23   46  −23     6

It's The Final Countdown
disappointing 0-2 road trip against top Group 3 teams leaves Strawbee with final, critical game against Lanos

THE SPORTS ZONE EXPERT SPORTINGS ANALYSIS:

Despite the disappoinment of going from 6-1 to 6-3 due to complete inability to defeat top teams in group and world elite teams Equestrian States or Karditan on the road Strawbee still in excellent playoff shape in fainl day of play, but match day 10 against lanos will be critically important game.

undefeated pitcher Hector Bolormaawill take mound for Strawbee's last stand of WBC Group stage. Strawbee is very heavy favorites in this game against Lanos but Lanos teams shocked everyone when they pulled off convincing win against Equestrian States, perhaps they were sick of how all world experts count them out in group 3 from the start. It was not at all throw away game for Equestrian States so Lanos is dangerous team now that they are eliminated and have nothing to play for but to try and spoil things for group leader teams.

A win will all but guarantee Strawbee return to playoffs. Even if Strawbee does not get top 2 spot in group (which they might cause it is very close between top 3 teams) but even in third place, a win against Lanos will give Strawbee 7-3 record and group 10 is only other group that has possibility of producing a third place team at 7-3. Top 4 third place teams across entire tournament will reach playoffs this year.

If Strawbee lose than they will likely have good chance at being top 4 third place team as they have nice run differential but there probably going to be alot of teams with 6-4 record and Strawbee certainly does not want to put themselves in position of such great risk when playoffs were all but secured a mere 3 days ago!

We will need everyone who can tuning in to official government tv channel 8: THE SPORTS ZONE and we must once again get sellout crowd in Peerson to give our team loud cheers to inspire courage and determination needed to defeat upstart Lanos team and guarantee 2nd consecutive post season trip. Don't pack your bags to Cassadaigua just yet baseball fans! Let's all wish our boys on our Strawbee team good luck!!!

GLORY TO STRAWBEE!

ALL HAIL GREAT AND HONORABLE LEADER STRAWBERRY!

This document has been reviewed and approved by the official Strawbee sports bureau

[Cassadaigua]

For some, this is the final RP Cutoff for the World Baseball Classic. Thank you for your participation!

Group 1
The Sova Empire               2 1 0 5 0 0 0 0 0  8
Thrilledge                    3 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0  7

Schmiegelland                 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0  2
Yesopalitha                   0 0 2 0 5 1 0 0 X  8

Michael VII                   1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 1  5
Kriegiersien                  0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1  3


  Group 1                      Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 The Sova Empire               10    7   3    73   40  +33    21  Q
2 Michael VII                   10    7   3    41   30  +11    21  Q
3 Thrilledge                    10    5   5    46   37   +9    15
4 Yesopalitha                   10    4   6    36   31   +5    12
5 Kriegiersien                  10    4   6    27   70  −43    12
6 Schmiegelland                 10    3   7    36   51  −15     9

Tiebreaker applied: The Sova Empire & Michael VII split season series, so determined by GD.

Group 2
The Royal Kingdom of Quebec   0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0  3
Sangti                        1 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 X  5

Milchama                      0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0  2
German-Spanish Empire         0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0  1

Cyborg Holland                3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  3
Ko-oren                       0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 1  4


  Group 2                      Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Milchama                      10    9   1    60   33  +27    27  Q
2 Ko-oren                       10    8   2    60   39  +21    24  Q
3 Sangti                        10    6   4    53   45   +8    18  WC
4 Cyborg Holland                10    3   7    40   57  −17     9
5 German-Spanish Empire         10    2   8    38   56  −18     6
6 The Royal Kingdom of Quebec   10    2   8    38   59  −21     6

Group 3
Karditan                   2 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0  4
Skeckoa                    1 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 1  5

Free Republics             0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0  1
Equestrian States          0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 X  3

The Republic of Lanos      0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Strawbee                   0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 X  3


  Group 3                   Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Karditan                   10    7   3    54   31  +23    21  Q
2 Equestrian States          10    7   3    42   29  +13    21  Q
3 Strawbee                   10    7   3    49   43   +6    21  WC
4 The Republic of Lanos      10    3   7    32   41   −9     9
5 Free Republics             10    3   7    38   49  −11     9
6 Skeckoa                    10    3   7    28   50  −22     9

Tiebreaker Applied: In H2H Games among teams in the 7-3 tie, all teams have a cumulative 2-2 record, so we go to the next tiebreaker, which is overall RD, and they are sorted as so.

Group 4
Maklohi Vai                0 3 4 1 0 0 0 1 0  9
Beldonia                   0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0  2

Vaugania                   0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 1  4
Shadowbourne               0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0  1

The Serbian Empire         0 0 1 1 0 0 0 4 0  6
TWS of the Mediterranean   1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0  3


  Group 4                   Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Maklohi Vai                10    8   2    72   40  +32    24  Q
2 The Serbian Empire         10    6   4    47   37  +10    18  Q
3 Vaugania                   10    5   5    47   54   −7    15
4 Beldonia                   10    5   5    45   53   −8    15
5 Shadowbourne               10    4   6    43   45   −2    12
6 TWS of the Mediterranean   10    2   8    41   66  −25     6

Group 5
Backyard Sports        0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0  1
Saugeais               0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 X  3

Estope                 3 0 0 5 1 0 9 0 0 18
New Bierstaat          0 0 0 0 4 1 0 0 1  6

Sicoutimont            0 0 0 0 3 0 2 0 2  7
Free Swiss States      0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1  2


  Group 5               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Saugeais               10    8   2    61   29  +32    24  Q
2 Sicoutimont            10    8   2    74   43  +31    24  Q
3 Backyard Sports        10    5   5    33   31   +2    15
4 Estope                 10    4   6    44   56  −12    12
5 New Bierstaat          10    3   7    39   65  −26     9
6 Free Swiss States      10    2   8    32   59  −27     6

Tiebreaker Applied: Saugeais and Sicoutimont split season series, so sorted by overall RD.

Group 6
Kinzar                 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  4
Thatius                0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0  1

Darmen                 1 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 1  5
The Fair Republic      0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  1

Bloodbath Generation   1 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0  5
Mapletish              0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1  2


  Group 6               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Kinzar                 10    7   3    48   31  +17    21  Q
2 Thatius                10    6   4    43   30  +13    18  Q
3 Darmen                 10    6   4    47   41   +6    18
4 Bloodbath Generation   10    5   5    46   50   −4    15
5 The Fair Republic      10    4   6    29   43  −14    12
6 Mapletish              10    2   8    34   52  −18     6

Tiebreaker Applied: Thatius swept season series over Darmen, 2-0.

Group 7
The Priory of St Luc            1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1  4
The Jahistic Unified Republic   0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 3  5

Qazox                           0 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 0  6
New Montreal States             0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 3  5

Cowardly Pacifists              0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1
Western Cuba                    0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  2


  Group 7                        Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 New Montreal States             10    7   3    56   43  +13    21  Q
2 Western Cuba                    10    6   4    60   51   +9    18  Q
3 Qazox                           10    6   4    48   41   +7    18
4 Cowardly Pacifists              10    5   5    47   48   −1    15
5 The Priory of St Luc            10    4   6    44   43   +1    12
6 The Jahistic Unified Republic   10    2   8    37   66  −29     6

Tiebreaker Applied: Western Cuba and Qazox split season series, so sorted by overall RD.

Group 8
Ethington                       0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Powersith                       0 0 0 2 0 2 0 3 X  7

Cassadaigua                     0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1  3
Aardenland                      0 3 0 0 0 1 1 3 X  8

Byfugland                       1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  2
Free South Califas              0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3  5


  Group 8                        Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Free South Califas              10    6   4    52   35  +17    18  Q
2 Cassadaigua                     10    5   5    39   45   −6    15  Q
3 Byfugland                       10    5   5    40   39   +1    15
4 Powersith                       10    5   5    38   47   −9    15
5 Aardenland                      10    5   5    40   46   −6    15
6 Ethington                       10    4   6    41   38   +3    12

Tiebreaker Applied: In the H2H amongst tied teams, Byfugland is 3-3 , Aardenland is 2-4 , Cassadaigua is 4-2, and Powersith is 3-3.
Cassadaigua is therefore placed 2nd, and Aardenland 5th. Byfygland swept H2H series over Powersith, and is therefore placed 3rd.

Group 9
Soviet Party           1 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 1  5
Zwangzug               0 3 4 0 7 1 0 0 X 15

Super-Llamaland        0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 0  4
Allinlia               0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0  3

Sakurakoku             0 0 0 2 0 1 1 4 0  8
Carasatoga             1 1 0 0 0 1 3 2 1  9


  Group 9               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Zwangzug               10    8   2    69   28  +41    24  Q
2 Super-Llamaland        10    6   4    48   53   −5    18  Q
3 Allinlia               10    6   4    53   36  +17    18  WC
4 Carasatoga             10    4   6    45   49   −4    12
5 Sakurakoku             10    4   6    50   57   −7    12
6 Soviet Party           10    2   8    19   61  −42     6

Tiebreaker Applied: Super-Llamaland swept season series over Allinlia, 2-0, so is placed 2nd.

Group 10
Lycrabon               1 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 1  5
Slembana               0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0  1

Taeshan                0 0 2 0 0 0 2 4 0  8
Komodo Dragon          0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 1  4

Saintland              0 0 1 1 0 1 0 5 0  8
Scandigrad             1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2  4


  Group 10              Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Lycrabon               10    8   2    43   30  +13    24  Q
2 Saintland              10    7   3    57   32  +25    21  Q
3 Taeshan                10    7   3    45   29  +16    21  WC
4 Slembana               10    3   7    33   47  −14     9
5 Scandigrad             10    3   7    35   53  −18     9
6 Komodo Dragon          10    2   8    29   51  −22     6

Tiebreaker Applied: Saintland and Taeshan split season series, so tiebreaker determined by overall RD.


Playoffs: (First place teams get seeds 1-10, Second place teams get seed 11-20, and wild cards 21-24 regardless of record)

(9) New Montreal States vs (24) Sangti
(10) Free South Califas vs (23) Allinlia
(11) Sicoutimont vs (22) Strawbee
(12) Ko-oren vs (21) Taeshan
(13) Saintland vs (20) Cassadaigua
(14) Equestrian States vs (19) Super-Llamaland
(15) Michael VII vs (18) Western Cuba
(16) Thatius vs (17) The Serbian Empire

Second Round

(1) Milchama plays 16/17 winner
(2) Zwangzug plays 15/18 winner
(3) Maklohi Vai plays 14/19 winner
(4) Saugeais plays 13/20 winner
(5) Lycrabon plays 12/21 winner
(6) The Sova Empire plays 11/22 winner
(7) Karditan plays 10/23 winner
(8) Kinzar plays 9/24 winner


No Challenge today; they'll return for the playoffs. Wednesday is an off-day and games will resume Thursday.

[Cassadaigua]

Locations of 1st Round Series:

Travel Guide

(9) New Montreal States vs (24) Sangti- Victoriaville
(10) Free South Califas vs (23) Allinlia- Starksville
(11) Sicoutimont vs (22) Strawbee- Brattleboro
(12) Ko-oren vs (21) Taeshan- Grande Mountain
(13) Saintland vs (20) Cassadaigua - Concord Heights
(14) Equestrian States vs (19) Super-Llamaland- New Lakeland
(15) Michael VII vs (18) Western Cuba- Winchester
(16) Thatius vs (17) The Serbian Empire- Rutland