World Baseball Classic 19: Everything Thread!

by **Passionate Redheads** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 4:00 am

We made it through! Despite losing the second time to a very good Qazox team in the final game, our 9-5 record was good enough for second place in Group 4. We'll go in as the #16 seed and face #17 Sakurakoku in a three-game series at Empress Jessica Stadium in Pocono City.

Pocono City is huge. It's the capital of Newmanistan, and the stadium could seat every man, woman, and child in our capital of Perth and still have empty seats. We're not really here to see the sights. We have baseball games to win. But the World Baseball Classic Hall of Fame is here, and most of us went there as a group. We couldn't resist. It's an impressive sight, all the busts of honorees and the oddments from decades of the game around the world. I know it's got me fired up, and you could see the emotion in the faces of a lot of the team.

People back home are starting to get excited. Nobody gave us much thought going in, just another unranked nation. And without a professional to their name. Even though baseball has the same breadth of following (if not the depth) as hurling or Gaelic football, it was really a stretch to get our small team the backing to make this effort. Some thought it a waste. Probably the same anti-Unionists that are squawking about The Babbage Islands, let's keep in our shell and tune out the world. Hogwash.

The Ard Ri himself, Teárlach Mackendrick, is in town now and will watch the games. That's playing well with the local crowd, who love their monarchy and their baseball. The idea of the High King taking time to watch a sporting event, especially a baseball game, seems so Newmanistani. ("Newmanistani". Is that even a word? Ah, well.) Anyway, they like that.

I've been told to be ready to pitch Game 3 if it comes down to it. Morag is still touch-and-go, but Caitríona suggested that if she cannot start this time round Olibhia might go in the second game on short rest and either Morag or me could then start the rubber game "if necessary".

Bye for now!

by **Newmanistan** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 6:27 am

This RP Cutoff proudly announces the beginning of the playoffs! And was too cool to be sponsored.

Game 1 of a best-of-three, obviously all winners will lead series 1 game to none!

Series A: (9) Saugeais vs (24) Jimmer Fredette @ Putnam Lake

Jimmer Fredette       100 101 002 - 5
Saugeais              410 121 00X - 9

Series B: (10) Newmanistan vs (23) Civil Citizenry @ Tundra Falls

Civil Citizenry       021 030 000 - 6
Newmanistan           101 210 02X - 7

Series C: (11) Tocrowkia vs (22) Bergnovinaia @ Jessicaville

Bergnovinaia          200 100 000 - 3
Tocrowkia             100 111 00X - 4

Series D: (12) Virabia vs (21) Mytannion @ Olympia

Mytannion             119 001 020 - 14
Virabia               020 100 000 - 3

Series E: (13) Milchama vs (20) Delaclava @ Centralia

Delaclava             110 200 100 - 5
Milchama              100 000 010 - 2

Series F: (14) Western Cuba vs (19) ViZion @ Southport

ViZion                100 002 000 - 3
Western Cuba          101 110 01X - 5

Series G: (15) Quintessence of Dust vs (18) Mantwenic @ Loudon

Mantwenic             000 001 000 - 1
Quintessence of Dust  600 420 00X - 12

Series H: (16) Ruadha vs (17) Sakurakoku @ Pocono City

Sakurakoku            210 411 102 - 12
Ruadha                100 113 200 - 8

by **Milchama** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 7:33 am

"So we're in the playoffs?!"

"How did that happen?"

"I have no idea, how did we break?"

"I just asked the same question"

"Do you even know anybody who is playing?"

"Nope, no idea"

"Well that's depressing"

"Very much so"

"But we still are doing very well"

"Yeah we are, in the playoffs and all that is pretty good"

"But we did lose in the playoffs"

"Of course we did. Who the hell is playing?"

"I have no idea"

"See that's the point!"

"What do you mean?"

"The people who are playing are probably not very good and yet they are in the playoffs, against actual good teams they will get crushed"

"5-2 is not being crushed"

"A four hitter with two lucky solo shots is getting lucky"

"Not really"

"We kinda sucked"

"Fine, it wasn't very good"

"Exactly"

"So then we're going to get swept?"

"Probably, and it won't be close"

"Yeah, that's going to happen"

"Oh well so it goes"

"Yep, there's always next time"

"Let go Milchama!"

"Come on You Warriors!"

by **Passionate Redheads** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 7:58 am

Eight runs without a home run is pretty good baseball. But on a high-scoring day it wasn't enough, as Sakurakoku smacked our pitching all over the park and we lost 12-8. They scored two before we reached the plate, led 7-1 after their third inning, and it never got closer than two from the second inning on.

Martha Elder had a big game, four-for-four with two runs scored and three ribbies. And Cicily O"Tierney made the most of her starting opportunity in left with a three-for-four game capped by a bases-loaded triple in the bottom of the sixth scoring three.

You could tell during the game that Caitríona made up her mind about the rest of the series. She put Morag O'Monahan in during the seventh for an inning and a third of scoreless relief, and kept me out. After the game she made it official: Olibhia MacNamara will start the do-or-die game two on short rest, and if it goes to three games I will start the third. That works well from a longer view, too, as if we get to play Sarzonia Catriona MacColgan and Sally O'Gallagher would pitch their normal spots and Olibhia is available for a game three.

I think the Babbage assembly's vote on bringing Ruadha into the commonwealth is today, so there may be a lot to write about tomorrow in addition to our hoped-for win.

Bye for now!

Sakurakoku            210 411 102 - 12
Ruadha                100 113 200 - 8

by **Jimmer Fredette** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 8:25 am

Jimmer Fredette Daily
Sports
By:John Jackson

Code: Select all: Jimmer Fredette 100 101 002 - 5 L:Rojas Saugeais 410 121 00X- 9 W:Lane

We lost our first game,but it wasn't a blow out like everyone expected.Danny Rojas had one a surprising decent start,going 6 innings,and let Terry Twitty and Henry Huber finish out the game.As soon as the game started Jimmer Fredette scored a lead-off home run by Terry Ceaser,but Saugeais quickly scored four runs in the bottom of the first.Coach Gillam said the team didn't play the best they could've today,and we lost because of that.It wasn't a good performance.I don't think the umpires we're the best,but we know we can get through that.We didn't today.Danny Rojas said he was disappointed with his performance.We can't win without pitching and we didn't get it today.Hopefully Chris can out pitch their ace tomorrow,and our season isn't over.The batter of the game was Terry Ceaser,who had a home run,two doubles,a single,and a ground out.He said he felt he had a good game,but we still didn't win.It's not good enough.We'll step it up next game.Now for our runs.In the first,Terry Ceaser had a lead-off home run.In the fourth,Justin Nelson hit in Mark Wimberly with a single.In the sixth,Ronald Reid hit Paul Sayles home with a double,and in the ninth,Nick Firday hit Tony Thurman and Walter Humpheries home with a triple.LETS GO BEES!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By:John Jackson
Rubber Match Up:Jimmer Fredette:Chris Bickford,Saugeais,Claude Gange

Line up:
Saugeais:
Derek Evans - 2B
Michel Pétain - LF
Dick Robinson - C
Jacques Benoit - RF
Shawn Hamilton - DH
Christophe Lind - 1B
Jean-Paul Romero - SS
George Du Bois - CF
Paul Roland - 3B

Jimmer Fredette:
1.Terry Ceaser SS
2.Tony Thurman 2B
3.Nick Friday DH
4.Justin Nelson 1B
5.Paul Sayles C
6.Jesse Pence LF
7.Ronald Reid 3B
8.Walter Humpheries CF
9.Mark Wimberly RF

Skipper:Jimmer Fredette:Scott Gillam,Saugeais,Gregory Hanson

We have to win this.Against there ace or not.It's going to be tough,but I think we can do it.If we lose,we lose,but I think we have enough heart to win.Coach Gillam said it's going to be tough,but a win would be really nice.I'm proud of them no matter what and hopefully we get out of there with a win.No one wants to leave Newmanistan without a win.Chris Bickford said he's excited for this.He knows he'll do good.No matter what,he'll at least get a no decision.LETS GO BEES!

by **Saugeais** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 9:37 am

National Journal
Saugeais gets to Jimmer Fredette early, hold on to win
One win away from rematch with Qazox

Saugeais continued its strong group stage run with a victory in the first match in the playoffs, defeated Jimmer Fredette 9 to 5. The Rangers' bats got to opposing pitcher Danny Rojas early, lighting him up for 4 runs in the 1st inning; he was replaced in the 6th inning after Saugeais scored their ninth run of the game. Dominating the game was Jacques Benoit, hitting 2 home runs and driving in 4 batters. As for Kelvin Lane, he pitched a decent game out there, giving up 3 runs in his 6 innings of work to earn him the victory. However, Saugeais had a bit of a scare in the 9th inning, when Steven Richardson gave up three straight doubles that brought in two runs. After switching to right-hander Aaron Jones, he shut down the last two batters to seal the victory for Saugeais.

"It was nice to see the bats continue into the knockout stage," said manager Greg Hanson. "There are some teams that have their rhythm destroyed once the playoffs hit, but fortunately for us, we didn't have that problem. I know it's cliché, but we need to take it one game at a time, and before you know it, we might end up in the finals!" Saugeais does need to take it one game at a time, but I'm sure they can't stop think ahead to their next potential opponent, Qazox. If you recall, it was Qazox who knocked out Saugeais last Classic, and I'm sure the Rangers would like to exact some revenge this time around.

Tune in tomorrow to watch Claude Gagné throw his best stuff against Jimmer Fredette in game two of this three game series!

Jimmer Fredette       100 101 002 - 5
Saugeais              410 121 00X - 9

Batting

Player                      AVG   AB   R    H     RBI    BB    SO
Derek Evans (2B)           .375   6    2    2      0     0     1
Pierre Gardin (LF)         .308   5    0    1      0     0     0
Dick Robinson (C)          .364   5    2    2      0     0     1
Jacques Benoit (RF)        .458   3    3    3      4     2     0
Shawn Hamilton (DH)        .457   5    1    2      2     0     1
Christophe Lind (1B)       .400   5    0    0      0     0     2
Jean-Paul Romero (SS)      .358   4    1    3      1     1     0
Aaron Dairon (CF)          .340   5    0    1      1     0     1
Paul Roland (3B)           .404   3    0    2      1     2     0

Totals:                    .390  41    9   16      9     5     6


2B- Evans, 1 (4 total); Benoit, 1 (8 total); Dairon, 1 (4 total); Roland, 1 (3 total)
3B- none
HR- Benoit (6, 2nd inning, no on, 2 out), (7, 5th inning, 1 on, 1 out)
SB- none
GIDP - Saugeais 1

Pitching

Player                    ERA     IP      H     R    ER      BB     SO
Kelvin Lane(W, 3-0)       2.25    6.0     4     3     3       3     4
Kim Yun-sung              7.36    1.1     1     0     0       1     0
Steven Richardson         4.50    1.0     3     2     2       0     1
Aaron Jones               3.18    0.2     0     0     0       0     1

by **Sakurakoku** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 9:59 am

Sakurakoku            210 411 102 - 12 16 1
Ruadha                100 113 200 - 8  18 2

W - Okazaki (2-0)
L - O'Gallagher (2-3)

Scoring Summary
Top 1st: Taguchi singles to left. Shiraishi flies out to right. Taguchi steals second. Maebara doubles to right-center, Taguchi scores. Kaneda strikes out. Furukawa singles to left, Maebara to third. Yamagishi singles to center, Maebara scores, Furukawa to second. Takeda walks, Furukawa to third, Yamagishi to second. Uehara pops out to second. Sakurakoku 2-0.

Bottom 1st: MacLysaght singles to left. Balfour strikes out. MacLysaght steals second. Elder doubles to right, MacLysaght scores. Rose grounds out to first, Elder to third. Redmond pops out to second. Sakurakoku 2-1.

Top 2nd: Sawada grounds out to first. Taguchi singles to left. Shiraishi grounds into fielder's choice, shortstop Balfour to second baseman Hatton to first baseman Redmond, Taguchi out at second, Shiraishi safe at first, Shiraishi awarded second on throwing error by second baseman Hatton. Maebara doubles to center, Shiraishi scores. Kaneda flies out to left. Furukawa grounds out to second. Sakurakoku 3-1.

Top 4th: Sawada strikes out. Taguchi walks. Shiraishi doubles to left, Taguchi to third. Maebara pops out to second. Kaneda hit by pitch. Furukawa walks, Taguchi scores, Shiraishi to third, Kaneda to second. Yamagishi doubles to left-center, Shiraishi scores, Kaneda scores, Furukawa scores. Takeda grounds out to shortstop. Sakurakoku 7-1.

Bottom 4th: O'Tierney flies out to left. Hatton singles to right. MacCostello doubles to left, Hatton to third. O'Boylan singles to left, Hatton scores, MacCostello to third. MacLysaght grounds into double play, shortstop Takeda to second baseman Furukawa to first baseman Sawada, O'Boylan out at second. Sakurakoku 7-2.

Top 5th: Uehara grounds out to pitcher. Sawada singles to left. Taguchi singles to right, Sawada to third. Shiraishi sacrifice flies out to center, Sawada scores. Maebara singles to left, Taguchi to second. Kaneda strikes out. Sakurakoku 8-2.

Bottom 5th: Balfour singles to left. On wild pitch, Balfour to second. Elder doubles to left, Balfour scores. Rose strikes out. Redmond walks. O'Tierney pops out to third. Hatton singles to left, Elder to third, Redmond to second. MacCostello strikes out. O'Boylan grounds out to second. Sakurakoku 8-3.

Top 6th: Furukawa flies out to left. Yamagishi homers to center on 3-0 count. Takeda lines out to third. Uehara strikes out. Sakurakoku 9-3.

Bottom 6th: MacLysaght flies out to center. Balfour doubles to left. Elder walks. Rose pops out to third. Redmond walks, Balfour to third, Elder to second. O'Tierney triples to right, Balfour scores, Elder scores, Redmond scores. Hatton hit by pitch. Miyanohara pitching. MacCostello safe on fielding error by pitcher Miyanohara, Hatton to second. O'Boylan grounds out to first. Sakurakoku 9-6.

Top 7th: Sawada strikes out. Taguchi singles to left. Taguchi steals second, reaches third on throwing error by catcher MacCostello. Shiraishi walks. Maebara grounds into fielder's choice, second baseman Hatton to shortstop Balfour to first baseman Redmond, Shiraishi out at second, Maebara safe at first, Taguchi scores. Kaneda walks. Furukawa strikes out. Sakurakoku 10-6.

Bottom 7th: MacLysaght singles to left. Balfour doubles to left, MacLysaght to third. Elder singles to center, MacLysagth scores, Balfour out at home. Rose singles to right, Elder to third. Redmond sacrifice flies out to center, Elder scores. O'Tierney singles to left, Rose to second. Hatton strikes out. Sakurakoku 10-8.

Top 9th: Taguchi singles to left. Shiraishi flies out to right. Maebara homers to left on 3-1 count, Taguchi scores. Kaneda grounds out to shortstop. Furukawa singles to left. Yamagishi strikes out. Sakurakoku 12-8.

Soundbites

In the Metal Wolves dugout, top of the 6th inning, Yamagishi at bat

Kei Maebara: "Come on, Mio, take a pitch. Make her earn an out."
Satoshi Takeda: "Bet you a thousand zeni she swings if it's close."
Maebara: "You're on."
(Yamagishi hits a home run to center)
Takeda: "Pay up."
Maebara: "Remind me after the game." (sighs) "Whatever happened to being patient, Mio?"

At a postgame press conference

Q: "Is there any thought of starting Kunimoto for tomorrow's game and saving Izumi?"
Wolves manager Hayato Kojima: "Saving him for what?"
Q: "For Game 3 or even for the next round against-"
Kojima: "Whoa, whoa. 'Next round'? That's a bit presumptuous, isn't it? Until we take that second game, we haven't earned anything yet. It's not a fluke that these Redheads made it to the playoffs in their first try. Don't try to get me to say something that'll piss them off - the last thing we need is a motivated opponent."
Q: "Will Izumi start tomorrow?"
Kojima: "If he can throw the ball, he's going."

by **Bergnovinaia** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 5:13 pm

The Bergnovinaian Home Plate

An Affiliate of the Bergnovinaian Sports Radio Network (BSRN)

July 7th, 2011

Bucks Lose in a Narrow Match, Haning on to Dear Life--World Softball Classic 2 Gets Ready for First Pitch

JESSICAVILLE, NEWMANISTAN--Stuff just never goes the way you want it to... does it? That is the story of the Bergnovinaian Bucks defeat to the team from Tocrowkia.

Things got off to a poor start last night when the Bergnovinaian Bukcs lost in a close game 1 of their preliminary round series against Tocrowkia, their rival team from group 3. Despite taking an early 2-0 lead at the top of the first inning thanks to a 2-run homer by first basemen, Guy Swindoll, the team slowly slipped from their lead to being tied at 3-3 in the 5th. Pitcher Randy Horn seemed to have the bottom of the 6th under control with two outs, and two strikes, but a fastball right down the middle gave the Tocrowkian player plenty to work with and hit a single-run home run.

Following the slip up in the 6th inning, neither team would earn any runs, giving Tocrowkia a disappointing game 1 victory over the Bergnovinaian Bucks. In a post series press conference, Bucks manager, MIcheal Devaulle, said that "nobody is to blame for [the] loss." Devaulle went on to say that "the entire team played fantastic" and "the pitching staff had great backup from the batting lineup." However, Devaulle would not comment on what he thinks needs to be changed to improve the team's performance to ensure a win a games 2 and 3 to advance to the next round. Devaulle has made no changes to the official lineup, and has said that Davis Johnson will pitch for game 2. Live broadcast coverage of game 2 from Jessicaville can be found on Bergnovinaian channels 5, 9, 15, and in HD on 157. Radio coverage will be provided by the Bergnovinaian Sports Radio Network (BSRN). Coverage will begin approximately one hour before first pitch, so at 6pm local time.

Box Score:

Bergnovinaia          200 100 000 - 3
Tocrowkia             100 111 00X - 4

SARZONIA, WSC2--Bergnovinaian hopes are held high, as always at sporting events, as the nation sends its first ever women's softball team to the WCS2, the Bergnovinaian Beatles. Renownded across the nation as being even more of a fierce team than their male counterparts competing at the WBC19, the Beatles ironically got thier name because none of the players are considered attractive by the majority of Bergnovinaia's men, but also because it is rumored that a team tradition before each game is to have every member of the team take a bite out of a Fradnata Beatle, one of the most putrid and disgusting organisms to ever be seen in Bergnovinaia.

Although the team does naturally have a large fan base in Bergnovinaia because virtually every citizen is infatuated with international sporting competitions, Bergnovinaian media outlets have been debating whether or not to cover the event at all. More controversial tabloids like "Today Magazine" and "Exposed" Daily, traditionally media sources that do not cover international sporting competitions, have decided that they want to cover the Bergnovinaian Beatles as they take on teams from aborad at the WSC2. These tabloids are desperately hoping to get a glimpse into the life and rituals of a Bergnovinaian Beatle, and really are looking for the juicy scoop, persay, rather than the actual sporting story. The Bergnovinaian Sports Radio Network (BSRN) and its affiliates have reluctantly agreed to sign on to cover the Bergnovinaian Beatles and the WSC2 in their entirerity and warn viewers, readers, and listeners, especially those who are members of the Society for the Preservation of Animals (SPA) or Bergnovinaian Insect Protection Club (BIPC) that the content covered by BSRN, its affiliates, or "Today Magazine" and "Exposed" Daily may be unsuitable to certain viewers, readers, and listeners, and highly advise the mentioned groups, young children, and people who are disturbed easily to NOT purchase, listen to, or watch any Bergnovinaian coverage of the WSC2.

Now, back to the story. The Bergnovinaian Beatles have reportedly already left Bergnovinaian a week earlier than their scheduled departure date to "get some early practice in Sarzonia." It is believed that the team, lead by the manager, decided to drastically alter their plans and not tell the media or the public to avoid and potentially mob. Since the team has arrived and practiced for over a week now, head manager, Lisa Cafadan, has released to the public the roster for the Bergnovinaian Beatles WSC2 team and it is listed below:

This article was written by Josh Fuller, Chief Print Reporter for the Bergnovinaian Sports Radio Network, and all affiliated organizations. If you need to contact him, or any other member of BSRN, please feel free to email us at bsrn.live@yahoo.com

by **ViZion** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 10:41 pm

ViZion Daily
Sports Page - C1

Gamers Lose First In Best of Three

Epner gives up his fourth run

By: Tom Hesh

Vitalita, ViZion - In the first game of the playoffs, a best-of-three series against Western Cuba, one of the games better teams, the Gamers are down by one after a poorly played game. This is one loss the team earned, collecting only six hits and three runs while the defense stumbled and the pitching simply could not find its groove, allowing one run in five of the eight innings Western Cuba came up to bat.

Epner allowed four runs on nine hits and two errors while Bill Guthrie allowed an insurance run in the eighth inning on two hits and a walk. On the offensive side, Hollier collected two hits and three steals while Davaloz launched a sixth inning two-run shot. He collected an RBI in the first inning as well, being the only Gamer to drive in a run in the entire game. Unfortunately for the Gamers, losing the first game puts their back against the wall, requiring them to win each of the next two to be able to advance. One more loss and they're out in the first round - something completely unacceptable to this team and the ViZionarian fans.

"We played like shit today. We gotta admit it. It's completely unacceptable. Completely unacceptable. We couldn't field the ball today. He couldn't hit it. And we sure as hell couldn't throw it. I don't know what happened out there other than the obvious - we lost focus. And we can't do that. Now here we are, one game away from being eliminated in the first round." manager McNarmer said in his post-game interview, clearly upset over his teams lack of quality play.

"You know, I came up two times with runners aboard. I made an error, and played poorly in the outfield on a few other plays. This game is on me. It's on me. We lost because I screwed up multiple times at the plate and in the field. We're going to come out, we're going to play better ball tomorrow. We're going to win. We HAVE to win." said the teams right fielder, Kellum. Obviously it is not all on him, however as the team veteran and arguably it's clubhouse leader, he put it on his shoulders. None the less, he wasn't the only one to play poorly - it was a team effort to lose this one tonight.

Could you imagine what would happen if the Gamers, a new-comer to the World Baseball Classic, were to make it all the way? Imagine what it would do for ViZionarian baseball as well as interest piqued in the World Baseball Classic for future entrants as well as competition from veterans of the World Baseball Classic alike. Imagine the fiery attitude of those who did not make it past ViZion about coming back next season. Imagine the heated competition in World Baseball Classic 20. Imagine the shock it would have across the baseball world. It would do wonders for the world of baseball and the World Baseball Classic.

This is exactly what this team is capable of. It's exactly what it needs, and what it needs to do. It needs to go out there, these guys need to out-hustle, out-fight, out-play the competition. They've got the talent. They've got the attitude. They can do it, they can go all the way and win the World Baseball Classic. It's completely possible, even though there are skeptics and doubters out there. It's capable. Nobody saw this team getting as far as it did outside of ViZion, and yet here we are. Nobody expects the Gamers to go all the way, but these guys know they can, and we in ViZion know they can, too. So it's team the Gamers buckle down and play the game the way they're capable of - winning by scoring plenty of runs and allowing few, if any.

Tomorrow, Bernie Saunderson takes the hill for ViZion against Western Cuba again. The Gamers are going to have to play the way they're capable of if they want to go any further. They'll have to pitch, they'll have to hit, and they'll have to play defense great. They're in the playoffs. This is a team built for this, built to go head to head and beat the best teams in the world. They've got the talent. They need to put it together. And they can.

.    1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9     R
VIZ  1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0  -  3
WCU  1 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 X  -  [b]5

WP: ?, WCU
LP: Tony Epner, VIZ

by **Tocrowkia** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 2:00 am

NordicNation.net

World Baseball Classic 19 coverage

Code: Select all: Bergnovinaia 200 100 000 - 3 Tocrowkia 100 111 00X - 4

WIN:
Sofie Behm
HRs:
Kevin Monroe (6)

The Nordics managed a game one victory against Bergnovinaia in the first game of the playoffs, giving the nation a much needed moral boost amidst a zombie invasion. The game was fairly clandestine until Kevin Monroe hit a solo homerun in the sixth to give his team a lead. Tomorrow, The Nordics look to put things away!

by **Tarrentum** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 5:54 am

"Thank God for First-Round byes!" Dessea Vallena said as she stretched with Xavier Gradoni, Raefele Magaglio and Ty Fitzgerald.

"Is this our first?" Gradoni asked the group.

"Ummm, I think so. Man, it's amazing how you forget this stuff so easily!" Vallena replied.

"Just don't get caught with inaccurate information in Sarzonia," Magaglio chimed in. "Did you see that little news blurb about the C.C. presses inaccurate reporting? I tell you, those Sarzonians are a bit sensitive."

"Sarzonia...knuckleheads." Fitzgerald added.

"I'm just glad we made it this far with a great team," Vallena said, moving the discussion in a different direction.

"You're glad everyone helped push us here?" Gradoni asked while motioning his head towards home plate.

Vallena smiled. "Anyone else Xav, and I would have dropped them by now."

"You didn't answer his question." Magaglio pointed out with a smirk of his own.

"Yeah, well, let's just say there will be no happy makeup if we win it all. The man's an ass." Vallena simply stated. "If he helps us win, just like in Vladgrad City, then we win with his help. I'm not happy he's on the team but I work with what I got. Can't jump this ship for somewhere else."

"So she, like, told you flat out she'd do that for 30 jasites?"

"Dude, she's a Newmanistani, they're all doped up and looking for easy money - especially in that area of the city." Marciano Panzanini, one of Tarrentum's relief pitchers, replied with a vulgar hip thrust.

"I've been to Newmanistan before, I really don't think that's an accurate picture," interjected Diggs Turano.

"Ahh Diggs, you just haven't been to the right parts of Pocono City."

"So how bad is it?" Bob Dyer asked Gherardo Orlandi.

"I'm sorry man, you're fucked."

"Oh, come on, I thought it was a great tattoo!"

"Well what happens if we don't win? You'll have Magical 19th tattooed onto your arm for the rest of your life."

"I'll just tell everyone it's the one girl I ever truly loved."

"Touching..."

by **Newmanistan** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 6:53 am

Today's RP Cutoff is brought to you by the Tundra Falls Chamber of Commerce.

Series A: (9) Saugeais vs (24) Jimmer Fredette @ Putnam Lake (Saugeais wins series 2G-0)

Saugeais              100 421 010 - 9
Jimmer Fredette       001 102 021 - 7

Series B: (10) Newmanistan vs (23) Civil Citizenry @ Tundra Falls (Newmanistan wins series 2G-0)

Newmanistan           110 110 002 - 6
Civil Citizenry       000 001 000 - 1

Series C: (11) Tocrowkia vs (22) Bergnovinaia @ Jessicaville (series tied 1-1)

Tocrowkia             100 100 000 - 2
Bergnovinaia          201 500 00X - 8

Series D: (12) Virabia vs (21) Mytannion @ Olympia (series tied 1-1)

Virabia               011 010 011 - 5
Mytannion             002 011 000 - 4

Series E: (13) Milchama vs (20) Delaclava @ Centralia (Delaclava wins series 2G-0)

Milchama              100 012 020 - 6
Delaclava             131 010 002 - 8

Series F: (14) Western Cuba vs (19) ViZion @ Southport (series tied 1-1)

Western Cuba          100 110 100 - 4
ViZion                000 180 01X - 10

Series G: (15) Quintessence of Dust vs (18) Mantwenic @ Loudon (series tied 1-1)

Quintessence of Dust  020 110 110 0 - 6
Mantwenic             000 303 000 1 - 7

Series H: (16) Ruadha vs (17) Sakurakoku @ Pocono City (Sakurakoku wins series 2G-0)

Ruadha                000 002 100 - 3
Sakurakoku            112 310 10X - 9

by **Sakurakoku** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 7:47 am

Ruadha                000 002 100 - 3  9 1
Sakurakoku            112 310 10X - 9 10 1

W - Izumi (2-2)
L - MacNamara (2-2)

Partial Box Score:
Hitting

Hitters              AB  R  H  RBI  BB  SO
D. Taguchi, CF        4  1  0    0   1   1
M. Shiraishi, 3B      4  1  1    0   1   0
K. Maebara, DH        4  1  3    4   1   1
T. Kaneda, RF         5  1  0    0   0   2
G. Furukawa, 2B       4  1  1    2   0   1
M. Yamagishi, LF      4  3  3    1   0   0
S. Takeda, SS         3  0  1    0   1   1
H. Uehara, C          3  0  1    2   0   0
Y. Sawada, 1B         4  1  0    0   0   1
TOTALS

Batting:
2B - Maebara, Yamagishi
HR - Furukawa, Maebara
SF - Uehara
GIDP - Shiraishi in 6th

Pitchers              IP  H  R  ER  BB  SO
T. Izumi (W, 2-2)    6.1  6  3   3   2   5
Y. Shirai            1.2  2  0   0   0   1
T. Kono              1.0  1  0   0   1   1

Scoring Summary
Bottom 1st: Taguchi grounds out to first. Shiraishi walks. Maebara doubles to left, Shiraishi scores. Kaneda strikes out. Furukawa flies out to center. Sakurakoku 1-0.

Bottom 2nd: Yamagishi doubles to right. Takeda grounds out to first, Yamagishi to third. Uehara singles to right, Yamagishi scores. Sawada pops out to second. Taguchi lines out to second. Sakurakoku 2-0.

Bottom 3rd: Shiraishi flies out to center. Maebara walks. Kaneda grounds into fielder's choice, third baseman Elder to second baseman Hatton to first baseman Redmond, Maebara out at second, Kaneda safe at first. Furukawa homers to left-center on 1-2 count, Kaneda scores. Yamagishi singles to right. Takeda strikes out. Sakurakoku 4-0.

Bottom 4th: Uehara grounds out to pitcher. Sawada reaches on error by center fielder MacLysaght. Taguchi singles to center, Sawada to second. Shiraishi flies out to right, Sawada to third. Maebara homers to right on 1-0 count, Sawada scores, Taguchi scores. Kaneda strikes out. Sakurakoku 7-0.

Bottom 5th: Furukawa flies out to right. Yamagishi singles to center. Takeda walks, Yamagishi to second. On wild pitch, Yamagishi to third, Takeda to second. Uehara sacrifice flies out to center, Yamagishi scores. Sawada grounds out to first. Sakurakoku 8-0.

Top 6th: Elder triples to left. Rose walks. Rose takes second on defensive indifference. Redmond strikes out. O'Boyle doubles to right, Elder scores, Rose scores. Hatton lines out to pitcher, O'Boyle to third on throwing error by pitcher Izumi. MacCostello grounds out to second. Sakurakoku 8-2.

Top 7th: O'Boylan strikes out. MacLysaght doubles to center. Shirai pitching. Balfour grounds out to first, MacLysaght to third. Elder singles to right, MacLysaght scores. Rose strikes out. Sakurakoku 8-3.

Bottom 7th: Furukawa strikes out. Yamagishi homers to left on 0-0 count. Takeda doubles to left. Uehara grounds out to third. Sawada strikes out. Sakurakoku 9-3.

by **Saugeais** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 10:31 am

National Journal
Saugeais wins, will face Qazox in second round
Rematch from last Classic may prove to be a classic

Saugeais              100 421 010 - 9
Jimmer Fredette       001 102 021 - 7

Batting

Player                      AVG   AB   R    H     RBI    BB    SO
Derek Evans (2B)           .377   5    2    2      2     0     1
Michel Pétain (LF)         .340   5    1    3      1     0     0
Dick Robinson (C)          .366   5    0    2      2     0     0
Jacques Benoit (RF)        .444   4    1    1      1     1     2
Shawn Hamilton (DH)        .412   5    0    0      0     0     2
Christophe Lind (1B)       .406   4    2    2      0     1     0
Jean-Paul Romero (SS)      .351   4    1    1      0     1     1
Aaron Dairon (CF)          .357   3    1    2      2     1     0
Paul Roland (3B)           .393   4    1    1      1     0     0

Totals:                    .359  39    9   14      9     4     6


2B- Evans, 1 (5 total); Pétain, 2 (4 total)
3B- none
HR- Dairon (3, 5th inning, 1 on, 1 out); Benoit (8, 6th inning, no on, 2 out)
SB- Evans, 1 (5 total)
GIDP - Saugeais 3

Pitching

Player                    ERA     IP      H     R    ER      BB     SO
Claude Gagné(W, 3-0)      4.21    6.2     7     4     4       1      6
Shaun Fournier            2.40    0.2     4     2     2       1      1
Kim Yun-Sung              6.75    0.2     1     0     0       1      0
Terry Kazmierczak(SV, 4)  7.20    1.0     1     1     1       0      1

by **Qazox** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 8:19 pm

ROAD TO NEWMANISTAN ^TM

Saugeais series preview:

Ladies and gentlemen, once again here is Kay-C!

Once again the Eagles are soaring,
this team's exciting, not boring.
Made the playoffs with ease,
will we lose in the first round? Please!

Saugeais is our foe,
beat them last time, you know.
But if you're looking for a fight,
Qazox will win, you know, a'right?

Hunter will toe to mound
and he will mow them down.
They throwing out Richard Cochon,
what is this, some kinda put on?

After that the pitching gets scary,
as we throw out Sean Carey.
To face last name Blackman, First name Randy,
hope the fans in the stands have gloves handy.

But I'm not really dissing Saugeais,
but the Qazox Eagles don't easily faze.
We rather like to face the Rangers,
I hope they understand the dangers.

We want ourWBC title back,
and if you're in our way, we attack.
Not looking past you guys at all,
but we're a team that can ball.

We want to win this set, and you'll be beat
so we can face a team that we really want to meet.
The champs are here, so they exclaim,
but they ain't strong, they just lame.

Here to the Stars of Sarzonia,
if we clash, we're gonna own ya!
Only one WBC title? We got three,
we'll beat ya on the way to history.

A'int no team here better than us,
get out the way of our team bus.
We got game and much more,
at the end.. we'll have title number four.

by **Bergnovinaia** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 8:26 pm

The Bergnovinaian Home Plate

An Affiliate of the Bergnovinaian Sports Radio Network (BSRN)

July 8th, 2011

Bucks Smash Tocrowkia, Force Game Three--WSC2 Gets off to Poor Start for Beatles

JESSICAVILLE, NEWMANISTAN--It was clear by the 4th inning who had one game two of series C... and the winners were going to be the Bergnovinaian Bucks.

Bats had broken, uniforms had dirt and grass stains, and fans's voices had been lost... It was a much needed and much desired win.

It wasn't even a question. The Bucks flattend their opponets, the 11th seed team from Tocrowkia, with a decisive 8-2 victory.

Although much of the win can, and should be accredited to the amazing pitching of Davis Johnson, who pitched the entire game--a total of 123 pithces--and only gave up 6 hits and 2 runs, it is clear that much of the praise from fans, the media, and even the manager is going to the amazing performance the Bucks gave at the plate.

"Yes," Manager Devaulle said,"Davis did put in an amazing performance and gave it his all, and he should get kudos for that. He is easily one of the greatest pithcers Bergnovinaia has ever produced, and the Bucks are proud to have him be a member of our team. However, I really want to give my greateset congratulations and props to the entire team. They worked together great. They defended Davis great, only allowing 6 hits to get on base. But most of all, their performance at the plate was spectacular. I mean, really. A five run inning? That is absolutely fantastic."

Of course, Devaulle had little to say that the five run inning may have just been due to the fact that the Tocrowkian team was playing absolutely horrible. The 5th inning alone saw 3 errors to the oppposing team, two on dropped balls and one on an overthrown ball to first. When asked about if Devaulle thought the Tocrowkian team playing poorly aided Bergnovinaia's blow out victory, he responded with a direct, but subtle "no comment."

Now, with game two over and completed, written in the history books for all to read, the real question boils down to whether or not the Bergnovinaian Bucks will saddle up for a third game victory against the team from Tocrowkia. With the momentum from the suprising game two victory in their corner, many Bergnovinaian sports analysts and fans alike predict (and hope) that game 3 will have favourable results for Bergnovinaia, and some even predict a greater victory over the 11th seeded team, beginning what some call the "Bucks Fairytale."

Box Score:

Tocrowkia             100 100 000 - 2
Bergnovinaia          201 500 00X - 8

WSC 2, SARZONIA--Things haven't been very pretty these last two days at the World Softball Classic 2, and I'm not just refering to the downright putrid and horrifying faces and features of the Beatles players... they have just been ugly all around.

Day 1 in the group stage saw an incredibly disappointing loss by the Bergnovinaian Beatles to the team from Wolfmanne 5-7. Pitcher Satina Polanda had seeminly fended off the batters from the Wolfmanne team, with the team entering the 7th 3-0, but boy was she wrong. Polanda seemingly let up and pitch a little bit more crappier, slowly allowing the Wolfmanne team to edge in from a behind victory 7-5 in the bottom of the 9th. Manager Lisa Cafadan responded to the media's accusation of the team playing "down right poor because of not paying attention to softball, but rather their daily rituals" with a blunt and firm statement, released below:

The Bergnovinaian Beatles played poorly in their first game against Wolfmanne, I will give the media that. They choked due to the immense amount of pressure because of the stage which they are playing on--the World Softball Classic. Any accusation that the team has been "participating" in bizarre rituals, other than the traditional norm of not changning socks, or kissing their bats... that sort of stuff. Frankly, the accusations that the players, staff, and myself have been eating rare beatles in a strange ritual is propostorous, and frankly bull ****. Hopefully, the team will do better tomorrow against the team from Mahaj, and if not, I, and the other management staff, will consider changing the lineup.

Well... that was a nice statement at all, but that last bit is not true in any extent. The team did not do better today. In fact, they did tremedously worse, losing a dramatic blowout 1-7 to Mahaj. Starting pitcher Jossirina Wasno was ejected in the third inning because she hit a Mahajan player on a pitch that looked fairly intentional, but it was a prayer that needed to be answered for Beatles fans. Cafadan had refused to substitute Wasno, even though she had given up 6 runs in three innings. RP Sherine Bain took over pitching, only allowing 1 run the remainder of the game.

With two tremendously horrible games done and over, fans and analysts alike have been expecting a change in the lineup. However, no changes have been announced as of 3am local Bergnovinaian time, which means that the Beatles are once again locked into the exact same lineup for game 3, which will be played earlier in the morning local time, at 7am.

This article was written by Josh Fuller, Chief Print Reporter for the Bergnovinaian Sports Radio Network, and all affiliated organizations. If you need to contact him, or any other member of BSRN, please feel free to email us at bsrn.live@yahoo.com

by **Tarrentum** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 9:37 pm

Cigar smoke filled the small room where Ferdinand Cossomo read over the latest sports news on TFSN.tar and TSPNN's website. With Cossomo was the head of the Tarrentum Sports Committee, Talin Fiorelli, and Nicholas Ozzarella, the outgoing IBL Commissioner.

Fiorelli took a deep drag on his cigar, made during the brief history of Tarburr before that nation's collapse. "So you said Newmanistan won?"

"Yeah, looks like it's going to be a long playoff run," Cossomo replied with a drag of his own.

"Hmmm, good to see Stewart, if she's going to pitch, I have been tied up and having kept track of their rotation." Ozzarella looked down at his smartphone and began typing away again.

"How's everything going with the meetings Nicholas?" Fiorelli asked.

"Hmmm? Oh, poorly. We can be the biggest and most widely known international sports league for baseball but can we get foreign owners to fly and stay in Napoliroma? Nooooo. That would be too much."

"So it's not going well?" Cossomo said with a laugh.

"I'm just going to say that it's slow, one application for the new Commissioner, ONE!" We were supposed to be done by now and voting on a commissioner! But here we are, stuck in inactivity." Ozzarella replied with a huff.

There came a purposeful knock at the door.

"Yeah? Come in," Cossomo said while attempting to make smoke rings.

The room went dead silent when a man in a black suit opened the door and in walked the Supreme President Cesare Italiana. All three men stood up in unison.

"Supreme President!" they said together.

"Yes, yes. Please sit down. We need a big win tomorrow."

"Yes sir, I understand." Cossomo replied quickly.

"Ferdinand, I know you'll do your best. Now, about those Newmanistani's..."

by **ViZion** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 10:33 pm

ViZion Daily
Sports Page - C1

Gamers Even it Out

Lenard points to the sky after his third home run of the game

By: Tom Hesh

Vitalita, ViZion - And that is how this team rolls! Ten runs scored, four runs allowed. Saunderson didn't pitch as well as he's capable of, but he pitched well enough to even out the best-of-three series allowing four runs in seven innings, battling through some struggles. And it's hard to say who the MVP of this game is, rather it be Hollier, who tripled twice in one inning, finishing with four steals and five hits, Davaloz, who drove in six runs with three doubles, or Lenards four RBI's and three home runs. None the less, the team really woke up today, especially in the fifth inning when they scored eight runs.

This team still needs to buckle down a bit more. They're still not reaching the potential they have pitching wise. None the less, I think I speak for a number of Gamer fans when I say I have faith in these guys continuing to improve their WBC game and start reaching their potential. This is a team that can win 5-0 or 8-2 pretty easily. They just need to perform that way. And now that they're getting more spotlight on them, they likely will - this is a team who has plenty of players and a coaching staff that shines in the spotlight and against top quality competition.

Here's to winning tomorrow and winning our way through the playoffs. Tomorrow, Tom Winchel starts for the Gamers in the final game of the series against Western Cuba - this team has to win to advance. I expect them to - they've come to far, and they're too talented, not to win and continue on. Lets go Gamers!

.    1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9     R
WCU  1 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0  -  4
VIZ  0 0 0 1 8 0 0 1 X - 10  -  [b]10

WP: B. Saunderson, VIZ
LP: ?, WCU

by **Newmanistan** » Sat Jul 09, 2011 6:32 am

Today's RP Cutoff is sponsored by the University of Tundra Falls! Come here for a Spirited Education!

Series C: (11) Tocrowkia vs (22) Bergnovinaia @ Jessicaville (Bergnovinaia wins series 2G-1)

Bergnovinaia          030 004 000 - 7
Tocrowkia             001 230 000 - 6

Series D: (12) Virabia vs (21) Mytannion @ Olympia (Mytannion wins series 2G-1)

Mytannion             000 205 020 - 9
Virabia               110 000 000 - 2

Series F: (14) Western Cuba vs (19) ViZion @ Southport (ViZion wins series 2G-1)

ViZion                000 300 020 - 5
Western Cuba          001 110 100 - 4

Series G: (15) Quintessence of Dust vs (18) Mantwenic @ Loudon (Quintessence of Dust wins series 2G-1)

Mantwenic             010 000 000 - 1
Quintessence of Dust  111 113 21X - 11

The Round of 16 Shapes up like this:

Series I: (1) Sarzonia vs Sakurakoku @ Tundra Falls
Series J: (8) Qazox vs Saugeais @ Pocono City
Series K: (2) Cassadaigua vs Quintessence of Dust @ Jessicaville
Series L: (7) Tarrentum vs Newmanistan @ Southport
Series M: (3) Churchma vs ViZion @ Putnam Lake
Series N: (6) Lycrabon vs Bergnovinaia @ Centralia
Series O: (4) The Babbage Islands vs Delaclava @ Loudon
Series P: (5) Zwangzug vs Mytannion @ Olympia

by **Zwangzug** » Sat Jul 09, 2011 1:22 pm

The totals on the board may be incorrect due to rounding, human error, odd redefinitions of statistics, and/or mustard stains.

by **The Babbage Islands** » Sat Jul 09, 2011 4:03 pm

Today's installment of The Big Three: McKnight on new WBC Hall of Famer Angie Serra; Reeves on the first Babbage honoree Tori Simpson; Wild on the second honoree Aaron Ford.

TM: If you look at our World Baseball Classic history, you can tell when Babbage Islands Baseball was strong and well-managed. We've been to seven previous Classics, and we attained the second round in six of seven (missing number 17). But we were a rising power in WBC 13 and WBC 14 after a very good debut in WBC 12. It's no accident that all of our WBC Hall of Fame inductees played in the WBC 12-15 era. This includes our newly-announced third member of the Hall of Fame, left-handed closer Angie Serra. At six-feet-seven, Serra is a giant of a woman whose southpaw slider might as well have been a thunderbolt from atop Olympus. The West Scoville Gunners standout broke into the national team for WBC 13 as a fifth starter, and went 3-0 in that tournament in a mixture of starting and relief appearances. By WBC 14 she was closer for club and country, and she was a dominant force for the rest of her career. Serra was given the nod over two other pitchers who played alongside her, Catherine Delaney and Parker Thompson.

PR: Nobody defines the essence of Bumblebee baseball like our first Hall of Famer, Tori Simpson. The diminutive shortstop from the Cardston Technologists, a five-time BIB Most Valuable Player, could see her picture in any dictionary opposite the definition of smallball. Simpson's first of four Classics was the Bumblebees' debut in WBC 12, where as a 19-year-old she came to the world's notice by hitting for the cycle in one game and stealing home in another. She batted leadoff in that Classic and all the way through WBC 15, and captained an always-contending nine in her third and fourth appearances. The switch-hitter's career WBC batting average was .367. Simpson was inducted after WBC 14.

DW: Say what you want to about smallball, but every team needs hitters who threaten to go deep. And few hitters were so consistent at that as WBC Hall of Fame first baseman Aaron Ford, a perfect fit for the aptly-named Gernsback Power Towers. He hit from both sides of the plate, working his way from number six to number five to cleanup in the batting orders of four Bumblebee teams. A .320 batting average, .705 slugging percentage, and 13 home runs tell a tale of superior offensive production in international play, and his three MVP honours extend the endorsement to domestic league play. Ford was inducted after WBC 16.

by **Sakurakoku** » Sat Jul 09, 2011 4:48 pm

A Look Ahead: Sakurakoku vs. Sarzonia

Projected Starters (All games at Tundra Falls Proving Grounds)
Game 1 (7/10): Juntaro Ikeda (3-0) vs. Brad Baxter (2-0)
Game 2 (7/11): Chris Carlton (3-0) vs. Kyo Kunimoto (1-1)
Game 3 (7/12, if necessary): Shizuru Yoshino (3-0) vs. Brian Edwards (3-0)

There's one question that's on the minds of all Sakuran fans following the Pack of Steel's run in this World Baseball Classic right about now: "Do we have a chance?"

This is clearly not the same Metal Wolves team that Sarzonia dispatched twice in the last WBC. That team was still learning the ropes, still figuring out how the big guys do it. These Wolves have shown they can hit now with the best teams. But neither are the Stars - they have become even better from the last time Sakurakoku saw them, now the fourth-ranked team in the world and, more importantly, the defending WBC champions. Sarzonia has shown that its run in the last tournament was no fluke, earning a 13-1 record in group play (with the loss coming in extra innings to 13th-ranked Virabia) and earning the number one seed for the knockout rounds by virtue of having the most dominant run differential of all teams at +78. No other team has scored as many runs during the group stages as Sarzonia's 119, and no other team has allowed as few as Sarzonia's 41.

Fittingly, the series will be played at Newmanistan's Tundra Falls Proving Grounds, a legendary sports complex rife with lore about how the fortunes of teams and careers can turn so dramatically with one small detail. At the very least, it will be certainly be a test for the Metal Wolves to show how far they've come in their third appearance at the World Baseball Classic. It's an opportunity for them to show they can truly play at the highest level - the Wolves went just 2-4 in group play against ranked teams, but one of those wins was the opening-day 4-1 victory over #8 Lycrabon that announced Sakurakoku's arrival.

Sakurakoku does come in with some things working in their favor. This has been by far the Wolves' most impressive performance in the WBC, winning their first five games en route to a 10-4 group play finish. They just came off a solid 2-0 sweep of the Redheads to win their first ever playoff series. The adoption of the DH has led to a 100 batting point increase from last tournament, and although Games 1 and 3 will be played without the DH,

For most pundits following the WBC, anything less than a Sarzonia sweep would be an accomplishment for the Wolves. An upset is unthinkable to those outside the team.

Dare the Pack of Steel entertain such forbidden thoughts?

THREE KEYS FOR SAKURAKOKU

1. The battery must hold down the fort. Pitching, it has been said, is the great equalizer. Stifling Sarzonia at the plate would be a huge bonus for Sakurakoku, but the minimum the Wolves' pitching staff must do is to keep the bar that the offense has to vault as low as it can. Getting outs one-two-three inning in and inning out against the Stars is perhaps too much to ask for, but minimizing extra-base hits and keeping Sarzonia runners from going all 360 feet will keep the Wolves in games and give the team belief. This means that Ikeda, Kunimoto, and Yoshino need to have effective outings (ideally at least six innings) and the bullpen must bring its A game to the mound.

2. Keep them guessing. Unpredictability is perhaps Sakurakoku's ace in the hole. They've gotten this far being able to play both long ball and small ball, and when the pitch selection is well-mixed they can frustrate Sarzonia's batters. Swing for the fences. Steal second. Score from first. Go for those diving catches that get plastered onto highlight reels. Throwing the dice is certainly fraught with danger, but Sakurakoku can't play it safe and rely on just good conditioning and practice to get them past Sarzonia. They'll need to take chances for any shot at victory.

3. Don't be intimidated. Sure, that's an easy thing to say when you're not the one tasked with slaying the Sarzonian Hydra, but the last thing the Wolves needs is to be awestruck by the Stars' accomplishments. During last year's tournament, Dewey Griffin was hit by a pitch from Ikeda, and the pointed glare he directed at Ikeda as he took his base shook him and the rest of the team. Ikeda wasn't effective in the two innings he pitched before he was struck in the foot, the team lost that game, and he was out the rest of the tournament. Yes, they are an elite team, but they are not invincible - just ask Virabia. If they go in just happy to be there, this series is over.

by **Qazox** » Sat Jul 09, 2011 7:35 pm

ROAD TO NEWMANISTAN ^TM

PLAYOFF PREVIEW

With the preliminary stage done, the round of 16 begins with a few interesting matchups and the potential for some classic quarterfinal matchups as well.

Since there are eight series, we'll rank all eight in terms of potential interest by the average fan and potential of going 3 games and the potential closeness of each game.

#8- Lycrabon v. Bergnovinaia: Not much history here between the two. Bergnovinaia did upset Tocrowkia to get here, but Lycrabon's good enough to win this series. Prediction: Lycrabon in 2; **.5/5 stars for series.

#7- Sarzonia v. Sakurakoku: Sarzonia are the defending champs and while Sakurakoku is a tough team to play, the Stars shouldn't worry too much about this series. Prediction: Sarzonia in 2; ***/5 stars for series.

#6- Churchma v. ViZion: Niether team has much WBC history at this stage, so that will make this matchup more interesting than a usual #3 v #19 series. Prediction: Churchma in 3; ***.5/5 stars for this series.

#5- The Babbage Islands v. Delaclava: If this were the World Bowl, odds are this would be the #1 match-up as both these two are amongst the best in GridIron. But here, this one could go either way and should go the distance. Prediction: TBI in 3; ***.5/5 stars for this series.

#4- Zwangzug v. Mytannion: Two teams that have a chance to reach the WBC finals, meet in the first round. Mytannion's record is deceiving, as they were in a group with Churchma and Newmanistan. Prediction: Mytannion in 3; ***.5/5 stars for this series.

#3- Cassadaigua vs Quintessence of Dust: Just like the previous 2 match-ups previewed, this one could go either way. QoD plays every team tough, while Cassadaigua's due for a tough matchup. Prediction: Cassadaigua in 3; ***.5/5 stars for this series.

#2- Qazox v. Saugeais: A rematch of a WBC18 Round of 16 matchup won by Qazox in a series closer than many thought it would be. Both teams' seed isn't what they'd want it to be, but this one will be close and could come down to the final at-bat. Prediction: Qazox in 3; ****/5 stars for this series.

#1- Tarrentum v. Newmanistan- A rematch of the WBC 17 final won by the Rockets in 7 or the WBC18 quarters won by Tarrentum in 3. History could be made as a Tarrentum win would prevent Newmanistan from reaching the Quarterfinals for the first time ever. Too bad this is a round of 16 series. Prediction: Tarrentum in 3; *****/5 stars for this series.

These QF series are based upon the above predictions and with predictions for these series):

Sarzonia v Qazox: No need to explain this one, right? (Sarzonia 2-1, unfortunately)
TBI v Mytannion: Winner would reach their 1st semifinal. (TBI 2-1)
Lycrabon v Churchma: Can Churchma continue their run or will they finally crash out? (Lycrabon 2-1)
Cassadaigua v. Tarrentum: Tarrentum must've ticked someone off to have to potenially face Newmanistan and Cassadaigua back-to-back. (Cassadaigua 2-1)

Potential Semis (based on predictions)
Sarzonia v. TBI: Stars play their toughest opponents yet in quest to repeat. (Sarzonia 2-1)
Lycrabon v. Cassadaigua: Cassadaigua looks for another final appearence, Lycrabon looks to join the elite. (Cassadaigua 2-1)

Possible 3rd place series:
Lycrabon vs. TBI: winner of this series likely one of top 5 favorites at WBC 20 (TBI 2-1)

Probable finals:
Sarzonia v. Cassadaigua: Stars look to become 4th team with back-to-back titles, while Cassadaigua looks to become 4th with 3 titles. (Cassadaigua 4-2)

by **Churchma** » Sat Jul 09, 2011 7:49 pm

Churchma Gators WBC 19 Coverage
Gators prepare for Vizion
Churchma Sports Inc.

It's about that time of the year, and Churchma's national baseball team is getting ready to face off the winner of the Western Cuba-Vizion series- the Gamers. To start off the series for the Gators will be Darren Brickwell (3-0). Manager Ben Barksdale has a chance to win his first WBC playoff series if his club can take two out of three against the WBC-newcomers.

"Four years back (WBC 17) Cassadaigua knocked us out after two straight wins. It's embarrassing to go out like that. Trust me, the guys that were around then haven't forgot that feeling," Barksdale said.

If Chuchma can win this first game with an ace pitching, the Gators will be in great shape to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time in the history of the country.

(ooc: I just wanted to get a little RP in, in hopes of a little bonus

but also I wanted Vizion to know who was pitching)

by **Tarrentum** » Sat Jul 09, 2011 8:09 pm

Tarrentum Falcons Sporting News
Falcons set for EPIC Hometown Rematch, Pessotto calls it Quits

With Newmanistan's sweep of Civil Citizenry, the Number 1 and (disputable) all-time Number 1 teams will face each other in the highly academic and highly intoxicated city of Southport. While drunken brawls are fairly unheard of in Tarrentum due to the ever present police-presence, the Newmanistani crowds should be quite a spectacle indeed. The Falcons have been assured that all fans will be kept "in check" to the best of the Newaminstani police's abilities. (Whatever double-speak that means).

However, the baseball on the field should be the kind of a tremendously good sort. With the three days of rest, Fironte Sareb will go for his fourth win of the tournament. The Falcons have all the faith in the world in the man who has gone undefeated the past 35 IBL and WBC games. Positional, this Falcons team looks to be the strongest that has ever appeared in the World Baseball Classic for the Allied States. Led by Dessea Vallena's bat, as always, a resurgent Xavier Gradoni has been putting the ball in play when needed and with his expert touch. Defensively, Cossomo's strategy to keep a mostly Napoliroman outfield has paid off with increased team play and communication.

While it will be a tough fight, we look at the fact that Tarrentum has a genuine winning record against the Rockets of 6-5 in the past two years and has dominated the Rockets with their starting pitching.

Yes, Tarrentum needs to look and play one game, one series at a time, but if we are to believe the Qazoxian progonisticators, the Falcons should run in the Pink Wall of the Dagans and fail. While that series would be a toss up, a far worse situation would have the Falcons facing off against a surging Grey's team from the land of ice and cloud cover, Quintessence of Dust. The Falcons, as it has been well documented, have a horrible time handling the Quodite brand of sound baseball mechanics and dogged determination on the diamond.

This team seems destined. They could definitely be the first team to make it to three straight WBC Final series.

In other news, star IBL and WBC pitcher Natalie Pessotto, rehabilitating after Tommy John surgery, is calling it quits. Well, sort of. Pessotto announced today through her agent that she has become pregnant with her first child. Pessotto has usually been linked with Tarrentian footballer Stefano Nastromanani and in the statement Pessotto confirmed that Stefano, currently with Aletico of the Cafundelese League, is the father. While the blow will be hard to St. Catherine Metropolitan fan, Pessotto has said that she is merely "taking time off" and is not permanently retiring.

World Baseball Classic 19: Everything Thread!

Jimmer Fredette Loses Game 1/Game 2 Preview

Who is online