World Baseball Classic 48 [Everything Thread]

[Hampton Island]

Scenario: Stafford City Stadium, During the eighth inning of the first game, with Hampton Island trailing 4-1.

CEO: They’re intentionally walking Midnight again?

Assistant: He hates being intentionally walked. It get really frustrating for him and takes him out of his game.

CEO: We have the damn bases loaded, and they walk him any way. With one out, even. This was our chance to tie this game up.

Assistant: Well, at least the crowd is letting them hear it, but if they continue to throw things on the field, that is going to further frustrate Midnight. Especially if one of those items get near him.


(PA Announcer Makes announcement to stop throwing things on the field)

CEO: Good. We cannot have the kind of behavior at our stadium even though it is completely justified. And why is Midnight wandering off first base. Get back on the base!!

(Hapilopper players attempt to exploit this and tag Midnight)

Assistant: Someone through half an eaten pretzel on the field, he had to investigate.

CEO: Uh oh! (Midnight turns around and growls loudly at the Hapilopper first baseman, Levi Berry).

Assistant: Well it was not a good idea to tag him from behind while he was not looking and investigating a food item. (Nothing more happens then the growl, however. The umpire, realizing time was called, tells the Hapilopper players that Midnight would not be called out and be allowed to return to the base).

CEO: He just realized that they had no business trying to tag him, and wanted to make sure the umpire was aware of it. Let’s get this shit cleaned up off the field so we can resume play. This delay only going to piss Midnight off further.

(A few more minutes pass and play resumes)

CEO: Phil Haggarty, get it done. Make them pay for walking Midnight!

Assistant: Come on Phil

(Two pitches into the at bat, Haggarty grounds into a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning).

CEO: Screw that! We need more bears! The humans are costing us!

Assistant: Damn it!

CEO: Let’s get him mating now! Miller better have those female bears for us soon!

Assistant: Yes but it will be World Baseball Classic 49 or 50 that they would be useful even if we were able to duplicate Midnight.

CEO: I get that, and I want to win one of these things. They can’t intentionally walk a team full of bears.

Assistant: Boss, wasn’t Hapilopper the nation that had a driver race a NSSCRA race in a chicken suit?

CEO: Yes. Yes they were. Make their pitchers pitch in chicken suits too, because it certainly applies.

[Cassadaigua]

Thoughts about the Classic so far,
by Katelyn Martini- Outfielder

The World Baseball Classic is nine games in, and we are sitting on top of the group with a record of 6-3. In each of our three series thus far, we have gone 2-1 and there are two schools of thought going around in the press right now about that. Yes, we pay attention to what the media is saying about us, as players. Many of us just like to pretend we don’t, so if negative things are being said, we can pretend not to hear them. I am not like that, and I like to hear both the positive and negative opinions that both our fans and those in the media have to say. Right now, both sides have good arguments. We are 6-3, and share the top spot with Mushroom Kingdom, while being two games ahead of Saintland, who figured to be our biggest rival in the group. Since two teams make the playoffs, it’s good to be two games above the cut line. If you win two our of three in every series, then more then likely you are going to finish in the top two of the group. That’s the positive frame of mind, and it is how we are thinking as a team. The underlying negative opinion is that we have not played any of our chief competition yet, so we might be in for a rude awakening when we play the better teams in this group.

Let’s look at that negative thought a little bit more, because it seems to be a fair point. In any international sports competition, fans and the media can have a habit of looking at the groups as they lie, and make predictions based upon their ranks. I would not do it any differently, but as it always works out, you don’t always beat the teams that should be easy, and it often downplays the ability of unranked teams. You never know what there is to expect from an unranked, we all start there and every tournament there is at least one, and sometimes more unranked teams that are a potential power in the making, and they win games right out of the box. Historically, two of the greatest teams in World Baseball Classic history, Newmanistan and Schiltzberg had enormous success in the first Classic with the Rockets making the title game and the Schiltzbergers winning it all. In retrospect, I wish the format of World Baseball Classic 9, when we debuted, would have been much different. If any host proposed the format that was used in World Baseball Classic 9 today, ballots would be cast for “re-open bids” instantly. That’s not meant to disrespect the host of that tournament, it was just a completely different era of the World Baseball Classic. It made it virtually impossible for a first time nation to do anything. Anyway, the point is, there are no easy games in this tournament, especially early on when everyone thinks that they can have a chance to win, and when the scouting material on opponents, especially when the players and nations are entirely unknown, is limited. How often, for example, do you see a starting pitcher get called up from the minors and have an effective debut, even if they were not much of a prospect? That’s because the opposing hitters don’t have a book on that pitcher yet. Once they have made that start, then there is material that can be referenced. This is why I am saying look, don’t get into a panic because we did not sweep one of our first three opponents.

With Saintland coming up next, I know people want to hear me start criticizing their nation and their way of life. I have to be honest with you all, and that is everyone on the team would appreciate it if we did not throw apples at them during the games at Dagan Airways Stadium. I know many of you have seen footage of how your parents or grandparents would do that in Classics or other sports of long ago, but times have changed and we would like for the focus of this series be on baseball. It is an important series for us, and there is nothing positive that the apple tossing would accomplish. Sister Maria Polus, who was the instigator of the apple tossing is no longer a relevant figure when it comes to the nation of Saintland. Feministvs Sanctvsterra has been long disbanded. So, really, I know it’s tempting to throw apples. When it comes to apples, let’s avoid that temptation, though. You can boo and heckle them all you want, but no delays to clean up the debris. We saw what happened in the Hampton Island vs Hapilopper game when the Hampton Islander fans threw items on the field, and their bear looked like he was going to attack Levi Berry. Good thing that the bear did not think Levi was an actual berry, either, or else that might not have been good. As Cassadagans, we have also come a long way with more male inclusion, even though you don’t see that on our baseball team. So, again, let’s just think of Saintland as a rival, but not apple target practice.

Thank you!

[Northwest Kalactin]

Kalactanians Sweep Xanneria

Xanneria                           1 0 4 0 0 0 0 1 0  6
Northwest Kalactin                 0 5 0 0 1 2 2 0 X 10

In game 1 of the series Northwest Kalactin started out fast scoring 5 runs in the second inning. One of those was a 3 run home run by Jake Bannon. The other 2 runs were driven in on doubles by Adam Felix and Nate Johnson. Then, in the top half of the third inning the Xanneria team scored 4 runs off of a pair of 2 run homers. After that nobody scored for an inning and then Chris Howard broke the tie with a solo home run that put the kalactanians up 6-5. In the next inning with runners on second and third Mike Harbano hit a ball into deep right center field to put the Kalactanians up 8-5. In the next inning the Kalactanians team scored 2 more runs off of the Xannerian pitcher on a home run by pinch hitter Louis Hamilton the Xannerians only scored 1 more run.

Xanneria                           0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0  1
Northwest Kalactin                 2 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 X  5

Game 2 was also a very fast start for the Kalactanian team, after not giving up any hits in the top half of the first inning the Kalactanian team got 3 hits to drive in 2 runs. Both teams were blanked in the next inning as not a single hit was given up. In the next inning with a runner on third base the Kalactanians hit a run home on a single by Adam Felix. Again both teams went 1,2,3 on the next inning and there were no hits until Jake Brown hit a home run with David Carter on base. The first run scored by the Xannerian team was scored when one of their hitters stole second to get into scoring position and then got home off of a single. Again this was a masterpiece for the Kalactanian pitchers as they only gave up 4 hits the entire game and only had 1 earned run. The situation in the locker room was still tease because the team was still looking for replacements for Jimmy Bennet and Joe Parnell.

Xanneria                           0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Northwest Kalactin                 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 X  2

The Kalactanian team was looking to complete a sweep of the Xannerian team in their third outing against them and their pitching certainly showed that. In the first 2 innings not a single hit was there for the Xannerian team, as the kalactanians scored their first 2 and only runs of the game in that inning. The Xanneria team only had 1 hit in the next 3 innings as Guy Bell was looking like he could put out a 1 hitter. The next couple innings were a struggle for Kalactanian batting although they managed to put some guys on base in the 6th and 7th innings. Guy Bell who was now in the eighth inning of his one hitter gave up 1 more hit, a single to right field. Guy calmed down and he didn’t allow a single hit the rest of the game he pitched a 2 hitter as the kalactanians completed a sweep.

[TJUN-ia]

TJUN-ia hosted it's first ever baseball series. Rounders Field in Portside was shiny and gleamed in the twilight. Our opponents came from what U1 and U2 would call "Scandinavia". The Greater Nordics were known for being hyper-aggressive, but the Jaguar faithful were known for "eating" the opposition alive if fair play wasn't observed. Let's see what happened....

GAME 1
Pre-game was emotional, as the crowd got to witness the first ever playing of our national anthem on TJUN-ian soil. "The Rivers and Seas" had been commissioned for WC85, but had been used previously at The Super Skychief 500 in Hapilopper and IAC9 in HUElavia. The song was sung by most in attendance using sheets provided by Baseball TJUN-ia, as most won't know it by heart just yet.

The game itself was tight. The Norse were known for their home-run-happy, base-stealin' strategy and they would employ this for the entire series. Whenever one of their player tried to steal a base, the crowd would start booing and whistling in unison. The Norsemen managed to score the first run at this field via a homer by Torsten Eriksson in the 6th. TJUN-ia would reply 1 inning later, a HR of their own (to the joy of the crowd) by Hunter Jakes, who replaced Bryce Calhoun in the 4th due to a sprained ankle.

Extra innings were required, but the Norse were too strong. A 2-run homer by Soren Vang sealed the game. 3-1 final in 11.

GAMES 2&3
The joy faded in these games as the Nordic offence took over completely. 11-4 in G2, 11-2 in G3. Nothing we could do to stop the great machine that leads this group.

We travel to Terre Septentrionale next, a nation looking for Jaguar blood after we beat them at IAC9 via penalties. No love shall be lost in Treszczyn

SCHEDULE
S1 (G1/G2/G3): @Free Republics (4) - Nicholls Air Park, Baseton L 0-3 (4th [Run Differential])
S2 (G4/G5/G6): @Swiaji (UR) W 2-1 (4th [Run Differential])
S3 (G7/G8/G9): vs The Greater Nordics (12) - Rounders Field, Portside L 0-3 (5th)
S4 (G10/G11/G12): @Terre Septentrionale (29) - Park Filipowicz, Trzeszczyn
S5 (G13/G14/G15): vs United States of Devonta (24) - Rounders Field, Portside
S6 (G16/G17/G18): vs Free Republics (4) - Rounders Field, Portside
S7 (G19/G20/G21): vs Swiaji (UR) - Rounders Field, Portside
S8 (G22/G23/G24): @The Greater Nordics (12) - National Baseball Stadium, Copenhagen
S9 (G25/G26/G27): vs Terre Spetentrionale (29) - Rounders Field, Portside
S10 (G28/G29/G30): @United States of Devonta (24)

[Nova Anglicana]

Lions make progress ahead of critical series

Samantha Maxwell, Londinium Courier

It was hard not to be apprehensive. Astor Dai Stadium, packed to the brim with 60,000 screaming fans, almost all of them fans of the "Daskies", as the Daskel national team is known. A baseball-mad nation, itching to upset a top-10 team that had already showed its vulnerability on the road. But Wyatt Templeton was having none of it. He'd been knocked around for six runs in 4.2 innings against Krigiersien when he couldn't get the hang of his curveball and nobody was chasing the changeup or slider, but not today. The Daskie lineup was relatively inexperienced, with nobody older than twenty-three, and they fell hard for the slider, the change, and the running fastball. The running fastball jammed the righty hitters and the lefties couldn't catch up to it going away from them, while the slider and changeup acted as kill pitches that let Templeton rack up 11 strikeouts in 7.2 innings on the day. He ran into a little trouble in the 8th, yielding three runs, but that mattered very little as the Lions had tallied four runs in six innings against Daskel starter Falkus Ken and then hung four more on relievers Tammi Reubens and Ikai Tama in the 8th, with Luke Mills hitting a big two-run double off Tama to really break it open.

Game two was a little more relaxed, as the Lions slowly and steadily added runs on their way to a 7-1 win. 18 year-old Torias Forsten took the hill for Daskel, and yielded three runs in six innings, an admirable performance for such a young player. But the Lions tallied two in the 7th and two in the 9th off Aster Quinta and long reliever Jossei Nakamura, respectively. Cal Stephens, replacing Jake Bryan, had a run-scoring single in the 5th and knocked in two more with a double in the 9th to lead the team with 3 RBI. Lefty starter Dan Cunningham, who had a rough first inning en route to a loss to Kriegiersien in his first outing, strangled the Daskel offense, allowing just four hits, two walks, and one run in seven innings. He was backed up by excellent defense from Kelvin Hill and Dusty Davidson, who turned a pair of 5-4-3 double plays to eliminate Cunningham's two walks. The Lions' backup infield, more or less, performed excellently in spelling the starters in this one.

Erik Russell had bamboozled Oscioru in his first start, but he barely made it out of the first inning in this one, surrendering five runs before he recorded three outs. He held Daskel scoreless in the rest of his outing, but he labored through three more innings and had to be relieved after four innings with an ugly line. Aaron Spencer tossed two perfect innings in relief, then gave way to Cody Brock as the Lions trailed 5-2 in the bottom of the 7th. Brock has an electric fastball that routinely hits 100 MPH, and two hard off-speed pitches, but control is not his strong suit. He walked two and hit another, sandwiched around a strikeout, before being lifted. With the bases loaded, Rex Boyd came in to silence the threat, but ended up pouring gasoline on the fire, giving up back-to-back two-run doubles to allow four runs to come across and bury the Lions' chances of a comeback.

The 9-2 loss dropped the Lions to 5-4 overall, one game back of group leaders Anthor. They are currently tied with Kriegiersien, who dropped two of three to Anthor, and West Phoenicia, who nearly swept Oscioru before falling 6-5 in 14 innings. Oscioru and Daskel are bringing up the rear at 3-6. Let's take a look at the Lions' next foe, their most formidable, the Confederates of West Phoenicia.

West Phoenicia Preview

West Phoenicia opened the WBC by losing two of three to Anthor, before taking two of three in each of their next series, against Krigiersien and Oscioru. The Confederates are currently averaging a healthy 5.2 runs/game, while allowing a fairly substantial 4.6 runs/game. This compares to the Lions' 5.8 runs/game scored and mere 3.8 runs/game allowed.

Game 1: Jackson vs. Singh

In the first game, each side will see their fifth starters go at it. The Lions will send righty Hank Jackson to the mound, while lefty Mandeep Singh will toe the rubber for the Confederates. Jackson tossed a healthy six innings of two-run ball in his first outing while smacking a two-run double against Oscioru, while Singh got hit hard early in a 10-4 loss to Kriegiersien. There isn't much information on Singh's pitches, but it appears jumping on him early will be essential. As for Jackson, the key will be utilizing his fastball/curve combo to great effect, while avoiding the strong Confederate lineup. Of special note is second sacker Emanuel Army, batting cleanup. Any time a second baseman is batting cleanup, he must be an incredible hitter with unusual power.

Game 2: Sharpe vs. Vergas

In the second game, each side will send their aces to either take the series or get back into it. Cory Sharpe, the power pitcher, will take the hill for the Lions and be countered by the Confederates' right-hander Mateo Vergas. The key for Sharpe is to get through the first few innings unscathed. He's had trouble getting started, with a 7.50 ERA in the first three innings of his first two starts combined. The Lions will hope to tire out Vergas and get into the Confederate bullpen, as he has allowed just three runs in his first two start combined. Dusty Davidson might get the start in this game, as he and Tommy Moran have reputations as battlers at the plate, drawing out plate appearances and picking up plenty of walks. Look for Davidson to spell someone like Casey Wheeler, as he's struggled early against tough righties.

Game 3: Templeton vs. Samuels

The last game will likely be a rubber match between these two heavyweights. Wyatt Templeton, his mojo newly restored against Daskel, will take the hill for the Lions and be countered by the Confederates' crafty southpaw Cliff Samuels. Templeton needs his kill pitch, the slider, to be on, but don't count out the importance of his changeup and curveball. If he doesn't have a feel for those, then he becomes a two-pitch pitcher, a tough proposition against a team like West Phoenicia. A great two pitches, but still. Samuels has had a similar Classic to Templeton, yielding four runs in five innings against Anthor, but bouncing back against Oscioru. Again, getting into the bullpen will be important for the Lions. The Confederates have already played a 12 and a 14-inning game so far, which has to have put extra stress on the pen in addition to normal usage. If the Lions have been successful, then they will have knocked Singh out of the box early, forced the Confederate bullpen to relieve Mateo Vergas after five or six innings, and finally pushed the enemy 'pen to exhaustion by wearing out Samuels.

It won't be easy, but these are the three most important games for the Lions so far. A series win, and they'll be ahead of one of their principal competitors for a playoff spot.

[Xanneria]

Maroons Struggle in WBC qualifiers

After Derek Crimson struggled, Long Relief Pitcher
Sherm Rooney saw significant innings, in game
one of the Xannerian-Kalactin series

NW KALACTIN - Dwight Stadium was home to an embarassing sweep of the Xannerian Maroons by Northwest Kalactin. Not the foul up we had at the stadium in the CoH two years ago but still getting swept in baseball with your international team is always a feet you want to avoid. Xanneria had been ranked at the 18th in the world but most of that came through a combination of circumstances including the WC47's Casarian run benefiting them mightily and the fact they are the highest pool C team, meaning they are still only the third highest ranked team in the group, with these potential tough games, its sad to see the team get swept by a promising, but relatively raw Northwest Kalactin team. As with the last couple of series in the WBC hitting still isn't what it could be for the Maroons. THrill Stevenson an OF with a .291 career average has been mystified by pitching from everone and aside from a strong game against Ko-oren has been relatively quiet. Thrill (yes thats his birth name) has hit a measily .233 albiet he did get a couple of good hits in game one but afterwards he was fairly silent including abysmal game 3 where he struck out swinging all three times. Of the hitting corp for the Maroons, reserve Leopald Goncalves and brother Hector have been wonderful lights for the Maroons in this dark series, the Older Leo, came in for the injured Justin Jordan in game two and immediately got a hit, then after a steal he got to home on a Rickie Bean RBI single. Bean has been good defensively but Pitching has been probably the only decent bright spot for the Maroons, but even then Derek Crimson struggled in his second match. Relievers Sherm Rooney and Lance Godet looked better than in that thrasing they had at the end of the Ko-Oren game, and Alex Boyd gave up only 4 hits in his most recent outing. If the Maroons can pick up on the Hitting they can do well against another reeling team in Quebec. The ole' Quebbies have been fairly consistent at being inconstant as the team has seen its glory years pass by. Can the Maroons take advantage? Possibly but only if the hitting starts improving. Pitchers Giro Hagginen, Jeff Shuttles and Derek Crimson should be up for the Maroons, Hagginen looked great in his first outing versus Ko-Oren, but Shuttles and Crimson looked inconsistent so we'll see if that can be done about that in the off time between series.




STARTING PITCHERS

GAME 1
Giro Hagginen vs ???

GAME 2
Jeff Shuttles vs ???

GAME 3
Derek Crimson vs ???

[The Sherpa Empire]

Zora Shafi, the new director of the Sports Department, was in an awkward position. She didn't like the idea of shaking up the national baseball team's management in the middle of the World Baseball Classic, but it was hard to ignore the team's dismal 3 and 6 record. The morning news said disgruntled fans had started a violent brawl at a sports bar in Nanchang which put a couple of people in the hospital and a couple of others in jail. The ones who were arrested had probably bribed their way out by the time Shafi heard the news.

The Sports Department had been struggling for the last couple of years after a round of budget cuts. There was no longer a Sherpa IBC team, the national football team had been lousy in the most recent World Cup qualifiers, and the last World Baseball Classic had been disappointing. The Rocket Report had compared the team to Rockii Ezis, a Vilitan stock car driver whose racing career in Newmanistan was a flop.

Stock car racing was the one sport that seemed to be unaffected by the budget cuts at the Sports Department. Thanks to heavy reliance on corporate sponsorship, sometimes from foreign corporations, Sherpa NSSCRA teams were still doing great. But that was a problem too. The conservative and predominantly Buddhist fat cats in the Sherpa capital did not want to see the LGBT rights advocate Kai Qiang, the devout Muslim Rinzi Zakhilwal, and the somewhat slutty Liangmei Li as the superstars of the Sherpa sporting world.

With Pot 4 Bolgano and unranked Cascom next in the schedule, there was plenty of opportunity for the Sherpas to improve their record, but Shafi still thought Karan Bhansali needed a wake-up call. She called him and let him know his job was on the line if the team did not start playing better.

---

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Foreign Ministry Update: SARS 2 Hankou Coronavirus

Due to the severity of the SARS outbreak in North China, all Yangtze River crossings are closed to foreign travelers. Sherpa citizens returning home from North China may re-enter the country through the Wuchang or Chongqing border crossings, but they will be required to isolate themselves for 14 days at a designated quarantine hotel before returning to their homes. For additional information, please consult the local border control offices in Wuchang or Chongqing.

Due to a shortage of available hotel space for quarantined travelers, the Nanjing Yangtze River bridge is closed to all traffic in both directions until further notice.

[The Greater Nordics]

The Nordic team remains unbeaten after winning all three games against TJUN-ia. The team first realized what could be in store for them when they got to their locker room and saw a poster outside their locker room trying to intimidate them. The team was not intimidated at all by this and they vowed to quiet the crowd. In the first game, the crowd showed that they did not like our aggressive style of play and they made that vocally known. Some members of the team played into the crowd by signalling that they couldnt hear them. Torsten Eriksson did this after he hit a home run in the 6th that gave the team the lead. The crowd did not like that and started booing louder and Eriksson was warned by the empire. The game eventually went to extra innings. Soren Vang eventually gave the Nordics a win in the 11th with a 2 run homer.

The next 2 games, the crowd was quieted by large wins by the Nordics. 11-4 and 11-2. There was some excitement that happened in the second game of the series as manager Leif Holt was ejected after arguing a bad call by the umpire. He was suspended for the final game but it did not matter much as the team won handily as Marcus Sander was the interim manager for the game.

[Hapilopper]

Somewhere in Abanhfleft
Leading up to the Hapilopper/Abanhfleft series
Well, at least the Haps took two from Hampton Island, but there had been some controversy coming out of it. Hapiloppian pitchers had agreed to intentionally walk Midnight, Hampton Island’s bear, at every at-bat. The strategy was wildly unpopular among Hampton Island fans – some people threw trash at the Hapiloppians for it – but it was effective, and did very well to neutralize Midnight’s frighteningly explosive power.

But still, there had been some lingering feelings. Levi Berry, for instance, had admitted to having nightmares for a few days after Midnight growled angrily at him for tagging the bear in a strange play at first base, when Midnight wandered off first base to investigate a half-eaten pretzel hurled onto the field.

“I mean, he growled at me, for fuck’s sakes!” Levi whined to his teammates.

“Yeah, we saw it,” said catcher Mo Beverly. “But damn son, he proved to be vulnerable. I mean, his bat got wiped out. That’s one of the best strategies I’ve ever seen.”

“Sure pissed off that bear, though,” Levi said.

“Fine by me,” Charlton Forest chuckled, having overheard the conversation. “I’ll just throw at its head next time we face it.”

Levi and Mo looked at Charlton like he was out of his mind.

“You’re going to throw a beanball at an actual black bear?” Mo asked with disbelief. “Charlton, do you want to die? Because that’s how you’ll die.”

“Well…” Charlton trailed off.

Either way, the Haps were worried. Not because they’d have to face that bear again in another series, but because they were going up against the top team in the group, the team from Abanhfleft, a team that had somehow risen above the fray and emerged as the top team in the group. The Haps knew they’d have to work hard to beat the Fleftics.

[Inner AginanaUsordia]

An in-depth look at the strengths and weaknesses of the Inner AginanaUsordia Lions' pitchers, published in Micalov Monthly, March 2020.
Note: angles are measured as 0 degrees being the top.
Martin Slatek
4-seam Fastball: 93-96 mph, pretty accurate
12-6 Curveball: 85-87 mph, somewhat accurate, breaks well
2-seam Fastball: 92-95 mph, cuts slightly to arm-side
Slider: 86-88 mph, strong 45 degree breaking action
Slatek has a reputation around the clubhouse as a leader, and he usually proves it on the field.
In the 2019 regular season (150 games), with the IACBL Bolvestra BC, Slatek threw 203 innings, allowing 46 runs for an ERA of 2.04.
Slatek throws from a 30 degree arm slot, and relies on his breaking pitches to strike batters out, or at least induce weak contact. He recorded 247 strikeouts, and allowed 22 Home Runs. In the WBC, Slatek has allowed 7 runs in 10.2 innings.
NJ Dublin
2-Seam Fastball: 88-92 mph, very accurate, runs left
Forkball: 83-86 mph, pretty accurate, drops suddenly
Curveball: 78-81 mph, pretty accurate, 30 degree break
Dublin has a masters' degree in engineering, and graduated at age 23.
In the 2019 regular season, with the IABML Sofia Barons, Dublin threw 209.1 innings, allowing 38 runs for an ERA of 1.64.
Dublin throws from a 40 degree arm angle, and relies on painting the corners for strikeouts and weak contact. He threw for 274 strikeouts and allowed 25 home runs. In the WBC, Dublin has allowed 8 runs in 13 innings.
Vincent DeClair
4-seam Fastball: 94-98 mph, pretty accurate
Circle Changeup: 83-86 mph, somewhat accurate
Cut Fastball: 90-93 mph, pretty accurate, 30 degree break
DeClair is the tallest member of the baseball team, standing at 6'6".
In the 2019 regular season, with Lodos BC, DeClair threw 194.2 innings, allowing 42 runs for an ERA of 1.94.
DeClair throws from a 15 degree arm angle, and relies on high speed to overpower hitters. He threw for 244 strikeouts and allowed 33 home runs. In the WBC, DeClair has allowed 6 runs in 13.1 innings.
Kyle San Bracero
Knuckleball: 68-72 mph, pretty accurate
Slider: 74-78 mph, very accurate, 45 degree break
Bracero is one of only three knuckleball throwers in the University sports league.
In the 2019 regular season, with the USIA A division Agin Kaya University, Bracero threw for 210 innings, allowing 35 runs at a 1.50 ERA.
Bracero throws at a 40 degree arm angle, and uses a slow knuckeball to get outs. He threw for 185 strikeouts and 13 home runs. In the WBC, Bracero has allowed 4 runs in 16.1 innings.
Carlos Sagan
Curveball: 73-77 mph, pretty accurate, 30 degree break
Slider: 75-78 mph, pretty accurate, 50 degree break
Cut Fastball: 83-86 mph, pretty accurate, 45 degree break
2-seam Fastball: 87-91 mph, very accurate, very hittable
Sagan is an excellent pitcher under pressure, but doesn't work well from behind in the game.
In the 2019 regular season, with Port Kolsan BC, Sagan threw 133.2 innings, allowing 29 runs for an ERA of 1.95.
Sagan throws at a 30 degree arm angle, and relies on a variety of breaking pitches to miss the bats of the opponent. He threw for 140 strikeouts and 13 home runs. In the WBC, Sagan allowed 6 runs (+1 unearned) in 4.2 innings.
Gio Antananarivo
4-seam Fastball: 95-97 mph, pretty accurate
Slider: 88-91 mph, somewhat accurate, 50 degree break
Changeup: 83-85 mph, pretty accurate
Antananarivo is a Prometheusian flamethrowing long reliever with little interest in communication in English.
In 2019, with Niche BC, Antananarivo threw 189.1 innings, with 52 runs allowed, a 2.47 ERA.
Antananarivo throws at a 30 degree angle, and can overpower nearly any opponent. He pitched 207 strikeouts and 33 home runs. In the WBC, Antananarivo has let up 2 runs in 9.2 innings.
Tyler Barwind
4-seam Fastball: 94-96 mph, somewhat accurate
Slider: 84-86 mph, pretty accurate, 45 degree break
Curveball: 81-84 mph, somewhat accurate
Barwind is a jovial, hard-throwing veteran, drafted at age 20 after one year at Usor Kin-Hasek Bénal Memorial University.
In 2019, with the Bénal City Warriors, Barwind threw 196.2 innings, only allowing 37 runs and holding a 1.69 ERA.
Barwind throws from a 40 degree angle, and relies on different timings for his pitching motion to throw off hitters. He allowed 25 Home Runs, and struck out 213. In the WBC, Barwind has let up 4 runs in 5.2 innings.
Don Van Epps
Sinker: 93-95 mph, very accurate
Curveball: 82-85 mph, very accurate, 40 degree break
4-seam Fastball: 94-96 mph, pretty accurate
Van Epps is a moody, extremely competitive lefty from Dubrosen.
In 2019, with the Banlu Bulls and the Dubrosen Cavaliers, Van Epps threw 110 innings, allowing 23 runs for an ERA of 1.88.
Van Epps throws from a 30 degree angle, and relies on pinpoint accuracy to paint corners. He struck out 135 batters, and allowed 13 Home Runs. In the WBC, Van Epps has allowed 1 run in 3 innings.
Lane Rahoveca
2-seam Fastball: 91-93 mph, pretty accurate
Curveball: 82-85 mph, pretty accurate, 45 degree break
Screwball: 82-85 mph, very accurate, -20 degree break
An unpredictable thrower, Rahoveca is shy in large groups.
In 2019, with the Kavala Mountaineers, Rahoveca threw 126 innings, allowing 22 runs for an ERA of 1.57.
Rahoveca throws from a 35 degree angle, and relies on mixing up the pitches and their speeds to throw off batters. He allowed 10 home runs, and struck 144 batters out. In the WBC, Rahoveca has allowed 3 runs in 3.2 innings.
Erik Ferrasen
4-seam Fastball: 94-96 mph, pretty accurate
Curveball: 84-86 mph, pretty accurate, 20 degree break
Slider: 86-88 mph, pretty accurate, 70 degree break
Cut Fastball: 91-94 mph, pretty accurate, 45 degree break
Ferrasen is an Avontonese closer who is very disinterested in losing.
In 2019, with the Rijeka Raiders, Ferrasen threw in 98 innings, recording 82 saves, and allowing only 14 runs for an ERA of 1.29.
Ferrasen throws from a low side-arm angle, nearly 90 degrees, and relies on strong breaking pitches to evade bats. In the WBC, Ferrasen recorded a save in his only chance, allowing 0 runs in 1 inning.

Support your Lions by tuning in to the live broadcast of their WBC games, on IACN!

[Newmanistan]

THE ROCKET REPORT

ANOTHER HOME SWEEP

by Brianne Henry,

Playing at Emperor Michael I Stadium, the Rockets took on the national team from Chromatika and swept them away in the three game series, improving their record to 8-1 while dropping the Chromatiks to 4-5. Newmanistan is a game ahead of 7-2 South Covello, of whom they will be playing next. They also have increased their lead over the qualification cut line to four games, and five games over Liventia. That puts them in a very good position after nine games, but there is still plenty more baseball to be played. Thankfully, it seems as though this team is emerging from what was a disappointing showing in Free Republics during the last Classic. At least, for now anyway. You never want to get ahead of yourself, and we are not about too.

The fans on hand for these games were vocal in their support during the games, but also in a ceremony honoring the teams from World Baseball Classic 38 and 43 before the first game of the series. There is overlap between those roster to some extent, and in the case of Hannah Lee, there is even overlap between the roster from 43 and the current team. Since Lee was not scheduled to pitch in this series, she could spend more time hanging out with those players. Those Classics, to the casual observer would represent the five and ten Classic anniversaries, but they were being recognized for far more then that. For the World Baseball Classic 43 team, it was a get together of players from the last time we won this thing. Have we really been stuck on six that long? I remember when people from Schiltzberg were starting to get tired of us, or Super-Llamaland winning it so many times when they could not get off of their four titles won. The significance of the World Baseball Classic 38 team is known here, but to foreign observers, it might not be as known. That Classic represented the return of Newmanistan to international sports. While technically they played in a World Bowl as the first thing they did, Classic 38 was special because we also hosted it. There was no slowly coming back in and getting a tournament under our belt, we immediately went for it, and were awarded the competition. The great Courtney Duvall, who was a part of both of those rosters, would throw out the first pitch of the game. She did not give a speech during the ceremony, but told me afterwards, “I talked to the current players in private. Most of them already know me, so it’s not as if it was the first time they have seen me. I am not that old yet, and of course I still serve as an analyst on Loudon Leopards telecasts, so I am around all the stadiums a lot and have interviewed them. Still, this conversation was a little different because it focused more specifically on the Rockets then it was on the scene around the ENBL (Empire of Newmanistan Baseball League). There was no specific thing that was said, just talking about baseball, and that was fun.” Duvall went to say that, “Seeing Hannah (Lee) as a 35-year old pitcher on this team brought back memories when she was a teenager on the roster that I was a veteran on. I am so proud of what Hannah has done in her career, not just as a player, but as a person. She is a role model for everyone in that locker room, even the batters.”

As for the games, Newmanistan was victorious by scores of 4-3, 11-5, and 2-1. In the first game, Cassie Burke took to the mound, and fans hoped that she could make it two successful starts in a row. It was not a dream start, but she did get the win in the game, going seven innings, allowing three earned runs, and striking out eight. Newmanistan fell behind in the game 2-0 early, then scored three in the bottom of the fourth, thanks in large part to a two-run double by Sierra McKinley. Chromatika tied it in the top of the fifth, but Newmanistan scored an interesting run in the bottom of the same inning when Brooke Sauter singled, stole second and third, and scored on the catcher’s throwing error trying to get her out at third. That made it 4-3, which was the final. In the second game, Newmanistan again gave Madison Sullivan a ton of run support, but this time she did not give most of it back up, but did give up a chunk of it. With Newmanistan again falling behind 2-0 early, the team jumped out to an 8-2 lead after three, highlighted by a three run HR from Nicole Larkin. However, in the top of the fifth, Chromatika closed to 8-5. Coach Hedstrom still gave Sullivan a chance to pitch the sixth, and she got out of it cleanly. Still, it was her final inning of work. Newmanistan tacked on three insurance runs in the eighth for the eventual final score. Then, finally, Paige Norwood had a huge game in the finale on the mound, tossing a complete game, allowing just one run on three hits. She needed to be great, because the Rockets bats were kept at bay as well until the bottom of the seventh inning, when Nicole Larkin again had the biggest hit, this being a two-run, two-out single up the middle. No, they don’t always have to be a big blast to get the jump done, and the 2-1 lead held up.

That brings us to our next series, taking place in South Covello, against a nation that has won the World Baseball Classic in its history, but that was while we were absent from the competition. They were also known as Gregoryisgodistan back then, so as much as the nation is glad to be over that tyrannical dictator, they’d now love to take the next step and show they can return to baseball glory as well. Right now, their fans are obviously excited, and they know that with us coming to town, beating us in at least two out of three will send a message to the rest of the world that they are for real. Newmanistan goes into the series rolling on all cylinders, so it should be a great series. I highly recommend watching these games.

[Sarzonia]

Sarzonia's first away series came at what was beginning to feel like a crossroads.

The Stars were 2-4 and were facing Bolgano with questions swirling about an offence that struggled in the early going. Manager Geoff Yancey didn't have the luxury of staying the course too long compared to managing a 100-game season in Sarzonian major league baseball.

Or so the critics thought. During the first game of the series, Sarzonian bats finally woke from what felt like a WBC-long slumber to the tune of a 9-2 victory that featured two tape measure home runs from designated hitter Luke Brinkley and a strong seven-inning outing by Uriel Jimenez.

Game 2 saw Jeff Parrish make a strong case for himself in the rotation with 10 strikeouts in six innings, but Claudio Mauro limited the Stars to four hits, including a solo shot from Brinkley and only walked Brinkley intentionally. Right fielder Kenny Evans grounded into a double play to end the threat.

Game 3 might well be considered an instant classic as the Stars and Bolgano battled back and forth. The Stars needed a strong effort from the entire ballclub and got a major boost from fourth starter Jamie Pearson, who befuddled Bolgano with sinkers and sliders all game long.

Pearson gave way to Carnie Weston in the seventh and she retired the side in order in 11 pitches. Third baseman Jose Garcia picked on a 3-1 fastball and slammed it 429 feet into the left field seats in the top of the eighth and got Yancey on the phone to bullpen coach Calen George in a hurry.

Setup pitcher Scott Lassiter was already up and throwing, so George had the good news for Yancey that he would he would be ready. Lassiter proved his coach right by mowing down the heart of the Bolgano order in the eighth. Tyrell Douglass slammed the door once and for all to notch his first save of the World Baseball Classic.

The Stars would improve to 4-5 and, interestingly enough, would have the second best run differential in the group behind second place Lisander. First place St. Saratoga will invade Fleetwood Park for the next series.

"We're three games out and we need to be on form," Yancey said. "We're going to be in a tough position if we don't start developing some consistency."

[Drawkland]

DRAWKLAND'S WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC 48
GROUP STAGE - SERIES 4
Check out the Official WBC 48 Theme Song that I composed myself today!

---

Group 1

Game 1
Hampton Island                     0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0  4
Pripet Socialist Republic          0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1  3

Democratic Publicity Stunts        1 3 1 0 1 0 0 0 0  6
Nooooooooooooooo                   0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 3  4

Hapilopper                         3 1 4 1 0 0 0 2 0 11
Abanhfleft                         1 2 1 6 0 0 0 2 X 12

Game 2
Hampton Island                     0 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 0  4
Pripet Socialist Republic          0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0  1

Democratic Publicity Stunts        0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0  2
Nooooooooooooooo                   0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0  1

Hapilopper                         0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0  1
Abanhfleft                         0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 X  4

Game 3
Hampton Island                     1 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0  5
Pripet Socialist Republic          3 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 3  8

Democratic Publicity Stunts        0 2 0 0 0 2 1 0 0  5
Nooooooooooooooo                   0 0 3 4 0 0 0 0 X  7

Hapilopper                         1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0  3
Abanhfleft                         0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0  2

  Group 1                      Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD 
1 Abanhfleft                    12   10   2    63   40  +23
2 Hampton Island                12    8   4    51   31  +20
3 Hapilopper                    12    6   6    49   45   +4
4 Democratic Publicity Stunts   12    5   7    38   49  −11
5 Pripet Socialist Republic     12    4   8    43   60  −17
6 Nooooooooooooooo              12    3   9    41   60  −19

Group 2

Game 1
Free Republics                     0 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0  4
Devonta                            0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0

TJUN-ia                            0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1  3
Terre Septentrionale               0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0

Swiaji                             0 0 0 1 6 0 1 2 0 10
The Greater Nordics                0 0 0 0 3 6 0 0 0  9

Game 2
Free Republics                     0 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 4  8
Devonta                            0 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 0  4

TJUN-ia                            0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0  2
Terre Septentrionale               1 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 X  5

Swiaji                             0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0  3
The Greater Nordics                1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1  4

Game 3
Free Republics                     0 0 1 3 0 0 5 1 0 10
Devonta                            0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1

TJUN-ia                            0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 1  4
Terre Septentrionale               0 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 1  5

Swiaji                             0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0  2
The Greater Nordics                0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0  1

  Group 2               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD 
1 Free Republics         12   10   2    70   34  +36
2 The Greater Nordics    12   10   2    76   41  +35
3 Swiaji                 12    6   6    49   53   −4
4 Terre Septentrionale   12    6   6    48   53   −5
5 TJUN-ia                12    3   9    34   59  −25
6 Devonta                12    1  11    29   66  −37

Group 3

Game 1
Ko-oren                            2 0 1 2 0 0 1 1 0  7
Northwest Kalactin                 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0  3

The Royal Kingdom of Quebec        0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1  3
Xanneria                           1 0 0 4 0 0 0 2 X  7

Equestrian States                  0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1  3
South Newlandia                    0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2  4

Game 2
Ko-oren                            1 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0  4
Northwest Kalactin                 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  2

The Royal Kingdom of Quebec        0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 2  5
Xanneria                           0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0  4

Equestrian States                  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0  2
South Newlandia                    0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1  3

Game 3
Ko-oren                            0 0 2 3 0 1 0 1 0  7
Northwest Kalactin                 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1

The Royal Kingdom of Quebec        0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Xanneria                           0 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 X  4

Equestrian States                  0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0  2
South Newlandia                    2 0 0 0 0 0 5 1 X  8

  Group 3                      Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD 
1 Ko-oren                       12    9   3    70   48  +22
2 South Newlandia               12    9   3    46   33  +13
3 Northwest Kalactin            12    5   7    51   51    0
4 Xanneria                      12    5   7    47   51   −4
5 The Royal Kingdom of Quebec   12    5   7    54   60   −6
6 Equestrian States             12    3   9    41   66  −25

Group 4

Game 1
Daskel                             0 0 1 0 4 0 0 0 0  5
Kriegiersien                       0 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 0  4

Oscioru                            0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0  1
Anthor                             0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 X  3

Nova Anglicana                     0 1 0 4 0 0 0 0 0  5
West Phoenicia                     1 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0  4

Game 2
Daskel                             1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0  3
Kriegiersien                       0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0

Oscioru                            0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 4  7
Anthor                             0 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 0  4

Nova Anglicana                     0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  3
West Phoenicia                     0 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 X  4

Game 3
Daskel                             0 2 0 0 0 2 0 1 0  5
Kriegiersien                       0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0  2

Oscioru                            0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0  2
Anthor                             1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1

Nova Anglicana                     0 0 3 0 2 0 0 0 0  5
West Phoenicia                     0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0  3

  Group 4               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD 
1 Nova Anglicana         12    7   5    65   45  +20
2 Anthor                 12    7   5    54   43  +11
3 West Phoenicia         12    6   6    58   54   +4
4 Daskel                 12    6   6    59   59    0
5 Kriegiersien           12    5   7    43   56  −13
6 Oscioru                12    5   7    49   71  −22

Group 5

Game 1
The Sherpa Empire                  0 2 0 3 0 0 0 1 0  6
Bolgano                            1 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0  4

St. Saratoga                       0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0  1
Sarzonia                           0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 X  2

Lisander                           0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 1  4
Cascom                             0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0

Game 2
The Sherpa Empire                  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  1
Bolgano                            0 0 1 0 0 0 1 3 X  5

St. Saratoga                       1 0 1 2 0 0 0 3 2  9
Sarzonia                           0 0 1 0 2 0 1 0 0  4

Lisander                           2 0 3 0 1 1 0 0 0  7
Cascom                             0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0  1

Game 3
The Sherpa Empire                  0 1 0 0 1 1 0 2 0  5
Bolgano                            0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0  2

St. Saratoga                       0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0  3
Sarzonia                           4 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 X  5

Lisander                           0 1 0 0 1 1 2 0 0  5
Cascom                             2 0 2 4 0 1 0 3 X 12

  Group 5               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD 
1 St. Saratoga           12    8   4    54   50   +4
2 Lisander               12    7   5    71   54  +17
3 Sarzonia               12    6   6    43   41   +2
4 Cascom                 12    5   7    49   51   −2
5 The Sherpa Empire      12    5   7    42   48   −6
6 Bolgano                12    5   7    47   62  −15

Group 6

Game 1
Mushroom Kingdom                   0 3 2 4 0 0 1 3 0 13
The Sarian                         0 3 0 2 0 1 0 0 0  6

Gekkeom                            0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 3  6
Imperial Joseon                    0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0  1

Saintland                          0 0 1 5 1 1 1 0 0  9
Cassadaigua                        1 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0  4

Game 2
Mushroom Kingdom                   0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0  3
The Sarian                         0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0  1

Gekkeom                            0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Imperial Joseon                    0 4 1 0 1 0 2 0 X  8

Saintland                          0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0  1
Cassadaigua                        0 1 0 0 2 1 3 0 X  7

Game 3
Mushroom Kingdom                   0 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 3  9
The Sarian                         0 0 0 2 4 2 0 0 0  8

Gekkeom                            0 2 0 0 0 1 0 2 0  5
Imperial Joseon                    1 0 1 4 0 0 0 0 X  6

Saintland                          0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  1
Cassadaigua                        1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 X  2

  Group 6               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD 
1 Mushroom Kingdom       12    9   3    62   45  +17
2 Cassadaigua            12    8   4    80   42  +38
3 Imperial Joseon        12    6   6    48   55   −7
4 Saintland              12    5   7    42   52  −10
5 Gekkeom                12    4   8    47   65  −18
6 The Sarian             12    4   8    52   72  −20

Group 7

Game 1
Newmanistan                        0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0  3
South Covello                      0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0

Teyniyji                           0 0 0 2 2 1 0 0 0  5
Brooklyn and Queens                2 0 0 1 0 2 2 0 X  7

Chromatika                         0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1  3
Liventia                           1 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 X  4

Game 2
Newmanistan                        1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0  2
South Covello                      0 0 1 0 1 5 0 4 X 11

Teyniyji                           1 1 0 1 3 0 0 1 1  8
Brooklyn and Queens                0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 3  4

Chromatika                         0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0  3
Liventia                           0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 3  6

Game 3
Newmanistan                        1 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 5 10
South Covello                      1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 2  7

Teyniyji                           0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Brooklyn and Queens                0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2  2

Chromatika                         0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0  1
Liventia                           0 0 0 4 0 0 0 2 X  6

  Group 7               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD 
1 Newmanistan            12   10   2    78   46  +32
2 South Covello          12    8   4    52   36  +16
3 Brooklyn and Queens    12    6   6    44   51   −7
4 Liventia               12    6   6    40   45   −5
5 Chromatika             12    4   8    33   46  −13
6 Teyniyji               12    2  10    39   62  −23

Group 8

Game 1
Banija                             2 1 1 2 0 0 0 2 0  8
HUElavia                           0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0  2

Inner AginanaUsordia               0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 0  4
Kita-Hinode                        0 3 0 0 0 2 0 1 X  6

Drunk People at the Local Tavern   0 1 5 0 0 0 2 2 1 11
Drawkland                          3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0  4

Game 2
Banija                             3 1 1 1 0 2 3 1 0 12
HUElavia                           0 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0  4

Inner AginanaUsordia               0 0 0 2 1 0 3 1 0  7
Kita-Hinode                        2 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0  5

Drunk People at the Local Tavern   0 0 4 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  6
Drawkland                          1 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2  7

Game 3
Banija                             0 1 0 1 2 0 0 4 0  8
HUElavia                           0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1  3

Inner AginanaUsordia               0 0 1 0 1 0 2 2 0  6
Kita-Hinode                        1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0  3

Drunk People at the Local Tavern   1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0  3
Drawkland                          1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 2  5

  Group 8                           Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD 
1 Banija                             12    9   3    63   36  +27
2 HUElavia                           12    7   5    51   60   −9
3 Drawkland                          12    7   5    60   63   −3
4 Inner AginanaUsordia               12    5   7    53   56   −3
5 Drunk People at the Local Tavern   12    4   8    55   57   −2
6 Kita-Hinode                        12    4   8    44   54  −10

[West Phoenicia]

Who is Princess Servilia Bush-Tasman and why isn't she in prison?

Princess Servilia Bush-Tasman is an extended member of the West Phoenician Royal family.

She is the second eldest of five, and eldest daughter of Jezebel Bush-Tasman; Queen Consort of New Hobart. Princess of West Phoenicia and Duchess of Immaculata.
Her father is Marcus Van Diemen Tasman; King of The Kingdom of New Hobart. She is a princess in both the Kingdom of New Hobart and a princess of West Phoenicia where she is niece to the current Emperor, Glenton Gryphon-Bush II.

From 2000-2008 when her mother was Queen of West Phoenicia she was bumped up to third in place for the throne. But after her mother was forced to abdicate during the West Phoenician 5th Civil war (2008 to 2010) when Queen Jezebel's step father Thaddeus Gryphon launched a successful invasion to free his son Glenton Gryphon-Bush II and other members of the royal family who had been under palace arrest during the tyrannical reign of the Queen. She was forced to flee with her family to her husband's home country of the Kingdom of New Hobart.

Once Glenton Gryphon-Bush II was installed on the throne, he pardoned his sister Jezebel and her immediate family or any crimes committed during her reign. During the reign of her mother, Princess Servilia Bush-Tasman held a close bond with her uncle, she passed messages for him and members of his family at the risk of her own safety.

In 2007 her parents married her off to Imran Samindia; Duke of The Empire of India, second in line for the throne of The Empire of India. The marriage was purely a political alliance. Queen Jezebel was quickly working on as many allies as possible to protect her from an invasion by her Step father who was Prince of The Kingdom of Gryphon, who claimed a right to the throne, due to the changing of the will by the late Queen Juno Gryphon.

During the marriage of Princess Servilia Bush-Tasman and Imran Samindia; Duke of The Empire of India. They reside in a number of properties, given to them as a wedding gift, throughout the nation of West Phoenicia living a life of high luxury and a very generous money from the public purse.

Their marriage was not a happy one, but in 2008 Princess Servillia gave birth to her first child
Prince Aelius Samindia-Tasman Bush and in 2012 she gave birth to Princess Cleopatra-Servillia I Samindia-Tasman Bush.

It was during her second pregnancy that rumours began to circulate that Imran Samindia was committing adultery with one of his wives ladies in waiting and his personal secretary. Frequent arguments were reported by staff who tended to the two rivals.
It was during this time that he died from what the Chief coroner declared was death by poisoning.

Imran Samindia's father immediately called for a full investigation into the death of his son. Which was denied by Emperor Glenton Gryphon-Bush II. The official ruling has been declared to be suicide, by the Chief Coroner after further investigation.
Many who oppose the royal family and the royal family of The Indian Empire declare the incidents to be a cover up.

The reigning royal family has a brutal history of siblings murdering siblings, and parents killing children to secure the throne. But with the move to the modern age, the removal of family members by murder has decreased. With the jump to the modern age, one wonders how a murder can remain unsolved. Anyone with half a brain is fully aware it was not suicide. Members of the royal family should not be above the law and many are still calling for answers as Princess Servilia Bush-Tasman is free to roam around without fear that the murder she committed will ever come to justice.

The Indian Empire still is calling for answers, it's relationship with West Phoenicia and the Kingdom of New Hobart is chilly and hostile, all diplomatic ties have been cut, and neither have ambassadors in each other's nations.

[South Newlandia]

ELEPHANT VALLEY MAIL
Sports
South Newlandia sweeps 2nd seed, wins third series in a row

South Newlandia sweeped in their second home series just as in their first, and beat the Equastrian States 3-0. Fantastic pitching and strong batting opened the door to victory, even though two of the games could really have gone either direction. Star batter and Shortstop Adam King (20) played another fantastic game, scoring another home run and getting 3 runs in total.

Game 1

Equestrian States                  0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1  3
South Newlandia                    0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2  4

The first game was a really close one dominated by strong defences. The Equastrian States took the lead in the 3rd inning after two doubles, but in their 4th inning, South Newlandia got the second and third base loaded with no one out, and converted this into runs for Adam King and Gregor Garner, taking the lead. The Equestrian States evened the score in the 5th inning, scoring another run. Things stayed even until the 9th inning, when a lone home run for the States got them into the lead again. This meant that South Newlandia had to score in the 9th inning, and they delivered fantastically. George Webber and Fabio Ventura scored two more runs for South Newlandia, winning the game 4-3.

Game 2

Equestrian States                  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0  2
South Newlandia                    0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1  3

The second game started slow again, but this time, South Newlandia grabbed the lead first after a home run by Adam King, which also secured a run for Igor White. Nothing happened until the Top of the 8th, when a surprising home run after a weak pitch by Jack Miller allowed a home run for the Equestrian Catcher and a run for their Shortstop, making the score even again – 2-2. Once again, South Newlandia won the game all the way into the 9th inning, with Steve Ruiz securing the final run to make the score 3-2 in favour of South Newlandia.

Game 3

Equestrian States                  0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0  2
South Newlandia                    2 0 0 0 0 0 5 1 X  8

Game 3 started faster, with South Newlandia taking the lead in the first inning already. A home run by Ian Pearce secured a run for Adam King as well, making the score 2-0 early. For the third time in a row, the States managed to even the game again, scoring two runs in the 6th inning, but the 7th inning was decisive. South Newlandia scored 5 runs here after two home runs by Fabio Ventura and Jake Davidson. These got runs for George Webber, Igor White and Gregor Garner as well. The cherry on top was another run in the 8th inning, scored by Ian Pearce. This made the final score 8-2 to complete the sweep. South Newlandia won 8 out of the last 9 games, and they stay second in the standings, now 4 wins ahead of third place. Sweeping the second seed to accomplish this is obviously historical, and gives the team an actual chance to reach the playoffs. For this edition, we managed to conduct an interview with South Newlandia’s pitching coach Damian Bolton to try and figure out the secrets of the teams fantastic pitching, and to ask him about ambitions for the playoffs.


Our Reporter: Another sweep, this time against a world top 20 team, and they were only allowed 7 runs at all. What is the secret of the second best defense team in the entire Classic only behind Hampton Island? How could you restrict this strong group to only 33 runs in 12 games?
Damian Bolton: Yeah, I am really proud of the team, they are probably one of the biggest surprises of this classic so far. There are multiple reasons why we are defending so well. One of the simpler ones is that we have not faced the top seed of the group and their fantastic offense yet. But both our field players and pitchers are playing really strong. You have to give credit to Diego [Diego Kirk, 40, is the team’s Bases Coach] who managed to get a great synergy between the players going. It really feels like they were playing together forever, even though they never did before this year’s Classic. They are also playing well individually; especially our Shortstop [Steve Ruiz, 20] is doing a great job at the moment. As for the pitchers, one of our secrets is that all four of the pitchers are constantly rotating. Because they are playing so different in style, it is very hard for the opposition to prepare. I also think that some of the teams just slept on us in the beginning, it was just very unexpected that our defense is playing so well.
OR: Out of the 9 wins scored so far, 7 were won with an advantage of just 1 or 2 runs.
DB: This shows clearly that the team is just hungry for wins, and always going for the extra mile. If they continue with that mind-set, I think we are going to make the playoffs.
OR: South Newlandia is now standing 9-3. What are the remaining goals for the tournament?
DB: The other coaches don’t really believe me, but I think we can get to the playoffs. If we can avoid getting swept by Ko-oren, we are standing 10 and 5, maybe even 11 and 4, and in such a close group, this can really be enough. If we finish on 18 or 19 wins, I think that’s going to be enough.
OR: Well, that’s still going to be really difficult. In the remaining 6 series, with 4 of them against top 20 teams and two against Ko-oren, it is still going to be very tough. I doubt they will sleep on South Newlandia again. Do you think your very small squad of just 16 players will be a problem later in the tournament, as the schedule is very tight?
DB: That’s entirely possible. I am glad Adam [Adam King, 20] wasn’t seriously injured, and if we don’t get a lot of injuries, I don’t see the problem.
OR: Thanks for the interview and the insights.
DB: You’re welcome.


All matches:
South Newlandia 3-0 Equastrian States (4-3; 3-2; 8-2)

Northwest Kalactin 0-3 Ko-oren (3-7; 2-4; 1-7)
Group favourite Ko-oren swept Northwest Kalactin and stays on top of the standings. The defense and offense of Ko-oren finally plays the way we expected them to do, and Northwest Kalactin did not stand a chance.

Xanneria 2-1 The Royal Kingdom of Quebec (7-3; 4-5; 4-0)
Xanneria finally is back on the path of winning, beating The Royal Kingdom of Quebec. They dropped the second game, but still managed to show that they still have ambitions for this Classic’s playoffs.


Current Standings:

Group 3                      Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD 
1 Ko-oren                       12    9   3    70   48  +22
2 South Newlandia               12    9   3    46   33  +13
3 Northwest Kalactin            12    5   7    51   51    0
4 Xanneria                      12    5   7    47   51   −4
5 The Royal Kingdom of Quebec   12    5   7    54   60   −6
6 Equestrian States             12    3   9    41   66  −25

Schedule:
South Newlandia @ Ko-oren
Xanneria @ Equestrian States
Northwest Kalactin @ The Royal Kingdom of Quebec

For the fifth series, South Newlandia will play the top matchup against world number three Ko-oren.
The venues will be as follows:
1. Naminaka Park (11.000), Schemerdrecht, Intermare
2. Honrothru-din (13.200), Senoren, Mayara
3. Le Losange (26.000), Aminey, Cote Austral
The two best-performing teams will see the best offense and the best defense of the group so far match up. It will be exciting to see which team prevails. Whichever team wins this has absolute top perspectives for the playoffs, and will lead the group at halftime.

[Sarzonia]

Geoff Yancey picked the time three hours after the final out of his Sarzonian national baseball team's second consecutive series win, this time against the current first place team in Group 5 to take stock.

They were getting ready to pack up the gear for another away series, this time against Lisander. The 15th ranked team in the world currently sit in second place in the group, one game ahead of the 6-6 Stars. They would be hungry to win the series against a resurgent Stars team that won their past two series and have taken five of their last seven games.

Yancey knew the going was only going to get tougher from here on out. His team benefited from playing three of its first four series in Fleetwood Park, but would now embark on a nine-game road trip, including two series against the highest ranked teams in the group.

Yancey was happy with his starting rotation. After all, except for a couple of bad games, all five starters have pitched well and have kept the bullpen from getting too taxed. For their part, the bullpen struggled a bit with consistency. The good news was that closer Tyrell Douglass had saved three of Sarzonia's six victories.

He thought for a moment what would Khalil think?. He then remembered that because of bench coach Brad Howland, he didn't have to wonder. He could email him since the time was approaching 1 a.m. in Catherina. He turned to the desktop computer in his office and turned it on. While it was booting up, the phone rang.

He looked for a moment and saw the number had a Catherina exchange. He raised an eyebrow and answered.

"Geoff Yancey."

"Hey Geoff!"

"Khalil! How are you?"

"Great. Glad to see the Stars are picking up the pace," Dennis answered. Yancey beamed in response. The two men talked at great length about baseball, about navigating the challenges of a roster of egos, of time, and about bonds that never broke even though time may have interceded for a while.

Yancey was glad for the opportunity he would have after the next series to be interviewed by his mentor and friend for the Delaclav sports broadcast. He was pleased to note that Delaclavs remained highly supportive of their Cyanea siblings. And he was equally proud of how much Delaclavs influenced Sarzonian culture.

Sure, the Stars were about to face the 15th ranked team in the world with the back three in their rotation, but Yancey was not going to worry about that just yet.

[TJUN-ia]

Terre Septentrionale. The Northern Land. The nation our football team beat on penalties only a few day past. The crowd at Park Filipowicz in Trzeszczyn, hungry for revenge after the events in HUElavia, would make their presence known all series.

GAME 1
Game 1 could be described as a Chris Harris masterclass. He let no quarter be taken by the Nordiques, holding them out to a shutout. We scored 3 runs in this game from Kagawa (6th), Llorente (8th) and Gregory (9th). 3-0 to the Battin' Jags

GAME 2
Terre woke up. They really did. We could only manage 2 runs all game. 5-2 to the Nordiques

GAME 3
The series decider was tight. Going into the 9th the Nordiques lead 4-3. Enrique thought he'd sent the game to extras after his home run. Szandra Szucsanszki, however, had other ideas. She walked it off by sending one over the Blue Monster. 5-4 final. Nordiques win the series 2-1.

Our team is deflated, but we have to move on. We now begin a 3-series home-stand, starting with the United States of Devonta. They've only won 1 game so far this tournament, and look in deep trouble. We may not like beating this team with no hope but if that's what it takes to bring fire back into the Jaguars then so be it.

YOU ARE ENTERING THE JUNGLE

FAIR PLAY SHALL BE OBSERVED HERE AT ALL TIMES

IF NOT, THE CROWD SHALL EAT YOU ALIVE

SCHEDULE
S1 (G1/G2/G3): @Free Republics (4) - Nicholls Air Park, Baseton L 0-3 (4th [Run Differential])
S2 (G4/G5/G6): @Swiaji (UR) W 2-1 (4th [Run Differential])
S3 (G7/G8/G9): vs The Greater Nordics (12) - Rounders Field, Portside L 0-3 (5th)
S4 (G10/G11/G12): @Terre Septentrionale (29) - Park Filipowicz, Trzeszczyn L 1-2 (5th)
S5 (G13/G14/G15): vs United States of Devonta (24) - Rounders Field, Portside
S6 (G16/G17/G18): vs Free Republics (4) - Rounders Field, Portside
S7 (G19/G20/G21): vs Swiaji (UR) - Rounders Field, Portside
S8 (G22/G23/G24): @The Greater Nordics (12) - National Baseball Stadium, Copenhagen
S9 (G25/G26/G27): vs Terre Spetentrionale (29) - Rounders Field, Portside
S10 (G28/G29/G30): @United States of Devonta (24)

[Daskel]

C8 Sports news|BASEBALL|ICE HOCKEY|TENNIS|SOCCER|BLOCKBALL|ATHLETICS|OTHER SPORTS|

---

WBC: Daskel Rises against Kriegiersien
By Go Nakamura (@GomuraOfficial)

Shintaro scores a 2H in game 1

Good morning, fellow daskelians!

Last series was incredible for the Daskies, who won the three games of series, impusing themselves to place 4 in the table!! Jounetsu Tairiku and Lupin III sounded LOUD this time. Let's make a quick report of the events here, in Kriegiersien.

Game 1

Daskel                             0 0 1 0 4 0 0 0 0  5
Kriegiersien                       0 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 0  4

While the first three innings were slow for the Daskies, losing by 2 runs short, 5th inning came with a hit, scoring 4 runs with smallball. Rocko Auri played magistrally this game. Scorers for team Daskel were Kishimoto, Shintaro, Cho, and Sumner.


Game 2

Daskel                             1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0  3
Kriegiersien                       0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0

Ace Laz Rokauveru had their first perfect game in the series, winnin 3-0 on the road. Leonel scored the first run for team Daskel, while Goran and Oilen scored in the eighth inning.


Game 3

Daskel                             0 2 0 0 0 2 0 1 0  5
Kriegiersien                       0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0  2

This game started really tight, a challenge for starting pitcher Falkus Ken. After the sixth inning, the lead settled up, with a 2 base, HR from DH Jomais. Pitchers Tama and Izo masterfully closed the last innings to secure the victory. 5-2 Daskies!

Group 4               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD 
1 Nova Anglicana         12    7   5    65   45  +20
2 Anthor                 12    7   5    54   43  +11
3 West Phoenicia         12    6   6    58   54   +4
4 Daskel                 12    6   6    59   59    0
5 Kriegiersien           12    5   7    43   56  −13
6 Oscioru                12    5   7    49   71  −22

Next series is against West Phoenicia in the AstorDai! Please support the Daskies. Let's make some noise!

Daskies Calendar: Group 4

March 28: Series 1 - Oscioru vs Daskel: 1W - L2
March 29: Series 2 - Daskel vs Anthor: 1W - L2
March 30: Series 3 - Nova Anglicana vs Daskel 1W - 2L
March 31: Series 4 - Daskel vs Kriegiersien 3W - 0L

April 1: Series 5 - West Phoenicia vs Daskel
April 2: Series 6 - Daskel vs Oscioru
April 3: Series 7 - Anthor vs Daskel
April 4: Series 8 - Daskel vs Nova Anglicana
April 5: Series 9 - Kriegiersien vs Daskel
April 6: Series 10 - Daskel vs West Phoenicia

*HOME

[Northwest Kalactin]

Kalactanians Get Swept By Ko-oren

Ko-oren                            2 0 1 2 0 0 1 1 0  7
Northwest Kalactin                 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0  3

Game 1
Game 1 started out bad for the kalactanian team as pitcher Guy Bell who was coming off of a 2 hitter against Xanneria got 2 runs scored on him against Ko-oren. The kalactanians struck back though in the second inning with a solo homer by Adam Felix. After that the Kalactanians defense started to fall apart with 2 errors in 2 innings and 3 runs scored on them. With a guy on first base Charles Hernandez hit a ball deep into right center field over the head of the center Fielder for Ko-oren it hit off the wall and Hernandez came in with a standing triple and a RBI. Hernandez was driven in later on a single to left field. After both teams had no hits in the next inning Ko-oren had 2 innings both with 1 run scored in them. Guy bell finished with 5 earned runs a good thing was that he did pitch the whole game. The Kalactanian team was looking fast for a new pitcher and backup catcher after 2 of them had been thrown out of the tournament for incidents during the south newlandian series. One of the nominees for catcher was Ryan Nelson who was a younger player who was still in college but hit the ball well and could play internationally.

Ko-oren                            1 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0  4
Northwest Kalactin                 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  2

Game 2
Again the game didn’t start out very well with Ko-oren hitting a solo home run but the Kalactanians easily struck back with 2 doubles in the bottom of the first inning with 2 runs. Then for 4 innings no runs were scored and only 2 hits for each team. Charles Hernandez’s had a triple in the 4th inning with 2 outs although Adam Felix hit a fly ball and that ended the inning. Then while the Kalactanian team was up 2-1 the Ko-oren team scored 3 runs off of a couple of big hits and went up 4-2 they ended up winning 4-2.

Ko-oren                            0 0 2 3 0 1 0 1 0  7
Northwest Kalactin                 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1

Game 3
Game 3 was the worst game for the Kalactanians as they ended up losing by 6 runs and only scored 1 run on 2 hits. The Ko-oren pitching ended up with only 1 earned run on a solo home run by Mike Harbano. Ryan Nelson finally arrived in Coffs Harbor for the game during the fifth inning he will likely not be playing very in this WBC because he is a backup catcher. Ko-oren had many home runs this game they had 3 home runs in this game. Bobby King was the starting pitcher for the Kalactanians this game although he did not last very long as he was taken out after the fourth inning. Reliever Marcus T. Hamilton was the only kalactanian pitcher that did not give up a run this game.

[The Sherpa Empire]

Karan Bhansali upended a table and sent a water cooler flying, spilling liquid all over the floor. "WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT???" he demanded. The Sherpas had lost the second game of their series against Bolgano, and Bhansali knew it was likely to cost him his job if they lost again in game 3.

Kami Akunjee -- who assumed that Bhansali was angry with other people for the lack of run support and not at him -- pulled out his phone and began filming the manager's outburst. The Sherpa offense had been very sluggish with their only run being scored on an error when Walter Bergan bobbled a throw in the top of the 9th.

Bhansali gave the water cooler an extra kick and continued his rant, "We're supposed to be the best team in our group and we can't even beat Bolgano??? The Ministry of Culture isn't paying you to stand there looking pretty!" He flung a bunch of papers and other paraphernalia onto the floor. "We are not going to win games if you just stand around waiting for the other team to make an error!" Most of the players just sat there and watched as Bhansali yelled and threw things around.

Tukti Sahu found the nerve to speak: "You think we don't know that already?"

"So fucking swing!" Bhansali bellowed, referring to the fact that Sahu had struck out looking twice.

Bhansali wheeled around looking for something else to throw and found himself facing Akunjee, who was still filming the whole tirade. "And what do you think YOU'RE doing???" He reached for the phone, but Akunjee quickly stashed it in his back pocket and pushed Bhansali away.

A couple of outfielders pulled Bhansali back to stop him from assaulting Akunjee. "Come on, man. It's not his fault we weren't hitting," said Changmin Le. "We'll score some runs tomorrow."

Luckily, Le was able to put his money where his mouth was. The Sherpa bats woke up in game 3, carrying them to a 5-2 victory. Bhansali still had his job for now, but he worried about what Akunjee was going to do with the video of his outburst.

[Cassadaigua]

Another Two For Three,
by Chelsea Dufresne, Concord Heights Times

Two out of three ain’t bad, they said. Except maybe, when it keeps happening. As Saintland returns home from their trip to Cassadaigua that only saw two apples be thrown on the field (both occurring during the top of the ninth inning in the first game after the Sanctii were up 9-4, and on their way to that victory), Cassadaigua celebrates the series win. If you keep winning series by a 2-1 margin, then you should be doing well. Will it be? If it continues, then probably, yes, but it also leaves no room for error. Cassadaigua is presently in second place with their 8-4 record, one game behind the only nation that they have not played yet, which is A Mushroom Kingdom. Most of the statistics that are present point to us having a better campaign overall right now then the Mushroom folk, but they are pulling out games more consistently then we have. As long as the Fillies keep having that one nagging loss in every series, the pressure will add up as this progresses. They are two games ahead of third place Imperial Joseon, and three over Saintland.

The big sporting news of the day actually came in NSSCRA, where the organizers out of rival Newmanistan announced that there would be no political campaigning allowed with NSSCRA sponsorships. The World Assembly, otherwise known as the left-leaning organization that is run by four regions (when considering the voting power that their respective delegates have), is having a general security vote right now, and this has everyone who is a part of that all excited. The bribes are flying left and right! There is no better proof right here that democracy is a big joke, let’s be grateful that we simply have a Queen. That had me wondering about Drawkland, and Sonnel. They are members of the World Assembly, proving that the reach of that dysfunctional organization is far more then just our own world. I am surprised that they elect to bother with that on their planet, quite frankly. Do the regional delegates of the four Pacifics, the only four people who really matter in WA votes, really care about the living conditions on another planet? Fortunately, all of that mess has not infiltrated the World Baseball Classic. We are free of that in this tournament mostly because right now everyone is playing in their home nations, and there is not the international attention on a singular race track. That’s not to say that political issues do not appear in the World Baseball Classic, as one needs to look no further then the nation who just left Cassadaigua and the overall history we have them. I am glad that relations have calmed with Saintland, though. These days it’s more like a staring contest now between an ex that you moved on from 15 years ago, and you’re fine with your new partner. You’ll look at what the other does, not like it, and give it a dirty look. But once you’re done doing that, you put it behind you, and you move on. This is why Cassadagan players were strong in the message that they delivered to the fans to not throw applies at the Saintland players, or any traveling supporters, if there are actually were traveling supporters. (Because again, another example, you want to support your nation, but you simply do not want to be in the other nation). The dislike is over. Now, it’s just a snarl, or like Midnight did towards Levi Berry in that Hampton Island-Hapilopper game, you can growl if you want, but no need to attack. It was tempting for some fans, because they have seen videos and probably heard stories from their parents who were apple tossers, and they wanted to do so, too. Two people did, and they were removed by security, promptly.

I could sit here any recap the three World Baseball Classic games that we just played, but I hope that you watched them so there is really no reason too. There are more dedicated game summaries elsewhere on this website or in print. We need to look forward now, and the series with A Mushroom Kingdom is pretty important. We’ll take two out of three, but we’d prefer to get the brooms out. It is on the road, but that should not pose much of an issue. Maddie Polanco has told me that there are no changes anticipated for the series.

[Nova Anglicana]

Lions picking up steam as close of first half nears

Samantha Maxwell, Londinium Courier

This was a big one. A series at West Phoenicia, the Confederates, 14th-ranked in the world, former champions (over the Lions, no less), with both teams fighting to stay in the top half of the group. But it was the Lions who came out on top, taking the series two games to one and claiming a share of first place at 7-5.

Game 1: Jackson vs. Singh

In the first game, each side's fifth starters went at it, the Lions' righty Hank Jackson against the Confederates' lefty Mandeep Singh. After the two teams traded runs early, the Lions opened it up in the fourth. Switch-hitting Matthew Gilbert rapped a sharp single to left to open things up, then stole second on a ball in the dirt. With Gilbert dancing around off second, Singh seemed a little distracted, and let Jerome Duplantier wiggle out of an 0-2 count with a bad pitch, which Duplantier hit hard to left for a single. The strong arm of the Confederates' left fielder Lukas Towers kept Gilbert from scoring, but the Lions were threatening with men on first and third. Marc Dufors hit what seemed to be a fairly easy double-play ball, but Emanuel Army fumbled the exchange at second, forcing Duplantier, but letting Dufors reach and scoring Gilbert. Curtis Hughes got the start at catcher against the lefty Singh, and he singled to center, putting two runners on again. Instead of bunting with one out, manager Orlando Murray elected to let Jackson hit. Jackson's a good hitter for a pitcher, and he smashed one into the third-short hole, but a diving stop by shortstop Kevin Dances and an incredible throw from his knees nabbed Jackson at first. Two runners on, two outs for Tommy Moran, and he delivered, smashing a ball through the right side to score Dufors from third. Luke Mills then hit one hard past the diving third baseman Jack Navy, and when the ball rattled around in the left field corner, Hughes and Moran scored to make it 5-1.

Jackson tossed a healthy six innings of two-run ball, but ran into trouble in the 7th, when he yielded a two-out, two-run homer to Army. But the Lions' bullpen locked it down for the final 2.1 innings, allowing no baserunners to preserve the 5-4 win.

Game 2: Sharpe vs. Vergas

In the second game, each side sent their aces to the mound, the Lions trying to take the series, the Confederates trying to get back into it. Cory Sharpe and Mateo Vergas battled to a draw. Both gave up three runs in the first three innings, but settled down to pitch four scoreless frames after that. This was especially crucial for West Phoenicia, as their bullpen had tossed five innings the day before and needed a break. Going into the bottom of the 8th, set-up man Charlie Bowers took the hill for the Lions against the 4-5-6 hitters for the Confederates. Bowers is a hard thrower, but elite hitters can get around on him. Army singled to lead off the inning, while center fielder Heniel Hewett dropped a surprise drag bunt, catching the Lions off guard and putting runners on first and second with no outs. Bowers recovered to strike out Wayne Sorbent, but Lukas Towers beat out what looked like a double-play to keep the inning alive, and catcher Abigail Whittman blooped a single into right, just between Moran and Duplantier, for what proved to be the winning run.

Game 3: Templeton vs. Samuels

The last game was a rubber match between these two heavyweights. Wyatt Templeton, versus the Confederates' crafty southpaw Cliff Samuels. Templeton wasn't quite on his game, yielding three runs in five innings and never seeming to get the feel for his changeup or curveball, which plagued him in his first start against Krigiersien. Fortunately for him, Samuels wasn't on it either, surrendering a three-run, two-out homer to Luke Mills in the third, and a two-run single to Casey Wheeler in the fifth, leaving after giving up five runs in five innings. Despite having thrown seven innings in the past two games (and only carrying five relievers, well below the norm in most professional play), the West Phoenician bullpen held the Lions scoreless in the final four innings. Fortunately, the more well-rested Lions bullpen also blanked the Confederates over four frames, getting scoreless innings from Clay Wilkerson, Vic Fleming, Jon Klein, and closer Zach Kelley, with Kelley striking out two in the ninth for the save and the series.

Up next for the Lions is Anthor, with whom they are tied for first. Anthor started out strong, winning four of their first six games, but has stumbled a bit recently, losing two of three versus Oscioru to fall to 7-5. Very little is known about them, since they have not officially released a roster for the press and nobody has seen the lineup cards except the umpires for each game. But they've been tough so far, allowing just 3.6 runs/game. It will be up to the Lions' lineup to create those run-scoring opportunities Anthor has been so stingy with. It's a close group, with only two games separating the first place and last-place teams, which is why a series win or sweep will be crucial. Every game lost or won could be the difference between a playoff appearance or not.

[Hampton Island]

Setting: A wooded area with a high ursine population. Wildlife expert Richard Miller brings a crew with the appropriate vehicles to accomplish the mission.

Miller: Here we are. This whole thing is stupid, but remember that the compensation that we received for doing this will help us with some needed funding for meaningful ventures we have planned.

Partner 1: How is this supposed to work, the whole thing is stupid. Look for female bears? Then what? The idea that we can find one that will play baseball is nuts.

Miller: We don’t need them to play baseball. We are just looking for mates for Midnight. To your right, there’s a pack of them.

Partner 2: You can’t just go up to a pack of bears and take one.

Miller: I know.

Partner 1: How are we going to do this?

(Just then, another group of cars pull up, and what looks to be a television crew steps out).

Camera Guy: Hey Miller! Haven’t got started yet I hope?

Miller: What is this?

Camera Guy: We’re beginning the show now.

Miller: What show?

Camera Guy: Find Midnight’s Girlfriend. You know, the reality show we signed on for? This is Jack, he’s the paid actor who’s going to go with you and help find a bear that plays baseball.

Jack: Hi! Nice to meet you!

Miller: Hi, but I and we have not agreed to do any kind of reality show.

Camera Guy: Yes you did, sir. I mean, I would have thought you agreed. I was told you did.

Miller: Hold on a moment.

(Miller excuses himself, goes back to the car and called up the stadium CEO)

CEO: Hello!

Miller: Hi, it’s Richard Miller. What’s this about a reality show?

CEO: It’s the reality show you signed up for.

Miller: I didn’t sign up for any kind of reality show.

CEO: Yes you did, it was in the small print at the bottom of your contract. You did read that, didn’t you?

(Meanwhile, the camera crew and Jack are going into the woods and approaching the pack of bears that were seen. Miller’s partners wait behind).

Miller: I signed what you told me to sign.

CEO: Well there was a clause at the bottom. Sorry. Good luck, I will send you an attachment of what you signed.

Miller: We never discussed it.

CEO: Well, you signed it, sorry.

(They hang up, Miller begins viewing the contract when he hears a loud scream).

Miller: What the ....

(Tranquilizer Gun sounds four times).

Camera Guy: Great job!

Miller: What the hell?

Jack: (catching breath) That was scary.

Miller: What just happened?

Partner 1: Jack and the reality show people went into the woods to where we saw the group of bears and he threw a baseball at them. They didn’t appreciate that, and they charged at him.

Partner 2: Fortunately, I had the tranquilizer on me, so I was able to save him from the bear that was closest to him, and then fired three more shots to scare the others off.

Camera Guy: We got one! So how do we know if it’s a female or not?

(Miller and the partners walk over)

Miller: That’s a male.

Jack: Dammit.

Camera Guy: Wrong one. Try again!

Miller: No, we can’t just let this bear be here, we need to properly take care of it now so it can recover.

Jack: Who cares, he was going to kill me.

Miller: You don’t throw a baseball at a group of bears.

Partner 1: Maybe he was just trying to show off his baserunning ability?

Partner 2: Hmmm

Jack: Really?

Partner 1: No, not really. Look, if we’re going to have to do this, let’s do it right.

Miller: Agree, and under my direction, please. You clearly have no idea how to approach bears. But for now, we have to take care of this one.

Camera Guy: Well it can be a teaser preview of what is to come, I suppose. I’ll send him the footage.

[Inner AginanaUsordia]

An interview with the Inner AginanaUsordia Lions Assistant Coach Kent Rensselaer, published in the Inner AginanaUsordia Daily News Sports section by Chad Rozelle and Leo Samsa.

C. Rozelle: "Mr. Rensselaer, thanks for meeting with us. How do you feel the Lions have been doing in the WBC?"
K. Rensselaer: "Thanks for having me. We had some players that have really stepped up, but some of them have really under-performed. I know our closer, Erik (Ferrasen), and Josh (Leslie) have been as good as we expected. Some of our younger guys, like Kyle (San Bracero) and Ryan Stohr have really stepped up to fill great roles. Even with people like Slatek and DeClair in our starting rotation, Kyle has been our best by far. And Stohr just brings the hammer out whenever we put him in as a pinch hitter or DH."
CR: "Who would you like to see more out of?΅
KR: "I don't like to name specifics, but Mr. (Carlos) Sagan and Niko (Maurer) have been struggling to keep up with the high level of opposition we are facing. We've considered making some moves to the starters on the field, but we're keeping it for now. I have faith in the team."
CR: "I do too. currently, we're sitting strong in fourth place, and only 2 games behind that spot in the second round. Do you think you can pull off the upsets necessary to get in there?"
KR: "We have to play it one pitch, one play at a time, though. If we start playing like a playoff-worthy team, then we might. But I'd rather the team worry about the game and the plays directly in front of them. We have Vince, Kyle and Carlos scheduled for the games against HUElavia. I still haven't gotten to see their rosters, so it's highly possible that we enter the games blind. But I know we can do it."
CR: "Go Lions?"
KR: "Yessir, go Lions!"
(4-2-20)

Support your Lions by tuning in to the live broadcast of their WBC games, on IACN!

[Newmanistan]

THE ROCKET REPORT

CARMICHAEL SHUTS DOWN SOUTH COVELLO

by Brianne Henry,

The addition of Kelsie Carmichael to the Newmanistan roster for this World Baseball Classic was not controversial, but it did get some people talking. She would be the next in line, so to speak, of the young pitchers we have attempted to establish in the competition. Not all of them have been a success story like Hannah Lee, which we have well documented. Nor have they all been like Cassie Burke, who would be considered a mild success story, depending on you listen too. Everyone on the Rockets current starting rotation was there at one point in time, but they have not always panned out. There have been pitchers who have come and gone from the starting rotation as they were not able to translate their success in the ENBL (Empire of Newmanistan Baseball League) to the international level. We still don’t know if Kelsie Carmichael, at 23 years of age, will be considered a success as two starts do not make an international career. With the way she pitched in the opener against South Covello, we can at least for a few days, celebrate her effort.

Kelsie, as mentioned, is a 23-year old starting pitcher who was drafted into the ENBL by the Brighton Bulls. That is something that will usually mean years of pitching for a losing team until you can exit your entry level contract. And Kelsie did pitch for the Bulls, doing everything she could for the team, and performing well on an individual level. However, the team did not give her much run support, and because Kelsie was often pitching against the ace of the opponent, if she gave up two runs in a game, that pretty much meant a loss. She did not let it discourage her, but her tenure with the Bulls would end sooner then expected. This past off-season, Kelsie was not only traded, but traded to the Pocono City Capitals for a large package of draft picks and prospects. The Capitals have been in a bit of a rut in terms of how long it has been since their last championship (nine years is an eternity for them, trust me). When told of the trade by her manager in Brighton, she told me it was hard to contain her excitement. In a mid-season interview, Kelsie told a reporter that, “I didn’t believe it when I was first called about it. I was excited to be able to have a chance to go to Pocono City. I mean, who would not want to pitch for the Pocono City Capitals if they are in the ENBL? I made a lot of friends in Brighton, and all my teammates there were very nice to me, so I knew it would be hard for me to say goodbye to them, and it was, but being able to go to Pocono City was a real blessing.” Carmichael says her first days with the Capitals were tough, and the veteran of team, Stephanie Reynolds, who played for the Rockets from WBC 43-47 (not on the current team) was quick to let her know her place. “Stephanie teased me from the start after the first meeting and told me I had to clean out her locker. It was a ritual that they did with anyone who was called up from Pocono Lake (Pocono City’s minor league affiliate), or anyone new, so I needed to it. So I did, and afterwards, she told me that she made the whole thing up about it being their ritual. Everyone else laughed. I wasn’t sure what to make of it first until someone else told me that Stephanie was a prankster. We have a very good locker room atmosphere here.” She flourished with the Capitals her first year there, and was awarded with the role she currently has.

In the World Baseball Classic, Kelsie has had a chance to get to know many more all-stars around the ENBL, and had a successful debut against both Brooklyn and Queens. When the team returned home for the past series against Chromatika in her adopted home town of Pocono City, she had the chance to meet Courtney Duvall, her idol. “There she was, in the locker room. I had briefly been able to see her a few times, but there was never an opportunity for her and I to talk at length about pitching and share stories, instead of her interviewing me in her role now as a TV analyst in Loudon. She spoke to everyone, which was nice to hear, but she also sought be out separately, knowing I was the rookie of the group. It was nice to talk about her Classic experiences and some of the great moments she had. It was really something that meant a lot to me.”

On the field, Kelsie took to the mound in South Covello, making the second start of her WBC career, and one by one, the South Covellans batters were retired. In her first five innings of work, she only surrendered one hit, and for the game, tossed a complete game shut out and three-hitter, never allowing a runner to get past second base. That was great, but the South Covellans took out their frustrations on Hannah Lee the next day, getting five earned off of her after 5 1/3 innings. Lee told reporters afterwards, “I have no explanation. I stunk.” It wasn’t our day, in an ugly 11-2 loss. However, the team rebounded with a win in the rubber game, needing 10-innings to get a 10-7 win. It was tied at 5 after nine. Cassie Burke was on the mound, and allowed five runs through six innings, four of the runs being earned. It was a bit discouraging, but the bats would back her up.

When all is said and done, Newmanistan is 10-2 after twelve games with a huge series in Southport coming up against Liventia. They are only 6-6, but everyone knows they are a better team then that. The Liventians were our nemesis two Classics ago, so there will be no lack of motivation to beat them in each of these three games.