World Baseball Classic 50- Everything (IC)

[Karditan]

"I'll be honest," Gale Wind sighed as Emery Wu knocked a hit that perfectly split Asdrúbal Ramírez and Skyline and brought Miranda Gray home. "I didn't think two teams could combine for ten runs entirely on walks and doubles."

It was the top of the eighth and Dave Saroyan had nearly made it back from an uncharacteristic first-batter-walk by punching out Gabriel Acosta and Tyson Long back-to-back. It extended the Llamanean lead to two in an absurdly back and forth game; the Tigers scored one in the first, the Kards respond with 2. The Tigers notch two in the third, the Kards tie it up with 1. Both tack on another in the fourth. Nobody has hit a single, triple, or home run the entire game. There is one single skillset shared by every player on the field.

Well alright, the Tigers were in the lead coming into the 8th thanks to Tyson Long's longshot in the sixth that broke the pattern up. Only for it to crop up again two innings later. Saroyan managed to get Liam Desjardins to pound one into the dirt and fielded it himself to strand Wu at second and keep the game well within reach, at least.

Kennedy Schumacher came through and made short work of the bottom of the eighth; Adam Ezell put an unfortunate amount of loft on a foul ball that gave Desjardins enough time to camp under it by the bleachers. Art Support swung right over a shuuto and looked real mad that he fell for it. And Vera Cruz grounded out weakly to first, getting ahead of a slider and poking it off the end of the bat. Not the sort of 1-2-3 inning you want to see when you're down two and the game's winding down.

Down two in the ninth with the pitcher's spot due to come up in the bottom frame, Wind elected to put Katarina Giles in. Derrick Armstrong went down without a whisper flailing at an eye-level fastball; Noah Slater gave everyone in Ponyburgh a heart attack with a resounding shot that just barely curved foul before swinging over a slider. Because nothing can be easy, Lily Scutaro went up and fished some of that high cheese into a gap for a double to keep the inning alive. Then Huang popped out to the catcher and the stadium shared a collective sigh of relief.

The (potential) final frame began with Asdrúbal Ramírez doing what this game did best: doubling. He followed a Y.P. Ying cutter perfectly and roped it into left-center, narrowly beating out Long's throw. Robert Humphries' bat was snapped in twain by a particularly nasty cutter, resulting in an easy pop-up for Gray to collect. Giles had been taking her swings in the on-deck circle, and indeed stepped up to the box. Worked an 0-1 count to a 2-2 count with some choice fouls, and then cracked a crushing line drive to left!

Hit so hard Long fielded it almost immediately off the bounce. Ramírez scored without issue, putting the game within one run, but Giles was forced to hold at first for the game's first single. No sweat. They'll just put in Charles Stubbs to pinch run Doyle Christain to pinch-hit for Tremor...

Aaaaand double play.

[Super-Llamaland]

THE WBC50 25
An LBC-LSN Collaboration

#6: Nicolas Rousseau
Michael Jiang, TenNinetyThree Sports

Signature Moment: “Kästner and Riviera take their leads off first and third, while Phillips is just one double-play away from holding serve and sending this game to the twelfth. Here’s the pitch to Rousseau - swung on, and that’s a LONG fly ball into right-center...going back is Cortez, back at the wall...GONE! The Tigers have won game one! A walk-off three-run BOMB by Nicholas Rousseau gives the Tigers a 1-0 lead in this World Baseball Classic quarterfinal, with a final score of 6-3!” -WBC41 Quarterfinals Game One, Canterlot, Equestria

For most national teams, first base is historically a stacked position, loaded with sluggers and hitting machines. Not so for the Tigers, whose preferred skillset - doubles power, plate discipline, speed, and defense - doesn’t align with the traditional archetype of a national team-quality first baseman. Although Danny Mills, the first starter for the Llamanean national team at first base, was more of a slugger, he never really found his power on the international scene, hitting just six home runs over his six Classics as starting first baseman. Kevin Cassini, Maddie Polanco, and James LaRoi were all distinctly Llamanean players at the position, none of whom could hit for as much power as their foreign counterparts, but all of whom could make great plays, draw walks, and hit doubles with the best of them.

Ultimately, though, the best first baseman has to be Polanco’s successor, Nicolas "The Mighty Mite" Rousseau, who anchored the position for six WBCs. Despite his five-nine height, Rousseau boasted patience, power, and great defensive instincts as a Tiger and an Apple Valley Viper, his domestic league team that he won a Finals MVP with. Although he had a bit of a reputation for underperforming with the Tigers relative to his slugging prowess as a Viper, that was as much a problem with poor timing as anything else - Rousseau’s best WBC performances were in WBC41 and WBC43, which are ultimately remembered as disappointments in the public eye.

Rousseau’s early years with the national team were relatively quiet. Unlike Danny Mills, he quickly found his game power after debuting in WBC38, with a number of hard-hit home runs in the group stage. However, he struggled to hit left-handed pitchers and breaking balls on the international scale (despite modest success in those same scenarios in the LBL), and was usually platooned with the right-handed backup Carsten Riviera. This limited his effectiveness and often took him out of late-game situations (as opponents would bring in lefties to negate his power), leading to his being unable to make a splash between WBC38 and WBC40.

WBC41 was a bit of a breakout for him, as Rousseau, never a consistent playoff performer, shone in the Ro16 and quarterfinals. While most fans remember his walk-off home run against Ethane, a barrage of clutch hits against Lisander and Ethane were instrumental in sending Super-Llamaland to a second consecutive semifinal. His bat became a little quieter in the semifinals and finals, but he still hit for a high average and managed a few key RBIs that would be remembered much more fondly if Super-Llamaland had beaten Newmanistan.

Alas, due to a subpar WBC42 and a great WBC43 being overshadowed by a lack of media coverage from Super-Llamaland, Rousseau is remembered as a far worse clutch performer than he actually was for the Tigers. In reality, Rousseau could’ve been one of the all-time greats if the timing was right. Instead, despite his obvious skill on both sides of the field, he’ll go down in history as a role player on the WBC40-42 Tigers, much less fondly remembered than the core of Wright, Rasmussen, Zheng, and Russo. Then again, even if it says more about this position than about Rousseau, he can at least take solace in being the best Llamanean first baseman of all time.

[Quintessence of Dust]

(Provisional) box scores as posted on TalkBaseball.qd website.

                      AB   R   H  RBI BB   K  LOB  AVG  HR  RBI
K. Andreeva CF         5   1   3   0   0   0   0  .400   1   2
N. Hisakawa SS         2   2   0   0   3   0   1  .571   3  11
L. Phelps C            5   2   3   3   0   1   3  .600   1   3
R. Tanaka RF           4   1   0   0   1   2   4  .267   2   3
B. Wilson LF           4   0   1   2   1   0   2  .250   0   2
T. Kaufer 1B           5   0   2   0   0   1   2  .333   0   0
K. Ljung 3B            2   0   0   0   0   1   2  .200   0   3
  a–J. Hoggard PH, 3B  2   0   0   0   0   1   2  .000   0   0 
K. Symonds DH          2   0   0   0   2   1   2  .111   0   0
K. Tamura 2B           4   0   0   0   0   2   4  .118   0   0

a–J. Hoggard pinch-hit for K. Ljung in the 5th

Doubles: T. Kaufer (2, 7th inning, 0 on, 1 out)
Home runs: L. Phelps (1, 4th inning, 2 on, 2 outs)
Total bases: L. Phelps 6, T. Kaufer 3, K. Andreeva 3, B. Wilson
2-out RBI: L. Phelps 3
Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: B. Wilson 2, R. Tanaka 2, K. Tamura 2, F. Ljung
GIDP: J. Hoggard
Hit by pitch: J. Hoggard
Team LOB: 10

BASERUNNING
SB: K. Andreeva 2 (3), N. Hisakawa (1)

FIELDING
Errors: K. Tamura (1)

                        IP  H   R  ER  BB   K  HR  PI  PS  ERA
M. Kawakami W (1 – 0)  8.0  5   1   1   1   6   1 105  70 1.13
H. Yeung               1.0  0   0   0   0   1   0   9   7 0.00

Game score: M. Kawakami 73
Batters faced: M. Kawakami 29, H. Yeung 3
Ground outs – fly outs: M. Kawakami 10 – 7, H. Yeung 0 – 2

                     AB   R   H  RBI BB   K  LOB  AVG  HR  RBI
K. Andreeva CF        4   0   0   1   0   1   4  .316   1   3
N. Hisakawa SS        5   0   0   0   0   1   1  .421   3  11
K. Symonds LF         3   0   0   0   1   0   0  .083   0   0
J. Steinnsson RF      3   0   1   0   1   0   0  .429   0   1
H. Matsuoka 1B        4   1   0   0   0   1   3  .222   0   0
K. Tamura 2B          3   1   1   0   1   1   0  .150   0   0
K. Ljung 3B           3   1   1   2   1   1   3  .222   0   5
K. Nakajima P         1   0   0   0   0   0   1  .000   0   0
  a–R. Tanaka PH      1   0   1   0   0   0   0  .313   2   3
  R. Kubo P           0   0   0   0   0   0   0  .000   0   0
  J. Béranger P       0   0   0   0   0   0   0  .000   0   0 
  b–L. Phelps PH      1   0   0   0   0   0   1  .500   1   3
  J. Reenberg P       0   0   0   0   0   0   0  .000   0   0 
  H. Yeung P          0   0   0   0   0   0   0  .000   0   0 
  c–A. Lacroix PH     1   1   1   0   0   0   0  .500   0   0
J. Jiang C            3   0   1   1   1   1   2  .214   0   2

a–R. Tanaka pinch-hit for K. Nakajima in the 5th
b–L. Phelps pinch-hit for J. Béranger in the 7th
c–A. Lacroix pinch-hit for H. Yeung in the 9th

Doubles: K. Tamura (2, 2nd inning, 1 on, 1 out)
Total bases: K. Tamura 2, J. Steinnsson, K. Ljung, J. Jiang, A. Lacroix
2-out RBI: J. Jiang
Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: K. Ljung 3, K. Andreeva
Sac fly: K. Andreeva
Team LOB: 7

BASERUNNING
SB: A. Lacroix (1)

FIELDING
Double plays: 2 (Hisakawa – Tamura – Matsuoka, Andreeva – Jiang)

                          IP  H   R  ER  BB   K  HR  PI  PS  ERA
K. Nakajima L (0 – 1)    5.0  5   4   4   3   4   1  82  44  7.20
R. Kubo                  0.1  3   1   1   1   1   0  24  13 27.00
J. Béranger              1.2  2   1   1   0   0   0  16  10 18.00
J. Reenberg              0.0  2   1   1   0   0   0   8   6  0.00
H. Yeung                 2.0  0   0   0   0   1   0  19  13  0.00

Game score: K. Nakajima 42
Batters faced: K. Nakajima 23, R. Kubo 5, J. Béranger 8, J. Reenberg 2,  H. Yeung 5
Ground outs – fly outs: K. Nakajima 5 – 4, R. Kubo 0 – 0, J. Béranger 3 – 1, J. Reenberg 0 – 0, H. Yeung 1 – 3
Inherited runners – scored: J. Béranger 2 – 0, H. Yeung 1 – 0

                     AB   R   H  RBI BB   K  LOB  AVG  HR  RBI
K. Andreeva CF        4   0   0   1   0   0   0  .261   1   4
N. Hisakawa SS        5   0   3   1   0   0   0  .458   3  12
K. Symonds LF         5   0   0   0   0   2   3  .059   0   0
J. Steinnsson RF      4   0   1   0   0   0   3  .364   0   1
H. Matsuoka 1B        4   0   0   0   0   1   1  .154   0   0
B. Wilson DH          2   1   1   0   2   0   0  .286   0   2
K. Ljung 3B           4   0   0   0   0   1   2  .182   0   5
K. Tamura 2B          4   1   3   1   0   0   0  .250   0   1
L. Phelps C           4   1   1   0   0   1   3  .400   1   3

Doubles: L. Phelps (1, 7th inning, 1 on, 1 out)
Total bases: N. Hisakawa 3, K. Tamura 3, L. Phelps 2, J. Steinnsson, B. Wilson
2-out RBI: N. Hisakawa
Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: L. Phelps 3
Sac fly: K. Andreeva
Team LOB: 7

BASERUNNING
SB: B. Wilson (2)

FIELDING
Errors: R. Kubo (1)
Double plays: 1 (Hisakawa – Tamura – Matsuoka)

                             IP  H   R  ER  BB   K  HR  PI  PS  ERA
J. Fujioka L (0 – 1)        2.2  6   5   5   0   3   2  49  36 16.88
R. Kubo                     3.1  5   1   1   0   3   1  51  35  2.70
M. Nakamura                 2.0  1   0   0   1   2   0  24  16  0.00
Z. Tang                     1.0  0   0   0   0   0   0  10   6  0.00

Game score: J. Fujioka 29
Batters faced: J. Fujioka 14, R. Kubo 14, M. Nakamura 7, Z. Tang 3
Ground outs – fly outs: J. Fujioka 2 – 3, R. Kubo 4 – 2, M. Nakamua 3 – 0, Z. Tang 0 – 3
WP: J. Fujioka

Player of the Game Profiles posted on TalkBaseball.qd website.

Game 4: Luke Phelps

Luke Phelps had a highly successful WBC debut as he led the Things to a 6 – 1 win at the Russ Chandler Stadium. The highlight came with the bat when he hit his first WBC home run, driving in 3 on a two-out shot to deep centre-left. He ended up 3-5 at the plate, but the bigger takeaway was probably his impeccable catching of Mayumi Kawakami’s knuckleball. Kawakami put in by far the most composed pitching display from a Quodite pitcher to date, with the ‘defence-first’ team struggling to contain runs. Phelps also throw out Rodney Kirk trying to steal second and picked off Enrique Velazquez after the second baseman tried out his luck on first. With Jun Jiang’s offensive output underwhelming and not looking nearly as polished defensively, there’s every chance Phelps’s playing time will increase beyond that of a specialist knuckleball catcher.

Game 5: Daki Chuan

A game after the Things’ female knuckleball pitcher wowed the opposition, the turntables… have turned. Daki Chuan wove a spell at Raptor Park, giving up just 5 hits, 4 of those coming in the 2nd inning. It briefly looked like the Things were going to be competitive against the world champions as Johannes Steinnsson hustled to beat a lazy throw from Kencha Qureshi, Kosuke Tamura shruggled off an awful game in Georgia Tech with a crisp line drive double, and Kristoffer Ljung drove both of them in on a single that dropped into left. Pei Tan couldn’t come up with a wild pitch, advancing Ljung to second, who then scored off a Jun Jiang frozen rope out to left-centre. But that was to prove the solitary high point as Chuan started to get her knuckleball fizzing, and the Quodite batters looked like they were swinging wet noodles against her. A steady string of runs flowed at the other end – Smanla Kumari hit a solo homer and an RBI triple, and Chuan herself got in on the action with a sac fly to drive in Kumari after the outfielder hit a single to finish a double short of the cycle – as the Sherpas ran away with the game. On current plans, Chuan is set to pitch every game against the Things, so they’d better start studying how to hit her knuckleball or it’ll be a long, miserable slog up the mountain.

Game 6: Ben Wilson

Is it parochial to choose one of our own players in a game we lost 6-3? Yes. Doubly so when he was just 1-2 with a single. But it’s exciting to see a young hitter emerge, so we hope no one will mind us putting the focus on Ben Wilson. He’s received more playing time than initially expected so far this Classic, because of the team facing an unusually high number of left handed starting pitchers, but he’s now starting at DH even against the right handers. His excellent patience at the plate, unusual for a young slugger who no doubt wants to impress with some long balls, drew two walks, he swiped his second stolen base with a sharp delayed move, and his solitary hit still started the rally that briefly ignited hopes of a comeback: after stealing second he came in on Kosuke Tamura’s third hit of the night; Tamura moved to third on a Luke Phelps double and Katenka Andreeva’s sac fly kept things going. Naoko Hisakawa, whose bat has cooled since her initial breakout, added an RBI on another single, but the struggling Kayley Symonds, hitting .059 for the tournament, struck out. There’s every chance she’ll lose her place in the starting lineup to Wilson, who looks to offer just as much against right handers as she’s currently doing.

[Nova Anglicana]

Lions stumble as WBC 50 continues

WBC 50 is an anniversary edition, a significant moment in the history of the WBC that marks it as the second-longest contested multiversal tournament, behind only the World Cup, of course. As such, the prestige of winning this tournament has coaxed out of international retirement nations such as Sangti, Karditan, Maklohi Vai, Sicoutimont, and others. In that "others" category is a multi-time WBC winner, the mid-to-late 30s powerhouse Schiltzberg, who just so happens to be in the Nova Anglicana Lions' group for this WBC. And after winning their first three games, the Lions took on the former champs. That's when things started to go downhill.

Hank Jackson took the mound for the Lions against Schiltzberg. Jackson has been a solid group-stage starter for the Lions in past WBCs, but has often been relegated to opener or relief work in the playoffs. This time, however, he occupies the #4 starter slot, and is a good bet to be in the playoff rotation if all goes well. But all did not go well against Schiltzberg. Jackson has a power fastball and a big, 12-6, curve, and he battled his way through the first four innings, with the Lions trailing 3-2 going into the bottom of the fifth. The Schiltzberg leadoff hitter strode to the plate and smoked a rope into the outfield gap on a first-pitch curve, ending up at second with an easy double. The subsequent batter flicked a single over the head of Kelvin Hill, and only a strong throw from Lions right fielder Jerome Duplantier prevented a run from scoring. With runners on third and first, Jackson got the #3 hitter to swing over the top of a curve, and recorded the first out of the inning. Up came the #4 hitter. He battled Jackson for nine pitches, falling behind 0-2, fouling off a good curve and a fastball, taking three pitches, and spoiling a slider and even a changeup from Jackson, who rarely uses those pitches. Then, on the tenth pitch, Jackson seemed to say, "Here it is, have at it," throwing a 97 MPH fastball more or less middle-middle, daring the batter to get around on it. But even 97 MPH heat isn't that impressive when it's right down the pipe, and the pitch got smashed down the line for a double, scoring the runner from third and putting runners on third and second for the #5 hitter. They promptly whomped a cement-mixer slider for another double, scoring two more runs, making it 6-2 and sending Jackson to the showers. Dallas Hawkins came in and got the final two outs, but the damage had been done. Hawkins would retire the side on 7 pitches in the sixth as well, sending the Lions into the seventh still down 6-2.

This is where the Schiltzberg starter got a little tired, walking Marc Dufors to lead off the inning and giving Trevor Goodwin too good of a pitch to hit, which he punched into right for a solid single. Up stepped Cliff Garner, the lefty masher. The Schiltzberg manager reacted quickly, giving the starter the hook and bringing in a lefty reliever. But Garner wasn't fazed, patiently working the count to 3-1 and then crushing the off-speed pitch that caught too much of the strike zone into the seats in right, bouncing on to the walkway behind the seats and pulling the Lions to within 6-5. "Pitching backwards" is a great skill and it works against many hitters, but Garner knew the lefty reliever had been brought in specifically to get him out, so he wasn't going to walk him, but he also wasn't going to give a guy with Garner's power a fastball on 3-1, begging to be hit. So it was going to a breaking ball, and that's how it ended up in the seats. Unfortunately, the next Schiltzberg reliever set down the side in order, closing the door on what could have been a bigger inning. Eric Norton and Jon Klein pitched two scoreless to keep the game at 6-5, but the Lions managed just one baserunner in their two remaining innings, and went down to defeat, 6-5. Sure, they had lost to multi-time WBC champions, but this was a shadow of former Schiltzberg teams.

They returned home to face the United States of Devonta, and give Rex Boyd his first WBC 50 start. Boyd is an NABL starter who had been pitching in the fireman/multi-inning reliever role for the past couple of Classics, allowing him to really unleash his stuff in short stints in moments of crisis. But now he was in his element as a starter, and he enjoyed it. Yes, he allowed a solo homer in the third, and those walks in the fourth and sixth came back to bite him, but overall, his line of 7 IP, 3 ER was pretty good. He didn't have any really bad innings, and he gave the bullpen a little rest after they had to pitch 3.2 innings in the last game in relief of Jackson. Meanwhile, the offense came alive early. The USD starter had set down the first six hitters in order to start the game, but Marc Dufors bunted against the shift to lead off the third and reach base. The Devonta starter could be seen grumbling afterwards, but you get on any way you can, and after all, it's not like he broke up a perfect game or a no-hitter in the late innings by doing that. Trevor Goodwin slashed a single past the second baseman, and the ball rolled just slowly enough to send Dufors to third. Up came Rex Boyd, and everyone was expecting a bunt. After all, with runners on third and first and no outs, you don't want the pitcher to hit into a double play. The third and first basemen crept in, wanting to pounce on the bunt in case a squeeze play was on. But Boyd and manager Mark Singleton surprised everyone with a perfectly executed butcher boy play. Boyd pulled the bat back and punched a single over the first baseman's head, scoring Dufors, while the hit was shallow enough to allow Goodwin, who got a good jump, to advance to third.

That tied the game at 1-1, but the Lions weren't done yet. Erik Austin pulled a ball down the line, scoring Goodwin, sending Boyd to third, and giving Austin a double. Luke Mills followed with a sacrifice fly to deep left, making it 3-1 with Austin at second and one down. Kelvin Hill struck out, but then Joey Keller stepped to the plate. On a 2-0 pitch, he deposited the ball into one of the furthest rows of the left-field bleachers, a home run that traveled well more than 400 feet and made it 5-1 Lions. The next inning, Jerome Duplantier walked, and Goodwin singled, while Boyd this time did lay down an excellent sacrifice bunt, putting runners at second and third with two down. You might consider walking Austin in this situation, with a base open, but then you have to face perhaps the best pure hitter on the team, Mills. That's the power of a great 1-2 punch at the top of the lineup. So they brought in a righty reliever to force Austin to hit from his weaker left side, but he laced one into the right-center gap, scoring Duplantier and Goodwin, and making it 7-2, Lions. The game would finish 7-3, with Cody Brock and Vic Fleming finishing off the Devontans in the eighth and ninth.

Cory Sharpe again took the mound against The Sarian, this time in Londinium, but found no more success than he did in game one. He struggled to settle in, and allowed four runs in six innings. Sure, he got BABIPed a little, but 6 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 6 K, is not a great line. Meanwhile, the offense that scored five against Schiltzberg and seven against the United States of Devonta was nowhere to be found, scoring just one run across the first six innings. They did manage a little late life, with solo homers in the seventh and ninth innings, but The Sarian also put one across in the eighth, and the final score was 5-3.

Meanwhile, in the rest of their group, the Republic of Dixie won three straight, taking down The Sarian 8-3, Schiltzberg 4-3, and United Hemand Insia 5-2. This put the Republic in first place at 5-1, while the Lions followed at 4-2, the Bustards of The Sarian and Schiltzberg at 3-3, UHI at 2-4, and Devonta bringing up the rear at 1-5. It's early, yes, but every loss is critical in the race for playoff seeding, especially since there will be an extra playoff round this year. The Lions need to shape up and start dominating this group like they can and should.

[Newmanistan]

THE ROCKET REPORT

MEMORY LANE: WBC 8

By Taylor Larson,

After having so much success in World Baseball Classic 7, what could the Rockets possibly do for an encore in the next one? Could they win the championship in just the second competition they competed in, or would they take a big step back? Well, neither of those would prove to be true, but it would be another historic competition in Newmanistanian sports as it would be the first time we ever hosted anything on our own. This would be a great vote of confidence in Newmanistan, but by this time, the nation had done enough to make the majority of those who voted feel as though we could pull it off.

There were not a lot of signups in this one, as only 20 nations elected to participate. Put that in perspective now, with the 13 groups that we have. The World Baseball Classic was still not a major competition in international sports, so there was nothing unusual about the number. The tournament would not see any newcomers that went on to great things, so it was expected to be a battle between the established powers at the time: Zwangzug, Liventia, Qazox, Taeshan, and Milchama against the hopeful hosts. Newmanistan would draw themselves into Group C, where they would take on Milchama as the biggest foe and also an opponent that they had not yet seen. The Indonesian States, Greal, and Kenavt were the other group rivals. The roster was similar to the one used the previous year, and it is important to note that in the Newmanistanian timeline in this era, the Classic was only one year after WBC 7, and not the conventional two that we see today. Therefore, there was not much need to change things around. Tara Stewart would still be the ace, but interestingly we would not see much of a change in Stacey Keisler’s spot, remaining fourth in the rotation despite her impressive WBC 7.

The Rockets opened the campaign with a 4-1 win over Greal, a solid effort in Pocono City against a team that they were supposed to beat, with Tara Stewart leading the way. Next up, they would blank Kenavt 3-0 behind a complete game two hitter from Kristen Haynes. Haynes was also the #2 starter in the 7th Classic, and I asked historian Nicole Mitchell to say what she remembered most about Haynes as a Rocket. “Kristen, as we know was a Hall of Famer domestically here, but is another one of those players that is becoming forgotten now. Probably more so than Tara Stewart because people can still remember she was the initial ace of the rotation. Kristen pitched in some big games for us early on, and is actually the answer to the trivia question of who was the starting pitcher in the first game Newmanistan ever won. She wasn’t a hard thrower, her fastball only topped out in the low 90’s, but she would beat you with a devastating splitter. It was her out pitch, and she was very effective with it. She continued to be part of this team for a while and was an important component to our successes early.” Newmanistan then topped the Indonesian States and got a big start from Stacey Keisler against Milchama despite the no-decision in an 11-inning win. The team played .500 the rest of the way, settling for a 6-2 record, and dropping them into a first round playoff series against Zwangzug.

Oh, this would be an exciting matchup, wouldn’t it? Keep in mind that only eight teams advanced to the playoffs, so we were already in the quarterfinals, and this would be a best of three series. But what a great way for this playoff to begin for entertainment value. However, the Rockets were likely not eager about seeing the Zebras so early. Getting the start in the first game would be Stacey Keisler. With only eight games in the group stage in WBC 8 (think about now, that we are six games in already for WBC 50), if you’re the #4 starter on the rotation, this is Game 1 for you. Keisler, you may recall, was the Game 5 starter against Zwangzug in the championship of WBC 7. Right away, a chance for redemption, and she would get it. Keisler tossed a complete game in the 3-1 win, giving the Rockets the edge in the best of three. The Zebras tied the series in the second game, but got a 2-1 victory in the third game to send the team to the semifinals. “A great showing by the team, and it helped show that the previous Classic was a fluke and got our fans excited that they might be able to get this title”, Mitchell said in retrospect.

Next up for Newmanistan was Milchama, in a best of five, and they would be knocked off by the Warriors here, three games to one. “The Warriors played us very well,” Historian Mitchell said, “and this was a bit of a theme for us early on. They proved to be a nemesis of ours, but were a fun team to watch, and they went about things the right way.” It would now be time for the Tundra Falls Proving Grounds to play host to their first ever international championship, and it would be Qazox hoping to win the title against Milchama in what would be a best of seven. The folks at the Proving Grounds did everything they could to make this a great environment for both teams, and it was certainly a success from an economic standpoint. Each nation had plenty of traveling supporters that made the trip. The title would go to Qazox in six games. Newmanistan did win the third place series, over Taeshan, with Stacey Keisler having another dominant outing in the first game of the series.

In retrospect, looking back at our first hosting job was interesting. You could see the growing pains, and how far we have come in that regard since then. You can also see how far the World Baseball Classic has come since the days of that 20-team tournament, which had about a quarter of the team’s showing an active media presence consistently. With the great run that Newmanistan had in their first Classic, this one was a reminder that once you were in the upper echelon of teams, a championship would be harder to get.

[Sarzonia]

After three matches, the Sarzonian national baseball team were 2-1 but were at a crossroads.

Their new ace, lefthanded starter Jeff Parrish certainly lived up to his new role as the top of the rotation pitcher for the 10th ranked team in the multiverse, but Mark Conroy struggled mightily in his first start after being demoted to No. 2. Jamie Pearson hung in there to pick up the win in the third match, but Stars manager Geoff Yancey and bullpen coach Calen George were still concerned about taxing the bullpen early on.

The next three matches allayed those concerns for both Yancey and George. Brian Lynch and new fifth starter Alton Long both tossed complete game shutouts and Parrish overcame a rough early going against Megistos and Sarzonia swept the second round of three matches to take sole possession of first place in Group 2.

Lynch cemented his newfound role as a full-time member of Sarzonia's rotation with a dominant effort, limiting the otherwise luckily numbered World Baseball Classic debutant to two hits without a walk. He struck out seven and induced a weak pop up to shortstop Christine Andersen for the final out.

"I figured it would be a delicious bit of irony if I limited myself to seven strikeouts," Lynch said. "Trying to keep with the theme."

Lynch even helped his own cause at the dish, going 2-for-5 with a two-run double in the top of the third to give the Stars a 2-0 lead. He also lashed a single to left field and came around to score in Sarzonia's five-run sixth.

"We got a lot of momentum from putting up 12 against Darmen," Lynch said of his offensive output. "I'm just glad that I could help keep it going."

Long, who made his international debut against fellow unranked nation Valanora, wasn't quite as dominant, conceding seven hits and striking out three, but he confounded opposing hitters with an assortment of breaking balls and offspeed stuff. He also induced four double play grounders to quell threats from the visitors at Fleetwood Park.

That set the stage for Parrish, who faced Megistos for the second time in the Classic. Unlike his dominant opening match, Megistos got to him early with two runs in the bottom of the first and a single run in the second, but Parrish hung in to throw seven innings. Scott Lassiter pitched a scoreless eighth, and then with the pitcher's spot due up with the bases loaded in the top of the ninth, Yancey sent up Luke Brinkley to pinch hit. We'll let Sarzonia play-by-play announcer Brett Fischer describe it from here:

"The Stars are down to their final out. The bases are loaded and it's a 1-2 count on Brinkley after he's fouled off some tough pitches. He steps in. The pitcher comes set. Here's the delivery. SWING AND A LONG DRIVE TO DEEP LEFT FIELD, WAY BACK! GRAND SLAM! GRAND SLAM! GRAND SLAM! THE STARS TAKE THE LEAD! It is 6-3! Luke Brinkley may have snatched victory from the jaws of defeat as we'll get a pitching change."

Yancey had closer Tyrell Douglass warming up in the bullpen just in case, but now George had his preparations intensify because he would enter with a chance to earn his first save of the current World Baseball Classic. Unlike the decisive Game 5 against Delaclava, this one didn't have much drama as Douglass earned the save with a pop up and grounders to Andersen and second baseman Ian Danielson. Plus, the victory merely gave Sarzonia sole possession of first place after six matches out of a 30-match group stage. But the Stars still had a chance to celebrate.

"Brinkley, man, he can hit it a fucking mile!" Lassiter said admiringly. "That ball was crushed!"

[Hampton Island]

(Setting: Stafford City Stadium, CEO and Assistant converse)

CEO: Trying to make sense of this start. Could be better, but not bad.

Assistant: It’s fine, we play a lot of games. A lot of good teams at 4-2 right now, and at least we are not in Group 5.

CEO: After six games, kind of crazy to see everyone at 3-3. Who should be taking control in that group?

Assistant: Drawkland.

CEO: Well, that explains it. They have their troubles being consistent in the World Baseball Classic. Maybe they should buy one of our bears, they might be the missing piece.

Assistant: Perhaps, but their biggest problem seems to be giving up big innings late, and a bear would not be a relief pitcher.

CEO: You know, that is something that I have been thinking about. Are we overlooking something that could really benefit us, and having one of them pitch?

Assistant: I don’t think that would ever work.

CEO: Just think of the velocity one of them could get on a fastball. They would not need to throw anything else. What could it get there at, 150MPH?

Assistant: I doubt it, it’s a short distance that it has to go. Perhaps maybe 120, but the issue is control. I would have to think they would be very erratic.

CEO: What’s the problem with a pitcher throwing a 150 MPH fastball, even 120, if they are erratic? Imagine how scared the opponent would be to step in the batters box.

Assistant: Then they walk everyone or hit everyone. And we allow a lot of runs. Pitching isn’t our problem anyway. We have a good run differential right now. Best in the group. In the long run, we will be fine.

CEO: It couldn’t hurt to see if we can train one to pitch. Probably would not happen for this Classic.

Assistant: I mean, sure, if you want to try. I just don’t think we’ll get one to find the necessary control. If they could throw 120 or 150 and throw strikes, then it is great. But I doubt that they will. They will hit people, often. I know that would end up intimidating, but also we would still get retaliation on our humans.

CEO: Let’s try it.

[TJUN-ia]

---

Game 4 - The Greater Nordics (14) 2-11 TJUN-ia (22) (Rounders Field, Portside)
Jose Almas faced a familiar foe in his first start as it was time to host the best team in the group at Rounders Field. 14th-ranked The Greater Nordics were in the Battin' Jags group for WBC48 and back then, they were a team TJUN-ia struggled to fight against. Now, 4 years later, Jags and Nordics face each other again not as number 12 at an Unranked nation but as number 14 at number 22. What was once a huge gulf between the two was now only 8 places in the rankings.

It showed in this game in Portside. Almas didn't get to the best of starts in the first inning, conceding a run via a Camilla Olesen sac-fly but that would be only one of two runs he would allow on the mound that night. The TJUN-ian bats came alive in the 4th, a 3-run homer from Rafael Llorente rounding out a 5-run inning that would set the tone for the rest of the game. Two more home runs would seal this game for the Jags: a 2-run bomb from Kim Tsu-Ka in the 6th and a Grand Slam from Almas himself in the 7th. It really was his and TJUN-ia's night in The Jungle, a thumping win over an old baseball enemy and a statement of intent from this Jaguars side.

Game 5 - TJUN-ia (22) 4-3 Sangti (UR) (F/10) (Kabunuklan Sports Complex, San Rafael)
Finally, Kyle McNash started a baseball game and he did so against the only other team TJUN-ia hadn't played yet: unranked Sangti. The Indios have changed a lot since the baseball community last saw them, radiation in their homeland meaning they were now based in Filindostan and specifically the island of Kabunuklan. It was in its biggest city, San Rafael, that the Jags faced the Indios in what would turn out to be an epic contest.

Unfortunately for McNash, it wouldn't be his night at the Kabunuklan Sports Complex. No one was really doing anything until the 3rd when Bo Triguero slammed a ball way out of the park to give the Indios the lead. It would get worse in the 5th, a great strike from Triguero again allowing both local Arche Sane and Mercy Sierra to score. 3-0 to the Indios and Phillip Hellas-Verona knew something had to change so he brought off McNash and brought on LCL himself - Liam Christoper-Lee. LCL would steady the ship and would eventually get a half-game shut-out for his efforts, but the batting could've been way better at this point. With not much game time left, the batting final arrived in the 8th - a nice sac-fly from Steven Fulmer allowing Pedro Moires to walk in TJUN-ia's first run of the game after nearly 2 and a half hours of baseball. The 9th would see TJUN-ia tie the game via a 2-run homer by Joe Gregory but nothing else could be done and after another shut-out inning by LCL, TJUN-ia was facing extras for the first time this WBC. Fulmer struck out but Bryce Calhoun did his business, sending a ball right out of the park to give TJUN-ia the lead for the first time. LCL did the rest in the bottom of the inning and the Battin' Jags survived in 10.

Game 6 - TJUN-ia (22) 2-5 Tha Great Pond (UR) (Clear Pond Field, Tha Great Pond)
Chris Harris was back for his 2nd duel with Tha Great Pond, this time at the Clear Pond Field with 5,000 seats for humans and a huge pond for 35,000 ducks. Playing in front of thousands of actual ducks must have done something to Harris' mind because TJUN-ia's number 1 wasn't having a good time in the Pond. He allowed a 2-run homer from Petra Duck in the first inning and although TJUN-ia would get a run for themselves in the 2nd, the Ducks continued to apply the pressure. The pressure was released with a Ducks run in the 4th and Hellas-Verona had seen enough from Harris. On came Shin Suzuki once again, but even he couldn't stop the Ducks from continuing their great play. In the end, the Ducks upset the Jags 5-2 in a weird game that may just be an off day but who knows at this point. TJUN-ia lead the group but lost to a bunch of Ducks. Welcome to the World Baseball Classic!

---

Current Record: 4-2 (1st)
Next 3: @Rwekazaland (UR), vs Ranoria (31) (@New Washington), @The Greater Nordics (14)
Starting Pitchers: Davis Johnson (Game 7), Gene Almac (Game 8 ), Jose Almas (Game 9)

[Rwekazaland]

RWEKAZALAND WBC 50: DO OR DIE

image ru
Homerun form last game


As in the past 2 games Rwekazaland has been going though an winning streak. Rwekazaland starts to push harder on the players since they were 1-3..
The coach of the team has said "After those first games we started to psuh harder. We really want to win this WBC. Even when we are new. We want to clear our name and make other teams fearful.".

[Kriegiersien]

It is group 13 again. Play ball.

10 o’clock. Schoenwetter. Ronny Easton hits the ball. His hair looks fabulous. He casually drops the bat and jogs to the next base. Kriegiersien wins the match against Abanhfleft 5-3. The home crowd cheers.


9 o’clock. Port Cartfort Park. Ronny Easton easily snatches the ball out of the air. It is the second inning. No second base has been taken yet. His hair looks marvellous. Kriegiersien loses against Liventia 1-6. The home crowd cheers.


7 o’clock. Lily field. Leon Prince makes a home run in the second inning. Ronny nods and swaggers from second to the home base, winking to the spectators. His hair looks amazing. Kriegiersien loses in West Florida 2 - 4. The home crowd cheers.


***


Batsy the Baseball playing bat will become the mascot for the Kriegiersien team. At each homegame a drone looking like a bat will fly in at the start with a baseball and shoot it at the Kriegiersien batter.
It will have its premiere against Cransia.



***


Player in the focus: Ronny Easton

The Infield from the Schoenwetter BC is maybe not the best player of the team, but the man who makes the most money. Thanks to his looks, charisma and elegance he has more endorsement deals than the other players together.
Especially his shampoo commercials for his ever changing hair style are going viral. On the field the “sexiest player over 30” is doing great too. Sometimes. At least he always looks good while doing it. Or anything.

Think of a ridiculous good and fashionable looking guy. In Kriegiersien you would even see him naked. And he would still look elegant. Sacrosanct. Words just can’t describe it.

[Sicoutimont]

“I have… a lot of questions, to be honest,” said Ignace Tremaux.

“Ask away,” replied his boss, Louis Corriveau.

“Where would the national team play?”

“Pomeroy wants them at the Parc Alphonse-Pomeroy. That’s the new one in St-Simeon, seats 100,000 people.”

“Colours?”

“Red and green.”

“Is that going to be a tough sell? Everyone from the outside world remembers us as purple and blue, you walk around Lac-Drouin long enough you find someone wearing an old blue cap.”

“Well, Ignace, if you’d like to go tell someone from the Worker’s Front Politburo, or even the Supreme Leader himself, that he should put purple - the colour of the imperial dynasty, I might remind you - on the national team jerseys, you can have fun with that. I won’t be joining you.”

Ignace smiled. “What, so basically just GVRT jerseys then?”

“Team’s going to be pretty much all GVRT guys anyways.”

“That logo isn’t going to be our cap insignia though, right?”

“Why not?”

“Think about it, Louis. After 40 some years, Sicoutimont makes its return to international baseball, and on its caps, they have… a red star with assault rifles and a fleur-de-lis.”

“Well, we’ve still got the fleur-de-lis on it! Look, from what I saw it’s a red home jersey with ‘Sicoutimont’ in green and a white away jersey with ‘Sicoutimont’ in red. On the cap… some people want a fleur-de-lis, some just want a big ‘S’, and yes, the GVRT symbol was proposed.”

“Just going to go out on a limb and say we probably won’t be called ‘Les Royales’ anymore, either.”

“Haha, could you imagine? Pomeroy liked ‘Harfangs,’ but a lot of people said we should just avoid a nickname all together.”

“If you avoid the nickname though, people will probably just call them the Royales anyways.”

“That’s what Pomeroy said. The top choices were Harfangs, Cardinals and Revolutionaries.”

Ignace laughed. “So it’s going to be Harfangs, then.”

“Naturally. But Ignace, I need you for this. There’s something else the government wants from this.”

“And what would that be?”

“Sicoutian Central TV is going to be replaying games from World Baseball Classic 26, all the way up to the start of the tournament. New commentary, everything. And for that new commentary, they want the guys that were actually on the team. It’s one thing to see Boullion Carvier hit a home run in Game 2 of the WBC 26 finals, it’s another to hear him explain how he only did it because he was inspired by national durability, even though it didn’t exist for another ten years or so.”

“So you want me to track down all these old ball players and get them to spew propaganda on television.”

“Well, you won’t get all of them. It’s been nearly 50 years. Some of them won’t be around anymore, and I’ve heard that one or two actually escaped before the Revolution. We just need some of the bigger names - and there’s only one person who can track all of them down.”

Ignace nodded. “Uncle Jacques.”

“Uncle Jacques indeed.”

“What if, say, Boullion Carvier doesn’t want to do this?”

“Well, that’s his choice. But Ignace, in this country, choices have consequences.”

Ignace nodded. Suddenly, the conversation was serious.

“I’m going to see Jacques this weekend, actually. I’ll get to work.”

“Perfect. If it all works out, maybe I can get you tickets to a game,” Corriveau said with a wink.

“You can visit him yourself if that’s all I get!”

“Now that you mention it, I do need someone to be my lead correspondent for the tournament. If you aren't interested though, I'm sure Labelle will do it."

“I’m in.”

[Hapilopper]

Capital Stadium, Hapilopper City
World Baseball Classic 50 Game 4: Hapilopper v. Bardney
The matchup against the team from a nation called “Bardney” had already interested a lot of Hapiloppian observers. In its first three games, observers noticed that their brand of baseball was quite a bit different from Hapilopper’s fast-paced, hair-on-fire style of baseball. In fact, observers suggested that baseball from Bardney was a lot like baseball from about 130 years before, a simpler, slower time. That, in of itself, brought a lot of eyes to the Hapilopper-Bardney match at Capital Stadium, to say the least. How would a throwback to the 1800s fare on the artificial turf? How would they fare in front of 60,000 rabid fans? And would the Haps be able to take care of them?

That answer came in the first inning, when with the bases loaded, Jerome Hayden hit a monstrous grand slam to left field. Jerome stood at home plate, watched the home run fly through the air, then looked at Bardney’s pitcher, Kermit “The Dartford Flash” Connelly, who likely was offended by Jerome’s act of impetuosity. As Jerome slowly trotted around the bases, whooping it up for the rowdy fans at Capital Stadium, he had to have wondered in the back of his mind what was coming. The Haps scored twice more that inning, but that inning quickly was overshadowed by an ugly incident the next time Jerome came up to bat in the third inning.

Connelly’s first pitch was on a trajectory for Jerome’s head. It came before Jerome even realized it, and pretty soon, Jerome was on the turf, having just taken a fastball right to the side of the head. The pitch may not have seemed as fast as other pitches from other nations. But it connected right on the sweet spot, and Jerome was out. The Haps were furious, even more so when Connelly was not ejected for the beaning. But it wasn’t over.

Dale Moss rushed out to demand Connelly’s ejection, feeling the beaning was intentional. The umpire didn’t see it that way, and annoyed with Dale’s constant arguing, ejected the Hapiloppian skipper. Dale had started to walk off from the umpire, and when he saw he had been ejected, he went APESHIT on the umpire, charging at him and screaming all manner of obscenities at him. It took several coaches and catcher Mo Beverly to restrain Dale from the umpire, who stood and watched as Dale was led away kicking and screaming from him. Meanwhile, the fans at Capital Stadium were enraged, and all kinds of debris had been thrown onto the field – cups, plastic beer bottles, rolls of toilet paper, seat cushions, food, and other miscellaneous debris.

It got to the point where the umpires left the field briefly and considered forfeiting the game to the team from Bardney, but third baseman Leroy Hunnisett took to the PA to get the fans to stop.

“Look, I get it! Y’all are pissed!” Leroy snapped on the PA. “But if we forfeit this game, it’s going to hurt us and our chances in this Classic! So please, for the love of god, STOP THROWING SHIT! And if you see anyone throwing shit in the future, find them and get them thrown out! We can’t afford this!”

The rest of the game was decidedly uneventful. There was no retaliation from the Hap Thrashers as the team wound up winning 7-4. But after the game, the Hap Thrashers were less happy about winning the game as they were enraged that Connelly had not been ejected for the beaning. And as a sign that Dale’s anger was not just for show, under the stands, upon seeing the umpires walking off the field after the game, Dale bolted at the home plate umpire and grabbed him by the shirt collar, demanding an answer. Jim Parker, the Haps’ bench coach, spotted Dale rushing towards the umpires and called the players, many of which were still on the field, to come over to break the situation up. It was an interesting sight for the fans to see the Hap Thrashers rush off the field and into a door right behind home plate where the umpires entered and exited.

The next day, the diagnosis was clear for Jerome – a concussion. Jerome would miss a few games while he recovered, while Dale was suspended for five games by the National League of Hapilopper for the outburst. Jim Parker would serve as acting manager while Dale served the suspension, one he disagreed with.

“Well, first off, let me be the first to tell you it’s absolute horseshit,” Dale said. “Our problem isn’t with Bardney. They got pissed off at us because Jerome pimped the homer. But if you throw at someone with intent, that should be an ejectable offense. I don’t know what that umpire was thinking because it was obviously intentional. That’s what pisses me off more than anything else. I’ve seen players get plunked for pimping home runs – hell, we had a brawl during the finals last year because Jerome did that very thing. But the umpires made the right moves to end it. This one didn’t do a damn thing this time.”

[South Newlandia]

South Newlandian College Baseball – Part 1/?

Like many other countries, South Newlandia has a small college baseball system as well, where most of the universities compete to find the best South Newlandian baseball youngsters. The 14 biggest and most important colleges of the nation compete in a 26-game season, and at the end, the four most successful teams reach the postseason. After two best-of-three seasons, we know which team wins the SNCBT, often called “Snobt” in slang.

Elephant Valley University (EVU) Elephant Valley
The EVU is widely regarded as the best team in college baseball. The biggest South Newlandian University, which teaches almost everything from science to politics to sports to business, often has one of the most outstanding teams. The university from the capital has had many big stars play for them, including many WBC stars; their most prestigious example would be Fabio Ventura. They are expected to win, as always.

Newport Law School (NLS) Newport
The school to go for if you want to be a top-level judge, the NLS, has always been highly regarded as well. Although not nearly as good as the EVU, the NLS is a solid playoff contender, and has been there quite a few times. Being from Newport, the fastest growing South Newlandian city has certainly helped them a ton; and they are expected to rise through the ranks in the next years.

Sophie City Institute for true Sciences (SCIftS) Sophie City
This team is almost certainly the worst one in the nation. Often called “Shifts”, the team finishes dead last in the standings almost every year, and hasn’t been to the playoffs in centuries. It’s almost like an Institute for almost exclusively Philosophy and Maths struggles to attract top sports prospects, and they are most likely going to lose some more the next season.

Elephant Valley Science Institute (EVSI) Elephant Valley
One of the two smaller college teams from Elephant Valley, next to the EVU, is EVSI. Most known for Chemistry and Physics as well as some other sciences (such as Geology), this college is actally surprisingly decent at baseball. They aren’t a real playoff contender, but they are solid enough to be around the middle of the standings. There’s only so much about them, they are rather forgettable.

Walstreim Business University (WBU) Walstreim
The team from the home of the Lions is mostly known for their architects and their long history with graduates in business, but they usually field a team that can contend for the playoffs as well. There aren’t going to be a lot of fireworks, but the team from Walstreim often impresses with solid performances every time.

Newport College for International Relations (NCfIR) Newport
The college to go to if you want to move abroad to work, the NCfIR, is another one of those teams that can certainly contend for the playoffs. Their “twin college”, the NPI, usually has a lot of cooperation with them, but on the baseball field, the two teams are bitter rivals. Most ambassadors to foreign countries have been to the NCfIR at some part in their lives.

Ruditown Biologics University (RBU) Ruditown
The RBU is the best University to learn something about plants and animals. We aren’t sure if you want that, but somehow, the RBU also often fields a solid baseball team. They are also known for having some of the best kept stadium grass. Ruditown has a lot of flora and fauna to study live, and is especially known for being the city with the highest percentage of dog owners.

To be continued.

[Zwangzug]

The baseball field at the Stoal Institute of Science was a far cry from that of the Worm Hole across town. And yet, there were ninety feet between bases, the pitcher's mound was 60 feet and six inches in front of home plate, the grass was growing wild in the outfield. It was enough.

Molly Waverley was unsuccessfully trying to nurse a fussy infant with one arm and check her phone with another. "The South Newlandians said what about math majors? We'll show them."

"We already did show them," teased her friend Ana. "Game two, yeah? Beat them with the Adler walkoff!"

"There's five more," Molly muttered. "Let's not get cocky."

"Do you need a hand?" asked Alfred, as he took in the field.

"What? No I'm good," said Molly, attempting to pocket the phone. "Thanks, though."

"He's cute," Buck asked. "How old?"

"Three months. I think. Unless he's gonna grow up to be an international sportsman in which case..." Molly shrugged darkly.

"Oh, he totally is," said Ana. "Like his dad."

"What?" Molly snapped. "No. Look, the father isn't--isn't in the picture, it isn't anyone you know."

Buck and Alfred exchanged glances. "A miraculous event?" Alfred mused.

"No," said Ana. "Molly's just embarrassed to admit that Omer Bruneau got her, uh, with child."

"You are a weirdly prudish nation," Buck said.

"He didn't either," said Molly.

"Come on," Ana said. "A year ago was right after that big series against Neume. You were both very exuberant, and it wasn't like you were seeing anyone else before. Or since."

"Ignore her," said Molly. "Can we help you?"

"Just taking in the city," said Alfred. "Maybe we'll catch a game at the Worm Hole."

"Oh," said Ana. "Hey, wait a minute, you're Buck Fuchs! From the IBS!"

"Afraid so," said Buck.

"Wow. Can I have your autograph?"

"Of course!"

"Who?" said Molly, as Buck got to scribbling.

"From Super-Llamaland. You know, the coach of those eleven-year-olds. Speaking of miraculous events...Most people here don't really care about the IBS, but I was very impressed."

"Well, thanks," said Buck. "There must be a lot of sports here to keep track of."

"Mostly baseball for me. And football."

"And broomball and cycling," said Molly. The baby was done feeding by this time and drooled curiously.

"Yeah, whatever. That's different."

"Are the college tournaments pretty organized?" Alfred asked.

"Not really," said Ana. "Not for baseball, at least. But I mean, everyone around here has heard of Bruneau, if that's what you mean."

"Leave him out of this," said Molly.

"You know Reçueçn only carry two starting pitchers? He must be a real iron man. If you know what I mean."

"Time passes at different rates in different nations," Molly pointed out. "Maybe the games are more spread out for them."

"I thought you said we were leaving him out of this."

"You know what?" Molly strapped the baby into her "frontpack." "I think we're done."

"Hold on," said Buck. "We brought gifts!"

"Why would you bring me gifts? You don't even know me."

"It's for the baby. We picked up a bunch of Worms swag at one of the gift shops. See?" Buck held up a onesie proudly. "Because they're little wriggly dudes. Get it?"

"You're being creepy."

"He'll grow into it eventually," said Ana. "You might as well keep it, they grow so fast you'll go through a lot of clothes."

"Like you'd know."

"Er," said Alfred. "Sorry to interrupt, but what happened to the bases?"

"The bases?" Ana echoed.

"A minute ago they were here. And now they're not. It's like someone stole them or something."

"I thought you understood baseball," said Molly. "'Stolen bases' is a statistical term that means--"

"No, he's right," said Ana. "Literally. Someone picked them up and ran."

Molly glowered as the baby kicked at her. "Poly."

"Who's Paulie?" Buck asked.

"Not who. 102d Polyteknik. They're always messing with us. Ohh, I'll...I'll show replication errors in their studies, see if I don't!" She paced off, baby in tow.

Ana shrugged. "Personally, if I'd made a baby with Omer Bruneau, I'd be telling everyone. But people are weird."

"Yes," said Buck, "I think we can agree on that."

[Drawkland]

Groundball Day

beepbeep ... beepbeep ... beepbeep ... beepbeep ... beepbeep ... beepbeep ... beepbeep ... beepbeep ... beepbeep ... beepbeep ... beepbeep ... beepbeep ... beepbeep ...

"Trav? Trav can you turn that off please?" Tori said, sleepily, with no small amount of anxiety in her voice. Slowly, Travis turned over in the bed and grabbed his phone to turn off the alarm. The two lovers laid in silence for a good 5 minutes before one of them spoke up.

"Do I even need to look for the shirt?" Tori started. Travis sat up in the bed, but he knew that it wouldn't be there. He was right. The TV was bare, the quarterfinals shirt was nowhere to be found. When he took a closer look at his phone, it had the exact same message and notifications as it had the two "days" prior.

"It's the same," he said simply. Tori sighed and sat up to look over at him.

"What is this? Is this some sort of purgatory? Are we dreaming or something?" she asked, with some worry still apparent in her voice.

"I dunno ... something about this seems oddly familiar, but I can't put my finger on it." Travis sat in thought, and the room was silent for a few moments. "Oh, it's like that one movie! You know, that one movie? The one with that guy?"

Tori's face lit up in recognition. "Oh yeah, that one! I know exactly which one you're talking about. Can't put my finger on the name though. Damn, what was it?"

"I can't remember either. I guess we can get ready for the day at least." Travis slid out of bed and went to get dressed in the same jersey he'd worn for two days, perfectly folded and clean.

"What was the deal with that movie, anyway? Like wasn't he trapped for years repeating the same day? God damn, I hope that doesn't happen to us." Tori shuddered, getting out of bed herself.

"I think he eventually got a date with the hot coworker or something, and that's how it ended. That wouldn't make sense to us though, because we're already dating. Plus, he was just by himself in the loop, while it seems like we're both experiencing the same thing." Travis thought aloud as he went into the bathroom.

"You're right. Dude ... I have no idea what to think right now. This is so absolutely bizarre. It still feels like a dream, or something."

"I guess we could just get on with our day and look for clues. Maybe there's something at the game that will help us."

"Maybe."

---

As it had for the two previous days, the couple went on with their day. This time, they decided to not take the trip to the mountain or anything, and just spent the day wandering around the downtown area around the stadium. They thought that maybe something weird would be around the stadium, but nothing jumped out to them.

The day went on, the sun sank in the sky, and it came time for Game 5 against Scootalove City. Once again, the Base Corps got out to an early lead and continued to hold on to it for the rest of the game. Even as the top of the ninth came and went, every play was the exact same. No minor differences, no strange things afoot, it was simply the exact same.

As the Unicorns got ready to make their last stand in the bottom of the ninth, Travis turned to Tori with a mischievous grin. "Hey, check this out!" he whispered to her. He turned over to look at the guy sitting behind them who they'd briefly talked to the last two times. Travis had just noticed he was keeping track of the game with a scorebook on his lap.

"Hey buddy, how much you wanna bet that the Unicorns score, I dunno, five runs this inning?" Travis spoke up to the man.

The man looked surprised, but he smiled. "You really think Scootalove City has a chance? They haven't even been able to get many runners on base this game, much less string together any rallies. There's simply no way they get close to a comeback this inning!"

"Are you sure man? I just have an inkling that Bell is gonna blow it."

"You're kidding! Bell has been an ace closer all tournament!"

"C'mon man, what do you say? $50 on Scootalove scoring 5 runs this inning?"

"Well if you insist. A fool and his money are soon parted, hah!" The man shook hands with Travis, both with satisfactory grins on their faces.

When the deal was done, Tori looked at Travis with both shock and excitement in her face. "That is such a dick move!" she hissed at him with a smile.

"What can I say? I'm feeling ballsy today." he replied with a wink.

"You know that you're not gonna be able to keep that $50, right? Since we're just gonna wake up today in the morning?" Tori asked a few minutes later, as the bases had just been loaded. There was a moment of pause where the gears were turning in Travis's mind.

"... fuck!" he muttered, and they both laughed.

Drawkland              0 2 0 3 1 3 1 0 0  10
Scootalove City        0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 5  8
Drawkland wins 3-2

beepbeep ... beepbeep ... beepbeep ... beepbeep ... beepbeep ... beepbeep ...

[Northwest Kalactin]

First Franchise Announced for NKBL
4 NKBL Officials Walk on Stage at the League HQ, in front of hundreds of writers

“Well, the Northwest Kalactin Baseball League was pushed back a year due to conflict on the nation, so in 11 months, we will see the start of the league. During the WBC, we will announce the franchises that have been chosen for the league. The first franchise will be announced right here tonight, at the NKBL Headquarters!”

“Yup, here at the League HQ in Murwelldobah, we will be announcing the first franchise to join the league.”

“Alright, shall we get started?”

“Yup!”

A video starts to play on the screen behind them, a large, animated explosion goes off on the screen. Out of the explosion a fire starts, and another, louder explosion goes off. From the explosion, a small, red logo emerges. On it says the “Coffs Harbor Blast”.

“That’s gonna be the team folks! The Coffs Harbour Blast! Better get the bomb bunkers ready Coffs, this blast is going to be a big one.”

Coffs Harbor Blast
Color Scheme: Red, Orange and Black
Manager: Damon Erickson
Stadium: Kalactin Airways Park (29,900)
Minor League Affiliate: North Coffs Sluggers

“Damon Erickson will be the man that is responsible for putting together the staff and squad in charge of this team, let’s have him speak.”

“Hello All... I take this job as manager here very seriously, and once all the squads are announced, we will get to putting together a squad. I thank the NKBL for trusting me to take on their very first, and also best franchise. My on-field staff will consist of Pete Christensen as coach, and we will have Carlos Greene as one of our advisors.”

The crowd in sports bars in Coffs Harbour got very excited as the news was announced, it was celebrated across the streets of the city. Damon Erickson has experienced playing at the International Level, so it will be very interesting to see how he can manage a squad of players that will just be getting to know each other.

[Tikariot]

-- The World Baseball Classic is covered by Antonio Perozo and Gideon Norton --

After the perfect start to the WBC50, the gears have started to creak as things unfortunately did not continue the same way, which was to be expected, though.

The fourth game of group 4 was against the clear favourites to win the group, Cassadaigua, and they did not disappoint, dominating the game from the get-go. Pitcher Garrett Yarbrough was in the unenviable situation to start against the Cassadaiguans and he did respectable, only allowing four runs in five innings, with a 2-run home run by Faitalia Letutusa in response, but while Cassadaigua already was leading 5-3 going into the ninth, it was that inning that broke the camel's bat as Devon Cargill, Flint Carmona and Rory McElhinney all came to the mound in the inning, conceding another five runs in an already lost match. That being said, a lot of experts said that it could have been a lot worse.

The travel to Carung came with a lot more hope, as the unranked team has had a 2-2 record up to now and things began very promising with an extra base hit by Foster Fleming sending Michael Romanov and Yosvani Fernandez to the home plate, giving the Snowy Owls an early lead after the second inning. Unfortunately the overall worst pitching performance of the tournament so far, coupled with an unusually nervous offensive line-up handed the game to Carung, allowing four runs in the following innings, giving Tikariot their second loss in a row.

Some pundits already were expressing worries that the fortunes were reversed before the team's flight to Daskel, where everybody was expecting the Daskies to be baying for blood after the loss in game one and they came out of the gates running, literally, handing De'Andre Stevens a devastating performance with the starter being pulled in the fourth inning after Tikariot being down 6-0 already. Reliever Santiago Mantillo managed to steer the boat into calmer waters, only allowing one more run for Daskel in the sixth after Faitalia Letutusa added another two-run home run to his resume. It was 7-2 for Daskel at the top of the ninth when in an unusual move left fielder Michael Romanov called the team into a huddle. It is not know what was said, but it seems to have hit the right chord, because it was like a changed Tikariot team that went to bat in that inning with a total of 13 hits in that inning alone and five runs to tie the game in spectacular fashion. It took until the eleventh inning when Yosvani Fernandez struck a ball in the sweet spot, sending it far and wide that gave the Snowy Owls a late lead and closer McElhinney held off the Daskies' attempts to turn their fortunes around, giving Tikariot a much needed 8-7 victory.

Despite the two losses Tikariot is still second behind Cassadaigua and one win ahead of both Thea Liters and Carung, so the last three games will have to yield two wins to ensure the progression into the knock out stages without having to calculate wins and run differentials to compare with the other groups. We will continue to cover the WBC and hope to be able to report who the Snowy Owls will face in the first round of the playoffs.

[Daskel]

DAITO METROPOLIS
DAITO KYUJO

"Damn it!!!"

To be fair, none of them had the guts to say something to Yōichi, who was having the meltdown of his life. After a game which looked really favorable for them, they lost. They lost on the freaking last inning. The catcher was like a wild beast, screaming while throwing his helmet right to the wall. Thankfully neither the helm or the wall broke, and the player took a seat while the poor headgear bounced right on the floor. Eidome put the palm of his hands on his face. He was full of frustration, of rage, rage directed only to himself. Why did I do it? I was calling the game wrongly all this time? Why the fuck did I was given this position? Why?!

Back in the office, Sakamoto and An were looking at the player list. The tournament format was giving them a little time to recover from traveling, and the pitching rotation needed a change. Up all of that, the most troubling thing was the catcher issue; Eidome was
"Mr Sakamoto, is it too late to call Takaoka to the team, right?"
"I guess it is, An..." They were six game into the group's stage. There was no time for a swift change of players. "Do you want to give him some time?"
"I must. I know him, he's prone to frustration. This is a 50%/50% chance of him getting it together, or destroy himself with no possibility of emerging back. Shibaike will have to start the next games"

---

"Mr An, what will happen to the team?"
"Will you make a change?"
"About the pitching rotation, who will start the next game?"
"Will you swap captaincy?"

The reporters were wild today. An pinched the bridge of his nose, inhaling and exhaling. He hated those press conferences with all his heart.

"Please be quiet, I'll answer all your questions" He boomed. The crowd went quiet with surprise. To watch An angry was a weird sight.

"First, the team is recovering from the first six games. This WBC is demanding due to the double, even triple plane flights. The jetlag is a issue to keep track, but we'll sort it. Second, third and fourth: Yes, there will be changes. For an instance, Shibaike Takahiro was trusted for the next three games. We believe that Shibaike will bring some calmness behind the plate, something that we desesperately need to keep going. Eidome will, nonetheless, keep batting position as the DH, just like WBC49, where he displayed a sheer his brilliant batting talent. We'll work with Eidome for the rest of the WBC, so please, expect both catchers to play a even number of games"

"What about the pitchers?"

"The pitcher rotation will change, of course. Kanao will start next game as expected, but the next two will be played by Takasaki and Ten. We'll have more news about pitching as the tournament progresses"

The next questions were quieter, but An was exhausted nonetheless. Minutes after, Sakamoto took his place and closed the conference. Next games would be crucial, and they knew it.

BATTING ORDER
Without DH
1. Reizei
2. Kishimoto
3. Oshimura
4. Gō
5. Cho
6. Ben
7. Somei
8. Shibaike
9. Pitcher Spot


With DH
1. Reizei
2. Kishimoto
3. Oshimura
4. Gō
5. Cho
6. Shibaike
7. Somei
8. Eidome
9. Ben

[Norrhem]

Hello, Andreas Stefansson again, managing director of Norrhems Baseball and blogging my experience of traveling with the team in their first international adventure.

It is still a surreal feeling to see our name in the schedules, results and tables and even more so not to see us at the bottom of the rankings. And speaking with the players I am not alone in that feeling. That win against the Royal Kingdom of Quebec still is one of these situations, where I have to pinch myself to make sure it is not just a dream. But when we travelled to Drawkland, basically the favourite to win the group, our adrenaline was still high, but we were realistic enough to prepare for the worst.

And it didn't start out too bad, scoreless into the fourth, when they scored their first run, then they scored two more in the sixth and we were kind of expecting for things to go downhill from there, but then suddenly in the seventh Adrian (Lestander) and Andreas (Rosenblad) hit and were on the corners. Jacob (Bjarnstad) walked up and just stood there for a moment, eyes closed. Then he turned, fixing the Drawkian pitcher with his eyes and just swung. Broke his bat, but it was enough to send the ball over the fence and suddenly we were tied! Unfortuantely that didn't last, because they answered immediately with another run and that took the wind out of our sails and we went down 4-3. Still very respectable, though, looking at some of the blowouts in other groups.

So then we finally were home again against Hicaña, who also are unranked, and we went off to a great start, with an RBI in the first, then a two-run homerun by Olof (Skarp) and another run in the third inning and we were up 4-0. Sure, Hicaña pulled back two in the fifth, but we scored another run each in the fifth and sixth and were leading 6-2. And then, yes, then everything went to Hel in a handbasket. We gave up five runs in the seventh and handed over the lead and could not score anything anymore after that.

And then the first return leg with the Pripet Socialist Republic. We were fourth, they were leading the group and the guys really pulled themselves back together after losing two in a row. Four single home runs in one game, first time ever something like that happened! Andreas (Rosenblad), Birger (Huselius) and two times Theo (Theodor Westerholm) all hit them beautifully and that was enough to win this one 4-3!

And when I look at the table now, it feels even more surreal, because all six teams have three wins and three losses, making us all even and only the run difference now has us in different spots. So the next three games will be so important, but it also shows that we still actually have a chance to qualify! So here's to hoping, my fellow Norrhemians, cross your fingers, send your prayers to Thor or Odin or any of them!

Til Valhall!

[The Royal Kingdom of Quebec]

Running Up That Hill

PART 8 (2/3) (36 and 2/3) - Graveyard

‘Well, the lord does reward those who wait, n’est-ce pas?’ answered Asher, trying not to make too much of his response. ‘Let’s be honest here. I don’t know what brought you back into my life, but costing myself too much, and too often, the past five years have only taught me that nothing’s impossible-’
‘Good, but like even exiling yourself far away, like I don’t know, Prinz-Eugens-Land or San Jose Guayabal, or I don’t know,’ responded Eileen, trying not to pace herself too fast. ‘You know I’m saying.’

‘Yeah. I started missing home a lot, and all that, from the travels.’ said Asher. Eileen then began the stories.

‘So, as you know, the late professor, we did not know him. But papa told me he was extraordinary, like how you’d imagine those people with gowns, glasses and splendour in the way they talk into a room. Almost as if...magic comes and goes.’

‘Oh, certainly,’ Asher nodded twice as he looked into yet a middle-aged man singing a pre-revolutionary Sicoutian folk song. His glance sharpened and became noticeably grim, as he couldn’t help but to think of what she was trying to get at him. He knew the story, and the actors behind that scene, but was not trying to make much out of it. But then, to tell a sentimental story befitting of just him and her, in a country where people seldom knew their presence, was an alluring prospect on its own. Oh, who would have thought….

‘Anyhow, that’s where we travel into those times...almost a mirage’s trail away. Anyways, father and ‘prof the younger’ told me about how extraordinary he was. Almost prosperoian, if anything. The guy did win Royal Society Prize (OOC: Quebecois Commonwealth’s equivalent of Nobel Literature Prize), after all.’ Eileen continued, but in a voice less so of hers but rather that of the current time. ‘The Acadianan in him had meant that there was an eternal pit of fire in his soul and the edges that couldn’t be straightened….’

---

Quebec City, 2023

‘It was a quiet Monday mid-term evening at Hebdomadaire Gashouse, but the pub was extremely packed with mourners. Dr. Heo, with his longcoat wet and cold, was doing his best not to fall into a particular state of grief mid-conversation with Gavin de Ramaut, an older student of his supervisor living out on a rural Acadiee state. Unlike the young assistant professor who returned to his alma mater three years ago on a tenure-track offer, Mr. de Ramaut was dressed quite simply so with lose jacket and old, crumpled dressed shirt, and his distressed demeanour had only suggested that his quiet, routine-filled mode of life, was thoroughly disturbed by the news that came from Quebec City three days ago.

'Well, good to see you, Monsieur.' said Dr. Heo, as he quietly gathered his thoughts, trying his best to ignore the temptation of alcohol that was flowing like usual. ‘Your latest book...I admit, was a good reflection of your time, when you were unsure about everything...madly in love, yet was unsure on how and what-’

'Thanks, the same goes to you, boy.' said Gavin de Ramaut, his body still slumbering from the weight that dropped on his shoulders as the casket went down earlier. 'Poor old doc. He always told us to live like a maverick, and so he went, down and away, like one.' Gavin de Ramaut, just one of many ecrivains who had gone past Dr. Kim Sang-Doh's modules at St. Croix over the past two decades, was present at the front row of the ceremony and had barely any emotional energy out of him. Dr. Heo remembered reading about how the young man, who lost his wife and mother of two ten years ago, has since married and have had two young children at Coxwell Park.

Good ole Lauzons, the clan of many but not the plenty, Dr. Heo still remembered how Dr. Kim once commented about his friend and Gavin's father-in-law, Douglas-Gabriel Lauzon, the 12th Baron Lauzon, on a casual conversation over coffee. There is a common saying that the Quebecois nobility, whether old or new, all knew each other to some degree, and he knew that. The Heos, the Ahns and the Lauzons were three of the most historic houses in the Western half of Acadie, and at various points they came opposed to one another in the House of Lords. So perhaps there was no surprise that Dong-Soo knew whom to contact when it was time for him to decide on where to do his doctorate, and life has taken a long circle since then.

'Yes, sir. If anything, he did enjoy his cigarettes and the Bleu et Blanc sports, like every true adopted Capitolien would have. He was a provincial who truly loved Quebec City.' He nodded, his left hand slowly shaking on its own. As far as he's concerned, he was finding this conversation dreary, though the trip down the memory lane was nonetheless fun. He added, ‘Still, we all mourn for his untimely death and how the man who knew what it meant to be a true Capitolien with his promethean had passed into the earth.’

‘Well, you are absolutely right, but everything comes at a cost.’ Gavin de Ramaut responded, feeling misty on his eyes and chilly on his forehead. ‘Like you know, the Acadianan in him had meant that there was an eternal pit of fire in his soul and the edges that couldn’t be straightened….

‘Don’t get me wrong, Dong-Soo. Sometimes he could control the flames, and that’s usually the better version of him. When you had him as your supervisor, you had a much calmer, more lucid version of the man. That’s when he’s at the most ideal state, so I’d put forth. But the younger self of his, that’s another thing! You’ve been there before, if anything!’

[Cassadaigua]

Matchday 7:

Group 1
Philamer Isle                  0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0  2
Terre Septentrionale           0 0 0 1 0 3 1 0 X  5

Inner AngianaUsordia           0 0 2 2 0 0 2 0 0  6
Kohnhead                       0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0  2

Velarland                      1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0  2
Ko-oren                        0 0 1 3 0 0 2 0 X  6


  Group 1                       Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Ko-oren                         7    6   1    34   16  +18    18
2 Terre Septentrionale            7    4   3    29   22   +7    12
3 Philamer Isle                   7    4   3    24   23   +1    12
4 Inner AngianaUsordia            7    3   4    25   31   −6     9
5 Kohnhead                        7    3   4    21   28   −7     9
6 Velarland                       7    1   6    20   33  −13     3

Group 2
Northwest Kalactin             0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1
Sarzonia                       0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2  3

Valanora                       0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0  2
Sevendia                       0 0 3 0 2 1 3 1 X 10

Darmen                         0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0  3
Megistos                       0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3  4


  Group 2                       Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Sarzonia                        7    6   1    38   13  +25    18
2 Sevendia                        7    4   3    23   35  −12    12
3 Valanora                        7    4   3    34   29   +5    12
4 Megistos                        7    3   4    28   25   +3     9
5 Darmen                          7    2   5    24   40  −16     6
6 Northwest Kalactin              7    2   5    24   29   −5     6

Group 3
West Phoenicia                 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 2  4
Bardney                        2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  3

The Fortem                     0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0  1
Hapilopper                     3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 X  4

Sicoutimont                    0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 2  4
HUElavia                       0 5 0 2 1 0 0 0 X  8


  Group 3                       Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Hapilopper                      7    5   2    32   24   +8    15
2 West Phoenicia                  7    4   3    35   35    0    12
3 HUElavia                        7    4   3    37   28   +9    12
4 The Fortem                      7    3   4    28   29   −1     9
5 Sicoutimont                     7    3   4    27   33   −6     9
6 Bardney                         7    2   5    31   41  −10     6

Group 4
Tikariot                       0 0 2 1 0 0 0 1 0  4
Oscioru                        0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0

Daskel                         0 1 1 0 2 0 2 2 0  8
Thea Liters                    0 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 1  5

Carung                         0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0  2
Cassadaigua                    0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 X  4


  Group 4                       Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Cassadaigua                     7    6   1    32   15  +17    18
2 Tikariot                        7    5   2    47   32  +15    15
3 Daskel                          7    3   4    32   36   −4     9
4 Thea Liters                     7    3   4    27   30   −3     9
5 Carung                          7    3   4    18   21   −3     9
6 Oscioru                         7    1   6    14   36  −22     3

Group 5
Drawkland                      0 0 1 6 0 1 0 2 0 10
Pripet Socialist Republic      0 0 0 2 0 5 1 0 0  8

Royal Kingdom of Quebec        0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Hicaña                         2 0 0 0 2 0 1 1 X  6

Squidroidia                    0 0 2 1 0 1 2 1 1  8
Norrhem                        0 0 0 1 0 1 0 2 0  4


  Group 5                       Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Hicaña                          7    4   3    25   27   −2    12
2 Squidroidia                     7    4   3    25   22   +3    12
3 Drawkland                       7    4   3    37   35   +2    12
4 Norrhem                         7    3   4    24   28   −4     9
5 Royal Kingdom of Quebec         7    3   4    19   27   −8     9
6 Pripet Socialist Republic       7    3   4    31   22   +9     9

Group 6
Devonta                               0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0  3
Republic of Dixie                     0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0  2

Schiltzberg                           0 0 1 2 1 1 1 0 0  6
The Sarian                            0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 1  4

Nova Anglicana                        1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0  3
United Hemand Insia                   0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0  2


  Group 6                              Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Nova Anglicana                         7    5   2    33   24   +9    15
2 Republic of Dixie                      7    5   2    29   22   +7    15
3 Schiltzberg                            7    4   3    36   20  +16    12
4 The Sarian                             7    3   4    25   28   −3     9
5 United Hemand Insia                    7    2   5    26   27   −1     6
6 Devonta                                7    2   5    16   44  −28     6

Group 7
TJUN-ia                               0 0 5 0 2 0 0 2 0  9
Rwekazaland                           0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0  1

Tha Great Pond                        2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0  4
Ranoria                               0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0

Sangti                                0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0  1
The Greater Nordics                   4 1 1 0 1 0 2 0 X  9


  Group 7                              Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 TJUN-ia                                7    5   2    48   31  +17    15
2 Tha Great Pond                         7    4   3    37   36   +1    12
3 The Greater Nordics                    7    4   3    38   33   +5    12
4 Ranoria                                7    3   4    26   31   −5     9
5 Rwekazaland                            7    3   4    28   37   −9     9
6 Sangti                                 7    2   5    23   32   −9     6

Group 8
Zwangzug                              4 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 0  8
South Newlandia                       2 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 0  6

Pleau                                 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0  3
Maklohi Vai                           2 0 0 1 1 0 0 4 X  8

Reçueçn                               0 1 0 0 0 0 4 2 0  7
South Covello                         0 0 2 1 0 1 2 2 X  8


  Group 8                              Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 South Covello                          7    5   2    23   27   −4    15
2 Zwangzug                               7    5   2    30   25   +5    15
3 Maklohi Vai                            7    3   4    34   23  +11     9
4 Pleau                                  7    3   4    25   35  −10     9
5 South Newlandia                        7    3   4    29   26   +3     9
6 Reçueçn                                7    2   5    28   33   −5     6

Group 9
Super-Llamaland                       0 1 0 0 1 1 2 0 2  7
New Waldensia                         1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0  3

United Pink States                    0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0  3
Banija                                0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 2  4

Karditan                              0 1 0 0 0 2 2 1 1  7
Anthor                                0 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 0  5


  Group 9                              Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Banija                                 7    5   2    37   23  +14    15
2 Super-Llamaland                        7    5   2    45   31  +14    15
3 Karditan                               7    4   3    39   43   −4    12
4 United Pink States                     7    3   4    29   37   −8     9
5 Anthor                                 7    2   5    33   46  −13     6
6 New Waldensia                          7    2   5    37   40   −3     6

Group 10
Ethane                                2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0  3
Sylestone                             2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 X  4

Hampton Island                        0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0  5
The 189                               1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  2

Drunk People at the Local Tavern      1 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0  4
Mathuvan Union                        0 2 0 1 0 0 0 2 X  5


  Group 10                             Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Hampton Island                         7    5   2    42   23  +19    15
2 Ethane                                 7    5   2    34   26   +8    15
3 The 189                                7    4   3    27   28   −1    12
4 Mathuvan Union                         7    4   3    24   28   −4    12
5 Sylestone                              7    2   5    25   34   −9     6
6 Drunk People at the Local Tavern       7    1   6    19   32  −13     3

Group 11
Silver Beach              0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Newmanistan               0 0 1 0 0 1 0 4 X  6

Equestria                 1 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0  4
Falisiand                 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0  1

Indusse                   0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0  3
Marigred                  2 0 6 0 2 1 3 0 X 14


  Group 11                 Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Newmanistan                7    7   0    37   15  +22    21
2 Marigred                   7    4   3    40   29  +11    12
3 Indusse                    7    3   4    29   43  −14     9
4 Equestria                  7    3   4    34   33   +1     9
5 Falisiand                  7    3   4    28   31   −3     9
6 Silver Beach               7    1   6    23   40  −17     3

Group 12
The Sherpa Empire         0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0  1
Silvedania                0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  2

Georgia Tech              2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1  4
Xanneria                  0 4 0 0 0 0 3 0 X  7

Quintessence of Dust      1 1 0 3 2 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 10
Chromatika                0 0 0 0 2 0 4 0 2 2 0 1 11


  Group 12                 Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 The Sherpa Empire          7    5   2    30   15  +15    15
2 Chromatika                 7    4   3    33   30   +3    12
3 Silvedania                 7    4   3    24   32   −8    12
4 Quintessence of Dust       7    3   4    46   38   +8     9
5 Georgia Tech               7    3   4    19   28   −9     9
6 Xanneria                   7    2   5    26   35   −9     6

Group 13
Kriegiersien              2 0 0 3 5 0 3 0 0 13
Lisander                  3 0 1 4 0 0 0 3 0 11

Npc West Florida          1 0 1 0 1 0 0 2 1  6
Cransia                   0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0  1

Liventia                  1 0 2 0 0 4 0 3 3 13
Abanhfleft                0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1  3


  Group 13                 Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Liventia                   7    5   2    38   20  +18    15
2 Kriegiersien               7    4   3    38   39   −1    12
3 Npc West Florida           7    4   3    23   22   +1    12
4 Abanhfleft                 7    3   4    23   29   −6     9
5 Lisander                   7    3   4    31   36   −5     9
6 Cransia                    7    2   5    20   27   −7     6

---

Matchday 8:

Group 1
Terre Septentrionale           0 1 1 0 9 0 0 0 1 12
Velarland                      0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1  2

Ko-oren                        1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0  2
Inner AngianaUsordia           0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1  3

Kohnhead                       0 1 2 1 1 2 0 0 0  7
Philamer Isle                  0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 3  6


  Group 1                       Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Ko-oren                         8    6   2    36   19  +17    18
2 Terre Septentrionale            8    5   3    41   24  +17    15
3 Inner AngianaUsordia            8    4   4    28   33   −5    12
4 Kohnhead                        8    4   4    28   34   −6    12
5 Philamer Isle                   8    4   4    30   30    0    12
6 Velarland                       8    1   7    22   45  −23     3

Group 2
Sarzonia                       0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0  3
Darmen                         0 2 1 4 0 0 1 0 X  8

Megistos                       0 0 3 0 2 0 0 0 0  5
Valanora                       2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  2

Sevendia                       0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0  2
Northwest Kalactin             2 6 0 1 2 1 2 1 X 15


  Group 2                       Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Sarzonia                        8    6   2    41   21  +20    18
2 Megistos                        8    4   4    33   27   +6    12
3 Sevendia                        8    4   4    25   50  −25    12
4 Valanora                        8    4   4    36   34   +2    12
5 Darmen                          8    3   5    32   43  −11     9
6 Northwest Kalactin              8    3   5    39   31   +8     9

Group 3
Bardney                        0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1  3
Sicoutimont                    1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  2

HUElavia                       0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0  2
The Fortem                     3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 X  4

Hapilopper                     0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 2  5
West Phoenicia                 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0  3


  Group 3                       Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Hapilopper                      8    6   2    37   27  +10    18
2 The Fortem                      8    4   4    32   31   +1    12
3 West Phoenicia                  8    4   4    38   40   −2    12
4 HUElavia                        8    4   4    39   32   +7    12
5 Bardney                         8    3   5    34   43   −9     9
6 Sicoutimont                     8    3   5    29   36   −7     9

Group 4
Oscioru                        1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 4  6
Carung                         4 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  5

Cassadaigua                    1 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 3  9
Daskel                         1 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 0  5

Thea Liters                    0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0  1
Tikariot                       0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 X  5


  Group 4                       Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Cassadaigua                     8    7   1    41   20  +21    21
2 Tikariot                        8    6   2    52   33  +19    18
3 Daskel                          8    3   5    37   45   −8     9
4 Thea Liters                     8    3   5    28   35   −7     9
5 Carung                          8    3   5    23   27   −4     9
6 Oscioru                         8    2   6    20   41  −21     6

Group 5
Pripet Socialist Republic      0 2 0 1 4 1 0 0 0  8
Squidroidia                    0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0  2

Norrhem                        0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 1  4
Royal Kingdom of Quebec        0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 2  5

Hicaña                         0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0  2
Drawkland                      0 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 X  4


  Group 5                       Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Drawkland                       8    5   3    41   37   +4    15
2 Pripet Socialist Republic       8    4   4    39   24  +15    12
3 Hicaña                          8    4   4    27   31   −4    12
4 Squidroidia                     8    4   4    27   30   −3    12
5 Royal Kingdom of Quebec         8    4   4    24   31   −7    12
6 Norrhem                         8    3   5    28   33   −5     9

Group 6
Republic of Dixie                     0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Nova Anglicana                        0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  1

United Hemand Insia                   0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 2  5
Schiltzberg                           0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2  4

The Sarian                            0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 2  4
Devonta                               0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  1


  Group 6                              Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Nova Anglicana                         8    6   2    34   24  +10    18
2 Republic of Dixie                      8    5   3    29   23   +6    15
3 Schiltzberg                            8    4   4    40   25  +15    12
4 The Sarian                             8    4   4    29   29    0    12
5 United Hemand Insia                    8    3   5    31   31    0     9
6 Devonta                                8    2   6    17   48  −31     6

Group 7
Rwekazaland                           1 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 0  5
Sangti                                0 1 0 2 0 0 0 1 0  4

The Greater Nordics                   3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  3
Tha Great Pond                        0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 2  5

Ranoria                               0 0 1 4 1 0 0 0 0  6
TJUN-ia                               0 5 0 0 0 7 0 1 X 13


  Group 7                              Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 TJUN-ia                                8    6   2    61   37  +24    18
2 Tha Great Pond                         8    5   3    42   39   +3    15
3 The Greater Nordics                    8    4   4    41   38   +3    12
4 Rwekazaland                            8    4   4    33   41   −8    12
5 Ranoria                                8    3   5    32   44  −12     9
6 Sangti                                 8    2   6    27   37  −10     6

Group 8
South Newlandia                       0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1  4
Reçueçn                               2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2  5

South Covello                         0 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 2  6
Pleau                                 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  4

Maklohi Vai                           0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0  1
Zwangzug                              0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 X  4


  Group 8                              Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 South Covello                          8    6   2    29   31   −2    18
2 Zwangzug                               8    6   2    34   26   +8    18
3 Maklohi Vai                            8    3   5    35   27   +8     9
4 Pleau                                  8    3   5    29   41  −12     9
5 South Newlandia                        8    3   5    33   31   +2     9
6 Reçueçn                                8    3   5    33   37   −4     9

Group 9
New Waldensia                         1 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 0  5
Karditan                              0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1  2

Anthor                                0 1 0 0 2 0 0 2 0  5
United Pink States                    2 2 0 0 0 5 0 0 X  9

Banija                                0 0 4 1 0 0 0 0 0  5
Super-Llamaland                       1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0  3


  Group 9                              Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Banija                                 8    6   2    42   26  +16    18
2 Super-Llamaland                        8    5   3    48   36  +12    15
3 Karditan                               8    4   4    41   48   −7    12
4 United Pink States                     8    4   4    38   42   −4    12
5 New Waldensia                          8    3   5    42   42    0     9
6 Anthor                                 8    2   6    38   55  −17     6

Group 10
Sylestone                             0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0  1
Drunk People at the Local Tavern      0 0 4 1 0 0 1 0 X  6

Mathuvan Union                        1 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0  4
Hampton Island                        0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1  2

The 189                               1 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0  5
Ethane                                0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  2


  Group 10                             Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Hampton Island                         8    5   3    44   27  +17    15
2 Ethane                                 8    5   3    36   31   +5    15
3 The 189                                8    5   3    32   30   +2    15
4 Mathuvan Union                         8    5   3    28   30   −2    15
5 Drunk People at the Local Tavern       8    2   6    25   33   −8     6
6 Sylestone                              8    2   6    26   40  −14     6

Group 11
Newmanistan               0 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 2  6
Indusse                   0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0  2

Marigred                  0 2 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0  5
Equestria                 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1  6

Falisiand                 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0  1
Silver Beach              0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0


  Group 11                 Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Newmanistan                8    8   0    43   17  +26    24
2 Equestria                  8    4   4    40   38   +2    12
3 Falisiand                  8    4   4    29   31   −2    12
4 Marigred                   8    4   4    45   35  +10    12
5 Indusse                    8    3   5    31   49  −18     9
6 Silver Beach               8    1   7    23   41  −18     3

Group 12
Silvedania                1 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0  4
Quintessence of Dust      0 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 X  5

Chromatika                0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0  4
Georgia Tech              0 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1  5

Xanneria                  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  1
The Sherpa Empire         0 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 X  4


  Group 12                 Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 The Sherpa Empire          8    6   2    34   16  +18    18
2 Georgia Tech               8    4   4    24   32   −8    12
3 Chromatika                 8    4   4    37   35   +2    12
4 Quintessence of Dust       8    4   4    51   42   +9    12
5 Silvedania                 8    4   4    28   37   −9    12
6 Xanneria                   8    2   6    27   39  −12     6

Group 13
Lisander                  3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  6
Liventia                  0 1 0 4 0 0 1 0 0 2  8

Abanhfleft                0 1 0 0 3 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2  8
Npc West Florida          2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0  6

Cransia                   0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  5
Kriegiersien              0 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 2  6


  Group 13                 Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Liventia                   8    6   2    46   26  +20    18
2 Kriegiersien               8    5   3    44   44    0    15
3 Abanhfleft                 8    4   4    31   35   −4    12
4 Npc West Florida           8    4   4    29   30   −1    12
5 Lisander                   8    3   5    37   44   −7     9
6 Cransia                    8    2   6    25   33   −8     6

---

Matchday 9:

Group 1
Kohnhead                       0 0 2 0 1 0 1 2 0  6
Terre Septentrionale           3 0 0 3 0 1 0 1 X  8

Philamer Isle                  0 6 1 0 0 0 0 0 1  8
Ko-oren                        3 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0  5

Inner AngianaUsordia           0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0  3
Velarland                      0 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 X  4


  Group 1                       Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Ko-oren                         9    6   3    41   27  +14    18
2 Terre Septentrionale            9    6   3    49   30  +19    18
3 Philamer Isle                   9    5   4    38   35   +3    15
4 Inner AngianaUsordia            9    4   5    31   37   −6    12
5 Kohnhead                        9    4   5    34   42   −8    12
6 Velarland                       9    2   7    26   48  −22     6

Group 2
Sevendia                       0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1  3
Sarzonia                       0 0 1 0 2 0 1 0 X  4

Northwest Kalactin             2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0  4
Megistos                       0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0  3

Valanora                       0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  5
Darmen                         0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1


  Group 2                       Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Sarzonia                        9    7   2    45   24  +21    21
2 Valanora                        9    5   4    41   35   +6    15
3 Northwest Kalactin              9    4   5    43   34   +9    12
4 Megistos                        9    4   5    36   31   +5    12
5 Sevendia                        9    4   5    28   54  −26    12
6 Darmen                          9    3   6    33   48  −15     9

Group 3
Hapilopper                     0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0  1
Bardney                        1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 X  4

West Phoenicia                 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0  3
HUElavia                       3 0 0 0 1 5 1 0 X 10

The Fortem                     0 1 0 0 2 2 0 0 0  5
Sicoutimont                    0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0  2


  Group 3                       Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Hapilopper                      9    6   3    38   31   +7    18
2 HUElavia                        9    5   4    49   35  +14    15
3 The Fortem                      9    5   4    37   33   +4    15
4 West Phoenicia                  9    4   5    41   50   −9    12
5 Bardney                         9    4   5    38   44   −6    12
6 Sicoutimont                     9    3   6    31   41  −10     9

Group 4
Thea Liters                    0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1  2
Oscioru                        0 0 5 0 0 0 0 2 X  7

Tikariot                       0 3 0 2 0 1 0 0 2  8
Cassadaigua                    0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0  5

Daskel                         1 1 2 1 0 0 2 0 2  9
Carung                         0 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 0  4


  Group 4                       Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Cassadaigua                     9    7   2    46   28  +18    21
2 Tikariot                        9    7   2    60   38  +22    21
3 Daskel                          9    4   5    46   49   −3    12
4 Oscioru                         9    3   6    27   43  −16     9
5 Carung                          9    3   6    27   36   −9     9
6 Thea Liters                     9    3   6    30   42  −12     9

Group 5
Hicaña                         2 0 2 0 1 0 0 2 1  8
Pripet Socialist Republic      1 0 2 0 0 0 1 1 0  5

Drawkland                      2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0  3
Norrhem                        0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2  2

Royal Kingdom of Quebec        0 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 1  5
Squidroidia                    0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1  2


  Group 5                       Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Drawkland                       9    6   3    44   39   +5    18
2 Hicaña                          9    5   4    35   36   −1    15
3 Royal Kingdom of Quebec         9    5   4    29   33   −4    15
4 Pripet Socialist Republic       9    4   5    44   32  +12    12
5 Squidroidia                     9    4   5    29   35   −6    12
6 Norrhem                         9    3   6    30   36   −6     9

Group 6
The Sarian                            0 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 0  4
Republic of Dixie                     0 0 4 0 0 0 3 0 X  7

Devonta                               3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  4
United Hemand Insia                   0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 2  5

Schiltzberg                           0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0  3
Nova Anglicana                        3 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 X  7


  Group 6                              Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Nova Anglicana                         9    7   2    41   27  +14    21
2 Republic of Dixie                      9    6   3    36   27   +9    18
3 The Sarian                             9    4   5    33   36   −3    12
4 United Hemand Insia                    9    4   5    36   35   +1    12
5 Schiltzberg                            9    4   5    43   32  +11    12
6 Devonta                                9    2   7    21   53  −32     6

Group 7
Ranoria                               1 0 0 1 0 4 1 0 0  7
Rwekazaland                           0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0

TJUN-ia                               0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0  2
The Greater Nordics                   0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2  4

Tha Great Pond                        1 0 1 0 3 0 0 1 2  8
Sangti                                0 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0  4


  Group 7                              Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 TJUN-ia                                9    6   3    63   41  +22    18
2 Tha Great Pond                         9    6   3    50   43   +7    18
3 The Greater Nordics                    9    5   4    45   40   +5    15
4 Ranoria                                9    4   5    39   44   −5    12
5 Rwekazaland                            9    4   5    33   48  −15    12
6 Sangti                                 9    2   7    31   45  −14     6

Group 8
Maklohi Vai                           0 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0  5
South Newlandia                       0 1 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 1  6

Zwangzug                              4 0 0 2 0 3 0 2 1 12
South Covello                         0 0 3 1 0 0 1 2 0  7

Pleau                                 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 0  3
Reçueçn                               0 0 2 0 1 2 0 2 X  7


  Group 8                              Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Zwangzug                               9    7   2    46   33  +13    21
2 South Covello                          9    6   3    36   43   −7    18
3 South Newlandia                        9    4   5    39   36   +3    12
4 Reçueçn                                9    4   5    40   40    0    12
5 Maklohi Vai                            9    3   6    40   33   +7     9
6 Pleau                                  9    3   6    32   48  −16     9

Group 9
Banija                                0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  1
New Waldensia                         0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0

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

United Pink States                    0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  1
Karditan                              0 4 1 0 1 0 0 1 X  7


  Group 9                              Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Banija                                 9    7   2    43   26  +17    21
2 Super-Llamaland                        9    5   4    51   40  +11    15
3 Karditan                               9    5   4    48   49   −1    15
4 United Pink States                     9    4   5    39   49  −10    12
5 Anthor                                 9    3   6    42   58  −16     9
6 New Waldensia                          9    3   6    42   43   −1     9

Group 10
The 189                               0 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 1  5
Sylestone                             2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0  3

Ethane                                0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 1  4
Mathuvan Union                        1 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 3  7

Hampton Island                        1 0 0 0 4 0 0 1 0  6
Drunk People at the Local Tavern      0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0


  Group 10                             Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Hampton Island                         9    6   3    50   27  +23    18
2 The 189                                9    6   3    37   33   +4    18
3 Mathuvan Union                         9    6   3    35   34   +1    18
4 Ethane                                 9    5   4    40   38   +2    15
5 Drunk People at the Local Tavern       9    2   7    25   39  −14     6
6 Sylestone                              9    2   7    29   45  −16     6

Group 11
Falisiand                 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0  1
Newmanistan               0 1 0 0 0 0 0 6 X  7

Silver Beach              0 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 0  4
Marigred                  2 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 X  6

Equestria                 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Indusse                   0 0 0 1 0 0 3 0 X  4


  Group 11                 Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Newmanistan                9    9   0    50   18  +32    27
2 Marigred                   9    5   4    51   39  +12    15
3 Indusse                    9    4   5    35   49  −14    12
4 Equestria                  9    4   5    40   42   −2    12
5 Falisiand                  9    4   5    30   38   −8    12
6 Silver Beach               9    1   8    27   47  −20     3

Group 12
Xanneria                  3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1  5
Silvedania                2 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 X  6

The Sherpa Empire         0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0  2
Chromatika                2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 X  3

Georgia Tech              0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 3  7
Quintessence of Dust      0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0  3


  Group 12                 Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 The Sherpa Empire          9    6   3    36   19  +17    18
2 Georgia Tech               9    5   4    31   35   −4    15
3 Chromatika                 9    5   4    40   37   +3    15
4 Silvedania                 9    5   4    34   42   −8    15
5 Quintessence of Dust       9    4   5    54   49   +5    12
6 Xanneria                   9    2   7    32   45  −13     6

Group 13
Cransia                   0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0  3
Lisander                  0 5 1 0 0 0 2 0 X  8

Kriegiersien              0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1
Abanhfleft                2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 X  3

Npc West Florida          0 0 0 1 0 0 3 0 0  4
Liventia                  0 0 0 0 1 0 3 1 X  5


  Group 13                 Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Liventia                   9    7   2    51   30  +21    21
2 Kriegiersien               9    5   4    45   47   −2    15
3 Abanhfleft                 9    5   4    34   36   −2    15
4 Npc West Florida           9    4   5    33   35   −2    12
5 Lisander                   9    4   5    45   47   −2    12
6 Cransia                    9    2   7    28   41  −13     6

[Super-Llamaland]

THE WBC50 25
An LBC-LSN Collaboration

#3: Tyler Thomas, C
Jason Brandt, LBC Sports

Signature Moment: "Thomas swings on the first pitch and hits a solid line-drive into center field! A base hit for the veteran catcher here in the third inning, and the Tigers have the leadoff man on." -WBC26 Group Stage MD1, Cassadaigua

Catcher is historically a very weak position for the Tigers, with absolutely no former catchers of note, so we unfortunately had to go with Tyler Thomas here. The Emerald City veteran served as the starter for a few years, and while he didn't do much of note, there really wasn't anyone else we could've-

Oh, wait, right. Of course.

#8: Sofia Rasmussen, C
Jason Brandt, LBC Sports

Signature Moment: “Here’s the first pitch from Kelsey Winkler. Swing and a well-hit line drive into right-center, Bates tracks back but that ball is gone! Rasmussen points to the sky, to Axel, as she rounds the bases! Game Four is tied!” -WBC41 Finals Game Four, Canterlot, Equestria

Where to start?

For eight Classics, Sofia Rasmussen started at catcher and hit second for the Super-Llamaland Tigers, hardly missing a WBC game for sixteen years. For at least half of those, she did so as the team’s offensive centerpiece, stating her case for the best catcher - and maybe even the best hitter - in the world. A recent panel voted her as the third-best Tiger of all time (behind Jake Earnest and Justin Zheng), and we’d be hard-pressed to disagree with that.

It’s easy to forget, though, that Rasmussen was nowhere near superstardom for her first few seasons. In many ways, Rasmussen’s rise to become both the team’s emotional leader and best position player mirrored the post-WBC31 Tigers’ own rise from perennial quarterfinalists to two-time champions. While she was “fine” for those early years of WBC36-39, hitting a very good .300 over her first four years, the results just didn’t come for those Tigers, who were knocked out in the quarterfinals in three of those four Classics. Rasmussen’s steady hand behind home plate, as well as the consistency of her bat, spared her from most of the criticism directed toward those Tigers teams, but something managed to light a fire under her before WBC40 anyways. Whether it was the appointment of Laurent Mårtensson that pushed the Tigers core over the hump, or whether it was just the consistent failure of the past few classics, we can never know for sure. What we do know is that that year in Cassadaigua, something changed.

It was at WBC40 when Rasmussen truly broke out, staking her claim as one of the best hitters of her generation and arguably the greatest Tiger of all time. In the thirty-match group stage, Rasmussen hit a stunning nine home runs, drove in thirty-five, and hit .375, cementing her stardom as the Tigers rolled to a 23-7 record and the third seed overall, trailing only Schiltzberg and Newmanistan. But these Tigers were more than familiar with regular season success - just a few years ago, they'd secured the second seed in the tournament, only to crash out in the Ro16 to, of all nations, The Great Pond. But this Classic would be different. Rasmussen came up with multiple big hits in an assured sweep of Abanhfleft before the Tigers finally exorcised their quarterfinal demons in a 3-1 victory over Scootalove City.

Rasmussen was fine in these two rounds, but Tigers' fans defining memories of her aren't exactly in the Ro16 or quarterfinals. Rasmussen, despite her absurd regular-season numbers, was still a big-game hitter through and through, and the semifinals, against a Newmanistan team then still looking for their first title since WBC17, was where she would shine. From her stunning pickoff of Lexi Alcorn in game one to evade a Rockets challenge to Justin Zheng to her go-ahead double in game five, Rasmussen made all the difference in the Tigers' narrow 3-2 series victory. And she just kept raking in the finals against Schiltzberg. Extra-base hits off her bat put the Tigers on the board in Games 1 and 2, and a thundering bases-clearing double in Game 6 essentially ended the series. WBC40 was over, and Super-Llamaland and their star catcher were on top of the world.

WBC41 was a different story, but one that elevates Rasmussen's legend even further. After another dominant run to the finals, Super-Llamaland met a Newmanistan team hungry for revenge - an inner fire that showed itself in a brilliant 17-3 victory to take a 2-1 series lead. Unfortunately, this performance is remembered most for what happened after - the murder/suicide of Axel Florentssen that sent the entire nation into shock. Just two days after Florentssen's death, though, the Tigers took the field in all-black, and although Newmanistan took an early lead, Rasmussen tied the game - which Super-Llamaland would go on to win, keeping their hopes alive - with a towering home run into right-center, pointing to the sky as she rounded the bases. And when the Tigers again found themselves with their backs against the wall in an elimination Game 6, Rasmussen pounced on a hanging slider from Shannon Spencer to break a tie in the top of the ninth. Even more to her credit, despite her close friendship with Florentssen, Sofia Rasmussen remained the emotional anchor and fearless captain of the team, rallying a Tigers team that had been crippled by injuries and scarred emotionally by the Florentssen incident to take Newmanistan to seven. Although Super-Llamaland ultimately fell short to the better team, Rasmussen cemented her status as one of the greatest Llamaneans to wear the Tigers uniform.

WBC42 and WBC43 were frankly underwhelming for Rasmussen, although the Tigers were able to win the first one regardless. Nevertheless, Sofia Rasmussen retired a Llamanean hero and the greatest leader the Tigers ever had. The less said about her managing career, the better, but I wouldn't fault anyone who has Rasmussen as the best Tiger in history. Luckily, that's not a call we'll have to make.

[New Waldensia]

New Waldensia Men's Baseball Team
Nation Name: New Waldensia
Trigramme: NWD
Colors: Dark Blue and Gold

Manager: Angus Gibbs
Assistant Coaches: Rupert Fields, Leo Underwood, Aleksander Graf, Dale Vang, Buck McNab

Starters
C Floyd Murphy
1B Jack Shirley
2BJames Waldrip
3BWilliam Harrah
SS Ray Morgosh
CF Gene Sheets
LF Gene Stafford
RF Joe Straka
SP Roger Wich
RP Sammy McGuire

Infield bench
James Antonio
Phil McKee
Charles Pugsley
Kyle Moore

Outfield bench
John Reddell
Kenneth Stonecipher
Joe Burke
Phil Ocker

Bullpen
SP John Davis
SP Edward Ignace
SP/RP Edwin Sandel
RP Jack Van Pool
RP Gary Norris
RP Francisco Martinez
RP Hunter Crabtree
RP Charles Humphreys

Choose my run-scorers: Yes
Choose my lineup: Yes
Follow my Pitching Rotation: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes
Eject my players: Yes
DH used at home: Yes
Godmod other events: Yes

[South Newlandia]

South Newlandian College Baseball – Part 2/?

Kinjestad Medical School (KMS) Kinjestad
The KMS is the biggest school for medicine in the country, right next to the biggest hospital of the nation. If you hear of a baseball or football player being treated at a hospital, odds are they are in Kinjestad right now. Most of South Newlandias prospective doctors study at KMS, and many of them have been very successful too. Their college baseball team is not terrible, but not great either.

Southern Central State University (SCSU) Southern Central
Located near Ratzupalfu, the SCSU is a school where you can learn almost everything. It is much smaller than EVU, and is widely regarded as one of the least important universities in the nation. Their college baseball team isn’t really good either, but some of the talents from this particular region choose to study here instead of Elephant Valley.

Elephant Valley Sports College (EVSC) Elephant Valley
For a college with sports in the name, the EVSC is impressively bad at sports, honestly. Most graduates plan to become either coaches or want to work in sports coverage. Of course, some of the graduates are also elite athletes. Still, the EVSC is average at best at college baseball, but they are looking to improve their playoff chances in the next few years.

Ratzupalfu University of Nature (RUoN) Ratzupalfu
The RUoN is actually surprisingly good at college baseball. The university full of students of nature-based subjects such as Zoology or Nature Preservation is the youngest of the 14 big colleges of the nation, but it has been growing rapidly in Ratzupalfu. In the middle of the jungle, there are great opportunities to study with actual nature right outside the rooms.

Jagomir College (JC) Jagomir
The JC is one of the more forgettable colleges out there, but it does exist. In the last few years, this is the only college where student numbers have actually been dropping. Jagomir, one of the more industrial cities of South Newlandia, has also seen their population dropping as people move to the growing cities, such as Newport. The college baseball team of JC used to be one of the best in the nation, but today, they clearly aren’t that.

Newport Politics Institute (NPI) Newport
The NPI is the college where most future politicians go to, and it is the last of three colleges from Newport. They are often working together with the NCfIR, but on the field, the two are bitter rivals. In recent years, the NPI has been frequently left without a chance. This year, they will most likely miss the playoffs again, as they are among the teams having trouble to attract players at all.

Lexen City Community College (L3C) Lexen City
The L3C is one of the oldest colleges, even though they are widely regarded as one of the most liberal ones. The college of Lexen City has seen the most rapid increase of students of all colleges, and that also improved a once mediocre baseball team into one of the candidates to win a playoff berth. You can study almost everything there, but the actual sciences remain much less common.

The unofficial-Holz tier list

(tier 5: bad teams)
14. Sophie City Institute for true Science

(tier 4: teams far away from the playoffs)
13. Jagomir College
12. Newport Politics Institute
11. Southern Central State University

(tier 3: teams with a small chance at the playoffs)
10. Kinjestad Medical School
9. Elephant Valley Science Institute
8. Elephant Valley Sports College
7. Newport Law School

(tier 2: playoff candidates)
6. Walstreim Business University
5. Ratzupalfu University of Nature
4. Lexen City Community College
3. Ruditown Biologics University
2. Newport College for International Relations

(tier 1: title favourites)
1. Elephant Valley University

[West Phoenicia]

Emperor Glenton Gryphon-Bush II Stadium;

The 50th World Baseball Classic is behaving like a yo-yo for the West Phoenician Confederates. The team is moving up and down the ladder so much, fans are complaining of dizziness without even a Walk the Dog or Gravity Pull trick insight.

Match Day 8 saw the Confederates in their home stadium, which for this season has not had the best outcome for the team.

Their challenger Hapilopper, which are proving to be the team to beat this season.
No matter how many prayers were recited before the game, it was a neck and neck match, one of the highest so far this season for the Confederates. There was a glimmer of hope going into the 9th, that as long as the pitchers held their ground, West Phoenicia could win this one.
Unfortunately, Mateo Vergas allowed two batters to gain the upper hand with two runs scored during the inning.
While Glen Melbourne managed to reach 2nd base during the bottom of the 9th, subsequent batters were all struck out.

Cheers echoed throughout the stadium as
Hapilopper won the match 5-3.

Now one would think, surely this must be the main cause of unhappiness for West Phoenician citizens, but alas it wasn't. While most fans grumbled over another loss that was creating a larger loss gap they would need to claw back. It appears there was more fury at the concession stands.

300-pound senator, Bethany Crowe of the Animal Justice Party was enjoying the day out with her family.
A proud Confederate fan with a platinum membership, she was often seen on casual Fridays in the office with the team cap and matching scarf. The senator started a fuss that escalated over the West Phoenician concession stand charging an extra $1 to add butter to the salty popcorn becoming argumentative and how it was not right to rob fans of an experience by changing more.

While a minority of fans cheered on the senator's frugal speech, they were too unhappy with the extra charges to add butter on popcorn and pay more for ice with a soda.
Others were quick to pull out their phones and film the tirade. A heckler taunted the senator by accusing her of supporting a proposed tax hike, seeing how she didn't care that more money would be taken from citizens pockets, so she had no right to complain about a small adjustment in concession snacks.