World Baseball Classic 51 – Everything Thread (IC)

[South Newlandia]

Cutoff for the 3rd-place playoff, games 1 and 2.

3rd place playoff

#11 Sarzonia vs #16 The Sherpa Empire
@ Dolphin Stadium (Newport), South Newlandia

Game 1 
The Sherpa Empire      0 2 0 0 1 1 1 0 1  6
Sarzonia               0 0 0 0 1 0 3 4 X  8

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

Series tied 1-1

My sincerest apologies about the late cutoff, I’ve just forgotten. If either of you would like the next scorination to be pushed back, please let me know; that would not be a problem. I’m reachable via TG or Discord.

[South Newlandia]

“Unbelievable“ – Elephant Valley Mail
“This was not supposed to happen.” – South Newlandia One
“Elephants win at home in historic series” – Elephant Valley Sports Mail

By some stroke of luck, South Newlandia managed to win game five against Sarzonia. Jacob Conroy had won the battle against the Sarzonian that had given the team so much trouble in the series, Mark Conroy (no relation). The Elephants took an early lead thanks to an RBI-double for King, and even after Conroy gave that run right back in the second (the only run Conroy would give up), they picked up the pace, adding runs bit by bit. Conroy went 8 innings, for one earned run, 6 hits, 2 walks and ten strikeouts; one of his best performances ever in, perhaps, the most important game South Newlandia will ever play in. Butt managed to hold the last inning up without trouble. The Stars had been defeated, and South Newlandia would play in the championship series.

It wouldn’t be the first time a host had won a Classic; that has happened three times in the history of the tournament, with Cassadaigua being the most recent example. However, the Elephants will not play the championship series at home. They’ll travel to Northern Rushmore, precisely Port Rhovanyon in Tikariot, instead, to play the championship at Oceanview Park. This is completely unprecedented. Never before in over a century of World Baseball Classics has a co-host played the final without home advantage. If nothing else, that alone will make WBC history.

There, the Elephants will be playing a familiar team; Banija. The team from Atlantian Oceania had been in group eight with the Elephants; and while South Newlandia ended up winning the group, Banija won 4 of 6 games in the group stage. Now, the two teams meet again, for one final test of strength on the road to a championship. It will be yet another showdown between Esportiva and Atlantian Oceania, clearly the two big regions in baseball at the moment. Sure, some Nova Anglican or Cassadaiguan readers might not like this statement, but lets face it – 15 of 32 playoff teams came from either Esportiva or AO, including all four semi-finalists. Banija, Sarzonia, Hapilopper, Quebec and Shingoryeo, Ko-oren, Chromatika and the Equestrian States on one side, Newmanistan, Hampton Island, Sherpaland, South Newlandia, Super-Llamaland, Ethane, Le Choix and The 189 on the other. Both regions have won many titles already, and one will add one more in a few days. Banija battled through three Esportivan sides to reach the final (The 189, Newmanistan, Sherpaland), and the Elephants took down two sides from AO (Ko-oren, Sarzonia) on the way to get here.

So, who’s really favoured? The answer is obvious – Banija is ranked 4th in the rankings, has beaten us 4-2 in the groups, and has the experience of a WBC title just a few years ago. The Elephants will get to see the excitement and the stress of a championship series, and Banija will win a second title after WBC47. That’s just how it is.

Sansara was sitting in his chair, the press conference was almost over. It was time. “Alright, to answer the question directly – Ryan Hunter will pitch game one, and Jay Kramer game two. Everything after that will be based on the results so far. Any other questions?” Silence in the room. All the questions that came up had been answered. “Don’t leave quite yet; I have an announcement to make.” All the reporters were clearly surprised at this turn of events. “I’m retiring as coach after the series. This final will be the last time for me as the coach of the Elephants.”

[Tikariot]

Final

#13 Banija vs #7 South Newlandia
Oceanview Park (Port Rhovanyon, Rhovannyr), Tikariot

Game 1
Banija                 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 5  6
South Newlandia        1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0  2

Game 2
South Newlandia        2 0 1 1 1 2 1 0 0 1 0 0  9
Banija                 1 3 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 1 0 2 11

Banija leads series 2-0

[The Sherpa Empire]

Chongba Lee let out an exasperated sigh. It was the 8th inning of game 1 against Sarzonia and Thundu Sudhakaran was having yet another bad outing. He'd come into the game with a 1 run lead and proceeded to give up 4 runs.

Sudhakaran had had a good season with the Icefall Doctors, but his success evidently wasn't translating to international play. This wasn't the first game where he'd blown a lead in the WBC, but it might be the last. Lee was starting to think he'd be better off using Divekar as his set up guy.

Kai Liao scooped up a ground ball and threw it to Zia for an easy play at 1st to end the inning -- but the damage was already done. The Sherpas put together a couple of hits in the top of the 9th, but not enough.

In the second game of the series, Lee had Divekar pitch the last two innings, and that worked out beautifully. When Changyi Ihawa asked him about the decision in a post-game interview, Lee said, "Sometimes you've got to try something different and see if it works. Today we did that and it worked. Divekar really rose to the occasion."

[Sarzonia]

Earlier in the World Baseball Classic, questions about the Sarzonian national baseball team swirled around manager Geoff Yancey's future with the team after Tikariot swept Sarzonia at Fleetwood Park in Woodstock.

After that point, which many observers cited as a turning point for the Stars, the team rallied to qualify for the semifinals, knocking out Tikariot in a three-game series sweep in the Round of Sixteen in Tikariot. Another sweep followed, this one against Zwangzug, but then co-hosts South Newlandia knocked out the Stars in five games to consign Sarzonia to the third place series against Sherpaland.

Now the question marks about the team have nothing to do with Yancey or the way he's managed the team. Now the question mark is a man named Mark. Pitcher Mark Conroy, to be precise. Ace Jeff Parrish proved himself during Game 4 against South Newlandia, but the Stars couldn't get over the hump against the Elephants.

Yancey said he was committed to starting Parrish in Game 3 and Conroy in Game 4. As for a Game 5?

"Jamie Pearson would pitch a Game 5," he said. "Brian Lynch will be available out of the pen if it becomes necessary."

Yancey said he hasn't had any in depth conversations with the Incorporated Baseball Federation Board of Governors about his future, but a source familiar with the Board's and Yancey's thinking said his return for a fifth WBC "is entirely his call."

"The Board is ecstatic with the team's advancement into the semifinals," the source said. "Yancey has every right to feel vindicated after getting the team this far."

As for the team's future, Parrish will likely be the ace, but the pitchers who line up after him will likely be a question. At least the order they line up behind Parrish. For now, however, the Stars still have a job to do.

"We want to get out there and win the bronze if we can't win the championship," designated hitter Luke Brinkley said. "We've been building this programme back up and it's great to see how far we've come."

[Banija]

Many legacies on the line as Banija chases their second world title in North Rushmore


Banijans celeberate their walkoff victory in extra innings in Game 2

PORT RHOVANYON, RHOVANNYR, TIKARIOT- What was the story of the first two games of the World Baseball Classic? Clutch hitting. A Game 1 pitcher's duel and a Game 2 offensive showdown showcased just why these two teams meet at this stage in the Classic. Clutch hitting and pitching on both sides. But it came down to a few moments. Who could make one or two key plays, in the late stages, when the lights were brightest? The answer to that question was our very own battle-tested Banijans. We went down late in both games, did not panic, and got those clutch hits. And now? We're halfway to our second WBC title in this sport.

Game 1- 9th inning

Let's fast forward to the 9th inning of this one. This game was an absolute pitcher's duel. South Newlandia's ace pitched a brilliant gem in Game 5, allowing just one run to get the team here. And Ryan Hunter went toe to toe with the epitome of the big game pitcher, Duta Condé. We didn't even get our first hit until Cyper Kandeh had a two out single in the fourth. Hunter went 6 and 2/3s, allowing just one earned run, before being pulled after getting himself into a bit of trouble in the 7th. Abby Conrad got the out in the 7th for the Elephants, while Patrik Bryant had a 1-2-3 8th. For us, Duta Condé lasted 7 and 2/3s, with Yoro Coulibaly getting the final out of the 8th.

So. Down 2-1. Top of the 9th. The dangerous southpaw, Barnaby Butt, on the mound, to try and close the door for the Elephants on Game 1. But Bailo Suso stepped up to lead off the inning. The nerves of the Championship Series can get to the best of players, including Barnaby Butt. Fouling off pitch after pitch, he had a 10 pitch at-bat and a 3-2 count. As Butt tried to paint the corner with a breaking ball, he barely missed, giving Suso a base on balls. Tying run at first, nobody out. Kakay was going to get aggressive. He called for a hit & run. Obasey Mazzi obliged, hitting the ball the opposite way for a base hit. Suso getting to third standing up.

First and third, nobody out. Momodou Joof at the plate, while we're down one. He worked the count as well, and got a walk after 9 pitches to load the bases. Bases loaded, nobody out, down 1. The Elephants manager came out to talk to Butt. He went back, his faith placed in his closer. Butt was able to calm down, got Kandeh to a 1-2 count, and struck him out swinging with a nasty breaking ball. One way. Now, lefty on lefty, with the veteran Yakuba Kah at the plate. But Kah is a Banijan legend for a reason. He was first pitch swinging, and got all of it, smashing it to the gap in right center. Suso and Mazzi scored standing up, and Momodou Joof just barely beat the relay from second base.

Bases loaded, bases clearing, go-ahead two-run double by Yakuba Kah to flip a 2-1 deficit to a 4-2 lead in the 9th inning. Barnaby Butt was removed. And while the next relieiver got Solely to strick out, Jung Jassey would drive home Yakuba Kah with a two run moonshot to make it 6-2. And that was that. Sama Kinte, even though it wasn't a save situation, came into the game in the bottom of the 9th and went 1-2-3. What a sequence. Kah's bases clearing double will go down as one of the greatest moments in Banijan baseball history.

Game 2

Now, what clutch hitting moments came in Game 2? This was a game that was tied 8-8 after 7, and 9-9 after 10. Neither starter got through the fifth inning, and it was closed the entire way through. Let's skip ahead to the bottom of the 12th. The bottom of the 10th was exciting too- down 9-8, featuring a stolen base to get into scoring position, and a daring move to run home from second that was called out, and then overturned on replay. Insane. But- to the 12th we go.

When Cyper Kandeh led off the bottom half of the inning with a double, that meant we had a runner in scoring position. Now, we'd never ask Yakuba Kah to try and bunt him to third, and so he came up hacking. It looked like he liked being the hero a little too much yesterday in Game 1. He came to the plate and took three massive hacks with his bat, and wiffed on all of them. But then, came in Malik Solely. The new up and coming face of the sport in Banija. Maybe one of the young stars that will be the face of this sport, full stop.

He's got everything. The looks. The charisma. The skillset. The power. But what was he looking for? His moment. And while he's had a few highlight reel moments with his bat already in the playoffs, there is no bigger stage than the Championship Series. What would having a movie-esque moment do for his career? Launch it through the sky. There are plenty of talented young players, but he wants to establish himself as the star for the next generation. And not just at home, but across the world.

And he would take the opportunity. A hanging breaking ball was the mistake, and Solely hit the laces off the ball. Launched it to right field. The orange half of the crowd losing their damn minds. He pointed to the sky as Banija's dugout cleared onto the field, to celebrate the walkoff homer. The youngster rounded the bases and was mobbed at the plate.

He talked about the moment after the game. "Holy s&@*, I can't believe it!" The first baseman said. "A walkoff in the Championship Series? Insane. One of the greatest moments of my career. But we gotta get ready to go back at it tomorrow. Like coach says, this series is far from over. We've thrown some haymakers, and we know that they can get up from those. But game at a time. It's 0-0 tomorrow."

The pitching matchups for Games 3 and 4 have been announced. Ensa Suso for Banija will pitch against Ben Gonzalo in Game 3, while Ramata Kabba will square off against the Elephants ace, Jacob Conroy, in Game 4.

[South Newlandia]

The question on everybody’s mind was “why?” Why would a 37-year-old, in the middle of his biggest success, seemingly on good terms with the team, simply quit? And why would he do it at such a crucial time?

Sansara didn’t really have the answers the reporters were looking for, but Sansara did reveal that he often felt stressed with the job, citing “When I took this job, I was having fun with a bunch of unknown players and low expectations. Now, everything is much harder. I found myself coach of one of the better baseball teams in the multiverse almost by accident.” Sansara also announced that he would not be seeking another position as coach. “I’m gonna miss the team. But I also know that I’m not the man for this job. I barely have a baseball background. This team should be coached by one of the best coaches in the world”. No one can say for sure whether those were actually Sansara’s intentions, or if there is something else he doesn’t want to reveal; but the choice of timing was especially odd. Maybe, it was speculated, he did it right ahead of the championship to give his team some urgency, the feeling to only have one chance to win their coach a title – but it seemed to only put too much pressure on the bullpen.

The games – let’s just say they were insane. Both of them had exciting endings, and both of them had moments where the Elephants were just three outs away from winning – but in the end, Banija won both games. Hunters good performance over 6.2 innings didn’t matter, and neither did Larsens RBI double that put the Elephants up in extras in game two. Butt blew game one in the ninth, and Adams allowed Malik Solely to walk the thing off in the 12th in the second game. With the bullpen on the ropes and the Elephants down 0-2 in the championship, the team is also running out of starters ready to go. Gonzalo, the rookie, will be taking over game three. If he gets chased early, it might be a disaster for the team. It’s not looking good for the Elephants, and bookmakers see less than a 10% chance of a comeback.

At least that opens the door for speculation about the future. The Elephants will have to find a new coach for WBC52, and quite a few coaches, specifically those with some connection to South Newlandia, have been in the debate for the job, including Rasmussen, Webb, Sarang Oli, and quite a few more.

For now, the team will keep playing, and it will keep fighting. The series isn’t over until one team won 4, and there’s still quite a few things that could happen in Port Rhovanyon in the next games. The bigger stadium has certainly been an adjustment for the Elephants, who haven’t played in a comparable park at all during the knockouts. The last time they’d been in a reasonably-sized ballpark was Matchdays 28-30 of the group stage, at the Istria City Baseball Diamond, when they lost to Banija.

[South Newlandia]

Cutoff for the 3rd-place playoff, games 3 and 4. Please (fire and) forgive me for the delays; we're back on today.

3rd place playoff

#11 Sarzonia vs #16 The Sherpa Empire
@ Dolphin Stadium (Newport), South Newlandia

Game 3 
The Sherpa Empire      0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1  4
Sarzonia               2 0 0 5 1 2 0 0 X 10

Game 4
Sarzonia               0 3 0 2 2 0 0 0 0  7
The Sherpa Empire      0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0  3

Sarzonia wins series 3-1

Congratulations to Sarzonia for finishing in third, and commiserations to The Sherpa Empire for missing out on a medal this time.

[Sarzonia]

The celebration was muted because it wasn't the venue the Sarzonian national baseball team wanted for said celebration. But the Stars will gladly take part in a celebration, even if they chose sparkling cider in the team's clubhouse instead of champagne.

Moments after Tyrell Douglass struck out second baseman Anton Yasikowa as the final Sherpaland hitter and the Stars converged near the mound to celebrate with each other, manager Geoff Yancey ambled toward the press room after shaking hands with his coaching staff, all of whom opted to remain in the dugout whilst the players celebrated.

He had a job to do. Exit interviews with the players. Scouting reports for new national team prospects. Evaluations of each coach and preparations for interviews with the Board of Governors. And making a decision whether or not he wanted to continue as the team's skipper.

He said all the right things publicly about the scrutiny the job entailed. He was diplomatic about the boo-birds and the calls for his head after Tikariot swept the Stars at Fleetwood Park in Woodstock. He said he wanted a chance to visit his grandson.

Privately, he was still seething over the booing and the demands for his firing. Even though those demands were now silenced once and for all by a shock run to the semifinals and a victory in the third place series against Sherpaland. Even though the Stars were now positioning themselves as a potential favourite to challenge for a WBC crown, and many felt confident the team would soon challenge the likes of the Newmanistans and Cassadaiguas of the multiverse. They still wanted a shot at Banija, but the host nation kept the Stars from getting a chance to battle their multi-sport archrivals for all the marbles.

Yancey finished his interviews with the media and the call from the Board of Governors congratulating him on the team's third place finish when he got another call, this time from the Department of External Affairs.

"Geoff! Hi, it's Roxana Henley," the caller said. Yancey knew she was the assistant deputy vice president for foreign affairs charged with diplomacy among sporting competitors Sarzonia faced.

"Yes, Ms. Henley?" Yancey said with uncertainty in his voice, wondering why she would call him of all people.

"Please call me Roxie," she said.

"Uh, OK Roxie. What's going on?"

"We'd like you to meet with the political delegation from Banija who are attending the final against South Newlandia," she said. "Bryan is considering attending as well, and we figure you might be a good person to smooth the way for a meeting between their government officials and Bryan."

"Um, I'm not exactly a diplomat," Yancey said. He may not have been, but he was aware of the fact that Bryan was Bryan Conway, the senior vice president and external affairs officer, was a transgender man. He didn't know Roxie personally, but he knew enough about her and she knew enough about him to understand why she would want him to serve as sort of an intermediary between Conway and his counterparts in the Banijan government. The country's stance on homosexuality and the LGBTQIA+ community was strained, and Roxie knew enough about that to be concerned that a meeting to strengthen ties between Sarzonia and Banija wouldn't exactly go as swimmingly as, say similar meetings between Sarzonia and Delaclava did.

Yancey's relationship with his former bench boss, Delaclav-born Khalil Dennis, was well documented. They were close enough where he wanted to go to Dennis's wedding with actor Calen McSuthern, but his then-wife Karen forbade him from going. That decision was one of the factors that led to the Yanceys divorcing each other and to Geoff's two sons being estranged from their mother. However, the ask to serve as a bridge between a transgender top diplomat and foreign envoys not exactly known for being 100 percent receptive was too much of an ask.

It was one of the things he was weighing as he returned to his hotel room. As he got to the door, he saw bench coach Brad Howland.

"Brad," he said, nodding his head.

"Looks like you've got a lot on your mind," Howland said.

"I do. Look, External Affairs wants me to meet the Banijan delegation to kind of soften the blow for SVP Conway."

"Wow," Howland said. "I don't know if I could do that in your position."

"I don't think I can. I guess I'm going to have to call Roxie and tell her I'd be happy to meet the Banijan delegation, but not in any formal capacity."

[Tikariot]

Final

#13 Banija vs #7 South Newlandia
Oceanview Park (Port Rhovanyon, Rhovannyr), Tikariot

Game 3
Banija                 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0  4
South Newlandia        0 2 4 0 0 0 1 0 X  7

Game 4
South Newlandia        0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1
Banija                 0 0 4 0 0 0 2 0 X  6

Banija leads series 3-1

[Banija]

Commanding pitching performance by Ramata Kabba brings Banija's magic number to 1


Banijans celeberate as their team is on the brink of a second world title

PORT RHOVANYON, RHOVANNYR, TIKARIOT- And now, for Games 3 & 4! After a pair of late earned wins for Banija in 1 & 2, South Newlandia absolutely needed to come out firing in Game 3. Down 2-0 in a best of 7, Game 3 was basically a must win for the Esportivan side- it'd be near impossible to come back in a series down 3 games to none. And South Newlandia treated it like a must win. Now, we started strong. A first inning solo home run from Cyper Kandeh made it 1-0 at the top of the first. But the Esportivans bats came alive.

Ensa Suso was fortunate to get out of the second inning with only two runs conceded. But he got pounded in the 3rd inning, allowing four more runs before finally being removed. Can't be leaving struggling pitchers on the mound too long during the Championship Series, when just a few losses could eliminate you. But a two-run home run by Igor White for South Newlandia in the 2nd inning had turned their 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 lead. And in the 3rd inning, he had allowed a RBI single to Fabio Ventura, alongside a 2 run double to Shawn Zimmerman. After he followed that with allowing a RBI double to Adam King, who was just a few feet from hitting it out of the park, Ousman Kakay had no choice but to come and yank his starting pitcher.

Ensa Suso lasted just 2 and 2/3s. And considering Game 2, just two days prior, had gone to 12 innings, this meant yet another taxing day for the Banijan bullpen. South Newlandian fans ecstatic. Even outgoing manager Tobias Sansara, retiring from national team duties at the end of this series at age 37, was applauding. Down 6-1 after three innings with the starter gone? There was not much chance at a comeback for us. Ben Gonzalo lasted 6+ innings, allowed 3 earned runs. They went to their best pitchers to slam the door, as Gostaf Sjabard pitched the 7th, Patrik Bryant pitched the 8th, and Barnaby Butt got the save with a 1-2-3 9th inning.

2-0 series lead down to 2-1. Ousman Kakay said that Ramata Kabba would have to be up for the challenge of Game 4. "Our bullpen has logged quite a few innings over Games 2 and 3. We can't afford to keep doing that. We're going to need her to step up. She's a big game pitcher, so is Conrad- expect both to go deep." Ramata Kabba, for herself, told reporters that she was ready, and that she would be prepared for the biggest game of her life.

And so, Game 4 happened. Ramata Kabba v. Jacob Conroy. Nerves got to her. She loaded the bases in the first before getting out of it. And she loaded them again in the second, allowing a run before a double play ball got her out of that. Things weren't looking good- and then, she settled in. She got 9 straight outs after that, and had an absolutely dominant performance. Meanwhile, Jacob Conroy got into trouble in the 3rd inning. A leadoff walk to Obasey Mazzi spelled trouble for the South Newlandian ace. Momodou Joof struck out, but a Cyper Kandeh ground-rule double put runners on second and third with just one out, and Yakuba Kah at the plate. Kah laced a line drive to right field for a base hit, with both runners scoring. 2-1 to Banija.

But the inning wasn't over yet. Malik Solely coming up. The Game 2 hero. And he launched one, 440 feet to left center. All Daryl Dunlop could do was watch as the young superstar had his second home run of the series. It was 4-1 to Banija. From that point though, both pitchers were locked in. Between the 4th and the 6th innings, neither team put a runner in scoring position as Conroy and Kabba mowed through the opposing lineups.

But we'd get some insurance in the 7th. Cyper Kandeh came up in the 7th, with 2 outs, facing Conroy. Xaaf Geele and Bailo Suso, on second and first. He laced a double down the left field line, which scored both baserunners. The score being 6-1, and Kabba as hot as she was, the game was basically over. Conroy got the final out of the inning, and his final line was 7 innings, 6 earned. Kabba pitched into the 9th, but she did not get a complete game. After getting a strikeout to start the 9th, she issued a walk, and Ousman Kakay pulled her, to a rousing standing ovation from the Banijan half of the stadium. Mizpah Askari came in and got the final two outs of the inning.

Now, a 3-1 lead. The title within reach. "Nothing is won until the fat lady sings." Ousman Kakay said. "We've got a series lead, but that doesn't mean much right now. We haven't won it yet. The last win is always the hardest- it comes with the most buildup, the most pressure. It's imperative we clear our heads before Game 5, and come out relaxed. If we're tight and nervous- there will be a Game 6. We've got to stay loose, and relaxed."

Taking the mound to save the Elephants campaign will be Blake Robbins, who will face Banija's ace, Duta Condé. It is an enticing pitching matchup. Duta Condé spoke briefly about the ability to be the series closeout pitcher in a Championship Series. "I've pitched in a lot of big games in my life, but never a game as big as a closeout game in the Championship Series." He told reporters. "It's every young kids dream to be on this stage. I've got to maintain my command, calm my nerves, and do whatever it takes so we can have one hell of a celebration tomorrow night."

[Tikariot]

Final

#13 Banija vs #7 South Newlandia
Oceanview Park (Port Rhovanyon, Rhovannyr), Tikariot

Game 5
Banija                 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0  2
South Newlandia        0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1  3

Banija leads series 3-2

[Banija]

Banijan closer Sama Kinte, Bottom of the 9th

"Sama, you're up." The bullpen coached yelled. South Newlandia's pitcher had just gotten Malik Solely to strike out swinging at the end of the top of the 9th inning, and the Elephants would begin to prepare to bat. The Banijans were up three games to one in the series, and more importantly, up 2-1 on the day. If Sama Kinte could get three outs without allowing any runs, this series would be over- Banija would be world champions once again.

But this moment was a pressure cooker for any pitcher. And even as an athlete on this stage, he was still human. The nerves hit him as they'd hit any other player- thinking of the moment, of the possibilities. Even though he was a grizzled veteran, the opportunity to win a world championship as an athlete was once in a lifetime.

Kinte came onto the mound in the middle of the best pitcher's duel this championship series had given us thus far. Blake Robbins v. Duta Condé was a dandy for those who liked dominant starting pitching. Not a ton of hits, great defense all around- but a classic pitcher's duel. Starter against starter. Duta Condé was Banija's ace, and with the opportunity to etch him in history books as a guy who won the closeout game of the Championship Series, Duta did not disappoint. Condé labored out there, throwing a stunning 117 pitches over 7 shutout innings. Condé had 9 strikeouts, alongside 4 hits, all of them singles, and a walk. Probably the most dominant performance we've seen from a Banijan starting pitcher this entire classic. And talk about performing on the brightest of stages. When he struck out Ian Pearce looking to end the 7th, he got a thunderous standing ovation from the crowd.

117 pitches- he could not go on. But he left with a slim, 1-0 lead. A leadoff home run by Obasey Mazzi, on the game's 3rd pitch on a 2-0 count, was the only run scored through 7 innings by either team. Outside of that one 2-0 fastball that caught too much of the plate, Blake Robbins went with our own ace pitch for pitch. IT was an elimination game- they needed him to pitch like an ace, and the staff veteran did absolutely that. He came on in the 8th inning, however, and the Banijans finally got some insurance. A leadoff single from Momodou Joof, who stole second base and was eventually singled home by Yakuba Kah. That's when Robbins was taken off, and Abby Conrad came on to get the last two outs of the top of the 8th.

Now, bottom of the 8th. Ousman Kakay told Sama Kinte that he may want to be ready for a two-inning outing, but Kinte would not go on in the 8th. Bouba Kujabi came on. Now, unfortunately, Banija's setup man allowed a solo home run to the leadoff hitter, Fabio Ventura. But then, Kujabi retired the side in order. So 2-1. And after Abby Conrad came back on for the top of the 9th, and made her way through the inning in quick order, it would be Kinte's turn.

Sama Kinte made the long jog from the left field bullpen to the pitcher's mound. He had closed out so many games before, both at the national team level and the club level. That's when it really hit him. "Holy shit man." He muttered to himself. Looked around- packed house, so many faces. He could've swore he spotted the Cassadagan executive in charge of the World Baseball Classic walking around. Just then, the catcher, Xaaf Geele, walked up to him. "Hey man, calm down. We're made for this, right? Just like we've always done it- don't think about it. Just get that last out."

"Of course, of course." Sama Kinte said. And then, he focused in. Daryl Dunlop, after a few pitches, popped up to first base. One away.

"Keep it up Sama! Two more!" Ousman Kakay yelled from the bench. The green half of the stadium were wearing rally caps, and the orange half were doing the sign of the cross and saying their prayers. The Banijan dugout looked ready to leap out. Half the players sticking their legs over the railings. Kinte looked back- no activity in the bullpen. He took on David Drum. The shortstop was taking some huge hacks. A 9 pitch at-bat. Xaaf Geele, the catch, jogged up to the plate.

"Sama, hit him with an inside slider. There's no way he'll shorten his swing- it's David Drum." Sama Kinte nodded. And he hit him with an inside slider, trying to jam the right handed hitter. But with the championship on the line, he did what he had to do. He blooped one out, essentially on his hands, and it landed in right field, between Solely, Uche, and Joof, for a base hit. The Elephants had life. Xaaf Geele came to visit the mound again. "Hey, don't let it get to your head. Don't worry about it man." Kinte, the pressure getting to him, uncharacteristically silent, just nodded.

Things could get from bad to worse though. Sama Kinte, on the first pitch to Igor White, lost control and threw a wild pitch. David Drum advanced to second standing up. Just then, Ousman Kakay called time. Lemuel Okombo left the dug out, and the infielders walked up to the pitcher. "Sama, breathe. You're forcing things."

"My bad coach." Sama replied, quietly. The normally ever confident personality seemed clearly overwhelmed by the moment, although he'd never admit it.

"Don't apologize Sama." Okombo said, trying to build his closer's confidence. "You're our closer. You're our guy. You know how you feel about yourself- the best damn closer this game has ever seen. Let's go out there and get two more outs. This is as regular as a group stage game, my man. The stage might be different, but fundamentally, nothing has changed."

"You're right." Sama said, finally looking up. He hardened the look in his eyes. Okombo, seemingly satisfied, patted him on the back and jogged back to the dugout. One man on second base, one out. Igor White grounded to third base. After Jung Jassey looked at Drum to ensure he stayed at second, he threw to first base to Solely. Two down. The fans in orange roaring now, trying to lift up their closer. "SAMA! SAMA! SAMA!" The chants were echoing throughout the orange half of the stadium. Banija's players had started it, although Sama Kinte did not know this.

South Newlandia's title hopes would come down to their catcher, Fred Burn. Sama Kinte stared him down. He thought he had his nerves under control. Threw a fastball, inside. Strike one. Another fastball, inside, but missed. Ball 1. An inside slider. Strike 2. One strike away from a trophy. Runner would surely be moving on contact now, with two outs. He threw a slider outside that caught a little too much of the plate. Fred Burns laced it right back where it came from, over the pitcher's head and up the middle for a base hit. As Kinte ran to his position behind the catcher, he saw sprinting, rounding third. As Bailo Suso played the ball, he threw it in to second base, acknowledging he didn't have a prayer at getting Drum out.

Elephants fans going nuts. Kinte put his hands on his knees. A blown save with a chance to win a world title. Pain. He locked eyes with Kakay, and although the entire orange section of the stadium was silent, Kakay simply clapped once. Get on with it. Kinte got Ian Pearce to fly out routinely to right field, but the damage was done. We'd see extra innings here in Tikariot.

Banijan closer Sama Kinte, Bottom of the 10th

Sama Kinte didn't have an enjoyable between innings. Basically all of his teammates tried to console him, but he wasn't having any of it. Nor do most closers after blowing a save like that. But Kinte begged Kakay to let him go on in the bottom of the 10th, to finish the job. Gostaf Sjabard came on for the Elephants, and had a 1-2-3 top of the 10th. And now, it was Sama Kinte's turn. He got the first two guys out of the inning. And then, the switch-hitting Shawn Zimmerman. One of the best young players of his generation.

Zimmerman and Malik Solely were the two players on each side who were dubbed the future of the sport. At least, the future participating in this series. Malik Solely had his highlight reel moment in Game 2. And now, Zimmerman would. First pitch swinging, Sama Kinte knew it was trouble as soon as his slider left his hand. It hung just a little bit, and Zimmerman got all of it, pulling it down the line. It was fair- and it was gone. The young superstar rounded the bases pumping his fist, as the Elephants bench poured out of the dugout to celebrate at home plate. Sama Kinte simply walked off the mound. He sat on the bench, the last one to clear his dugout, simply watching the celebrations.

He knew what the headlines would be. 'Sama Kinte blown save'. The chance at what would have been the greatest moment of his life was now a nightmare, the worst moment of his life. He knew that he had to go face the press. They'd grill him over it. But that was the life of a closer. They wouldn't ask about Ryan Hunter v. Suntukung Kandeh tomorrow night. Tonight's questions would be about his own failure. How that would effect the team. How bad he felt costing Duta Conde a legacy clinching victory. He'd have to own up to it and figure out how to overcome it quickly, as Game 6 was tomorrow night.

[Tikariot]

Final

#13 Banija vs #7 South Newlandia
Oceanview Park (Port Rhovanyon, Rhovannyr), Tikariot

Game 6
South Newlandia        0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0  2
Banija                 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 X  3

Banija wins series 4-2

[Banija]

WBC Championship Series Game 6, Banijan closer Sama Kinte

Sama Kinte had spent a lot of time thinking about his blown save, and then loss, that he had suffered less than 24 hours before against South Newlandia in extra innings, to even force a Game 6 in the first place. Throughout the day, it had been all on his mind. He had taught himself mostly how to get over blown saves- emotional blown saves were simply a part of the game for a closer, just like drops were a part of the game in gridiron, or a howler was a part of the game in soccer. Sh*t happens.

But with a 8 PM local first pitch, his conversation at 5 with Ousman Kakay cheered him up. Ousman Kakay told him it was OK to feel yesterday's- it was a massive opportunity. But the team was still looking toward Kinte. They needed Kinte. And they did not blame him. Kakay told Kinte that he'd need his mindset to be fixed, because he'd retain faith in his closer. If the situation called for hit, Sama Kinte would get the ball for the third time in four games tonight.

Suntukung Kandeh v. Ryan Hunter was a curious pitching matchup. Ryan Hunter really went deep- 7 innings, 3 earned runs. Suntukung Kandeh allowed less runs, but he really labored through. 5 and a third, 4 walks, three hits, and 8 strikeouts was his line. 103 pitches. Not a lot of innings to throw that many pitches, but he was unable to work quickly through pretty much anybody. But still- damage limitation. A hanging breaking ball mashed by cleanup hitter Adam King for a solo shot in the fifth was his truly only 'bad' pitch of the game. While Jung Jassey went yard in the second and Malik Solely went yard in the fourth, it would be Xaaf Geele, of all players, who gave Banija our go-ahead run in the bottom of the fifth with a two out single, and a 3-2 lead.

Suntukung Kandeh got the first out of the sixth inning, but his next was ended when Shawn Zimmerman very nearly hit one out of the park. The ball hit the top of the wall, and took a rather harsh looping bounce back to the field of play. He came sprinting out of the batter's box, however, and slid into third base for a one out triple. Kakay came out to grab Kandeh, and on came Badara Ogunsola. The Bunyoro Central College grad, wtih the tying run on third, had a tough task. But he handled it. He got Adam King to strike out, and then got Daryl Dunlop to pop up to second base to end the inning.

Which left Suntukung Kandeh in line for the win. Ousman Kakay did not have a ton of trust for the middle of his pen, so he brought on Bouba Kujabi, the 8th inning guy in the 7th. He had a 1-2-3 7th inning. He allowed a leadoff single in the 8th, and then a one out single to have runners on the corners with only one out. But, Kakay kept faith in Kujabi. With the game on the line in the 8th inning, Kujabi got Mike Larsen, the DH, to ground into a clutch 6-4-3 inning-ending double play. A one hopper to Obasey Mazzi, who fielded it cleanly and flipped it to Uche at the bag, who fired to first.

Top of the 9th Banijan closer Sama Kinte

Sama Kinte came onto the mound. The heart of the Elephants order would be at the plate- Zimmerman, King, Dunlop. The Game 5 hero, the switch hitting Zimmerman, would lead off with a single. Kinte looked to the dug out to hear Kakay yell. "Sama! Trust your instincts! We believe in you!" Kinte would not be able to live with himself if he blew saves on back to back days in the Championship Series. He simply shook his head, and turned to face Adam King. He eventually worked to a 2-2 count, and then got King looking for the strikeout on a curveball that just hit the outside corner.

He pumped his fist. "YES!" He yelled, as there was one away. Runner still on first base, Daryl Dunlop at the plate. Kinte would try to work the inside portion of the plate. Dunlop hit one hard on the ground towards third base. "C'mon!" Kinte yelled. It would be tough, but if Jassey could get it off in time then a 5-4-3 championship winning double play was possible. Jung Jassey fielded the ball, and as he tried to get it out of his hand, fumbled it. He dropped the ball taking it out of its glove, and the runners were safe. Error to the third baseman, runners on first and second with one away.

The Elephants fans were cheering again. Was another late night comeback on the cards? Ousman Kakay would then come out. "Hey guys- I understand the pressure of this moment." He told the infield. "But we need to breathe. Don't think about it too much. This is the exact same game we've always played. This is what we've dreamed for. Focus, and let your instincts take over. Don't be scared of the moment- embrace it. You are good enough to be champions. Let's actually earn it."

Kinte took that pep talk, and there was a different sort of focus, a drive in his eyes. Getting a 1-2 count with David Drum, Drum hit a fly ball to shallow right field, with Momodou Joof underneath it. Joof caught it, and fired to third base to prevent Zimmerman from tagging up. Too away. The Banijan fans were started to get excited and make some noise, while Elephants fans were biting their nails. But it wasn't over yet- the night before, Banija was a strike away from their second ever championships, and yet still lost.

Igor White would be the man at the plate right. Inside fastball fouled off for strike one. Fastball that misses high for ball 1. A breaking ball that caught a little too much of the plate was drilled down the left field line. Everybody turned, as potentially that swing of the bat could force a winner-take-all Game 7. But that would not be the case, as the ball was just barely foul, crossing in front of the foul pole. "Phew." Kinte whispered to himself. Given another chance. He couldn't allow this one to get away from him.

And he did not. He was going to rear back. Catcher gave the signals. Positioned himself high and inside. Kinte threw a fastball, clocked at 101 mph. He threw it high and inside on the 1-2 count, and Igor White swung late and missed. "YES! YES! FUCK YES!" Sama Kinte yelled as Igor White swung through nothing but air. The Catcher lept for joy, and the Banijan bench cleared as everybody rushed the mound. Fans in orange went crazy. Players went crazy. Sama Kinte had his moment- throwing the final pitch of a game to win a world championship.

---

Banija becomes World Baseball Classic champions with 4-2 series win over South Newlandia


Banijans celeberate their second in five classics

PORT RHOVANYON, RHOVANNYR, TIKARIOT- Banijan baseball fans everywhere celebrated today, as the national team celebrated their second World Baseball Classic title with a 3-2 Game 6 victory over South Newlandia. Suntukung Kandeh got the win, with two earned runs over 5.1 innings. He also allowed 3 hits, 4 walks, and had 8 strikeouts. Badara Ogunsola(0.2 innings, 0 R) and Bouba Kujabi(2.0 innings, 0 R) both recorded holds while Sama Kinte(1.0 innings, 0 R) recorded the save. Xaaf Geele had what turned out to be the game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the fifth, giving Banija the lead for the final time.

Ousman Kakay talked about what this meant for Banijan baseball. "You know, sometimes, people say that winning one title is a fluke." He began. "You can have a lucky run, or have an elite team but the stars simply aligned. But the ability to win a second one, validates our place as a program in this sport. Model of consistency- six straight quarterfinal appearances, and now a second world title in the last five tournaments. Every player on this team can call themselves those special words, that so few can- 'world champions'. A validation to all their work. A few of our veterans are two-time world champions. Players like Duta Condé, who have stepped up in this title run."

"But the fact that we were able to do this again shows that we are not a flash in the pan elite team. No- it shows that we have an elite program. We have an abundance of talented baseball players in Banija. A few world-class ones, like Malik Solely. We are ensuring that athletes are playing this sport. We are ensuring that we are doing a good job identifying these athletes. I remember when this was a niche sport in Banija. But no longer. We're mainstream in-country, and our squad is one of the best in the world."

"What does every nation want to do in this sport? Be mentioned among the greats. Our name in the same sentence as the Newmanistans, the Cassadaiguas, the Super Llamalands, the Nova Anglicanas- nations, in this sport, whose names are synonymous with winning. That is the most exclusive club in this sport, and that is the club we will be looking to force our way into."

There are plenty of players who may have played their last games for the national team at this tournament. Kakay himself is rumored to be considering retirement. Nobody's talking retirements right now- they are reveling in the celebration. What a run, what a tournament. Well done to South Newlandia for their first ever Championship Series, and for one hell of a series they put on. We'll see you at 52!