World Baseball Classic 16: Everything Thread (FINALS)

[Qazox]

QOXSports.com/WBC 16 Coverage

Zwangzug 002 702 000 - 11
Qazox    201 200 003 - 8

What the hell is wrong with Qazoxian sports as of late? Maybe it is residual effects from the Scourge Virus, but lately Qazox has done horribly as of late. the Football team has struggled, the GridIron team had it's worse ever showing and now the Baseball team is 0-2 at a WBC for the first time since WBC 4. Despite taking a 2-0 lead on a 413 ft blast from Dyana Garski in the first, the Zebras tied it up a 2-2 in the 3rd after back-to-back-to-back doubles by Benjamin Mercer, Bruce Keigenbey and Ada Throop before Brianna Hayes struck out Jonathan Craga to end the threat.

Qazox battled back to take a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the 3rd on a sac fly from Garski, scoring Mike Stiller. But then came a stunning inning. Zwangzug's 4th began innocently enough with a bloop single from Jehoshaphat Turner. After a sacrifice from Parry Cordemoy, the onslaught began. 8 consecutive hits, all but one hit singles; scored 7 runs as Hayes gave up 9 runs in just 2.1 innings. No one knows why after the 4th consecutive hit the bases-clearing double by Bruce Keigenbey; she wasn't taken out but eventually Stephanie Colbert came in. After getting Cordemoy to ground into an inning ending 5-4-3 double play, the score was 9-3 Zebras.

Qazox managed to score 2 runs in the bottom of the 4th, after a 2-base throwing error by Benjamin Mercer while trying to turn a double play, the Zebras still held on to the lead 9-5. A 2-run shot by Ada Throop were the only runs Colbert allowed in her 6.2 IP in relief. In the bottom of the 9th, trailing 11-5, a mini-rally by Qazox gave the home team some hope. A 1-out double by PH Juanita Sanchez, chased Cordemoy and after an Intentional walk to Mike Stiller, Jason Tyson almost became the first player to hit a homerun into the center-field waterfall with a blast that measured 472 feet and cut the lead to 11-8. But Deborah Helmsley buckled down and got both Dyana Garski & Chad Savoy to ground out to 2nd to end the game.

Qazox now travels to 1-1 Navarrone, who rallied to defeat Cotdelapoms 10-9.

[Secristan]

SDOS, FUSCO ACCUSE SARZONIA OF POOR SPORTSMANSHIP; CHILDISH ANTICS

By now, you have seen how Sarzonia chose to respond to Brian Schuster’s guarantee of two victories over their country. Whether it be out of jealousy that they do not have someone of Schuster’s obvious potential at such a young age, or frustration over having lost to Michael VII in their first game, the Secristan Department of Sports believes that Sarzonia showed their true colors when John Morgan threw at “The Crow” in the first inning, with the very first pitch he offered to Brian. If you have not seen the resulting aftermath, it is available for purchase on the SDOS website. About it, SDOS spokeswoman Shannon Carner told reporters her new opinion of the nation of Sarzonia, “You have a talented and handsome young man simply showing his national pride and confidence by guaranteeing two wins, and Sarzonia’s response was to get him out of the game because they feared that if he was in our lineup, that we would definitely win the game. I have to give credit to everyone else who battled through this 9-8 defeat. If the Crow was given a chance, that close result would have gone in our direction, clearly. But instead of settling it on the field, through playing baseball, Morgan, Khalil Dennis and the Stars chose childish and cowardly antics to get him out of the game.” Manager John Fusco had one source for his anger: Khalil Dennis, and he berated the manager in his post-game comments, “The idiot has no control over his team. You mean tell me that because one guy says he does not respect you and promises two wins that you need to go beaning him in the first inning? If a guy says he doesn’t respect you, then the way to generate that respect is to do respectful things. They chose the opposite route. I don’t care if he knew Morgan planned it or not, it is his job to know. The World Baseball Classic is a prestigious world-class event in which many great corporations have spent a lot of money on to sponsor in many different capacities. This thuggery is not what they desire to have their name associated with. Instead of trying to beat him and prove him wrong by playing baseball properly, they chose a strategy to get him out of the game altogether. Though maybe we shouldn’t surprised. Dennis does do things differently doesn’t he?”

Brian Schuster has received quite an outpouring of support from fans following the incident, according to Jessica Carner, his girlfriend, who spoke on his behalf. “I want to thank all of the fans out there who realize what a prodigy my boyfriend is and have expressed their sympathies over Morgan’s action. All of the e-mails that have been sent really show him how much he is appreciated and adored. He is ok and will play in the next game. They’ve done a great job at the hospital though to make sure he is just fine, and bidding got up to 3700 rusas for the privilege to have him as a patient amongst the doctors. He could have been released tonight, but they just want to keep him here to be sure that he is back to being perfect in the morning. I know he will be.” About Morgan, Jessica Carner says her boyfriend has called him a coward. “Yeah Brian just said things about how they were afraid to play against him. He was happy to see how his teammates stood up for him and how they came close to winning even with him out of the lineup. He believes and so do I that if he did play, that we would have got the runs we needed to win the game.” She goes on, “As for eating crow, he’s not, because he feels he was right. We would have won today if he had a chance. We gave them credit for wanting to play baseball properly. At any rate, this wasn’t a way to earn the respect of someone who said they didn’t respect you. If they let the man actually play in Sarzonia, he will be right about that win.”

The Secristan Department of Sports has asked us not to be too descriptive with what occurred during the brawl as a courtesy to those who purchased the pay-per-view and were able to see it, while also mentioning that if people did not see it, that it is available on their website for 100 rusas, but we can set up the foundation of it for you. Schuster was hit on the first pitch thrown by Morgan to him in the top of the first inning, and it was obvious to everyone at the stadium that it was intentional and the benches emptied. Infuriating the Millionaires was the fact that Khalil Dennis was not ejected. “It’s Baseball 101,” said John Fusco, “It happens that early in a game, it is pre-meditated. And it is the coach is responsible for the actions of his players. If the umpires can’t figure that out then the World Baseball Classic Organizers should strip them of the licenses to umpire in this event immediately.” Late in the game, another brawl broke out, after Kate Schmidt kicked dirt in the eyes of catcher Justin Morrissey after rounding the bases following her home run. “Now I know why she has the reputation she does. She came up with a big hit for the team, but the dirt kick was disrespectful, clearly. What did I do to her? If anything, she should be thanking me for my stupid mistake in calling for a fastball in that situation. If the whole with with Brian (Schuster) was about him saying he didn’t respect them, how do these antics earn respect? Well, Kate, I didn’t make those comments. This is my first World Baseball Classic, and didn’t order any of our pitchers to throw at any of your batters in response. In fact, when I went out to the mound in the top of the 2nd I had to convince Anthony (O’Brien) not to throw at you, and he didn’t. But you disrespected me, so the respect that I had for you and your team before the game is gone.” After the game, Fusco gave credit to his players for not retaliating and emphasized how everything was initiated by Sarzonia, and made a boast to the world. “That is Sarzonia baseball. They react like that, and no one will respect them. They didn’t prove anything other then why Brian didn’t respect them in the first place. Maybe next time they will let the man play, too.”

[Tarrentum]

Grantanata            020 000 120 - 5		
Tarrentum             200 121 00X - 6

Tarrentum Falcons Sporting News
Marrada and Falcons Hold On

UPDATED WITH BATTING AND PITCHING BOXSCORES!!!
Krozuy, Krozile, Tarrentum - The Falcons won their first game of the WBC tournament last night with a 6 - 5 win over Grantanata. While Liona Marrada was able to pick up the win, the bullpen almost lost the game for the team, underperforming for the second game in a row. This is an issue that must be addressed by Manager Tiberius Wavi in the near future. No matter how well the starting pitcher performs (Burtoni had 10 strikeouts in the first game), the bullpen has to keep the team in the game. This was one of the better aspects of last year's National Team and right now, the IBL All-Star Pitching Staff is turning out to be the shakiest part of the new-look squad.

What could be causing this drop-off in pitching for the bullpen? There are some returning relief pitchers, such as Ederi Sallamo (who recorded the save last night), but most are IBL starting pitchers turned into relievers. Everyone except The Abnormal Mata starts on their rotation for their IBL squad. While the idea seemed like a good one at the outset of the selection process for the team - now it's looking like a curse. These are pitchers who are used to multiple days off in between starts and who can throughly rest their arm. Wavi and his Pitching Coach should be focusing more and more on the endurance of their pitchers rather than expecting them to understand how to quickly, and safely, warm-up during a game. We are seeing this implosion first-hand by Tim Sutton's poor performance in both games so far as a reliever. This was the one critique of Wavi last year, that he waited to long to change pitchers in a game, and we are starting to see it creep up again this tournament.

While relief pitching may be a weak point on the Falcons roster, the rest of the team has stayed true to their WBC form and that IBL Spring Training helped them get into playing form for this tournament. I have heard a few players tell me that they would love to have an international structure similar to association football but that they are content with the individual domestic leagues. The beloved Juliana Italiana had nothing but praise for the International Baseball League which currently features franchises in eight different nations. "The ability to travel around to different countries to play games is great. It really helps us see the beauty and development of other nations here in the WBC." Those nations who are participating in the IBL and the WBC are: Tarrentum, Lycrabon, Silver Beach and Cotdelapoms. TFSN has also learned that Indications of Participation have been received by Cosumar and Elemanu but these have not been confirmed by the IBL.

In-Depth Game Summary

Last night's game in beautiful Krozile State Ballpark, overlooking the Krozile Mountain Range and Mt. Topponia, started off with a cheering crowd welcoming Supreme President Cesare Italiana and his beautiful wife Kristiana Italiana to the Presidential Box on the second level behind home plate. Candi Destani, who is a pitcher on the U-21 National Team as well as the most popular singer on the scene in Tarrentum, both sang the National Anthem "Allied We Move Forth" and threw out the first pitch. To show off, Destani threw a beautiful curveball that sharply broke from 2 to 7 for a strike. There were quite a bit of good-natured nudges in the Falcons dugout towards their skip, most in the form of jokes of how Destani should be in the bullpen. The crowd broke forth in even greater cheer as Liona Marrada and the rest of the Falcons trotted out to take the field for the top of the first inning.

Marrada made quick work of the Grantanata hitters she faced. Marrada struckout the first batter then caused the next two to hit infield groundouts. Ferdini Zappataro once again led off things for the Falcons in the bottom-half of the first inning. This time he joked around with the Sarzonian home plate umpire before digging into the batters box and setting himself for the game. With a smile on his face, but determination in his eyes, Zappa showed uncharacteristic power and hit a moon shot on the second pitch deep into the left-field stands! The crowd erupted behind him and it seemed as though there was not a person in Tarrentum who thought the Falcons couldn't win this game. After Zappa's solo home run, Torretta was struck out looking by the "Granites" pitcher. She was not at all impressed with herself and threw her helmet back into its slot in the dugout. Erni Washini was able to reach first on a quick hit through the infield during his At Bat. Antoni Favella made a good attempt but hit a line drive right to the right fielder for the second out of the half inning. With Dessea Vallena-Favella up, the Granites catcher had a little chat with his pitcher to determine their strategy for the power-hitting second basewoman. Whatever they had come up with, I'm sure it didn't include a solidly hit double to the left-center gap. The double drove home Washini from first for a 2 - 0 Falcons lead. Joe Thomas then took a bad cut at a high fastball to chop it back to the mound, where the Granites pitcher easily threw to first for the last out of the inning.

In the top of the second, the Granites answered right back with some power hitting of their own. The dominant Marrada started the inning off on a positive note with a strikeout. However things went downhill as she gave up two singles to the next two batters. The next hitter hit a solid ball deep to right field for a sacrifice fly to advance both runners. The next batter faced by Marrada then hit a shot down the third baseline to score the baserunner on third. Grantanata was now down only 2 - 1. With runners on first and third, Marrada took a little bit of time getting back to the mound. Once she was set she brought the Granites batter to a 3-2 count. The next pitch was a low curveball but the hitter was able to turn on it to put it down the first base line, scoring the runner on third to tie up the game. The runner tried to extend the single into a double but was thrown out at second by a strong throw from young Joe Thomas in right. With the inning over, the Granites had tied up the game 2 - 2. The bottom of the second saw Gradoni and Woodrio Tucia strikeout. Liona Marrada helped her own cause by hit a bloop single into centerfield. Zappataro followed his homerun with a hit to right field for his own single. With two on and two out, Torretta got a solid hit on the ball but the Granites shortstop made a great play to nab the ball and throw Torretta out at first for the third and final out.

The third saw a more controlled Marrada strikeout the side to put the Granites rally to rest. Washini led off the bottom of the third with a double. With Favella up, the rising star hit a bloop to left field, reaching base himself with a single but Washini was held at second. The Granites had another group meeting on the mound as Vallena-Favella stepped up to the plate. With two on and no outs, things were looking grim for the Grantanatans. When everyone was satisfied that the pitcher knew how to best salvage his reputation in this situation, he started his delivery and threw a perfect strike on the inside part of the plate to Vallena-Favella. With an 0 - 1 count, Vallena-Favella swung hard at the next pitch but sawed off her bat. The ball squirted by the third basemen but was quickly scooped up by the left field to hold up Washini at third. The sell-out crowd held their breath as rookie sensation Joe Thomas stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded. Unfortunately Thomas was a little too eager and swung hard at the first pitch, just clipping it enough so that it dribbled down the third base line. The Granites pitcher easily caught up to the ball and threw it home for the force out. While they still had the bases loaded, the Falcons were down to two outs. Gradoni then tried his hand at driving in some runs but was thoroughly confounded by the first two pitches, swinging wildly. With the count 0-2 Gradoni was just looking to stay alive. He fouled off the next three pitches but eventually hit a groundball screamer back to second. The Granites easily turned the double play to get out of the jam and keep the score at 2 - 2.

Marrada opened the fourth with a walk to the Granites batter. After a brief talk with Favella on the mound, she reared back and struckout the next batter on three pitches. The Falcons got out of the inning with a "bang-bang" play at first. The runner on first had a good lead so that when the hitter smoked a linedrive to first, Washini snagged it out of the air and immediately turned and slapped the runner with his glove for an unassisted double play. The Falcons started the bottom of the fourth with a single by Tucia for his first hit of the game. Marrada then took some hacks at the ball but was struckout easily. Ferdini Zappataro, with already a home run and a hit to his name, then took a cut on a 3-0 count and lifted the ball deep into the right-center gap. Tucia was able to score from first, as the throw home was late, and Zappa got into third just under the throw from the Granites catcher for a triple and his third hit of the game. Torretta was able to draw a walk to put runners on first and third with one out. Unfortunately the Falcons weren't able to capitalize on the situation as Washini hit into a double-play to end the inning.

Marrada was dominant in the top of the fifth again. She caused the first batter to fly out to center then struck out the next Granites hitter for her seventh strikeout. The next hitter then struck a good ball but Vallena-Favella made a great diving catch towards the outfield to get the out. Her husband, Antoni Favella, then led off the bottom of the fifth with a double. Vallena-Favella took the first two pitches for a 1-1 count at the start of her At Bat. She then swung at the next ball, a 12-6 curve so that she was now down two strikes to a ball. After a little breather outside of the box, Vallena-Favella dug back in. She crushed the next pitch the other way into the right-field stands. The ball had some velocity on it and almost reached the second deck but instead slammed into the MercantileBancshares sign hanging under the second level stands. The Falcons were now up 5 – 2 with no outs in the bottom of the fifth. The Granites gave up a single to Thomas for his first hit of the game. Gradoni bounced into his second straight double play during his At Bat. With no one on and two outs, Tucia hit a high fly ball to center but the Granites CF was able to settle under the ball and record the third out of the inning.

Liona Marrada started the sixth by giving up a full count double. She then responded by striking out the next two batters then causing the fourth batter of the inning to pop-out to first base. There was some discussion in the dugout, as best we could see, between Wavi and Marrada. From the situation it seemed as though Wavi was asking Marrada if she could stay in for the seventh inning. Marrada responded by slipping on her batting gloves and heading out to the batter’s box with helmet in hand. The Falcons pitcher took the first two pitches for strikes, a curveball outside and a fastball low. She dug into the dirt again and then waited. The pitch was perfect – perfectly down the middle of the plate. Marrada knew exactly what she wanted to see and this fastball was it. She got a good turn on the ball and smacked a line drive that just wouldn’t come down. The ball hit a couple feet above the right-field wall and clanged off the foul pole for the first Falcons home run in international play by a pitcher! The Falcons had jumped out to a 6 – 2 lead with Marrada helping herself along the way. Zappataro grounded out to second and Torretta finally hit a double for her first hit of the game. Washini then hit a pop up to the right fielder for the second out of the game. Favella then struck out swining to end the sixth inning.

Marrada started the top of the seventh by giving up a double. The next batter slapped a ball over a leaping Gradoni at third to pull into first and advanced the baserunner to third. Marrada was able to strike out the next batter but then gave up a single to score the runner on third and advance the runner on first to second base. Wavi called into the bullpen for Romeo Vasparian and Tim Sutton to begin warming up at this point. Marrada was able to strikeout the next batter for her second strikeout of the inning (and eleventh of the game), then ended the inning with a fly ball out to left field. The Granites relief pitcher struckout Vallena-Favella to start the bottom of the seventh then caused Joe Thomas and Xavier Gradoni to groundout in their At Bats. The seventh ended with the Falcons leading 6 – 3.

The top of the eighth saw Tim Sutton come in for relief duty. Sutton got the first batter out on a deep fly ball to centerfield. It was a sign of things to come for the Granites. Sutton then walked the next batter on four pitches. After a brief conference with Favella, Sutton set himself for the third Grantanata batter of the inning. On the fourth pitch of the At Bat, Sutton left a changeup high in the zone and the ball was promptly placed into the left-field stands for a 2-run homerun. The four run lead that the Falcons held for a half inning had now been cut to just one. Wavi came out of the dugout to speak with Sutton but came back shortly thereafter. Sutton was confident he could finish the inning. He caused the next batter to pop out back to the catcher then induced a fly ball out to right field to end the inning. The damage was there, could the Falcons respond? The fourth Granites pitcher of the game started the bottom of the eighth and quickly struck out Woodrio Tucia on three pitches. Wavi pinch hit for Sutton with Valerio Utteroni but the back-up catcher was only able to hit a weak grounder to third and was thrown out at first for the second out of the inning. Zappataro came up to the plate and all he had to do was hit a double for the cycle. Unforunately, Zappa acted as if he knew this also and hit a bad pitch back to the second baseman and was thrown out at first to end the inning.

The top of the ninth was started on the mound by Ederi Sallamo in his first appearance of the tournament. Sallamo gave up a single to start the inning but then settled down and got the batter to swing on a wicked strike three curveball for the first out. He then induced an infield pop-up to Gradoni for the second out. Sallamo got the third out of the inning to end the game on a groundout to shortstop, where Zappataro flipped it to Vallena-Favella, who touched second.

Though it was a close one, the Falcons escaped with their first win of the tournament. The crowd cheered on their athletes as they left the field. TSPNN was able to catch up with Marrada before she left for the showers and we were able to get a glimpse at a lot of smiles coming from the pitcher. After the game we were finally able to speak with Marrada before the team gathered on the bus to head to the airport and off to Quintessence of Dust.

We asked the game MVP how she felt looking forward. “Well, as always Giani, it’s about the team. We did good enough to win but 5 runs to Grantanata? We can do better than that. We’ll have to do better than that against the Qodites. Much better.” Marrada quickly ran onto the waiting bus after her comments so there was no opportunity for a follow-up. She is very correct though – the Qodites will be a very tough opponent and will not be very forgiving of bullpen mistakes like Grantanata was. The loss to Bodegraven was bad, losing to Quintessence of Dust, with Tarrentum already losing the last two meetings, would be horrible.
-Giani Boco

Batting

Pos	Name	AB	H	R	BB	AVG	SB	CS	HR	RBI	SLG
SS	Ferdini Zappataro	5	3	1	0	.600	0	0	1	2	1.600
CF	Gina Torretta	3	1	0	1	.333	0	0	0	0	.667
1B	Erni Washini	4	2	1	0	.500	0	0	0	0	.750
C	Antoni Favella	4	2	1	0	.500	0	0	0	0	.750
2B	Dessea Vallena-Favella	4	3	1	0	.750	0	0	1	3	1.750
RF	Joe Thomas	3	1	0	0	.333	0	0	0	0	.333
3B	Xavier Gradoni	4	0	0	0	.000	0	0	0	0	.000
LF	Woodrio Tucia	4	1	1	0	.250	0	0	0	0	.250
P	Liona Marrada	3	2	1	0	.667	0	0	1	1	1.667
a	Valerio Utteroni	1	0	0	0	.000	0	0	0	0	.000

Pitching

Name	IP	W	L	SV	ERA	ER	UER	H	BB	K	WHIP
Liona Marrada	7	1	0	0	3.86	3	0	8	1	11	1.29
Tim Sutton	1	0	0	0	9.00	1	1	1	1	0	2.00
Ederi Sallamo	1	0	0	1	0.00	0	0	1	0	1	1.00

[Newmanistan]

THE ROCKET REPORT

THE STATS DON’T LIE: ROCKETS WIN IN YAFOR 2

Yafor 2- Despite falling behind early, the Rockets improved to 2-0 with a road win against a Yafor 2 team who may be on the decline after they peaked in WBC 12. Still, it was an exciting game, and the sky blue and white prevailed in a way they frequently won during the last Classic: in extra innings. For fans watching back at home, in great anticipation of the home opener at Pocono City Stadium, it certainly brought back positive memories, and a lot of confidence about this years team. Maybe they are picking right up where the championship team left off in the last Classic.

For starting pitcher Jessica Brasfield, the script may also have been too-familiar, but not for a pleasant reason. In the games that Jessica struggled last time out, she was hit hard in the early innings, though rebounded well in those games. As much as she wanted to get off to a good start here, the first two Yaforite batters blooping singles into the outfield had to be frustrating. After retiring a batter, Jessica surrendered a double to the cleanup hitter, driving in 2. That batter was later driven in on a single to make it 3-0 in favor of the home team. In the third, the cleanup batter picked up another RBI double, this time a clutch two-out hit into the rightfield corner. The fans were enjoying the start, and the Rockets, who had gone hitless in the first three innings looked very vulnerable. But Stacie Medaows, leading off the top of the fourth inning, dragged a bunt down the third base line and beat the throw for the hit. Then she stole second, and third, which she told us later she enjoyed quite a bit. “We know how much Yaforites think the stolen base is overrated, so it was kinda cool.” She said. Just like that, she scored a sac fly from Danielle Scott to make it 4-1. In the fifth, Kristen Wheeler led off with a single, and showed off her speed as well, stealing second. After Rachel Cuyler was retired, Wheeler scored on a sac fly from Julie Sexton to make it 4-2. After Brasfield was retired to lead off the 6th, Meadows singled up the middle. And stole second. Then third, but on the steal of third the throw sailed into left field, allowing Meadows to score. Through six innings, the Rockets had three runs on just 3 singles, but thanks to five “overrated” stolen bases, we were within one. No stolen bases were needed in the top of the 7th, however as Rachel Cuyler smacked a 2-run homer into left with Meghan Butler aboard to give the Rockets the 5-4 advantage.

Jessica Brasfield, after the third inning had allowed just one hit, but was taken out after the 6th inning as Christina Sanders looked to her bullpen to hold the lead. Unfortunately, they were not able to do this as the Yaforites picked up a run against Cassie Herrick, who had been dominant in the last Classic. The game then remained 5-5 for a while, with Sara Schaefer working the 8th and 9th innings for the Rockets, before closer Erica Barrett was put in for the 10th, and retired the Yaforites in order. Then finally, in the 11th, the Rockets were able to break the tie. With two away, Kristen Wheeler and Rachel Cuyler delivered singles, and were driven in on a single by catcher Jessica Sorenson to make it 6-5. Yafor 2 got the potential tying run to second with no one out in the bottom of the inning, but Barrett pitched herself out of the jam to secure the game for the Rockets. Sanders said the Rockets did not run a lot here to try and prove a point against Yafor 2, reminding many that it is simply the way we play, “I love to run. We are very aggressive on the basepaths, but are smart about it. There isn’t much risk associated with giving a steal sign to Stacie Meadows. It didn’t even occur to me, that old article you are referring too, until you brought it up. It is the way we play the game.” Sanders also emphasized that she was happy with the overall way the team battled back in this one, “We’ll never give in. We’ve showed that time and time again. Honestly, we simply don’t ever feel like we are going to lose a game, at any point. History just shows that, and today is a great example. Jessica had some tough breaks early, but fought back, and we nickle and dimed are way back into this one, then got the big blast from Rachel Cuyler. Vintage Rockets, right there.”

Newmanistan will have their first home game of the Classic, in what should be a very emotional event at Pocono City Stadium. It has been far too long since there fans have seen an international sport on Newmanistanian soil, and they are ready. Tickets sold out in 20 minutes for this next game against a solid team from Mantwenic. Pitcher Kaitlyn Ahearn says she feels no pressure, “I’m just gonna do what I am here for. To pitch and do my best.” And there’s another sign of nothing has changed since the last Classic: Kaitlyn being way too soft-spoken in interviews!

[Cassadaigua]

Jennifer’s Space

Whenever a couple of rivals meet, it is often said that you can throw out the records or the rankings. I guess, unfortunately for us, that was shown to be true as we lost to Milchama on the road. It’s been an interesting history with them in baseball starting with the World Baseball Classic 11 controversy. A lot of times when we have met Milchama in any sport, it has been the lesser ranked team that has won the game, but these days we are in the position of being the better team across the board. We were outplayed by the Warriors, and I have no other explanation, and I am not going to make an excuse. They are a past champion, twice over, and can beat anyone when they are on. Yesterday, they were. Brianna Bates tossed six innings, and gave up 4 runs on 9 hits, walking 2 and striking out 7. Up until the 6th inning, she had been very steady, but with the game tied at 2 in the bottom of the 6th inning, the Warriors hit four straight singles all two outs already in the inning, and we were not able to come up with an answer for that. In our opener, we had great offensive production from top to bottom in our lineup, and today that wasn’t quite the case. We will get one more chance at the Warriors in Concord Heights, and hopefully we can get some revenge.

Even though we have yet to see a perfect game or a no-hitter in this World Baseball Classic, it has already gotten off to a wild start if you look at some of the upsets from the first day. On day 2, the teams that played were generally evenly matched with one another, so it’s tough to call things an upset, but we were probably the highest profile team to lose yesterday. There were some great games though, such as Tocrowkia against The Babbage Islands, Newmanistan against Yafor 2, and Quintessence of Dust against Delaclava, which are games that I would recommend to any of our fans out there to watch who simply want to watch great baseball. If you are interested in watching great baseball with a bunch of shenanigans involved, watch the wild affair between Secristan and Sarzonia. I’m sure you can access it from a Sarzonian site for free viewing. That’s gonna be it for now, I’ll be back following our game with Lycrabon.

[Tarrentum]

HOST POST
No RP Bonus

Tables and Standings

Tie-breaker Determinors:
1. Overall Record (winning percentage)
2. Head-to-Head Record
3. Total Run Differential
4. Average Runs Scored Per Game
5. Coin Flip


MegOil Group

Nation	Wins	Losses	Pct.	TR Diff.	Total Runs	AR/G
Quintessence of Dust	2	0	1.000	8	12	6
Bodegraven	2	0	1.000	5	9	4.5
Tarrentum	1	1	.500	-2	10	5
Iron Coast	1	1	.500	-6	7	3.5
New High Charity 24	1	1	.500	1	11	5.5
Grantanata	1	1	.500	0	12	6
Delaclava	0	2	.000	-2	8	4
Sibirsky	0	2	.000	-4	5	2.5

• Tarrentum over Grantanata on H2H
• Iron Coast over NHC 24 on H2H

---

Yuppers FoodBrands Group

Nation	Wins	Losses	Pct.	TR Diff.	Total Runs	AR/G
Gracelona	2	0	1.000	8	13	6.5
Milchama	2	0	1.000	5	10	5
Cosumar	1	1	.500	3	14	7
Lycrabon	1	1	.500	0	12	6
Cassadaigua	1	1	.500	-3	8	4
Teinohikira	1	1	.500	-3	7	3.5
Bergnovinaia	0	2	.000	-6	8	4
Conservants	0	2	.000	-7	9	4.5

• Cassadaigua over Teinohikira on Avg. Runs / Game

---

Modi-Cube One Group

Nation	Wins	Losses	Pct.	TR Diff.	Total Runs	AR/G
Zwangzug	2	0	1.000	5	15	7.5
Western cuba	2	0	1.000	4	14	7
Navarrone	1	1	.500	-1	12	6
Cotdelapoms	1	1	.500	2	17	8.5
Saint Haden	1	1	.500	0	10	5
Churchma	1	1	.500	-2	8	4
City of Norfolk	0	2	.000	-1	12	6
Qazox	0	2	.000	-4	12	6

• Navarrone over Cotdelapoms on H2H

---

McSquiggie's Group

Nation	Wins	Losses	Pct.	TR Diff.	Total Runs	AR/G
Peace Republic	2	0	1.000	2	10	5
Manticore Reborn	1	1	.500	2	13	6.5
The Babbage Islands	1	1	.500	0	7	3.5
Sakurakoku	1	1	.500	0	8	4
Virabia	1	1	.500	0	7	3.5
Evandonia	1	1	.500	1	7	3.5
Tocrowkia	1	1	.500	-2	8	4
Tentalon	0	2	.000	-2	6	3

• Manticore Reborn over Tocrowkia on H2H
• The Babbage Islands over Sakurakoku on H2H
• Virabia over Evandonia on H2H
• Sakurakoku over Virabia on Avg. Runs / Game

---

MercantileBancshares Group

Nation	Wins	Losses	Pct.	TR Diff.	Total Runs	AR/G
Newmanistan	2	0	1.000	9	15	7.5
Pacific_a	2	0	1.000	8	18	9
Mossulia	2	0	1.000	6	11	5.5
Taffy 3	1	1	.500	-3	6	3
Castigonia	1	1	.500	0	9	4.5
Yafor 2	0	2	.000	-3	14	7
Mantwenic	0	2	.000	-7	7	3.5
Daemonheart	0	2	.000	-10	3	1.5

• Taffy 3 over Castigonia on H2H

---

BergBucks Group

Nation	Wins	Losses	Pct.	TR Diff.	Total Runs	AR/G
Elemanu	2	0	1.000	9	15	7.5
Frelassio	2	0	1.000	8	18	9
Michael VII	1	1	.500	-2	10	5
Sarzonia	1	1	.500	-1	15	7.5
Secristan	1	1	.500	4	18	9
Voltronica	1	1	.500	1	15	7.5
Silver Beach	0	2	.000	-9	12	6
Allamunnic States	0	2	.000	-10	6	3

• Michael VII over Sarzonia on H2H
• Sarzonia over Secristan on H2H
• Secristan over Voltronica on H2H

[Tarrentum]

TSPNN Fiani on the Spot

"Greetings ladies and gentlemen to Fiani on the Spot. I'm your host, Rodric Fiani."

"Today we have a special treat for you, all the way from the Democratic States of Quintessence of Dust, Liona Marrada, Starting Pitcher for the Tarrentum National Baseball Team! Also joining us will be Tarrentum Professional League Commissioner Bud Illonia on when the hockey season is going to restart. The Falcons are preparing to take on fellow World Baseball Classic 16 co-host nation Quintessence of Dust in tonight's game. First up, Miss Marrada."

"Liona, Rodric Fiani here on Fiani on the Spot!"

[Marrada]: "Hello Rodric."

[Fiani]: "Liona how are you feeling after last night's game?"

[M]: "Well obviously quite well Rodric, we did win the game."

[F]: "Aren't you feeling just a bit let down though because of the two runs that Sutton gave up?"

[M]: "<BLEEP> happens Rodric. We can't shy away from close games because we think we won't win them..."

[F]: "I wasn't saying that you were."

[M]: "Do you know how many <BLEEP>-ing times I've been asked that question Rodric? 17! I didn't even know I could meet with 17 different reporters in the time it took us to finish the game, get on the plane and then land here in Quintessence and start practicing. What do you people want us to say? That we damn well better have a good bullpen for this game?"

[F]: "I was just-"

[M]: "The problem with this team is all the expectations piled on us. We're hosting the tournament with the Qodites. We did extremely, and surprisingly, well last year in the WBC. Now we have to go out there and repeat the glory! Look, when you got pissant nations like Elemanu and Bodegraven with no losses then you start to realize that anything can happen in this tournament! These are players who usually don't see each other so it's either feast or famine Rodric."

[F]: "Well tonight will not fit that mold because you are squaring off against the Qodites, who Tarrentum has played twice before."

[M]: <Laughs> "Yeah, ain't that just some luck <BLEEP> on our part? Having to face the Qodites in the Group Stage for the second straight year?" <Laughs> "This is going to be tough, but a lot of things have changed in both team lineups. I mean that crazy good outfield Kokumora...or something...isn't here this year for them and she was big part in their wins over us. And look at our team, four outfielders with no international experience? Seems to be working okay for now but how will they turn out in the long run?"

[F]: "Tell us about the WBC rookies."

[M]: "Well Gina's pretty down to earth but I tell you, those two rookies-"

[F]: "Joe Thomas and Rich Rassmussen."

[M]: "Right. They are really good and fun to watch play ball. Though Joey hasn't produced big in the first two games, everyone knows he has the potentional being IBL Rookie of the Year. Then Rasmussen is just itching to get out there and play. He's been good in practice but I don't think Skip is ready to throw him to the wolves just yet."

[F]: "So how do the women of our National Team stack up to the rest of the world?"

[M]: <Big Laugh> "That's a loaded question Roddy. Just what are you trying to ask?"

[F]: <Laughs> "How are they compared to the rest of the women in the world on the ballfield?"

[M]: "I would say pretty well. Look at Juliana and me for example. We had to bust our asses to get to the ASML, well IBL, and now we're some of the best in the world. But Gina and Dessy, they could kick ass compared to any of the other girls out there."

[F]: "Even Cassadaigua?"

[M]: <Laughs> "The Matriarchs? Please Rod, while Cassadaigua may be good at sports, they haven't played a professional team from Tarrentum yet. And, correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't our U-16 nationals beat the Matriarchs in 3 games in last year's Keisler?"

[F]: "Yes they did Liona."

[M]: "Well, there you have it."

[F]: "As we wrap up here, any predictions for tonight?"

[M]: "Only that it will be a great game and that the Qodites better watch out."

[F]: "Thanks Liona."

[F]: "No problem Rod."

[Fiani]: "Once we come back from break, we speak with Bud Illonia about when professional ice hockey will return to Tarrentum...Stay tuned."

[Saint Haden]

Donte Alexander comes up with a win. Donte had 2 earned runs while the bullpen got the day off. While Howard Gomes blasted a three run homer in the 5th and Alex Rider had 2 RBIs in the 6th. When Ty Phillips came in for Jay Frederick in the 8th inning he committed an error and let a City of Norfolk runner score making 2-5 which would be the final score.

[Quintessence of Dust]

This is the RP cutoff for MD3. Scores shortishly.

[Quintessence of Dust]

MegOil Group

Delaclava             000 100 000 - 1		
Iron Coast            100 021 21X - 7		
		
Tarrentum             110 010 011 - 5		
Quintessence of Dust  111 002 03X - 8		
		
Sibirsky              000 200 000 - 2		
Grantanata            000 001 02X - 3		
		
New High Charity 24   220 000 100 - 5		
Bodegraven            001 010 100 - 3

Yuppers Group

Milchama              000 001 000 - 1		
Conservants           010 000 01X - 2		
		
Lycrabon              100 102 000 - 4		
Cassadaigua           100 013 00X - 5		
		
Teinohikira           010 400 322 - 12		
Bergnovinaia          011 100 102 - 6		
		
Cosumar               051 120 020 - 11		
Gracelona             000 001 012 - 4

Modi-Cube Group

Qazox                 020 001 001 1 - 5		
Navarrone             002 000 002 0 - 4		
		
Western cuba          020 001 050 - 8		
Zwangzug              001 011 001 - 4		
		
Saint Haden           030 101 100 - 6		
Churchma              000 150 01X - 7		
		
Cotdelapoms           000 111 000 - 3		
City of Norfolk       010 110 01X - 4		

McSquiggie's Group

The Babbage Islands   200 213 010 - 9		
Manticore Reborn      000 101 000 - 2		
		
Virabia               100 021 000 - 4		
Tocrowkia             112 040 00X - 8		
		
Tentalon              200 110 000 - 4		
Sakurakoku            000 000 200 - 2		
		
Peace Republic        011 020 000 - 4		
Evandonia             000 012 000 - 3

Mercantile Group

Yafor 2               502 000 100 - 8		
Daemonheart           100 001 000 - 2		
		
Mantwenic             001 000 012 - 4		
Newmanistan           601 217 00X - 17		
		
Taffy 3               000 110 110 00 - 4		
Pacific_a             111 010 000 04 - 8		
				
Mossulia              000 022 200 - 6		
Castigonia            100 201 000 - 4

BergBucks Group

Secristan             041 210 100 - 9		
Michael VII           000 001 011 - 3		
		
Allamunnic States     100 001 002 - 4		
Sarzonia              001 311 00X - 6		
		
Silver Beach          000 110 001 - 3		
Voltronica            103 000 00X - 4		
		
Frelassio             100 000 024 - 7		
Elemanu               000 100 000 - 1

[Sakurakoku]

Fanned Out
Offense stymied as Sakurakoku drops game

KUGAMACHI - Ten strikeouts and three double plays were too much for Sakurakoku to overcome as the team dropped the third game of the World Baseball Classic to Tentalon, 4-2. An impressive performance by Tentalon's pitching staff and a couple of great defensive plays Tentalon's fielders kept Sakurakoku off the scoreboard until the 8th inning. The prowess of Tentalon's starter showed itself best in the third inning, where Kenta Morita, Kyo Kunimoto, and Daisuke Taguchi all went down on strikes in a thirteen-pitch inning.

"It's pretty frustrating," Kei Maebara said after the game, who was punched out in the 4th inning on a curve ball that he failed to hold his swing for. "It seems like all of us starters struck out at some point. It's tough." In reality, Seiji Inugami and Satoshi Takeda did not strike out during the game.

It was not just the strikeouts that frustrated Sakurakoku's offense - through the first six innings, Sakurakoku only managed three hits. Tentalon also got three double plays, two of them in the 8th and 9th innings to frustrate Sakurakoku's comeback attempts. Sakurakoku's lone offensive bright spot was in the 7th inning, where they collected four hits and a sacrifice fly to get two runs. "We don't have the biggest bats in the tournament," Manager Hayato Kojima said, "but we can't waste so many opportunities like that. We need to put our hits together to generate the runs we need."

Sakurakoku starter Kyo Kunimoto was only able to go 4 and 1/3 innings before being struck by a batted ball in his throwing shoulder. He was taken out as a precaution, having already given up four runs and eventually charged with the loss. X-rays later proved negative for any injuries, and he is expected to make his next start.

Satoshi Takeda was the victim of a beautiful fielding play by the third baseman, who dove to his right to snatch an otherwise surefire double out of the air before it could reach the outfield.

Sakurakoku falls to 1-2 with the loss and will next play at the lone undefeated team in the group, the Peace Republic.

Tentalon              200 110 000 - 4 10 0 	
Sakurakoku            000 000 200 - 2 9 0

HRs:

W - *smudge*
L - Kunimoto
*smudge*

Scoring Summary:

Top 1st: *smudge* 2-0 Tentalon
Top 4th: *smudge* 3-0 Tentalon
Top 5th: *smudge* 4-0 Tentalon
Bottom 7th: H Uehara sacrifice flies out to left, K Kichida scores.  4-1 Tentalon
Bottom 7th: D Mizokuchi doubles to right, K Morita scores.  4-2 Tentalon

Standings - McSquiggie’s Group

Team                W-L
Peace Republic      3-0
Tocrowkia	    2-1
The Babbage Islands 2-1
Evandonia           1-2
Tentalon	    1-2
Sakurakoku          1-2
Virabia	            1-2
Manticore Reborn    1-2

[Qazox]

QOXSports.com/WBC 16 Coverage

Qazox     020 001 001 1 - 5
Navarrone 002 000 002 0 - 4

The slide is over, we hope. But Nathan Hobbes might be lost for the remainder of this WBC as a line-drive struck him in the bottom of the 9th. On a 0-1 pitch Hobbes threw a cut fastball to a Navarrone pinch-hitter who lined it right back to the mound and it struck Hobbes right in the head. After a 5 minute delay, Hobbes did walk off the mound under his own power, but X-rays taken after the game showed that his right orbital bone was fractured and it would take surgery to fix it. Ryan Batiste will take over the closer role from Hobbes, but it was Mikkala Chalmers who came in to close out the game in the 9th. More on that in a bit.

Qazox took a 2-0 lead in the 2nd, thanks to a pair of 2-out singles by Victoria Wright and Adele Grahame, which scored Chad Savoy. Wright scored on a wild pitch to make it 2-0. In the bottom of the 3rd, Navarrone scored twice on 4 singles, but Charles Waskica ended the threat by getting a 4-6-3 double play. It remained tied at 2 until the top of the 6th, when Jason Tyson slammed a shot off the right-field foul pole to make it 3-2 Qazox.

In the 9th, Qazox bumped up the lead to 4-2 thanks to doubles by Tyson and George Rabbinski. After the Hobbes injury, there was a runner on 2nd, when Navarrone's cleanup hitter tied the game on a 410-ft blast to left center off of Chalmers. In the 10th, after Chalmers got 3 consecutive ground ball outs to escape the 9th, Diane Riggles came in to pinch-hit for Chalmers. She beat out a grounder to third, and advanced to 2nd on a balk. Thomas Brown then laid down a perfect sac bunt, setting up Juanita Sanchez' sac fly, scoring Riggles from 3rd. Rayn Batiste retired the side in the bottom of the 10th, giving Qazox their first victory.

Now Qazox travels to Western cuba, who upset Zwangzug earlier in the day 8-4.

[Quintessence of Dust]

TalkBaseball.qd

A website. For talking. About baseball.

Recaps: Matchdays 1-3
Posted by MetaNarrativesFTL

      1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9   R  H  E
QOD   2  2  0  0  2  0  0  0  3 - 9 15 1
ICO   0  0  0  0  1  1  0  0  0 - 2  6  4

With experience on the pitching staff, the biggest question about this Quodite side is on offence. For the first time, no members of the WBC11 team return: Momoko Koumura has boycotted the tournament, Masami Tamagotchi withdrew from selection in probable support of her old friend, and Amanda Jónsdóttir has just wrapped up Olympic field hockey. The biggest infusion of new talent since WBC12 has yet to prove itself above the Keisler Cup level. And the team's star, Emily Sanderson, has been forced into the centrefield spot - it remains to be seen how she'll handle the change.

So getting a seven run victory, admittedly over WBC newcomers who gifted them four defensive errors, was a welcome beginning that will at least postpone the questions over whether without Barthes, Koumura, Maddox and Pullman, there's enough pop in those bright young bats. Leading the charge was Sakiko Wakabayashi, predominantly used as a pinch hitter or occasional DH in previous editions, who finally - and controversially - earns a spot as the starting left fielder; she went 3 for 4, a triple short of the cycle, drew a walk and drove in two runs, but unfortunately allowed a run on a throwing error.

Her selection means there is no spot in the lineup for highly rated FABL prospect Ben Zimmerman, the MVP of the 2nd Keisler Cup, but several of his teammates did make the cut: right fielder Natalia Kivistö, who hit the team's first home run of the tournament in the first inning, corner infielders Anna Alaja, who went 3 for 5, and Sam "Speedy" Spade, who struggled to get going until her fifth at bat, when drove in two runs on a sharp line drive single, and Noodles Ptarmigan.

The latter represents the most surprising debut. Bearing in mind that it is essentially impossible to fill Koumura's hole - heyo! - he did the best he could, and at least succeeded in turning three double plays with Huang Li. He went 0 for 5, however, and never looked remotely close to making decent contact with Iron Coast's pitchers. He tipped the balance in his favour, for the moment, by bringing oranges for all the rest of the team, which was very nice.

Player of the Game: Sakiko Wakabayashi (4 AB, 2 R, 3 H, 1 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1 BB)

Biggest play: Natalia Kivistö 2-RBI HR in 1st inning, +20.3% Win Expectancy

      1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9 10 11   R  H  E
QOD   0  0  1  0  1  0  0  0  0  0  1 - 3 11  1
DEL   2  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0 - 2  7  1

Cassadaigua's famous blogger Jennifer Branston described this game as "great baseball". She wasn't wrong. The majority Sarzonian crowd at the DNAC witnessed an enthralling encounter that went to 11 innings. George Jones staged a magnificent recovery effort after a horrendous start: nothing could have rubbed salt into the wound of Quintessence of Dust's unexpectedly weakened middle infield than the sight of Delaclava's double play combo hitting back to back home runs to lead off. Takashi Kibachi lifted his second pitch 432 feet to centre right, and Ellis Moore drove another one 425 feet back to take the score to 2-0 at the end of the first inning.

Jones gave up a third straight hit as Jim Jeffries singled to short, and two more singles in the second, but showed an admirably cool head to stay in the game. Crucially, he retained enough confidence to continue throwing strikes - walking only Devon Kizer in the third - and was helped by the DNAC's roomy left field, where Sakiko Wakabayashi swallowed up seven flyballs, and by some great defensive work - Emily Sanderson overcoming some of the doubts about playing her in centre with a great leaping take at the fence to rob Kalvin Burke of what would have been a crucial third home run for Delaclava, and Radosav Grubenšek throwing out Jeffries on an attempted steal of second.

After the offensive barrage unleashed on Iron Coast, the Quodite batters found themselves having to work much harder for their runs. Natalia Kivistö singled in the third and the Delaclav infield was unable to a double play when Noodles Ptarmigan hit into a fielder's choice on a couple of ground balls, allowing him to score on a Sam Spade single; and she hit another single in the fifth to drive in Huang Li, who hit a leadoff double, although Brad Schaffer gunned down the intentionally walked Sakiko trying to stretch it to third. But their 11 hits were coupled to only two walks, and they left 10 runners on base.

And so, finally, it was at 2-2 at the top of the 11th that Sakiko returned to the plate and justified her selection ahead of Ben Zimmerman or Nea Nyman. She worked the count for 8 pitches, and then drove a Luis Pancevo changeup 448 feet down the deep left field line. Jacob Nieves hit a leadoff double in reply, but Mazio Mizokuchi - who stayed in the game for an unusually long relief spell, batting twice and pitching 3 whole innings - hurled two strikeouts. Schaffer's weak grounder found its way to Huang Li's glove, and the throw to first was in time for a memorable victory for the visitors.

Player of the Game: George Jones (ND 8.0 IP, 6 HA, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, 2 HR, 111/78 PS)

Biggest play: Sakiko Wakabayashi HR in 11th inning, +34.4% Win Expectancy

      1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9   R  H  E
TAR   1  1  0  0  1  0  0  1  1 - 5 12  1
QOD   2  0  1  0  0  2  0  3  X - 8 13  1

An unsurprisingly sellout at The Frosty Dome saw the two hosts play one another - and the junior partner in the bid, Quintessence of Dust, seize the initiative over the more inexperienced Falcons, with an 8-5 win. Compared with Raptor Park, the Frosty Dome is considered more of a hitter's park, and the two teams exchanged 25 hits, while Dessea Vallena-Favella's home run to leadoff the second inning measured barely 350 feet down the left field line. But the logic of playing their home games here makes sense for The Things, given their potential offensive frailties without Momoko, and Sakiko Wakabayashi, who is having quite the tournament so far, capitalised with gusto.

She hit her third and fourth home runs of WBC16, the first a monster drive some 450+ feet over left field to seize a first inning lead, driving in Natalia Kivistö after she drew a nine pitch walk off Pollani Dazzera, the other hit from the opposite side of the plate to Brodi Jacobo, but with the same force and effect. The latter gave the Things a decisive 5-3 at the bottom at the sixth after Ferdini Zappataro scored Xavier Gradoni on a single in the fifth, and the Falcons blew their best chance of a reply when Olof Bergman gave up a walk and three singles at the top of the eighth, but Antoni Favella was thrown out by - of course - Sakiko, trying to score from second. Mazio yielded a consolation sac fly in the ninth, but it wasn't enough after a three run home exploded off Emily Sanderson's bat in the eighth.

For Taiyou Morioka, it was a winning start, yielding four hits, one walk and one hit by pitch for two earned runs. The relievers only let a couple more in and, excepting Noodles's first inning blunder, the team's defence proved generally solid. On offence, Natalia went hitless, but the experience of the Quodite outfield - whose three players have totalled 8 WBCs to Tarrentum's zero - counted. Sakiko and Emily both roped four hits, including their home runs, with Emily swiping the only stolen base of the game. Huang Li remained dependable in the leadoff spot, going 1 for 3 and drawing 2 walks - as many as the entire Falcons lineup managed, and the only real concern was Sam Spade, who was 0 for 5 and is yet to show off her much vaunted wheels.

The Things move to 3-0 in the group, which is a relief after so many big names have endured upsets, but need to be realistic: it is playoff ball that counts for everything, and Sakiko is no Socki Lewis - though, on the night, she proved just as devastating.

Player of the Game: Sakiko Wakabayashi (5 AB, 2 R, 4 H, 2 HR, 4 RBI)

Biggest play: Sakiko Wakabayashi 2-RBI HR in 6th inning, +27.5% Win Expectancy

[Sarzonia]

Woodstock Daily Mail

Morgan kicked off team again before Stars win

By Ryan Calvin
Daily Mail Staff Writer

John Morgan's second chance with the Sarzonian national baseball team didn't last long.

In the first start of the first World Baseball Classic since he was originally kicked off the team following a fight with catcher Fred Carlton, manager Khalil Dennis pulled the plug on Morgan's tenure with the team for the second time after Morgan was ejected for beaning Secristan centrefielder Brian Schuster with a fastball.

The beaning was in retaliation for comments Schuster made about Sarzonia during which he guaranteed his team would win both matches against the Stars during the group stage. Schuster was rushed to a local hospital after Morgan drilled him. An X-ray and a MRI were negative.

"This was a very difficult decision," said the manager, who made his career in Delaclava as a pitcher prior to joining the Delclava national team's coaching staff as a pitching coach. "However, we cannot afford to allow this program to continue to exercise reckless behaviour."

Dennis would not take questions at the press conference, but bench coach Geoff Yancey admitted the manager saw the decision as a "no-win situation."

"He wants to demonstrate to the team that he's got their backs, but he also doesn't want players unilaterally deciding to retaliate against someone for saying something," Yancey said. "He couldn't in clear conscience keep Morgan on the team after he put a player's health at risk."

Morgan did not return several telephone calls, e-mails or text messages seeking comment. However, second baseman Dewey Griffin said the decision to expel Morgan from the team "was ridiculous."

"I know Morgan's got my back," Griffin said. "We need more people to stand up for their teammates, not less." Griffin was led away by a Stars PR person before he could say anything further. Third baseman Kate Schmidt was more supportive of Dennis's decision.

"Morgan should never have been allowed back on the team to begin with," she said. "When he fought Fred Carlton, that should have been it. I'm glad Khalil's finally seen the light."

Once again, controversy overshadowed a game the Stars won, as the team defeated Allamunnic States 6-4 behind eight strong innings from pitcher Charlie Palmer. He allowed five hits and walked one while striking out six before giving way to Alvin Dryden, who promptly gave up two solo home runs before Kerry Clark relieved him and got the save.

"The team needed me to pitch deep into the ballgame," Palmer said of his eight-inning effort. "I was glad to be able to do that."

Skip Hicks hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the fourth inning while shortstop Chris Spontanelli added a solo blast in the bottom of the sixth in the first game played at Fleetwood Park in front of a sold out crowd of 57,600.

[Voltronica]

Voltronican Smugglers Starting Roster

Umbria, Voltronica Capacity: 10,360

Batting Order	Position
JACKSON Gaumond	Catcher
DARIUS Rasheed	Pitcher
THADDEUS Osher	1st Base
QUINTON Morelle	Right Field
MARLIN Raetz	2nd Base
ROD Devazier	R.Center Field
ALI Atcher	Short Stop
MOISES Vaness	L. Center Field
THADDEUS Zepf	3rd Base
NOLAN Barrero	Left Field
JEFFRY Giudice	Bench
BRYON Mascola	Bench
MARCEL Capurro	Bench

Choose my runscorers: Y
Choose my lineup: Y
Follow my Pitching Rotation: N
Godmod scoring events: Y
RP injuries to my players: N
Godmod injuries to my players: N
Eject my players: N
Godmod other events: Weather is wide open also random natural occurrences not dealing with Voltronican Fans

[Tocrowkia]

NordicNation.net

World Baseball Classic 16 coverage

Code: Select all

TEAMS        1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9   R H E
TOC         0 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 0   4 6 0
TBI        1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1   3 6 0


WIN:
Alexandria Dassow (1-0)
Save
Jamie Von Tipker
HRs:
Johnny Stryker 1 (1)

The Nordics managed to right the ship indeed. With Alexandria Dassow on the mound, they won a hotly contested 4-3 contest of The Bumblebees. Despite giving up two early runs, Dassow regained her composure and cruised the rest if her eight innings, striking out eight and walking one. Johnny Stryker hit solo homerun in the 3rd, and the rest of the runs came off assorted hits. Jamie Von Tipker gave up a solo shot in the 9th, but held on the rest of the way.

Code: Select all

TEAMS        1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9   R H E
VIR          1 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0   4 6 0
TOC          1 1 2 0 4 0 0 0 0   8 12 0


WIN:
Sofie Behm (1-0)
HRs
Dmitri Rykov 1 (1), Michael Hammer (1)

The Nordics also won in their first home game! The offense burst out immediately, posting for runs in the first three innings. The big blows came on a Rykov solo shot and a Michael Hammer two-run dinger, and the Nordics pounded out seen extra base hits all told. Behm worked eight innings.

[Newmanistan]

THE ROCKET REPORT

INTERNATIONAL SPORTS RETURN TO NEWMANISTAN

Pocono City- In our prior editions that we have covered in this World Baseball Classic, we have gone over how difficult of a time it has been for Newmanistanians to watch other competitions go by with no sky blue and white. (Well at least our sky blue and white). We touched upon Emperor Michael IV’s reasoning for pulling the Empire out of these competitions, and what our people have done in the meantime. When the announcement came that the Emperor approved the nations participation in baseball, our population were overjoyed. They had watched the first two games on the road, and felt good about the way they team played. Newmanistan easily disposed of a first time nation in the opener, before winning a thriller in Yafor 2, a nation that has periodically put together a strong run in this. But the big day was still yet to come, for games to officially return here, to Newmanistan. Unfortunately for Mantwenic, they were most definitely at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Now, some may be wondering why the games are at Pocono City Stadium, and not the Tundra Falls Proving Grounds. It is at the Proving Grounds where the team had played all of their baseball games before, and it is there where every championship game that Newmanistan has hosted had been contested. It was also at the Proving Grounds where Emperor Michael was told by his sister, so goes the story, to have the team pull out of international sports. But today the baseball field at the Proving Grounds stood silent and empty, and it was by design. According to legend, Emperor Michael IV made a visit to Tundra Falls and went to the pitching mound, got on his knees, and looked to the heavens. “Sister,” he asked of the late Empress Jessica, “please let me know this is ok. Do I have your blessing? Please, give me a sign.” He waited, and there was no sign. He collected himself again, and asked for a second time, “Jessica, please, let me know you approve of us playing in the World Baseball Classic. Please give me a sign.” Again, nothing, and now he was confused, and concerned. “Sister, is there something wrong? If so please give me a sign.” The Emperor breathed deep, as a gust off wind nearly knocked his crown from his head. As there had been no wind up to that point, he knew that was his sign, and now he became more concerned. He thought for a second, and as he really believed the Empress had already approved Newmanistan’s participation in the Classic. There had to be something else. He thought and thought. “Sister, is what is wrong the fact that we are not supposed to be in the World Baseball Classic? If so, give me a sign.” He waited. Nothing happened, and now he felt a little better, but he still needed to know what the wrong thing was. “Sister, I don’t know. Please tell me my mistake.” Then a ghostly bird-like figure appearing to be on skates approached him, naturally concerning the Emperor, but as it came closer, it was apparent that the ghost was not going to harm him. It spoke in a whisper that only could hear, “Not here.” And then it disappeared. Emperor Michael took a deep breath, wishing to have had a chance to speak to the ghost, or to hear more then just those two words. He thought about the words, and it came to him. “Sister, this means you do not want any games played here, but it is ok to play elsewhere? If so, give me a sign.” Just then, a rainbow appeared in the sky. It was pointing in the direction of Pocono City. He smiled wide. “You got it, we will schedule all games for Pocono City Stadium immediately!”

And so it went. If there are people who believe that the story of why we are in Pocono City is made up, then consider this. Today’s opponent is Mantwenic. During the Horse Racing Season that Newmanistan hosted, the names of Mantwenic’s top horses were “Heaven” and “Beyond The Clouds.” Some people look at that as just a freak coincidence while others know that it is little things like that that show how higher powers work in creative and unexpected ways. It was a party atmosphere at the stadium today, and people ready to loudly support their Rockets. Many well known athletes and celebrities were in attendance, including the McAllister’s. And while there had been some thought by the Emperor to have Jeremy McAllister throw out the first pitch, he reconsidered not wanting it to stir up an outcry of returning to other sports, especially on the day that the World Cup Committee officially handed out World Cup 53 signup forms. So instead of someone like this, a safer person was chosen. Former outfielder and WBC hall-of-famer Brittany Wright, the greatest leadoff batter to ever play the game. Fitting, of course, that she would “leadoff” the return.

Now, with all of the festivities done, it was time to play ball. Kaitlyn Ahearn, not necessarily known for being a strike out artist, fanned the first two Mantwenic batters to come to the plate before Nelson Snell popped out to second, and now it was time for the Rockets to hit. Stacie Meadows got the team rolling with a leadoff single, and then stole second. She might have stolen third as well, but Danielle Scott made that not be necessary by ripping a double to left to make it 1-0. Singles by Courtney Weinman and Meghan Butler made it 2-0, and then after Kristen Wheeler lined out, Rachel Cuyler brought them both in with a double. It couldn’t have been a better start for the return to action, but little did we know at the time that the team was actually just getting started en route to the team’s highest scoring game in history. And folks, we have quite a history if you’re just tuning in. Julie Sexton singled in Cuyler, and Jessica Sorenson doubled in Sexton to make it 6-0. Finally for Mantwenic fans, they got out of the inning after facing 11 Rockets batters. Mantwenic got one in the third courtesy of a Lyle Bird RBI double, but the Rockets got the run right back in the bottom of the inning as Jessica Sorenson singled in Jule Sexton, who had doubled.

The Rockets continued to onslaught. Maybe in past days they would have showed some mercy, and we have nothing against Mantwenic to where we’d want to prove a point to them. But not today. This day was too special, and the fans deserved to cheer as much as possible. Newmanistan got two more in the fourth when Courtney Weinman said “see ya later” to a Robert McGraw curveball, a two-run shot that also scored Meghan Butler, and in the fifth, Julie Sexton’s triple was followed up by an RBI single to make it 10-1. Sensing the game was well in hand, Christina Sanders pulled as many starters as she could. In the bottom of the 6th, Jillian Sanderson took advantage with a single, and Corinne Gratton came in for Danielle Scott and singled as well. Courtney Weinman remained in the game and drew a walk. Then came Erica Hilton, in for Meghan Butler, who singled to left, scoring two. Brooke McMichael, in for Kristen Wheeler, then doubled to center, scoring two more. Then up came Courtney Stafford, in for Rachel Cuyler, who belted a two-run home run over the left field fence. And out later, Tara Rulison, in for Jessica Sorenson, homered as well and just like that, the Rockets were up 17-1. Seven-TEEN-to-one. We wonder what Quodite statisticians had as our official win expectancy after the sixth inning. Credit the bench players, as they came up and certainly made the most of their chances in the wild inning.

Kaitlyn Ahearn, meanwhile, was taken out after the sixth inning. Let’s face it, even a Newmanistanian arm can start to tighten up when you are sitting in the dugout for a 6-run inning early, and then a 7-run inning later. Given the team had the game well in hand, Ahearn was given the rest of the night off. In her six innings, she gave up six hits and allowed a lone run, walking one and striking out six. Michelle Harrison came in and pitched the final three innings. She did give up three runs, three runs that would make even the most meaningless of runs in history have looked important. Lou Werrick’s 2-run bomb in the ninth gave Mantwenic fans a moment to at least, forge a half-smile.

Following the game, with a completely wide smile, stood Emperor Michael IV. On the heels of Newmanistan’s highest ever scoring game, he knew here and know that the Empress had indeed approved of the nation being here today, and what a great feeling that was.

[The Babbage Islands]

VIRABIA (BPA) -- The Babbage Islands Bumblebees are off to a quiet start in the 16th World Baseball Classic, winning two of their first three games to minimal press coverage. Management have maintained a tight rein on the players, and ordinary media access has been almost cut off.

After a 9-2 victory yesterday to improve to 2-1, the Bumblebees will be in Virabia to face the third seed in a good test of the current roster's mettle.

[Secristan]

THAT’S HOW YOU BEAT THE TEAM OF A DICTATOR*

Secristan accomplished what Sarzonia could not. A road victory in Michael VII, defeating the dictator’s team by the score of 9-3. You may have heard the big news concerning Sarzonia’s team, and that the pitch thrown by John Morgan hitting “The Crow” Brian Schuster deliberately was his last as a member of the Stars. He was kicked off the team as Sarzonian manager Khalil Dennis obviously took heart to the criticism laid upon him and Morgan by coach John Fusco. Dennis alluded to the fact that their team could not continue a pattern of reckless behavior, right along the lines with the style of play that Fusco said they were becoming known for. Fusco was asked about the move before the game and sent out a warning, “You mess with The Crow, there will be hell to pay. It cost Morgan his job,” before getting serious, “Dennis did what he had to do. I guess he listened to me. It’s his job to have control over his team whether he knew what his pitcher was thinking or not. My words needed to jump start him into action, but he made the right move.” As to whether or not this could mean a more peaceful game when the teams head to Sarzonia, Fusco dissented, “You think the Sarzonian fans are going to forget? One character will be out, but the rest will still be there. I just hope they like Brian play and shows us they can beat us with him in our lineup.”

Brian Schuster was back in the lineup for this game, and took some time to sign autographs for fans behind the bench. He seemed to be winning some of them over as perhaps they heard his comments where he boasted that he was the reason why their team was able to beat Sarzonia in the opener. Though “The Crow” grounded out in his first at-bat, he was comfortable at the plate and showed no after effects of Morgan’s beaning. Without The Crow even needing to come to bat in the second inning, the Millionaires put up four runs in the frame, highlighted by 3-RBI double off the bat of Jose Ortiz. Leading off the third, Schuster showed his talent by placing a double perfectly between the left and centerfielders, and he would eventually score. It was the first of three hits for Brian, who went on to go 3-for-5, the double, a pair of singles, and 2 RBI’s. William Sutliffe had his second home run in the seventh inning, and pitcher Jared Triplett went 8 innings in his debut, striking out a dozen. Various highlights can be purchased on the Secristan Department of Sports’ website. Of the result, spokeswomen Shannon Carner was happy about the ratings, “We caught another residual effect here of the Michael VII win over Sarzonia. Since they were able to do that, our people felt they should check out this game to see some of their players. And I also think the return of Brian to the lineup really helped too. One thing John Morgan did was cheat all of our paying customers for that game who wanted to see our young prodigy play, and I am personally very happy that the idiot was kicked off their team. These factors did help us attain a strong number of purchases for the pay-per-view though. Elated about that.” The Millionaires will be back home to play Virabia and hopefully fans will be able to see Schuster be able to play longer this time.

*- OOC: I take a bit of a liberty here assuming the nation of Michael VII is led by a dictator, but it seems like it would make sense, right?

[Tarrentum]

Tarrentum Falcons Sporting News - LITE
Falcons Fail to Tame the Things

 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
TAR 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 - 5 12 1
QOD 2 0 1 0 0 2 0 3 X - 8 13 1

The Frosty Dome, Quintessence of Dust - When two hosts collide, the winner goes once again to the more internationally-traveled opponent. The Tarrentum Falcons lost their third bid at defeating budding rival Quintessence of Dust "Things." The Things we able to maintain better rallies in the game than the Falcons. While Tarrentum was able to garner 12 hits in the game, the majority (3) being hit by Dessea Vallena-Favella in her run at a second WBC Team MVP, they could not string them together enough to overcome the onslaught of home runs by Sakiko Wakabayashi.

It was hard to say where the Falcons failed but we can once again point to the pitching staff. Wavi had seen enough of starter 'Dizzy' Dazzera in the fifth to put in last year's WBC ace Brodi Jacobo. Jacobo's stint lasted all of a third of an inning as he gave up Wakabayashi's second home run of the game. Jacobo was replaced by the beloved Juliana Italiana who last a full two innings (being relieved after a third of inning in the bottom of the eighth after loading the bases and surrending a run). Wavi went back to the well and brought in Tim Sutton who has had a rocky WBC to say the least. Sutton was okay in his third consecutive relief appearance but gave up a 2-RBI single before inducing an inning-ending double play.

The Falcons have some soul searching to do for sure. It can be that the Tarrentum Sports Committee and the IBL should rethink their strategy of starting pitchers holding relief spots on the National Team roster. While call-ups can occur during the tournament it is tough to say if Wavi will go about this route to bring in true relievers to the squad.

The Falcons get no rest as they go up against another top-dog in Delaclava back in the friendly confines of Krozile State Ballpark tonight. Expect an interesting match-up.
-Michealan Gardini

[Daemonheart]

the Dæmonheart Dæmons: the Sport Report

OOC: Sorry, I forgot to RP.

IC:

Game 1 Scores: 123 456 789 - final scores
Newmanistan 103 020 201 - 9
Dæmonheart 000 001 000 - 1

The Dæmonheart Dæmons have been taking a DOWNFALL in the past two games, losing horribly. When the coach, "Flamer" Patterson, was asked about this, he said:

These men are the country's FINEST. I have no idea why my (expletive) team is losing. They just have pretty good teams. I have no further comment on this subject.

Highlights of Game 1:

In this horrid example of baseball, our only point was scored by our first baseman...(I cannot remember his name).

[Tarrentum]

Matchday 4 Cutoff!!

Scores shortly

[Tarrentum]

MegOil Group

Iron Coast            000 100 000 00 - 1
Bodegraven            000 000 100 01 - 2


Grantanata            000 201 102 - 6
New High Charity 24   000 000 002 - 2


Quintessence of Dust  110 212 000 - 7
Sibirsky              000 000 230 - 5


Delaclava             010 000 003 - 4
Tarrentum             004 101 00X - 6

Yuppers FoodBrands Group

Conservants           120 014 010 - 9
Gracelona             100 000 000 - 1


Bergnovinaia          101 300 100 - 6
Cosumar               000 100 100 - 2


Cassadaigua           100 120 020 - 6
Teinohikira           000 110 100 - 3


Milchama              400 200 100 - 7
Lycrabon              341 000 00X - 8

Modi-Cube One Group

Navarrone             001 100 010 - 3
City of Norfolk       001 011 002 - 5


Churchma              002 002 000 2 - 6
Cotdelapoms           000 040 000 0 - 4


Zwangzug              001 110 000 - 3
Saint Haden           010 001 000 - 2


Qazox                 200 104 011 - 9
Western cuba          101 211 100 - 7

McSquiggie's Group

Manticore Reborn      200 110 010 - 5
Evandonia             100 301 60X - 11


Sakurakoku            102 101 301 - 9
Peace Republic        400 010 010 - 6


Tocrowkia             140 011 000 - 7
Tentalon              001 021 000 - 4


The Babbage Islands   001 100 020 2 - 6
Virabia               201 010 000 0 - 4

MercantileBancshares Group

Daemonheart           100 010 120 - 5
Castigonia            011 000 000 - 2


Pacific_a             000 020 102 - 5
Mossulia              200 111 03X - 8


Newmanistan           102 020 000 - 5
Taffy 3               000 012 010 - 4


Yafor 2               012 000 000 - 3
Mantwenic             000 000 14X - 5

BergBucks Group

Michael VII           000 000 120 - 3
Elemanu               000 204 00X - 6


Voltronica            010 000 000 - 1
Frelassio             101 000 00X - 2


Sarzonia              100 100 010 00 - 3
Silver Beach          000 200 010 01 - 4


Secristan             100 100 004 100 0 - 7
Allamunnic States     101 100 012 100 3 - 10

[Daemonheart]

the Dæmonheart Dæmons Sport Report: BREAKING NEWS

We have FINALLY won a game, 5-2, in Matchday 3. That is all.

*crowd goes wild for Dæmonheart, even chanting, "DÆ-MON-HEART! DÆ-MON-HEART!"*

[Tarrentum]

HOST POST
No RP Bonus

Tables and Standings

Tie-breaker Criteria:
1. Overall Record (winning percentage)
2. Head-to-Head Record
3. Total Run Differential
4. Average Runs Scored Per Game
5. Coin Flip


MegOil Group

Nation	Wins	Losses	Pct.	TR Diff.	Total Runs	Total Runs Allowed	AR/G
Quintessence of Dust	4	0	1.000	13	27	14	6.75
Grantanata	3	1	.750	5	21	16	3.25
Bodegraven	3	1	.750	4	14	10	3.5
Iron Coast	2	2	.500	-1	15	16	3.75
New High Charity 24	2	2	.500	-1	18	19	4.5
Tarrentum	2	2	.500	-3	21	24	5.25
Sibirsky	0	4	.000	-7	12	19	3
Delaclava	0	4	.000	-10	13	23	3.25

• Iron Coast over NHC 24 on H2H

---

Yuppers FoodBrands Group

Nation	Wins	Losses	Pct.	TR Diff.	Total Runs	Total Runs Allowed	AR/G
Cassadaigua	3	1	.750	1	19	18	4.75
Cosumar	2	2	.500	3	27	24	6.75
Teinohikira	2	2	.500	3	24	21	6
Milchama	2	2	.500	3	18	15	4.5
Lycrabon	2	2	.500	0	24	24	6
Conservants	2	2	.500	-6	11	17	2.75
Gracelona	2	2	.500	-7	18	25	4.5
Bergnovinaia	1	3	.250	-7	20	27	5

• See Discussion on Standings

---

Modi-Cube One Group

Nation	Wins	Losses	Pct.	TR Diff.	Total Runs	Total Runs Allowed	AR/G
Western cuba	3	1	.750	6	29	23	7.25
Zwangzug	3	1	.750	2	22	20	5.5
Churchma	3	1	.750	1	21	20	5.25
City of Norfolk	2	2	.500	2	21	19	5.25
Qazox	2	2	.500	-1	26	27	6.5
Navarrone	1	3	.250	-4	19	23	4.75
Cotdelapoms	1	3	.250	-1	24	25	6
Saint Haden	1	3	.250	-2	18	20	4.5

• Navarrone over Cotdelapoms on H2H

---

McSquiggie's Group

Nation	Wins	Losses	Pct.	TR Diff.	Total Runs	Total Runs Allowed	AR/G
Tocrowkia	3	1	.750	5	23	18	5.75
The Babbage Islands	3	1	.750	9	22	13	5.5
Peace Republic	3	1	.750	0	20	20	5
Evandonia	2	2	.500	6	21	15	5.25
Sakurakoku	2	2	.500	1	19	18	4.75
Tentalon	1	3	.250	-3	14	17	3.5
Virabia	1	3	.250	-6	15	21	3.75
Manticore Reborn	1	3	.250	-11	20	31	5

• Tocrowkia over The Babbage Islands on H2H

---

MercantileBancshares Group

Nation	Wins	Losses	Pct.	TR Diff.	Total Runs	Total Runs Allowed	AR/G
Newmanistan	4	0	1.000	23	37	14	9.25
Mossulia	4	0	1.000	11	25	14	6.25
Pacific_a	3	1	.750	9	31	22	7.75
Yafor 2	1	3	.250	1	25	24	6.25
Castigonia	1	3	.250	-5	15	20	3.75
Taffy 3	1	3	.250	-8	14	22	3.5
Daemonheart	1	3	.250	-13	10	23	2.5
Mantwenic	1	3	.250	-18	16	34	4

• See Discussion on Standings

---

BergBucks Group

Nation	Wins	Losses	Pct.	TR Diff.	Total Runs	Total Runs Allowed	AR/G
Frelassio	4	0	1.000	15	27	12	6.75
Elemanu	3	1	.750	6	22	16	5.5
Sarzonia	2	2	.500	0	24	24	6
Secristan	2	2	.500	7	34	27	8.5
Voltronica	2	2	.500	1	20	19	5
Silver Beach	1	3	.250	-9	19	28	4.75
Allamunnic States	1	3	.250	-9	20	29	5
Michael VII	1	3	.250	-11	16	27	4

• Sarzonia over Secristan on H2H