World Baseball Classic 40- IC Thread (Finals G6 Posted)

[Hicanans in Exile]

Alea iacta est - Part III

"That was awful. We can't play like that late in the game. Four and five doesn't sound awful, but we're already two games out of the playoffs" Alex Cameron said to the team after their three-two loss to Tenburg. They hadn't looked bad against the newcomers, but had choked late to give up the go-ahead run. He was very disappointed. What use was it beating the likes of Ethane (although they'd admittedly been carried by an unbelievable Erik Sepulveda performance) if they couldn't take care of business against Tenburg? Talented as the newcomers were, they were still unranked. The Phoenixes needed to do better.

Este era horrible. No podemos jugar así en el fin del juego. Cuatro y cinco no suena mal, pero ya somos dos juegos fuera de los playoffs, Hansel Ordoñez translated. This was new - before his arrival, Cameron would try to speak to the players in Spanish - he wasn't great, but he could give a pep talk. Ordoñez was much smoother, though. He hated to give the man who could be his replacement any extra power, but translation couldn't hurt.

Alex Cameron didn't know it, but translation could hurt. The players' sympathies were already beginning to shift to the assistant manager, who'd been spending all of his time at their side. Cameron, for all his tactical strength, was rather distant in his new role as Phoenixes manager, and it was beginning to show. But Cameron did have one thing going for him. He was perceived, within the HBA and outside of the HBA, as clashing with Wesley Jimenez. And the government had already taken advantage of this. It would buy him some more time to deal with Ordoñez and his roster. But he'd still have a lot to deal with.

De: José Velasquez <jvelasquez@hicaña.gov>
A: La Asociación de Beísbol Hicaño (mailing list)
Subj: Desarrollos Nuevos
---
translated from Hicañan into English:
To my new organization,

My name is José Velasquez. I am a high-ranking official within the Hicañan Intelligence Agency. Some of you may also recognize me as a former baseball player for the Hicañan national team. Due to an ongoing corruption probe within your organization, Mr. Wesley Jimenez has been temporarily relieved of his duties. However, day-to-day operations for the majority of you (if you don't know, you probably are part of this group) will remain the same, and there will be nothing to worry about.

Thank you for your time, and I look forwards to working with you -

José Velasquez

[Tenburg]

Lynch Comes Alive, Tenburg Blows Out No.3 Ethane, improve to 5-4


The third leg saw Tenburg getting back above .500 with two wins of three, including a blowout 6-1 win over the third-ranked Ethane. RF Jack Lynch, fresh off a 10,000-credit fine for cursing out an umpire, ripped through all three games, with three home runs and seven RBIs.

Despite losing the first game in Elgenstad, Lynch showed his new-found ferocity early, batting in Dermot Canavan after fouling four straight pitches. The team would lose the game 4-3.

Lynch continued his hot play the next game against Hicana in Tallow, scoring all three of the team’s runs in the winning effort, with a two-run homer in the bottom of the 1st and another solo run in the bottom of the 8th.

His finest moment came in the top of the 3rd in Ethane, hitting a three-run shot in the top of the third to begin the blowout, as the one run scored by Ethane in the bottom of the 2nd would be the only they managed.

Next game sees the Metros host the Land of Land in Tallow. Liam Mahone will get the start.

[West Phoencia]

The Confederates struck back in their latest 3 matches to regain the number one spot in there grouping.

On match day 7 The Confederates continued to dominate the Equestrian States winning the game 6-2.

On match day 8 came up against Bongo Johnson winning 3-0.

On match day 9 The Confederates played off against -Anthor- beating them 6-4.

Head Coach Mary Zomdonia has praised the hard effort of the Confederates. "The pre-season training program i demand blood, sweat and tears and they gave me all three. They need to keep progressing to the top 16 but to also keep in mind to take each game as it comes. The Confederates usually play better when they are catching up. At the top of their grouping they will need to keep calm and not expect to rest on their laurels."

Mary Zomdonia has also sparked some controversy citing the need for a seperate baseball tournaments for men and women otherwise it places some teams at a disadvantage.

[The Derpy Democratic Republic Of Herp]

TDDROH Sports chat

Still retaining control.

Somersville            2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  3
Scootalove City        0 0 1 0 0 1 1 2 X  5

Scootalove City        0 1 2 0 0 0 2 0 0  5
-Anthor-               4 0 0 5 0 0 1 0 X 10

Equestrian States      0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0  2
Scootalove City        0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 X  3



  Group 1               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 West Phoencia           9    6   3    41   30  +11    18
2 Scootalove City         9    6   3    37   31   +6    18
3 Bongo Johnson           9    5   4    30   23   +7    15
4 -Anthor-                9    5   4    39   38   +1    15
5 Somersville             9    3   6    29   39  −10     9
6 Equestrian States       9    2   7    28   43  −15     6

Retaining control with 18 points puts us in a tie with West Phoencia for first place.

Winning Two games out of Three is what we should be aiming for, no more, no less.

This season seems to be making a lot of profit, the stadium seems to be packed every single day.

[Zwangzug]

(OOC: I'll be on the road the next few days. RPing might be sparse or it might continue unabated, who even knows.)

"...Jessica from Shorn, I don't mean to judge, but are you perhaps a newcomer to this country? Though of course I hardly expect native-born citizens either to have a rousing grasp of history, happy is the nation that has none and all that, I would have thought it perhaps more common knowledge that Zwangzug is by no means a 'union' of political entities that predated it. As...well, perhaps it falls to me in this format to inform you, the districts do have some devolved power, but they were created by the statewide government, in some cases deliberately cross-cutting preexisting cultural boundaries to subtly inforce a message that political power flowed from the authority of the central government, not local forces. Therefore, it would be imprecise to refer to it as 'republics,' plural, but merely a singular republic with some delegated authority to the district-level offices. I know this is nitpicky, but please, you can't expect a longtime member of the National Socialist Grammarian Writers' party to do anything else! Now, about that 'socialist,' per se, the country's political direction has almost always been more de facto left-wing than de jure; that is to say, while various parties have coalesced around a consensus of providing a safety net for those in need, for their own varied reasons, it was not a defining feature of the original state, and many factions would still claim that they prioritize equality of opportunity over equality of outcome, notwithstanding the high tax rates reached in an effort to fund worthwhile administrative programs. Finally, as regards 'alpine' terrain, I concede that our geography is certainly mountainous, particularly in the Rackham Range area where many altitudes exceed the waste line and make tree growth impassable. Thus, your characterization of Zwangzug as 'itself a union of socialist alpine republics, lol' is quite limited, but I hope this has been informative.

Sadly I appear to have lost my train of thought, but what a marvelously high-tech stadium this is, with so many resources to help me keep my scorecard up to date! It appears that Willow has set down the side in order, with McNeill grounding to Rezzio at third, Riefenhauser flying to Brions in right, and Murphy fouling out to the catcher Fleuggemann. And while I won't speak too soon, the Zebras still appear to be well on their way to another important upset..."

[Newmanistan]

THE ROCKET REPORT

THIS IS MORE LIKE IT

by Brianne Henry,


After nine games, the Rockets are sitting pretty on top of their qualifying group. This is a statement that would be commonplace in our glory days, as it was rare that Newmanistan would ever not win a group, or at least be in the top two. Our fans of old were spoiled, and got used to seeing our name on top of the table, and not really thinking anything of it. It was expected.

Returning to the World Baseball Classic was never going to be easy. No one, who was being far, would have expected them to be dominant in the 38th Classic, but they were supposed to be better last time out. In the long run, they did eventually win their group, but it was thanks to a stellar second half that atoned for a disappointing first half. It was a group win, but there was no sense of us dominating anything. Newmanistan was then routinely disposed of in the playoffs, and our fans were left with a very empty feeling. Over the off-season, we talked often about how this team was no longer going to accept anything but a championship, but let’s face it, those are words that are said by almost anyone, and it is a lot harder to execute.

Eight and one.
Three game lead over second.
We thought only our parents or grandparents would know the feeling.


With this start, Newmanistan is one of two 8-1 teams in qualifying, and the other also boasts four championships on their resume, the great Schiltzberg. Both teams chase 9-0 Super-Llamaland, the only undefeated team right now. Putting Newmanistan and Schiltzberg up against each other by tiebreakers, Schiltzberg would have it by, wait for it, one stinking run. Putting aside that one run for a second, because the purpose of the statement is to show how high Newmanistan is in this thing right now and not to start comparing us to Schiltzberg (but that time may be coming!). They are rolling, and you know, you got to love how they are doing it too. While they have been scoring, they are tied with the undefeated Tigers for allowing the fewest runs in qualifying. Just 18 runs have been scored against Newmanistan through nine games. That is also a very old-school number for us. Courtney Duvall has been a big part, but just one part. She has kept the Union of Socialist Alpine Republics at bay, topping them twice, with her most recent effort a complete game with just two runs allowed. Putting all the numbers together, against the #6-ranked team in the world, Duvall has pitched 18 innings, and allowed 3 runs (all earned). Stepping it up, just like we expect, but really, everyone in the rotation has been dynamite.

Even the loss, which was also old school, since it was to Zwangzug, was a well-pitched effort by the team, as they were downed 2-1 by the Zebras. Zwangzug being in our group is going to continue to be fun, because really outside of our first couple Classics, it’s never even been possible for us to be groupmates. The next game will be the Rockets first trip to Zwangzug in a very long time, and all of the team is excited. Coach Ashley Stevens stated, “We are there for a reason, but it’s definitely exciting to go to a place we have heard about and have had great history against, as they have had against us. We must keep our focus, but it’s a nice place to visit, for sure.”

[Super-Llamaland]

ooc: using Cosumar's WBC37 roster, the most recent one they've posted

Natalie Wu was not having a very good first inning. One could argue that what she'd thrown at Archibald Spedden, Cosumar's leadoff man, had made for her worst plate appearance of her career. Fastball way outside, slider way outside, changeup nearly over Spedden's head, and a fourth fastball nearly lodging itself in Spedden's elbow.

Things hadn't gone so well against Ash Syndulla, either. Once again, she'd started the Cosumarite off with three straight balls, none of which were remotely close to the strike zone. A Sofia Rasmussen mound visit later ("the f***'s the matter with you?, Natalie"), she'd managed to fight back to a full count. Her tenth pitch of the night was a beautiful fastball on the outside edge. Syndulla barely got her bat on it in time, sliced a weak pop-fly into right field, and...found herself safe on first base, having hit the ball a few feet out of Russo's reach. Runners on the corners, nobody out.

Next up was the third baseman, Leonard Andrews. One of the Dragons' biggest threats on offense, and not slow on the basepaths either. A complete hitter that Natalie would have to pitch to very carefully. Pitching very carefully to anyone wasn't really something Natalie was capable of at the moment, but she didn't have another option.

First pitch would be a...fastball, Sofia Rasmussen signalled. The rookie pitcher didn't really have a reason to go against that call, so she went for it. Rasmussen set up slightly outside. Natalie Wu fired, then immediately winced as the ball cut back inside. Andrews, had he swung, could've pulled a two-run double down the line, wiping out the Tigers' lead. Instead, he watched the 93-mph fastball sail by. A solid result, even if the execution left Rasmussen shaking her head.

Rasmussen signalled for a slider. Wu bore down and delivered. A shade low, but Andrews went for it, bouncing a potential double-play ball just foul. 0 and 2. She was still a little shaky, but in a good position now. Rasmussen wanted a high fastball. That was definitely something she could execute. Natalie reached back and fired. Andrews chased again, but made solid contact this time, grounding it hard up the middle.

Natalie Wu reached out for the ball, but it was a few inches too high. She turned and watched as Markus Wright dove and gloved it, then she flung herself to the ground as Wright stepped on second and fired home as hard as he could. Spedden, having thought that he'd easily score on a single, barrelled home. The throw barely beat him, and he flung himself at Sofia Rasmussen, hoping the force would knock the ball loose. Rasmussen was made of sterner stuff, though, holding on for a...6-2 double play. Whatever worked.

Sandström, the cleanup hitter, struck out on three pitches. Seven innings later, all eight of Cosumar's batters had joined him. Things were looking up.

[Tenburg]

Home vs. Hicaña, Bottom 4, 1 Out

"Foul!" the umpire called behind Jack's head as he hammered the fastball behind the first base dugout, which was promptly fought over by about forty fans.

"No shit sir," Jack said, rather casually, getting laughs from nearby fans within earshot.

The crowd was a lot louder than the stadium could hold, as every move was being watched by nearly 30,000 people in giant mobs near the stadium. Some had even climbed up on part of the outer fence and nearby trees to see the game.

"Hey, don't get smart with me, fella," the Tennish umpire quipped. "I know your game."

"Eh, I know yours too. Ye lot should do it better." Jack remembered what his wife said, and quit while he was ahead, lifting his bat.

Gabriel Arroy0, who was doing a lot better this time than last, began commiserating with Yannick Hechavarria over their next pitch, and, having seemingly agreed on something, went into his stance. Jack slowed his breath, waiting for the throw. As it came, Jack took a swing, making contact. He heard a shattering sound, and everyone at the plate turned around to find a camera had been completely destroyed.

Jack and the Hicañan catcher shared a laugh.

"Glad that doesn't come out of our paychecks," Hechavarria said as he turned back around.

"Yea, really. Already blew enough money this week." He raised the bat.

The third pitch came quickly, but nowhere near where Jack could hit it. It didn't even come over the plate.

"Strike three!" the ump called.

Bullshit.
Bullshit!

Jack threw his bat down, face as red a fire truck, and was just about to throttle the guy when he heard the stadium's reaction. A horrid shower of boos hammered down on the three at the plate, which steadily turned into a chant of "Bullshit! Bullshit!"

Jack realized he didn't have to waste his energy, remembering again what Vivian told him. He'd let the fans lose their minds on the ump this time.

As he strolled bac toward the dugout, his ears were vibrating as ten thousand Tennish fans--not even counting the ones outside--did something similar to a tomahawk chop at the umpire, shout "BULL-SHIT! BULL-SHIT! BULL-SHIT! BULL-SHIT!"

[Darmen]

2036 Batter-Up! Baseball League of Darmen: Weeks 16-18

Eau Claire Barons 10–2 Brady City Braves
Eau Claire Barons 6–3 Brady City Braves
Eau Claire Barons 13–0 Brady City Braves
Eau Claire Barons 4–0 Brady City Braves

Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks 0–3 Tilden Islanders
Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks 6–14 Tilden Islanders
Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks 4–3 Tilden Islanders
Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks 3–8 Tilden Islanders

Hallie Eagles 6–0 Liverpool Mustangs
Hallie Eagles 4–5 Liverpool Mustangs
Hallie Eagles 0–12 Liverpool Mustangs
Hallie Eagles 3–1 Liverpool Mustangs

Darmen City White Sox 6–3 Jim Falls Sturgeons
Darmen City White Sox 10–0 Jim Falls Sturgeons
Darmen City White Sox 6–5 Jim Falls Sturgeons
Darmen City White Sox 10–2 Jim Falls Sturgeons

Augusta Athletics 5–1 Stanley Loggers
Augusta Athletics 20–2 Stanley Loggers
Augusta Athletics 3–1 Stanley Loggers
Augusta Athletics 2–4 Stanley Loggers

Royal BC 3–0 Menomonie Eagles
Royal BC 6–3 Menomonie Eagles
Royal BC 7–2 Menomonie Eagles
Royal BC 6–3 Menomonie Eagles

Scott City Blue Jays 13–4 Tim City Athletics
Scott City Blue Jays 5–0 Tim City Athletics
Scott City Blue Jays 7–2 Tim City Athletics
Scott City Blue Jays 9–2 Tim City Athletics

Bloomer Woodticks 0–8 Cadott Red Sox
Bloomer Woodticks 4–1 Cadott Red Sox
Bloomer Woodticks 3–7 Cadott Red Sox
Bloomer Woodticks 1–4 Cadott Red Sox

Brady City Braves 4–3 Jim Falls Sturgeons
Brady City Braves 8–6 Jim Falls Sturgeons
Brady City Braves 4–2 Jim Falls Sturgeons
Brady City Braves 0–7 Jim Falls Sturgeons

Liverpool Mustangs 2–7 Darmen City White Sox
Liverpool Mustangs 3–4 Darmen City White Sox
Liverpool Mustangs 1–3 Darmen City White Sox
Liverpool Mustangs 6–4 Darmen City White Sox

Tilden Islanders 3–2 Hallie Eagles
Tilden Islanders 6–4 Hallie Eagles
Tilden Islanders 2–0 Hallie Eagles
Tilden Islanders 10–6 Hallie Eagles

Eau Claire Barons 5–3 Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks
Eau Claire Barons 4–0 Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks
Eau Claire Barons 10–0 Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks
Eau Claire Barons 9–0 Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks

Stanley Loggers 7–4 Cadott Red Sox
Stanley Loggers 5–0 Cadott Red Sox
Stanley Loggers 0–3 Cadott Red Sox
Stanley Loggers 6–1 Cadott Red Sox

Tim City Athletics 4–5 Bloomer Woodticks
Tim City Athletics 9–2 Bloomer Woodticks
Tim City Athletics 2–3 Bloomer Woodticks
Tim City Athletics 3–4 Bloomer Woodticks

Menomonie Eagles 2–5 Scott City Blue Jays
Menomonie Eagles 3–7 Scott City Blue Jays
Menomonie Eagles 1–6 Scott City Blue Jays
Menomonie Eagles 6–9 Scott City Blue Jays

Augusta Athletics 4–7 Royal BC
Augusta Athletics 2–4 Royal BC
Augusta Athletics 2–6 Royal BC
Augusta Athletics 3–6 Royal BC

Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks 1–7 Brady City Braves
Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks 4–5 Brady City Braves
Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks 4–0 Brady City Braves
Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks 5–1 Brady City Braves

Hallie Eagles 0–2 Eau Claire Barons
Hallie Eagles 3–8 Eau Claire Barons
Hallie Eagles 0–2 Eau Claire Barons
Hallie Eagles 3–7 Eau Claire Barons

Darmen City White Sox 0–8 Tilden Islanders
Darmen City White Sox 4–3 Tilden Islanders
Darmen City White Sox 1–6 Tilden Islanders
Darmen City White Sox 1–4 Tilden Islanders

Jim Falls Sturgeons 2–4 Liverpool Mustangs
Jim Falls Sturgeons 16–2 Liverpool Mustangs
Jim Falls Sturgeons 2–3 Liverpool Mustangs
Jim Falls Sturgeons 3–6 Liverpool Mustangs

Royal BC 6–1 Stanley Loggers
Royal BC 6–5 Stanley Loggers
Royal BC 1–0 Stanley Loggers
Royal BC 7–6 Stanley Loggers

Scott City Blue Jays 0–1 Augusta Athletics
Scott City Blue Jays 10–0 Augusta Athletics
Scott City Blue Jays 4–1 Augusta Athletics
Scott City Blue Jays 4–3 Augusta Athletics

Bloomer Woodticks 3–5 Menomonie Eagles
Bloomer Woodticks 6–3 Menomonie Eagles
Bloomer Woodticks 0–6 Menomonie Eagles
Bloomer Woodticks 0–15 Menomonie Eagles

Cadott Red Sox 3–2 Tim City Athletics
Cadott Red Sox 9–4 Tim City Athletics
Cadott Red Sox 7–19 Tim City Athletics
Cadott Red Sox 5–3 Tim City Athletics

Brady City Braves 5–1 Liverpool Mustangs
Brady City Braves 5–6 Liverpool Mustangs
Brady City Braves 3–1 Liverpool Mustangs
Brady City Braves 5–1 Liverpool Mustangs

Tilden Islanders 7–0 Jim Falls Sturgeons
Tilden Islanders 3–1 Jim Falls Sturgeons
Tilden Islanders 8–5 Jim Falls Sturgeons
Tilden Islanders 7–2 Jim Falls Sturgeons

Eau Claire Barons 7–1 Darmen City White Sox
Eau Claire Barons 4–2 Darmen City White Sox
Eau Claire Barons 5–2 Darmen City White Sox
Eau Claire Barons 21–2 Darmen City White Sox

Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks 8–2 Hallie Eagles
Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks 3–4 Hallie Eagles
Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks 10–2 Hallie Eagles
Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks 5–9 Hallie Eagles

Stanley Loggers 0–7 Tim City Athletics
Stanley Loggers 4–2 Tim City Athletics
Stanley Loggers 2–9 Tim City Athletics
Stanley Loggers 0–4 Tim City Athletics

Menomonie Eagles 5–4 Cadott Red Sox
Menomonie Eagles 6–0 Cadott Red Sox
Menomonie Eagles 7–4 Cadott Red Sox
Menomonie Eagles 8–5 Cadott Red Sox

Augusta Athletics 15–4 Bloomer Woodticks
Augusta Athletics 6–1 Bloomer Woodticks
Augusta Athletics 7–2 Bloomer Woodticks
Augusta Athletics 9–3 Bloomer Woodticks

Royal BC 3–8 Scott City Blue Jays
Royal BC 4–6 Scott City Blue Jays
Royal BC 0–2 Scott City Blue Jays
Royal BC 0–7 Scott City Blue Jays

Northern League               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %
1 Eau Claire Barons           106  100   6   822  164 +658    0.943
2 Tilden Islanders            106   72  34   497  296 +201    0.679
3 Chippewa Falls Lumberjacks  106   59  47   428  399  +29    0.557
4 Brady City Braves           106   47  59   334  484 −150    0.443
5 Hallie Eagles               106   42  64   363  510 −147    0.396
6 Darmen City White Sox       106   34  72   292  521 −229    0.321
7 Liverpool Mustangs          106   33  73   331  549 −218    0.311
8 Jim Falls Sturgeons         106   30  76   337  523 −186    0.283

Southern League               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD    Win %
1 Scott City Blue Jays        106   99   7   727  175 +552    0.934
2 Royal BC                    106   79  27   497  317 +180    0.745
3 Augusta Athletics           106   65  41   496  353 +143    0.613
4 Menomonie Eagles            106   64  42   457  399  +58    0.604
5 Tim City Athletics          106   40  66   364  446  −82    0.377
6 Stanley Loggers             106   31  75   254  505 −251    0.292
7 Bloomer Woodticks           106   29  77   261  540 −279    0.274
8 Cadott Red Sox              106   24  82   279  558 −279    0.226

BU!BL announces two expansion franchises for 2037 Season
Eau Claire Rivermen and Rogerton Stars to join league

Commissioner of the Batter-Up! Baseball League of Darmen, Frank Richardson, made an announcement Saturday morning providing an insight into what the 2037 season will bring to Darmeni baseball fans. That announcement included news about the addition of two new teams to the league, the Eau Claire Rivermen and the Rogerton Stars.

The Eau Claire Rivermen will be owned by a group led by Anderson Alberts, owner of a local chain of sports gear stores, Alberts' Sport Shopes, and will serve as the new cross town rivals to the Eau Claire Barons. Eau Claire, which previously hosted three teams in the days of the Darmeni Baseball Federation, will now join Scott City as the only city with multiple teams. The Rogerton Stars meanwhile, represent the first inroads of Baseball into the Spanish speaking southeast of Darmen. The team will be publicly owned by fans of the team, with shares expected to be put up for sale at $50 each.

With the league now expanding to 18 member clubs, the format of the competition may be changing after only a single season. Commissioner Richardson avoided answering questions regarding the league's format, specifically whether there would remain a Northern League and Southern League of nine teams each, or a three division format with each division having six teams. Either format would provide relative stability in terms of the number of games each team plays over the course of the season.

Whatever the format of the 2037 season, the two new teams will certainly provide additional entertainment to the numerous Baseball fans throughout the country.

Other Headlines

• Lucius Cokes hits 49th Home Run of season
• Northern League title contest narrowed down to Barons and Islanders
• Q&A with Anderson Alberts: "We'll win the league in our first season!"

[Cassadaigua]

Matchday 10:

Group 1
Scootalove City        1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0  4
West Phoencia          0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 1  5

-Anthor-               0 2 1 0 0 2 0 1 0  6
Somersville            0 0 4 0 4 0 0 0 X  8

Bongo Johnson          1 1 0 0 1 2 1 0 1  7
Equestrian States      0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0  1


  Group 1               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 West Phoencia          10    7   3    46   34  +12    21
2 Bongo Johnson          10    6   4    37   24  +13    18
3 Scootalove City        10    6   4    41   36   +5    18
4 -Anthor-               10    5   5    45   46   −1    15
5 Somersville            10    4   6    37   45   −8    12
6 Equestrian States      10    2   8    29   50  −21     6


Group 2
Mampris                       1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0  3
Fauxia                        0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 X  4

Nova Anglicana                3 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0  6
United States of Devonta      0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 1  4

Vermont Of America            1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1  4
Cassadaigua                   0 0 0 3 0 0 0 2 X  5


  Group 2                      Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Nova Anglicana                10    8   2    59   41  +18    24
2 Cassadaigua                   10    8   2    52   38  +14    24
3 Fauxia                        10    5   5    39   50  −11    15
4 Vermont Of America            10    4   6    40   35   +5    12
5 Mampris                       10    3   7    32   36   −4     9
6 United States of Devonta      10    2   8    29   51  −22     6


Group 3
Nagore                   2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  3
Siroy                    0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0  2

West Saintland           0 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0  4
Ko-oren                  0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1  2

The Lone Star Union      0 0 1 3 0 2 0 0 0  6
Frenline Delpha          0 0 2 0 0 1 4 3 X 10


  Group 3                 Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 West Saintland           10    7   3    44   27  +17    21
2 Frenline Delpha          10    6   4    40   34   +6    18
3 Nagore                   10    5   5    43   41   +2    15
4 Siroy                    10    5   5    45   48   −3    15
5 Ko-oren                  10    4   6    33   46  −13    12
6 The Lone Star Union      10    3   7    44   53   −9     9


Group 4
Cheongji               0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 1  4
Ovskovyk               0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0  1

Schiltzberg            2 0 2 2 0 0 2 1 0  9
Free Republics         0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0  2

Drawkland              0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
New Danican            1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 X  3


  Group 4               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Schiltzberg            10    9   1    62   23  +39    27
2 Free Republics         10    6   4    44   40   +4    18
3 New Danican            10    5   5    47   43   +4    15
4 Drawkland              10    4   6    34   37   −3    12
5 Cheongji               10    4   6    33   49  −16    12
6 Ovskovyk               10    2   8    37   65  −28     6


Group 5
Union of Socialist Alpine Republics      0 2 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 3  9
Sandberg                                 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 3 0  6

Karamiko                                 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2  7
Gim                                      1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0  5

Newmanistan                              1 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 0  5
Zwangzug                                 0 1 0 0 0 0 7 1 X  9


  Group 5                                 Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Newmanistan                              10    8   2    54   27  +27    24
2 Karamiko                                 10    6   4    47   38   +9    18
3 Union of Socialist Alpine Republics      10    6   4    52   45   +7    18
4 Zwangzug                                 10    6   4    40   38   +2    18
5 Sandberg                                 10    3   7    42   53  −11     9
6 Gim                                      10    1   9    32   66  −34     3


Group 6
Maklohi Vai            0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0  2
Tainese                0 0 1 0 0 3 0 0 X  4

Mount Pleasant         0 3 0 0 2 0 0 0 1  6
Novostela              0 1 0 0 1 3 0 0 0  5

Darmen                 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0  5
Gregoryisgodistan      0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  1


  Group 6               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Mount Pleasant         10    7   3    46   38   +8    21
2 Maklohi Vai            10    6   4    52   35  +17    18
3 Darmen                 10    6   4    41   42   −1    18
4 Tainese                10    6   4    37   38   −1    18
5 Gregoryisgodistan      10    3   7    34   46  −12     9
6 Novostela              10    2   8    34   45  −11     6


Group 7
Lisander               0 3 1 0 0 0 0 1 2  7
Hothnia                0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0  3

Empire of Cats         3 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0  5
Super-Llamaland        0 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 0  4

Cosumar                0 1 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0  5
Abanhfleft             0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 1 3  8


  Group 7               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Super-Llamaland        10    9   1    61   23  +38    27
2 Abanhfleft             10    5   5    44   42   +2    15
3 Lisander               10    5   5    32   39   −7    15
4 Cosumar                10    5   5    42   54  −12    15
5 Hothnia                10    4   6    42   48   −6    12
6 Empire of Cats         10    2   8    32   47  −15     6


Group 8
The land of Land       0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0  2
Tenburg                1 1 3 1 1 1 0 0 X  8

Ethane                 1 3 1 0 1 4 0 0 3 13
South Yerfilag         1 3 0 5 0 0 0 0 0  9

Hicanans In Exile      0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0  3
Elgenstad              0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0  1


  Group 8               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Ethane                 10    8   2    59   31  +28    24
2 South Yerfilag         10    7   3    52   51   +1    21
3 Tenburg                10    6   4    44   29  +15    18
4 Hicanans In Exile      10    5   5    40   45   −5    15
5 The land of Land       10    3   7    40   58  −18     9
6 Elgenstad              10    1   9    27   48  −21     3

Matchday 11:

Group 1
Bongo Johnson          0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0  1
Scootalove City        0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 X  2

-Anthor-               0 1 1 0 0 2 2 0 0  6
Equestrian States      2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  2

West Phoencia          1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0  2
Somersville            1 2 0 0 0 0 0 6 X  9


  Group 1               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Scootalove City        11    7   4    43   37   +6    21
2 West Phoencia          11    7   4    48   43   +5    21
3 Bongo Johnson          11    6   5    38   26  +12    18
4 -Anthor-               11    6   5    51   48   +3    18
5 Somersville            11    5   6    46   47   −1    15
6 Equestrian States      11    2   9    31   56  −25     6


Group 2
Vermont Of America            1 0 0 0 1 4 0 3 1 10
Mampris                       2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0  4

Nova Anglicana                0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0  2
Cassadaigua                   1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1

Fauxia                        0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0  1
United States of Devonta      1 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 X  4


  Group 2                      Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Nova Anglicana                11    9   2    61   42  +19    27
2 Cassadaigua                   11    8   3    53   40  +13    24
3 Vermont Of America            11    5   6    50   39  +11    15
4 Fauxia                        11    5   6    40   54  −14    15
5 Mampris                       11    3   8    36   46  −10     9
6 United States of Devonta      11    3   8    33   52  −19     9


Group 3
The Lone Star Union      0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0  1
Nagore                   0 2 0 0 1 0 0 2 X  5

West Saintland           0 0 0 0 2 0 3 0 0  5
Frenline Delpha          0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0  1

Siroy                    0 0 1 0 0 2 0 2 0  5
Ko-oren                  2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0  4


  Group 3                 Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 West Saintland           11    8   3    49   28  +21    24
2 Nagore                   11    6   5    48   42   +6    18
3 Frenline Delpha          11    6   5    41   39   +2    18
4 Siroy                    11    6   5    50   52   −2    18
5 Ko-oren                  11    4   7    37   51  −14    12
6 The Lone Star Union      11    3   8    45   58  −13     9


Group 4
Drawkland              0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 1  4
Cheongji               0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0  2

Schiltzberg            0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  1
New Danican            0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 X  2

Ovskovyk               1 2 0 1 2 0 0 2 0  8
Free Republics         0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0  2


  Group 4               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Schiltzberg            11    9   2    63   25  +38    27
2 New Danican            11    6   5    49   44   +5    18
3 Free Republics         11    6   5    46   48   −2    18
4 Drawkland              11    5   6    38   39   −1    15
5 Cheongji               11    4   7    35   53  −18    12
6 Ovskovyk               11    3   8    45   67  −22     9


Group 5
Newmanistan                              0 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 0  4
Union of Socialist Alpine Republics      0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0

Karamiko                                 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2  5
Zwangzug                                 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0  3

Sandberg                                 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 1 0  6
Gim                                      0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0  3


  Group 5                                 Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Newmanistan                              11    9   2    58   27  +31    27
2 Karamiko                                 11    7   4    52   41  +11    21
3 Union of Socialist Alpine Republics      11    6   5    52   49   +3    18
4 Zwangzug                                 11    6   5    43   43    0    18
5 Sandberg                                 11    4   7    48   56   −8    12
6 Gim                                      11    1  10    35   72  −37     3


Group 6
Darmen                 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 1  5
Maklohi Vai            1 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0  4

Mount Pleasant         0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0  2
Gregoryisgodistan      0 0 5 3 3 0 0 0 X 11

Tainese                0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Novostela              0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 X  4


  Group 6               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Darmen                 11    7   4    46   46    0    21
2 Mount Pleasant         11    7   4    48   49   −1    21
3 Maklohi Vai            11    6   5    56   40  +16    18
4 Tainese                11    6   5    37   42   −5    18
5 Gregoryisgodistan      11    4   7    45   48   −3    12
6 Novostela              11    3   8    38   45   −7     9


Group 7
Cosumar                0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0  1
Lisander               0 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 X  4

Empire of Cats         0 0 0 1 0 4 0 0 0  5
Abanhfleft             0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2  3

Hothnia                0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0  2
Super-Llamaland        0 0 0 1 0 0 1 4 X  6


  Group 7               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Super-Llamaland        11   10   1    67   25  +42    30
2 Lisander               11    6   5    36   40   −4    18
3 Abanhfleft             11    5   6    47   47    0    15
4 Cosumar                11    5   6    43   58  −15    15
5 Hothnia                11    4   7    44   54  −10    12
6 Empire of Cats         11    3   8    37   50  −13     9


Group 8
Hicanans In Exile      0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0  3
The land of Land       0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0  2

Ethane                 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0  4
Elgenstad              0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1

Tenburg                0 3 0 7 0 1 4 0 0 15
South Yerfilag         0 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 0  4


  Group 8               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Ethane                 11    9   2    63   32  +31    27
2 Tenburg                11    7   4    59   33  +26    21
3 South Yerfilag         11    7   4    56   66  −10    21
4 Hicanans In Exile      11    6   5    43   47   −4    18
5 The land of Land       11    3   8    42   61  −19     9
6 Elgenstad              11    1  10    28   52  −24     3

Matchday 12:

Group 1
Scootalove City        2 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0  5
Somersville            0 1 0 1 0 5 0 1 X  8

Equestrian States      1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1
West Phoencia          0 0 0 0 5 1 0 1 X  7

Bongo Johnson          0 4 3 0 1 0 0 0 0  8
-Anthor-               0 0 0 2 1 2 0 3 1  9


  Group 1               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 West Phoencia          12    8   4    55   44  +11    24
2 -Anthor-               12    7   5    60   56   +4    21
3 Scootalove City        12    7   5    48   45   +3    21
4 Bongo Johnson          12    6   6    46   35  +11    18
5 Somersville            12    6   6    54   52   +2    18
6 Equestrian States      12    2  10    32   63  −31     6


Group 2
Mampris                       0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0  1
United States of Devonta      5 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 X  6

Cassadaigua                   1 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 1  6
Fauxia                        0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 0  3

Vermont Of America            0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0  2
Nova Anglicana                0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 X  3


  Group 2                      Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Nova Anglicana                12   10   2    64   44  +20    30
2 Cassadaigua                   12    9   3    59   43  +16    27
3 Vermont Of America            12    5   7    52   42  +10    15
4 Fauxia                        12    5   7    43   60  −17    15
5 United States of Devonta      12    4   8    39   53  −14    12
6 Mampris                       12    3   9    37   52  −15     9


Group 3
Nagore                   0 0 1 0 0 1 2 2 0  6
Ko-oren                  0 0 3 0 2 1 0 0 1  7

Frenline Delpha          1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3  5
Siroy                    0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0  3

The Lone Star Union      0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0  2
West Saintland           0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2  4


  Group 3                 Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 West Saintland           12    9   3    53   30  +23    27
2 Frenline Delpha          12    7   5    46   42   +4    21
3 Nagore                   12    6   6    54   49   +5    18
4 Siroy                    12    6   6    53   57   −4    18
5 Ko-oren                  12    5   7    44   57  −13    15
6 The Lone Star Union      12    3   9    47   62  −15     9


Group 4
Cheongji               0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  2
Free Republics         0 0 1 1 0 0 4 0 X  6

New Danican            0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0  1
Ovskovyk               0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 X  3

Drawkland              0 1 0 0 1 0 4 0 1  7
Schiltzberg            1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0  2


  Group 4               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Schiltzberg            12    9   3    65   32  +33    27
2 Free Republics         12    7   5    52   50   +2    21
3 Drawkland              12    6   6    45   41   +4    18
4 New Danican            12    6   6    50   47   +3    18
5 Ovskovyk               12    4   8    48   68  −20    12
6 Cheongji               12    4   8    37   59  −22    12


Group 5
Union of Socialist Alpine Republics      0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0  2
Gim                                      0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0  1

Zwangzug                                 0 3 0 1 0 1 2 0 0  7
Sandberg                                 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 2  5

Newmanistan                              1 0 1 1 0 3 0 0 3  9
Karamiko                                 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0  3


  Group 5                                 Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Newmanistan                              12   10   2    67   30  +37    30
2 Karamiko                                 12    7   5    55   50   +5    21
3 Union of Socialist Alpine Republics      12    7   5    54   50   +4    21
4 Zwangzug                                 12    7   5    50   48   +2    21
5 Sandberg                                 12    4   8    53   63  −10    12
6 Gim                                      12    1  11    36   74  −38     3


Group 6
Maklohi Vai            0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3  4
Novostela              0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0

Gregoryisgodistan      0 0 0 0 2 0 1 3 0  6
Tainese                1 1 1 0 1 1 0 3 X  8

Darmen                 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0  3
Mount Pleasant         1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 X  4


  Group 6               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Mount Pleasant         12    8   4    52   52    0    24
2 Maklohi Vai            12    7   5    60   40  +20    21
3 Darmen                 12    7   5    49   50   −1    21
4 Tainese                12    7   5    45   48   −3    21
5 Gregoryisgodistan      12    4   8    51   56   −5    12
6 Novostela              12    3   9    38   49  −11     9


Group 7
Lisander               0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0  2
Super-Llamaland        1 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 X  5

Abanhfleft             0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Hothnia                0 3 5 2 0 1 0 0 X 11

Cosumar                0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 1  5
Empire of Cats         1 0 0 1 0 6 0 1 X  9


  Group 7               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Super-Llamaland        12   11   1    72   27  +45    33
2 Lisander               12    6   6    38   45   −7    18
3 Hothnia                12    5   7    55   54   +1    15
4 Abanhfleft             12    5   7    47   58  −11    15
5 Cosumar                12    5   7    48   67  −19    15
6 Empire of Cats         12    4   8    46   55   −9    12


Group 8
The land of Land       0 0 0 2 1 0 0 2 0  5
South Yerfilag         0 0 6 0 0 2 1 2 X 11

Elgenstad              0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Tenburg                0 5 0 0 0 0 1 0 X  6

Hicanans In Exile      0 0 5 1 0 2 0 1 4 13
Ethane                 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0  2


  Group 8               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Ethane                 12    9   3    65   45  +20    27
2 Tenburg                12    8   4    65   33  +32    24
3 South Yerfilag         12    8   4    67   71   −4    24
4 Hicanans In Exile      12    7   5    56   49   +7    21
5 The land of Land       12    3   9    47   72  −25     9
6 Elgenstad              12    1  11    28   58  −30     3

[Schiltzberg]

PREDICTIONS FOR WBC 40

(IC this was released at the beginning of the WBC before MD 1)

Once again, it is time for the World Baseball Classic. What will be the result of this season? Who will advance to the round of sixteen? Who will be our final four? Who will be crowned as the WBC champion? In this issue of the New Schiltzbierg Times Sports News, we will make our predictions for how this season will go.

Preliminary Round

Teams expected to advance are noted in green.

Group 1:
Bongo Johnson (UR)
-Anthor- (18)
West Phoencia (8)
Somersville (UR)
Equestrian States (UR)
Scootalove City (21)

This is an interesting group, featuring three unranked teams, but one of them, Equestrian States, has been a part of the WBC before, and they simply have lost their rank from not participating in several seasons. Chances are, the unranked teams will fail, and two of the three ranked teams will advance. Last season, Scootalove City had a disappointing preliminary round exit, but we expect them to advance this time, because they seem eager as ever to win, and now with two seasons under their belt, they have a lot more experience and rank bonus. For the second one to advance, it has to be West Phoencia. They made it to the semifinals last season, and they likely will at least advance to the playoffs this time, even if they do not have as much luck as last time around. -Anthor- is a good team, but ultimately only two teams can advance, and we do not foresee them making the cut.

Group 2:
Vermont of America (36)
Nova Anglicana (2)
Fauxia (UR)
United States of Devonta (19)
Cassadaigua (23)
Mampris (UR)

There are a lot of good teams in this group. Nova Anglicana is the obvious first choice to advance. The two unranked teams have practically no chance, since there is only one spot left, and it will likely be a hard-fought battle to obtain that spot. Vermont of America is a promising team, but in a competitive group, we do not expect them to have a chance at advancing. This leaves it between Cassadaigua and United States of Devonta, and we will give it to Cassadaigua, because they are the hosts and will likely experience a fair amount of fortune from their participation as such.

Group 3:
The Lone Star Union (UR)
West Saintland (11)
Siroy (UR)
Ko-oren (26)
Frenline Delpha (5)
Nagore (55)

This is another interesting group. The Lone Star Union and Siroy likely will not advance, being unranked, and at rank number 55, Nagore has practically no rank bonus either. From their, you would expect the former WBC champions Frenline Delpha to definitely advance, and then for the second spot, it would be most likely for West Saintland to win it, though Ko-oren will likely give them a run for their money.

Group 4:
Drawkland (14)
Schiltzberg (1)
Ovskovyk (UR)
Free Republics (22)
New Danican (UR)
Cheongji (78)

You've got to feel bad for the unranked teams in this division, and also Cheongji. Three really good teams will try to make it into the two playoff spots, and it will be like trying to fit a square piece in a circular hole. Schiltzberg seems like a guaranteed advancement. As far as the second spot, it will likely either be Free Republics or Drawkland, and it could really go either way, but based off of previous seasons, it seems like Free Republics would be the most likely to advance, even though Drawkland has a higher rank. This will be a hard-fighting group.

Group 5:
Newmanistan (10)
Karamiko (UR)
Sandberg (24)
Gim (UR)
Zwangzug (35)
Union of Socialist Alpine Republics (6)

This is an interesting group, because it means that Newmanistan and Zwangzug, ancient WBC rivals, will square off for the first time in over twenty seasons. Apart from that, the advancing teams seem to be pretty clear to predict, based off of the previous seasons. USAR has done very well in recent seasons, despite still being fairly new, and at the number six rank, they will likely advance. The second advancement has to be Newmanistan. They have always advanced past the preliminary round in the WBC, and there seems to be no reason why they would not advance this time. Sandberg will likely put up another pathetic season, and Zwangzug may have a shot at a spot in the round of sixteen, but it seems unlikely at this point. The unranked teams will likely not do much.

Group 6:
Darmen (31)
Mount Pleasant (45)
Tainese (UR)
Novostela (UR)
Gregoryisgodistan (7)
Maklohi Vai (13)

Wow, this should be a fun group to watch. A lot of aging veterans, like Maklohi Vai and Gregoryisgodistan will square off against new teams, like Mount Pleasant and Tainese. Darmen could also have a shot. Tainese seems very determined to succeed in this tournament, and while it is good to see youthful enthusiasm in this tournament, the odds of an unranked making the round of sixteen in a group like this are slim. Though it is fun to fathom about ideas of upset advancements by teams like Mount Pleasant or Tainese, realistically, the two proven teams, Maklohi Vai and Gregoryisgodistan, will likely be the ones to advance.

Group 7:
Cosumar (20)
Empire Of Cats (32)
Hothnia (UR)
Super-Llamaland (4)
Abanhfleft (17)
Lisander (UR)

In this group, we see a lot of old faces in Cosumar, Super-Llamaland, Abanhfleft, and the returning Lisander, but also the new faces in Empire of Cats and Hothnia. Hothnia will likely have no chance as an unranked, nor will Lisander. Super-Llamaland seems like the obvious choice to advance, and then the second spot could really go a lot of different ways. We will predict that this one will go to Empire of Cats. Despite having a lower rank than Cosumar and Abanhfleft, this team has a lot more drive to win and will likely overcome this obstacle and advance.

Group 8:
Hicanans In Exile (25)
Ethane (3)
Tenburg (UR)
South Yerfilag (15)
Elgenstad (32)
The land of Land (UR)

This is the group that bears the defending champion, Ethane. It seems pretty reasonable to figure that the defending champions will advance. There is a lot of prospect from the Tenburg team, which is very determined to succeed, but as an unranked, they will likely ultimately fail, though they will gain experience for future seasons. For the second spot, it seems like it will either go to Hicanans in Exile, South Yerfilag, or Elgenstad. It seems cruel to predict yet another preliminary round exit for South Yerfilag, but it seems like they just simply have not done well in recent seasons, so we will predict their elimination this season as well. Elgenstad has a decent team, but Hicanans in Exile is more established with more experience and a higher rank, so we will predict that they will advance.

It is too early to decide who will win this season, but be prepared for more predictions to come!

This Is Your New Schiltzbierg Times Sports News!

[Mount Pleasant]

Interview with a random Pleasantrian baseball fan, part 3
Matchday Twelve: versus Darmen, Piazza Granstand

Hello there, may I talk to you?

Urgh. Fine, but only because you've been denied the last three times and I'm waiting for my Rider car to come along.

Oh cool! Where are you taking your Rider to? Back to celebrate Mount Pleasant topping the group with your family? Out for a beer with your fellow supporters?

...seriously? I don't even care about baseball. I'm supposed to be at Club VERA right now, where all my friends would be like "OMG, Brittani, like where you been?" and I say "Watching baseball" and they'd be like "Ewww that's gross." and they'd offer me two shots of V&S to forget it and then like, I'll be all drunk...

Errr....if that's the case, why did you even come here?

Just to amuse my date I met on this app. Honestly he looks like a keeper, but, like, ditch the basebaalllll, and like, let's just make out at VERA, honey.

Ohhh, well okay. Anyway, what did you think of Benny Lelio's incredible four stolen bases today, a Pleasantrian record and no doubt a major factor in the win for the Mount Pleasant Fire?

You talking about that small, skinny dude? He looks like my little bro Coleman. Like, he always tries to hit up my friends, and guess what? HE ACTUALLY WENT AND BONED ONE OF 'EM! And I was like Lisssss, why? And Lis was all cool with it and shit, and started talking about how Coleman is so good in bed and all, and I'm just going all gross thinking about my bro, barely even uni age, going at it with her, and she's got her bf and like...

No need for that much detail here.

Oh yeah? I thought this was some interview about me, so I'll tell you about me, and especially Lis, you slut. Got your story told, bitch, but we still tight, right?

If I could ask you one more question about Emil Meyrick's wonderful pitching perf-

Sorryyyyy babe, gotta run, my Rider's here! You wanna come with, grab a drink along Helena Avenue and all that, pop by Club VERA for a bit?

If anything can get my mind off this damn job, sure, why not?

[Newmanistan]

THE ROCKET REPORT

HOLY MARGARET, ANOTHER DUVALL MASTERPIECE!

by Brianne Henry,

Doesn’t this start to feel like a broken record? It seems like we could just cut and paste the same story over and over again, because Courtney Duvall has been that good. For the previous two classics, Duvall has been amazing, and many around the world have caught notice to her ability. It never fails, that she pitches very well every time on she is on the mound. That was the story before this Classic.

Now, let’s move forward to World Baseball Classic 40. With six-team groups and a five player rotation, a pitcher will be slated to face the same opponent every start, unless the team elects to change things up. For this Classic, coach Ashley Stevens decided that Courtney Duvall would start each game against the #6 team in the world, the Union of Socialist Alpine Republics. You would think that this would mean some more difficult starts for Duvall, but Courtney has been up to the task, leading Newmanistan to two critical wins against the USAR, which goes a long way to explain the separation between them and their rival in the group standings. In fact, it seems as though only Zwangzug is able to beat us right now. In those two starts for Duvall, Courtney allowed just 3 runs in 18 innings pitched.

After two looks at Duvall, you would think that the USAR would start to feel more comfortable against her, but perhaps it went the other way. In her third start, Courtney tossed a complete game shutout against the Bisons, in a 4-0 Newmanistan win. Duvall struck out ten, and scattered four innings in the outing, which now puts her at 27 innings pitched, and still just the 3 runs (all earned) against. That’s an easy ERA to compute: 1.00. That’s not against Gim or unranked newbiestan. That is against the #6-ranked team in the world. Let’s not forget that with her 3-run double in the first game, that Duvall has allowed the same amount of runs in three games as she has RBI’s. I asked Courtney after the game about the level of success she is having, and she told me, “Brianne, I just go out there and do my job. It’s actually easier to only have to focus on one team. I don’t have to sit here and study the hitters on all the teams in this group, all I have to do is focus on the Bisons. That gives me an edge.” About the team, she told us, “We have a lot of confidence, but that Rocket swagger is coming back. We’re playing really well and see no reason why it cannot continue.”

After twelve games, only Zwangzug has been able to defeat Newmanistan. The Rockets are 10-2, and lead a three way tie for second by three games. It is the second best record in qualifying, tied with Nova Anglicana, and the Rockets would have the tiebreaker. They trail the 11-1 Tigers from Super-Llamaland, who, as usual, are killing it in the regular season. The 30 runs allowed, even with the bullpen collapse against Zwangzug and the nine runs given up there, is second overall in the Classic, three behind the Tigers. There’s still plenty of time to go, but right now things are looking pretty darn good.

[Tenburg]

"The Golden Series”: Tenburg Scores 29 Runs, Quinlan Throws No-Hitter as Team Extends Win Streak to 5

What was once 5-4 has now become 8-4. The Tennish National Team is on a mighty roll, scoring 29 runs over three games, one of which also featured RiverSharks ace Rory Quinlan tossing a no-hitter. In the days since this leg, the Tennish sports media has dubbed it “the Golden Series”.

To offer the scoring highlights would be difficult, as literally every Tennish batter in the starting lineup scored at some point within these three games.

The game in Tallow against The Land of Land was punctuated with a pair of defensive plays: a double play in the top of the fourth inning and a triple play in the top of the sixth. Additionally, pitcher Liam Mahone managed to score a three-run home run in the top of the third, the second hit of his entire career, contributing for an 8-2 win.

Next came an away game in South Yerfilag, which was a slaughter for all intents and purposes, the final score being 15-4. The biggest highlights of this game came from a 7-run 4th inning, where Michael Maguire hit the team’s first grand slam of the Classic.

The next game, In Tallow against Elgenstad, was a stifling performance, as not only did the offense score six runs, but pitcher Rory Quinlan threw an astonishing no-hitter against them. Tensions built, as did crowd noise, through the innings, until the final out came, and the entire country seemingly exploded into jubilation, as thousands of fans rushed the field, carrying Quinlan off on their shoulders.

The next game will be against Hicana. Finbar Fallon will get the start.

[-Anthor-]

Thunderheads Locked in Tough Race!
Great starts followed up by lackluster performances as the Thunderheads stuck in the middle of a tight race to qualify

^{SHARE THIS:}

Clifton Pierce (@CliffsPier)(TH)
^{Uriel 46, 601AE 10:00 AM | Vaumort, Anthor}

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Low level shot of Thunderheads during a training practice earlier this week TH photo

Vaumort, Anthor(Herald) — We're approximately just three games away from the half way point of this World Baseball Classic, and our Thunderheads are truly battling it out to try and qualify for that playoff spot, and to even win the group; current fortunes have them in qualification zone, having them tied for second ahead of Scootalove City, however they hold onto that spot by literally a single run, and are going to have to work hard to try and solidify that lead.

The lead-up to this WBC was met with alot of speculation and a divide of sorts - the Anthoran Baseball League just concluded it's very first season, and for the first time ever, the citizens of the Kingdom were treated to professional baseball, though transformations are slow as the ABL, its teams, players and staff work hard to distinguish themselves from their days as off teams of the Triad leagues; to this end, no Triad team was promoted to the ABL and all found themselves inserted into a fantasy draft of sorts that the new professional teams were allowed to pick from. The decision was meant with controversy, but League President Irwin Victors defended it by saying that the ABL represented a new platform, and a "new house, that required a solid, new foundation to ensure that the future of baseball in Anthor will be very bright for the generations to come."

The season itself was rocky; the lowest ERA's in either conference were in the high 2's, and the hitters were having massive field days as pitchers were struggling to adjust to the various big level hitters now facing them. Sean McPherson (INF-Plymouth) surprised no one by winning the Top Batter award, posting a wicked .363/.681/1.150 slash line, and Tony Russell also continued his domination of being a very reliant contact hitter; however, the main controversy was should Anthor send a team to the Classic this year, or should it take a year off, give time for players to get adjusted to their new clubs and team mates, before expecting them to perform at a national level with yet another new team. The speculation was also in part, and persisted, due to the ABL's delay in naming a coach to form the team, though they finally did appoint one about 3 months into the season, re-naming Jacob Adler to continue in his role as national team manager for a fourth straight Classic, and he wasted no time getting to work. He held a press conference neigh immediately and stated he was looking into transforming the team into something very different, to try and increase success and remain competitive; probably to forget about the failure to stay in the top 2 of the group at WBC 39.

Indeed, his roster features almost no veterans from his last three; Noah Clarke, Tony Russell, Jason Mackey, Peter Eaves and John Kirby were the only veterans from WBC 36-38 Thunderheads, and many of those were controversial selections; Clarke had a career bad season, recording a career high of 7 losses and a career high 3.48 ERA, but Adler blamed this to do adjustment within the new league, and stated Noah still had the stuff to be their star ace. Jason MacKey had a dreadful season compared to previous career numbers, posting a sub-.300 batting average for the first time in the nine seasons he played ball in the Triad Pro-Am leagues, and it is stated he only remained on the team to give it a leadership in the locker room - something his team, East Kilbride, stated he was very good at and that it was a crucial element ultimately in leading them to win the very first ABL Championship, after sweeping Bournemouth.

However, what was anticipated and not analzyed, was the inclusions of Sean McPherson, Brad Green, and Albert Hough who proved to be highly effected dual threat hitters; Brad Green especially proving himself to be the most lethal switch hitter in the league at the moment. Combined with the additions of Sean Woodward and Nathan Flynn on the starting rotation, Adler said he believed this team had enough depth, talent and skill to go very far in the Classic, which to his credit, they're sitting in second place in a very tight race, which he's confident he can win.

However, he is going to need to correct the inconcistency of his team's performance; it's easily the biggest negative factor currently making an impact on the team. They can lock it down on a solid 6-2 win off of the back of Francis Reed, but then fail to produce offensively or command pitching and have to rally around the 6th inning to win 9-8 just the next day; Adler already stated it's something they've been working on improving, and also perhaps tinkering with the starting rotation and when to use the bullpen as he said he's looking to sweep the upcoming three games to solidify the team's position in second place, or to even advance it into first if luck falls the right way.

Cliff Pierce contributed to this article.

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© Tharsius Herald Ltd 2014

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456312 comments

^{FAVORITE THIS DISCUSSION}

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DaleyGiroux · 1 minute ago
Adler shouldn't have kept Mackey and Clarke on the team; I get he needs a leader, but Russell more then fills that role, shoot he was the captain for WBC 37 on, and Clarke is really hurting us after a string of bad starts. Gotta pick it up boys, now's the time to pick up some W's

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6543 up · 55 down

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JessRosita · 5 minutes ago
The people anticipated to do good are, but Clarke needs to bring his game up or, imo, just drop down to a 4-man rotation and start relieving the starters in the 6th to save arm stamina

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KelceyW · 4 hours ago
When #ThunderStrikes, it's from McPherson's bat xD

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[West Phoencia]

5 Way battle starting to loom.....


After 12 games the scoreboard is looking like this;

Group 1 Pld W L RF RA RD Pts
1 West Phoencia 12 8 4 55 44 +11 24
2 -Anthor- 12 7 5 60 56 +4 21
3 Scootalove City 12 7 5 48 45 +3 21
4 Bongo Johnson 12 6 6 46 35 +11 18
5 Somersville 12 6 6 54 52 +2 18
6 Equestrian States 12 2 10 32 63 −31 6

As the mid way point draws near there is an opportunity for 5 of the teams to progress. With no precise clear winner as yet due to with so many more games to go and barely a few points between them.

West Phoenicia leads the pack in a position they are fighting tooth and nail to keep as they go against top rivals -Anthor- and Scootalove.

Meanwhile Bongo Johnson and Somersville cannot be ignored as both are within striking distance to take both top spots, all it taking is a few bad games from the top performers. West Phoenicia needs to strike like the West Phoenician Taipan, fast and deadly to stop both teams.

In a quirky move by West Phoenicia, the colour red has been banned from the stadium during Confederate matches. Mistress Ivory Nightshade, a renowned White Witch from the city-state of Bast County; West Phoenicia has predicted for West Phoenicia to progress to the next round the colour red needed to be banned from the stadium.

Being a superstitious nation West Phoenician Baseball officals are supporting the request tomatoes, tomato sauce, red apples strawberries are among the food banned.
Clothing with even a hint of red is forbidden and so is blush, eyeshadow and lipstick.

Any fan carrying such contraband into the stadium will be banned for the rest of the season and any home again where an opposing nation will play on West Phoenicia turf will also be ejected if they do not follow the new stadium rules.



In other news:

• West Phoenician Lacrosse Team The Daredevils win game against Xanaxstan.
• King Glenton Gryphon-Bush II visit to Hoosier Alliance promises a fresh alliance.
• West Phoenicia one step closer to war with the Kingdom of Rhodes after negotiations break down.
• West Phoenician Reality starlet Lindsay Hilton caught drink driving with 9 times the legal limit claims her soda was spiked.

[Tenburg]

"Jesus, they're even crashing practice now," Michael said as he walked into the locker room and tossed his gear bag down.

"Oh, it's a fuckin' tailgate out there," Rory replied, dragging on a cigarette. "Tell ye what, I'm going out there for water breaks."

This got laughs from the whole team.

"Just walk out with a sign," Jack said, "'WILL SIGN AUTOGRAPHS FOR BEER'."

"Ah, no one wants an autograph from me."

"You kiddin'? They're callin' ye 'Rory No-No'! You're probably the most popular guy on the team right now."

"'Rory No-No, Jeee-zus..."

Half the players in the room nearly fell over with laughter as K.C. came into the room, cigarette hanging from his mouth. "Right, fellas, you see the fiasco in the park lot. "I don't want any o' ye's goin' out there, y'hear me?"

"Aaaaaaaargh," the whole team replied at once, proceeding to complain that it's no fun.

"Hear me out, fellas. We need to stay focused. This last leg... well, it was fantastic, really it was. You all played bloody fantastic baseball, and now we're tied for second in the group. But we can't get complacent and we cant start goofing off outside the ballpark. So what I'm sayin' is: leave the antics for during the games. Slug a beer from the fans when ye catch a fly ball or blast a fastball. But keep it on the field. We have to stay laser-focused during practice. And we can't get in no trouble." He looked specifically at his boisterous right-fielder, garnering giggles from around the room. "Hear me, you?"

Jack simply put his hands up in concession, getting a few laughs.

"Right, good. Get your gear together fellas; quick practice, then we got a plane to catch."

[Zwangzug]

"...Daniel from Pocono City, it's good to hear from you! Thanks for writing! (Actually I have no idea who you are but I'm just glad people are listening to the online stream.) You asked me to speculate on whether Zwangzug considers Newmanistan a classic rival in the same way the Rockets might reciprocate. I don't really think that's the case, although certainly there's more of a sense of history here than with a lot of other sports and teams. Partly there's a fear of what happens if that goes away on either end, and now both these teams you've seen leave and come back due to the country's internal situations, not wanting to get too attached to any particular oppositions. Partly a sense that you shouldn't elevate any particular individuals above the game, that would go along with a, shall we say, distaste for showboating...now I'm not implying that I hate any of the members of your particular squad, that would be unbecoming, but the idea that one should...discuss garbage?...talk trash? What? I don't...never mind. That egging the rivalry on would risk hubris and that the best thing to do would be just to give one's best no matter the opponent. And certainly we've seen in this group, with even unheralded sides packing punches it's sure to be close-fought so you never know.

Anyway, welcome to Spenson, enjoy the incongruous manual scoreboard inside the otherwise high-tech modern stadium, take in the comedy improv and, uh, don't confuse our rockets with your own...

...Nanahara will foul this back to the screen. Visconti's clearly rattled, he's been crowding the plate a little. She shakes off Kent. This one will be lined into left field. It drops in there, and the hits just keep on coming! Nanahara's single will score two, and Visconti's hit by pitch comes back to haunt the Rockets as they now trail by two. The Zebras have scored six in this inning and...that'll be all for Visconti, Stevens will be going to Mackey here...

...a stretch which appears to have rejuvenated the Zebras as they've batted around here in the bottom of the seventh, and they're not done yet. Petra Rhom-Nair will bat for the second time, and she'll face the right-hander Alyssa Mackey. This will be taken for a ball. Rhom-Nair part of the Aurora team that won the Northeast Division this last season, but lost to the Nuel Panthers in the semifinals. Swung on and missed, fooled her with the change there. From the stretch...and that's lined to the outfield, Alcorn will have to play it off the wall! Nanahara scores, and it's nine to five, Zebras..."

[Bongo Johnson]

The lads were back in town.

War had stopped all official sporting events for a decade in Bongo Johnson, and the baseball team was just thrilled to see the green grass in the outfield without fire and smoke looming over the outfield walls, especially Chris Pale. Conscripted into the Incorporated Armed Forces, he had just spent the better part of the last five years writing armament and agricultural reports to the head sergeant. Menial, yet consistent, desk work had kept him from doing more than his daily allotted hour of exercise in the company's weight room.

Still, he found himself throwing imaginary pitches to ghost batters. When he felt particularly anxious or bored, his left arm wound up over and over again, like a nervous tick to a PTSD sufferer. He had no idea if he still had what it took to stand on the mound. Once "the fear" grips you, it becomes harder and harder to put yourself in front of a batter, to risk taking a line drive off the forehead like his platoon buddies had taken bullets to the helmet. The World Baseball Classic was the first baseball event approved by the Incorporated Sporting Administration after the armistice, and Pale was named starting pitcher. There were a couple of other pitchers on the depth chart, mostly younger kids whose names he didn't recognize. It cemented in his mind that he was one of the only experienced pitchers left in Bongo Johnson, and he had a duty to perform for baseball fans nationwide that were eager to partake in their long lost pastime.

Then it was late afternoon, a cool breeze blew through the underbelly of the pitcher's lounge just below the bullpen. He could hear the roar of the crowd through the tunnel, the announcer calling the opening of the game, the peanut vendors hawking their overpriced wares. His arm wound up and released over and over as he sat, looking at his scuffed and worn-out cleats. One by one, he listened as the names of the rest of his team boomed through the stadium, the bass of the loudspeakers rumbling right through his chest to the very core of his being.

And then it was his name being called. Starting pitcher, Chris Pale.

"Alright, buddy," he said, punching the sweet spot of his mitt, "it's showtime."

He stood up and walked slowly through the tunnel, until he stepped out into the warm, spring air.

[The Derpy Democratic Republic Of Herp]

TDDROH Sports chat

Tight race ahead.

Scootalove City        1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0  4
West Phoencia          0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 1  5

Bongo Johnson          0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0  1
Scootalove City        0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 X  2

Scootalove City        2 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0  5
Somersville            0 1 0 1 0 5 0 1 X  8

  Group 1               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 West Phoencia          12    8   4    55   44  +11    24
2 -Anthor-               12    7   5    60   56   +4    21
3 Scootalove City        12    7   5    48   45   +3    21
4 Bongo Johnson          12    6   6    46   35  +11    18
5 Somersville            12    6   6    54   52   +2    18
6 Equestrian States      12    2  10    32   63  −31     6

A tight race has started between West Phoencia , -Anthor- , and Scootalove City has started.

All three are seasoned veteran teams, all three want the spots for the post season.

Scootalove City will need to start playing better games to get in the postseason.

The potential exists, and Scootalove City is hungry for another entrance.

[Union of Socialist Alpine Republics]

A rough start for the Alpine Union

Gim - (NEIP) After 12 games - yes we're already almost midway in the World Baseball Classic - The Union of Socialist Alpine Republics is under performing, having lost all 3 games against Courtney Duvall and Newmanistan, one game against former WBC champions Zwangzug, and one game against Karamiko. With a 7-5 record, the Reprezentacja Alpejski is tied in 2nd place in group 5 with Zwangzug and Karamiko.

Game 1 vs Newmanistan @ Southerner Stadium, Muscogee, Republic of Chattahoochee: 4-1 loss. LP: Tyler Floyd (0-1)

In the opening game, the Bisons got owned by Newmanistan's Courtney Duvall who allowed one run in 9 innings and struck out 8 batters. Duvall also hitted a bases clearing double in the 2nd inning. Tyler Floyd allowed 4 runs in 8 innings and struck out 7 batters. The only run by the Alpine Union was in the 8th inning when pinch hitter Tyson Lindsey, batting for Tyler Floyd, hitted a single, Nick Riefenhauser scored from the 2nd plate.

Game 2 vs Gim @ Gim: 5-4 win. WP: Alejandro Gonzalez (1-0) SV: Genevieve McGowan (1)

It wasn't a very good start for Gonzalez, considering Gim is unranked, but the Alpine Union still managed to win. He allowed 4 runs in 6 2/3 innings and struck out 6 batters. Randall Worth hitted a 2 runs double in the 7 innings and scored another run on Nate O'Flaherty's single and the Green & White, who are wearing dark blue uniforms for baseball only, took a 5-4 lead.

Game 3 vs Karamiko @ Novi Sredisce Sportni Park, Zagrad, Republic of Dalmatia and Istria: 6-5 win. WP: Rusty Castillo (1-0) SV: Genevieve McGowan (2)

Another tough game against an unranked team, which the Alpine Union barely won. The Alpine Union was leading 6-2 before allowing a run in each of the last 3 innings. Rusty Castillo allowed 4 runs in 7 1/3 innings and struck out 6 batters.

Game 4 vs Zwangzug @ The Worm Hole, Spenson, Zwangzug: 7-0 win. WP: Zvonimir Hajrovic (1-0)

After tough games against unranked Gim and Karamiko, the Bisons beat the Zebras 7-0 on the road. It was a pitching duel between Zvonimir Hajrovic (no run allowed, 4 hits and 8 strike outs in 9 innings), who threw a complete game, and Chloe Willow until relief pitcher Anton Osirin allowed 4 runs in the 9th inning. Jared Hanson hitted a 2 runs homerun in the 9th inning. Travis Layne also have two runs batted in, one in the 1st inning and one in the 8th inning.

Game 5 vs Sandberg @ Ripley Field, Clarkston, Republic of Okanogan: 9-0 win. WP: Amber Thomas (1-0)

Amber Thomas almost threw a no hitter game, only allowing 1 hit, and striking out 7 batters in 9 innings. Nate O'Flaherty hitted a grand slam in the 5th inning and pinch hitter Tyson Lindsey hitted a two runs double in the 8th inning.

Game 6 vs Newmaninstan @ The Jungle, Loudon, Newmanistan: 7-2 loss. LP: Tyler Floyd (0-2)

Well, let's just forget this game.

Game 7 vs Gim @ Stadion Szczesniak, Ozorkow, Republic of Prussia East (Wschodnioprusy) 10-8 win. WP: Jarrod Finnegan (1-0) SV: Genevieve McGowan (3)


A really bad start for Alejandro Gonzalez who allowed 4 runs in 5 innings and struck out 3 batters. The bullpen (4 different relief pitchers were used) didn't do much better, allowing 4 runs in 4 innings. Nate O'Flaherty hitted a 3 runs home run and Kevin McNeill hitted a two runs homerun in the same inning to lead the Alpine Union to the win.

Game 8 vs Karamiko @ Karamiko 7-2 loss. LP: Rusty Castillo (1-1)

Fuck this game

Game 9 vs Zwangzug @ Southco Field, Beach City, Republic of Sonoma 4-1 loss. LP: Zvonimir Hajrovic (1-1)

Well, the Zebra weren't multiple champions for nothing. This time Chloe Willow pitched better than Zvonimir Hajrovic, who allowed 3 runs in 8 innings and struck out 7 batters. Nick Riefenhauser hitted a solo homerun in the 5th inning.

Game 10 vs Sandberg @ Sandberg 9-6 win. WP: Sam Bourgeois (1-0) SV: Genevieve McGowan (4)

It's not easy for the Alpine pitchers in this classic, but the offense is doing well. Amber Thomas allowed 3 runs in 8 innings and Sam Bourgeois allowed 3 more runs in 1 inning and despite allowing 3 runs, he has the win. The game was tied at 6-6 at the top 10th inning when Wilton Jimenez was at the 2nd plate and Travis Layne hitted a single which sent Jimenez to the home plate. Kevin McNeill hitted a single and Nick Riefenhauser followed with a two runs double. Genevieve McGowan pitched well in the bottom 10th inning and earned her 4th save of the classic.

Game 11 vs Newmanistan @Southerner Stadium, Muscogee, Republic of Chattahoochee 4-0 loss. LP: Tyler Floyd (0-3)

Another game against Newmanistan, another loss. It looks like the rockets are back to their old standards they had years ago before they left the baseball scene. Courtney Duvall is totally owning the Bisons, allowing only 3 runs in 27 innings in 3 starts against us. Tyler Floyd allowed 4 runs in 8 innings and struck out 7 batters in his third game against Newmanistan. In 3 games he allowed 13 runs in 23 1/3 inning for an earned runs average of 5.01, it's atrocious for a#1 pitcher.

Game 12 vs Gim @ Gim 2-1 win. WP: Alejandro Gonzalez (2-0)

After allowing 8 runs in 11 2/3 innings in his first two starts, Alejandro Gonzalez threw a complete game and allowed just 1 run, 5 hits and struck out 12 batters. He improved his era to 3.48. Offensively, Travis Layne and Alejandro Gonzalez hitted a run batted in each.

Preview

Affter 12 games, the Alpine Union is 2nd tied with Zwangzug and Karamiko. Sandberg aren't really far behind. Coincidentally, the Bisons' next 3 games are against these 3 teams. On matchday 13, the Reprezentacja Alpejski will recieve Karamiko in Zagrad. Rusty Castillo (1-1) is the starting pitcher. On the next day, the Alpines will travel to Zwangzug for another duel between Zvonimir Hajrovic (1-1) and Chloe Willow at the Worm Hole. Then the Bisons will come back home and recieve Sandberg at the Ripley Field. Home of the Clarkston Cubs, the Ripley Field features ivy-covered outfield walls. Amber Thomas (1-0) will be the starting pitcher for the Green & White, which is wearing dark blue uniforms.

[Tainese]

0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 Maklohi Vai
0 0 1 0 0 3 0 0 X 4 Tainese

One similarity between the Tainese and the team from Maklohi Val is the complex bullpen. The MKV Lumai have a long reliever, a mid reliever, a left-handed specialist, a 7th inning specialist, an 8th inning specialist and a closer. The Tai Gold Sharks have two middle relievers, a left-handed specialist, a setup man and a closer. Both bullpen's also have a second left-handed pitcher besides the specialist.

The Tainese starters usually get to 6 innings, if not 5. The reliever usually carries things into the 7th or 8th. The setup man keeps up the intensity until the closer comes out for the 9th.

Tai pitching kept the Lumai scoreless until the 7th inning. Chiba Katada was still in the game, until he was pulled for giving up 2 runs. It was a good effort from the left handed pitcher. He is the only Tainese starter who relies on a curveball. His pitches can be tricky, coming from the left. The batters seemed to have figured him out by the 7th.

"That's what the bullpen is for", said the pitching coach. "Our guys came together to make tonight happen."

Reliever Yasutakan handed off the mound to Sadamune for the 9th. This was not an easy win for the Tainese. Besides the pitching, there were a few big plays in the infield and reliable play in the outfield.

The fact that the Tainese added a win against MKV really highlighted the fact that the Tai were having a really solid season. The real measure of success would be the post season. The Tai were in the run, but were just shy of the top two spots.

Keep in mind, MKV leads the Group in offensive scoring. After MD 10, the Lumai had scored 52 runs and had a +17 run difference. The Gold Sharks kept them to 2 runs. MKV also gave up the fewest runs on the defensive side of the field up to this point in Group play. The Sharks scored on the toughest defense.

Jeon Yokuta had a 2 run home run in the 6th following an earlier RBI in the same inning. There was also a simple RBI off a bouncing line drive in the 3rd.

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Tainese
0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 X 4 Novostela

This was a game the Tai never looked strong in. The first pitching change happened in the fourth, early for a Tai starter. The reliever gave up another run in the 5th, but tightened things up after that. He switched out late in the 7th.

The setup man gave up a run in the 8th. The closer never got onto the field, as there was nothing to close out. There wasn't even a 9th inning for the Tai to pitch. They were shutout.

"Games like this show our program still has some development ahead", said the Tainese Head Coach. The Gold Sharks have beaten Novostela earlier in the season. "Conditioning may also be an issue."

Tujitani Atamune led the Sharks in a 9-5 win over the same team on Matchday 1. Tonight, he was out before the sun set over the 4th inning. "They came out looking to score. They were tuned in. They were aggressive. They played a good game", said Atamune.

Footage went viral online of several Gold Sharks, including the starting pitcher Atamune, leaving a local bingo hall at 1AM.

"There was a late night session", said first baseman Ukiyo Nies. "What ELSE were we supposed to do?" Sports journalists criticized the statement, while a video of the Nies quote was remixed into a pop song online.

0 0 0 0 2 0 1 3 0 6 Gregoryisgodistan
1 1 1 0 1 1 0 3 X 8 Tainese

Many people still underestimated the Tainese on the world scene. They were still inexperienced in international play. They have tried to show they have what it takes to compete with the top teams, but still lacked the consistency to topple the elite.

They still play an interesting game, one fans can enjoy.

Tonight's offensive strategy was the sacrifice play. It was almost as if they coach was exaggerating or "trolling" the other team. There were bunts, sacrifice flies and aggressive base running. GGS was forced to make many decisions on defense.

The Sharks picked up one run in four separate innings. The sacrifice play was getting runs in, albeit slowly. Shortstop So Otochikang hit a line drive so strong that it sailed over the left field fence. The fielder tracked it and tried to snag it, but it was barely too high. Two runners were on base, as the Sharks slowed down on the sacrifice plays later in the game.

Imasa stayed in to the 6th, even though he gave up 2 in the 5th.

"I didn't want to jump the gun too soon on the starter tonight", said the pitching coach. "He looked strong, might've let a few get away, but he still had game left inside."

The reliever and the setup man gave up a few runs. The closer, Sadamune #40, came in early in the 8th and kept GGS at bay.

It was another close win. The Tainese experiment with the sacrifice plays combined with solid play from the starting pitcher and the closer to let the Tai steal another win from GGS.

"I hope some of us can get international contracts", said Jou Sadamune. "We're out here scrapping against top 10 and top 15 teams."

He later continued, "I hope we advance and test ourselves against even stronger teams."

The Tai sit tied for the second most points, but low on the "runs difference" totem pole. The plucky Gold Sharks have managed a 7-5 record in their first international competiton.

[Tenburg]

Due to popularity, Tennish baseball team to play in 40,000-seat Football Stadium



Since the Tennish National team's popularity has exploded due to their play in the World Baseball Classic, the 10,000-seat XEnergy Stadium in Tallow is simply nowhere near big enough to seat the new legions of fans. Thus, it as announced today that the Metros will play the remainder of their home games in the home of Tallow City FC, Clover Financial Field.

CFF was built in 2009 and seats 51,350, selling out every home game for Tallow City FC. For the baseball configuration, batters will find home plate at the northwest corner, looking at the southeast.

[Cassadaigua]

Matchday 13:

Group 1
-Anthor-               1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0  3
Scootalove City        0 0 2 2 1 0 0 0 X  5

West Phoencia          0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0  3
Bongo Johnson          0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 4  5

Somersville            0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0  1
Equestrian States      1 0 2 0 0 2 0 1 X  6


  Group 1               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 West Phoencia          13    8   5    58   49   +9    24
2 Scootalove City        13    8   5    53   48   +5    24
3 Bongo Johnson          13    7   6    51   38  +13    21
4 -Anthor-               13    7   6    63   61   +2    21
5 Somersville            13    6   7    55   58   −3    18
6 Equestrian States      13    3  10    38   64  −26     9


Group 2
Nova Anglicana                0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 1  4
Mampris                       0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0  3

Fauxia                        0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Vermont Of America            0 6 0 0 3 1 0 1 X 11

United States of Devonta      0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0  3
Cassadaigua                   0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0  1


  Group 2                      Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Nova Anglicana                13   11   2    68   47  +21    33
2 Cassadaigua                   13    9   4    60   46  +14    27
3 Vermont Of America            13    6   7    63   42  +21    18
4 United States of Devonta      13    5   8    42   54  −12    15
5 Fauxia                        13    5   8    43   71  −28    15
6 Mampris                       13    3  10    40   56  −16     9


Group 3
West Saintland           0 0 0 1 1 0 2 2 0  6
Nagore                   0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2  3

Siroy                    0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2  3
The Lone Star Union      0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1  2

Ko-oren                  0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0  5
Frenline Delpha          0 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  6


  Group 3                 Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 West Saintland           13   10   3    59   33  +26    30
2 Frenline Delpha          13    8   5    52   47   +5    24
3 Siroy                    13    7   6    56   59   −3    21
4 Nagore                   13    6   7    57   55   +2    18
5 Ko-oren                  13    5   8    49   63  −14    15
6 The Lone Star Union      13    3  10    49   65  −16     9


Group 4
Schiltzberg            0 2 1 0 0 1 4 0 0  8
Cheongji               0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0  2

Ovskovyk               0 2 1 0 1 2 0 1 0  7
Drawkland              0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0

Free Republics         1 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2  6
New Danican            0 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  4


  Group 4               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Schiltzberg            13   10   3    73   34  +39    30
2 Free Republics         13    8   5    58   54   +4    24
3 New Danican            13    6   7    54   53   +1    18
4 Drawkland              13    6   7    45   48   −3    18
5 Ovskovyk               13    5   8    55   68  −13    15
6 Cheongji               13    4   9    39   67  −28    12


Group 5
Karamiko                                 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2  3
Union of Socialist Alpine Republics      0 0 0 3 1 0 1 0 X  5

Sandberg                                 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0  1
Newmanistan                              2 2 1 1 0 0 1 0 X  7

Gim                                      0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0  2
Zwangzug                                 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  1


  Group 5                                 Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Newmanistan                              13   11   2    74   31  +43    33
2 Union of Socialist Alpine Republics      13    8   5    59   53   +6    24
3 Karamiko                                 13    7   6    58   55   +3    21
4 Zwangzug                                 13    7   6    51   50   +1    21
5 Sandberg                                 13    4   9    54   70  −16    12
6 Gim                                      13    2  11    38   75  −37     6


Group 6
Mount Pleasant         0 0 1 0 1 0 0 2 1  5
Maklohi Vai            0 2 0 0 2 0 1 0 1  6

Tainese                0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0  1
Darmen                 0 3 0 3 0 0 1 0 X  7

Novostela              0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0  3
Gregoryisgodistan      0 0 0 1 0 2 2 1 X  6


  Group 6               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Maklohi Vai            13    8   5    66   45  +21    24
2 Darmen                 13    8   5    56   51   +5    24
3 Mount Pleasant         13    8   5    57   58   −1    24
4 Tainese                13    7   6    46   55   −9    21
5 Gregoryisgodistan      13    5   8    57   59   −2    15
6 Novostela              13    3  10    41   55  −14     9


Group 7
Empire of Cats         0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 1  4
Lisander               0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0

Hothnia                2 1 0 1 0 1 0 2 0  7
Cosumar                0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0

Super-Llamaland        0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Abanhfleft             0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 X  3


  Group 7               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Super-Llamaland        13   11   2    72   30  +42    33
2 Hothnia                13    6   7    62   54   +8    18
3 Abanhfleft             13    6   7    50   58   −8    18
4 Lisander               13    6   7    38   49  −11    18
5 Empire of Cats         13    5   8    50   55   −5    15
6 Cosumar                13    5   8    48   74  −26    15


Group 8
Ethane                 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1
The land of Land       0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 X  4

Tenburg                0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0  3
Hicanans In Exile      0 0 1 4 0 0 0 0 X  5

South Yerfilag         0 0 1 0 0 2 0 1 1  5
Elgenstad              0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0  2


  Group 8               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Ethane                 13    9   4    66   49  +17    27
2 South Yerfilag         13    9   4    72   73   −1    27
3 Tenburg                13    8   5    68   38  +30    24
4 Hicanans In Exile      13    8   5    61   52   +9    24
5 The land of Land       13    4   9    51   73  −22    12
6 Elgenstad              13    1  12    30   63  −33     3

Matchday 14:

Group 1
Scootalove City        0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0  1
Equestrian States      1 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 X  5

Bongo Johnson          0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0  1
Somersville            3 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 X  7

-Anthor-               0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  1
West Phoencia          0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 X  3


  Group 1               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 West Phoencia          14    9   5    61   50  +11    27
2 Scootalove City        14    8   6    54   53   +1    24
3 Bongo Johnson          14    7   7    52   45   +7    21
4 Somersville            14    7   7    62   59   +3    21
5 -Anthor-               14    7   7    64   64    0    21
6 Equestrian States      14    4  10    43   65  −22    12


Group 2
Mampris                       0 2 3 1 0 0 1 0 0  7
Cassadaigua                   0 0 0 2 0 0 2 4 X  8

Vermont Of America            1 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 1  8
United States of Devonta      1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0  2

Nova Anglicana                0 3 2 1 1 0 0 3 0 10
Fauxia                        0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1  3


  Group 2                      Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Nova Anglicana                14   12   2    78   50  +28    36
2 Cassadaigua                   14   10   4    68   53  +15    30
3 Vermont Of America            14    7   7    71   44  +27    21
4 United States of Devonta      14    5   9    44   62  −18    15
5 Fauxia                        14    5   9    46   81  −35    15
6 Mampris                       14    3  11    47   64  −17     9


Group 3
Nagore                   0 2 0 0 0 2 1 0 0  5
Frenline Delpha          4 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 X  8

The Lone Star Union      1 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 1  6
Ko-oren                  1 4 1 0 0 0 0 1 X  7

West Saintland           0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0  3
Siroy                    0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0


  Group 3                 Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 West Saintland           14   11   3    62   33  +29    33
2 Frenline Delpha          14    9   5    60   52   +8    27
3 Siroy                    14    7   7    56   62   −6    21
4 Nagore                   14    6   8    62   63   −1    18
5 Ko-oren                  14    6   8    56   69  −13    18
6 The Lone Star Union      14    3  11    55   72  −17     9


Group 4
Cheongji               0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
New Danican            0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 X  2

Drawkland              0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1  3
Free Republics         0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  2

Schiltzberg            1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0  3
Ovskovyk               0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0  2


  Group 4               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Schiltzberg            14   11   3    76   36  +40    33
2 Free Republics         14    8   6    60   57   +3    24
3 New Danican            14    7   7    56   53   +3    21
4 Drawkland              14    7   7    48   50   −2    21
5 Ovskovyk               14    5   9    57   71  −14    15
6 Cheongji               14    4  10    39   69  −30    12


Group 5
Union of Socialist Alpine Republics      0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2  4
Zwangzug                                 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0  2

Newmanistan                              0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0  2
Gim                                      0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 X  4

Karamiko                                 0 4 0 1 0 0 0 1 0  6
Sandberg                                 1 1 3 1 1 0 0 0 X  7


  Group 5                                 Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Newmanistan                              14   11   3    76   35  +41    33
2 Union of Socialist Alpine Republics      14    9   5    63   55   +8    27
3 Karamiko                                 14    7   7    64   62   +2    21
4 Zwangzug                                 14    7   7    53   54   −1    21
5 Sandberg                                 14    5   9    61   76  −15    15
6 Gim                                      14    3  11    42   77  −35     9


Group 6
Maklohi Vai            0 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 0  4
Gregoryisgodistan      0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0  3

Darmen                 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0  3
Novostela              0 0 5 3 1 0 0 0 X  9

Mount Pleasant         0 1 1 0 1 0 0 2 0  5
Tainese                0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 2  4


  Group 6               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Maklohi Vai            14    9   5    70   48  +22    27
2 Mount Pleasant         14    9   5    62   62    0    27
3 Darmen                 14    8   6    59   60   −1    24
4 Tainese                14    7   7    50   60  −10    21
5 Gregoryisgodistan      14    5   9    60   63   −3    15
6 Novostela              14    4  10    50   58   −8    12


Group 7
Lisander               0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0  1
Abanhfleft             0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0

Cosumar                0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Super-Llamaland        1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 X  2

Empire of Cats         0 1 3 0 0 1 0 1 0  6
Hothnia                0 0 0 0 1 3 0 1 0  5


  Group 7               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Super-Llamaland        14   12   2    74   30  +44    36
2 Lisander               14    7   7    39   49  −10    21
3 Hothnia                14    6   8    67   60   +7    18
4 Empire of Cats         14    6   8    56   60   −4    18
5 Abanhfleft             14    6   8    50   59   −9    18
6 Cosumar                14    5   9    48   76  −28    15


Group 8
The land of Land       2 0 0 0 3 1 2 0 0  8
Elgenstad              2 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 0  6

Hicanans In Exile      2 2 0 1 0 1 1 0 0  7
South Yerfilag         0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0  1

Ethane                 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0  5
Tenburg                1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1


  Group 8               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Ethane                 14   10   4    71   50  +21    30
2 Hicanans In Exile      14    9   5    68   53  +15    27
3 South Yerfilag         14    9   5    73   80   −7    27
4 Tenburg                14    8   6    69   43  +26    24
5 The land of Land       14    5   9    59   79  −20    15
6 Elgenstad              14    1  13    36   71  −35     3

Matchday 15:

Group 1
West Phoencia          0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0  3
Scootalove City        0 1 1 0 0 0 3 0 X  5

Somersville            1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0  2
-Anthor-               0 0 3 0 0 1 1 1 X  6

Equestrian States      0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0  1
Bongo Johnson          0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1  2


  Group 1               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 West Phoencia          15    9   6    64   55   +9    27
2 Scootalove City        15    9   6    59   56   +3    27
3 Bongo Johnson          15    8   7    54   46   +8    24
4 -Anthor-               15    8   7    70   66   +4    24
5 Somersville            15    7   8    64   65   −1    21
6 Equestrian States      15    4  11    44   67  −23    12


Group 2
Fauxia                        0 2 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0  5
Mampris                       1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1  6

United States of Devonta      0 0 0 0 2 4 0 0 0  6
Nova Anglicana                0 0 0 0 2 3 0 0 0  5

Cassadaigua                   0 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 3  7
Vermont Of America            2 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1  5


  Group 2                      Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Nova Anglicana                15   12   3    83   56  +27    36
2 Cassadaigua                   15   11   4    75   58  +17    33
3 Vermont Of America            15    7   8    76   51  +25    21
4 United States of Devonta      15    6   9    50   67  −17    18
5 Fauxia                        15    5  10    51   87  −36    15
6 Mampris                       15    4  11    53   69  −16    12


Group 3
Siroy                    0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0  3
Nagore                   0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 X  6

Ko-oren                  0 2 3 0 2 0 0 0 3 10
West Saintland           0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0  2

Frenline Delpha          0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2  4
The Lone Star Union      1 0 1 0 1 0 0 2 X  5


  Group 3                 Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 West Saintland           15   11   4    64   43  +21    33
2 Frenline Delpha          15    9   6    64   57   +7    27
3 Nagore                   15    7   8    68   66   +2    21
4 Ko-oren                  15    7   8    66   71   −5    21
5 Siroy                    15    7   8    59   68   −9    21
6 The Lone Star Union      15    4  11    60   76  −16    12


Group 4
Ovskovyk               5 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0  9
Cheongji               0 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 1  5

Free Republics         0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Schiltzberg            3 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 X  5

New Danican            0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0  4
Drawkland              1 0 4 4 1 0 1 0 X 11


  Group 4               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Schiltzberg            15   12   3    81   36  +45    36
2 Drawkland              15    8   7    59   54   +5    24
3 Free Republics         15    8   7    60   62   −2    24
4 New Danican            15    7   8    60   64   −4    21
5 Ovskovyk               15    6   9    66   76  −10    18
6 Cheongji               15    4  11    44   78  −34    12


Group 5
Sandberg                                 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1  4
Union of Socialist Alpine Republics      1 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 X  5

Gim                                      0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0  4
Karamiko                                 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0  3

Zwangzug                                 0 4 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1  7
Newmanistan                              0 1 3 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2  8


  Group 5                                 Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Newmanistan                              15   12   3    84   42  +42    36
2 Union of Socialist Alpine Republics      15   10   5    68   59   +9    30
3 Karamiko                                 15    7   8    67   66   +1    21
4 Zwangzug                                 15    7   8    60   62   −2    21
5 Sandberg                                 15    5  10    65   81  −16    15
6 Gim                                      15    4  11    46   80  −34    12


Group 6
Tainese                1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0  4
Maklohi Vai            0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0  3

Novostela              0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  2
Mount Pleasant         0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  1

Gregoryisgodistan      1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  2
Darmen                 4 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 X  9


  Group 6               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Maklohi Vai            15    9   6    73   52  +21    27
2 Darmen                 15    9   6    68   62   +6    27
3 Mount Pleasant         15    9   6    63   64   −1    27
4 Tainese                15    8   7    54   63   −9    24
5 Novostela              15    5  10    52   59   −7    15
6 Gregoryisgodistan      15    5  10    62   72  −10    15


Group 7
Hothnia                0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1  3
Lisander               0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0

Super-Llamaland        0 0 3 0 1 1 0 2 0  7
Empire of Cats         0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0  2

Abanhfleft             1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1
Cosumar                0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 X  3


  Group 7               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Super-Llamaland        15   13   2    81   32  +49    39
2 Hothnia                15    7   8    70   60  +10    21
3 Lisander               15    7   8    39   52  −13    21
4 Empire of Cats         15    6   9    58   67   −9    18
5 Abanhfleft             15    6   9    51   62  −11    18
6 Cosumar                15    6   9    51   77  −26    18


Group 8
Tenburg                0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 2  5
The land of Land       1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0  3

South Yerfilag         1 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3  8
Ethane                 2 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 1  6

Elgenstad              0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0  1
Hicanans In Exile      0 0 0 1 0 0 3 1 X  5


  Group 8               Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Ethane                 15   10   5    77   58  +19    30
2 Hicanans In Exile      15   10   5    73   54  +19    30
3 South Yerfilag         15   10   5    81   86   −5    30
4 Tenburg                15    9   6    74   46  +28    27
5 The land of Land       15    5  10    62   84  −22    15
6 Elgenstad              15    1  14    37   76  −39     3

[Free Republics]

New Schiltzbierg, Schiltzberg

Iven Rousseau looked over at Zac Gatehouse who was playing around on his laptop even though the important road game at Schiltzberg was starting in just 15 minutes. He looked over and saw some strange website on the screen and decided to ask about it.

Iven Rousseau - Zac, what are you doing? Shouldn't you be out on the mound taking a few practice throws?

Zac Gatehouse - Its OK coach. I just realized that there's something I need to do.

Iven Rousseau - And what could possibly be so important that you're jeopardizing your preparation for today's game?

Zac Gatehouse - Well, I've been playing this online game called RL-States for years and I just realized that the quarterfinals of the U-20 World Cup are tonight and I haven't RPed yet!

Iven Rousseau - So, you're sitting here playing some game instead of taking throws on the mound?

Zac Gatehouse - Coach, you don't understand! I think I actually have a chance to win the U-20 World Cup this time! I won my group and beat New Zealand, which is Australia's puppet, 6-nil in the Round of 16. Now, I'm facing Venezuela, who is doing a great RP line about their socialist government creating a famine because socialism doesn't work.

Iven Rousseau - I'll admit that this looks like an interesting game but you need to worry about the real baseball game in which you're pitching tonight, not some game where you apparently play sports with make-believe nations.

Zac Gatehouse - But coach, we RP about more than sports. For example, Great Britain, which is actually a union of England, his puppet Wales, his little brother Scotland and his buddy Ireland's puppet Northern Ireland, just did an RP line where a Christian State-like group called the Islamic State attacked two of the major cities in England leading up to the election. A bunch of little girls got blown to bits at a concert by Ariana Grande, one of my characters. Amazingly, the nation's government lost seats in the election even though their opposition party is run by a Marxist who is pals with every terrorist group in RL-States. Based on what England, absolutely great RPer by the way who always seems to get screwed over by Elizabeth in the World Cup for some reason, was telling me on IRK earlier, it seems that this Marxist guy is probably going to win his next election.

Iven Rousseau - Why would he want to RP his own country getting fucked up like that?

Zac Gatehouse - Well, it turns out that the entire region of Europe right now, except for a few weirdos like Poland and Russia, have come up with this Islamic invasion RP line and are portraying their national leaders as a bunch of complete idiots. Its hilarious.

Iven Rousseau - What about your national leader?

Zac Gatehouse - He's a businessman named Donald Trump who is like this bizarre hybrid of Robert Nicholls and Caleb O'Reilly. He's a very moderate guy like Consul Nicholls but he's as colorful as O'Reilly. He's facing hysterical opposition from the Democrats who are acting like his minor tweaks to their extreme government regulations of the health insurance industry, stuff like making it legal to not purchase that product and allowing companies to sell actual catastrophic plans, are the end of the world. They're also spreading these silly conspiracy theories about Russia "hacking" the election. Of course, I'm RPing Trump kicking the Mexicans out because Mexico pissed me off on IRK one day. Besides, I'm getting bored of writing about my people getting addicted to Mexico's leading export: recreational drugs.

Fileas Fierro started laughing uncontrollably.

Fileas Fierro - How can I join this game? It looks awesome, Zac.

Zac Gatehouse - Unfortunately, RL-States is not accepting new nations at the moment Fileas but Ameri-States, a game I created with the help of my older brother, is accepting new members. You could control South Dakota or Wyoming if you want. Jack shit ever happens there but you could always make those states interesting just like how the guy who runs North Dakota suddenly RPed a bunch of oil underneath the state, turning it into an economic powerhouse. You could also take over Rhode Island, which I've only ever RPed as the state whose governor gave one of my favorite pitchers, a guy named Curt Schilling, a massive loan to create this great video game called Amalur. Or, if you're so inclined, you could take over Vermont, which is home to a bunch of hippies who like guns and vote for this socialist named Bernie Sanders. Right now, I'm seriously thinking about having this guy win my next election for the lolz. But, I might also have the Democrats nominate Elizabeth Warren, this batshit crazy Senator character who is famous for falsifying a race box to get ahead in her academic career. If I do that, Trump's going to demolish her!

Fileas Fierro - Was she based on Warren Elizabeths, by any chance?

Zac Gatehouse - Partially. Unfortunately, England came up with his Jeremy Corbyn character shortly thereafter, which kind of took the wind out of my sails. Then there's Canada, who has this male model named Trudeau as his national leader. The guy was elected for two reasons: his father was prime minister and women think he's cute. Then, of course, France just created a copycat of Trudeau named Macron who is going to fail every bit as miserably as his previous leader Hollande did. Everybody's just trying to create the most ridiculous left-wing politicians we can these days because we think its funny. But, I'm kind of reluctant to join in too much because I don't want to give those Progressives any ideas. By the way, if you really want to join RL-States, we're going to be opening up registration again around the time we move into the New Dark Ages, which is around 100 or so IC years from now. Around then, we're going to want around 2000 nations, not 200 or so.

Fileas Fierro - So, you're going to turn the clock back on technology soon?

Zac Gatehouse - We're talking about it. I mean, the RPs that Rome did when she broke up her empire and replaced it with the Papal States are legendary. The funny thing is though that Rome allowed Papal States to CTE around 200 IC years ago, giving his land to Italy, because he wanted to focus on his puppet instead.

Fileas Fierro - What's his puppet?

Zac Gatehouse - Its been renamed and reinvented many times over the years. First, it was called East Rome. Then, he renamed it Byzantium. Later, he called it The Ottoman Empire. Today, he goes by the name of Turkey and RPs his country as a pseudo-democracy run by an Islamic theocrat who secretly promotes terrorism around the world. Unfortunately, he doesn't have as much time to RP as he used to, so his results in international sports are shit but back in the day Rome saved the original Olympics until activity died around the time the Dark Ages arc began after Greece allowed his nation to CTE. When Greece decided to return, Rome kindly gifted him his former territory, which still belonged to Ottoman Empire. Of course, they RPed some war of independence but it was forgettable because neither of those guys have much time to RP anymore.

Daniel Kroupa suddenly walked back into the clubhouse and started yelling at Zac.

Daniel Kroupa - Gatehouse, what the hell are you doing in the clubhouse? Its already the middle of the first inning and you need to take the mound right now.

Zac Gatehouse - Sorry, Mr. Kroupa.

Zac Gatehouse would get lit up in the first inning, allowing 4 hits and walking 2 batters but miraculously stranding the bases loaded. After that, he would settle down and managed to last 6 and 2/3rds innings, conceding just two more runs, but the damage was already done and the FFR never really had a chance against Schiltzberg, falling into a tie with Drawkland for second place. Even worse, Gatehouse missed the cutoff for the U-20 World Cup and his nation was eliminated from the tournament...

OOC: Forgot to RP but figured I'd try something different tonight. Not sure how it turned out but needless to say the opinions expressed in this RP are those of the characters and are not necessarily mine.