World Baseball Classic 41 - Everything Thread

[Newmanistan]

THE ROCKET REPORT

IT IS NOW A BEST OF THREE

by Brianne Henry,

Two games have been played in the semifinal series against Cassadaigua, and both teams have picked up a victory. Cassadaigua’s game 2 win was a lot more convincing, but margins only matter in the business world, and not on the baseball diamond. This turns this series to a best of three, and while the Dagans have a slight amount of momentum in the series, all it takes is one big inning by the sky blue to change that.

The first game saw Courtney Duvall look dominant early on, allowing only one hit through five innings. She needed to be, as the bats only mustered one run themselves over that stretch before they thankfully got a two-run dinger from Rachel Carey in the 6th inning to go up 3-0. Sadly, that was short lived as Duvall was not as successful the third time she went through the Fillies lineup, and the pink were able to tie the game in the 7th. Duvall stayed in to pitch the 8th inning, and the Rockets were able to go back in front in the bottom of that inning on a sac fly from Lexi Alcorn, scoring Hannah Bates. That enabled Duvall to be the winning pitcher. Shannon Spencer pitched a perfect ninth to get the save.

All of that momentum was wasted in game two. The achilles heel of pitcher Breanne Burks in the World Baseball Classic, since her team debut in 38, has been inconsistency. As good as she looks most of the time, there always seems to be a stinker every now and then. You’d like that they did not come at a time like this, but the Dagans had their way with her through three innings, scoring two in the 1st, one in the 2nd, and three in the 3rd, to go up 6-0 and end her day. In relief, Newmanistan put in Hannah Lee, the young phenom who stepped up in Game 2 against the Ponies after Jennifer Hughes was ejected after thirteen pitches. Lee would completely shut Cassadaigua down, throwing six scoreless, and only allowing three hits. Unfortunately, Cassadaigua’s Julie Marrone was unhittable. Well, the Rockets did get two hits, but it just seemed like they didn’t get any.

Newmanistan turns to Jessica Gray for game 3, and some will say that she has been like Burks in her Classic career. She’s normally good, but will simply have those tough starts scattered in between. Recently, she has pitched very well so hopefully that can continue and that the powers that be don’t decide it’s time for the bad start. Jennifer Hughes will pitch game 4. Perhaps Newmanistan will get two wins and the next time you here from me will be talking about the championship. A possibility also exists that Cassadaigua does that, leaving us to talk about the third place series (which by the way, would not be as exciting to us this year as it was last year). However, you have the feeling that this is a five-gamer.

[The Derpy Democratic Republic Of Herp]

TDDROH Sports chat

Mini Update: Not the best start.

World Baseball Classic 41
Semifinals - Games 1 & 2 Results

#1 Super-Llamaland vs. #4 Scootalove City

Game 1

Scootalove City        0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Super-Llamaland        0 1 0 1 0 5 0 0 X  7
Super-Llamaland leads 1-0

Game 2

Scootalove City        0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0  3
Super-Llamaland        0 0 0 2 1 3 0 0 X  6
Super-Llamaland leads 2-0

The first game we had sense WBC 40 with Super-Llamaland didn't really go so well, neither did the second game.

But, really, I'm ok with that. We are still on track to win at least 4th. Thats something.

Even if we lose, we still can get third.

[Cassadaigua]

Playing Newmanistan,
by Cortnie Nicholson, Starting RF

I have been asked a few times by fans, mostly older ones, about what it is like to play Newmanistan. It’s a fair question, but the answer really is that they are no different then anyone else to me. That’s not a slight to them, just a fact. Growing up, neither them nor us participated in the World Baseball Classic. As a kid, our history lesson would be much like theirs, in that there were a lot of great things that were done in the past. It seemed as though it would stay in the past, but when we returned for the champions reunion, there was an opportunity that we could play the Rockets, but it never happened. There were not many expectations on our club in World Baseball Classic 39, but that was soon erased in World Baseball Classic 40, because we were hosting it. There is no way, as a player, you can live with the fact that you failed to qualify for the playoffs that take place on your soil. We saw that this year with the motivated play of Equestrian States. The Rockets too, were climbing, and over the last few years, the chance of us playing them in a meaningful series continued to grow. It’s happened quickly, as one of us are going to playing in the finals.

Fans, therefore, expect that right away I am going to have flashes to the past, but there really aren’t any. We’re too young on this team. We grew up watching Schiltzberg and Super-Llamaland be the best nations in the world, not Newmanistan. I ask these fans, what was the great moment between the Rockets and us, and they point to the dominant period of over twenty classics ago. Thing is, we played it out a little more then they did, so while they can talk about their alternative history, our hiatus was not as long. As such, we started to form new rivalries, such as with Saugeais and then of course, Saintland. Problem is, we never hated the Rockets. In a way, we liked that they were all-female as well, and liked to tease the rest of the world that soon people will ask if they should have men on their team, and not if they should be having women on their team. That’s why, to me as a player, this really is just another series. We see Super-Llamaland waiting in the mist. We see Scootalove City possibly preparing another great comeback. That’s where our focus lies.

We split the two games we played against them while being able to go up against the highly touted Courtney Duvall. She’s tough, she deserves the hype she gets. However, no one is perfect, and we got some runs against her, only to lose late. In the second game, Julie Marrone was the queen, no-hitting them through six, and only allowing two hits in the game as she tossed the complete game shutout. I’m ready for game three!

If you’re ready too, let’s hear that support!

[Equestrian States]

World Baseball Classic 41
Semifinals - Games 3 & 4 Results

#1 Super-Llamaland vs. #4 Scootalove City

Game 3

Super-Llamaland        0 0 1 4 0 1 3 0 0  9
Scootalove City        0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 1  4
Super-Llamaland wins 3-0

---

#2 Newmanistan vs. #3 Cassadaigua

Game 3

Newmanistan            1 1 0 1 0 2 0 0 0  5
Cassadaigua            2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2  6
Cassadaigua leads 2-1

Game 4

Newmanistan            1 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0  4
Cassadaigua            0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0  1
Series tied 2-2

[Newmanistan]

THE ROCKET REPORT

HOT TOPICS FOR GAME 5

by Brianne Henry,

Following a 4-1 win in the fourth game of the series, the Rockets stayed alive after a tough loss in the prior game. This means that the series against Cassadaigua is going to be five games, and I don’t think we could have expected anything different from these teams. Newmanistan will start Courtney Duvall on short rest for this game, and there is exactly no one out there that finds this surprising. It was so expected, that it wasn’t even the most asked question that I got from the fans, so let’s get to those.

The most common point of discussion is a pitcher, but it is not Courtney Duvall. It is Shannon Spencer. If you go back in the history of our team, such as when we were playing Cassadaigua in the playoffs more commonly, you will know that the secret to success in beating the Rockets would be to get the game to the bullpen. It is not a new thing for the Rockets bullpen to cough up leads, and this Classic has not been any different. Don’t even look at game 3 yet, look at Game 5 against the Equestrian States. Newmanistan lead 8-4 after seven innings of this decisive game, and the 36-year old closer, Shannon Spencer, blew the lead. Fortunately, she only blew it to the point of letting the Ponies tie it, and the Rockets were able to prevail in extra innings. Now, to game 3 of this series, and the Rockets held a 5-4 lead going into the bottom of the 9th. Again, Spencer blew the lead, and this time, the game as Fillies trot off with a 6-5 win. Thankfully, Jennifer Hughes tossed a gem in Game 4 to draw us level. So, if the bullpen cannot be trusted, how much more pressure is this putting on the starting pitchers? Set-up reliever Megan Girardi has been better, but not so much better then Spencer to where you can say she has won the job over. Alyssa Mackey could be another option, but it’s too late in the game to go with her in a closing role. It will be Spencer, again, I think, if needed.

Next, it’s the question of Courtney Duvall on short rest and the fact that putting her out there for this game means she does not pitch until late in the Super-Llamaland title series, and not at all if we ended up against Scootalove City in the third place game. This is not a problem for the simple fact that you can’t prepare for the Tigers in a title series if you don’t get there in the first place. You have to make sure that your best pitcher is on the mound in this game, and can worry about the title series later. If it’s the third place series, there is speculation out there that the Rockets will not be as aggressive in going all out to win that one like they were in the Classic. This is all about getting to the finals. But there is a part B to this? Do the Rockets go with Hannah Lee in game 1 of either of the final or third place series. The youngster has started a couple group stage matches, and she has been dominant. Her ERA is the third lowest on the team this classic, behind Duvall and Jennifer Hughes. They’ve put the young phenom in less pressure packed situations, but Game 1, regardless of the series, may be the time to give her the ball in the big game, and say go get ‘em! Hughes would not be available for Game 1 either (though probably goes in Game 2), since she pitched Game 4. Do you start with the sometimes inconsistent Breanne Burks, or do you just say, Hannah, its your time.

Another question is, if the Rockets lose, who should Rockets fans root for in the final? While a Newmanistan-Super-Llamaland title game is what we all want, and would be an absolute barn burner as it would produce a five time champion, the alternative will not lack excitement either. Super-Llamaland vs Cassadaigua would still see the Tigers try to win number five, but also sees the Dagans looking to be a fourth four-timer. Also, there is intrigue in seeing Maddie Polanco, part of the Super-Llamaland coaching staff last time, coach against the Tigers for the Dagans. So, if we lose, don’t just go cold turkey on the Classic. As far as who to root for, that’s up to you. Some will root for Cassadaigua, because they don’t want Super-Llamaland to win number five before we do. That’s fine, but if the Dagans win, that puts another team on four and capable to win number five in the next Classic. Some will root for Super-Llamaland because they can’t root for the team that eliminated us. That’s fine too. I don’t want to think about this though, and rather think about who I’d root for in a Cassadaigua vs Scootalove City series.

It is a big day, and a Classic game.

[Super-Llamaland]

LLAMANEANS DON'T BLOW SEVEN-RUN LEAD, ADVANCE TO FINALS
Alyssa Zhao - LSN Sports

EQUESTRIAN STATES -- Although their opponents made a late rally to make things slightly more competitive, a four-run fourth inning gave the Tigers a 5-0 lead they would not relinquish, and Super-Llamaland advanced to their second straight (and seventh total) WBC finals appearance last night. "We're unbelievably excited to be in the finals again," Manager Laurent Mårtensson noted, "No matter who we face in the finals - Newmanistan or Cassadaigua - it'll be a great series, but we're confident we can beat anybody right now." Indeed, with their best-in-the-world 25-5 group stage record followed up with a narrow series victory over the surging Ethane and a semifinal sweep, Super-Llamaland are in incredible form, and fans across the nation will be excited to watch the seven-game finals series.

They'll be doing so without Maddie Wagner and Markus Wright, as both have now been confirmed out for the Classic with hand and knee injuries, respectively. However, the callups of Axel Florentssen and Hector Rinaldi, as well as the performances of August Bendtner and Dominik Kästner, will ensure that they won't be too sorely missed. It goes without saying that even without Wagner and Wright, the Llamaneans have one of the most talented, balanced, and dangerous roster in the world, and their past strength at this Classic reflects that.

Laurent Mårtensson has already announced the team's plans for the finals: August Bendtner, Justin Zheng, Axel Florentssen, and Matthias Gilson-Engen will start Games 1-4, with Natalie Wu being sent to the bullpen due to her poor performances in past playoff starts. Zheng will then start Game 5 on short rest, Bendtner Game 6, and Gilson-Engen the decisive Game 7 (with Zheng expected to pitch in relief). On the hitting side of things, Kästner is expected to continue leading off and starting at shortstop, while some combination of Hector Rinaldi, James Hao, and Victoria Radovic will cover second and bat seventh. With Lucien Russo fully recovered from his neck injury, this leaves the rest of the lineup untouched.

Game Five of Cassadaigua - Newmanistan is tonight, and it promises to be a great game. Make sure to catch it on LSN tonight - you don't want to miss the future WBC41 runners-up in action!

[Cassadaigua]

Holy Margaret, Goddess of Scores,

Thank you for all of your blessings so far. You have been a gracious goddess, seeing that our nation would become that only one that has won a championship in the five major sports played under your random guidance. We know that it is not a coincidence that you have seen it fit to allow our nation that opportunity. Thank you for that. Praise to you, Oh Holy Margaret.

You have seen chicken sacrifices. You have led a team of unheralded ducks to near glory. There has been a lot, under your power and wisdom that you have allowed to happen, and there is no one out there that can deny your reasoning. Praise to you, Oh Holy Margaret.

It could be seen as greedy for me to ask for another favor. You have done a lot for us, but please think of what the alternatives could be. Do you really want to allow Newmanistan to get to that final? What have they done? Actually, Newmanistan doubts your powers all the time when they talk about their spirits of Tundra Falls. Does that not infringe on your powers, oh holy one? You saw fit that after World Baseball Classic 19, that their tenure would stop after our victory. You allowed them back, and did they praise you, or did they praise their own spirits? We don’t believe in silly powers like that. We believe in one goddess, the goddess of scores. Praise to you, Oh Holy Margaret.

You have liked this pitcher named Courtney Duvall. You even allowed her to dominant through Cassadagan scorination techniques in the last Classic. But it’s time to say it is all for Duvall. Did she ever thank you for her success? I don’t think so. Praise to you, Oh Holy Margaret.

For the world would love the storyline of teacher vs student. Laurent Mårtensson vs Maddie Polanco. That is a far better storyline then two four timers colliding. And besides, we can become a four timer, too. Praise to you, Oh Holy Margaret.

Plus a reminder, that in teacher vs student matchups, people like to hear about the student beating the teacher, rather then the teacher beating the student. Who ever roots for teachers over students anyway? But, we can get to that later. Praise to you, Oh Holy Margaret.

You alone are the power of the random score. We worship you and only you. We pray to you to allow us this win. We may ask for more later, but for now, let us beat this team of Rockets.

Praise to you and only you, Margaret, for you alone are the goddess of scores.

Amen.

[Equestrian States]

World Baseball Classic 41
Semifinals - Game 5 Result

#2 Newmanistan vs. #3 Cassadaigua

Game 5

Cassadaigua            2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0  4
Newmanistan            0 5 0 0 0 0 0 1 X  6
Newmanistan wins 3-2

---

WBC 41 CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

#1 Super-Llamaland vs. #2 Newmanistan
at Royal Canterlot Stadium (cap. 55,000) in Canterlot

---

Third Place Playoff

#3 Cassadaigua vs. #4 Scootalove City
at Ponyville Park (cap. 32,000) in Ponyville

---

Host Note: Congratulations to those advancing to the Championship Series and commiserations to those who will be battling for the bronze. The Championship Series will follow the 2-2-1-1-1 format (not the 2-3-2 format), with one game being scorinated each day. The 3PPO will be a best-of-five with two games each day just like the previous series.

[Super-Llamaland]

WBC FINALS PREVIEW: Tigers, Rockets Both Seek Fifth Championship
Marco Herrera - LSN Baseball

CANTERLOT -- With Newmanistan's 6-4 victory over Cassadaigua last night in Canterlot, WBC41 will officially be producing the competition's first-ever five-time champion. Super-Llamaland and Newmanistan, the tournament's top seeds and two of the favorites to win this competition, have met before - but never with the stakes as high as these. While the 25-5 Tigers have looked dominant this year - and have a favorable 7-4 record against their finals opponents - Newmanistan have looked incredibly dangerous as well, and viewers can expect a long, back-and-forth series as these two titans struggle to set the record for most Classics won.

Both sides had been taking a similar path through the Classic, going an identical 25-5 (with the Tigers' better run difference giving them the top seed) before sweeping their first-round opponents and winning an elimination Game 5 in the quarterfinals. But although the Llamaneans advanced to the final via sweep, Newmanistan took the full five games to eliminate Cassadaigua from the competition. This might be the advantage a Tigers team coming off a three-day rest needs to overwhelm a tired Rockets side, but the slightly fuller schedule hasn't seemed to hurt Newmanistan less.

Both sides have incredibly talented offenses - the Llamaneans' 192 runs in 30 games over the regular season was beaten only by Newmanistan's 197. The Rockets' high-powered attack are dangerous in just about every aspect of offense - not only are they known for their spectacular running game, which will only be somewhat negated by the strong arm of Sofia Rasmussen, but they've also studded their lineup with powerful stars like Brittany Morgan and Mallory Harris - even the bottom of the order has shown some pop this year, and nobody in the Rockets' lineup can be taken lightly. The same can be said of Super-Llamaland, even with the injury of Markus Wright. Sofia Rasmussen, Isak Gunnlaugson, and Lucien Russo have all been on top of things this Classic, and the speed of Kästner, Rinaldi, and Frandsen comes very close to matching Bates and Alcorn.

Where the Tigers truly excelled during the regular season, though, was the pitching. Newmanistan may claim to have the best pitching staff in the world - but their ninety-four runs allowed during the regular season (third to the Tigers and Frenline Delpha) didn't even come close to the sixty-five of Super-Llamaland (corresponding to a 2.17 ERA). Justin Zheng has continued to blow away the opposition, and although he may not get the chance to beat Courtney Duvall again, his new Pocono City deal means he'll have far more chances in the future. Still, Duvall has been brilliant herself - where the Tigers really pull ahead is in the back end of the rotation and the ever-important bullpen.

You can't get a team 2.17 ERA by having your ace carry you; such a low tally signifies that the entire rotation has been performing. Although the Llamaneans will sorely miss Maddie Wagner, August Bendtner and Matthias Gilson-Engen have taken serious steps up this season, while later addition Axel Florentssen still hasn't given up a run. On the other hand, while Jennifer Hughes and Breanne Burks are nominally the "1B" and "1C" starters for the Rockets, their pitching has come nowhere close to that level, and both have struggled mightily with inconsistency. There are hopes in Newmanistan that former #1-pick Hannah Lee will be able to pick up the slack, but the fact remains that the Rockets' rotation is no longer best in the world.

Still, the Rockets' biggest problem isn't their starting pitching - it's absolutely the bullpen. Aspiring champions can't afford to blow late leads, but the fragility of Newmanistan's bullpen has made no lead safe. 36-year-old closer Shannon Spencer has been pointed to as a scapegoat, and it's an understatement to say that Spencer has underperformed - blowing an 8-4 lead in the quarterfinals and a save opportunity in game three to Cassadaigua. The veteran reliever doesn't exactly have a good track record against the Tigers either, notably losing game five of their semifinal series last year. Still, nobody in the bullpen has stepped up enough for Spencer to relinquish her position, and the weakness of the Rockets bullpen could decide this series.

But at the end of the day, this is still Newmanistan - Super-Llamaland. Their semifinal series at WBC40 was an absolute thriller to watch, and with a fifth championship on the line for both teams, this will be even better. Game 1 is tonight at 6:30 local time, with arguably the two best young pitchers in the world - August Bendtner and Hannah Lee - going up against each other. You do not want to miss it.

[Newmanistan]

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS ADVANCE; FACE TIGERS

by Brianne Henry,


It was not an easy fifth game against Cassadaigua, but no one would have thought that it would be. It was a game that won’t be the prettiest scoreline for Courtney Duvall, but at the same time, she also showed that even when you may make her bend, it’s impossible (or very difficult) to make her break. The Rockets celebrate a 6-4 win over the Dagans, a victory that was about 22 Classics overdue.

The first inning of the game is not one that would add to the legend of Duvall. Cassadaigua struck for two, when Danielle Terry doubled down the third base line to drive in a pair to give the team the lead. Courtney persevered though, and got out of the inning without further damage. In the bottom of the second, it was time for the Rockets to strike, and they would put together a big inning. It would begin with consecutive singles off the bats of Mallory Harris and Kayla Carey. After Stephanie Reynolds popped out weakly to third, Michelle Covington smacked a double into the left-center gap to tie the game at 2. Rockets fans were cheering, knowing the early deficit had been erased, but there was going to be more. Hannah Kent singled to give the Rockets the lead, and Courtney Duvall sacrificed to move her over to second. Hannah Bates drew a walk, and then Lexi Alcorn doubled down the right field line to make it 5-2.

The positive feelings were short lived. Duvall was uncharacteristically wild to the first two batters she faced in the third inning, walking both. Later in the inning, Jenna Bailey, who was once rumored to be heading to the Pocono City Capitals, hit a double off the top of the right field wall to allow the Dagans to close the gap to within one. Duvall was looking shaky, and the Dagans were looking for more. But as they say, “The great players aren’t always great. They’re just great when they have to be.” After a pep talk on the mound from Hannah Kent and then Ashley Stevens, Duvall shut down the Dagan threat in the third. Duvall would not allow another baserunner after that, as she went seven innings. At that point, she was taken out, and Newmanistan went to the bullpen. Set up reliever Megan Girardi did her job in the 8th, and the Rockets got helpful insurance in the bottom of the inning. It was on to the ninth, and the Rockets brought in Shannon Spencer, leading to some sarcastic cheering from the Dagan fans. Spencer was a little ineffective early on, allowing the first two Dagans to reach base. Then, the improbable. Cassadaigua put on the hit and run. Perhaps one of these new tactics Maddie Polanco has tried to deploy with the team. Lexi Carpenter hit it sharply, but a tremendous leaping catch by Kayla Carey was the first out, but with Jessica Greene essentially right in front of her, she made the quick tag, and fired to first and the throw would beat the catcher, Danielle Terry. Improbably, the game was over. Just like that. A 6-6-3 triple play to get the Rockets out of the jam, and send them to a series against Super-Llamaland.

That’s where we are now. Newmanistan faces the Tigers in a rematch of their exciting semifinal series from the last Classic. In that Classic, the Tigers went on to defeat Schiltzberg to win their fourth title. Now, someone will finally be the first to win their fifth. Super-Llamaland would be worthy of the achievement, but the Rockets have been waiting a long time, and have made positive steps. If you look back at past championship winning teams of ours, you will find that it has never been easy, and the team has had their backs against the wall in the series leading up to it many times. They have been resilient.

Super-Llamaland, like Newmanistan, was 25-5 during qualifying, but they got the tiebreaker due to overall run differential. They boast that their pitching has been better then ours during this Classic, and in fairness, there is no argument there from us. Still, the Rockets pitching has been very good, and is still capable of rising to the occasion as sometimes it is helpful to see a worthy challenger like the Tigers. I like their staff a lot. Justin Zheng will be here this season, and he has been great and consistent throughout this Classic. Despite the Zheng’s, Duvall’s, Wagner’s, and Hughes’, the matchup for Game 1 is a thriller: August Bendtner vs Hannah Lee. 21-year old phenom vs 21-year old phenom. That’s right world, both of our nations keep turning out the young stars.

Bendtner has gotten more starts then Lee leading up to this big showdown. For Hannah, she was going to be used out of the bullpen mainly, but when Jennifer Hughes had to miss a start against New Jarwel, Hannah took the start, and shut the opponent out. She has been almost unhittable, and only Duvall and Hughes boast better ERA’s. While Lee has had a couple starts against bottom feeders in the group, she also tossed valuable innings in Game 2 against the Equestrian States when Jennifer Hughes was ejected after only 13 pitches. It’s time to give her this chance, we all know she has earned it. She has never faced a lineup like the Tigers, and Bendtner has never faced a team like ours. This matchup is so exciting, and should set the tone for an exciting series.

I had a brief sit down with Hannah about the start, without getting too specific.

Henry: Hannah, congratulations on getting this far.

Lee: Thank you, I appreciate it.

Henry: It is not a complete surprise that you are getting this start, as it was suspected. Still, when you were announced as the starter, what was the feeling like?

Lee: This is what you play for. I want to thank the confidence that coach Stevens has in me, but this is what you dream of, as a kid.

Henry: Going up against a pitcher like Bendtner, who’s also 21, does that add to the excitement for you?

Lee: It means that there are no excuses for either of us. We both know what our job is, and just because we are young, doesn’t mean we can’t go out and there and execute. We have both proven ourselves. It’s exciting to pitch against him, but I am pitching against their hitters, not him.

Henry: Very true, what have your teammates said to you?

Lee: I think I have earned their trust. They have been supportive of me, especially Courtney. We’re all in this together.

The series kicks off soon. Let’s hope it starts with a big game from Lee and the team.

[Equestrian States]

World Baseball Classic 41
Championship Series - Game 1 Results

#1 Super-Llamaland vs. #2 Newmanistan

Game 1

Newmanistan            0 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 2  6
Super-Llamaland        0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Newmanistan leads 1-0

---

Third Place Playoff - Games 1 & 2 Results

#3 Cassadaigua vs. #4 Scootalove City

Game 1

Scootalove City        0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0  3
Cassadaigua            0 3 5 3 1 0 0 0 X 12
Cassadaigua leads 1-0

Game 2

Scootalove City        0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0  3
Cassadaigua            0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 X  5
Cassadaigua leads 2-0

[Super-Llamaland]

LSN RAPID RECAP: LEE, REYNOLDS STYMIE TIGERS, ROCKETS TAKE LEAD
Marco Herrera - LSN Baseball

CANTERLOT -- 21-year-old Hannah Lee needed 127 pitches to do it, but the end result - a shutout of the Tigers in game one of WBC41 - was remarkable. Combined with some early fireworks from a Newmanistan side looking to beat Super-Llamaland to five Classics, it would be more than enough for a comfortable 6-0 win. Laurent Mårtensson summed it up best: "We had our chances, and we failed to capitalize. But sometimes, you just have to tip your hat to the other team. Newmanistan were brilliant tonight - and although we're capable of being just as good, tonight they were the better team."

Nobody could've predicted such a comfortable win in the first inning. Although Hannah Bates legged out an infield single to start the finals, the young Bendtner got Tigers fans out of their seats by picking her off at first just two pitches later - and striking out the side. On the other hand, Lee was considerably shakier, and it took some good defense to keep Super-Llamaland off the board. Dominik Kästner walked to lead things off, but Lee calmed down very quickly and induced a foulout from Rasmussen and a weak groundout from Gunnlaugson. Lucien Russo got more of the ball, hitting a solid line-drive into right, but Kästner was thrown out at third on a beautiful throw from Stephanie Reynolds. If the Tigers had gotten an early run against Lee, things could've gone very differently. But Reynolds' defense got the South Charlotte star out of the inning, and she didn't look back.

Unfortunately for Laurent Mårtensson's Tigers, August Bendtner did. It was a familiar culprit to punish him for it - the right-fielder Reynolds was gifted a hanging curve from the City of Dinschria star, and Justin Zheng's future teammate sent a towering fly ball into the left-field seats. One-zero, Rockets. And in the third inning, Brittany Morgan went deep as well, putting Super-Llamaland two runs down and sending Bendtner into a fit of rage - although he controlled himself just well enough to strike out Mallory Harris and end the threat.

Still, after Bendtner gave up another run in the fourth, Laurent Mårtensson decided he'd seen enough, pulling him for Aurelio Gomes. Gomes pitched a perfect fifth and seventh, although he gave up another run in the sixth to an RBI double off the bat of - you guessed it - Stephanie Reynolds. Still, the solid three innings kept Super-Llamaland in the game, and with the offense they had and the bullpen the Rockets had, fans figured that even a 4-0 scoreline was surmountable.

But with Hannah Lee looking like the second coming of Duvall, the bullpen was never going to enter the game. The Tigers got a few baserunners on - she wasn't totally dominant - but Lee continued to shut down any threats that popped up like a ten-year veteran. By the time Reynolds singled in another two runs off Marcus Hong, making the score 6-0 in the top of the ninth, Llamanean fans had already given up. Lee jumping into Hannah Kent's arms after striking out Radovic to end the game was almost inevitable.

Newmanistan has a 1-0 lead in the series now, but don't lose hope. Seven-game series offer many opportunities to come back in a series, especially when Justin Zheng is on the mound. And it'll be the newly-minted Pocono City ace to take the mound in a Game 2 of vital importance. Make sure to catch it on LSN!

[Super-Llamaland]

LBA BRINGS CBC PROPOSAL TO COUNCIL
Douglas Stone, LBC Sports

POCONO CITY -- As expected, the Llamanean Baseball Association brought their formally proposed Club Baseball Classic to the World Baseball Council last night, and the Council is now deliberating over the proposal that would go into effect before WBC42.

"Since the disbanding of the Baseball Club Championships," LBA President and former national-team third baseman Troy Adrian noted during the proposal, "baseball teams in domestic leagues have largely kept to themselves. While the BCC's failure showed that top nations often didn't have interest in a sustained UICA-esque season, our mission to spread baseball across the world requires us to have some sort of tournament amongst domestic champions."

The Club Baseball Classic, which as proposed would be an eight-team, single-elimination tournament amongst the champions of seven top baseball-playing nations and the previous season's champions, held in the Classic's host nation directly before the start of the WBC. The seven nations, who would be allowed to choose their own teams (although selection of the past season's champions would be encouraged), would be the hosts of the upcoming and previous WBCs (in this case, Equestrian States & WBC42's host) as well as the top three finishers at the past WBC41 (Super-Llamaland, Newmanistan, and what would likely be Cassadaigua after the Dagans took a 2-0 lead in the third place series last night). Additional nations would be invited to select teams to compete by the upcoming host based on past levels of media coverage.

Such a proposal has been popular within the LBA, as Super-Llamaland (the creators of the Baseball Club Championships) have always been interested in promoting international club competition within baseball. However, although initial reception has been positive, it's still unknown whether the proposal would go into effect immediately.

[The Derpy Democratic Republic Of Herp]

TDDROH Sports chat

Mini Update: Comeback time?

World Baseball Classic 41

Third Place Playoff - Games 1 & 2 Results

#3 Cassadaigua vs. #4 Scootalove City

Game 1

Scootalove City        0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0  3
Cassadaigua            0 3 5 3 1 0 0 0 X 12
Cassadaigua leads 1-0

Game 2

Scootalove City        0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0  3
Cassadaigua            0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 X  5
Cassadaigua leads 2-0

So, I still say that this is the best season we have ever had.

While we are down by two games I say these next games are where we turn things around.

We still are doing the best we have ever done, but we can still get 3rd place.

Come on Unicorns, we can do this.

[Newmanistan]

THE ROCKET REPORT

THE FUTURE IS NOW

by Brianne Henry,

As the first game of the series played on, I was one of many people that were amazed by how Hannah Lee was handling the lineup of the Tigers. She was dominant as the Rockets take the opening game of the series, 6-0. It’s just one game in a series, and there is a lot more work that needs to be done, but for a moment forget about the series aspect of it. What Hannah Lee did in this one game was remarkable. At just 21-years of age, Hannah was not expected to have a huge role on the team, and was expected to be used mainly in long relief. She’s young, but she may have been ready for this because of the preparation of the last Classic, where Ashley Stevens named her to roster to get a taste of what it was like to be on the national team. She was used sparingly, and mainly in games that were out of hand, either for good or bad reason. Lee was also part of the semifinal team from last time that played Super-Llamaland. That would give her the feel of a deep run, and give her the same fire as everyone else on the roster to atone for that loss this year.

Early in qualifying, Lee started a game against New Jarwel as a late injury replacement, and blanked that opponent. We’ve talked about that a few times, but that was really the game that got her on the radar. A couple of strong follow up efforts after that, and Lee was looking like the pitcher that dominated the junior ranks and made her the #1 overall pick of the South Charlotte Condors. Since Hughes and Duvall went in games 4 and 5 against Cassadaigua, Stevens gave her the leap of confidence to pitch this game. We can only imagine what goes through the mind of a young pitcher when being given the assignment. Young players have many dreams as they group up as kids, which will include winning an ENBL title, or a World Baseball Classic crown. Somewhere amidst those dreams comes another. That time, when you are give the ball for a huge game for the first time. Your coach believes in you. The older veterans smile, those people you would watch on TV and they were now your teammates, agreeing with the coach’s decision. It’s go time.

Actually, another Hannah got that message a little too literally, when the Rockets got off on the wrong foot in the top of the first. After starting the game off with an infield single, Hannah Bates was caught off-guard by the impressive pick off move of August Bendtner, another 21-year old superstar in the legend. Bates took the blame for being caught, telling us, “I got a little too ambitious. I told myself I had to respect that guy’s move, but got carried away, I guess. It won’t happen again.” Bates smiled and winked, showing that she was not worried about it. As for Lee, the Tigers got to her a little in the first, and she was backed up by her friends in what Ashley Stevens said may have been the best thing to happen to her. “You’d love to strike out the side in the first, but that can lead to a false sense of security. When you know you don’t have to be perfect, and that you got an all-star defense behind you, it is uplifting. You have a player like Stephanie (Reynolds) making the heads up play that she did, you know you’re teammates are with you. Hannah really settled in, and it helped that we gave her some runs to work with.”

The play was a pick-me-up for Stephanie Reynolds, who showed Justin Zheng the kind of defense he can expect to have behind him in Pocono City as well. She also showed her ability at the plate as she came up big a couple times. In the second, Reynolds took advantage of a curveball that had no break, and deposited it into the seats. “There was no break to the pitch,” Reynolds said, “When a pitcher makes a mistake like that you need to capitalize. We know this is a long series, but this game had the potential to be the wild card game for the series with the two young pitching stars going at it. I know I was really excited for it, and the team was as well. Hannah Lee is a good person, she respects the game, and is going to be a great one!” An inning later, another solo shot, this time by Brittany Morgan, made it 2-0 in favor of the Rockets. Reynolds picked up another key RBI later in the ball game, to complete a 3-for-4 day overall.

With the win, the Rockets are up, but we’ve been through this enough to know that is all that it means. Game 2 will see the Tigers looking to match the series with Justin Zheng, the Pocono City Capital on the hill. For Newmanistan, it will be Breanne Burks. This wasn’t an automatic as Stevens could have decided to go with Hughes in this game and Duvall in game 3, with each on three days rest, but is opting to give them their full rest. Burks has been good. Usually, she tosses a good game, and has shown the ability to throw the great game that will be needed to beat a pitcher of Zheng’s caliber. Inconsistency has been her problem in the Classic. When she struggles, she really struggles, so her individual stats are not as impressive as they probably really should be. They need her to step up big here.

[Equestrian States]

World Baseball Classic 41
Championship Series - Game 2 Results

#1 Super-Llamaland vs. #2 Newmanistan

Game 2

Newmanistan            1 2 1 0 0 0 2 0 1  7
Super-Llamaland        0 0 2 1 2 0 3 0 X  8
Series tied 1-1

---

Third Place Playoff - Games 3 & 4 Results

#3 Cassadaigua vs. #4 Scootalove City

Game 3

Cassadaigua            0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1  3
Scootalove City        2 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 X  4
Cassadaigua leads 2-1

Game 4

Cassadaigua            0 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 0  4
Scootalove City        1 4 0 0 0 0 1 1 X  7
Series tied 2-2

[Cassadaigua]

Bailey Signs With Pocono City,
by Jessica Whitmeyer, Brattleboro Gazette

One of the worst kept secrets on the Cassadagan baseball team was that leadoff hitter Jenna Bailey was being courted by the Pocono City Capitals, of Newmanistan. These rumors heated up after the Capitals told reporters after the Justin Zheng signing that they were not done. In fact, this deal was agreed to a little while ago, but Bailey wanted to keep the announcement from becoming official while the team was still alive in playoffs. While they are playing in a consolation series currently, the team was done following the 6-4 loss to the Rockets in game 5 of the semifinals. Of the deal, Bailey told reporters, “It is going to be great. Playing in Newmanistan is perfect for someone like me since they love to be so aggressive stealing bases. I am really excited to go there. Maddie Polanco told me Justin Zheng would be a great teammate. I want to thank my fans in Brattleboro, but this is an enormous opportunity.”

The consolation series is clearly a case of what happens when a nation with high aspirations meets and up and comer. The Unicorns are playing hard and showing a lot of resiliency, while the Dagans just seem to be playing out these final games. They did win the first two, but the Unicorns have come back to tie it. The fifth game is today, but most Cassadagan fans, honestly, are watching the Rockets vs Tigers now.

[Newmanistan]

THE ROCKET REPORT

A CHAMPIONS LEAGUE?

By Brianne Henry,

Recently, the Llamanean Baseball Association put together a proposal for consideration that would create a mini Champions League. That is common in soccer, and something that Newmanistanian teams participated in a couple teams. It never seemed to take off, but that is soccer, and there is a big difference between the passion in the country between baseball, and the game where people kick a ball around. Fine, we don’t really hate soccer, and we actually like it, but all those failed World Cup qualifying sessions did get to us, as a former Baptism of Fire and three-time Cup of Harmony champion. There, have to at least mention that we were not completely hopeless in the sport. The format drawn up by the LBA, is not the same as the soccer champions league, and is smaller, and more reasonable. Is this something that Newmanistanian teams, and clubs are interested in?

Management of the Pocono City Capitals, a team with high aspirations with the now additional signing of Cassadaigua’s 23-year old speedster Jenna Bailey to the lineup were receptive to the idea, saying in a statement, “Baseball is an international sport. The World Baseball Classic is always competitive, but there is more out there that we can be doing. The introduction of a Club Baseball Classic is something that would show how much of an international appeal the sport has. Fans should have the opportunity to watch the stars of the world, not just the stars of their homeland, at any time.” Rockets manager, and Loudon Leopards manager Ashley Stevens was also receptive, “I like the idea. Not exactly how it is spelled out, so we will discuss details later. I have the feeling you will see this come to fruition. There was an attempt, it seems while our nation was not active in the tournament, and we think with our presence, we can assist in the greatest way possible. We will have an alternative format proposed. It won’t vary too much from what we saw from the LBA, but there are some adjustments that I would like for them, and others to consider first.”

Not everyone is excited. The front office of the Jessicaville Millionaires is not in favor, and they issued the following statement, “It’s a money grab for someone else. We are going to send our players to another country to play in games? What about liability concerns if a star player gets injured in one of those games. Our players are contracted to the Millionaires first and foremost. The financial issues must be discussed, and it must be a profitable venture to our organization for us to consider going. We are an ENBL team.” The team then stated that if they won the title and the honor to go to the tournament, they would not boycott, but would send minor leaguers only. Leave it to Jessicaville to be the pessimist in the room, like always.

We spoke with Ashley Stevens a little more, though, in regards to the alternative proposal for the Classic. It would extend the automatic bid to all four of the semifinalist teams, not just the top 3. It would only allow an automatic bid for the current host nation, and not the host nation for the prior classic. The “past seasons champions” spot would remain, with a seventh spot given to the highest ranked nation not otherwise qualified that saw their national media provide at least three press releases during the prior classic. You never knew media coverage was so important, did you? This would leave one open spot.

Speaking of the Classic, Newmanistan dropped the second game of the tournament, despite having some success against Justin Zheng early in the game. As a matter of fact, the Rockets jumped out to a 4-0 lead against him after just three innings. Like we said with Courtney Duvall in game 5 of the Cassadaigua series, “the great players aren’t great, they’re just great when they have to be.” This proved to be true for Zheng when his own offense rallied to get closer and eventually take the lead. Zheng would get through six tough innings, but did not allow a base runner from the fourth through the sixth. The Rockets got to him in the first when Hannah Bates led the game off with a single. This time, and attempted pick off throw ended up in right field as it was misplayed by Nicolas Rousseau. Bates went to third on the error, and then an unexpected squeeze play on the next pitch with Lexi Alcorn frustrated Zheng a little more, and Lexi beat it out. In the second, Stephanie Reynolds continued to swing a hot bat, blasting a two run homer off her future teammate to make it 3-0. Unfortunately, it all unraveled from the bottom of the third onward. Down 8-6 in the 9th, Newmanistan had a solid threat off Anthony Beuregard, getting the first two runners on (Covington and Kent), but the offense stalled, and only could get the one run.

This makes the series all square. Jennifer Hughes goes in Game 3 with Courtney Duvall slated for Game 4.

[The Derpy Democratic Republic Of Herp]

TDDROH Sports chat

Let's end this.

World Baseball Classic 41
Third Place Playoff - Games 3 & 4 Results

#3 Cassadaigua vs. #4 Scootalove City

Game 3

Cassadaigua            0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1  3
Scootalove City        2 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 X  4
Cassadaigua leads 2-1

Game 4

Cassadaigua            0 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 0  4
Scootalove City        1 4 0 0 0 0 1 1 X  7
Series tied 2-2

We did it, we have tied and the final game is taking place tonight. While we may have not gotten the championship we wanted, we can still take home third.

There is no pressure, even if we lose, we still have this as the best season ever. And just making it into the top four is an achievement all on its own.

Still, would be nice to win. And that's what's hopefully going to happen tonight.


Amalthea Beagle was doing great in the first game, from the 6th to the 9th she was shutting down everyone with only a solo homer she let slip on a wild pitch. Pat Zater got a grand slam in the second of the second game.



Sense all the other ball clubs are doing it Here is the pitching schedule for the final match up.*

Starting pitcher:
Bastion Rogers

Relief pitchers:
Paul Mins
Amalthea 'The Last Unicorn' Beagle

*May be subject to change

[Super-Llamaland]

[accidentally edited over the RP instead of quoting it]

[Equestrian States]

World Baseball Classic 41
Championship Series - Game 3 Results

#1 Super-Llamaland vs. #2 Newmanistan

Game 3

Super-Llamaland        0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0  3
Newmanistan            0 4 1 5 0 3 4 0 X 17
Newmanistan leads 2-1

---

Third Place Playoff - Game 5 Results

#3 Cassadaigua vs. #4 Scootalove City

Game 5

Scootalove City        0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0  1
Cassadaigua            1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 X  2
Cassadaigua wins 3-2

---

Host Note: Congratulations to Cassadaigua on claiming third place; and congratulations also to Scootalove City on an excellent tournament and for making a valiant comeback even though it did ultimately come up just a bit short.

[Super-Llamaland]

LSN RAPID RECAP - ROCKETS SCORE 17, TAKE SERIES LEAD
Marco Herrera - LSN Baseball

Super-Llamaland        0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0  3
Newmanistan            0 4 1 5 0 3 4 0 X 17

SP FLORENTSSEN: 3.1 IP, 8 ER, 7 H, 0 K/2 BB, 87 Pitches
RP GOMES: 2.2 IP, 5 ER, 8 H, 1 K/4 BB, 75 Pitches
RP-RF BARTLETT: 2 IP, 4 ER, 4 H, 2 K/0 BB, 41 Pitches


CANTERLOT -- what the fuck

---

LBC BREAKING: FLORENTSSEN FOUND DEAD IN HOTEL ROOM
Douglas Stone, LBC Sports

CANTERLOT -- Team officials have reported that New Llama Wizards ace and Llamanean national team starter Axel Florentssen was found dead in his hotel room approximately thirty minutes ago. Multiple gunshot wounds were found on the body of the former professional baseball player, but although suicide is the expected cause of death, the exact cause of Florentssen's tragic passing is unknown. Although 911 was called, Florentssen was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

Due to the trauma of the unfolding situation, neither LBC nor other major media outlets have attempted to reach any internal sources for comment. When contacted, the Llamanean Baseball Association promised future updates, but due to the critical nature of the current situation, they refused to comment "until more details came to light".

More updates will be provided here on LBC, as well as other major news networks, as we try to make sense of this tragedy. For now, we can only hope for a clean resolution to this crisis, and for no more tragedies to take place tonight.

---

WiKIPEDIA: THE FREE ENCYCLOPEDIA

YDMYKELSAV CANTERLOT

The Ydmykelsav Canterlot (Arondic, English: Humiliation of Canterlot) is an ongoing crisis within the Llamanean National Baseball Team during the finals of World Baseball Classic 41, usually referring to Super-Llamaland's 17-3 loss in Game Three of the best-of-seven playoff series against Newmanistan and the ensuing suicide of starting pitcher Axel Florentssen. The phrase originated on Llamanean online communities such as Reddit, and the usage of Arondic as opposed to Llamanean English is apparently a reference to Florentssen's Arondic descent.

---

A hotel room in Canterlot

They've all gathered outside of Room 208, except for Dominik Kästner, one of the two former inhabitants, who refuses to go anywhere near it. Besides Kästner, whose whereabouts have been forgotten (although Megan Sjöberg said she'd seen him at the hotel bar fifteen minutes ago, and honestly, who could blame him?), every last member of the Llamanean national baseball team and its coaching staff are there. Besides one, of course. But nobody wants to bring him up yet. They've deferred to the manager, Laurent Mårtensson, who's begun to speak because although he would have readily deferred to Axel's ex-teammate Sofia Rasmussen - or, honestly, anyone else - he can't, he's the manager and the leader and the mentor, and besides, Sofia Rasmussen tried to speak a few minutes ago but she just broke down, so who else would even talk after that?.

Laurent Mårtensson is usually an eloquent man, but he's past eloquence now; it's one in the morning and his starting pitcher has just killed himself because Laurent left him in the game for too long. Even if he had all of his wits and charm about him, he could not possibly find any adequate words to comfort his team, to bring them back together and ready them for Game 4 - but honestly, is that even a priority anymore? The only reason is that there are none that exist, because although in movies the manager can find the words there's just no way to come remotely close to touching anyone in real life in the wake of what's just happened. But he tries, because it's his job, and because he's been with these guys for far too long to do nothing about it in their time of need, even if it's his time of need too.

So he begins to speak, reassurances flowing out of his mouth, and the team listens. Dominik Kästner has mustered the requisite courage to come back and stand in front of the cold wooden door, the door he opened thirty minutes ago and immediately shut. Nobody will remember the words Mårtensson says, because there is no message behind them. But all of the disagreements between them have melted away, and they wake up in the morning distraught - because why wouldn't they be? - but somehow more composed and more reassured. They won't give up now. It's not too late to rally back, to win, even if they don't know what - besides Axel - they're playing for anymore. But they will march out tomorrow morning in their green aways with the black #17 patches on them, knowing that - more than ever - they are a team, and that they need to win.

---

LBC BREAKING: FLORENTSSEN'S DEATH A SUICIDE
Douglas Stone, LBC Sports

CANTERLOT -- A coroner has confirmed that the shooting death of Axel Florentssen earlier tonight was a suicide. It was known that Florentssen struggled with his mental health before his start tonight, but his death largely took everyone by surprise. A psychologist contact of LBC has suggested Florentssen's last start before his suicide, a 17-3 loss to Newmanistan, may have triggered this action.

More updates will be posted as we receive them. We urge you, readers, to send your thoughts and prayers to Florentssen's family and the Llamanean baseball team in this trying time.

[The Derpy Democratic Republic Of Herp]

TDDROH Sports chat

Mini Update: Well, that was a season.

World Baseball Classic 41

Third Place Playoff - Game 5 Results

#3 Cassadaigua vs. #4 Scootalove City

Game 5

Scootalove City        0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0  1
Cassadaigua            1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 X  2
Cassadaigua wins 3-2

Well, it might have not been the best ending, other than seeing the excellent shut down in the last three innings thanks to Amalthea 'The Last Unicorn' Beagle, it was still a great season.

Up till the end, The unicorns kept up the pressure and made some great plays.
In the main season, they went 22-8, the best team record they have ever done. In game 5 of the Round of 16 they had the best inning ever seen by any WBC team, ever.

Stuart 'Super' Nova is now a hero, Rick 'The House/God of Thunder' King maintained his great postseason plays and Amalthea 'The Last Unicorn' Beagle is still the super star pitcher we know she is.

After the game, the team still kept there spirits up.

Scootaloo and Star Butterfly started a pie fight with the three superstars and in the end the entire team had fun.

They will all be going home soon, Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash still have halloween plans (read, pranking) to take care of.

All in all, a great season, lets hope next year will be even better.

---

TDDROH Sports chat

Breaking: Axel Florentssen commits suicide after 17-3 Loss for Super-Llamaland


This is unexpected and horrific news. We here at TDDROH Sports chat, and the entire office leader sends out there condolences to his family.

[Newmanistan]

THE ROCKET REPORT

HARRIS’ 3 HR, 9 RBI NIGHT ROUTS TIGERS

by Brianne Henry,


(OOC: This is written IC-ly before it became known Florentssen committed suicide. That will be covered separately).

If you didn’t watch the game last night (and the real question would be, why didn’t you watch the game?) And I told you that the Rockets defeated Super-Llamaland 17-3, you would have likely responded, “I don’t care about the World Bowl friendly, how about the baseball game?” Then you would begin to ponder a couple things, first being that Super-Llamaland isn’t known for having a gridiron team, and second, you’d be confused that the Rockets won a gridiron to begin with. So then, yes, 17-3 was indeed the final score of the game last night. How could this happen?

On the mound for the Tigers was Axel Florentssen, and there would be no reason to think that things were about to go as south for him as they would here tonight. Jennifer Hughes would be on the mound for the Rockets, with the team in theory needing to get nine big innings for her because the Tigers pitching staff has been so dominant during this playoff. Sometimes, when it rains, it pours. But in this case, it poured and caused flooding for Super-Llamaland. What that team knows, though, is it is just one game. The most important score right now is 2-1, with the sky blue holding the edge in this series. The Tigers know they are much better then that, and the Rockets know they are as well. Manager Ashley Stevens also is well aware that her team isn’t really that good. Will there be carryover from such a lopsided victory? All too often we see it happen in baseball where the day after putting up a big number like this, they can’t get a run in the next game. Though there’s actually a reason I speculate for that, as a team likely gets the runs against a #5 starter then goes up against an ace in the game. So, the key for Newmanistan is to realize that what happened in game 3, stays in game 3. It means nothing for Game 4 and beyond.

That’s not to say we can’t, as fans, enjoy a flashback of what happened last night. Let’s get started.

Bottom 2nd- With the score 0-0 after one, Mallory Harris destroyed a high fastball, sending it 446 feet, to give the Rockets the advantage. “I felt good coming into the game. I saw the pitch well and I knew I could get a good swing on it, so did I, at that time, swing for the fence? Yes. Yes, I did.” Harris said. Kayla Carey was walked to follow, on four pitches. Florentsson’s next three pitches were balls as well, but Stephanie Reynolds got the green light to swing at the 3-0 pitch, and she continued her hot streak, lacing a double into right field to make it 2-0. Michelle Covington and Hannah Kent were retired, but the next batter may have set the tone for the game. Opposing pitcher Jennifer Hughes stepped up to the plate, and Florentssen may have got a little lazy to Jennifer, tossing her a very hittable pitch. Hughes got good wood at it, and it went a long way. All the way over the fence in left field to give the Rockets the 4-0 lead. Hughes will hit 2 or 3 homers a year, so she is not worthless with the bat. Of the homer, Hughes said, “In that situation, you just go up to the plate and want to do something to bring in the run or at least continue the threat. I have confidence in myself to do that. I’ve hit a few home runs before but you never expect to hit one. To do it in that situation was amazing!” Florentssen seemed rattled, and would hit Hannah Bates with his next pitch. Bates gave him a long stare as if wondering if it was intentional. But Florentssen’s quick apology convinced Hannah it was not, as she could be seen nodding to him. A nice defensive play on a Lexi Alcorn liner ended the inning.

Bottom 3rd- After retiring Brittany Morgan, Florentssen conceded his third home run of the game, and second to Mallory Harris. It was if he wanted to prove he could beat her with the same pitch that she hit out of the park before, but that would be a big mistake. The same pitch, got the same result, with the exception being that this one only traveled 427 feet. The threat was over at that point, but the Rockets had now opened up a five run lead.

Looks good, right? Well, remember how they lost Game 2 of the series, where they also jumped out to an early lead, and then got quiet. Clearly manager Stevens had something to say about that, and clearly the message was about to be delivered. After the Tigers cut into the lead to make it 5-2, the team was not about to let it happen again.

Bottom 4th- Hannah Kent leads off the inning with a single up the middle, and is sacrificed over to second by Hughes. Bates would be the next one up to the plate, and she would bloop a single into left center, with Kent only able to get to third. She would score on a Lexi Alcorn single, and Bates and Alcorn would execute a double steal, to put runners on second and third with one out. Florentsson would walk Brittany Morgan, which proved to be his last batter of the night. Up next was Mallory Harris, who was 2-for-2 with two solo shots, up with the bases loaded. There would not be a grand slam, but Harris would double into left field to clear the bases, and make it 9-2 in favor of the Rockets, bringing her RBI count up to five. She would score on a Kayla Carey single to finish the threat.

In the top of the 5th, the Tigers would score one more in what would end up being the last inning of the game for Jennifer Hughes. Not because there was anything wrong with her, but because manager Stevens knew the best way to use this lead to the team’s advantage in a later game, would be to keep Hughes as fresh as possible for a future game, probably game 6, if needed. In came Kaitlyn Carroll at that point. Besides, the Rockets were up 10-3. Who could ever blow a 10-3 lead in a critical game at the World Baseball Classic playoffs? Manager Ashley Stevens was right on top of it. “I told the team in the dugout to remember Drawkland-Scootalove City. Anything is possible.”

Bottom of the 6th- Lexi Alcorn stepped up to plate and would lead it off with a triple, and would score on a Brittany Morgan single to make 11-3. Next up is Mallory Harris, who had been having a huge game, and she would add to the stat line, smacking her third home run over the fence, this one at 433 feet, to make it 13-3. Bring the RBI count up to seven.

Bottom 7th- The Rockets continue to smack the ball hard as Hannah Kent leads off the inning with a home run to make it 14-3. Pinch hitter Kenzie Magee singled, followed by a walk to Hannah Bates. Alcorn and Morgan would be retired, but Mallory Harris stepped up and singled to bring in two, giving her nine RBI’s in the game. She would score on a Stephanie Reynolds single.

That would do it for the scoring. After the game, Harris told reporters, “It was a special game, and we’ll enjoy it tonight but there is a lot more to be played. They are certainly going to want to prove that they are a better team then this, even though we know that they are. In a series like this, you have to keep on pushing. We’ve seen teams blow seven run leads in one inning in the playoffs. You cannot let up, and we didn’t.” The short game by Jennifer Hughes will mean she will be good to go for game 6, if needed. Courtney Duvall will go in game 4, with Hannah Lee going to go in game 5. For game 7, potentially, it can be Duvall again, but we’ll have to see how things go. If the Rockets jump out to a big lead, or if the Tigers do, expect to see Duvall also have a shortened start, with Jessica Gray likely utilized.

[Newmanistan]

THE ROCKET REPORT

FLORENTSSEN FOUND DEAD

by Taylor Larson,

Oh my god! I am hearing now that tragedy has struck in the World Baseball Classic as Axel Florentssen, the pitcher who started Game 3 for Super-Llamaland has been found dead in his hotel room. This is terrible news, and I can’t imagine how difficult this is for his family and friends. Florentssen was one of the best pitchers in a nation that continues to produce great pitching, as evidenced by his being named to the national team. He did not have a good start last night, but that should not tell the story of his career. It’s been reported by LBC Sports, the main sporting publication of Super-Llamaland that this was a suicide, but I am not buying that. Within the report, it is noted that there multiple gun shot wounds. Suicide victims usually just get it over with, with one shot. A 911 call was reportedly placed, but there are no details being given about that. Let’s just say I find it too quick to rule this a suicide, and hope that the proper authorities will undergo a complete investigation of hotel surveillance, and any other information that could be beneficial.

The news has ended the Rockets jovial spirit of what happened in game 3. Manager Ashley Stevens issued a statement just now on the matter, “On behalf of the Newmanistanian baseball team, the ENBL, and the Empire of Newmanistan, I wish to express our deepest sympathies for this tragic loss of Axel Florentssen, a young man who had the great talent to represent his homeland in the World Baseball Classic. It is a great loss for you guys. We know what it is like to have a tight close-knit locker room. Be strong, and know that he would want you to continue on your mission.”

Other Rockets players have commented, via social media:

Breanne Burks: “I am so sorry to hear this, but suicide my ass. Why are there multiple gun shot wounds? Players, especially pitchers deal with demented fans all of the time who make threats after you have a bad start. There are some nutjobs out there, and this needs a deeper investigation.”

Hannah Bates: “He was flustered in this game. I could read it, and I think most of us did. But to have it end like this, I can’t understand. To take your own life while you are representing your country, it’s terrible. So awful. I am so sorry for his friends, teammates, and family.”

Kayla Carey: “My first reaction to this was like most of you. It is so sad and terrible. But I don’t think it is suicide. Very quick to come to that conclusion.”

Jennifer Hughes: “My sincere condolences to everyone affected. If there is anything we can do as a team, short of conceding the series, let us know.”