World Baseball Classic 52 Everything Thread

by **TJUN-ia** » Sat Sep 04, 2021 9:49 am

Game 1: TJUN-ia (9) 2-0 Ethane (26) (TJU lead series 1-0)
After 3 straight series sweeps took on on the brink of taking the group, Kyle McNash started game one here in Ethane looking to make it 4-in-a-row for a Battin' Jags unit that is becoming almost impossible to stop. This game was almost dragging down everyone within a radius, however, as no one managed to score any runs for the first 6 innings. Both teams were certainly trying, don't get us wrong, but nothing was breaking through the resolve of the pitchers on deck and both would be chasing the elusive shutout. That is until Pedr Moires finally broke this situation up with a home run in the 7th. An RBI by Angel Enrique and Rafael Llorente would provide the only other score in this series-opener, the Jags taking it 2-0 and the crowd at least seeing some runs tonight.

Game 2: TJUN-ia (9) 3-2 Ethane (26) (TJU win series 2-0)
Chris Harris would start Game 2 and thankfully for the crowd, the runs would start coming in earlier than Game 1 managed, with an RBI by Bryce Calhoun opening things up before we took a break for three innings to play some competitive baseball. Ethane is actually better than their record suggests, so this wasn't a surprise but these long periods without any scoring can be a bit stressful at times. Thankfully, they got a run to make it 1-1 but then came a 7th where both teams managed to score: Ethane got 1 and TJUN-ia got 2 via a nice homer by Calhoun. That would be all from this on ein the end and with Tikariot also winning, our lead at the top of the group was practically unassailable.

Game 3: TJUN-ia (9) 7-5 Ethane (26) (TJU won series 3-0)
With Tikariot losing tonight, TJUN-ia were Group Winners no matter what happened tonight, but that didn't stop Davis Johnson from wanting another sweep to add to the 4 we have already in this competition. His quest for a shutout began with a brilliant run for the first half of the game, where TJUN-ia managed 5 runs including a 3-run bomb by Joe Gregory in the 2nd, but that run would end with a 3-run Ethane bomb in the 6th and when they brought the game back to 5-4 midway through the 8th, Carlos Buena was dispatched to try and hold on for the sweep. He certainly did that, conceding only 1 as the Jags scored another 2 to conform our fourth 3-0 sweep in a row. Now we need to try and keep hold of our #2 seeding if possible, with a final date with West Phoencia in Portside hopefully sending us off to Chromatika in style. GO JAGS!

SCHEDULE (Group G)
S1: @Daehae (UR) W 3-0 (2nd)
S2: vs Magnecia (UR) - Rounders Field, Portside L 0-3 (T-3rd)
S3: @Tikariot (14) - Oceanview Park, Sports City, Port Rhovanyon W 2-1 (3rd)
----------------BREAK TIME----------------
S4: vs Ethane (26) - The Diamond in The Gardens, New Washington W 3-0 (3rd)
S5: @West Phoencia (66) - Emperor Glenton Gryphon-Bush II Stadium, Melbourne-Haven? L 1-2 (3rd)
S6: vsDaehae (UR) - Rounders Field, Portside W 3-0 (2nd)
S7: @Magnecia (UR) - Maze Field, Leeland W 3-0 (1st)
----------------BREAK TIME----------------
S8: vs Tikariot (14) - The Diamond in The Gardens, New Washington W 3-0 (1st)
S9: @Ethane (26) W 3-0 (1st, OFFICIALLY QUALIFIED AND GROUP WINNERS)
S10: vs West Phoencia (66) - Rounders Field, Portside

by **Ko-oren** » Sat Sep 04, 2021 2:00 pm

The East's six regions

Today, we'll be looking at the six subdivisions on the eastern islands of Ko-oren. There used to be just one subdivision, Yoshima, which was broken up (like so many other regions). We'll be looking at geography and climate, as well as sporting achievements. Tomorrow: history, culture, politics, and economy.

Alara
- The small island of Alara (22th among subdivisions) is home to just over half a million (18th among subdivisions), making it one of the most densely populated areas. Located between the hot and humid Yoshiman islands and the much drier, colder mainland (do not forget that Alara 'touches' the mainland around Straudum - much further north than most want to give it credit for!), its weather quickly changes but its temperatures are quite stable, a nice compromise between hot and cold, very liveable. The middle of the island is mountainous, hence the population is concentrated in a handful of cities on the coast, most notably Echizen and Alara, combining for half the island's population.
- Alara has every factor involved in being invisible in sports, but they've had a long time success story anyway: soccer club Advance Alara. They have a unique playing style (highly offensive) which dictates the playing style of other islands as well (Etena's Teragaseki and Fukushira, for instance, as well as an influence on Katashi-Kanatsu). It might not have caught on nationwide but they have a distinct advantage nonetheless. There's also the Echizen Dragons in baseball and the Alara Spiders, clubs that are noticeably less noticeable and less successful.

Etena
- Etena, while larger than Alara, has only 75 percent of its population. Etena comes in 24th in population and 24th in size, for a fairly empty 14th in population density. Most of the population lives in Teragaseki, the capital and by far the largest city, as people are packed along the few bits of coast that are fit for construction. Up until recently, even reaching towns on the other side of the island was done via ferry - it was too expensive and too invasive on flora and fauna to build a (rail)road all the way around. Going over the middle is nearly impossible, given the jagged, rocky inland. The climate varies from hot yet breezy on the southern coast to hot and humid inland, to moderately cold on its north coast, from the winds coming in from Sudaefjoll and the northern provinces.
- Etena has a sporting history in baseball, rugby league, and soccer, in that order. It's clubs were held back by the separate Yoshiman football system for a while, but after nationalisation they climed the ranks using a slightly less rabid version of neighbours' Alara's all-out attack. Like its rugby league club, the Etena Vipers, there's a lot of movement, small and agile players, and energy. Etena is also just about the only place where you'll see teams playing in orange.

Selesi
- Selesi is the second largest island (12th among all subdivisions) of the four 'Eastern Islands', the easternmost one, and the second southernmost one. There are about seven hundred thousand inhabitants (13th of all subdivisions), living in cities on the western and southern coasts, from where it's easiest to reach Alara, Etena, Katashi and Leleia, and the mainland. Half of Selesians live in Furune, a university city renowned for agricultural and environmental studies. A further 20 percent lives in Arakura, the southern harbour city with a very different, working-class, approach to life. The climate on the coast is nice and friendly, but it gets nasty and warm quickly once you go inland, where many native plantlife is still discovered.
- Not exactly a sporting region (as in, not in the traditional big sports of Ko-oren), there are few big, recognisable teams on the island. There are the Arakura Knights and the Selesi Dragons, in the southern harbour town of Arakura. There are none in the biggest city of the island, Furune, owing to that being a university town first and foremost. Its lower league teams in baseball and rugby league are quite healthy with all of these university students, but once they graduate they tend to leave the island. Since the Yoshiman soccer league system was disbanded and integrated with the rest of the country, Shinsen Sunrise have had some success.

Leleia
- Leleia is comprised of two large regions on one island - the biggest one in the southeast - which could be contiguous but they're interrupted by the city of Katashi which is its own subdivision. Both sides are equally hot, humid, and construction must be fitted to this specifically, so water levels can be managed while temperatures aren't allowed to rise too much, as cities often trap heat. All in all, Leleia is seventh in population of all subdivisions, and fifth in size, making it a dominant force - especially paired with Katashi. A lot of Leleia's land is uninhabitable, either through climate, landscape, or both. Nitoya, Aviansola, and Suvira combine for about 350 thousand inhabitants - about one third of the total population - which means that while Leleia's population is urban, there are no single huge settlements.
- Scattered around both parts of Leleia are many coastal towns, each with its own pride in baseball (the Leleian minor league), as well as plenty of rugby league clubs. The biggest ones are the three clubs operating on the national, professional level: the Nitoya Silvers and Suvira Quarry in baseball, and the Nitoya Foxes in rugby league. The Quarry are the first 'moneyball' club of Ko-oren, and generally get decent results despite few resources. Aviansola used to have a professional baseball team as well, before it was moved to Intermare - the first of several moves in the Ko-orenite sporting landscape - but now they only have a very successful rugby league club in the (Yoshiman) second division.

Katashi
- This subdivision comprises only the city of Katashi and quite a bit of its surrounding areas, but it still comes in in the bottom three in size. With nearly seven hundred thousand souls in it, Katashi is a top 5 city in Ko-oren. The 'Capital of the East' has a unique architecture through Yoshima's hot climate and separate history from the mainland. Katashi has everything: a harbour, an airport, and it's somewhat self sustaining, cutting down on the amount of vessels needed to stock the city with goods from other islands.
- As the capital of the east, Katashi attracted a lot of clubs in various competitions. Two rugby league clubs (the Hawks and Wasps), two baseball clubs (Giants and Generals) - the only city to have multiple teams in either of these leagues, in addition to a financially huge and influential soccer club, Katashi-Kanatsu. All utilise fast players and narrow spaces, which in rugby league means a focus on centres and wings, and in soccer that translates to a somewhat attacking mindset with the money, men, and material to generate some decent results as well. The city's stadiums are quite small - but then again, there's home games going on every week (or every day, in baseball season).

Yoshima Dongbu
- Ko-oren's youngest subdivision, created to cater to a population that's culturally and linguistically quite different from the rest of the eastern islands, houses about one and a half hundred thousand inhabitants (29th among subdivisions) across a large area on the islands of Selesi and Leleia (15th). It shares climates with both islands: hot and humid year round. Given that Yoshima Dongbu lies on the eastern side of the islands, its contacts with the rest of Ko-oren are sparse. Combined with the low amount of settlements and their small size (no cities over 50 000), infrastructure is lacking but improving.
- Far-flung Yoshima Dongbu are only just getting started, so there are no big sports achievements yet. So far, their players play for the Leleian team in rugby league where possible, and it's unlikely that 'Dongbu' gets its own representative team. Everything's just getting started here, but it looks like they're going the Selesi route: few organised sports but a lot of potential in Olympic disciplines like swimming, athletics, and gymnastics.

by **Banija** » Sat Sep 04, 2021 2:25 pm

OOC Note: The link is to an audio recording I made for this RP, so please give it a listen!

Ensa Suso, in the pre-game presser before Matchday 27, away to Vangaziland

Ensa Suso was relaxed before his final scheduled start of the group stage. It was a road trip, and the two teams had split the two games. Ramata Kabba finally looked human for the first time all tournament the night before, laboring her way through six innings, giving up two earned in her first loss. Banija had won Game 1 of the series, and it would be up to the 36 year old Ensa Suso, the veteran member of the starting rotation, in his 7th World Baseball Classic.

He had joined the national team at just 18 years old, being the long reliever out of the bullpen in WBC 46. A number of classics later, here he was. He held the Banijan record for WBC games pitched. And while he had never been the staff's ace- his experience as a veteran had put him in plenty of big situations before. With the Quintessence of Dust annihilating Sylestone, Banija needed a win to stay in the race to win Group C, however unlikely it would seem at the time.

He was contemplating whether or not this would be his last Classic. He loved the game, he loved pitching- and he really hadn't slowed down. Even at 36, he was able to mostly maintain his velocity. Would that be true at 39? He didn't know. But to be the first and only Banijan to appear in 8 different World Baseball Classics? That appealed to him.

While he contemplated it, however, the question he got on whether he was considering retiring during his press conference pissed him off. It's disrespectful! And Ensa Suso, known for having a temper, let the young journalist know about it. "My future will be decided in the future." He told the reporter. "Who's out here asking about future retirements? I'm worried about Vangaziland- how to deal with the crowd, how to navigate their lineup when they've already seen me pitch, and how to get myself and the squad ready for the playoffs. It's disrespectful to my teammates- focus on the here and now, the games. The rest will take care of itself later."

And he kept that attitude going into the game...

Ensa Suso, facing Vangaziland's #9 hitter in the bottom of the third

"Fuck!" Ensa Suso muttered to himself after he got a harsh call. He had been on a roll tonight so far- 8 up, 8 down. He threw a curveball aiming for the outside corner on an 0-2 count, and just barely missed the outside of the plate. Suso thought he had hit it, but what can you do- he wasn't the ump.

The catcher, Anathi Zimema, threw out his signals. Ensa Suso shook him off. Zimema threw out some more signals, and Suso shook him off again. Zimema went to the mound, and asked him. "What do you want?"

"I'm gonna pump heat past this guy." Ensa Suso said. "Up, inside fastball." Zimema simply nodded his head and went back. He threw some signals, and Suso nodded yes. Suso's catcher positioned himself correctly. Suso stared him down, and positioned himself. And then- boom. "STRRRIIIKKKKKEEEEE 3!" The umpire yelled in dramatic fashion, as Vangaziland's #9 hitter swung through nothing but air on the inside fastball. Ensa Suso pumped his fist and then walked back to the dug out. 9 up, 9 down.

Ensa Suso, after getting the final out in the bottom of the fifth

Ensa Suso pounded his chest as the Vannish #6 hitter popped up to second to end the fifth inning. The veteran pitcher was in a great spot. 15 up, 15 down- although Suso didn't yet realize that. He just knew that he was on a roll as his squad was up 1-0, thanks to a Jung Jassey solo home run in the second inning. Team winning what was clearly turning out to be a pitcher's duel, he was in a good mood.

And yet- nobody would talk to him when he got back to the dug out. Suso held his hand out for high fives, and got those- but that was it. Suso sat down, and nobody would talk to him. He tried to make a good joke to his good friend, Ramata Kabba, but she flat out ignored him. He sat down next to Momodou Joof, and he didn't say anything to him. "What the hell?" He thought to himself.

Then he realized- oh shit. There was only one time when a pitcher got the silent treatment when things were going well. And then he understood- he was throwing a no-hitter. Was this possible? He thought back, and then asked the manager for the scoresheet. Yup- he was in the midst of a perfect game. 15 up, 15 down. Has one ever been thrown in Banijan national team history before? He didn't know, but damn.

Banijan social media after Suso got the final out of the sixth inning

Ousman Kakay, Banija's manager, after Ensa Suso gets a strikeout to end the bottom of the 8th

"Man, Ensa is DEALING." Ousman Kakay said to his pitching coach, Lemuel Okombo, as the Banijan fans scattered throughout the Vannish crowd roared at the swinging strike three. Ensa Suso was three outs away from the first ever no hitter, and perfect game, in the history of the Banijan national baseball team.

"I don't think I've ever seen a pitching performance like this." Lemuel Okombo told Kakay. "What was that- his 10th strikeout? 24 up, 24 down. He's absolutely mowing through the Vangaziland lineup." Okombo stuck out his fist to the Banijan pitcher, as Ensa Suso was in a zone now. Suso sat on the bench and everybody else got away from him, making sure they didn't get him out of the masterful trance that he was in.

"Has any Banijan ever thrown one? Do you know?" Ousman Kakay said. "Certainly not while I've been manager, but we had a lot of games played before I took over the national team."

"I don't think so." Okombo said. "We've had the WBBL for what, 15 years? There's only been 3 in the entire history of the league. None for the national team, as far as I'm aware."

"Holy shit." Kakay said. They both glanced at Suso, and then looked forward to the field of play as Banija came to bat. "Go Ensa. Get 'er done."

Bottom of the ninth, one out, 2 hitters away from a perfect game

Radio Broadcast of the second out of the 9th inning

Bottom of the ninth, two outs, Ensa Suso on the mound

What a play. Ensa Suso pumped his fist as Bailo Suso came down with the home run robbery, an essential gold glove level play in the outfield. Ensa Suso could sense it, could realize it. He'd never thrown a no hitter in any level of baseball, not as a pro, a college athlete, or a youth. And he knew, at his age- this would probably be the last chance of his career. And yet- just one out away. Did Bailo save him?

The pressure was getting to the veteran pitcher. After the second ball that missed badly, the pitching coach, Lemuel Okombo, jogged up to the mound. "It's a 2-0 count Ensa- not the end of the world. Don't get nervous. I know you're thinking about the no-hitter, it's hard not to do so. You haven't missed like that all game. Just don't worry about. Breathe with me-" and they both took a deep breath on the mound, in front of all the cameras. "You're gonna be fine. Go out there and get that last out."

Okombo went back to the dugout as Ensa Suso took the mound again. He took another deep breath. He threw a fastball on the inside corner, that Vangaziland's pinch hitter at the #9 slot in the order took looking. "STRIKKKKEEEE ONE!" The umpire yelled. The Banijan fans started to applaud.

Ensa Suso bent down, got up, and then threw his next pitch. A sinker on the outside corner that the batter fouled off. "STRIKKEEEE TWO!" The umpire yelled. Vannish fans, of course, wanted to see history. Ensa Suso didn't dare look at the dugout. It was a 2-2 count. It was a good thing he didn't- Ramata Kabba was preparing a shaving cream pie, and the entire dugout was on the edge of the railings, ready to pour onto the field to celebrate Suso.

He went for a curveball on the outside corner. The catcher, Anathi Zimema, held the ball in place for what seemed like an eternity. But the umpire would not budge. "BALL 3!" The ump yelled. Full count, 3-2. One pitch away from the first ever perfect game in Banijan history. Suso spit on the ground, shook his head, and got the ball back. This is what it was all about.

He'd go for the two seamer this time, to try and paint the outside corner. The ball was grounded to third base, in a slow roll. Commentators that Suso couldn't here were yelling about how it was going to be an extremely tight play. Jung Jassey charged the ball, bare handed it, and launched it to first base. Everybody turned. And the umpire made a fist, signaling the third and final out of the inning.

"YES!" Ensa Suso yelled, falling to his knees and pointing to the heavens. The team rushed to Ensa Suso and mobbed the veteran pitcher on the mound. A perfect game. Never been done in Banijan history. What a time. What a moment. Does it get any better than this?

by **Sarzonia** » Sat Sep 04, 2021 2:40 pm

The jumbled Group B table still remains that way to an extent, but the Sarzonian national baseball team continued its recovery from a 7-8 first half of qualifying for the World Baseball Classic.

Sarzonia won two of three matches against No. 21-ranked Equestria in the final home series for the Stars. They will play their final qualifying series at Delaclava.

They will likely remember the series against Equestria most for the second match after a Cody Frazier walkoff walk after the Equestrian closer intentionally walked designed hitter Luke Brinkley with runners in scoring position.

We'll turn things over to play by play announcer Brett Fischer and colour analyst Craig Tomkins.

FISCHER: "You see the Ponies' closer with the free pass to Brinkley. He and the Ponies obviously decided they don't want Brinkley to beat them there."

TOMKINS: "Oh, absolutely. If they're going to be beat, they decided they would rather have it be Frazier than Brinkley."

FISCHER: "So that brings up Frazier. Cody is 0-for-3 in this one and he's 1-for-7 in the series so far. Evans struck out for the second out. [Second baseman Ian] Danielson the runner at third. [Centrefielder Ryan] Brady at second. Brinkley at first. [Leftfielder Jodie] Schein flied out to left for the first.

"The Ponies pitcher is into their wind up, here's the pitch, fastball strike over the outside corner at the knees. Great pitch, nothing Frazier could do with it."

TOMKINS: "You're absolutely right, Brett. Textbook pitcher's pitch, but you don't wanna go to the well too often against Frazier. You keep throwing them there and he's gonna find a way to spoil it on you."

FISCHER: "Back with the 0-1, he tried to go to the same spot, but this one just missed outside for ball one. One ball, one strike to Frazier. Excellent eye there by Cody."

TOMKINS: "Absolutely, and he showed remarkable patience to take that pitch in this situation. Sarzonia are 14-11 and currently are level with Delaclava for first place. The Phoenixes defeated Ranoria in their first match of the series and the Stars need this one to keep pace."

FISCHER: "Here's the 1-1, breaking ball in the dirt, nice block by the catcher. The count's now 2-1 on Frazier."

TOMKINS: "Now that the count's in Cody's favour, you wonder if their guy's gonna give him something to hit."

FISCHER: "I wouldn't be surprised. He pitched Brinkley really carefully but then he came right at Evans."

TOMKINS: "Kenny doesn't have the same patience at the plate Cody does."

FISCHER: "True. Here's the 2-1, fastball where did that miss? Looked like a GREAT pitch on the inside corner at the knees, but the Cassadagan umpire called it a ball."

TOMKINS: "She's saying the pitch was a little bit low and off the plate. We gotta see that on replay. Oh wow, you tell me where that missed! I thought it was a strike!"

FISCHER: "Me too. The Ponies hurler comes back in his windup and here's the pitch. BALL FOUR! FRAZIER WALKS IN THE WINNING RUN AND THE STARS WALK OFF EQUESTRIA 3 TO 2!"

The third match had little drama except for No. 2 pitcher Mark Conroy wanting to prove he belonged at his spot in the rotation. He did by allowing just two hits and striking out 11 for the complete game. Coupled with Ranoria defeating the Phoenixes in the series finale, it elevated the Stars back to top of the table ahead of the rematch between the Stars and the Phoenixes.

"This has the makings of yet another classic," Sarzonis manager Geoff Yancey said.

by **Nova Anglicana** » Sat Sep 04, 2021 2:47 pm

As Clark haggles over tax changes, budget decisions loom

John McAvoy, Political Columnist, Londinium Courier

Josephine Clark has a problem. No, it's not that her political opposition controls the Senate, making any chance her tax legislation becomes law dependent on watering it down to make it acceptable. No, it's not that she doesn't have 60 votes to either override any changes the Senate makes to her tax plan or to dissolve the Senate, making a strategy of brute force impossible. No, it's not even that watering down her tax plan or talking straight about her inability to override the Senate will likely cause dissension within the ranks of the coalition government. Those are all issues she'll have to face, but her real problem is a concrete one of pounds and cents. There's no way to get around the fact that changes to the tax code have meant that the government only has A£154 billion to work with this year, as opposed to A£183 billion last year. It's decision time for Jo Clark.

A bit of background first: over the many successive years of PJP government, the budget has steadily crept upward as the government invested in healthcare or education or infrastructure or the welfare state or any number of other things. But in all of these cases, the investments have been paid for by natural economic growth, additional tax levies, or monkeying with other areas of the budget a bit. They typically even managed to pay back a little on the principal of government debt each year. This combination of fiscal prudence and expansion has paid off for the PJP many times over, as they have built a functioning welfare state and ensured a strong level of government services. But that's not an option anymore. Last year, the Michael Ramsey-led coalition government passed an A£174 billion budget (down from A£180 billion), keeping A£9 billion in surplus for the next year. That A£9 billion will help, but that still leaves an A£11 billion hole if Clark wants to bring the budget back up to where it was last year, or an A£17 billion hole to raise it back to the last Blackwood budget, or an A£20 billion hole to push it up to where it would have been had the right never taken power.

This leaves her with two options: borrow the additional money, or make cuts in other ministries to get spending down to A£163 billion. First, borrowing. Nova Anglicana's credit rating is stable and either domestic or international investors would buy government debt. But this approach has three issues: first, Nova Anglicana hasn't had to borrow to meet budget obligations in several years. In the early years, governments racked up a lot of debt trying to accommodate the demands of a new and growing state, but recently, the people have become accustomed to no additional debt, so there could be some backlash. Secondly, in order to hold the budget flat, return to Blackwood-level spending, or expand to the level of last year's tax receipts, the government would have to borrow 2.4%, 3.7%, or 4.4% of GDP, which is either close to or over the line most Nova Anglican politicians would feel comfortable borrowing in a single year. Thirdly, all of this borrowing would probably only bring non-healthcare and social services spending back up to where it was, while leaving those two flat. Having them remain flat for a second consecutive year amounts to a cut when you consider inflation, something the left flank of her party will be only too quick to remind her of.

So if Clark decides not to borrow, or only to borrow a smaller amount, where could she make cuts? Education, Foreign Affairs, Infrastructure, Commerce & Labor, and Environment were cut in last year's budget, but could face cuts again this year in staffing. Really, any ministry would be open to some kind of across-the-board cut. Defense is probably ripe for a cut, but it would mean cancelling or delaying new ships or weapons projects, which might give the National Party some kind of opening to return. It's a little risky, but probably the most likely cut. Isaac Okomo-Grant will be pushing for more money for the Small Business Initiative over at Commerce & Labor, while Talia Sherwood surely wants to rebuild Foreign Affairs. Agriculture could be a place to find some extra money, but Bruce Campbell has been beating the drum on incentivising farmers to sequester carbon and support for small farms, both things which he has Stewardship Party support on. There's always reducing tuition support over at Education, but that's never popular, and Emily Waterford is keen to avoid having the Liberal Secularists associated with anything unpopular at the moment. Clark's best bet in this scenario is probably to exact an x% cut at all ministries, depending on how much she decides to borrow (or not). This would share the pain, thus avoiding favoritism and keeping the peace in the government camp. But it's not at all clear that pursuing an A£163 billion budget would have 51 votes in the House of Deputies, though it probably would get over the line in the Senate.

As much as Clark would like to pursue a kind of "move fast and break things" strategy where she tries to pass as much major legislation as she can while she has a substantial majority, regardless of how carefully it gets done, that's just not possible. She's juggling chainsaws right now, with her tax legislation responsible for economic growth or decline as well as government funding, the budget that has to not rack up debt while still providing the level of services Nova Anglicans have become accustomed to, and not to mention that she's got half an eye on closer ties with Esportiva, a bet that could pay off massively or condemn the country to a long and expensive foreign adventure. If anyone of those drops, her ability to handle the others will be basically nil. So she's got to move slowly, through regular processes. Thankfully, there isn't much of a better horse-trader or log-roller in the PJP, except for maybe Hal Blackwood. She'll be further helped by the strong support of her former leadership rivals, who are now mostly in the Cabinet. Having huge amounts of institutional weight behind her will help in both intra- and inter-party negotiations. It's not an easy road ahead, but if anyone can do it, then she's got the best chance.

Series against Barnettsville

Game 1 winning pitcher: Joshua Rouillard, 7 IP, 1 ER (Dallas Hawkins, 1 IP, 0 ER, Ricky Hart, 1 IP, 0 ER)

Game 2 losing pitcher: Caleb Sherman, 1.2 IP, 2 ER (Rex Boyd, 6 IP, 4 ER, Roger Bizet, 1 IP, 0 ER, Cody Brock, 1 IP, 0 ER, Justin Chandler, 1 IP, 0 ER)

Game 3 winning pitcher: Eric Norton, 1 IP, 1 ER (Christian Hammond, 4 IP, 6 ER, Branford Bass, 3 IP, 0 ER, Cody Brock, 0.2 IP, 3 ER, Grant Graham, 0.1 IP, 1 ER, Justin Chandler, 1 IP, 0 ER, S)

by **South Newlandia** » Sat Sep 04, 2021 4:09 pm

OOC Note: This power rankings are meant to be entirely in-character. They represent to views of the EVSM and not necessarily those of the user behind South Newlandia.

Elephant Valley Sports Mail

Sports -> Baseball -> World Baseball Classic 52

EVSM presents: Series 9 power rankings. Who’s ready to win the WBC52 title?

Only three games are left until we travel to Chromatika for the playoffs of WBC52, and it’s time to take a closer look at which teams can set themselves apart from the rest. Out of 60 teams, only one can stand on top – we’re going to look at the top 10 WBC championship contenders today. Any one of these teams is in position to win it all this year.

1st: TJUN-ia: 21-6 | 1st in Group G (12-0 second half) | to play: vs West Phoencia | Ranked: 9th | WBC51: Round of 16 | WBC championships: none
This might be a controversial pick, but the Jaguars are flying high right now. They’re the only team to have won all 12 games in the second half, and with a doable series at home against West Phoenicia up, they have a legitimate chance at making it a perfect half. The Jaguars, one of the most well-rounded teams with a top tier offense and a top tier defense, combining for an elite run differential of +59. They’ve been beating up on the rest of group G, already securing first in the group and an easier game for the Round of 32. TJUN-ia’s on the rise in the rankings, with a 4th-place finish in WBC50, they’ve already got one big cycle behind them. We’re high on the Jaguars, because they’re good.

2nd: Chromatika: 23-4 | 1st in Group A (11-1 second half) | to play: vs Atheara | Ranked: 12th | WBC51: Round of 16 | WBC championships: none
The hosts of the current World Baseball Classic are very close to TJUN-ia. They’re not ranked in the top ten yet, but that’ll likely change in this Classic. They’ve been terrific, winning 23, by far the most of any team, and they have the very best run differential in the Classic, too. Once a mediocre team, Chromatika has turned into an absolute juggernaut, and they’ve been hot too, with only a single loss in the second half. The team far and away leading Group A have been outliers in any way, shape, and form. The last two Classic’s each had (one of) the hosts in the final, and we’d be the least but surprised if this team can make it three.

3rd: Banija: 18-9 | 2nd in Group C (10-2 second half) | to play: vs Quintessence of Dust | Ranked: 1st | WBC51: Champions | WBC championships: 2 (47, 51)
Sure, the Banijans had a mediocre first half, and sure, they’re currently only in second place – and yet, they’ve been one of the best teams in the Classic. They have the second-highest run differential, and, of course, are top-ranked and the defending champions. Ousman Kakay is looking for his third title for Banija, and they’ll be serious contenders to do it. Their hitting as been elite, and so has their pitching – and with Ensa Suso just having tossed a perfect game, you can’t get any more momentum than this. Watch Banija win the home series against Quintessence of Dust and win the group.

4th: Sarzonia: 16-11 | 1st in Group B (9-3 second half) | to play: @Delaclava | Ranked: 2nd | WBC51: 3rd-place finish | WBC championships: 1 (18)
Like Banija, Sarzonia, ranked second and 3rd in the last Classic, had a mediocre first half. Like Banija, they turned their fortunes around massively, taking the lead in their group thanks to performing much better in the second half. This team wants to win, and they’ve turned on the jets right when they need to – and what better way could there be than winning a rivalry series in Delaclava? Geoff Yancey is looking for the first title for Sarzonia in a very long time, and they have the chance to do it here. Don’t sleep on this team; they’ve been surprising us since their return.

5th: Zwangzug: 19-8 | 1st in Group I (10-2 second half) | to play: vs Fondalma | Ranked: 11th | WBC51: Quarterfinals | WBC championships: 2 (7, 21)
Zwangzug, since their return, have performed great, ascending to 11th in the rankings. They’ve clinched first place in group I thanks to their phenomenal hitting, better than any other team in the Classic. Just imagine how high the Zebras could soar in this category with a DH! Zwangzug hasn’t won a Classic since about forever, but consecutive Quarterfinal appearances prove that the team can succeed. They had a tremendous second half, too, and could stand even better if they take care of business in their fairly easy last series.

6th: Quintessence of Dust: 20-7 | 1st in Group C (10-2 second half) | to play: @Banija | Ranked: 24th | WBC51: Round of 32 | WBC championships: none
The Quodite team have been one of the most surprising teams so far, having already collected 20 wins with hardly any problems and currently leading Banija in group C. They’ve been one of the best pitching, but we’re not buying into the hype just yet. Sure, this 24th-ranked team is far outplaying expectations, and they are set for a long playoff run. A tough series in Banija up next will show if this team can keep up their strong second-half pace and win their group. They need two wins for that, and that will be extremely tough. Keep a close eye on the Quodites, they do have a chance to go much further than they did the previous times.

7th: Kohnhead: 18-9 | 1st in Group D (10-2 second half) | to play: vs The Star Enpire | Ranked: 15th | WBC51: Quarterfinals | WBC championships: none
The Pandas made noise last season with their massive upset over the big favourites Cassadaigua, and they’ve got chances to go far again. The 15th-ranked team has been performing well, dominating in the second half, and with an easy series up ahead, they can improve on that for sure. The Pandas have an elite pitching core, tied for 2nd-fewest runs allowed, and are comfortably ahead of Hapilopper, another great team, in Group D. We don’t think the Pandas are in a position to win a Classic just yet, but stranger things have happened. Don’t be surprised if they make a deep run.

8th: The Sherpa Empire: 18-9 | 1st in Group F (7-5 second half) | to play: vs Milchama | Ranked: 7th | WBC51: Semifinals | WBC championships: 1 (49)
The team of coach Chongba Lee is another interesting case. Sherpaland, ranked 7th, has won a championship not too long ago, and they went all the way to the semifinals last year. This time, they currently have the very best pitching staff in the Classic at only 75 runs allowed, and are leading group F despite some problems in the second half. They’ve got a very interesting home stand up ahead, and by the looks of it, could very well add to their long list of semifinal appearances.

9th: Nova Anglicana: 16-11 | 2nd in Group A (7-5 second half) | to play: vs South Americanastan | Ranked: 4th | WBC51: Round of 16 | WBC championships: 1 (48)
Nova Anglicana is still ranked 4th, and their championship is not that far in the past, but they haven’t been quite finding their groove so far in this one. They trail far behind the Outliers in Group A, but are still going to make the playoffs all the same. They also hold the second-most runs scored, despite the fact that they use a DH. However, it’s no secret either that they’ve allowed the most runs of the teams on this list. They’re hosting the Bears to close out their schedule, and need one win to secure second place. If they can get their pitching up where it could be, this team remains a serious contender to win another Classic.

10th: Super-Llamaland: 17-10 | 1st in Group J (6-6 second half) | to play: vs Hebitaka | Ranked: 16th | WBC51: Quarterfinals | WBC championships: 5 (28, 30, 31, 40, 42)
We’ve all enjoyed the return of the Tigers. The five-time WBC champions are back and right in the middle of it, with the 16th-ranked team going to the Quarterfinals last Classic. Sooner or later, they’ll win another Classic, and everyone knows it. It might not be this cycle, though, as the Llamaneans had some troubles in the second half, dropping half their games. They still lead Group J, and with an easy series to finish things out could jump ahead in the seeding. One thing’s for sure – we’re getting big baseball news from Super-Llamaland soon, one way or the other.

11th: Cassadaigua: 15-12 | 3rd in Group J (7-5 second half) | to play: vs Hannasea | Ranked: 6th | WBC51: Quarterfinals | WBC championships: 4 (14, 16, 19, 50)
The Champions of WBC50 conclude this list. They surely expected to perform better in the group stages, as a 15-12 record really impresses no one, but barring some surprising sweeps, they should still be in the playoffs. The Fillies have won four titles in the past, including that home title not long ago, and can go on playoff runs without warning. They’ve got good chances to take back second with a home series against Hannasea, and after all, they’re still ranked 6th. Watch out for the Dagans, they’re not out of this one yet.

by **Tikariot** » Sat Sep 04, 2021 5:03 pm

Walking with Shadows
--- Chapter XXXI ---

Chapter I - Chapter II - Chapter III - Chapter IV - Chapter V - Chapter VI - Chapter VII – Chapter VIII – Chapter IX – Chapter X
Chapter XI – Chapter XII – Chapter XIII – Chapter XIV – Chapter XV – Chapter XVI – Chapter XVII – Chapter XVIII – Chapter XIX – Chapter XX
Chapter XXI – Chapter XXII – Chapter XXIII – Chapter XXIV – Chapter XXV – Chapter XXVI – Chapter XXVII – Chapter XXVIII – Chapter XXIX – Chapter XXX

“You two have been a thorn in my side ever since you showed up in Samreach and no matter what I do, you just keep coming back! But credit where credit is due, you made it here and have saved me a lot of time, so thank you for that. However, we can’t continue to meet like this.”

The voice is coming from the dark behind the three gunmen, but it is unmistakeably Severinus Horcomb. As he steps into the beam of the flashlights, his condescending smile that seems to be eternally plastered onto his face does not reach his eyes,

“You’d make quite the treasure hunters, you know that? So, I am going to make you an offer, a, what do they like to call those, a once in a lifetime opportunity. Join me instead of working against me and you can still do what you do so very well, but get paid a lot more than now.”

James’ gaze at the man is unwavering, but he remains silent. Horcomb laughs. “A man of integrity. You don’t find many of these in a situation like this. Now young lady, you have also shown a lot of spirit and ingenuity, so I will extend the same offer to you. Work with me instead of against me and this could prove to be very lucrative for you indeed. You don’t have to answer me right away, take your time to think it through, I wouldn’t want you to make any rash decision here. So, first things first. A little bird told me about a vault of some sorts hidden down here and a suspicion that there might be what I am looking for. Why don’t we all have a look together? You go first.”

He motions for his henchmen to step aside and let James and Sophia pass them towards the last tunnel.

“What did you do to Sanford and the others?”

“Oh yes, I expected you to ask that question. They are fine, so far, for how long, who knows around here? It is not the most stable of regions and with all the rain and mud you never know what might happen. Especially as the whole area is off limits to the public to begin with because it is not safe. And we all know that the government is not very fond of treasure hunters that try to take what it thinks is theirs to take for their own interests.”

“Like you.”

Horcomb’s voice sounds hurt. “Oh, that was low, Mr. Shawcross. I am not trying to take what is theirs, no, I am trying to reclaim what rightfully is mine. It belonged to my ancestors, so by extension it is mine. Now if you would be so kind and do your—thing of finding things, so we can move on? This is not quite the ambience I am used to.”

At first the last tunnel looks the same as the others, but instead of going straight, they encounter several turns before they arrive at a heavy-set iron door.

“This must be it! The entrance to the vault!” Horcomb’s voice has changed, the jovial, yet somewhat threatening tone gone, replaced by one of greed. “Open the door!”

Knowing that trying to resist would be futile, James inspects the door, but there is no handle to be seen, no hinges, not even a keyhole. He checks the floor for scratch or scuff marks to indicate any movement there, but the dirt seems undisturbed other than for their footsteps.

“Come on, get it open!”

Sophia turns towards him, eyes blazing. “Look, you see as much as we do. If you have some great idea that could open it up, tell us, because I don’t think we can talk it into opening.”

Horcomb seems taken aback by her directness and instead of a retort just grunts disapprovingly. Meanwhile James has started to knock on the door in different places, earning him a sneer from the ringleader.

“Do you really expect someone to come and open it for you?”

Without taking his ear off the door, James continues knocking. “No, but it will tell us if it is hollow anywhere.”

“We could just blow it open.”

At this, James stops and turns towards Horcomb. “And bring down the whole tunnel in the process? No, thank you. Unless you intend to do that on your own, because I am not very interested in becoming flattened by-by—whatever is above us.”

“Then what do you propose?”

“I don’t know and having three guns on me does NOT help me think either!”

Horcomb spreads his hands apart. “Ok, ok, message understood.” He motions towards Sophia and the guns swivel around to now all point at her. “There you go. Problem solved.”

Sophia’s eyes go wide.

“Now, Mr. Shawcross, I would suggest you find a way to open this vault quickly or your girlfriend here might start showing some unwanted body modifications.”

James glowers at the tall man. Without a word he returns to check the door, but no matter where he knocks, it seems to be solid iron throughout. His shoulders sag. “I don’t think we can get through this without an oxy-acetylene torch. And even then, it would take a while.”

“You know what, Mr. Horcomb?” Everybody looks at Sophia. “I have thought about it and I will accept your offer. I will join you and I think that I might have something in my car that could help us get into that vault.”

Horcomb looks intrigued. “I like the sound of that. Mr. Shawcross, it looks like you are on your own now.” He turns towards two of his men. “Accompany her up to her car and help her get what she has down here while I deal with him.”

James watches Sophia walk past in horror and utter disbelief.

by **Delaclava** » Sat Sep 04, 2021 8:25 pm

Symphony Monthly

Sing it loud and proud: "A Nation of the Phoenix" the new national anthem

It's official: Delaclava's new national anthem is "A Nation of the Phoenix" by Javel Massenet.

After some tense and closely decided Parliament deliberations, including approving the anthem by a margin of just 469-439, the song's passage through Senate and the President were far less dramatic. The Senators took little personal umbrage with some of the issues that had arisen before Parliament - namely, the awkwardness of some of the words and harmonies, the difficulty of the TTBB arrangement, and the seeming lack of equity the approval of a TTBB-only arrangement presented. Instead, they largely respected the integrity of Parliament's decisions, approving every aspect of "A Nation of the Phoenix" by a vote of 91-3.

Reportedly, President Joseph Urso was eagerly awaiting the signed resolution in his office and was ready to sign off as soon as it arrived. "It's amazing how much our legislators can argue about anything, isn't it?" he joked. "But this is a beautiful piece, and I'm sure many more will join it in our national songbook as part of our initiative. It's an incredibly exciting moment for our nation."

Meanwhile, the anthem also survived several attempts at emergency injunctions that sought to prevent the formal approval of either the anthem as a whole, or of the TTBB arrangement. The most notable petitioner was the Social Virtue Party parlamontdamme Alex Amethyst Clymer. The drama again spilled onto the Parliament floor as Clymer was censured for "abusing her position in an attempt to undermine the legislative process". In turn, Clymer brought a motion to censure Summacesaraparlamontdamme Marie Savitz for "falsely representing the deliberations" in her public summary. The Summacesaraparlamontdamme, the legislative speaker who ranks just below the Prime Minister, is required to release a public summary of discussions and votes on major resolutions, and while she is forbidden from including inaccuracies or gross mischaracterizations, she is technically (and curiously) permitted to express her opinions on the points that were raised. Savitz, of the Family Values Party, had strongly expressed approval of "A Nation of the Phoenix" on all fronts and rebuffed many of the objections. The motion to censure Savitz did not pass.

Aside from the political turmoil, the passage holds plenty of musical significance. For Delaclava, advancement of music of the arts is a specific point of pride, and now they arguably have the national anthem for match. It also squarely cements Massenet, previously somewhat obscure, as one of the forefront composers in the nation, which will surely be a boon for his career. It also gives overwhelming positive publicity to Carnstone Institute of Music, one of the newer and upcoming musical universities in the nation. While their imperfect performance arguably became a source of contention in deliberations, on the whole they have been deservedly lauded for their contributions. The accomplishments of the Men's Chorale will undoubtedly be quite the resume boost as they continue to seek higher training.

It is unclear exactly when the first public performance of the new anthem will occur, although it may well come at a special ceremony to honor Massenet and the CIM Men's Chorale. It may also see usage if Delaclava has the opportunity to organize a send-off for their baseball team. The Phoenixes are 15-12 in World Baseball Classic qualifying and are on the cusp of securing a trip to Chromatika with another win or two.

by **Hannasea** » Sat Sep 04, 2021 9:25 pm

(Provisional) game logs as posted on the website literallythemostboringwebsiteintheworld.han.

by **Chromatika** » Sat Sep 04, 2021 11:57 pm

Series 10 Cutoff, Final Overall Table to Follow.

WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC 52

GROUP STAGE - SERIES 10
Chromatika and Le Choix Games were scored by Tumbra

Group A

Game 1
Atheara                 0 0 1 0 2 0 1 0 1  5
Chromatika              0 2 2 0 3 0 0 0 X  7

South Americanastan     0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0  3
Nova Anglicana          2 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 X  4

Barnettsville           0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0  2
Arjunnagar              1 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 X  5

Game 2 
Atheara                 2 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0  4
Chromatika              0 1 3 2 1 1 0 0 X  8

South Americanastan     1 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 2  7
Nova Anglicana          0 1 2 0 0 2 0 0 0  5

Barnettsville           2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0  4
Arjunnagar              2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  2

Game 3 
Atheara                 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  1
Chromatika              0 3 0 0 1 0 1 2 X  7

South Americanastan     0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4  4
Nova Anglicana          0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0  2

Barnettsville           1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  4
Arjunnagar              0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  5

Group A                 Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD
1 Chromatika             30   26   4   171   90  +81 Clinched 01-10 Seed
2 South Americanastan    30   17  13   124  110  +14 Clinched 11-20 Seed
3 Nova Anglicana         30   17  13   162  129  +33 Clinched 21-30 Seed
4 Atheara                30   12  18   106  156  −50 Eliminated
5 Arjunnagar             30    9  21   107  153  −46 Eliminated
6 Barnettsville          30    9  21   121  153  −32 Eliminated

South Americanastan ahead of Nova Anglicana due to H2H Result (4-2).

Group B

Game 1 
Eshialand               0 0 1 0 0 3 0 0 0  4
Equestria               0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1

Sarzonia                2 0 0 2 1 0 1 0 1  7
Delaclava               0 1 3 0 0 1 0 0 0  5

Ranoria                 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0  2
Venmere                 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2  3

Game 2
Eshialand               0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Equestria               0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 X  3

Sarzonia                1 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 1  6
Delaclava               1 0 0 4 1 1 0 0 X  7

Ranoria                 1 4 0 2 0 1 0 1 0  9
Venmere                 0 4 1 2 0 0 0 0 0  7

Game 3
Eshialand               0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 2  5
Equestria               0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0  3

Sarzonia                0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 4  5
Delaclava               0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  1

Ranoria                 4 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0  6
Venmere                 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0

Group B                 Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD
1 Sarzonia               30   18  12   162  110  +52 Clinched 01-10 Seed
2 Eshialand              30   16  14   109  125  −16 Clinched 11-20 Seed
3 Delaclava              30   16  14   143  127  +16 Clinched 21-30 Seed
4 Equestria              30   14  16   105  112   −7 Eliminated
5 Ranoria                30   13  17   129  140  −11 Eliminated
6 Venmere                30   13  17    97  131  −34 Eliminated

Eshialand 3:3 Delaclava (1-6, 2-3, 9-5, 11-8, 5-2, 3-5), Eshialand ahead of Delaclava due to H2H Run Differential (31 vs. 29)
Ranoria ahead of Venmere due to H2H Result (4-2).

Group C

Game 1
Quintessence of Dust    0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1
Banija                  2 2 0 6 2 0 2 3 X 17

Vangaziland             0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0  4
Barhe                   0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 3  7

Drawkland               2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0  4
Sylestone               1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0  3

Game 2
Quintessence of Dust    0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0  3
Banija                  0 0 0 1 0 0 1 5 X  7

Vangaziland             0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0  1
Barhe                   0 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 X  4

Drawkland               1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5  6
Sylestone               0 0 0 0 0 4 2 1 X  7

Game 3
Quintessence of Dust    0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0  1
Banija                  1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 X  2

Vangaziland             2 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 1  6
Barhe                   0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0  2

Drawkland               2 0 3 1 1 0 0 0 0  7
Sylestone               0 0 0 0 1 5 0 0 0  6

Group C                 Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD
1 Banija                 30   21   9   167   84  +83 Clinched 01-10 Seed
2 Quintessence of Dust   30   20  10   130  103  +27 Clinched 11-20 Seed
3 Vangaziland            30   15  15   106  120  −14 Clinched 21-30 Seed
4 Drawkland              30   14  16   136  138   −2 Eliminated
5 Barhe                  30   12  18    97  130  −33 Eliminated
6 Sylestone              30    8  22    95  156  −61 Eliminated

Group D

Game 1
The Star Enpire         2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0  5
Kohnhead                0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 X  6

HUElavia                0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Hapilopper              1 0 1 0 1 1 3 0 X  7

Gim                     0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0  2
Le Choix                0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 X  3

Game 2
The Star Enpire         0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  4
Kohnhead                0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4  7

HUElavia                0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0  3
Hapilopper              0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0

Gim                     0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 2  6
Le Choix                0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0  4

Game 3
The Star Enpire         0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0  2
Kohnhead                0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 X  4

HUElavia                0 1 0 0 2 1 0 3 2  9
Hapilopper              2 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0  6

Gim                     0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0  3
Le Choix                0 1 6 1 0 0 0 0 X  8

Group D                 Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD
1 Kohnhead               30   21   9   134   88  +46 Clinched 01-10 Seed
2 Hapilopper             30   16  14   133  113  +20 Clinched 11-20 Seed
3 Le Choix               30   16  14   125  105  +20 Clinched 21-30 Seed
4 HUElavia               30   15  15   130  138   −8 Clinched 31-32 Seed
5 The Star Enpire        30   12  18   108  133  −25 Eliminated
6 Gim                    30   10  20   112  165  −53 Eliminated

Group E

Game 1
South Newlandia         0 1 0 0 0 2 1 2 0 0 1  7
Quebec and Shingoryeo   0 0 0 2 0 2 0 1 1 0 0  6

Bahia Roja              0 0 0 3 0 0 1 2 0  6
Martune                 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  1

Marigred                1 0 0 0 3 2 0 1 5 12
Qzvarkian Qaz           0 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 0  4

Game 2
South Newlandia         5 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 1  9
Quebec and Shingoryeo   0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1  2

Bahia Roja              0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1  3
Martune                 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 1  4

Marigred                0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0  1
Qzvarkian Qaz           0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 X  3

Game 3
South Newlandia         0 0 3 0 0 0 0 1 3  7
Quebec and Shingoryeo   0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0  2

Bahia Roja              1 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0  5
Martune                 1 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0  4

Marigred                0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 3  6
Qzvarkian Qaz           0 2 0 0 0 2 4 0 X  8

Group E                  Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD
1 South Newlandia         30   20  10   138   87  +51 Clinched 01-10 Seed
2 Bahia Roja              30   18  12   150  120  +30 Clinched 11-20 Seed
3 Marigred                30   17  13   134  124  +10 Clinched 21-30 Seed
4 Martune                 30   14  16   106  141  −35 Eliminated
5 Quebec and Shingoryeo   30   11  19   155  159   −4 Eliminated
6 Qzvarkian Qaz           30   10  20   136  188  −52 Eliminated

Group F

Game 1
Liventia                0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0  3
Abanhfleft              0 1 0 0 2 0 2 0 X  5

Milchama                0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0  1
The Sherpa Empire       1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 X  2

The Kytler Peninsulae   3 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 1  7
Xanneria                0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0  2

Game 2 
Liventia                0 1 0 0 0 4 1 4 0 10
Abanhfleft              1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2  3

Milchama                0 0 1 0 3 0 1 0 0  5
The Sherpa Empire       0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0  1

The Kytler Peninsulae   1 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0  5
Xanneria                0 1 0 0 0 0 4 2 X  7

Game 3 
Liventia                1 2 1 0 1 1 0 1 0  7
Abanhfleft              0 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 0  4

Milchama                0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0  3
The Sherpa Empire       0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0  1

The Kytler Peninsulae   0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0  2
Xanneria                0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 X  3

Group F                  Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD
1 The Sherpa Empire       30   19  11   125   84  +41 Clinched 01-10 Seed
2 Liventia                30   18  12   124  102  +22 Clinched 11-20 Seed
3 Milchama                30   17  13   125  116   +9 Clinched 21-30 Seed
4 Abanhfleft              30   15  15   131  134   −3 Clinched 31-32 Seed
5 Xanneria                30   13  17   115  136  −21 Eliminated
6 The Kytler Peninsulae   30    8  22   107  155  −48 Eliminated

Group G

Game 1 
West Phoencia           0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0  3
TJUN-ia                 3 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 X  6

Ethane                  0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0  4
Daehae                  3 0 4 0 0 0 0 1 X  8

Tikariot                0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 1  4
Magnecia                0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0  1

Game 2
West Phoencia           2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2  6
TJUN-ia                 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 1 0  5

Ethane                  3 0 3 0 1 0 1 0 0  8
Daehae                  3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  4

Tikariot                1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0  3
Magnecia                0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0  2

Game 3
West Phoencia           0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1  2
TJUN-ia                 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 X  3

Ethane                  1 0 0 0 0 3 0 2 0  6
Daehae                  1 1 3 0 0 1 0 1 X  7

Tikariot                0 0 0 4 0 3 0 1 1  9
Magnecia                0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0  3

Group G                 Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD
1 TJUN-ia                30   23   7   153   91  +62 Clinched 01-10 Seed
2 Tikariot               30   18  12   148  102  +46 Clinched 11-20 Seed
3 Daehae                 30   13  17   106  125  −19 Clinched 21-30 Seed
4 Magnecia               30   13  17   103  126  −23 Eliminated
5 Ethane                 30   12  18   123  141  −18 Eliminated
6 West Phoencia          30   11  19   102  150  −48 Eliminated

Daehae ahead of Magnecia due to H2H Result (4-2).

Group H

Game 1
The Jovannic            0 0 0 0 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  5
Daskel                  0 1 0 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 4  9

Sevendia                1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0  2
Kriegiersien            2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 X  3

Ko-oren                 0 2 0 1 1 0 1 0 0  5
Snow and Ice Caps       0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0  2

Game 2
The Jovannic            2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  3
Daskel                  0 0 3 0 0 0 0 6 X  9

Sevendia                1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0  3
Kriegiersien            0 4 0 0 1 0 0 0 X  5

Ko-oren                 2 2 1 2 0 0 0 1 0  8
Snow and Ice Caps       1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  3

Game 3
The Jovannic            0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 4  6
Daskel                  2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  2

Sevendia                0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Kriegiersien            0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 X  1

Ko-oren                 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0  2
Snow and Ice Caps       0 4 1 1 0 0 0 0 X  6

Group H                 Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD
1 Kriegiersien           30   20  10   128  100  +28 Clinched 01-10 Seed
2 Daskel                 30   16  14   162  130  +32 Clinched 11-20 Seed
3 Ko-oren                30   15  15   121  122   −1 Clinched 21-30 Seed
4 The Jovannic           30   13  17   110  124  −14 Eliminated
5 Sevendia               30   13  17   117  133  −16 Eliminated
6 Snow and Ice Caps      30   13  17    85  114  −29 Eliminated

Sevendia 4-2 Snow and Ice Caps
Sevendia 2-4 The Jovannic
The Jovannic 3-3 Snow and Ice Caps
The Jovannic combined 7-5 against Sevendia and Snow and Ice Caps
Sevendia combined 6-6 against The Jovannic and Snow and Ice Caps
Snow and Ice Caps combined 5-7 against Sevendia and The Jovannic
Therefore, The Jovannic is 4th, Sevendia 5th, and Snow and Ice Caps 6th.

Group I

Game 1
The Greater Nordics     3 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 0  7
Norrhem                 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 2  6

Fondalma                1 0 0 0 4 1 0 0 0  6
Zwangzug                0 2 0 0 5 2 6 0 X 15

Bardney                 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0  4
Raspotochje             0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2  2

Game 2
The Greater Nordics     0 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 0  4
Norrhem                 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1

Fondalma                0 1 0 0 0 1 1 3 0  6
Zwangzug                1 0 0 7 0 0 1 0 X  9

Bardney                 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1
Raspotochje             0 0 0 0 0 1 3 1 X  5

Game 3
The Greater Nordics     0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0  2
Norrhem                 3 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 X  7

Fondalma                0 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 0  4
Zwangzug                0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0  2

Bardney                 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 1  4
Raspotochje             0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0  1

Group I                 Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD
1 Zwangzug               30   21   9   187  124  +63 Clinched 01-10 Seed
2 Bardney                30   17  13   137  127  +10 Clinched 11-20 Seed
3 Raspotochje            30   14  16   120  134  −14 Clinched 21-30 Seed
4 The Greater Nordics    30   14  16   120  139  −19 Eliminated
5 Norrhem                30   12  18   154  156   −2 Eliminated
6 Fondalma               30   12  18   115  153  −38 Eliminated

Raspotochje ahead of The Greater Nordics due to H2H Result (4-2).
Norrhem 3:3 Fondalma, Norrhem ahead of Fondalma due to H2H Run Differential (32 vs. 28)

Group J

Game 1
Murderbum               0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0  2
The 189                 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 X  4

Hannasea                0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0  2
Cassadaigua             5 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 X  8

Hebitaka                1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1  4
Super-Llamaland         0 1 0 0 0 3 0 1 X  5

Game 2
Murderbum               0 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 0  5
The 189                 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0  2

Hannasea                0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  5
Cassadaigua             0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  6

Hebitaka                0 2 1 5 0 1 0 0 0  9
Super-Llamaland         2 1 5 0 0 1 0 1 X 10

Game 3
Murderbum               1 0 0 0 0 2 3 0 0  6
The 189                 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1  3

Hannasea                0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  2
Cassadaigua             0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 X  3

Hebitaka                0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Super-Llamaland         1 1 1 0 0 1 2 0 X  6

Group J                 Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD
1 Super-Llamaland        30   20  10   156  120  +36 Clinched 01-10 Seed
2 Cassadaigua            30   18  12   148  112  +36 Clinched 11-20 Seed
3 Hannasea               30   15  15   134  123  +11 Clinched 21-30 Seed
4 Hebitaka               30   13  17   126  147  −21 Eliminated
5 The 189                30   13  17   111  137  −26 Eliminated
6 Murderbum              30   11  19   112  148  −36 Eliminated

Hebitaka ahead of The 189 due to H2H Result (4-2).

Final Playoff Table:

Nation                    Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD
01 Chromatika              30   26   4   171   90  +81 A Clinched Group 1st Place
02 TJUN-ia                 30   23   7   153   91  +62 G Clinched Group 1st Place
03 Banija                  30   21   9   167   84  +83 C Clinched Group 1st Place
04 Zwangzug                30   21   9   187  124  +63 I Clinched Group 1st Place
05 Kohnhead                30   21   9   134   88  +46 D Clinched Group 1st Place
06 South Newlandia         30   20  10   138   87  +51 E Clinched Group 1st Place
07 Super-Llamaland         30   20  10   156  120  +36 J Clinched Group 1st Place
08 Kriegiersien            30   20  10   128  100  +28 H Clinched Group 1st Place
09 The Sherpa Empire       30   19  11   125   84  +41 F Clinched Group 1st Place
10 Sarzonia                30   18  12   162  110  +52 B Clinched Group 1st Place
--------------------------------------------------------
11 Quintessence of Dust    30   20  10   130  103  +27 C Clinched Group 2nd Place
12 Tikariot                30   18  12   148  102  +46 G Clinched Group 2nd Place
13 Cassadaigua             30   18  12   148  112  +36 J Clinched Group 2nd Place
14 Bahia Roja              30   18  12   150  120  +30 E Clinched Group 2nd Place
15 Liventia                30   18  12   124  102  +22 F Clinched Group 2nd Place
16 South Americanastan     30   17  13   124  110  +14 A Clinched Group 2nd Place
17 Bardney                 30   17  13   137  127  +10 I Clinched Group 2nd Place
18 Daskel                  30   16  14   162  130  +32 H Clinched Group 2nd Place
19 Hapilopper              30   16  14   133  113  +20 D Clinched Group 2nd Place
20 Eshialand               30   16  14   109  125  −16 B Clinched Group 2nd Place
--------------------------------------------------------
21 Nova Anglicana          30   17  13   162  129  +33 A Clinched Group 3rd Place
22 Marigred                30   17  13   134  124  +10 E Clinched Group 3rd Place
23 Milchama                30   17  13   125  116   +9 F Clinched Group 3rd Place
24 Le Choix                30   16  14   125  105  +20 D Clinched Group 3rd Place
25 Delaclava               30   16  14   143  127  +16 B Clinched Group 3rd Place
26 Hannasea                30   15  15   134  123  +11 J Clinched Group 3rd Place
27 Ko-oren                 30   15  15   121  122   −1 H Clinched Group 3rd Place
28 Vangaziland             30   15  15   106  120  −14 C Clinched Group 3rd Place
29 Raspotochje             30   14  16   120  134  −14 I Clinched Group 3rd Place
30 Daehae                  30   13  17   106  125  −19 G Clinched Group 3rd Place
--------------------------------------------------------
31 Abanhfleft              30   15  15   131  134   −3 F Clinched 2 Best Fourth Placed Finisher
32 HUElavia                30   15  15   130  138   −8 D Clinched 2 Best Fourth Placed Finisher
33 Drawkland               30   14  16   136  138   −2 C Eliminated
34 Equestria               30   14  16   105  112   −7 B Eliminated
35 The Greater Nordics     30   14  16   120  139  −19 I Eliminated
36 Martune                 30   14  16   106  141  −35 E Eliminated
37 The Jovannic            30   13  17   110  124  −14 H Eliminated
38 Hebitaka                30   13  17   126  147  −21 J Eliminated
39 Magnecia                30   13  17   103  126  −23 G Eliminated
40 Atheara                 30   12  18   106  156  −50 A Eliminated

WBC 52 Playoffs
Round of Thirty-Two and Round of Sixteen

Region 1: Sanar
@ Vipers' Den, Sanar, Rainbow District (Cap. 20,100)
R32.01: (01) Chromatika vs. (32) HUElavia 3:00 PM
R32.02: (16) South Americanastan vs. (17) Bardney 7:35 PM
R16.01: R32.01 Winner vs. R32.02 Winner

Region 2: Lanar
@ Lanar Field, Lanar, Rainbow District (Cap. 31,200)
R32.03: (08) Kriegiersien vs. (26) Hannasea* 12:05 PM
R32.04: (09) The Sherpa Empire vs. (24) Le Choix 4:50 PM
R16.02: R32.03 Winner vs. R32.04 Winner

Region 3: Knetyohai
@ Dynamo Dome, Knetyohai, Rainbow District (Cap. 28,200)[
R32.05: (05) Kohnhead vs. (28) Vangaziland 3:00 PM
R32.06: (12) Tikariot vs. (21) Nova Anglicana 7:35 PM
R16.03: R32.05 Winner vs. R32.06 Winner

Region 4: Shantarr
@ Scorpions' Sting, Shantarr, Heartland District (Cap. 40,300)
R32.07: (04) Zwangzug vs. (30) Daehae^ 12:05 PM
R32.08: (13) Cassadaigua vs. (20) Eshialand 4:50 PM
R16.04: R32.07 Winner vs. R32.08 Winner

Region 5: Hanai
@ Heroes' Walk, Hanai, Capital District (Cap. 18,200)
R32.09: (03) Banija vs. (29) Raspotochje^ 3:00 PM
R32.10: (14) Bahia Roja vs. (19) Hapilopper 7:35 PM
R16.05: R32.09 Winner vs. R32.10 Winner

Region 6: Felswyr
@ The Flaming Sphere, Felswyr, Mountain District (Cap. 22,100)
R32.11: (06) South Newlandia vs. (27) Ko-oren 12:05 PM
R32.12: (11) Quintessence of Dust vs. (22) Marigred 4:50 PM
R16.06: R32.11 Winner vs. R32.12 Winner

Region 7: Larhai
@ Legends' Circle, Larhai, Coastal District (Cap. 27,100)
R32.13: (07) Super-Llamaland vs. (25) Delaclava* 3:00 PM
R32.14: (10) Sarzonia vs. (23) Milchama 7:35 PM
R16.07: R32.13 Winner vs. R32.14 Winner

Region 8: Rhoni
@ Ronin's Rise, Rhoni, Coastal District (Cap. 31,750)
R32.15: (02) TJUN-ia vs. (31) Abanhfleft 12:05 PM
R32.16: (15) Liventia vs. (18) Daskel 4:50 PM
R16.08: R32.15 Winner vs. R32.16 Winner

*(25) Delaclava and (26) Hannasea flipped to avoid group stage rematch between Super-Llamaland and Hannasea (Group J)
^(29) Raspotochje and (30) Daehae flipped to avoid group stage rematch between Zwangzug and Raspotochje (Group I)

Venues and Chromatik IC info will be updated in the evening. Round of 32 Games 1 and 2 will happen on Monday night, and the higher seed will be the home team.

by **Milchama** » Sun Sep 05, 2021 7:17 am

"We did it!"

"We did what?"

"We advanced!"

"Seriously?!"

"Yeah we took two out of three from The Sherpa Empire to end up in 3rd place in the group with a 17-13 record. We're the third best 3rd place side!"

"Although it looks like we would have advanced regardless of the result considering that every team with a 15-15 record or above advanced"

"Sure but who wants to wait for tie breakers when you can prove it by yourself on the field"

"Oh definitely, this was a better result"

"Yeah 2 out of 3 was a great result"

"Also it was some seriously great pitching"

"Yep 8 innings and 2 runs by Adams, even in a loss, is still great. The offense just didn't come through"

"Yeah 12 left on base just isn't going to cut it"

"It felt like we had runners every inning"

"But we just couldn't punch anybody in"

"Super frustrating"

"Definitely"

"But then, in the second game, Tover went 7 innings and only one run"

"Yeah and this time we scored a bit"

"Yep McNeesh homered, Daniel hit that double with runners on second and third and suddenly it was 5-1"

"Just a well played baseball game"

"Yeah, in general, I think the Sherpa Empire played well but our team was just better"

"It's great to see how they've matured over qualifying from absolutely bottling it and seeing everything go wrong against Xanneria to start to beating one of the top 10 teams in the world in a mad dash of beauty"

"Just great"

"Especially with McNeesh's two home runs in the series"

"Marvelous Marius is looking better and better"

"Yeah, look, he already has a mediocre nickname"

"It's wonderful"

"It really was a good ending. I mean we went 11-6 in the second half so we're coming on strong"

"Yep I'd be worried for whoever is playing Milchama"

"So who are we playing?"

"Sarzonia"

"Seriously?!"

"Yeah"

"In another sport?"

"Yeah"

"Oh my gosh, I feel like we're playing them in everything. Lacrosse, AOCAF, and it feels like more"

"Agreed, it's also crazy because we really didn't play them much before"

"Sure, I mean we played Sarzonia but it wasn't like Valanora or Cassadaigua or even Bazalonia who we seemed to play all the time"

"Yeah I feel like we even played Rejistania more and they were less involved in World Cups"

"Ah System Karela how I do not miss thee"

"Not a fun system to watch"

"Not at all"

"Anyway, how is Sarzonia at baseball?"

"They're ranked number 2 in the world coming into the WBC but they struggled, particularly in the first half, and were probably lucky to be the 1 seed. For example, they're the lowest ranked 1 seed"

"Sure but what you're also telling me is that they also looked a lot better in the second half of the competition and are also in form"

"I guess"

"Well that's not great"

"No"

"On the plus side that they've struggled against unranked sides is in our favor"

"Definitely"

"So what do you think?"

"I'd be shocked if we were swept. Milchama is looking too good to be a straight sweep. On the other hand I do think Sarzonia are better. I mean nobody expects Sarzonia to lose in doubles. On the other other hand in games or series were nobody gives Milchama a chance we've done really well like in lacrosse. On the other other other hand there is very little connection between lacrosse and baseball so that probably doesn't matter. On the other other other other hand we've done very well against high seed teams. We just beat the Sherpa Empire for example and took 4 of 6 from Liventia which is excellent. On the other other other other other hand I think I'm not describing an octopus"

"Probably but I like it keep going"

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah do you have anything else reasonable to say"

"I think so where was I, oh right, on the other other other other other hand when going against a hot, determined, and better Sarzonia team Milchama should lose"

"So it probably ends in doubles"

"Most likely but crazier things have happened in baseball"

"True"

"And anyway we got our goal in the tournament"

"Yeah, a winning record and we keep our record of always breaking from the group stage"

"Exactly so that's really an excellent platform to build on for next time"

"And if we take one or two then we'll really have a nice winning record"

"Yep but let's go for more"

"Oh yeah let's beat those Stars"

"Yeah!"

"Are you ready?"

"Definitely"

"Ok then say as I say and do as I do"

''Ringa pakia!''
''Uma tiraha!''
''Turi whatia!''
''Hope whai ake!''
''Waewae takahia kia kino!''
''Ka mate, ka mate''
''Ka ora, ka ora''
''Ka mate, ka mate''
''Ka ora, ka ora''
''Tēnei te tangata pūhuruhuru''
''Nāna nei i tiki mai whakawhiti te rā''
''Ā upane, ka upane''
''Whiti te rā, hī!''

"Now repeat after me!"

"Forini! Forini!"
"Finidi! Finidi!"
"George! George!"
"Oh Brother! Oh brother!"

*They strip and run around for 17 minutes*

"We pray the Margaret of SnubNose 38 and Random Number God that you may deliver us victory over Sarzonia and any other infidels that we face in international play"

"Sacrifice the Rubber Chicken!"

*Swoosh of an axe and the chicken is dead*

"Margaret we pray that you take this sacrifice of a rubber chicken in good faith and that by your deliverance Milchama does well in all international competitions"

"Amen."

by **Quintessence of Dust** » Sun Sep 05, 2021 9:05 am

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


                        AB   R   H  RBI BB   K  LOB  AVG  HR  RBI
I. Gennarelli CF         4   0   2   1   0   0   2  .291   2  11
N. Hisakawa SS           4   0   1   0   0   0   3  .318   1  11
S. Borgþórsson DH        4   0   1   0   0   0   0  .322   1  15
L. Dai 3B                4   0   0   0   0   2   3  .304   3   7
J. Stensrud C            4   0   0   0   0   1   2  .294   3  14
S. Akerström 3B          4   0   0   0   0   1   0  .263   2  13
L. Chevalier RF          3   1   1   0   1   0   0  .277   0   8
K. Yutani 2B             1   0   0   0   2   0   0  .304   2   8
T. Brøndum LF            2   0   0   0   1   0   1  .307   0   8

Total bases: I. Gennarelli 2, N. Hisakawa, S. Borgþórsson, L. Chevalier
Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: J. Stensrud 2, N. Hisakawa
GIDP: K. Yutani
Team LOB: 5

BASERUNNING
SB: N. Hisakawa (12), S. Borgþórsson (1), L. Chevalier

                            IP  H   R  ER  BB   K  HR  PI  PS   ERA
J. Isaacson L (0 – 1)      1.2  7   4   4   2   1   0  64  37  5.06
C. Young                   1.2  3   5   5   2   1   0  29  16  9.75
M. Ryan                    0.2  4   3   3   1   1   1  26  12  9.88
B. Beaufils                2.0  1   0   0   0   3   0  23  17  4.50
J-N. Boudreaux             0.0  2   2   2   0   0   1   9   7  1.64
H. Liang                   2.0  2   3   3   1   3   0  37  23  2.49

Game score: J. Isaacson 24
Batters faced: J. Isaacson 14, C. Young 10, M. Ryan 7, B. Beaufils 7, J-N. Boudreaux 2, H. Liang 9
Ground outs – fly outs: J. Isaacson 2 – 2, C. Young 2 – 2, M. Ryan 0 – 1, B. Beaufils 0 – 3, J-N. Boudreaux 0 – 0, H. Liang 1 – 2
Inherited runners – scored: C. Young 2 – 0, M. Ryan 1 – 1

Scoring plays:

2.1: Isabella Gennarelli grounds out on a groundball to 3rd. Luka Chevalier scores.

17 – 1 is the worst defeat in Quodite history. Here’s how it unfolded.

The Things started brightly: Isabella Gennarelli, Naoko Hisakawa and Sigurkarl Borgþórsson led off with back-to-back-to-back singles. Gennarelli should have scored but was gunned down at the plate by a superb outfield throw from Nyaniso Hani and, though Hisakawa and Borgþórsson then executed the double steal, Lingxin Dai and Joakim Stensrud were unable to drive them in.

In response, Mesuli Calata led off with a double, advanced to 3rd on a Momodou Joof groundout, and scored on a Malik Soley sacrifice fly. There were 2 outs and the bases clear, but then Luxolo Mbeki and Hani singled, Jung Jassey drew a walk, and Chiki Uche scored Mbeki on an infield hit. Anathi Zimema struck out looking trying to draw an RBI walk, but the inning had already scored 2 runs.

In the 2nd, the Things tried to come up with a response. Stig Akerström swung through one, but Luka Chevalier lined a single into right and stole 2nd as Kaori Yutani worked a walk. When Brøndum also drew a free pass to load the bases, a huge inning looked set. Gennarelli’s grounder to 3rd scored Chevalier as Jassey wisely chose the conservative option, and Hisakawa blooped out to Uche to end the promising rally before it had even begun.

Then, Justin Isaacson once again simply struggled to record outs. Bailo Suso started off by grounding out to 1st base, but after that the baserunners kept stacking up once more. Calata singled and Joof drew a walk. Soley’s deep flyout to centrefield let the runners advance, and Mbeki and Hani followed with RBI singles each to knock in another couple runs. Enough was enough and Isaacson was pulled for Cody Young, who put in some good work off the mound to cap the dangerous rally as Jassey ground out. Isaacson had thrown 64 pitches for just 5 outs and only 1 strikeout, giving up 4 earned runs on 7 hits.

The 3rd proved a quick turnaround in both halves. Suso made a great play at the wall to reel in Borgþórsson’s leadoff drive, Dai popped out on a weak fly, and Stensrud went down swinging. At least the bottom brought a little relief: Akerström and Hisakawa both snagged sharp line drives off Uche and Zimema, and Suso’s slow roller didn’t trouble Dai at 1st.

The Things’ longball hasn’t been flying all tournament, with just 13 home runs in 27 games coming into (and going out of) this one. The theme continued: power hitters Akerström and Chevalier both slugged deep, and both watched their flyballs falling into welcoming gloves 50 metres shy of the fence. Yutani earned her second walk, but Brøndum could only chop to 2nd.

But just as the Things were breathing easy, the Lions decided to unleash Oblivion*. Young began with eight straight balls to walk Calata and Joof; when he finally found the strike zone, Soley promptly smacked a double to clear the bases, and though Young got Mbeki napping on one on the corner, Hani stepped up for his 3rd single of the day to score Soley. When Jassey crushed a double to centre right, scoring Hani, it was time to yank Young. Time for Michael Ryan to try to stop the bleeding. Instead he gave up three straight singles: Uche’s infield hit put runners on the corners, Zimema repeated the trick to score Jassey, and then Suso knocked one down the 1st base line to score Uche. Calata got cute trying to draw a walk and watched a 3rd strike clip the top, and Joof grounded out weakly to Yutani, but the damage had been done to the tune of 6 runs and a 10 – 1 lead.

While Conateh wasn’t striking out many, his sinker was proving tough to collar. Another inning of quick groundouts followed when the Things instead needed to build something substantial. And the pitching was going from bad to worse. Ryan walked Soley and then Mbeki crushed one down the right field line. Amazingly, the 11th and 12th runs came on Banija’s first home run of the game. Benoît Beaufils was brought in for Ryan; he gave up two lazy flyballs but both dropped easily in the outfield for Gennarelli and Chevalier to deal with, and blew past Uche for the 3rd out.

Dai struck out swinging leading off the 6th, Conateh handled his own groundball off the mound to account for the lumbering Stensrud, and Akerström whacked another massive flyball up rather than out, not troubling Joof. However, Beaufils continued nicely through the 6th. Zimema and Suso were both sat down swinging, and though Calata chipped a flyball into left field for a base hit, when Joof tried to repeat the trick Brøndum raced in and made a nice tumbling catch to end the inning easily. Leading off the 7th, Chevalier drew a patient 13-pitch walk. Perhaps it was over! The killer never suddenly lurches back to life in the last scenes of a horror movie… right?

The first knock on the coffin lid came when Yutani grounded into a double play, Uche nicely turning Jassey’s slightly errant throw. Brøndum’s flyball drive to right forced Joof back, but not far enough back; he made the play before the warning track. And when Jean-Noël Boudreaux was introduced in the bottom of the 7th to try to target the left-handers coming up in the Banijan lineup, they instead targeted him: Soley switched to batting right and hit his 2nd double, and then Mbeki went seconds too, this time his 2nd homer, once more smashed down the right field lone and almost taking out the foul pole. But it stayed fair and waved through another couple of runs. With the cuckpen** melting, Jiang had to call in closer Hong Liang. Perhaps he should have brought him in earlier: it was too late for a save, in any sense. Nonetheless Liang immediately began throwing fire, pushing 100+ mph as he took down Hani and Jassey swinging, and induced a weak pop fly to 1st from Uche.

Gennarelli singled to leadoff the 8th. Conateh’s day was done: 125 pitches thrown, 7.1 innings of work, giving up 1 run on 5 hits and 4 walks, with 4 strikeouts. It was a tidy showing off the mound, and the scoring from his offence meant his W was never in doubt. Bouba Kujabi made short work of the next 3 batters. The 8th gave the Lions one last chance to pile on the humiliation. Zimema led off with sharp line drive hit and Suso drew a walk. Calata drove in both on a double down the 3rd base line. Calata’s legs engineered the final, 17th, run, taking 3rd on a Soley flyout to deep centre, and scoring as Mbeki ground out to Hisakawa. Hani struck out swinging to end the Banijan batting. They had amassed 17 hits and 6 walks and turned them into 17 runs. Was the 9th to be the greatest comeback in baseball history?

No.


                        AB   R   H  RBI BB   K  LOB  AVG  HR  RBI
I. Gennarelli CF         3   0   1   1   0   1   0  .292   2  12
N. Hisakawa DH           4   0   1   1   0   0   1  .315   1  12
L. Dai 1B                4   1   4   1   0   0   0  .350   4   8
J. Stensrud C            4   0   0   0   0   0   3  .281   3  14
L. Chevalier LF          3   0   0   0   1   0   0  .265   0   8
T. Brøndum RF            4   0   0   0   0   1   1  .293   0   8
J. Tsukamoto 3B          3   1   1   0   0   1   0  .250   0   0
  a–S. Akerström PH      1   0   0   0   0   0   0  .260   2  13
T. Watanabe SS           2   1   0   0   1   0   0  .227   0   1
K. Yutani 2B             3   0   0   0   0   1   2  .293   2   8

a–S. Akerström pinch-hit for J. Tsukamoto in the 9th

Doubles: J. Tsukamoto (3, 5th inning, 0 on, 0 outs)
Home runs: L. Dai (4, 4th inning, 0 on, 1 out)
Total bases: L. Dai 7, J. Tsukamoto 2, I. Gennarelli, N. Hisakawa
2-out RBI: N. Hisakawa
Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: J. Stensrud 2
GIDP: J. Stensrud 2
Sac Fly: I. Gennarelli
Team LOB: 4

BASERUNNING
CS: I. Gennarelli (4)

FIELDING
PB: J. Stensrud
Errors: J. Stensrud (3), J. Tsukamoto (2)
Double plays: 3 (Yutani – Watanabe – Dai, Yutani – Watanabe – Dai, Chevalier – Tsukamoto)

                              IP  H   R  ER  BB   K  HR  PI  PS   ERA
J. Scherer                   5.0  4   1   1   1   5   0  64  43  2.70
C. Young                     1.1  2   1   1   2   1   0  28  14  9.45
K. Wahl BS (1) L (0 – 1)     0.2  1   4   4   0   1   0  13   6  5.14
M. Ryan                      1.0  2   1   1   0   1   0  12   8  9.82

Game score: J. Scherer 53
Batters faced: J. Scherer 19, C. Young 8, K. Wahl 5, M. Ryan 5
Ground outs – fly outs: J. Scherer 4 – 5, C. Young 1 – 2, K. Wahl 0 – 1, M. Ryan 1 – 2
Inherited runners – scored: K. Wahl 2 – 0, M. Ryan 1 – 1
Hit batspersons: J. Scherer, K. Wahl
WP: J. Scherer

Scoring plays:

4.1: Lingxin Dai homers on a flyball to right. Lingxin Dai scores.

5.1: Isabella Gennarelli flies out on a flyball to centre. Jiro Tsukamoto scores.

5.2: Naoko Hisakawa singles on a line drive to left-centre. Teijo Watanabe scores.

How to blow a lead in 5 easy steps: The Cuckpen’s guide to losing

1. Set up a promising start (this is important, to maximise disappointment). The Things’ second long reliever to be used as a starter was Jan Scherer, who didn’t pitch too badly. He gave up a run in the 4th when an inside pitch clipped Malik Soley and Luxolo Mbeki smacked a double, but otherwise his breaking stuff proved hard for the Banijan batters to deal with, and 4 scattered hits in 5 innings, throwing 64 pitches, walking 1 and striking out 5, was a good return from the spot-starter. Cody Young, so awful in Game 1, took over and pitched a hitless 6th. The Things led 3 – 1 going into the 7th. Jassey led off with a weak fly to centre. Uche singled, broke for 2nd and ended up on 3rd as Stensrud’s throw sailed into left field, and after Zimema walked, Suso drove in a run with a line drive into centre. His figures spoiled, Young left the mound; Kaspar Wahl made short work of the rest, needing just 1 pitch to close out the inning as Calata lined out to left field and the overambitious Suso was thrown out at 3rd by Luka Chevalier.

2. Walk the leadoff batter. That’s right, don’t waste any time, just put the tying run straight on 1st. Momodou Joof needn’t have brought his bat to the mound.

3. Find creative ways to add baserunners. Fed up with walks? Why not hit Soley. Again. That worked out so well for you in the 4th, after all. Now, you have their lefty power hitter on base, so best bring in your lefty closer. No? No, leave in on your rookie right handed reliever? OK, it’s a plan, I guess. The Lions tried to spoil the plan: Mbeki hit a weak grounder to 3rd. Step up Jiro Tsukamoto, to caress the ball through his legs and allow the bases to load.

4. Time to clear the bases. And what better way than a triple. Chevalier had made a good defensive play earlier, against form, in the absence of the suspended Ben Wilson. Now it was time to remind everyone of his liabilities, taking long enough to track down Hani’s flyball to left that the South Newlandians could have gestated a new prospect. Hani scored 3 and suddenly the Lions held the lead. They also held a runner on 3rd and no outs.

5. Give up a few more runs for lols, just to be sure your team’s chances are truly dead. The Things’ offence hasn’t been great this tournament, but a 2-run lead isn’t insurmountable. Thankfully, Wahl’s replacement, Michael Ryan, decided to double the lead – with double doubles.

Congratulations! With these five easy steps, you too can wreck your team’s playoffs seeding!


                        AB   R   H  RBI BB   K  LOB  AVG  HR  RBI
I. Gennarelli CF         4   0   0   0   0   0   0  .282   2  12
N. Hisakawa SS           4   0   2   0   0   0   0  .322   1  12
L. Dai 1B                4   1   2   1   0   0   1  .359   5   9
J. Stensrud C            4   0   1   0   0   2   1  .280   3  14
B. Wilson LF             2   0   0   0   2   1   0  .304   1  13
T. Brøndum RF            2   0   0   0   2   0   2  .287   0   8
J. Tsukamoto DH          3   0   0   0   0   1   0  .235   0   0
  a–L. Chevalier PH      1   0   0   0   0   1   2  .261   0   8
T. Watanabe 3B           3   0   0   0   0   1   0  .200   0   1
  b–S. Akerström PH      1   0   1   0   0   0   0  .267   2  13
K. Yutani 2B             3   0   0   0   1   1   1  .282   2   8
  c–S. Borgþórsson PH    1   0   0   0   0   0   3  .319   1  15

a–L. Chevalier pinch-hit for J. Tsukamoto in the 9th
b–S. Akerström pinch-hit for T. Watanabe in the 9th
c–S. Borgþórsson pinch-hit for K. Yutani in the 8th

Doubles: J. Stensrud (10, 6th inning, 0 on, 2 outs), N. Hisakawa (9, 8th inning, 0 on, 2 outs)
Home runs: L. Dai (5, 6th inning, 0 on, 2 outs)
Total bases: L. Dai 5, N. Hisakawa 3, J. Stensrud 2, S. Akerström
2-out RBI: L. Dai
Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: T. Brøndum 2, S. Borgþórsson 2, L. Dai
Team LOB: 8

BASERUNNING
CS: N. Hisakawa (1)

FIELDING
Errors: J. Stensrud (4)

                            IP  H   R  ER  BB   K  HR  PI  PS   ERA
J. Martin L (4 – 1)        7.0  4   2   2   2  11   1  93  62  1.29
H. Liang                   1.0  0   0   0   0   2   0  11   8  2.38

Game score: J. Martin 68
Batters faced: J. Martin 28, H. Liang 3
Ground outs – fly outs: J. Martin 6 – 4, H. Liang 1 – 0

Scoring plays:

6.2: Lingxin Dai homers on a flyball to centre-right. Lingxin Dai scores.

The call

“…bases loaded, 2 outs, 2 – 1 the score, top of the 9th. After a fitting pitchers’ battle between the aces Martin and Kabba, this is what it comes down to. Sama Kinte on the mound, has an 0 – 2 count on Sigurkarl Borgþórsson. Here’s the pitch – Borgþórsson got all of that! Driven out to deep, deep centrefield, runners coming home. Bailo Suso chasing the ball, to the wall, leaps, gloves it – and comes down with the ball in his glove! An astonishing catch by Suso to rob Borgþórsson of a pinch-hit grand slam. Banija win 2 – 1, they take the sweep, and most importantly, they move ahead of Quintessence of Dust. The Things will now face a tougher road these playoffs…”

* Quodites don’t believe in Hell. Although they’re coming around to the idea after this series.
** The politically correct Quodites generally call this a gender-non-specific-bovine pen, but they actually are all men in this tournament. Their performance, though, precludes considering them “bulls”.

by **Ko-oren** » Sun Sep 05, 2021 11:19 am

Series n  H/A Opp.              S   Vs  Rec   Home stadium

Series 1  @   Jovannic          2-1 2-1 2-1
Series 2  @   Sevendia          1-2 1-2 3-3
Series 3  v   Daskel            1-2 1-2 4-5   Finisterre
Series 4  @   Kriegiersien      0-3 0-3 4-8
Series 5  v   Snow and Ice Caps 2-1 2-1 6-9   Selesi
Series 6  v   Jovannic          2-1 4-2 8-10 Katashi
Series 6  v   Jovannic          3-0 5-1 9-9   Katashi
Series 7  v   Sevendia          1-2 2-4 10-11 Leleia
Series 8  @   Daskel            1-2 2-4 11-13
Series 9  v   Kriegiersien      2-1 2-4 13-14 Alara & Etena
Series 10 @   Snow and Ice Caps 2-1 4-2 15-15

Home: 9-6
Away: 6-9

Winning run scored in:
Inning: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 EX TOTAL
Wins:   0/1/1/2/2/2/0/2/4/1  15
Losses: 1/1/2/3/1/0/2/1/1/3  15

The second Sevendia series (series seven) was dramatic: just as the Dragonflies climbed back up to .500, it was back to 5th place with a losing record after another 1-2 series. At home, no less. What was even more egregious is that the final game, a 7-3 loss, was lost in the first inning: Sevendia scored four runs in that one, one more than what Ko-oren could muster across all nine innings, for a 7-3 final score.

Next, the Dragonflies traveled to Daskel to take revenge for the 1-2 home series by going 1-2 again, for a total record of 2-4 against them. The ninth series, versus Kriegiersien (unchallenged at the top of the group) was the first winning series since the 3-0 over the Jovannic, and we will be forever grateful for the help to get us into the round of 32. Without that, we'd never get in. Then, closing out the group stage versus Snow and Ice Caps, going 2-1 to get back to .500 in the nick of time. Those games were settled extremely early: game 1 saw the losing Caps score two runs - which Ko-oren had already surpassed in inning 4. Game two saw the Dragonflies take a decisive lead in the second inning. Game three went to the Caps, with another insurmountable lead established in the second inning.

Looking back at the 30 games played, there aren't enough words to describe the Dragonflies' efforts. Dismal. Bad. Poor. Awful. Horrible. Doubleplus ungood. And so on. Going 15-15 in a group with no clear favourite doesn't cut it: Kriegiersien certainly put up a great show to claim the top 10 seed with 20 wins - quite a ways off of the teams that actually decimated their group, like 26-win Chromatika or 23-win TJUN-ia. Ko-oren put up losing records versus three teams in the group: 2-4 against each of Sevendia, Daskel, and Kriegiersien. The only winning records were over the Jovannic (5-1) and Snow and Ice Caps (4-2). The team spent three full games on a record over .500 (when we were 1-0, 2-1, and 3-2). Home advantages weren't really a thing, going 9-6 with a lot of heavy lifting done by the 3-0 over the Jovannic.

Looking at the moment in the game where the Dragonflies won and lost, we can see that 'we' were extremely proficient in snatching wins from the jaws of defeat. For four of our fifteen wins, the Dragonflies only outscored their opponents in the ninth inning. For the rest, our batting order was relatively decent at punishing the opposing starting pitcher just before replacement, sneaking in a lot of runs in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings. On the other hand, we're 1-3 in extra innings, and quite a few games were lost as soon as they began, with three insurmountable leads established by our opponents in the fourth inning, and several games were decided even before that.

Now we're on to South Newlandia, a team that's bound to win their first WBC any day now. Like us, they've lost a final versus Banija (though they did much better, losing 4-2 versus our abysmal 4-0 whitewash) but we've got the benefit of having won a final before. At least that monkey is off our back so we can prepare in peace and quiet for future Classics... only we never smelt that podium since. Like, not even close. There's probably some intent to the way the Elephants play, and combining that with our subpar group stage, it'll be extremely difficult to get to the next round.

by **Kriegiersien** » Sun Sep 05, 2021 11:41 am

Kriegiersien pros win Olympic Gold. Now the Kriegiersien amateurs grasp, after winning Group H in the Classic, for the next trophy for the nation: Winning the Region 2 title.

Region 2 Anthem: 'Let 'em all go to hell except Region 2
(08) Kriegiersien vs.
(26) Hannasea
(09) The Sherpa Empire vs.
(24) Le Choix

First opponent is Hannasea, as 8th placed in the overall ranking after the Group stage, Kriegiersien is favourite at the bookmakers, but not for the experts.

Press and reviews:

The preliminary sandbox round is over, now the real thing starts. The murderous play-offs. Who will be the first victims?
- Schoenwetter Herald (biggest Kriegiersien Newspape)

How the hell did this bunch got this far?
- Dugout (Baseball magazine)

Gathering of witchdoctors to curse Hannasean team goes wrong and ends in sex orgy
- The Moon (tabloid)

Hannasea? Isn’t that Græntfjall written backwards?
- some fan on the street

Make me president and I will make Kriegiersien Olympic champion! We are already? Then I will make us Winner of the World Classic!
- politician Schlomo Schmooss

I like all teams from my beloved Region 2. Can’t decide who to support.
- a patriot

I don’t play, so I don’t care.
-Sarah Strongarm, Kriegiersien Top Pitcher

Huh?
- Leon Prince, Kriegiersien Top Batter at the Olympics

by **Nova Anglicana** » Sun Sep 05, 2021 3:10 pm

OOC Note: The following is an internal communication within the coalition government and has not been made available for public consumption.

Internal Memo
Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister's Office
FOR CABINET EYES ONLY

Cabinet Ministers,

As you know, our government is facing a task of monumental proportions. How do we knit the country back together after a horrific act of terrorism as well as continue to pursue a progressive course of action with our spending, taxation, and administrative authority? This task is made no easier by opposition control of the Senate, something we cannot expect to remedy through finding votes in the House of Deputies. Michael Ramsey is furious at his loss of power and has a stranglehold on his caucus, while concessions to the Libertarian or National parties would likely be unacceptable to members of this government. Therefore, we must negotiate directly with opposition senators, who maintain the advantage of not having to face re-election for several years and the two-term limit "limiting" their political ambitions. While being careful to protect the core pieces of our platform, we have had to make concessions on both taxation and the upcoming budget for this fiscal year. However, we believe we have secured a fair deal that will allow us to move forward with essential government functions and concentrate our attention on Esportivan foreign policy and reform of domestic policy. Outlined below is the summary of the deal we have reached.

Tax bill achievements
-Reintroduction of carbon tax, which will increase unabated until it reaches a fair price for carbon
-Carbon refund to poorest households and investment in green technology
-Increase to AP 12,000 of married tax deduction
-Fairer top income tax rate of 40%
-Richest estates will face a top rate of 30%
-Richest individuals will pay a fairer capital gains rate of 30%
-Minimum corporate tax on book income will ensure that corporations don't get away with paying no tax
-Charitable deduction reform to avoid abuse by high earners

Tax concessions
-Carbon tax is now border-adjusted, so foreign imports will be subject to it
-Minimum corporate tax will be 12% instead of 15%
-Capital gains under AP 100,000 and real estate capital gains under AP 750,000 will be exempt, while 30% rate will only apply to capital gains over AP 500,000
-Top tax rate will apply to those making over AP 300,000 instead of AP 250,000

Budget achievements
-Not one penny will be cut or one job be lost at Health or Social Services Ministries
-Funding boost to Nova Anglican Revenue Authority to crack down on wealthy and corporate tax avoidance
-Funding boost to Small Business Initiative, with special attention to be paid to women and minority-owned businesses
-Minimal layoffs at most ministries

Budget concessions
-Borrowing for this fiscal year to be limited to AP 5 billion, or approximately 1.1% of GDP
-Defense spending will increase to meet continuing construction/equipment obligations of last year's budget
-Hiring freeze for this fiscal year
-Salary freeze for this fiscal year
-Deferred maintenance across all ministries except for emergency essentials
-Cuts in both jobs and programs at Education, Foreign Affairs, Infrastructure, Justice, Interior, Environment, Immigration, Agriculture, and Culture

Going Forward

The topline budget number will be AP 168 billion, which does represent a substantial AP 6 billion cut from last year's budget. Political realities and last year's fiscal irresponsibility in the form of drastic tax cuts have forced us into this uncomfortable position. While we realise that budget cuts will always be unpopular, both with our respective caucuses and most of the public, we need to present a united front to all parties. Party whips will be working overtime to sell this deal, and we need you to serve as additional support to persuade Deputies and Senators. We are also preparing a list of talking points to help you put the best face on this for the press and the public. We are confident that with a better tax regime in place, next year can be a year of fiscal expansion to restore some of what we've lost. In addition, we are pursuing administrative, foreign policy, and political strategies to achieve some of our goals, whether through legislation or not. We need the unconditional support of all Cabinet ministers. Getting these two priorities through as victories will build momentum for future government action, which is critical with an election coming up in two years rather than the usual three.

Series against South Americanistan

Game 1 winning pitcher: Roger Bizet, 0.2 IP, 0 ER (Rocky Gantt, 7.1 IP, 3 ER, Eric Norton, 1 IP, 0 ER, S)

Game 2 losing pitcher: Cody Brock, 1 IP, 2 ER (Jonathan Drake, 6 IP, 3 ER, Ricky Hart, 1 IP, 1 ER, Dallas Hawkins, 1 IP, 1 ER)

Game 3 losing pitcher: Eric Norton, 0.2 IP, 3 ER (Joshua Rouillard, 8 IP, 0 ER, Justin Chandler, 0.0 IP, 1 ER)

by **Hannasea** » Sun Sep 05, 2021 4:36 pm

(Provisional) game logs as posted on the website literallythemostboringwebsiteintheworld.han.

Injuries pile up for depleted Choughs

Relief pitcher Justin Nevin was pressed into service as an emergency left fielder for the final out of Hannasea’s 8–2 defeat to Cassadaigua in the race for WBC qualifying. The Choughs have lost their entire starting outfield to injuries. Ethan Harman is out for the remainder of the tournament with a broken wrist and Jason Mathis is not expected to return until the playoffs after injuring his shoulder going into the wall to make a defensive play in the Choughs’ unusual 3–1 defeat against The 189, in which starting pitcher Jay Gould threw 13 strikeouts and gave up just a single hit, yet ended up losing after repeatedly being unable to find ------’s strikezone, leading to the robot twice walking to score. Starting centrefielder Jake Walsh missed the first game against the Fillies with a sore back, though will play in the remainder of the series.

With Chris Johnson platooning for Jesse Walsh at designated hitter once left handed pitcher Madison Mahoney was introduced, there were no options remaining for the Choughs. Sam Pearce, a regular 3rd baseman during the HBL season, has been playing left field for the Choughs, but was deputised as a shortstop once replacement shortstop Alex Hamilton, himself standing on for Joe Mills, who had left the game with an elbow contusion after diving to catch a Rachel Kessler pop-fly, was injured on a defensive play late in the game. Ashley McKnight came into 2nd hard to break up a double play; after the game, Hamilton was diagnosed with a broken tibula (shinbone), putting him out of commission for the remainder of the tournament. The spate of injuries had little impact on the result of the game, which was effectively decided in the 1st inning after starting pitcher Will Matthews had a horror start, giving up 5 hits and 3 walks. The Dagan batters feasted to take a 5–0 lead and never looked back.

Hamilton’s bat (.222/.263/.250 with 4 runs and 1 RBI) will not be sorely missed, but his defensive utility covering the infield will. Nate Harrison, who has played both shortstop and second base, will join the team to take Hamilton’s place.

Choughs through to playoffs despite epic defeat

The Choughs played their longest ever international baseball game, taking former WBC champions Cassadaigua 17 innings before Adriana Vazquez’s walk-off hit settled the game 6–5 in the Fillies’ favour. Yet the post-game mood was of jubilation; the late finish meant news had already filtered through from Super Llamaland, who had fended off a challenge from Hebitaka to take their game 10–9: the result meant the Choughs would be heading to Chromatika for their first ever taste of the WBC playoffs. There were surreal sights as Benjamin Palmer, the reliever who gave up the game-winning hit, celebrated with his teammates as though he’d pitched them to victory.

Mathis, Parker to rejoin Choughs

Outfielder Jason Mathis and pitcher Zac Parker will return to the Choughs squad as they travel to Chromatika. Mathis suffered a shoulder injury against The 189 while Parker went down with a hamstring injury against Super Llamaland. Outfielder Ethan Harman, who broke his wrist in the Super Llamaland series, and infielder Alex Hamilton, who fractured a tibula against Cassadaigua, remain out. Parker will probably be held to limited pitchers or used in relief rather than being risked in a full start.

Jake Walsh, who has a .380 OBP and a team-leading 7 SBs, has emerged as leadoff hitter in Harman’s absence, and Mathis is likely to return to his favored #2 spot in what has been a fluid lineup for the Choughs. Connor Baker, hitting .349 and slugging .512, will continue in right field. Making way for Mathis will be Joel Holt, whose defensive prowess and baserunning skills are deemed not worth carrying his .083 BA, while Mike Robertson, despite pitching well as Parker’s replacement, is considered surplus to requirements.

Provisional playoff rotation

1. Will Matthews
2. Jay Gould
3. Jimmy Morris
4. Noah Harris

If up 2 – 0, Harris, Parker or Scott Ross may be used to preserve a power pitcher. Depending on Game 1 pitch count, Will Matthews may be used if a Game 5 is needed.

Provisional playoff lineup

1. Jake Walsh (CF)
2. Jason Mathis (LF)
3. Joe Mills (SS)
4. Sam Pearce (DH)
5. Aaron Green (3B)
6. Jesse Lowe (1B) // Platoon with Chase Lee
7. Connor Baker (RF)
8. Jay Wagner (2B)
9. Zach Walker (C)

by **Zwangzug** » Mon Sep 06, 2021 7:30 am

The Spenson Star

The Zebras have closed out the group stage of the 52nd WBC as winners of group I, and the fourth-seeded group winners overall. This would normally qualify them to face the 29th seeds, unranked and unheralded Raspotochje. However, these sides have already contended in the group stage, with both series going 2-1 to the home teams. Therefore, Zwangzug instead get drawn against...unranked and unheralded Daehae, survivors of group G. Whew.

Spare a thought for Raspotochje, however, who instead have to face a Banija side coming off Ensa Suso's perfect game. They are still seeking a nickname, however, and this noble quest has drawn interest from our office. I vote for the alliterative, enormous "Ninki Nanka." My intern votes for "Entongoli," because musical instruments are cool and it would be a nice parallel with "Kadongo Kamu." My editor was going to vote for "Silverbacks" but my intern says that's probably offensive to someone somewhere, even though the Olympic Committee has apparently signed off on it...

Anyway, back to Zwangzug. Although they really shouldn't take anything for granted and should be focusing on today's bullpen travails, fans are probably going to be looking ahead to a potential round of sixteen clash with Cassadaigua, who face Eshialand in the evening series in Shantarr. Though Eshialand might have something to say about that, too.

The Scorpions' Sting is the largest stadium that will see action in this round, with an estimated 14,105 seats reserved for Zwangzug fans. If you're travelling, be sure to compliment the local seafood, and if you hate it, never fear--grain fields are only a short ride away. Also, Chromatika is stricter than similar countries about pedestrians crossing streets without permission from the traffic signals. Even if the road seems empty, please do not create an international incident by walking in the street when it is reserved for scary low-occupancy gas-exhausting danger machines.

On a happier note, if you're travelling to Chromatika for the series, the Spenson Star wants to hear from you! Do you have cool pictures of the stadium? Scorecards? Fans-eye view of people-watching and the spectacle? Contact us to share, and your quotes or media (appropriately attributed) could appear in a future issue!

by **TJUN-ia** » Mon Sep 06, 2021 8:03 am

Game 1: West Phoencia (66) 3-6 TJUN-ia (9) (TJU lead series 1-0)
After 4 straight 3-0 sweeps gave us the Group Win with a series left to play, the Confederates of West Phoencia came to Rounders Field looking to try and end the Battin's Jags unbeaten run before the flights to Chromatika arrive in full force. Jason Hoh vs Gene Almac was up first in front of a delighted home crowd and the home team would get off to the best of starts with a 3-run bomb by Steven Fulmer kicking off the fun for us all. Bryce Calhoun got a solo bomb in the 2nd and just like that, Hoh was replaced by Wayne Tallevalley and the real baseball game began. From here, things were a bit more even and the visitors did get some runs in the 5th but once Almas was replaced by F. G. Greenwood, things would be smooth sailing from here. The Jags added two more runs and the game was won, just like that.

Game 2: West Phoencia (66) 6-5 TJUN-ia (9) (Series tied 1-1)
This tightly fought contest, kicked off by Jose Almas and Barry Akter, would be the only game TJUN-ia dropped in the entire 2nd half of the group stage - a staggering feat in itself. That didn't mean this game wasn't fun however and while the result isn't ideal, that shouldn't detract from how good we actually were tonight. The Confederates started this game hot with 4 unanswered runs but once Kim Tsu-Ka came onto the mound, TJUN-ia fought back valiantly. Angel Enrique's 2-run bomb kicked us off and by the time the 9th arrived, TJUN-ia were 5-4 up and Tiger Singh had to try to get his team back in the lead. He certainly did and West Phoencia's 2-runs in the 9th couldn't be answered - but what a game overall.

Game 3: West Phoencia (66) 2-3 TJUN-ia (9) (TJU won series 2-1)
The series decider and final Group Stage game for this WBC would be Kyle McNash vs Guntaj Singh and this game could be described as the Late Late Show, with no one managing a run until the 6th inning of this one. Both pitchers would produce brilliant performances from the start but once Matoko Kagawa managed to reach home base, the floodgates were officially open. TJUN-ia did enough to win this one 3-2, but things were certainly tight. It means that TJUN-ia will enter Chromatik as the #2 seeds in all of baseball, a feat many didn't see coming after going 9-6 in the first half of the campaign. This team is certainly clicking right now and with Region 8, based in Ronin's Rise in Rhoni, being headlined by the Battin' Jags, the skies are surely bright for this team and TJUN-ian sports in general at the moment. The Abanhfleft Revolution is our first test and in a 2 vs 31 matchup, we will be the favourites...but this is playoff baseball. Anything is possible. GO JAGS!

SCHEDULE (Group G)
S1: @Daehae (UR) W 3-0 (2nd)
S2: vs Magnecia (UR) - Rounders Field, Portside L 0-3 (T-3rd)
S3: @Tikariot (14) - Oceanview Park, Sports City, Port Rhovanyon W 2-1 (3rd)
----------------BREAK TIME----------------
S4: vs Ethane (26) - The Diamond in The Gardens, New Washington W 3-0 (3rd)
S5: @West Phoencia (66) - Emperor Glenton Gryphon-Bush II Stadium, Melbourne-Haven? L 1-2 (3rd)
S6: vsDaehae (UR) - Rounders Field, Portside W 3-0 (2nd)
S7: @Magnecia (UR) - Maze Field, Leeland W 3-0 (1st)
----------------BREAK TIME----------------
S8: vs Tikariot (14) - The Diamond in The Gardens, New Washington W 3-0 (1st)
S9: @Ethane (26) W 3-0 (1st, OFFICIALLY QUALIFIED AND GROUP WINNERS)
S10: vs West Phoencia (66) - Rounders Field, Portside W 2-1 (1st/23-7/+62RD/#2 Seed)

Round of 32 Series: vs Abanhfleft (29/#31/15-15) @Ronin's Rise, Rhoni, Coastal District
Game 1:
Game 2:
Game 3:
Game 4:
Game 5:

by **The Greater Nordics** » Mon Sep 06, 2021 11:39 am

After a very disappointing WBC in which the Nordics finished with a losing record, 4th in the group and 35 out of 40 teams,the Nordic Baseball Federation has decided to make a managerial change. Kaj Eriksen has been relieved of his duties as manager after 3 WBC's in charge. He led the team to the playoffs and advance in first two classics but failed to even make the playoffs this time around. The NBF has a tough decision ahead of them in choosing a new manager, do they choose a manager that will continue the smallball style or do they choose a manager that will go back to the power style that we had when we first entered the WBC? They might even choose a manager from outside the Nordics in hopes of making it farther in competition and being more competitive. We will see what they decide soon as they have said that they want to make this decision quickly.

by **Eshialand** » Mon Sep 06, 2021 1:04 pm

Culture Collision
Part VIII: Adrift
Eshialand 4-1 Equestria
Eshialand 0-3 Equestria
Eshialand 5-3 Equestria

"William, grab on to the lifeboat!"

The king pulls himself onto the little rubber dinghy and starts coughing up salt water.

"What... *cough* just... *cough* happened?"
"Our plane exploded mid-flight, we're lucky to be alive!"
"Who would do such a..." the king stops to think for a second, "FRANK!"
"I always knew that guy was up to no good..."

After a few minutes of silence, the king decided to ask Sergey a rather important question. "So... do you know where we might be going?"
"Not anywhere fast, I'll tell you that."
"How long do you think we might be out here?"
"With no power, no reliable winds in this area, and no food or water... our corpses will be floating around for perhaps a couple of decades..."
"Do we have flares?"
"Not unless you do."
"Could we try paddling somewhere?"
"We're better off conserving our energy and waiting for someone to find us..."
"Will they find us?"
"Probably not..."

And so, they waited in the dinghy, resting silently, waiting for either death or safety. After about a day, crippled with dehydration, William frantically checked his pockets one more time for anything that could help out.

"What are you doing?"
"There has to be something... there has to be..."
"Are you sure? I thought you didn't have anything that could help..."
"There has to be something, there always is!"

He reached into the back pocket of his jeans to find something he didn't quite remember trapped in there. It looked like a medallion of some kind, with odd engravings on it.

"What could this... I swear I remember where I got this, but I can't recall... OH WAIT!"
"What is it?"
"This is a travel medallion!"
"A what?"
"One of the wizards from Brightonsea gave it to me!"
"Wizards?"
"Yes, all you have to do is hold the medallion while reading the inscription and you get transported to Brightonsea! They gave it to me so I could visit them sometime!"
"Where is Brightonsea exactly?"
"In Eshialand! In the middle of nowhere, sure, but ESHIALAND!"
"You're saying we can get out of here? We can get to safety?"
"Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying! Sergey, we're going home!!"

How is this possible, Sergey thought to himself. How are we getting out of this alive?

"Grab onto the medallion, and we can start saying the magic words!"

Sergey grabbed on, and the two started reading the inscription.

"Pineapple belongs on pizza and that's a fact!"

The two were sucked into a wormhole that appeared out of thin air, and arrived in the Brightonsea town square, where they were greeted by Albert Lainsbury, who had been the coach of Eshialand's national quidditch team. "So, you finally decided to pay us a visit? Come on, I'll show you around!"

As Albert shows them the town, Sergey turns to the king and asks "'Pineapple belongs on pizza'? Really?"
"It's a long story..."

by **Super-Llamaland** » Mon Sep 06, 2021 1:17 pm

The first news comes in the bottom of the fourth, around 8:05 local time. It’s not from Bryant Kennedy - having taken too long to verify the source (despite having killed said source with his bare hands just a few days prior), he’s been scooped. Instead, a young sportswriter for a local newspaper by the name of Kyle Schmidt - yes, that Kyle - is the first to break the news. All the big networks, seeing it - the LBCs and LSNs of the world - lose their fucking minds. Not only is it the story of the decade, but it’s happening during Game Six of the President’s Cup Finals, If the story is true, the game that the nation is seeing unfold could be the last of an era.

The score in Tyler Rocke is New Llama Wizards 1, Nikcoro Suns 0. If the lead holds up, the Wizards - who have won the past two games in the series after trailing 1-0 and 2-1 - will win the President’s Cup, their first in ages. If not, the Suns will win a first LBL championship in decades of existence. They owe their lead, like so many others before it, to Kai Söderstrom, who has already twirled four near-perfect innings - and star signing Summer Huang, whose early double has proven the difference so far. On the other side, Danielle Nørregaard has been very good - but if the results hold, well, not quite good enough.

Every single network in the nation tries desperately to verify the story. Who else is involved? Nova Anglicana? The Sherpa Empire? With no other information given, rumors run wild. Kyle’s number becomes the most desired in Super-Llamaland, with Troy Vasquez a close second. One by one, office phones and mobiles start to light up at LBA headquarters, each one a death knell to Vasquez’s plan to keep things under wraps. The order from the president’s desk is to deny everything. Not everybody follows it. During the middle of the fifth inning, LBC’s head editor gives the go-ahead to publish. By the end of the fifth inning, the story is up. LSN follows. Twii.tur goes berserk. Soon, it’s everywhere.

Away manager Michael Shelby doesn’t like phones in the clubhouse. He wants his players focused on the game, especially when they need a win to stay alive and change the story of the Suns forever. When one of the clubhouse staff tells him the news, though, he makes an exception. In his own words, this could be the last real game the Suns ever play - there’s no guarantee they’ll remain in the league, after all. Their record the past few seasons has been good, but they’re certainly no historical heavyweights. And in a league with so many of them, that might be enough to make them one of the cuts. The Suns come out swinging. Ian Hart’s line drive splits the defense for a single. He takes off on Söderstrom’s next pitch and steals second. It turns out not to matter: a few batters later, first baseman Alvin Jimenez sends a misplaced fastball to the fucking moon, and his bat quickly follows it. Söderstrom gets out of the inning, but the Suns are now twelve outs from forcing a decisive Game Seven.

By now, the crowd is aware too, and absolutely buzzing. Fans of the Wizards, one of the greatest teams in Llamanean history, are elated - they could end the LBL with a win and defend their crown with the best of the best. Fans of the Suns, who are more of an underdog, are livid. They feel that the LBA has just sold them out, as well as local baseball communities across the nation, in pursuit of the bottom line. There’s more to it than that, but they’re not entirely wrong. The Nikcoro Daily Herald is nothing short of scathing in their opinion piece, whose publishing just ten minutes after they break the news is an act of god.

Nikko Norsholm steps up. Suns fans boo as loud as they can, but are largely drowned out. Some Wizards fans respond by trying to pick fights. The situation is becoming chaotic. Back at LBA headquarters, Troy Vasquez calls an emergency meeting. There’s no need to worry in his eyes - public opinion is still overwhelmingly positive. But, after all, he’s still calling an emergency meeting. “It’s just a lot to take in for them,” he starts. It becomes clear that no level of opposition can stop the plan. This is officially a moment in history. Norsholm strikes out in three pitches. The Suns enter the top of the seventh still up 2-1.

Kai Söderstrom is replaced by Courtney Mikkelson out of the bullpen. He’s only made one mistake all night. It’s one mistake too many. More details are starting to emerge now; this is a breaking news story and will be updated disclaimers start to fizzle away. Back in LBA headquarters, they decide to own up to it. “Call our friends across the pond,” Troy says. “We need to drop in unison.” They do. Nobody is thrilled about the leak, but they agree that it needs to be done. Mikkelson throws a 1-2-3 inning. Michael Shelby has a choice to make - keep Norregaard, who has been absolutely dealing but isn’t great the third time through the order, in? Or turn to a shaky bullpen and hope they can get the final nine outs? He opts to stick to his guns. Norregaard gets one out. This brings up Summer Huang, whose mere presence forces Shelby’s hand. He has Norregaard walk Huang, then pulls her. Jayce Duncan steps up next. The new acquisition was distinctly not the Wizards first choice of outfielder at the trade deadline - that was Tyson Long, who is currently bemoaning his existence on Twii.tur. Troy Vasquez has just given the press a list. The Nandaozhou Sharks, Long’s team, are not on it.

Duncan works a 2-0 count off of young reliever Steven Ai and sits fastball. Ai, desperately needing a strike, obliges. Huang takes off on the pitch, which proves crucial when Duncan shoots the ball down the left-field line. Almost any other runner would take third base and thank their teammate for the double. Huang is far too quick for that, and scores standing up to tie the game. Ai gets out of the inning without any further damage, but the Wizards have evened things up. There are two innings to go. Troy Vasquez tells everyone that an emergency press conference will be held after the conclusion of Game Six. Sports reporter* Bryant Kennedy tries to apply for a press pass from the LBA, but is quickly rejected.

It’s the top of the eighth inning. Another domino has fallen: the Svenssonfjord Dynamo have become financially insolvent, and will fold instead of joining the new league. City of Denison opt to take their place as Svenssonfjord’s team, and even change their name. Word on the street is that a new team, dubbed the Pheonix, will eventually take their place in the rump LBL. More details are starting to emerge with this - the Llamanean teams, format, and schedule of the new competition are trickling out. But nobody knows who else is involved. As Y.P. Ying strikes the first batter out in the top of the eighth, the Talahita Today reports that it’s Abanhfleft, who once joined forces with Super-Llamaland to create the short-lived Baseball Elite League. Ying quickly runs into trouble, though, putting runners on the corners with just one out. Similarly, Troy Vasquez officially confirms that...it’s not Abanhfleft. Ying is taken out for the controversial Sam Vandenberg, whose first pitch is tapped right back at her for a 1-6-3 double play.

Bottom of the eighth. Apparently the other teams are Esportivan, according to some guy online. Is it a super league? The rumor rapidly gains steam, infuriating the internet. Reliever Kris Headley’s WBC51 quote gets some serious mileage as the fans fight against a closed system that only elevates the top few teams. Michael Shelby, needing at least six outs, needs to mix and match, sending lefty Steve Dawson, righty Jennifer Mendoza, and then lefty Connor Reefe to get three of them. It works, with only Mendoza allowing a baserunner and all three getting outs. Some of the fans aren’t even paying attention anymore.

Top of the ninth, and it’s still Vandenberg. Chants of “Fuck Troy Vasquez” pepper the broadcast before LBC clarifies that the new league is not a super league. Ian Hart’s back up, but Vandenberg gets him to fly out harmlessly to left. Alvin Jimenez won’t wilt under pressure, though. He sends a weak slider into left-center for what is an easy standup double, even for the slow-footed Jimenez. With the heart of the order up and a runner in scoring position, the Suns are alive again…except for some reason, he keeps going after reaching second, and is gunned down by Jayce Duncan to end the inning. If the Suns win, it will be in extras. Bryant Kennedy tries to start a rumor that the league is merging with the ENBL, and is immediately ratioed. Troy Vasquez tells a faceless social media executive to start scheduling posts.

Michael Shelby gives the team talk of his life before the bottom of the ninth. “Three outs!” he barks. “That’s all I need from you guys.” He hasn’t seen all the updates yet, but he’s seen enough to know that this could be their last chance at glory for a while. He channels some unknown force inside him and breathes fire into the Suns. He puts basically his only good reliever, Max Bridges, into the game from the bullpen. Due up are Nikko Norsholm, Devon Jimenez, and Summer Huang. Tyson Long, literally about to black out live on twii.tur, guesses the other teams in the new league correctly. He’s not the first person to guess, but he is the most famous. And even though it’s not verified, it just makes too much sense - the LBC have also been sniffing around. It’s basically on the verge of being confirmed right before Troy Vasquez’s press conference. The LBA decide they’d rather be in full control of the narrative, check in with everyone else, and then drop in the middle of the ninth inning before what could be the last three outs of the LBL. The decision will be praised in hindsight - now the full weight of what is about to happen can really settle in. But the players, already taking position on the field, are blissfully unaware.

Norsholm likes to swing early, but this time it costs him as he brushes a nasty slider from Bridges weakly down the third-base line. Suns catcher Tricia Moreno comes out to collect before firing to first for one out. Devon Jimenez also swings early, but Bridges isn’t quite as ready for him to do so. Instead of another breaking ball, he goes fastball, and Jimenez ropes it into left for a single. This brings up League MVP Summer Huang. Unlike the two before her, she works the count full - fastball, slider away, fastball fouled back, slider down, slider fought off, fastball high. By now, the crowd has realized the potential significance of what is about to happen, and the shock, fear, confusion, and anger of the past few hours have all come together into excitement.

Max Bridges comes in again with the high heat, bringing every last bit of energy he has and throwing it all into the fastball. Across the stadium, phones start to record. Summer Huang is ready for it, if just slightly late, and smashes it into right-center. Devon Jimenez isn’t the fastest guy on the team, but he got a good secondary, and is off the moment Huang makes contact. He rounds second, rounds third, but realizes too late that the third-base coach was trying to stop him there. He blows through the sign, now counting down the seconds, as the right fielder grabs the ball on the first bounce off the wall and fires a bullet to Tricia Moreno at home plate. Bodies collide, bounce, but when the dust settles the ball sits behind home plate and Jimenez’s hand rests on it. He’s safe. The New Llama Wizards have won the final President’s Cup.

Hours later, Troy Vasquez finally gives all the answers. The processes that will kill the LBL have been in motion for months, and there is no going back now. The only thing we can do is watch as something rises from the ashes of the league system. But it’s not a phoenix. It’s a, uh…

Llamaphant. It’s a llamaphant.

by **South Newlandia** » Mon Sep 06, 2021 1:17 pm

It took longer for the news to really arrive in South Newlandia. Days after the final of the South Newlandian Final Series, with the internet starting to go berserk in Super-Llamaland, few fans speculated that the South Newlandian Baseball League would be involved at first. They were shot down quickly – As baseball nations, Super-Llamaland,
historic giant with a glorious past and a, surely, glorious long-term future, and South Newlandia, the small one-hit wonder with the tiny stadiums, just seemed too different. And yet, when the official name was leaked, it was clear
that this could only refer to one nation. Minutes later, the Mail had a special episode online:
“The SNBL is dead – long live Llamaphant Pro Baseball!”

It took little time for the rest of the information to leak. It would be two leagues – Super-Llamanean and South Newlandian, respectively – with twelve teams each. The 24-team LBL surely had more trouble cutting teams than
the 16-team SNBL, but there would still be four franchises out of luck. Fans of the Tigers and Rebels, if they
existed in the first place, weren’t shocked. The fans of the Peacocks and the Rhinos were in for a bigger surprise.

Things would be changing for all players in the South Newlandian Baseball League. For those that were on clubs
to move to the LPB, the schedule was about to get intense – a 160 game season, played in 80 series of two games
each, with 12 of those series in Super-Llamaland, would have everyone travel and play a lot more. For those on
the Tigers, Rebels, Peacocks, or Rhinos, as well as the 12 cut Llamanean teams, a special draft was announced
to get those players onto new teams. It was going to be exciting.

In each league, twelve teams compete for five playoff spots on the road to the Llamaphant Trophy. There will
be three divisions each; with division winners immediately advancing to the Divisional Series. The two best
non-division winners will compete for the final spot in a wildcard game. The winners of the Divisional Series
advance the Championship Series. The two winners of the respective championship series will advance to the Llamaphant Trophy.

Super-Llamanean League

SLL North
--- Apple Valley Vipers
--- Denison Dynamo
--- Emerald City Greens
--- South Falls Athletics

SLL Central
--- Kyrinson Cosmos
--- New Llama Cyclones
--- New Llama Wizards
--- Vargas City Lions

SLL South
--- Nikcoro Suns
--- Peninsulara Kingfishers
--- South Bryant Chariots
--- Xingcheng Renaissance

South Newlandian League

SNL North
--- Elephant Valley Homers
--- Elephant Valley United
--- Masmow Dragons
--- Ruditown Dachshunds

SNL Central
--- Newport Dolphins
--- Newport Owls
--- Rüsselsheim Blue Sox
--- Sophie City Monarchs

SNL South
--- Malidridad Mariners
--- St. Riecarn Saints
--- Sun City Flames
--- Walstreim Stingrays

Asked about the new league, SNBA president Robert Wahlja, who will become WBC president at the beginning of the next Classic, stated: “We’re excited to work together with Super-Llamaland, who have already been influential in the SNBL. This is going to be a very strong league – our goal is it to get talent from across the multiverse to have the best baseball league, and the very best baseball, around. I’m confident LPB can be that.
This is an invitation for all baseball players around the multiverse – if you want to play in the best baseball league, come to the LPB. We’d love to have you.”.

Some fans were more critical of the sudden change that happened with little fan input, but overall, excitement overweighed. I mean, how can you not be excited over this?

by **Tikariot** » Mon Sep 06, 2021 6:12 pm

Walking with Shadows
--- Chapter XXXI ---

Horcomb turns back towards James with a look of almost genuine pain on his face. “Oh, how this must hurt, getting betrayed like this, doesn’t it? Opportunistic, but then again, can you really blame her? Look at the mess you’ve made out of her life, getting shot at, chased, left for dead, dragged all over the place in this miserable weather… And let’s not forget that I could still get her arrested for shooting someone with that bow of hers and breaking and entering into my museum, stealing the books, the list just goes on and on.”

He starts to pace. “But you, you are the root of all of this. You keep interfering, you keep coming back even from situations where you shouldn’t have been able to! But thankfully, finally, your luck has run out. Your jokers are gone. Sanford is out of the game, Crowe, or whatever his name is, is out of the game, Skarsgaard, well, he never was yours to begin with and now Miss Sophia has crossed the lines, leaving me with a decision to make. I still maintain that I am not a killer, so what should I do with you? Any suggestions?”

“Go to hell!”

He briefly stops his pacing, casting a disappointed look at James. “Really? That’s all the suggestions you have. I would have imagined you to be at least a bit more creative. You are not pleading your case, you are not offering to help me in order to save your hide and get out of this, nothing. But then again, your house of cards didn’t just collapse right now, it went right up in flames, you should have seen the look on your face when she walked past you. This was the ultimate betrayal for you, the last shred of hope. But like I said, can you really blame her? I can’t. Do I trust her? Not so sure about that yet, but it was clear that the two of you did not have a plan that would involve that, no, she really ripped your heart out with this one.”

“Then why don’t you just tie me up and throw me into one of the tunnels and leave me be?”

Horcoms laughs. “We tried that already, remember? Did not quite work out as planned. Granted, you had her tied up with you and Sanford still was out there, too, so you had that going. Hm. Maybe trying to tie you up again for a second time could do the trick. You know what? Let’s do that while we wait, give us something to do, something constructive. I’ll even promise you that we’ll let you know when we’re done, how does that sound for a deal? I won’t just leave you in the dark. OK, let me rephrase that, I will likely leave you in the dark, but not without saying a final, tearful goodbye.”

He motions for his last remaining helper to bring James forward. “Let’s tie him up in the main chamber, that way he won’t feel as lonely and he can witness our victory, at least. After all he has played a vital role in it, too.”

Jabbing him into the back with the barrel of his gun, the henchman pushes James towards the exit from the corridor while Horcomb keeps his weapon trained on him as well. Shortly after they emerge into the empty chamber and the staircase’s wooden frame. “Zip tie his arms, then tie him to the beam and tie his legs separately.”

He looks up the stairs, checking his watch impatiently, clearly unhappy with the delay. Pulling out a walkie talkie he barks into it. “What is happening up there? Get your asses in gear and back down, we need get into that vault and quick.”

There is no reply. An edge is starting to creep into his voice. “Is anybody going to answer me?”

At first there is just some crackling, but then Sophia’s voice comes through. “On the way, took a little longer, sorry about that.”

“Why is she answering?” Horcomb’s brow furrows. “Get me Hollinger on!”

At that moment the sound of hurried footsteps begins to sound through the cavernous space, putting Horcomb at least somewhat at ease as he turns back towards James, who looks extremely uncomfortable having been tied up in several ways, making it almost impossible for him to move. An odd grumbling sound echoes through downwards, making James look up.

Horcomb laughs. “That’s probably just thunder, don’t look so hopeful, your future is as grey and drab as the world up there is.”

His laugh dies down, though, when he sees a large four-legged creature scramble down the stairs, emanating the grumbling sound. He yells up: “What is the dog doing here?”

Immediately Sophia’s voice replies. “He is going to help us find a way in. There must be another way and his nose can pick up on things we can’t.”

As Nurisema reaches the bottom, he completely ignores Horcomb, but runs up towards James and gives one loud bark and low grumble before putting his nose to the ground and begins to crisscross within the chamber, moving in and out of the tunnels, clearly trying to find a scent with Horcomb trying to follow his progress as the dog repeatedly bumps into his legs. James closes his eyes, the realization kicking in even harder that it was over, that Horcomb has won when a sudden whoosh followed by a thump draws his attention.

The man in front of him is on the ground and Horcomb wheels around. In the moment that he raises his gun towards James and yells out “I am going to kill him!”, a dark shadow comes barreling out of the darkness and 200 pounds of malamute hit the man into the back, propelling him forward and making him lose grip on his gun. He tries to roll around and find his gun, but in a flash Nurisema’s jaws are around his neck, effectively pinning him down without actually biting. Moments later Sophia emerges from the dark staircase, her bow drawn, an arrow aimed at Horcomb.

by **South Newlandia** » Mon Sep 06, 2021 7:13 pm

Ahead of the first round of the playoffs, Sofia Rasmussen was trying to figure out a playoff rotation. Fortunately for her, all her starters had finished the group stage with an ERA under 3.2, with the bullpen clocking in at 2.35. That means lots of options, but the fact that not a single one of the 30 starts ended without giving up a run had her worried. Nevertheless, she was fairly confident. She hadn’t been around for the previous encounters of South Newlandia and Ko-oren, but so far, South Newlandia had always come away with a victory (WBC51) or at least a mental victory (splitting the group stage as an UR). In preparing the lineup, she had a few considerations to make. Games 3 and 4 would be played without a DH, so that was something to worry about – her starters usually went deep into their starts, averaging about 6 and two third innings, so she wouldn’t want to pinch hit excessively for them. This made playing Conroy, the only of her pitchers with sufficient experience at the plate, a lock for one of these; probably game four, if everything went well. Hunter and Kramer were each well-rested, so probably them for games 1 and 2. Gonzalo had been her best starter, at an amazing ERA of 1.67. He’d go in when it mattered most, even though he had taken three losses opposed to two wins and a ND in the groups. Rasmussen dismissed that as bad luck – Gonzalo would be there when it mattered. Now, the question was whether to give Bookmer a start or not. She leaned towards yes – the Elephants, in case of victory, would most certainly be facing the extremely strong Quodites in the next round, and she wanted Kramer rested there. This almost necessitated Kramer – Hunter – Bookmer (in a start where the bullpen was likely to get a bit more work, and thus, she’d get to pinch-hit in the 9-hole) – Conroy – Gonzalo.

Rasmussen knew that the Ko-orenite Dragonflies were an extremely dangerous baseball team. Don’t be fooled by their 15-15 record – this wasn’t a bad team. Rasmussen, anyhow, was confident she’d be able to take the series. For one, Felswyr seemed like a favourable environment – low stadia correspond to better South Newlandian performance, usually – even though most South Newlandians not being used to such a high altitude. Rasmussen was confident they’d acclimate well. The players also felt like playing in Felswyr was a reward for them and their wins. 20-10 may not be their best outing ever, but the 6th seed was tied for the best since WBC49. The Elephants felt ready. The Ko-orenite pitching had been weaker than expected this classic, and surely, the excellent pitching staff the Elephants had would keep the Ko-orenite bats at bay once again.

by **Sarzonia** » Mon Sep 06, 2021 7:34 pm

If the Sarzonian national baseball team had dropped their series finale against Delaclava at Insanium Uranium Field in San Salvacion, the questions Manager Geoff Yancey would have faced for staying with fifth starter Alton Long in the rubber match instead of pitching Jeff Parrish on short rest would have been intense.

However, Long pitched arguably his best in a clutch situation, allowing no runs until a meaningless home run off the bat of shortstop Peterson dos Santos. He even helped himself at the plate with an RBI single to right field in the top of the fourth.

Thus, the questions about Yancey's decision to start Long instead of Parrish were merely curiosity.

"I didn't want to diverge from the usual rotation," he said, even though he was fully aware that a loss in the group stage finale would have given Sarzonia and Delaclava identical 17-13 records and would have consigned the Stars to second place in the Group B table. As it stands, the Stars finished the group stage with an 18-12 mark, leaving the No. 2 team in the multiverse as the group winners with the worst record.

That fact didn't bother Yancey.

"I don't give a fuck if we're 30-0 or we're 15-15. We're back in the knockout rounds, and that was our first goal all along." Yancey said his team would use the rest after they arrive in Larhai to set up the rotation for the Round of 32 series against Milchama.

The first half of qualifying struggles for the Stars are well documented. After 15 matches played, the Stars were below .500 at 7-8. They faced a Venmere side that took two of three from the Stars in the opening series. The Stars began their so-called revenge tour with a three-match sweep to vault right back into contention. Then they won two out of three matches in every series since, culminating in the series win over the Phoenixes. That brought the team's second half record to 11-4, which would be a 22-win pace.

The question Yancey faces now is which team will face Milchama? Will it be the team that couldn't get out of their own way or will it be the team that suddenly woke up? Even Yancey doesn't have that answer.

"Your guess is as good as mine," he said. "We're not taking Milchama lightly. That's a team with an impressive pedigree in this sport."

The Warriors finished the group stage at 17-13 and took two of three matches against Sherpaland, whichwon Group F with a 19-11 record. Sarzonia will start Parrish, Mark Conroy and Jamie Pearson against the Warriors.

If the series advances to a Game 4, Yancey announced that if the Stars were leading the series, Brian Lynch would start, but if Sarzonia were trailing two games to one, Parrish would start on short rest. If the series goes a full five games, either Parrish or Conroy would start Game 5.

"Now it's time to pitch your best pitchers in big game situations," he said. "Though to be fair, Alton came up huge for us."

Yancey thought for a moment and smiled.

"Alton had radioactive stuff tonight," he said. "It was pretty crazy."

World Baseball Classic 52 Everything Thread

Batter Up!: Small Summaries (@Ethane)

Batter Up!: Small Summaries (vs West Phoencia)

Who is online