World Baseball Classic 54 (IC thread)

[Quintessence of Dust]

(Provisional) box scores as posted on the TalkBaseball.qd website. This tournament, TBQ will be summarising results entirely through The West Wing quotes.

                          AB   R   H  RBI BB   K  LOB  AVG  HR  RBI
T. Brøndum CF              5   1   2   1   0   1   2  .222   1   1
J. Theriault SS            4   0   0   0   1   0   2  .125   0   0
L. Chevalier LF            3   0   1   0   1   0   1  .167   0   0
  c–J. McCallum PH, LF     1   0   0   0   0   0   0  .000   0   0
R. Weber RF                4   0   0   1   1   1   1  .128   0   1
S. Borgþórsson 1B          5   1   3   0   0   0   2  .444   1   1
M.P. Yang 3B               5   0   1   1   0   1   5  .200   0   1
A. Yasumoto 2B             4   0   2   0   1   0   1  .600   0   1
H. Kalberg P               2   0   1   0   0   1   2  .500   0   0
  K. Wahl P                0   0   0   0   0   0   0  .000   0   0
  a–J. Stevens PH          1   0   0   0   0   1   1  .000   0   0
  L. Thompson P            0   0   0   0   0   0   0  .000   0   0
  b–K. Kawasuda PH         0   0   0   0   1   0   0  .000   0   0
  A. Butler P              0   0   0   0   0   0   0  .000   0   0
  d–N. Tachikake PH        1   0   0   0   0   1   2  .000   0   0
  H. Ja P                  0   0   0   0   0   0   0  .000   0   0
Y. Long C                  4   1   0   0   1   1   4  .125   0   1

a–J. Stevens pinch-hit for K. Wahl in the 6th
b–K. Kawasuda pinch-hit for L. Thompson in the 8th
c–J. McCallum pinch-hit for L. Chevalier in the 9th
d–N. Tachikake pinch-hit for A. Butler in the 10th

Doubles: S. Borgþórsson 3 (3, 4th inning, 0 on, 2 outs; 7th inning, 0 on, 0 outs; 10th inning, 0 on, 0 outs)
Home runs: T. Brøndum (1, 9th inning, 0 on, 0 outs)
Total bases: S. Borgþórsson 6, T. Brøndum 5, A. Yasumoto 2, H. Kalberg, M.P. Yang, L. Chevalier
2-out RBI: M.P. Yang
Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: M.P. Yang 2, Y. Long 2, H. Kalberg, R. Weber
Team LOB: 11

BASERUNNING
SB: T. Brøndum (1)
CS: L. Chevalier (1), A. Yasumoto (1)

FIELDING
Double plays: 2 (Theriault – Yasumoto – Borgþórsson, Theriault – Yasumoto – Borgþórsson)

                            IP  H   R  ER  BB   K  HR  PI  PS   ERA
H. Kalberg                 4.1  6   3   3   0   4   0  58  41  6.23
K. Wahl                    0.2  1   0   0   1   0   0  14   8  0.00
L. Thompson                2.0  0   0   0   1   1   0  24  13  0.00
A. Butler                  2.0  3   0   0   1   0   0  34  17  0.00
H. Ja L (0 – 1)            0.0  3   3   3  0   0   1  14   8 27.00

Game score: H. Kalberg 45
Batters faced: H. Kalberg 19, K. Wahl 4, L. Thompson 6, A. Butler 9, H. Ja 3
Ground outs – fly outs: H. Kalberg 4 – 5, K. Wahl 1 – 1, L. Thompson 3 – 1, A. Butler 2 – 3, H. Ja 0 – 0
Inherited runners – scored: K. Wahl 2 – 1
WP: H. Kalberg 2

Scoring summary:

2.0: RBI double

4.0: Maas Pheng Yang singles (8). Sigurkarl Borgþórsson scores.

5.1: Rémy Weber walks with the bases loaded. Yazhu Long scores.

5.1: RBI single

5.2: RBI single

9.0: Tom Brøndum homers (7LD). Tom Brøndum scores.

10.0: 3-RBI homer

“There is literally no one in the world that I don’t hate right now.” – Toby Ziegler

[Chromatika]

Chromatika Wins Battle of Unbeatens, Remains Perfect

Chromatika                   0 0 0 0 4 1 0 0 0  5
South Americanastan          1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  2

HALIFAX UNIPLEX, SOUTH AMERICANASTAN - Three games in, Chromatika continues to roll on all cylinders - Oscar de Witt being the first pitcher to pitch a complete game as they improve to 3-0 and atop the group as the only undefeated team.

South Americanastan would get to de Witt early, driving in two runs in the first two innings via four hits, but then Chromatika took control of the game in the top of the fifth, with Laure Valle getting the key double that drove in three of the four runs. Add a single-run Home Run by Kendra Carpenter in the fifth, and Chromatika rode the strength of de Witt to the end of the game.

After struggling with pitching in the previous classic, the Outliers have settled to three runs conceded per game, while scoring an average of seven. Though games against StrayaRoos and Dotivija remain, the squad looks as poised as ever to continue exerting itself as one of the best teams in the entire tournament.

So far, so good.

---

Frenei Chromatik Baseball League - Season 6

Through Seventy-Five Games:

CBL                        Pld     W    L     RF    RA    RD  Mov  Las15 
 1 Chromia Comets           75    49   26    360   243  +117  +01  11-04
 2 Shantarr Scorpions       75    48   27    383   305   +78  -01  10-05
 3 Felswyr Fire             75    43   32    352   280   +72  ===  07-08
 4 Knetyohai Dynamo         75    43   32    369   309   +60  ===  07-08
 5 Rhoni Rhonin             75    41   34    328   321    +7  +04  11-04
 6 Hanai Heroes             75    40   35    328   297   +31  +01  08-07
 7 Eyrods Pilots            75    39   36    307   329   −22  -02  06-09
 8 Umbar Corsairs           75    38   37    343   330   +13  +03  10-05
 9 Chromia Diamonds         75    38   37    318   331   −13  -01  07-08
10 Urrheddiao Knights       75    38   37    297   329   −32  -04  06-09
11 Lanar Rangers            75    34   41    332   348   −16  -01  05-10
12 Alnio Reds               75    34   41    324   349   −25  +01  09-06
13 Sanar Vipers             75    32   43    288   337   −49  +01  08-07
14 Larhai Legends           75    32   43    299   354   −55  -02  05-10
15 Z'ai'ai Loggers          75    26   49    286   365   −79  +01  06-09
16 Myana Merfolk            75    25   50    263   350   −87  -01  04-11

[Quintessence of Dust]

(Provisional) box scores as posted on the TalkBaseball.qd website. This tournament, TBQ will be summarising results entirely through The West Wing quotes.

                          AB   R   H  RBI BB   K  LOB  AVG  HR  RBI
T. Brøndum CF              4   2   2   0   1   0   0  .308   1   1
J. Theriault SS            4   3   2   1   1   0   1  .250   1   1
L. Chevalier LF            4   1   2   2   1   0   0  .300   0   2
R. Weber RF                3   1   1   1   0   0   3  .200   0   2
  d–J. Stevens PH, RF      1   0   0   0   0   1   0  .000   0   0
S. Borgþórsson 1B          5   1   1   1   0   1   4  .357   1   2
N. Ágústsdóttir 3B         4   1   2   2   0   0   1  .500   0   2
A. Yasumoto 2B             1   0   1   0   0   0   0  .667   0   1
  a–J. McCallum PR         0   0   0   0   0   0   0  .000   0   0
  b–K. Yutani 2B           2   1   1   0   0   0   2  .750   0   0
E. Wilder P                3   0   1   2   0   0   3  .333   0   2
  c–K. Kawasuda PH         1   0   0   0   0   0   0  .000   0   0
  H. Reidarsson P          0   0   0   0   0   0   0  .000   0   0
  M. Ryan P                0   0   0   0   0   0   0  .000   0   0
Y. Long C                  4   0   0   0   0   3   3  .083   0   1

a–J. McCallum pinch-ran for A. Yasumoto in the 3rd
b–K. Yutani substituted for J. McCallum in the 4th
c–K. Kawasuda pinch-hit for E. Wilder in the 7th
c–J. McCallum pinch-hit for R. Weber in the 8th

Doubles: A. Yasumoto (1, 2nd inning, 0 on, 1 out), S. Borgþórsson (4, 3rd inning, 1 on, 1 out), R. Weber (1, 5th inning, 0 on, 0 outs)
Home runs: J. Theriault (1, 1st inning, 0 on, 1 out)
Total bases: J. Theriault 5, S. Borgþórsson 2, A. Yasumoto 2, R. Weber 2, L. Chevalier 2, N. Ágústsdóttir 2, T. Brøndum 2, K. Yutani, E. Wilder
2-out RBI: E. Wilder 2, N. Ágústsdóttir
Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: Y. Long 3, K. Yutani
Sac Fly: R. Weber
Hit by Pitch: A. Yasumoto
Team LOB: 6

BASERUNNING
SB: J. Theriault (1), K. Yutani (2)

FIELDING
Double plays: 2 (Theriault – Yutani – Borgþórsson, Ryan – Theriault – Borgþórsson)

                            IP  H   R  ER  BB   K  HR  PI  PS   ERA
E. Wilder W (1 – 0)        7.0  8   3   3   1   4   0  98  61  3.86
H. Reidarsson              1.0  0   0   0   1   3   0  22  12  0.00
M. Ryan                    1.0  1   0   0   0   0   0   5   4  0.00

Game score: E. Wilder 52
Batters faced: E. Wilder 29, H. Reidarsson 4, M. Ryan 3
Ground outs – fly outs: E. Wilder 8 – 8, H. Reidarsson 0 – 0, M. Ryan 1 – 1

Scoring summary:

1.1: Jack Theriault homers (9D). Jack Theriault scores.

3.0: Luka Chevalier singles (78S). Tom Brøndum scores.

3.0: Rémy Weber flies out (9S). Jack Theriault scores.

3.1: Sigurkarl Borgþórsson doubles (9LM). Luka Chevalier scores.

3.1: Natalí Ágústsdóttir singles (4MD). Sigurkarl Borgþórsson scores.

3.2: Balk. Natalí Ágústsdóttir scores.

5.2: Erwin Wilder singles (3L). Rémy Weber scores. Kaori Yutani scores.

6.0: RBI single

6.1: RBI single

6.2: RBI single

[align]6.0: Luka Chevalier singles (7LS). Tom Brøndum scores.

6.2: Natalí Ágústsdóttir singles (34D). Jack Theriault scores.[/align]

“In the future, if you’re wondering, “Crime. Boy, I don’t know” is when I decided to kick your ass.” – President Bartlet

[Banija]

Banijan starting pitching 'looking good' as not much to separate the teams in Group 7 after 3 games


Faraba Conateh throws a pitch in Banija's 3-1 home loss

BUSUKUMA, NAITONAL CAPTIOL REGION- Group 7 is one of the tightest groups in the WBC so far. In fact, it is about as tight as humanly possible. After 3 games, we have three teams with two wins, and three more teams with one win. In fact, we are the only group in the tournament remaining with such explicit balance. Every other group has at least one undefeated team, and at least one winless team. So it's safe to say- that, at least in the early stages, it seems as if we are in for a dogfight to claim one of the group's three automatic berths into the knockout stages of the World Baseball Classic. Everybody's won a game, everybody's lost a game, and teams will win and lose quite a few more.

So in a group that is this competitive, we are going to have to rely on our strongest assets. And what is Banija's strongest asset? Starting pitching.

Ramata Kabba got us off to a great start, pitching 8 and a third innings on opening day to lead us to a victory in the tournament's opener, by a score of 4-1 over Eshialand. But remember this- she walked the bases loaded, and then issued another walk to allow a run. It took a superstar defensive effort to keep her from potentially getting the doors blown off of her in the first inning, although she recovered amicably. Faraba Conateh came on in Game 2 against The 189, who are quickly becoming a very frequent baseball opponent of this national team. His overall line was strong as well, right? 6.2 innings for the quality start, 3 earned runs, 6 hits, 2 walks. That is absolutely a line that you want from your starting pitching, and then our bullpen cleaned up behind him, not allowing any more runs.

But it didn't matter, when The 189's pitcher threw a one run masterpiece. But think of how that start went for him. Allowed 2 runs in the first, and allowed a run in the third. See the pattern? Our pitchers getting off to really poor starts, putting the team in a hole early. Not exactly where we want to be, right? Although our pitchers recovered well. Maybe early classic jitters? in our first road game of the tournament, it didn't really matter. We jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the second inning, and never took our foot off the gas as we earned a 9-1 road victory over Nueva Orinoquia on Matchday 3. Xolile Gola kept them off balance the entire game, and threw seven innings of one run baseball.

Getting off to better starts, like we did against Nueva Orinoquia, will be a key. And so much of that relies on the talent of our starting pitchers. Game 4, of course, will feature Ada Ovoyo, as she will throw against the Huron League at the Capitol Proving Grounds. Huron League technically sit at the bottom of the table, but of course, they are only one back- so either team could win it. But it will, once again, come down to Odoyo. They've pitched well so far, and it is not unreasonable that the expectation is that this has to continue. Only allowing 5 runs through 27 innings pitched is an excellent return rate, especially with our famously inconsistent bullpen having allowed 0 runs in the early goings.

We are home against Huron League, and then away against Norrhem, in our next two. At least 1-1 is a must. Are both winnable? Absolutely. We'll see where we are, in a few days time, after Odoyo makes her first start of the Classic, and Kabba makes her second start, on the road, against Norrhem.

[TJUN-ia]

After a big 6-1 win over Tikariot in Port Rhovanyon, the Jaguars of TJUN-ia were certainly starting to feel that things could turn out alright for them in the race to Zwangzug and the race to becometh kings of baseball. Winning the first two games by a combined score of 17-2 is certainly a good start for a team with most players above the age of 30 and many felt that if these veterans can keep up the pace then maybe things could end up being alright in the race to the playoffs. But Phillip Hellas-Verona didn't want everyone to think that the job was anywhere near complete and heading into the Double-Header, here at The Diamond in The Gardens of New Washington, many will be hoping the job that needs to be done can keep its current course.

The first opponents would be the Pot 3 team - the #35 Base Corps of Drawkland. It would be Gene Almac taking on Mike Kavana in this one (with three more Kavanas - Adam, Shawn and Lane - all in the lineup), but a bigger issue was taking centre stage in the form of events in Cassadaigua involving the CBL. They've locked out the CBLPA as the new season draws near and no one knows for certain how this business is going to end...with the CBLPA the main losers compared to the fat cats at the top of the Dagan game. So, with that in mind, TB decided to show our support to the CBLPA and thus, until the lockout ends, the Battin' Jags will be wearing pink armbands to support the plight of our sisters and brothers in Cassadaigua who only want to play baseball comfortably.

So with a bit of pink everywhere you looked (even the fans had some pink in full view), Game 3 would not take too long to descend into absolute chaos. The 2nd inning was where it all began as a 2-run bomb by Chan Ford was countered by a fucking GRAND SALAMI (to borrow from the late great Dave Niehaus of U1 fame) from Matoko Kagawa. Then all our dreams came true in the 3rd inning as another grand slam, this time from Angel Enrique, was complemented by a 2-run bomb from Kagawa again and suddenly, Kavana (M) was gone. He would be replaced by Jack West and West would manage to concede no more runs while we simply just...calmed down after that chaos. Drawkland would end up with 3 more runs and Carlos Buena had to be drafted in just in case, but that would be the end of that. The final score was 10-5, meaning TJUN-ia were 3-0 and 27-7 combined.

It certainly has been a good start...but we still had 7 more to go. Up next in The Diamond will be 2-1 Mylderm, a team who've certainly surprised thus far and a team that can certainly pull off a surprise. Be on the watch, Jaguars...every game counts. GO JAGS!

---

SCHEDULE (Group G)
G1: vs St Saratoga (84) - Rounders Field, Portside W 11-1 (1st)
G2: @Tikariot (13) - Oceanview Park, Sports City, Port Rhovanyon W 6-1 (1st)
G3: vs Drawkland (35) - The Diamond in The Gardens, New Washington W 10-5 (1st)
G4: vs Mylderm (48) - The Diamond in The Gardens, New Washington
G5: @Big D Nation (UR)
----------------BREAK TIME----------------
G6: @St Saratoga (84)
G7: vs Tikariot (13) - Rounders Field, Portside
G8: @Drawkland (35) - Hydrogen Cyanide Field, Drawk City
G9: @Mylderm (28)
G10: vs Big D Nation (UR) - Rounders Field, Portside

[Milchama]

"What a win!"

"What a great two wins"

"Oh yeah we beat the Second Peenadian as well"

"Well the First Peenadian was way too easy so we needed some challenge with the Second Peenadian"

"They're doing really well! Second Penadian is in second place"

"Yeah it's their natural state"

"Does that mean they'll be runners up in the WBC?"

"If we go by nominative determinism the way we've defined it so far, yes"

"Rats"

"Well they wouldn't be in our section so we could beat them in the final"

"Oh true!"

"Look, we're in first place, we're the best team historically in the qualifiers, and we're rolling teams"

"First, no we're not, Super-Llamaland is better, remember this article: viewtopic.php?p=38921738#p38921738"

"I mean they could be wrong and they don't include our 4th place finish from last cup"

"Sure but they have more championships and more runners up than we do"

"Ok, well we need to do better"

"And so far we are"

"Ok but what about this: https://media.discordapp.net/attachment ... nknown.png"

"Well first off nobody can see that image without clicking on the link which negates the joke but secondly, sure I'll draw 25, we're still doing very well"

"We're 3 games in"

"That's a third of the group stage and we're undefeated, we beat the second best team in the group both by rank and by how they're doing so far. Basically, nothing can stop us"

"Ugh, you're not listening, listen to the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dw9qqvm-LT8"

"What is Major League Baseball? And also, that doesn't say anything about international competition where the name of the game is small sample sizes and we're judged by them. For example, Soldera finished 3rd last time and never played in the WBC before and are so scared they wouldn't even play in this one"

"You know it's a small sample size and are being contrary for no reason"

"No, I'm being contrary because I feel like arguing and this seems funny"

"That's worse"

"Why?"

"Because you could easily not do that and nothing would change but now you're just going on for no reason"

"Why can't I just be chaotic for fun?"

"We're not curling"

"Yeah we'll RP that tomorrow"

"I mean that's some chaos"

"True but, let's focus here"

"Ok and what are focusing on?"

"Death itself and the permutations of death that have allowed us to come to this moment"

"I thought we were talking about small sample size"

"That too, we only get one life, that's a small sample size"

"Oh dear god"

"Yeah this is getting too morbid we should stop now"

"Yep and let's stop death by praying to Margaret"

"I thought Margaret only helped with scoring games"

"Yeah, we really shouldn't expand responsibilities here"

"Exactly"

"Ok then"

"Well 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 6 minutes*

"We pray the Margaret of SnubNose 38 and Random Number God that you may deliver us victory over all our group members 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"

"Come on You Warriors!"

"Let's Go Milchama!"

[South Newlandia]

Disclaimers:
* this project would not be possible without the efforts from Super-Llamaland. The words and pictures on screen right now were made by me, but would not be possible without extensive background work from both of us. Please do grade accordingly.
* this RP series may, on occasion, mention numbers about your players. Feel free to ignore them if you don’t like them; but keep in mind that scoring rates are lower in the LPB, with roughly 10% fewer runs than in the MLB.
* quick note on amateur draft grades: S is best, followed by A, B, C, D, F)
* meaning of the dots next to players: Blue: All-Star | Silver: Silver Slugger | Gold: Golden Glove | Red: MVP | Purple: Evan Masorka winner | Lime: Reliever of the Year (each as of last season)

South Newlandian League

Roster Movements, Drafts, Rosters – Part 2

SNL Central


Newport Dolphins

Offseason Movements:
The defending LPB champions from Newport got to work on trying to defend their title. They were able to keep their stars on the payroll, including some of the best players in the world like Kelly Tallis, Quodite Luka Chevalier, Chromatik Kendra Annovar, their reliever duo in Ying and Beaufils; Paterson, Hernandez, and a quintet of Elephants. What was there to improve? The Dolphins had an answer, acquiring one of the best players in the multiverse, Quodite star pitcher Haakon Kalberg, for two first-round picks from the South Bryant Chariots. They also signed Alvin Jiminez from the Flames for a second as an afterthought. All in all, the Dolphins are committed to this championship window, giving away most of their draft picks to win big now. This strategy puts the Fins’ future in jeopardy, but if they can bring even more titles to Newport, it’ll all be worth it.

Draft: (Position: 23)
Without a first-round pick, having traded it last season as part of a package to acquire Ryan Hunter from the Sun City Flames, the Dolphins had to wait until deep in the second round to get in on the action. They had the 46th-pick, thanks to an old pick-swap with the New Llama Wizards that moved them up an entire draft pick, using it to draft 22-year old Jon Zheng, a starting pitcher. Maybe he’ll somehow turn out to be good.

Outlook:
The Dolphins are the defending champions for a good reason. They had arguably the second-best rotation in baseball last season, and the addition of Kalberg will only make them stronger. Their lineup is also one of the best you can get; despite somehow only featuring two all-stars,

2B Hernandez is actually Tikariotian. Please pretend I got that right in the graphic

this lineup definitely has the tools to win another title. It’ll be a fight between the Dolphins and the Blue Sox for supremacy in the Central, and the Dolphins are the favourites.

Rüsselsheim Blue Sox

Offseason Movements:
The Blue Sox were the biggest story of the last season. Despite having, on paper, the best pitching rotation in the league, they struggled, and only really got going in the last quarter of the season. But they got on a run, managing to catch up to the Dachshunds in the nick of time, beating them in a tie-breaking game 161, before going on the road to Masmow, winning the wildcard game. However, they ended up losing to the Dolphins in the SNLDS; which they certainly want to get revenge for.
Throughout the season, it was mostly the bullpen that gave the Sox trouble, despite employing a great closer in DiVincenzo. To give him some support, the Sox traded for Llamanean Morgan Hedegaard and Facundo Saavedra Cicerón from Montana Verde, who were both in the SLL South most recently. This cost them a significant chunk of draft capital, but bolstered this particular weakness. However, their biggest signing prior to draft day was Quodite Slugger Rémy Weber, who will be the Sox’s DH. The WBC champion will add another option to the terrific lineup also featuring his teammate Theriault, and an outfield comprised of three international stars. Have we mentioned they kept the best pitching rotation in baseball on their payroll? Because they did do that, too.

Draft: (Position: 15)
Did we mention yet that the Blue Sox also controlled the first overall pick? After a disastrous trade from the perspective of the Peninsulara Kingfishers, the Sox found themselves proud owners of the first overall selection. They used the option to sign a Chromatik star, drafting Raitis Ranta, reigning MVP of the CBL, at a position of need, second base. Pretty smooth. Later on, with the 43rd pick they had acquired from the Suns in the deal that landed them Hedegaard, they also got a shortstop; C-graded Llamanean Jake Persson had fallen far into the second round, and the 22-year-old with especially good defense might be a useful option for depth.

Outlook:
The Sox have built a super team to contend with the Dolphins. A pitching rotation featuring four international stars, topped by an extremely talented Llamanean, one of the deepest bullpens in the league, and an extremely strong batting line-up – what more could you possibly want? The Dolphins and Blue Sox exist on another level in the SNL, and one of the two will likely win the pennant again.

Newport Owls

Offseason Movements:
After a season hovering around .500, the Owls remain on the periphery, with a team good enough to fight even the best of the SNL, but arguably not good enough to make the playoffs. The Owls remain locked in their fierce rivalry with the Dolphins across the city, and seeing them win a title surely didn’t make them happy. The Owls are looking to contend with the other two strong teams of the SNL Central, are looking for a playoff berth to satisfy their fans.
In the off-season, they made a pair of big steps towards that goal, signing a pair of national team players from Daskel; reliever Rokukawa Daisuke and Outfielder Nakajima Yasunobu. In addition to that, they shipped out their 12th-overall selection to Peninsulara, picking up Designated Hitter Israel Harper and Alana Gonzalez. However, they also had some notable players leave; Ian Capan forced his way out and was traded to South Falls for picks, while Gary Promises ended up in Nikcoro, and Wota Radinka left for Elephant Valley United in free agency. At least they got Liam Desjardins as a band-aid from Nikcoro in that trade.

Draft: (Position: 12)
As mentioned before, the Owls traded away their first round pick; and they didn’t have a second-rounder anymore either, heading into draft night without a pick in either round. That didn’t mean they just lazily sat around, though; they sacrificed some further future draft capital to get the 32nd pick from the Cyclones. They used said pick on some immediate help; signing Chromatik starting pitcher Kim Jung-Wook, a great fireballer most recently seen with the Chromia Comets.
Outlook:
The Owls are a solid team, but will likely be on the outside looking into the playoff picture. They have a dynamic Chromatik starting duo in Savey and Kim, alongside a very strong bullpen around Reliever of the Year Paige Bell; and their lineup features stars like Harlow, Sauter, Nakijima, Gonzalez and Brentwood; but they’re not on the same level as the Dolphins and Blue Sox. Having to play 16 games against both will likely hold them back in the wildcard race.

Sophie City Monarchs

Offseason Movements:
How the mighty have fallen. Just two seasons removed from their unexpected title in the last season of the South Newlandian Baseball League, the Monarchs are a shell of their former selves. As the other teams built, the Monarchs fell apart, and they project to be the worst team in the division this season; playing in the division with the two superteams probably doesn’t help, either.
Sophia Smiths was shipped to the Cyclones for picks, and many other stars are on their way out, too, probably heading to the highest bidder at the deadline. The only noteworthy signing was a big one, at least, bringing in Sarzonian first baseman Cody Frazier, who might end up the only good player at this organisation at this rate.

Draft: (Position: 8)
With the 8th-overall pick, the Monarchs signed third baseman Leo Jiminez, A-graded recruit from South Newlandia. The 20-year old shines with his bat especially. The Monarchs had traded their second-round pick to the Cyclones in the Smiths-trade to land future picks, so they only got to make this one selection. Tough scene all around.

Outlook:
This team isn’t very good. You can count the good players on one hand; Frazier, Bains, Bookmer, Wheeler, Jiminez, Niemi, and Conrad. Okay, evidently you need one hand with a couple of extra fingers on it. Still, this is not a competitive team, and they will not be making the playoffs. The Monarchs are entering a rebuild.

EVSM Estimated odds of | Winning the division | Making the playoffs
Newport Dolphins: 49% | 86%
Rüsselsheim Blue Sox: 38% | 82%
Newport Owls: 12% | 34%
Sophie City Monarchs: <1% | 1%

[Ranoria]

Erik Schmidt Pitches a Shutout To Hand Brookstation Their First Loss, Solidifies Krauts' Position Atop Group

And just like that, Ranoria has an inside track to winning their group for the first time ever. Erik Schmidt, a veteran pitcher who's mostly known for his laughing while fellow WBC 50 pitcher Erin Phelps was attacked during a game against Tha Great Pond, came out with some gas, and pitched nearly seven innings of the best baseball of his life.

"I woke up feeling dangerous," said Schmidt after the game, "Dunno, arm felt loose, good bloodflow, all that stuff. Everything felt like it was really in sync for this one."

Schmidt pitched ten strikeouts through his six and two thirds innings, consistently forcing Brookstation's lineup right back to the dugout while our own crew struggled to put up much of anything. Defense reigned supreme in this one, with Tommy Smith seeing similar success despite Ranoria sporting one of the best batting orders they've ever fielded. Two time team MVP Nicholas Lux insisted that it was Schmidt's breakout performance that bailed them out, as through seven innings this thing was a goose egg on both side.

But it would be Lux to break the silence. After Rubin Graves managed to get on base, it was Lux who nailed a double right between center and right field to notch the first RBI of the game for either side, and that set off a chain reaction. Leonardo Harrison was up next, and the superstar shortstop blasted Ranoria's first home run of WBC 54 nearly out of the park to make it three-zip. With two outs in the inning, free agent Jesse Griffith settled in for an at-bat that played with our heartstrings, ending after seven pitches with a single, and Julian Breit was kind enough to knock him in.

Those would be the only four Ranorian scores of the day, but those were more than enough. Brookstation's 2-0 squad failed to record a run despite a couple close calls during the last two innings, and with the win, the Krauts have secured their best start ever in a World Baseball Classic run.

With our boys at 3-0, only Zwangzug and Brookstation are within a game of closing the gap, and both have suffered a blowout loss to Ranoria, which would make it very difficult to close the point differential tiebreaker even if they were to split the series. Better yet, they still have to play each other, and while we aren't nearly audacious enough project an undefeated group stage on our front, for now we have some padding in the group, with no one breathing down our necks as of yet.

Ranoria's looking the best they've ever looked so far, and we're hoping things only continue to improve! With all that said - Go Krauts!

[South Americanastan]

POST GAME PRESS CONFERENCE
Halifax Uniplex, South Americanastan

Micheal Kelly sat behind the table in the press room. The room had been noticeably upgraded from the one in Olympic Stadium, with the table no longer a folding table with a tarp over it, but a basketball-esque table with an electronic display for sponsors. He adjusted his microphone, and called on a reporter.

"You, in the front"

The reporter checked her notes, before calling out.

"With this loss to Chromatika after two wins gained by beating down on weaker opponents, many people worry that the Bears are going to settle in place as a bottomfeeder in the WBC. Can you say anything to alleviate these fears?"

Kelly settled into his chair and thought for a moment, before speaking into the microphone.

"There really aren't any weak opponents in this competition, if I'm going to be honest. Strayaroos had a great season last year and every team is composed of that country's best. Chromatika is one of the best, and I'm proud of how our guys fought out there. Sometimes it doesn't work out, is all."

The reporter scribbled down on her notepad, before speaking again.

"And that segues well into my next question, how do you feel about the team's play so far in this tournament. Are there any places you feel they could improve more, or...?"

Kelly sat up straight and delivered a quick answer.

"They've really played admirably so far. They've shown some really good grit and tenacity in their play, We really just have to be more consistent, the talent's there, clearly."

Kelly scratched the back of his neck, and pointed towards an ecstatic reporter in the back, the bright red "SOUTH AMERICANASTAN ENQUIRER" tag sticking out like a sore thumb on his black suit.

"You, in the back" he chuckled "Love the enthusiasm by the way"

The reporter, without missing a beat, fired a question Kelly's way.

"I think we've all heard about Frank Monteforte's service in Angola and how he's been granted leave to play in the tournament. However, many people want to know: Is your inclusion of Monteforte in not just the roster, but the starting lineup, despite his service a show of support for the neocolonial war in Angola?"

Kelly froze in his seat.

fuck.

"Well... he's a good kid, he's earned his roster spot with his play. I've never really seen someone like him, to be honest. He's quick, he's strong, he's consistent, a student of the game, to boot."

"Mr. Kelly, that doesn't answer my question. Is the inclusion of Monteforte a show of support for South Americanastan's oppressive war in Angola?"

Kelly's blood began to boil as he thought of an answer.

"You know what, fuck it. You want a quote, here's one: I don't give a rat's ass about what Monteforte does in the offseason. Maybe he kills small children in his free time, maybe he donates food to starving Angolan families. But the fact of the matter is he's a damn good ballplayer and he's serving his country, and you don't have the strength nor balls for either. I'm done here."

Kelly stood up from the table and walked away from the press area, as the room fell into a dead silence.

THE SOUTH AMERICANASTAN ENQUIRER
"I DON'T GIVE A RAT'S ASS... MAYBE HE KILLS SMALL CHILDREN IN HIS FREE TIME": KELLY ON MONTEFORTE

[Eshialand]

Today's Dreams, Tomorrow's Memories
Part III: Citizen of a Land Unknown
Part I | Part II

One week later

Lucas couldn't help but stare at the map displayed on the screen on the seat in front of his. Whenever he used to fly as a small child, he would spend hours staring at the little digital plane fly towards his destination, and now, so many years later, nothing much had changed. His fascination with air travel was still there, and he was still enthralled by his destination. This was going to be a new home, one not far from his old one, but yet so much different. But... it was more than that. It was a window into what could've been. What could've happened if he had never left this place behind in the first place.

The plane touched down at Penrose Airport, and Lucas checked into Security. "Passport?" The Immigration and Customs officer asked.

As he took a look at Lucas' passport, he realized something he wasn't expecting. "Born in Vaynorth... Ontario? You're Eshian?"
"No sir, I've never been to Eshialand... I'm from Ontario, but I haven't been here since the--"
"But you were in fact born here."
"Yes, but I'm Canadian, not Eshian."
"Nonsense. You're born here, so you're one of us. That's how it works."
"But--"
"Look, barring friggin' seven year olds, none of us were born in Eshialand. We were born in Canada, we were born in America... but at the end of the day, we're from Eshialand now, and so are you. You're just as Eshian as any of us, whether you know it or not."

The officer hands the papers back to Lucas before saying "welcome home."

[Zwangzug]

RP cutoff for Matchday Four!

"You're in the desert, walking along in the sand, when all of a sudden you look down and see a--" "What desert?" - Blade Runner

Some countries are known for their biomes, but no landmass is completely homogenous. Are there subregions of your country that go against the general image of what tourists might expect? Relatively dry areas in an overall humid region, or vice versa? Where do your citizens visit when they need a break from the typical climate?

Group 1

South Newlandia              0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  2
StrayaRoos Barrier Islands   0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0

Sevendia                     0 0 0 4 0 2 0 0 0  6
Araznan                      1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1

Ethane                       0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2  3
Liventia                     3 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 X  5

* Group 1                     Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 South Newlandia               4    4   0    26   11  +15     4
2 Liventia                      4    4   0    21   12   +9     4
3 Ethane                        4    2   2    17   15   +2     2
4 StrayaRoos Barrier Islands    4    1   3    12   13   −1     1
5 Sevendia                      4    1   3    15   21   −6     1
6 Araznan                       4    0   4    10   29  −19     0

Group 2

Virginia Nova                0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Super-Llamaland              0 2 2 0 2 0 0 2 X  8

The Sherpa Empire            0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0  1
Cassadaigua                  0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 X  2

Reorganized Portugal         0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0  3
Raspotochje                  0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1

* Group 2                     Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Super-Llamaland               4    4   0    22   10  +12     4
2 The Sherpa Empire             4    3   1    15    9   +6     3
3 Reorganized Portugal          4    2   2    11   10   +1     2
4 Cassadaigua                   4    2   2    11   11    0     2
5 Virginia Nova                 4    1   3     7   18  −11     1
6 Raspotochje                   4    0   4    10   18   −8     0

Group 3

Unpleasant                   0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0  3
Kohnhead                     1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0  2

Quebec and Shingoryeo        0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  1
Delaclava                    0 2 0 4 0 0 0 0 X  6

Hapilopper                   0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 1  4
Odessa-Dneiper               0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 1  5

* Group 3                     Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Kohnhead                      4    3   1    23    9  +14     3
2 Odessa-Dneiper                4    2   2    18   36  −18     2
3 Hapilopper                    4    2   2    23   22   +1     2
4 Delaclava                     4    2   2    23   23    0     2
5 Quebec and Shingoryeo         4    2   2    31   18  +13     2
6 Unpleasant                    4    1   3    15   25  −10     1

Group 4

Mylderm                      0 2 3 0 0 0 0 1 0  6
TJUN-ia                      0 0 2 1 1 0 0 1 0  5

Big D Nation                 0 0 1 0 0 5 0 0 0  6
Drawkland                    0 2 3 0 0 3 0 0 X  8

St Saratoga                  0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0  2
Tikariot                     0 0 6 0 0 1 0 0 X  7

* Group 4                     Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Mylderm                       4    3   1    17   13   +4     3
2 TJUN-ia                       4    3   1    32   13  +19     3
3 Drawkland                     4    2   2    18   22   −4     2
4 Tikariot                      4    2   2    17   13   +4     2
5 St Saratoga                   4    2   2    11   24  −13     2
6 Big D Nation                  4    0   4    13   23  −10     0

Group 5

Nova Anglicana               0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 1  4
Bardney                      2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0  3

Second Peenadian             0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Gortolekua                   3 4 0 0 0 0 1 3 X 11

Milchama                     0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  1
United Adaikes               0 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 X  4

* Group 5                     Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Milchama                      4    3   1    20   10  +10     3
2 Second Peenadian              4    2   2    16   22   −6     2
3 Nova Anglicana                4    2   2    14   16   −2     2
4 United Adaikes                4    2   2    18   21   −3     2
5 Gortolekua                    4    2   2    20   14   +6     2
6 Bardney                       4    1   3    18   23   −5     1

Group 6

Quintessence of Dust         0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0  3
Murderbum                    0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  2

Concordians                  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Abanhfleft                   0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 X  2

Barnettsville                3 1 0 2 0 0 0 1 1  8
The Greater Nordics          4 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 3  9

* Group 6                     Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 The Greater Nordics           4    4   0    30   13  +17     4
2 Quintessence of Dust          4    3   1    20   13   +7     3
3 Barnettsville                 4    2   2    24   22   +2     2
4 Abanhfleft                    4    2   2    11   13   −2     2
5 Murderbum                     4    1   3     7   15   −8     1
6 Concordians                   4    0   4     5   21  −16     0

Group 7

The 189                      0 0 0 0 2 2 0 2 0  6
Nueva Orinoquia              0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0

Huron League                 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0  2
Banija                       0 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 X  4

Norrhem                      1 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 0  5
Eshialand                    0 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 4  9

* Group 7                     Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 The 189                       4    3   1    25   16   +9     3
2 Banija                        4    3   1    20    7  +13     3
3 Eshialand                     4    2   2    16   16    0     2
4 Norrhem                       4    2   2    23   28   −5     2
5 Huron League                  4    1   3    14   18   −4     1
6 Nueva Orinoquia               4    1   3    12   25  −13     1

Group 8

Camcity                      0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Krytenia                     0 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 X  4

Brookstation                 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Zwangzug                     0 0 0 3 0 0 2 2 X  7

HUElavia                     0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Ranoria                      0 1 3 0 1 0 0 0 X  5

* Group 8                     Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Ranoria                       4    4   0    18    4  +14     4
2 Zwangzug                      4    3   1    19    7  +12     3
3 Krytenia                      4    2   2     8    9   −1     2
4 Brookstation                  4    2   2     5   14   −9     2
5 Camcity                       4    1   3     9   16   −7     1
6 HUElavia                      4    0   4     9   18   −9     0

Group 9

Dotivija                     0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0  2
Kriegiersien                 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 X  5

South Americanastan          1 1 0 2 1 0 3 0 0  8
Bongo Johnson                0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0

StrayaRoos                   0 3 0 3 0 0 0 0 0  6
Chromatika                   0 0 0 0 6 0 1 0 X  7

* Group 9                     Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Chromatika                    4    4   0    28   16  +12     4
2 South Americanastan           4    3   1    21   13   +8     3
3 StrayaRoos                    4    2   2    17   18   −1     2
4 Bongo Johnson                 4    2   2    26   31   −5     2
5 Kriegiersien                  4    1   3    13   21   −8     1
6 Dotivija                      4    0   4    19   25   −6     0

[The Greater Nordics]

The Copenhagen Observer

WBC report by Emmi Raya Berge

Through 4 games out of ten in the shortened group stage, the Nordic team is leading the group with a perfect record of 4-0. This is a surprise to many as this team did not do well last time around but the team is confident and happy, They think that this good run will last and that they will make it to the knockout rounds in Zwangzug. The hitting has been incredible and is a callback to when the Nordic team first entered the WBC. Freewheeling power hitting and no fear. Led by hitters Marianna van Assen,Camila Oleson and Milan Rutten, the team has been winning and in some games, big. They already have a run differential of +17 which is a lot. The pitchers have been doing their part by holding teams to few runs but they dont worry if they get behind as they know that the team will score and get them ahead. Manager Filip Novikov is happy but warning the players to not get too overconfident as any team could still make it out of the group. It will be fun to see how the group ends up and I think that we have a good chance of making it to the playoffs and a real good chance of making it further into the later rounds.

[TJUN-ia]

After a 15-run affair against Drawkland brought some joy to The Diamond in The Gardens, the Battin' Jags of TJUN-ia were 3-0 and certainly taking to this Final Run to heart over the last few games. The entire team has certainly done well to start off this well, with these veterans clicking like the WBCs of old and Phillip Hellas-Verona was certainly grateful that these guys were still, in effect, playing the best baseball that they can. But sometimes, the best teams have to go through strife and a few certainly expected that Pot 4 Mylderm may be a tougher cookie to crack than expected in New Washington.

This contest would be Jose Almas vs our opponents' only pitcher in Abner Fitzgerald and you could certainly say that this game was a tight one and certainly needed to be decided late on. Mylderm would start the scoring with Louis Lavigne's 2-run bomb...which was then added onto with 3 runs by Joseph Nachtnebel. Yeah, not the best of starts so it was no surprise that Almas was taken out of this contest in favour of Liam "LCL" Christoper-Lee. LCL would stop the rot for a while and would oversee the attempted TJUN-ian fightback - a 2-run bomb by Joe Gregory spearheading this effort - but that only got us to 5-4. Both sides would get an extra run for their troubles in the 8th, but today certainly belonged to Mylderm - and the Jags will leave The Gardens 1-1 in the doubleheader and 3-1 overall.

It was certainly a shame to finally lose, but Mylderm were certainly hungry today and nobody can fault them for that. Only one game left in the first half and that will be on the road against the Big D Nation (go ahead and laugh if you want), a team without a win thus far. Can we bounce back in the land of that Big D? GO JAGS!

---

SCHEDULE (Group G)
G1: vs St Saratoga (84) - Rounders Field, Portside W 11-1 (1st)
G2: @Tikariot (13) - Oceanview Park, Sports City, Port Rhovanyon W 6-1 (1st)
G3: vs Drawkland (35) - The Diamond in The Gardens, New Washington W 10-5 (1st)
G4: vs Mylderm (48) - The Diamond in The Gardens, New Washington L 5-6 (1st)
G5: @Big D Nation (UR)
----------------BREAK TIME----------------
G6: @St Saratoga (84)
G7: vs Tikariot (13) - Rounders Field, Portside
G8: @Drawkland (35) - Hydrogen Cyanide Field, Drawk City
G9: @Mylderm (28)
G10: vs Big D Nation (UR) - Rounders Field, Portside

[Quintessence of Dust]

(Provisional) box scores as posted on the TalkBaseball.qd website. This tournament, TBQ will be summarising results entirely through The West Wing quotes.

                          AB   R   H  RBI BB   K  LOB  AVG  HR  RBI
T. Brøndum CF              3   1   0   0   1   1   0  .250   1   1
J. Theriault SS            4   0   0   0   0   2   1  .188   1   1
S. Borgþórsson 1B          4   0   0   0   0   1   3  .278   1   2
L. Chevalier LF            3   1   1   0   1   1   1  .308   0   2
R. Weber RF                3   1   1   3   0   0   0  .231   1   5
M.P. Yang 3B               4   0   1   0   0   1   3  .222   0   1
K. Yutani 2B               4   0   0   0   0   2   1  .375   0   0
J. Hochmeister P           3   0   1   0   0   0   1  .333   0   0
  b–N. Tachikake C         1   0   0   0   0   0   0  .000   0   0
Y. Long C                  1   0   0   0   0   0   0  .077   0   1
  a–J. Stevens PH          1   0   0   0   0   0   0  .000   0   0
  B. Beaufils P            0   0   0   0   0   0   0  .000   0   0
  K. Wahl P                0   0   0   0   0   0   0  .000   0   0
  M. Ryan P                0   0   0   0   0   0   0  .000   0   0
  H. Reidarsson P          0   0   0   0   0   0   0  .000   0   0

a–J. Stevens pinch-hit for Y. Long in the 7th
b–N. Tachikake substituted for J. Hochmeister in the 7th

Home runs: R. Weber (1, 2nd inning, 1 on, 0 outs)
Total bases: R. Weber 4, L. Chevalier, J. Hochmeister, M.P. Yang
2-out RBI: R. Weber
Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: M.P. Yang 2, L. Chevalier, J. Hochmeister
GIDP: Y. Long
Hit by Pitch: Y. Long, R. Weber
Team LOB: 5

BASERUNNING
SB: T. Brøndum (2)

FIELDING
Errors: S. Borgþórsson (1)
Double plays: 1 (Yutani – Theriault – Borgþórsson)

                            IP  H   R  ER  BB   K  HR  PI  PS   ERA
J. Hochmeister W (1 – 0)   6.0  4   1   0   0   8   0  81  54  0.00
B. Beaufils H (1)          1.0  1   0   0   0   0   0  15   8  0.00
K. Wahl H (1)              1.0  0   0   0   0   1   0   5   4  0.00
M. Ryan                    0.0  1   1   1   0   0   1   4   3  9.00
H. Reidarsson SV (1)       1.0  0   0   0   0   1   0  14   9  0.00

Game score: J. Hochmeister 70
Batters faced: J. Hochmeister 23, B. Beaufils 4, K. Wahl 2, M. Ryan 1, H. Reidarsson 2
Ground outs – fly outs: J. Hochmeister 5 – 7, B. Beaufils 3 – 0, K. Wahl 1 – 0, M. Ryan 0 – 0, H. Reidarsson 2 – 0
Inherited runners – scored: K. Wahl 1 – 0

Scoring summary:

2.0: Rémy Weber homers (9D). Sigurkarl Borgþórsson scores. Rémy Weber scores.

2.2: RBI triple

3.2: Rémy Weber hit by pitch with the bases loaded. Tom Brøndum scores.

9.0: Solo home run

Josh Lyman: You went over my head and you did it behind my back.

Amy Gardner: Quite the contortionist am I.

[Dotivija]

DOTIVIJAN BASEBALL ASSOCIATION

DOTIVIJA BASEBALL TEAM

Starting Rotation (order as given)
RHP #89 Miroslav Košek, 27
RHP #40 Armin Babajić, 21
LHP #41 Georg Hern,26
RHP #39 Laura Tašić, 20

Bullpen
LHP #80 Iztok Gusić, 22 - long reliever,
LHP #81 Martina Golatoković, 20 - lefty specialist,
LHP #82 Saša Ozaljić, 22 - middle reliever,
RHP #83 Franka Dujić, 22 - middle reliever,
RHP #84 Sara Kusmić, 16- middle reliever,
RHP #85 Petr Klac, 19 - middle reliever,
RHP #86 Bartol Barun, 17 - middle reliever
RHP #87 Bojana Simović, 17 - setup,
RHP #88 Paul Duda, 17 - closer

Catchers (Bats/Throws)
C #62 Anton Broz, 23, (R/R)
C #18 Jan Štor, 17, (R/R)
C #39 Valerija Bosančić, 16, (S/R)

Infielders (Bats/Throws)
1B #28 Vanja Vajtić, 25, (L/L)
3B #26 Sanjin Trumbetaš, 18, (R/R)
SS #11 Vanja Bodul, 17, (S/R)
2B #6 Mihaela Cankar, 19, (L/R)
3B/1B #21 Piotr Waszniewsky, 17, (R/R)
SS/2B # 71 Ivana Gašpić, 17, (S/R)

Oufielders (Bats/Throws)
RF #50 Gordan Jurić, 28, (R/R)
CF #55 Ivana Lozanović, 17, (R/R)
LF/RF #19 Mrko Požar, 17, (R/R) - Home Run Derby
LF/RF #30 Mara Dumbović, 17, (L/L)
OF #44 Ivan Prugovečki, 17, (R/R)

Filip Kareta #45 (Manager)

James Kelly #12 (Hitting Coach)

Ivan Klaić #27 (Pitching Coach)

Kei Ito #99 (1st Base Coach, Fielding Instructor)

Goran Trupković #52 (3rd Base Coach, Outfield/Baserunning Instructor)

Gorana Štekić #5 (Bench Coach)

Dražen Dvož #77 (Bullpen Coach)


Starting Lineup w/o DH
CF Ivana Lozanović 
3B Piotr Waszniewsky
1B Maja Derbić
LF Mirko Požar vs LHP 
RF Mara Dumbović
C Anton Broz
2B Mihaela Cankar 
SS Ivana Gašpić 
P Pitcher's spot

Starting Lineup w/DH
CF Ivana Lozanović 
3B Piotr Waszniewsky
1B Maja Derbić
LF Mirko Požar - 
DH Hrvoje Rupčić vs LHP 
RF Mara Dumbović
C Anton Broz
2B Mihaela Cankar 
SS Ivana Gašpić

[Ranoria]

Enjoy this stunning rendition of "Do you wanna play some baseball," to this tune, describing a period of a few years in which Krauts first baseman Jesse Griffith's mother wouldn't pitch to him anymore, because he hit the ball back at her and broke her nose.

Jesse:
Do you wanna play some baseball?
C'mon, let's go and throw
I won't hit you anymore
Come out and play
It's like you've got the yips
We used to win some games
And now we don't
I wish you would tell me why
Do you wanna play some baseball?
It doesn't have to be a baseball

Mrs. Griffith:
Go away, Jesse

Jesse:
Okay, bye

Do you wanna play some baseball?
Or head to the batting cages?
I think some practice time is overdue
I've started throwing through the windows on the walls
I'm really sorry, Mom
It gets a little boring
Playing by myself
Just watching the balls bounce back

Mom?
Please, I know you're in there
Coach said I need to practice more
They say, "swing faster", and I'm trying to
I'm right out here for you, just let me in
Dad kinda tore his shoulder
So I'm stuck with you
As my only practice buddy...
Do you wanna play some baseball?

---

[South Newlandia]

Disclaimers:
* this project would not be possible without the efforts from Super-Llamaland. The words and pictures on screen right now were made by me, but would not be possible without extensive background work from both of us. Please do grade accordingly.
* this RP series may, on occasion, mention numbers about your players. Feel free to ignore them if you don’t like them; but keep in mind that scoring rates are lower in the LPB, with roughly 10% fewer runs than in the MLB.
* quick note on amateur draft grades: S is best, followed by A, B, C, D, F)
* meaning of the dots next to players: Blue: All-Star | Silver: Silver Slugger | Gold: Golden Glove | Red: MVP | Purple: Evan Masorka winner | Lime: Reliever of the Year (each as of last season)

South Newlandian League

Roster Movements, Drafts, Rosters – Part 3

SNL South


Walstreim Stingrays

Offseason Movements:
After falling just a single save short of an appearance in the Multiverse Series, having previously won the South and dispatched the Homers in the SNLDS, the Stingrays are looking to get another run at the trophy in the playoffs. They remain one of the better teams in the SNL, playing in what has to be the weakest division. This allowed them to do, honestly, not much of anything in the off-season aside from keeping their roster around. Three internationals playing for Hapilopper, two playing for TJUN-ia, two playing for Chromatika; the Stingrays had some players from the best teams in the multiverse, and they didn’t feel like breaking up their dynamic. The Stingrays, historically a team that rarely trades with others, choose to not make a single trade in the entire off-season, and failed to sign a single notable new player.

Draft: (Position: 20)
Just like in the off-season, the Stingrays let the draft fall to them. With the 20th-overall pick, the Stingrays hoped to sign the next-generation edition of Hine Salle, already having the regular edition Hine Salle on the roster; Chromatik reliever Hona Gugor, the 21-year old Southpaw, had just been sitting there for the Rays to pick up. Later on, with the 44th pick, the rays again refused to make a move, choosing instead the best player on the board; that being D-graded shortstop Karl Freeman. The 22-year-old South Newlandian was a maniac on the basepaths in college, but fielding and hitting will have to be properly coached into him first.

Outlook:
This Stingrays team stagnated in the off-season; which is a pretty acceptable thing to do following a 93-win season that ended in the SNLCS. The team still has a strong pitching rotation, of course spear-headed by Kyle McNash and Nolan Jefferson, the latter of which hasn’t blown up any gas stations since he arrived in Walstreim. You know your situation’s good when Sanford’s own Crissey Battey is your fifth-best starter, she probably won’t do any too remarkable things this season, but she’s solid. In the pen, the Rays have a pair of Chromatiks spearheading a good unit; we don’t have much to add about Hine Salle here; and the line-up features four all-stars despite the fact that Aiden Beasley wasn’t selected for it last season. The Rays will handily win the South; they’re set up to be above .500, and no other team in this division is going to be doing that.

Sun City Flames

Offseason Movements:
Oh boy, it’s the Flames, the team known to make only good decisions, nothing but. Last season, they were within view of a .500 record; far from the playoffs after initially starting strong, but ultimately still pretty far off. In the off-season, those Flames, who packed a respectable mount of draft picks, were looking to get even better, to maybe get closer to the playoffs. To accomplish this, the Flames first traded away basically all their good players with the exception of Banijans Mesuli Calata and Faraba Conateh. All-Star reliever Ayo Abe and Manoel Candia, both from Ko-oren, headed to Apple Valley for picks, All-Star catcher Laure Valle headed to Masmow, where she can hopefully make the playoffs, for picks and Bradley Jenkins, a Drawkian who apparently also plays catcher. Alvin Jiminez was shipped off the Dolphins. What did they get instead? After an issue regarding pass-ports regarding Francisco Adam was cleared up, the Delaclav will play for the Flames this season. The mistake was entirely with the Flames, but you could have guessed that. They also signed a very special player. In this off-season, the Sun City Flames added, the man, the myth, the legend, Franklin Bell. Yes, you read that right; the legendary Drawkian closer would be the closer for this Flames team. That tells you all you need to know.

Draft: (Position: 10)
We mentioned earlier that the Flames traded all their good players away; but this at least implied that they now had an abundance of draft picks to play with, including four in the first round. With their own first-rounder, at ten, they chose Karla Levey, Chromatik most recently with the Eyrods Pilots, who’s a very strong pitcher at just 24, and will be a great number two in the rotation behind Conateh. At 19 (this pick had belonged to the Suns), they selected B-graded Amano Sachi; a right-handed South Newlandian reliever has great off-speed stuff that he sometimes struggles to control; the 22-year old will be part of a very special bullpen, to say the least. 23rd (this pick was the Fins’) the Flames selected B-graded Vincenzo Beard, 21-year old Newlandian Middle Infielder, and pretty decent hitter, before also picking at 24 (this was the Vipers’ pick), where they chose Ava Llorente, a 19-year old power hitting third baseman who’d received a C-grade. To cap off the draft, the Flames also had the 34th pick (this one was the Flames’ from the start), which they spent on Llamanean C-graded catcher Morgan Hunter, who’s a 23-year-old defensively strong catcher.

Outlook:
I’m not sure what the Drawkian coach Al Krauss has cooking here, but I’m not sure it’s edible. Sure, they have a rotation headed with two strong pitchers in Conateh and Levey, but their bullpen is suspect (the closer will be Franklin Bell, for crying out loud), and while their line-up features highlights like strong depth, first baseman Tiffany Grey, shortstop Mesuli Calata, and Francisco Adam, they also start a 37-year-old Sevendian in Left Field, which scares me. This team isn’t normal. I’m scared.

Malidridad Mariners

Offseason Movements:
The Mariners remain in the middle of a re-build. Manager Luis Pinalla is working on building this team from the ground up, and they’re not particularly competitive yet, but they’re working on it. They didn’t do too much in the off-season, outside of delaying a couple of their draft picks into the future in a trade with the Owls, and signing Jason Valbuena from the Masmow Dragons. These Mariners aren’t doing much; maybe someone needs to tell them that this is a league that requires acquiring foreigners at this rate. The most interesting thing to come out of this off-season was a threat of moving the team if they don’t get a bigger stadium, a threat probably not much will come out of.

Draft: (Position: 7)
The Mariners had the 7th pick in the draft, and after weathering attempts from Sun City to trade for that pick, selected A-graded Lewis Hunter, a 22-year-old Llamanean outfielder who is primarily known for his speed. They were not in line to have any other picks, but that didn’t mean that they had to just sit around; instead making a draft day trade with the New Llama Wizards, receiving the 22nd pick and a future second; sending over their next first-rounder to Super-Llamaland in return. They used said pick on A-graded Nolan Ramsey, who had dropped all the way here. The very fast 23-year old might prove to be a great pick-up, but sacrificing their likely-top-10 pick in the next draft for him might be too great of a cost.

Outlook:
The Mariners are still rebuilding. They have a couple of promising young players in Webber, Zhu, Ramsey, Goodson, Brock, Guthrie and Hunter, but this team barely has a good starting pitcher, and will be fundamentally uncompetitive and without a first-rounder in the next draft.

St. Riecarn Saints

Offseason Movements:
The Saints have a new manager in Quebecois Dana Hussel, former manager of the Quebecois national team, for their rebuilding efforts. He started out by making the tough decision to jettison the Saints only true star, Banijan Luxolo Mbeki, to the Athletics in a three-team trade. In return, the Saints got a number of draft picks, including the 12th-overall pick in the upcoming draft. Aside from that, the Saints didn’t do much of anything, but Hussel was able to make a few moves. For one, she managed to sign a capable starting pitcher from Qasden in Lester Plattsburgh. For another, he made the decision to finally give shortstop Josh Malouf, international team player from Brookstation, the airtime he deserved. Nevertheless, this Saints team remains about on par with the M’s, lodged deep in a rebuild.

Draft: (Position: 6)
Like the Flames, the Saints had a good number of draft picks to spend. Their own 6th-overall pick was used to select Angela Wu, a 20-year-old starting pitcher from Super-Llamaland. The B-graded prospect went earlier than most experts had expected, but the Saints desperately had to address their starting pitching. Later, with the 12th-overall pick they had landed in the Mbeki trade, they signed his replacement, choosing 22-year-old Chromatik Marea Homaly, most recently with the Knetyohai Dynamo, a great fielding first baseman in the mould of Gammond. Later, with the 41st also picked up in that trade, they took a flyer on outfielder Gena Smith, a D-graded Newlandian with a strong arm and not much else.

Outlook:
Like the mariners, this team is in a rebuild. They may be just at the beginning of their rebuild, but they have a better guide in the experienced Dana Hussel. Despite the fact that Josh Malouf is the most recognisable name on this team, Dana Hussel has the skills to eventually turn this team around. It’ll just take a while.

EVSM Estimated odds of | Winning the division | Making the playoffs
Walstreim Stingrays: 77% | 82%
Sun City Flames: 21% | 34%
Malidridad Mariners: 1% | 3%
St. Riecarn Saints: <1% | <1%

[South Americanastan]

South Americanastan @ Bongo Johnson
Top of the Ninth Inning

"Going into the top of the ninth, here, with South Americanastan leading 8-0. Looks like they've got this game in hand."

"Hey, it ain't over 'til the fat lady sings."

"At this stage, she's already warming up."

Gareth Sevriens walks out of the dugout and begins taking warmup swings in the on-deck circle as the Bongonian closer throws warmup pitches before the start of the inning. Meanwhile, Frank Monteforte and Jack Manning run out of the dugout and into the clubhouse, before reappearing in the dugout just before the start of the inning, hiding a guitar, drums, and two speakers in two boxes labeled "Medical Equipment"

"Looks like Monteforte and Manning have finally reappeared from the dugout"

"I wonder what that was for."

"Well, the last time something like this happened the Bears put on an impromptu concert, so anything goes."

When the inning finally starts, Monteforte and Manning set up the speakers, hooking up the speakers to the guitar and a microphone next to the drums, before bringing the microphone, guitar, and drums into the dugout.

The closer throws a hard fastball that just misses the strike zone, making the count 0-1. He reaches back to scratch his neck.

Meanwhile, Monteforte and Manning watch the live feed from inside the locker room. Just as the closer starts scratching his neck, they begin playing the opening to "Domesticated Animals" by Queens of the Stone Age. The closer turns towards the source of the sound, and as soon as his hand leaves his neck they stop.

"Oh, so THAT'S what it was for."

"There is no team more entertaining than the South Americanastan National Team during a blowout, I tell ya."

The closer settles in for another pitch, this time a strike to make it a 1-1 count. He scratches his neck again. Monteforte and Manning promptly pick up where they left off, and stop as soon as the closer stops scratching his neck. This continues for the next 3 pitches until the pair hit the vocals of the song. Manning, playing the drums, uses the microphone to sing the vocals in a surprisingly good singing voice.

"Today, is the day
Bewilder-"

The pair stop again as the pitcher stops scratching his neck. The next pitch is a high fastball with Sevriens drives down the right field line for a single. The pitcher begins rubbing his neck again.

"-ness comes to reclaim everything
Burning br-"

The pitcher stops rubbing his neck, and throws two more pitches, a strike and a ball, to Frank Malone before he rubs his neck again.

"-idge lights up the sky
Zip your lip until you've pick a side"

The closer then throws a curveball, which clips the edge of the strike zone. However, the umpire calls it a ball anyways. The pitcher scratches his neck again.

"You get right up and sit back down
A revolution-"

The closer stops, and throws a slurve which Malone grounds to the shortstop for a double play.

"Oh MAN! What a double play by the Bongonians to make it two outs!"

"Clearly they aren't too fazed by the South Americanastanian's antics."

The closer does not give Manning and Monteforte any time to continue their antics, as he throws a changeup in the top of the zone, which David Timberlake lines down the middle. However, the center fielder makes a diving catch to end the inning.

"AND WHAT A PLAY BY THE BONGONIAN CENTER FIELDER TO TAKE US TO THE BOTTOM OF THE NINTH!"

"It won't do much other than getting Monteforte and Manning to stop their performance, though. Unless Matt Jackson blows this badly, the Bears have this game won."

[Drawkland]

T H E • D A I L Y • B L A S T

---

LEO ROY BLOWS BIG D
Baseball Star Commits Atrocity Before Thousands of Fans

---

(DRAWK CITY, DRAWKLAND) SHOCK and SCANDAL yesterday in Drawk City!

Fans from across Drawkland were treated to an UNACCEPTABLE and DISGUSTING act in the capital city this weekend! Baseball national team ace Leo Roy was found blowing the game against Big D Nation, attempting to sink Drawkland's Base Corps down to a LOSING RECORD in the group stage of the 54th World Baseball Classic. With over SEVENTY THOUSAND FANS in attendance, many horrified onlookers were forced to turn away to avoid being DRIVEN to SICKNESS!

"It was RUDE, UNCOUTH and just plain NASTY!" A local schoolteacher described the action in Hydrogen Cyanide Field.

The game began in innocuous fashion. There was a lovely crowd on a sunny day in Drawk City. Although Drawkland had lost to TJUN-ia in the previous match, there was an air of excitement and happiness in Hydrogen Cyanide Field. As a weekend afternoon game, many families and children were at the ballpark, expecting to see an event with wholesome, family-friendly entertainment. For the beginning of the game, this held true. Leo Roy, not wanting to commit his act of terror so quickly, pitched beautifully to start the game. In the second inning, Abram Kavana hit a two-run home run to take the lead early. Roy would show his affinity for the Big D Nation soon afterwards, allowing a SHOCK home run late in the third.

REGARDLESS, Drawkland would HEROICALLY respond in the next half-inning. Taylor Smart got on base to start the inning, and was later knocked home by Lane Kavana. After Franky Jones followed that with a two-run home run, many expected the game was in hand! A 5-1 lead early, with the lineup looking impressive as the fans wanted?

"This was shaping up to be an INSTANT CLASSIC!" Claimed an old veteran man in attendance.

A few more innings would pass quietly, only a couple of hits between them, and THEN is where Leo Roy decided to strike. He gave a hint to his intentions by allowing a leadoff home run by the BIG D. Many fretting fans were hoping this was just a blip on the radar. With the bullpen likely to take the mound the next inning, they knew Drawkland would need a lead AS LARGE AS POSSIBLE to avoid really BLOWING it. Giving up that homerun needed to be the extent of Leo Roy's SLIPPAGE. It seemed, for a moment, that he would calm down and avoid doing the UNTHINKABLE. The next batter got a hit, but thankfully the next man in the line up grounded into a double play.

WHEW! With only one out remaining before Roy would be taken out of the game to save his arm, it seemed like the DAMAGE had been DONE. Surely, a single out wouldn't prove too difficult to obtain. Roy had other plans, however. The spectacle was truly DEVASTATING. Batter after batter, Roy continued to let the BIG D SHOOT ALL OVER THE FIELD. Three straight batters reached base, thanks to hits barely escaping the infield. With a play at any base, the Base Corps just needed ONE ground ball to end the inning with MINIMAL DAMAGE. Then, BIG D's BIGGEST and BADDEST power hitter strode to the plate, the same player to hit the home run in the third inning.

What happened next was a PURE and UTTER ABOMINATION.

Leo Roy hung a curveball to this batter, and the BIG D MADE HIM PAY by sending the ball FOUR HUNDRED and TWENTY FEET to DEAD CENTER. Screams and gasps could be heard throughout the stadium. Parents SHIELDED their children's eyes. Young ladies FAINTED in the grandstand. Thousands of fans were driven out of their seats in anger. RIOTS nearly broke out in the NOSEBLEEDS. Manager Blanton Evergreen had gone out to the mound to yank Roy before the BIG D BATTER had even rounded third! The UNTHINKABLE had happened. LEO ROY BLEW THE game to BIG D Nation, giving up a GRAND SLAM. With a score of 6-5, and the lineup having gone cold the last two innings, fans were filled with DREAD at the COMING loss.

"We would've called this ROY'S BONER back in my day!" Recounts a man curiously dressed in period clothing.

Thankfully, the rest of the Base Corps RALLIED and undid the HORRENDOUS CRIME of Roy. The grand slam was responded to by a THREE RUN HOMER by Taylor Smart the following inning! And due to the HEROICS of new bullpen star Lorraine Lockwood and grizzled vet Franklin Bell, Big D Nation was kept off the board for the remainder of the game.

Drawkland thankfully won the game 6-8 after nine innings, no thanks to Leo Roy's LEGENDARY BLUNDER. The Base Corps now sits 2-2 in Group 4, with just over half the group stage remaining to improve their record.

---

NEXT PAGE: Why spending a month in Drawkland's little-visited CENTRAL DESERTS can do wonders for your soul!

[Zwangzug]

RP cutoff for matchday 5. Tomorrow is an offday, scorination will resume in about 48 hours!

"It'll lay your whole damn world to waste, it'll make you fit and hale. There's nothing that you'll ever taste like 307 Ale!" ~307 Ale

Are there any special recreational substances that people in your nation enjoy imbibing? Do you have prohibitions against them, and/or are they observed? Alternatively, do your residents experiment with any unusual medical treatments?

Group 1

Liventia                     0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0  2
South Newlandia              0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 4  6

Araznan                      0 5 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  9
Ethane                       1 0 5 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 11

StrayaRoos Barrier Islands   0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Sevendia                     1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 X  3

* Group 1                     Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 South Newlandia               5    5   0    32   13  +19     5
2 Liventia                      5    4   1    23   18   +5     4
3 Ethane                        5    3   2    28   24   +4     3
4 Sevendia                      5    2   3    18   21   −3     2
5 StrayaRoos Barrier Islands    5    1   4    12   16   −4     1
6 Araznan                       5    0   5    19   40  −21     0

Group 2

Raspotochje                  0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0  3
Virginia Nova                0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  2

Cassadaigua                  0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0  1
Reorganized Portugal         0 0 4 1 1 0 0 0 X  6

Super-Llamaland              0 0 4 0 0 0 1 0 3  8
The Sherpa Empire            0 1 0 3 0 0 0 0 2  6

* Group 2                     Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Super-Llamaland               5    5   0    30   16  +14     5
2 The Sherpa Empire             5    3   2    21   17   +4     3
3 Reorganized Portugal          5    3   2    17   11   +6     3
4 Cassadaigua                   5    2   3    12   17   −5     2
5 Raspotochje                   5    1   4    13   20   −7     1
6 Virginia Nova                 5    1   4     9   21  −12     1

Group 3

Odessa-Dneiper               0 0 0 0 2 0 3 0 2  7
Unpleasant                   0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0  4

Delaclava                    0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0  3
Hapilopper                   0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 2  5

Kohnhead                     5 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0  6
Quebec and Shingoryeo        5 1 0 0 0 4 2 0 X 12

* Group 3                     Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Quebec and Shingoryeo         5    3   2    43   24  +19     3
2 Kohnhead                      5    3   2    29   21   +8     3
3 Odessa-Dneiper                5    3   2    25   40  −15     3
4 Hapilopper                    5    3   2    28   25   +3     3
5 Delaclava                     5    2   3    26   28   −2     2
6 Unpleasant                    5    1   4    19   32  −13     1

Group 4

Tikariot                     0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0  1
Mylderm                      0 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 X  4

Drawkland                    0 2 0 1 0 0 0 2 0  5
St Saratoga                  0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1

TJUN-ia                      0 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 0  4
Big D Nation                 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0  3

* Group 4                     Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Mylderm                       5    4   1    21   14   +7     4
2 TJUN-ia                       5    4   1    36   16  +20     4
3 Drawkland                     5    3   2    23   23    0     3
4 Tikariot                      5    2   3    18   17   +1     2
5 St Saratoga                   5    2   3    12   29  −17     2
6 Big D Nation                  5    0   5    16   27  −11     0

Group 5

United Adaikes               1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  2
Nova Anglicana               0 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 X  4

Gortolekua                   1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1
Milchama                     3 0 0 0 2 2 0 1 X  8

Bardney                      1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1  4
Second Peenadian             2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0  3

* Group 5                     Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Milchama                      5    4   1    28   11  +17     4
2 Nova Anglicana                5    3   2    18   18    0     3
3 Gortolekua                    5    2   3    21   22   −1     2
4 Bardney                       5    2   3    22   26   −4     2
5 Second Peenadian              5    2   3    19   26   −7     2
6 United Adaikes                5    2   3    20   25   −5     2

Group 6

The Greater Nordics          0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0  3
Quintessence of Dust         0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1  4

Abanhfleft                   0 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 2  6
Barnettsville                1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  3

Murderbum                    1 2 0 2 0 0 2 1 0  8
Concordians                  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0

* Group 6                     Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Quintessence of Dust          5    4   1    24   16   +8     4
2 The Greater Nordics           5    4   1    33   17  +16     4
3 Abanhfleft                    5    3   2    17   16   +1     3
4 Barnettsville                 5    2   3    27   28   −1     2
5 Murderbum                     5    2   3    15   15    0     2
6 Concordians                   5    0   5     5   29  −24     0

Group 7

Eshialand                    0 0 2 2 0 0 0 1 0  5
The 189                      1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0  3

Banija                       2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4  6
Norrhem                      0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0  1

Nueva Orinoquia              0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1  3
Huron League                 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 X  4

* Group 7                     Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Banija                        5    4   1    26    8  +18     4
2 Eshialand                     5    3   2    21   19   +2     3
3 The 189                       5    3   2    28   21   +7     3
4 Norrhem                       5    2   3    24   34  −10     2
5 Huron League                  5    2   3    18   21   −3     2
6 Nueva Orinoquia               5    1   4    15   29  −14     1

Group 8

Ranoria                      0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 5  9
Camcity                      0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0  4

Zwangzug                     1 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 2  7
HUElavia                     0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0  2

Krytenia                     1 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0  4
Brookstation                 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  3

* Group 8                     Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Ranoria                       5    5   0    27    8  +19     5
2 Zwangzug                      5    4   1    26    9  +17     4
3 Krytenia                      5    3   2    12   12    0     3
4 Brookstation                  5    2   3     8   18  −10     2
5 Camcity                       5    1   4    13   25  −12     1
6 HUElavia                      5    0   5    11   25  −14     0

Group 9

Chromatika                   0 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0  5
Dotivija                     3 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1  6

Bongo Johnson                0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 4  7
StrayaRoos                   0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1  4

Kriegiersien                 0 0 1 3 1 0 0 0 0  5
South Americanastan          2 1 0 4 1 0 0 0 X  8

* Group 9                     Pld    W   L    RF   RA   RD   Pts 
1 Chromatika                    5    4   1    33   22  +11     4
2 South Americanastan           5    4   1    29   18  +11     4
3 Bongo Johnson                 5    3   2    33   35   −2     3
4 StrayaRoos                    5    2   3    21   25   −4     2
5 Kriegiersien                  5    1   4    18   29  −11     1
6 Dotivija                      5    1   4    25   30   −5     1

[Super-Llamaland]

one month before the start of WBC54

It had been a rough few weeks for LBA President Owen Duffy. The media had been on his ass about the Isaac Oladipo extension talks, then about potentially keeping Oladipo, and now about getting rid of Oladipo. But the fact remained that the Heartball experiment, as promisingly as it had started, was not going to fly in sabermetrics-frenzied New Llama City. If they had done anything more than go down at the first real hurdle in WBCs 52 and 53 - first Delaclava, then Milchama, both historically powerful but far beneath the Tigers' rank - then perhaps the Banijan could've been given a second chance. But, whether fairly or not, Duffy had been forced to let him go. It didn't help that he'd immediately replaced Ousman Kakay for the Banijan NT, and was presumably on his way to the WBC semifinals with a better team. But still, the reality was that Oladipo'd had to go - and that the next sacrificial lamb would have to be found.

"Alright, listen up everyone," he said, facing the rest of his board. "We haven't had a great record with our managerial choices. Rasmussen and Yi lasted for just one season, and we didn't get the value we were expecting out of Oladipo. We need to swing for the fences with this one. Who has thoughts?"

Amanda Ennis, his right-hand man, was first to speak. "We've, uh, reached out to some of the bigger names in Llamanean management. There's Tanya Ericsson, managing in the LPB with Elephant Valley Homers - she was one of our top candidates to replace Laurent Mårtensson, and she's done well with the Homers. There's also Michael Shelby - he's just left Nikcoro after a very successful five years there, and his youth development expertise with the Chariots might serve our rebuild well. And, of course, Jackson Feliz - our bench coach right now, and someone who's really revitalized the Cyclones as of late. That team looks scary, and he basically built it from the ground up."

"Yes, those are great candidates!" Owen said, smiling. "Exactly what I'm talking about."

"Yes, well we've just had Adrian Nielsen from our outreach team contact them. Adrian, I know it's only been seven minutes, but-"

"They all said no," Adrian piped up from the corner. The room was briefly silent.

"...it's only been seven minutes, Adrian-"

"Yeah, they were pretty short calls."

"Seriosuly? This is the biggest managerial job that a Llamanean can aspire to! For crying out - Shelby's fucking unemployed!"

"Well, if I may interject," Amanda replied, "they're both doing very big things at the LPB level and are comfortable with where they're at. And, to be frank, if we keep firing Llamanean managers after just one season, and with the Tigers' recent track record, this isn't really all that desirable of a job. There are internal options that would be more...receptive, of course."

"Let's hear them."

"There's Anthony Smith-Miller. South Newlandian, and of course, our hitting coach for the national team. He's young, spry, and seems to resonate well with the players."

Another board member - Owen was pretty sure his name was Clyde - waved a hand dismissively. "He doesn't have the pedigree. Where's his coaching experience? And I thought we agreed we wanted someone homegrown."

"We've also considered bringing Winston Yi back. He's been on sabbatical since WBC50 didn't go the way he planned, but-"

"-We're not bringing fucking Winston Yi back. Maybe we do need to widen our scope again. Any promising foreign coaches in the LPB?"

"Well, most of them are pretty firmly entrenched at their clubs. It's very unlikely that we could pry Abraham Kakay away from the Lions, or Dinesh Mohn from the Vipers. They're well-paid, they're building projects they believe in - and frankly, they're not going to feel the same connection to the national team that a Llamanean candidate would. But there's no harm in trying!" She nodded at Adrian, who picked up his phone, dialed a number. "Hi, this is Adrian Nilssen of the LBA," he said, then listened intently for a few seconds, hung up, and shook his head.

"Well, let's look abroad then. Surely there's someone at a lower-ranked nation that would want to make the jump?"

Amanda turned her head, confused. "You really want to hire one of them?"

"I mean, no, but it sounds like we've exhausted our options."

Adrian Nilssen seemed to meaningfully stare at Amanda, who sighed and turned back to Owen Duffy. "There is one more internal option. Someone who's expressed interest in the job before. Someone who has a track record of success in international competitions. Someone who's, uh, experienced at developing young talent."

"Really? Who is it?" Amanda said the name; Owen recoiled from the table. "No. Absolutely not."

"At least consider it!"

"It's insane. We're not hiring some crackpot lunatic to manage the greatest active team in WBC history. Why are we even discussing it!"

"He checks all your boxes! And frankly, he's the only one who does."

"I didn't think 'sanity' had to be a box! Adrian, Clyde, back me up here." They did not. "I'm not doing this! And I'm the President-"

"of the LBA, we get it. But seriously, who else are you going to hire?" The two stared at each other, deadlocked, for a few seconds. Duffy was the first to look away.

"Fine. But we're pulling the plug on this as soon as things start to go sour." He sighed. "I can't believe we're seriously hiring-"

[Super-Llamaland]

SUPER-LLAMALAND TIGERS: WBC54 ROSTER

"-Buck Fuchs," Owen said. "Adrian, can you get a carrier pigeon ready?"

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my runscorers: Yes
Choose my lineup: Yes, within reason (justify any discrepancies from the below lineups if possible)
Follow my pitching rotation: Yes
Godmod scoring events: TG for approval
RP injuries to my players: Yes, but I determine the severity
Godmod injuries to my players: TG for approval
Eject my players: TG for approval (Llamaneans really don’t get ejected often)
Godmod other events: TG for approval
Use DH at home: Yes

NICKNAMES: The Tigers (official), The Cubs (unofficial)
MANAGER: Buck Fuchs, 78
IBS runner-up while managing the Llamanean U11s. Former hitting coach of the Llamanean national team. Fourth-place finisher at the IBS home run derby. One-time pilgrim to Zwangzug. Most Loyal Customer status at Martha's Carrier Pigeon Emporium.
RANK: 12
Home Stadium: Tyler Rocke Memorial (43,500) in downtown New Llama City, former host of the WBC30 finals, as well as a number of Baseball Club Championships matches. Home to the New Llama Wizards.

Credit: No Nonsense Sportswear, Filindostan

Hit a home run: Brünhild Gunnlaugson, Gabriel Acosta, Miranda Gray
Hit a double: Summer Huang, Miranda Gray, Brünhild Gunnlaugson
Get a clutch hit: Miranda Gray, Summer Huang, Trevor Mikkelson-Yao
Strike out: Derrick Armstrong, Lily Scutaro, Gabriel Acosta
Draw a walk: Miranda Gray, Noah Slater, Tyson Long
Steal a base: Summer Huang, Will Rentería, Lily Scutaro
Get caught stealing: Miles Villeneuve, Trevor Mikkelson-Yao, Summer Huang
Make a great defensive play: Summer Huang, Derrick Armstrong, Lily Scutaro, Trevor Mikkelson-Yao, Miranda Gray
Commit an error: Tyson Long (although it’s still unlikely)
Get Ejected / Start a Fight: literally nobody

Hansel ERIKSEN, #47, 22, C, S/R - Elephant Valley United (South Newlandia)
Emery WU, #12, 31, SS-2B-CF, S/S - Apple Valley Vipers
Miranda GRAY, #33, 32, 3B-LF-RF, R/R - New Llama Wizards
Summer HUANG, #6, 32, SS-2B-CF, S/S - New Llama Wizards
Gabriel ACOSTA, #10, 31, 1B-RF, L/L - Masmow Dragons (South Newlandia)

Noah SLATER, #16, 34, DH-C-1B, S/L - Vargas City Lions
Will GUTIERREZ, #1, 20, C/1B, R/R - South Bryant Chariots
Sylvi VERMARK, #61, 23, SS/2B, R/R - Peninsulara Kingfishers
Rachel ESTRADA, #34, 27, UTIL, S/R - Vargas City Lions
Alana GONZALEZ, #93, 32, 3B/1B, R/R - Newport Owls (South Newlandia)

Hansel Eriksen won South Newlandia's Rookie of the Year award after being taken first overall, immediately winning the fans over with his cannon arm and sweet stroke. Pitchers and prospective base-stealers should both take caution before testing him, as he's blossomed into a two-way star in the LPB in his sophomore season. Corner infielder (and occasionally outfielder) Gabriel Acosta, expected to start at first, is one of the few traditional sluggers on the team. And while he also struggles with plate discipline, he distinguished himself from other potential starters by his defensive prowess and versatility. Emery Wu is a patient, doubles-hitting middle infielder with a sweet stroke and good range, who's really found some pop over the past few years. Summer Huang covers an incredible amount of ground in the field, whether she’s at shortstop, second base, or center-field. With a bat in her hands, she’s an incredibly effective - if overly aggressive - contact-hitter with doubles power and strong baserunning instincts. The Wizards recently shelled out a record-setting contract to her in free agency, infuriating the small-market South Bryant Chariots. Finally, Miranda Gray at third is one of the most disciplined hitters on the team, and an underrated defender at the hot corner - although her bland personality and small-market team make her less of a hot commodity than the other starters. Maybe a recent move to Emerald City will turn things around for her?

Off the bench, Noah Slater offers a stronger, more patient bat at the expense of lacking finesse behind the plate - in fact, with Eriksen's and Gutierrez's emergences as strong catchers at this level, he's unlikely to play catcher at all, instead DHing, backing up Acosta, and pinch-hitting. Will Gutierrrez, who shocked everyone by making the all-star team the same season he was taken second in the amateur draft by South Bryant, is a strong defender with some pop in his bat - but who will need to be more disciplined to be a good hitter at this level. Sylvi Vermark, a promising second-year player who the Kingfishers apparently liked enough to mortgage their entire future for, is an effective contact-hitter with enough plate discipline and power to get by, as well as an underrated defender and base-stealer. Rachel Estrada is a jack-of-all-trades utilityman who, while not the greatest hitter who could’ve filled up the bench, is definitely the most versatile and the best teammate. Finally, Alana Gonzalez is a poor defender at third, which has seen her be forced into playing at first for her club, but her plate discipline and power make her a threat, and she's famously good at pinch-hitting.

Brünhild GUNNLAUGSON, #52, 28, LF/RF, L/L - City of Dinschria
Lily SCUTARO, #11, 34, CF, R/R - Victoriaville Venom (Cassadaigua)
Trevor MIKKELSON-YAO, #27, 28, RF/CF, L/L - Vargas City Lions

Will RENTERÍA, #19, 32, LF/CF/RF, S/R - Rüsselsheim Blue Sox (South Newlandia)
Tyson LONG, #9, 31, LF/RF, S/R - Nikcoro Suns


Brünhild Gunnlaugson can absolutely rake, with absolutely once-in-a-generation power reminiscent of her uncle Isak, a WBC40 champion with the Tigers. She's also incredibly quick on the basepaths and is solid enough in the corners, although her lack of discipline may cost her at this level. She's steadfastly refused to join the LPB, instead staying with her hometown team despite their relegation from the top-flight, but has shown she can still rake en route to some video-game numbers in the rump LBL. Lily Scutaro is less polished in the batters’ box than your average LBL outfielder, and strikes out frequently. However, she makes up for it with supernatural instincts in center-field, where she’s won a Gold Glove in all three of her LBL seasons, and on the basepaths. Scutaro is also a surprisingly powerful hitter for her five-seven height. In right field, WBC rookie Trevor Mikkelson-Yao is an elite five-tool talent. In his second LBL season with Vargas City, Mikkelson-Yao became the youngest player to join the 30-30 club (thirty home runs and thirty stolen bases) in the past twenty years. He’s a bit of a free swinger, and his decision-making in right-field betrays his cannon arm and range sometimes, but the athleticism and talent are clearly there on both sides of the ball.

Tyson Long, a former first overall draft pick, has staked his case to be the Llamanean slugging outfielder. His plate discipline, long at-bats, and ability to hit to the opposite field have always defied his young age, but his in-game power has really caught up to his raw power recently in a breakout campaign where slugged forty-one home runs. Has been rumored to be up to no good in Quebec, which may or may not be related to his power surge, but is increasingly finding himself the odd man out in a stacked outfield. Meanwhile, Will Rentería is more of a specialist. A slap-hitter by nature, Rentería's weak bat is compensated for by his blazing-fast speed and defensive prowess. He'll most commonly feature as a pinch-runner or defensive substitution, while Long is a more natural long-term replacement for the other outfielders.

Isaac COLÓN, #50, 33, R - Vargas City Lions
Since his international debut at IBS11, Isaac Colón has been hyped up as a generational ace pitcher with talent in spades. Has this potential been reached? Well...yes and no. Colón lights up the radar gun with a triple-digit fastball, and his screwball and changeup both have incredible movement. He’s really matured lately as well and has become a silent killer in high-leverage situations. However, repeated injuries have limited his LBL effectiveness, and unless he can lead a deep playoff run, he’ll always fall short of the Zhengs and Masorkas of the past.
Solveig JØRGENSEN, #28, 25, R - Xingcheng Renaissance
A young fireballer who loves to mix high fastballs that top out in the high nineties with sharp, late-breaking shuutos down in the zone. Also mixes in a comically slow, looping 12-6 curveball to great effect. The next steps will be to gain a better strategic feel for the game and add a third pitch, but the stuff is absolutely in place for Jørgensen to become a star, and she's learning to control it now too. Is having a breakout season in the LPB, but will it translate to the international level?
Savanna WLADECKI, #25, 30, L - South Falls Athletics
Rookie of the Year three seasons ago, Wladecki originally wasn’t supposed to be in the majors at all after being taken in the fourth round. But injuries forced her into Derrierton’s rotation, and although her fastball never rose above ninety miles an hour, extremely high spin and pinpoint accuracy ensured that even a relatively pedestrian-seeming fastball-slider-changeup combination was able to stymie hitters for her first few seasons in the LBL.
Edward ZHUANG, #37, 30, R - Nikcoro Suns
Former college standout Zhuang is first and foremost a power pitcher, with a high-octane, mid-nineties fastball and a knockout slurve that he mixes in with great effect. He lacks an effective third pitch, and his control is a little shaky, making him prone to lots of mistake pitches, but at the pro level it hasn’t seemed to hold him back at all.

Note: these are their recommended roles, but most of these are elite Llamanean relievers and can fill other roles pretty well. In the Llamanean baseball leagues, roles tend to be flexible, but Oladipo will be more rigid in his bullpen management. Oladipo has eschewed the new-age "relief ace" for a traditional, ninth-inning closer. These are all OOC role descriptions; ICly, there is no distinction between relievers. Specialty pitches are marked with one asterisk (or two asterisks for emphasis).

Long Reliever: Simon CHU, #84, 27, R - South Falls Athletics - fastball, slider, curveball
Long Reliever: April BENDTNER, #34, 33, L, New Llama Wizards - fastball*, curveball*
Left-Handed Specialist: Morgan HEDEGAARD, #65, 32, L - Rüsselsheim Blue Sox - cutter, changeup
Middle Reliever: Connor REEFE, #72, 27, R - Apple Valley Vipers - fastball, shuuto*, changeup
Middle Reliever: Anastasia ZHU, #59, 25, L, Malidridad Mariners (South Newlandia) - fastball*, slider*
Middle Reliever: Eliza GUO, #48, 35, L - Nandaozhou Sharks - fastball*, slider*, changeup
Middle Reliever: Justin FRAZIER, #36, 34, R - Masmow Dragons (South Newlandia) - fastball, sinker*, knuckle curve*, changeup
Setup Reliever: Y.P. YING, #70, 32, L - Newport Dolphins (South Newlandia) - cutter*, curveball, changeup
Setup Reliever: Calisto GUTIERREZ, #41, 32, R - Nandaozhou Sharks - fastball**, slider*, changeup
Setup Reliever: Kennedy SCHUMACHER, #29, 33, L - New Llama Cyclones - fastball*, shuuto, slider, curveball*, changeup
Closer Evangeline LU, #55, 30, R - Apple Valley Vipers - fastball*, curveball*, changeup**

STARTING LINEUP WITHOUT DH

1. CF Lily Scutaro (R)
2. SS Summer Huang (S)
3. LF Brünhild Gunnlaugson (L)/Tyson Long (S)
4. 1B Gabriel Acosta (L)
5. 3B Miranda Gray (R)
6. RF Trevor Mikkelson-Yao (L)
7. 2B Emery Wu (S)
8. Starting Pitcher
9. C Hansel Eriksen (S)
Against left-handed pitchers, Noah Slater will replace Gabriel Acosta at first and Tyson Long will replace Brünhild Gunnlaugson in left field.

STARTING LINEUP WITH DH

1. CF Lily Scutaro (R)
2. SS Summer Huang (S)
3. LF Brünhild Gunnlaugson (L)
4. DH Noah Slater (S)
5. 1B Gabriel Acosta (L)
6. 3B Miranda Gray (R)
7. RF Trevor Mikkelson-Yao (L)
8. 2B Emery Wu (S)
9. C Hansel Eriksen (S)
Against left-handed pitchers, Noah Slater will move to 1B, Tyson Long to DH, and Will Rentería to LF.

Manager: Buck FUCHS, 78 (???)
Bench Coach: Jackson FELIZ, 54 (Manager, New Llama Cyclones)
Pitching Coach: Akena LWANGA, 51 (ex-Pitching Coach, WBBL)
Hitting Coach: Anthony SMITH-MILLER, 43 (ex-Hitting Coach, South Newlandia NT)
First-Base Coach: Marcos PEREYRA, 63 (First-Base Coach, South Falls Athletic)
Third-Base Coach: Melanie XIA, 54 (Third-Base Coach, Xingcheng Renaissance)
Bullpen Coach: Nicholas JENSEN, 50 (Pitching Coach, Kyrinson Cosmos)
Team Trainer: Jordan AMELIO, 55 (Trainer, Emerald City Greens)
Video Coordinator: Nora JUN, 46 (Video Coordinator, South Bryant Chariots)

Five-Time WBC Champions (28, 30, 31, 40, 42)
Three-Time WBC Runners-Up (29, 37, 41)
WBC Co-Host (30)

ALL-TIME WBC RECORD: 479 - 220 (68.5 Winning %)

WBC 23: 6-4, Third in Group Stage
WBC 24: 5-5, Fourth in Group Stage
WBC 25: 5-5, Third in Group Stage
WBC 26: 6-6, L 2-0 to Equestrian States in Ro24
WBC 27: 6-4, L 2-0 to Kriegersen in Ro16
WBC 28: 15-8, W 3-1 over The Royal Barangay in Finals
WBC 29: 14-9, L 3-2 to The Royal Barangay in Finals
WBC 30: 15-3, W 3-1 over Jeckland in Finals
WBC 31: 39-0, W 3-0 over Jeckland in Finals
WBC 32: 5-5, Third in Group Stage

WBC 34: 26-16, L 3-2 to Cosumar in Semifinals
WBC 35: 12-5, L 2-0 to The Great Pond in Ro16
WBC 36: 29-9, L 3-2 to Nova Anglicana in Quarterfinals
WBC 37: 31-17, L 4-2 to Schiltzberg in Finals
WBC 38: 23-6, L 2-1 to Ethane in Quarterfinals
WBC 39: 24-13, L 3-1 to West Phoenicia in Quarterfinals
WBC 40: 36-12, W 4-2 over Schiltzberg in Finals
WBC 41: 37-11, L 4-3 to Newmanistan in Finals
WBC 42: 35-13, W 4-1 over Darmen in Finals
WBC 43: 26-9, L 3-2 to Free Republics in Quarterfinals

WBC 49: 20-14, L 3-1 to Banija in Ro16
WBC 50: 20-15, L 3-2 to South Newlandia in Ro32
WBC 51: 25-16, L 3-0 to South Newlandia in QF
WBC 52: 22-13, L 3-2 to Delaclava in Ro32
WBC 53: 19-15, L 3-1 to Milchama in Ro32


RETIRED NUMBERS
#2 - 2B Max Danks (WBC23-WBC29)
#3 - C Michael Trabajen (WBC30-WBC32)
#4 - 2B Hector Rinaldi (WBC37-WBC43)
#5 - CF Megan Peterson (WBC28-WBC32)
#7 - 3B Alex Cameron (WBC23-WBC28)
#8 - C Sofia Rasmussen (WBC36-WBC43)
#13 - SP Justin Zheng (WBC36-WBC43)
#14 - SP Brittany Hendrickson (WBC28-WBC32)
#15 - SS Darren Bradley (WBC23-WBC28)
#17 - SP Axel Florentssen (WBC38-WBC41)
#21 - SP Genevieve Strauss (WBC43, WBC49-51)
#22 - SP Josva Reynolds (WBC31-32, WBC34)
#23 - SP AJ Rondout (WBC29-WBC32)
#24 - SS Markus Wright (WBC38-WBC43)
#26 - OF Tanya Ericsson (WBC34-WBC40)
#30 - RF Jake Earnest (WBC28-WBC32)
#31 - RP Tyler Brennaman (WBC30-WBC32)
#32 - RF Lucien Russo (WBC37-WBC43)
#35 - RF Owen Duffy (WBC34-WBC37)
#43 - SP Evan Masorka (WBC23-WBC29)
#44 - RP Nick Bowden (WBC23-WBC28)
#49 - SP Natalie Wu (WBC40-WBC43), SP-RP Drew Gilson (WBC28-WBC32)
#51 - RP Jason Van Dijk (WBC38-WBC43)

PAST MANAGERS
Thomas Yaft (WBC23-WBC25) - 16-14 (53.3%)
Joe McKenzie (WBC26-WBC28) - 27-18 (60.0%)
Chris Evans (WBC29-WBC32) - 73-17 (81.1%)
Alex Cameron (WBC34-WBC37) - 98-47 (67.6%)
Colin Nittledeen (WBC37-WBC39) - 78-36 (68.4%)
Laurent Mårtensson (WBC40-WBC43) - 134-45 (74.9%)
Sofia Rasmussen (WBC49) - 20-14 (58.8%)
Winston Yi (WBC50) - 20-15 (57.1%)
Isaac Oladipo (WBC51-53) - 66-44 (60%)

[Barnettsville]

We are in Trouble

ST. CATHERINE - Well, we were rolling.

After a Classic-opening two-game winning streak, the Barnettsville Blue Jays have now lost three in a row, and sit in fourth in the standings. They are only two games behind though. After a 6-3 decision to Abanhfleft where the home team did zip after the first two innings, the coaching staff now has two days to retool and refocus the team to make a run.

"We know we can come back. It just needs to show up on the field." That was the overwhelming sentment amongst the team.

Now, it DOES need to show up.

[TJUN-ia]

After Mylderm came to town and blew up our perfect record, the Battin' Jags of TJUN-ia were still trying to figure out how Mylderm managed to pull off the upset in The Gardens. Phillip Hellas-Verona was just as perplexed as practically everyone else, but he didn't want to focus on the negatives too much. His team were still clicking and in their final run, they were certainly going to look at the Mylderm game as an opportunity to learn and grow...as old dogs can do on occasion.

This game, the final one of the first half, was up against the Big D Nation...a place that sounds perfect for a minority of our readership! Anyways, this game would certainly be closer than expected...but this time, it was a bit more tolerable. Big D got a early lead but a 3-run bomb by Steven Fulmer made sure that was ended quickly. Big D managed to claw it's way back with runs in back to back innings, but the Jags would escape from the Big D with the Big W with an 8th-inning bomb from Matoko Kagawa. It certainly wasn't an easy game, but at least we got out of there with the win in the end.

After the first half, the Battin' Jags find themselves at 4-1 and only behind the dreaded Mylderm on the obvious head-to-head tiebreaker. The rematches will certainly be intense and up first will be a St Saratoga side who will want to restore some dignity from that 11-1 opening day. GO JAGS!

---

SCHEDULE (Group G)
G1: vs St Saratoga (84) - Rounders Field, Portside W 11-1 (1st)
G2: @Tikariot (13) - Oceanview Park, Sports City, Port Rhovanyon W 6-1 (1st)
G3: vs Drawkland (35) - The Diamond in The Gardens, New Washington W 10-5 (1st)
G4: vs Mylderm (48) - The Diamond in The Gardens, New Washington L 5-6 (2nd)
G5: @Big D Nation (UR) W 4-3 (2nd/4-1/+20RD)
----------------BREAK TIME----------------
G6: @St Saratoga (84)
G7: vs Tikariot (13) - Rounders Field, Portside
G8: @Drawkland (35) - Hydrogen Cyanide Field, Drawk City
G9: @Mylderm (28)
G10: vs Big D Nation (UR) - Rounders Field, Portside

[The Greater Nordics]

The Copenhagen Observer

WBC report by Emmi Raya Berge

Well, our perfect record has bit the dust after a walk off win by Quintessence of Dust at Dodger Stadium. The players were dejected, not least of all relief pitcher Kaja Anthonsen who almost preserved the tie and send the game into extra innings. She stayed on the mound and watched the Quodites celebrate before going into the dugout and punching the water cooler in frustration before going into the locker room where she was seen sitting alone at her locker before Saara Omdahl came over to console her. Omdahl is the dean of the pitching staff and knows what ot feels like to give up a walk off. It was a good game as the Nordics fell behind early before coming back to tie it, AT least there is a break to rest up before finishing up the group stage.
Filip Novikov spoke to the press after the game and this is what he had to say."We may have slipped to second place in the group but we still have a good shot at making and doing well in the playoffs. This team is confident and hungry to go far. Kaja was frustrated after the game, as she should be but she will learn from this and be a stronger player. Our offense was stifled by the QoD pitchers but once we got through a couple of times we began to figure them out and came back to tie the game. Sometimes that will happen, especially since we are looking to go big every time but that is the way we play and it is the way that we will continue to play. I am thankful for the break as we have a couple of players banged up and this will give us an opportunity to heal and recover so that we can make a strong run in the second half of the group stage and on to the playoffs."