World Baseball Classic 62 Everything Thread

by **Banija** » Sat Apr 18, 2026 2:58 pm

Banija earns the top seed for the knockout stages as WBC moves to Chromatika

SANAR, RAINBOW DISTRICT, CHROMATIKA- With three games left, Banija clinched the top seed for the knockout stages for the 62nd World Baseball Classic. Lost 2 out of 3 in the final series, but that did not end up mattering- mostly played the bench anyways. But hey, it stood- at 25-5, the Banijans stand as the top team from group play. "To get the #1 overall seed for the knockout stages, is an accomplishment." Said Kingston Jassey, the team's manager. "Is this the goal? Absolutely not- but this is the first step. Putting ourselves in the strongest position possible to advance in this tournament."

Baaku Kutate, the veteran starting pitcher for the Herzegovina City Hippos, will get the ball to open the series, in game 1, for the Banijan national team. "I'm excited to be the team's top starter for the knockout stages- it is, quite truly, something that I have dreamed of for the entirety of my life." He told reporters. "I hope to reward Kingston's, and the entire team's, faith in me- Loyo is a difficult, scrappy opponent, and it's important that we don't get behind early in the series."

The rotation for the series is already out. Isa Sey will get the ball in game 2, while Mulowa Kantu gets the ball in game 3. Kutate would get it again in a potential do-or-die game 5, while Adroa Kayima would take a game 4 if it came down to it. Nfamara Band, meanwhile, will go down to the bullpen as an additional long reliever for the remainder of the Classic. "Band has done an excellent job holding down the fifth starter spot- you don't 25-5 unless everyone, up and down the roster, is delivering in big spots, and Band has done so excellently." Jassey told reporters. "I'm excited to see Band's performance continue out of the bullpen."

It is going to be an interesting tournament- presumably, the last for so many veteran players on offense. In particular, the faces of the program for the past 2 decades- Sadiiq Xoosh, Gouta Rehana, and Mutebi Nvunyi, just to name a few guys. "Look, we understand that obviously one cannot play baseball forever- but this is not a retirement tour for us." Xoosh told reporters. "This is fully about the team- we are locked in. We're not here to take pictures, we are here to step up, perform, and do whatever we can to deliver a fifth World Baseball Classic to Banija."

Gouta Rehana, meanwhile, was more somber in her own reflections. "It is the honor of a lifetime, to have been able to be such a critical member of the national team for so long. That time is coming to an end whenever we are done in this classic- and hopefully, that's in the Chromatik capitol, lifting up the WBC trophy." She paused, with a tear streaming down her face. "But while winning is important, what is most important is paving the way for the next generation- showing the youngsters what it takes to win a tournament like this. The grind, the clutch performances- and when you get that inevitable bounce or two of luck that you need, the ability to take advantage ruthlessly."

Game 1 up next- can we extend the NT careers of Banija's favorite heroes for one more series, or is this all she wrote?

by **South Newlandia** » Sat Apr 18, 2026 3:09 pm

Welcome to the Sting

South Newlandia has completed their group stage schedule with a series win at the New Montreal States, largely thanks to their pitching staying great as things head into the playoffs, with all of the “Backend-Starters” making strong cases to get into some playoff games as well. The Ellies finished with just 95 runs allowed, one of the five teams that kept their figure in double digits and were all close together. With no team quite managing to get theirs under 3 RA/G, it’s clear that the Pachyderms can go toe to toe with the best rotations in the tournament.

The bats have been a lot more inconsistent. In game one of the series, the squad made quick work of Expos starter Alexis Cormier, with the first three batters of the game all eventually coming around to score, and the Elephants leading throughout for what eventually became a comfortable 9 to 1 win.
It took the team a little longer to get going in game 2 against right-hander Jean-Simon Rochon, who cruised the first time through the lineup. He got run support from a Fred Smart solo shot, and the Expos were in the lead in the early going. The Ellies rallied back in the fourth and fifth, chasing Rochon from the game and taking a comfortable 5-1 lead, with Sahu and the bullpen taking care of business from there to clinch the series win.

Once again, as has been the case in so many of these series, it feels like, the Elephants couldn’t quite manage to keep their foot on the gas in game three. In the duel between Linda Miller and knuckleballer Desmond Flock, the two southpaws both ran into some trouble early on. South Newlandia drew first blood, but the Expos continued their run of strong second innings with a two-run double off the bat of Ernie Shaughnessy to tie the game, and Malachi Starman gave them the lead in the third with an RBI knock. From there, Flock, as seems typical mercuriality with knuckleballers, started to get into a groove, and South Newlandia couldn’t get anything going. At the same time, Miller also settled in, knowing this may be her final WBC appearance of the cycle as the 6th pitcher in the rotation. The scoring ground to a halt, with Flock leaving it all on the field for seven strong innings in line for the win. Quentin Duchamp-Basselier and Coty Shield-Langier locked the game down from there, with the Elephants’ bats once again going cold in game three of a series.

In the end, the Expos finish 15-15, which shows they’ve been extremely competitive in a difficult group with three top competitors. It may be a little below their standards, but for a returning side, they’ve immediately proven they still belong, and have an opportunity to build on this in WBC63. Meanwhile, South Newlandia finishes 22-8, coincidentally the exact same record they travelled to Chromatika with the last time, and representing a modest improvement on the WBC61 campaign.

Speaking of the WBC61 campaign, the Elephants opponent in the Round of 16 will be Esportivan friends TJUN-ia, in a rematch from the same round last cycle. The Jaguars finished 18-12, narrowly losing the Group C title on the final matchday in a crazy series. According to Bell, the Elephants will begin the series with their regular three top starters, Clark, King, and Borges, and see how the series will develop from there.

“You know, coach, I was looking saying I wanted to play in Shantarr in the paper when they asked me”, Shivay Sahu told his manager, Franklin Bell, who was trying to sleep on this plane. “I stand by that fully. I think it’s a good spot for us. Fairly out of the way, a smaller stadium than even we’re used to -- you know what they say, Stadium Not Large” -- and I get my shellfish”. For some reason, Franklin Bell’s mind was occupied thinking about how shellfish rhymes with selfish, and took a couple seconds to come up with a suitable response. “You know what the biggest question is here, for us?” Sahu thought for a second. “Why are there two former champions in this tournament who reference Canada from RLStates?” “What? No. Well, I guess, now that I’m thinking about it…”, Bell trailed off. “What I’m talking about is how we gotta make sure that our bullpen is locked in. Trust me, that’s a problem sometimes in a close Round of 16 series” Sahu nodded. “So, I want to make sure we’ve got whatever we need there to be ready to go. So, I just want Linda Miller and you to be ready. You never know when you need a lefty out of the pen.” “Roger that, coach. I’m just glad I don’t have to bat again. The Jags have the DH, too, so we’re safe there. We won’t have that fortune if we make it to the next round.” Bell shook his head. “We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. You can never be too hasty in the Round of 16. It’s never over until it’s over.”

by **TJUN-ia** » Sat Apr 18, 2026 4:00 pm

TJUN-ia 6-2 Soryeon
TJUN-ia 6-4 Soryeon
TJUN-ia 10-12 Soryeon

TJUN-ia wins the series 2-1

What a crazy way to end the regular season. No sweep means we have to settle for 2nd, but that 10-12 finale is certainly a way to go out and then some.

Considering the 2-7 way we started things off, making it all the way to 18-12 has to commended at all levels. This team fought tooth and nail just to make these playoffs and for that, they have earned a lot of respect.

As the #12 seed, our Playoffs will start at The Sting in Shantarr against a foe/friend we know all too well - South Newlandia.

ELEFRIENDS, BRING IT ON!
GO BATTIN' JAGS!

SCHEDULE
S1: @Srednjaci (72) L 1-2 (5th)
S2: vs Zwangzug (6) - Rounders Field, Portside L 0-3 (6th)
S3: @The Martian Independent Republic (32) L 1-2 (6th)
S4: @Tikariot (11) W 3-0 (6th)
S5: vs Soryeon (UR) - Rounders Field, Portside W 3-0 (3rd)
S6: vs Srednjaci (72) - Rounders Field, Portside W 2-1 (2nd)
S7: @Zwangzug (6) W 2-1 (1st)
S8: vs The Martian Independent Republic (32) - The Diamond in The Gardens, New Washington W 3-0 (1st)
S9: vs Tikariot (11) - The Diamond in The Gardens, New Washington L 1-2 (1st)
S10: @ Soryeon (UR) W 2-1 (2nd/18-12/#12)

Round of 16 Series vs South Newlandia (2/#5) - The Sting, Shantarr (DH = Y)
Game 1 (Yolande Sirapui vs Hailey Clark):
Game 2 (Joseph "JoJo" McAlbo vs Wolodymyr King):
Game 3 (Peter Glendinning vs Dylan Borges):
Game 4 (if needed) (Khamis Ali Makame vs ???):
Game 5 (if needed) (Mohammad Al-Rayyan vs ???):

by **Chromatika** » Sat Apr 18, 2026 6:14 pm

Five Keys to Chromatika's Success in the Playoffs

They've done it! Helped along massively by sweeping Dhemixia and then winning two of three against Nusandara, the Outliers finished the Group Stage with a record of 18-12, second best among third placed finishers and good enough for the #14 seed. Their reward will be a trip to the KnetyoDome in Knetyohai, where they will face Milchama in the Round of Sixteen. What's been working for them, and what will they have to do to pull off a massive upset? Let us take a look.

5. Use the Home Crowd.

The only team that can effectively use the crowd for a decided advantage is the Outliers. Sure, there will be fans of other nations present, and Chromatik fans do favor countries like Banija, Drawkland, Ranoria, and such that they know of, but nothing will compare to the home crowd that will support Chromatika in Chromatika. If the Outliers can utilize the crowd to their advantage and make it like a perpetual home game, it won't matter who they are facing. Keep the crowd engaged, and use the noise!

4. Starting Pitching Improved.

Friend, Justinian, Bynum-Jackson, and Gaillen will be the Starting Pitchers for the Outliers' playoff run, the veteran Witters switching to be more of a relief role as the team needs. The Outlliers bullpen is not good enough to hold the ground for multiple innings on a regular basis. They need five to six innings of quality starts to continue if they are to take down Milchama and make some noise in these playoffs.

3. More than Just Sturdevantt.

Whether it be Alena Egorova, Park Hye-Bin, or Carmen Batista, the Outliers have had more batters than just the superstar Sturdevantt near the end of the Group Stage. Having one star slugger is a necessity to make a deep run, but the fact that they are getting others to chime in with their bats has led to far more wins than anyone imagined. If they can get consistent hitting from more than just Sturdevantt, opposing staffs won't be able to just gameplan around him. The play of Batista and Park will be even more heavily scrutinized since if they don't bat well, teams will just intentionally walk Miles.

2. RISP.

RISP gives, and RISP takes away. The Outliers struggled with this mechanic early, and then turned it around in recent series. When you don't have consistent batting power throughout the lineup, you must take advantage of any and all situations that arise where you can score - and as we move to series play where three losses mean elimination, this becomes a key stat once again. May their form continue.

1. Seize the Momentum.

Winning Game 1 will be massive to put all the onus on the chasing squad, and it'll be even more difficult since the Outliers will be the visiting team for Games 1 and 2. Hopefully, they'll be able to take at least one game, and then end it in the two games that they are the designated home team in. The longer the series goes, though, the pressure shifts to the higher seeded team - so the Outliers should just play on and see what happens.

They're playing with house money anyway, right?

by **The Kytler Peninsulae** » Sat Apr 18, 2026 6:54 pm

The Phoenix are extremely not coming in hot. Swept by Milchama to finish their group, the result was winding up with the second-weakest record among runners-up - throwing them into battle with a group winner.

Of course, the group winner in question was the weakest of the lot, and in fact had the same 18-12 record. Because Group C did that. So this is probably still a pretty even matchup.

But Zwangzug have to start as favourites. They have momentum, they have confidence, they just finished on the winning side of a sweep on the road (against a Srednjaci side who'd actually have knocked out the Zebras with a sweep the other way, albeit the beneficiaries would have been Paradystopia as it happens).

Does this matter? None of this matters. It's playoff baseball, nothing that comes before it matters. The Phoenix came floundering through the league phase of WBC61 and were almost eliminated in the Repechage Series before going on that playoff run. Sometimes, things go your way when it matters, and other times it doesn't.

This, surely, will be one of the times it doesn't. The Phoenix burned through a generation and more of good luck in one unrepeatable string of games, and they had home advantage for all of them to boot, which is presumably related. And yet... and yet...

Small-sample-size randomness can be a heck of a drug. This team, on this evidence, need to get their hands on every bit of it they can get.

Famously, there has never been controversy surrounding Kytlerian sportspeople and drugs in the nation's history. Never.

by **Loyo** » Sat Apr 18, 2026 6:59 pm

Loyo Revolution League: Post-Sunrise Cup Power Rankings

Loyo’s most watched sports league is set to begin after the Sunshine Tigers return following their WBC 62 outing. The Loyo Revolution League features 16 clubs across 4 divisions, with an 8-team expansion in the last few years kicking up so much dust that people outside the country couldn’t really see the ballparks, even after the new stadiums finished construction. The People’s National Sporting Committee has it all under control, don’t you worry. Well, what are we looking at? Here’s a quick primer.

The Loyo Athletic Reds are the expected favorites to win the league, with 11 Sunset Bonanzas. What’s a who’s-it? You don’t know what that is? It’s the big kahuna, the big trophy, the ultimate icon of our perpetual focus! They also have 7 Sunrise Cups and 12 Baseball Supremes, but I suppose that also means nothing to you…

In Loyo, there’s a pre-season tournament called the Sunrise Cup (SRC). Clubs will show up to the ballfields at All-Saint's Grounds in Arayoro and get warmed up for a few weeks. Then they’ll play a single-elimination tournament to start off the season! In this case, Loyo’s best battled it out before callups for the World Baseball Classic, and the Marraya Lions made history by beating the Athletic Reds to lift the club’s first piece of shiny silverware.

After that, there’s a bit of a break for the multiverse to come in and steal our players for a bit. Boom-just gone. I’m not mad or anything. I just wish they’d tell me these things. What if they lost something? That would be a real problem. Some people call this an international break. I call it theft. I have a clock- tick-tick-tick-tick-ticking away for every second they’re not in the geographical boundaries of Loyo. It’s not a good thing, I tell you. Nobody listens to me though. I’d demand recompense for it, but I’m not that kinda guy.

THREE - THREE - THREE

Blegh- Had to recenter. After the international break, the regular season starts. With 120 games total, clubs will play 8 games against each club in the league. The team with the best record is crowned the regular season champion (Baseball Supreme), but that’s not the main prize.

Throughout the season, clubs will play in a separate league (The Shining Sun Series), where each club plays four three-game series against the other teams in their division, for 36 games total. The top club in each division’s standings at the end of the season, regardless of their regular season overall record, makes the playoffs, a country-wide yearly spectacular dubbed the Sunset Bonanza (SSB).

That’s the big kahuna from earlier. The next four playoff qualifications come from the top four regular season record holders, and seeding is also determined by regular season record.

So, without further ado: Play ball!

Star Division

Marraya Lions (Power Ranking #2)
•Overall (A)
•Pitching (C)
•Bullpen (C-)
•Hitting (A+)
•Fielding (B)

Junior League A Affiliate:
•Stayu Suns (B) (Power Ranking #5)

Junior League B U-21 Club:
•Sun Valley Pride (D+) (Power Ranking #12)

Trophies:
•1 SRC

Marraya is coming off the tails of a perfect Sunrise Cup appearance, with LF Jenna Albardoux leading the league in batting average. This expansion team has never been this deep, having long languished beneath the stronger Sayosona and the bulls from Odonhai.

With another world-class player in 3rd baseman Aden Colosi, the Lions can challenge any of the league’s top talents. They’ve also got some mature players that can step up from the Stayu Suns if injuries plague the senior team. However, their pitching leaves much to be desired.

They’re hoping they won’t keep games close enough for it to matter, but it’s going to be difficult in an overpowered Stars Division.

Sayosona Cockerel (Power Ranking #3)
•Overall (A-)
•Pitching (B+)
•Bullpen (B)
•Hitting (A)
•Fielding (C+)

Junior League A Affiliate:
•Sayosona Spurs (C+) (Power Ranking #8)

Junior League B U-21 Club:
•Three River Red Wings (C-) (Power Ranking #9)

Trophies:
•2 SSB
•2 BS

Last year, the club of three rivers proved a lot of doubters wrong by beating the Athletic Reds in a thrilling 6 game Sunset Bonanza series after going down 0-2 to start the series, the second of two post-season titles in the expansion era. An aging Sayosona squad is unlikely to have the stamina to repeat, but with players like ace Rei Uno and first baseman Tea Huishan, they’re unlikely to miss the playoffs entirely.

Management has a bit of an issue when it comes to the future, as the Cockerel’s Junior squads sit middle of the pack in both leagues. The team that benefitted so much from LPB teams returning home has not invested in youth, instead trading for talent.

The cockerel has many paths (or rivers) to move forward, but the strength of the Star Division means they’ll have to be nearly flawless to run it back.

Odonhai Bulls (Power Ranking #6)
•Overall (B+)
•Pitching (B-)
•Bullpen (A-)
•Hitting (B+)
•Fielding (B-)

Junior League A Affiliate:
•Koryoda Matadors (C+) (Power Ranking #9)

Junior League B U-21 Club:
•Unyo Valley Spelunkers (B) (Power Ranking #3)

Trophies:
•1 SSB
•1 SRC
•1 BS

To win in the star division, elite pitching is required to deal with the strong bats of Sayosona and Marraya, and the Bulls have two elite relievers that give them endurance to last out the middle to late innings of a game. While Odonhai has fallen behind Sayosona in recent seasons, they have a powerful U-21 club that has plenty of future first-teamers getting ready to enter the senior team. They're still the only organization in the expansion leagues to have won all three pieces of silverware. While they might not have the strength this season for a deep run in a challenging division, they'll be a threat for several years if their youth systems continue to develop talent.

Kwanya Stallions (Power Ranking #9)
•Overall (B)
•Pitching (C+)
•Bullpen (B)
•Hitting (B)
•Fielding (A-)

Junior League A Affiliate:
•Kwayna Colts (D+) (Power Ranking #15)

Junior League B U-21 Club:
•Padipari Blue Sox (D) (Power Ranking #14)

Trophies:
•None

Kwanya has a young squad that includes a lot of young players brought up to the senior club last season. Right-fielder Zaida Moraviza is forming the core of their lineup, and her speed has helped the team gain a bit of an offensive edge. They're a good mid-tier team that would have a good chance of qualifying in any other division, and are defensively strong with competent, quick fielders and a stellar reliever in Dewayne Kenny. Unfortunately, they're easily the weakest team in the Star division, lacking a strong ace and not featuring deep strength in their hitting lineup.

Sickle Division

Loyo Athletic Reds (Power Ranking #1)
•Overall (A+)
•Pitching (A)
•Bullpen (B+)
•Hitting (A)
•Fielding (A+)

Junior League A Affiliate:
•Red Rose A’s (A+) (Power Ranking #1)

Junior League B U-21 Club:
•Loyo Youth Reds (A-) (Power Ranking #2)

Trophies:
•11 SBB
•7 SRC
•12 BS

The Athletic Reds are the undisputed Goliath of the Loyo Revolution League, with some advantage in nearly every metric compared with the rest of the league. Every club will shift their team around when they're facing the Athletic Reds later in the week, which means every game is going to be a challenge. But with an elite farm system, the Athletic Reds are ready to meet it. The team has recently choked in key post-season moments, and the club's only expectation is to return to the Sunset Bonanza again this year and right the wrong of last season's loss to Sayosona.

United Sugar (Power Ranking #8)
•Overall (B-)
•Pitching (B+)
•Bullpen (C)
•Hitting (C+)
•Fielding (C)

Junior League A Affiliate:
•Arayoro Cane Stalkers (B+) (Power Ranking #3)

Junior League B U-21 Club:
•Junior Retros (C+) (Power Ranking #7)

Trophies:
•2 SSB
•3 SRC
•3 BS

The biggest club in Arayoro is typically a reliable second-fiddle to the Athletic Reds, qualifying for the post-season regularly, but falling to the Athletic Reds in moments of importance. Their last big trophy was eight years ago, and fans are getting restless. Their team is aging, and they'll need to bring in players from the Cane Stalkers during the season to inject some life into the squad. While they might struggle to dominate the regular season with their weaker-than average fielding, anything's possible in the Shining Sun Series games, which will be more important for United Sugar than most.

Narangara Motors (Power Ranking #13)
•Overall (C+)
•Pitching (C)
•Bullpen (C)
•Hitting (B-)
•Fielding (A)

Junior League A Affiliate:
•Baisu City Pistons (C) (Power Ranking #10)

Junior League B U-21 Club:
•Tsuronai Fusion (B) (Power Ranking #4)

Trophies:
•None

Narangara motors is a club that doesn't have the sky high expectations of divisional giants United Sugar and the Athletic Reds. They've been flying under the radar for several seasons, but they might be approaching the time to be a legitimate challenger in the Sickle Division, with a stunningly error-free defense. Unfortunately, they don't offer much else, with middling offensive production and disappointing pitching. With some clever organizational maneuvering, they might be able to trade to create a squad of senior stars to take a shot at post-season glory.

Kamisusunai Steel (Power Ranking #14)
•Overall (D+)
•Pitching (C-)
•Bullpen (D)
•Hitting (D+)
•Fielding (B-)

Junior League A Affiliate:
•Jinsada Steelers (D) (Power Ranking #13)

Junior League B U-21 Club:
•Hansheok Firekeepers (D) (Power Ranking #13)

Trophies:
•None

Kamisusunai Steel fans have no expectations of greatness. They haven't for a while, either. They're one of the only teams in LRL that hasn't won or appeared in any important matches for their entire history. Kicked around by the other teams in their division, unable to entice young talent to their clubs because of the economic hardships of Hansheok. Just like Narangara, they'll have to beat teams with their fielding strength, hoping to generate enough action to keep them alive during a long season. Unlike Narangara, they can't even look to their offense to keep games close, as they lack a true slugger.

Alms Division

National Pantheon (Power Ranking #5)
•Overall (B+)
•Pitching (C+)
•Bullpen (A+)
•Hitting (B-)
•Fielding (B+)

Junior League A Affiliate:
•Statues of Immortality (A-) (Power Ranking #2)

Junior League B U-21 Club:
•Keepers of Fading Light (C) (Power Ranking #11)

Trophies:
•1 SRC

National Pantheon has surprised everyone in the league with how effective their squad has become. They're elite in crucial games, with an effective offensive and no clear weaknesses against most teams. However, do they have what it takes to crush other top-tier clubs in the league? Their batters can drag out games with contact, making them a club that other organizations will circle when they see them on the calendar.

Baek-Hyeonic Church (Power Ranking #7)
•Overall (B)
•Pitching (B)
•Bullpen (C+)
•Hitting (B)
•Fielding (C+)

Junior League A Affiliate:
•Marble Hill Radicals (B+) (Power Ranking #4)

Junior League B U-21 Club:
•Capitol Coyotes (B) (Power Ranking #5)

Trophies:
•None

This club is a machine. Chug-chug-chugging along with a stable lineup, reliable rotation and small-ball tactics that make them tricky to take down easily. Still, they're not elite at anything, leaving fans wondering when they'll get what they need to be truly competitive. While their junior teams are both strong contenders, their strength is heavy in pitching, with the next generation's out-of-the-park slugger still TBA.

Red Cloud Mutual (Power Ranking #11)
•Overall (B-)
•Pitching (C)
•Bullpen (B+)
•Hitting (C+)
•Fielding (A-)

Junior League A Affiliate:
•Old Quay Mariners (C-) (Power Ranking #12)

Junior League B U-21 Club:
•Mitsuda Clear Sky (A) (Power Ranking #1)

Trophies:
•None

Shortstop Kaelan Vorth, 19 is dominating at Misuda Clear Sky, and has quickly become the future hope for the Red Cloud squad that could run away with games if their starters can get something going in the early innings. Similar to a lot of the middle-league clubs, Red Cloud has a good defense but is lacking an ace to really make them leakproof.

Loyo United Church (Power Ranking #15)
•Overall (D)
•Pitching (D)
•Bullpen (D+)
•Hitting (F)
•Fielding (D)

Junior League A Affiliate:
•Hileo Shining Flames (F) (Power Ranking #16)

Junior League B U-21 Club:
•Cane Valley Dolphins (F) (Power Ranking #16)

Trophies:
•None

Loyo United Church is lucky to be here, and that's about all there is to say. Their starters aren't experienced in big-game situations, and they lead the league in errors last year. Their weaknesses are numerous, and they'll heavily struggle to finish in the top half of the Alms Division standings at the end of the season.

Hammer Division

Saint Yoosan’s (Power Ranking #4)
•Overall (A-)
•Pitching (A+)
•Bullpen (B)
•Hitting (B-)
•Fielding (B+)

Junior League A Affiliate:
•Yeonmitsu Greens (B) (Power Ranking #6)

Junior League B U-21 Club:
•Koro Kossa Cougars (C+) (Power Ranking #8)

Trophies:
•3 SSB
•3 SRC
•2 BS

Saint Yoosan's is a storied clubs that consistently makes deep post-season runs. They have the league's best rotation, lead by national team ace Jan Robbas. They're a premier team in a weakened division, and they're hoping to use their strengths to win now and bring home silverware for the first time in three seasons.

Saint Donghai's (Power Ranking #10)
•Overall (B)
•Pitching (C+)
•Bullpen (B+)
•Hitting (B)
•Fielding (C+)

Junior League A Affiliate:
•Vespa Point Renaissance (B-) (Power Ranking #7)

Junior League B U-21 Club:
•Gokuro Squires (B+) (Power Ranking #6)

Trophies:
•1 SSB
•1 SRC

Saint Donghai's enters the season with veterans that they've taken from other teams across the league. They're balanced and could easily spoil stronger teams with their solid hitting and ability to replace their senior squad with ambitious young talent.

Saint Hayahoma's (Power Ranking #12)
•Overall (B-)
•Pitching (C)
•Bullpen (C)
•Hitting (C+)
•Fielding (A-)

Junior League A Affiliate:
•Gwangmura Riveters (C) (Power Ranking #11)

Junior League B U-21 Club:
•Central City Rattlers (C) (Power Ranking #10)

Trophies:
•1 SSB
•4 SRC
•1 BS

Saint Hayahoma's has typically been the United Sugar of the Hammer Division, but they've been struggling to replace Shiryo Gerras, the team's old national team star. They're lacking power but can still find the ball on their bats for long enough to make a series close and competitive.

Saint Mianho's (Power Ranking #16)
•Overall (F)
•Pitching (F)
•Bullpen (D-)
•Hitting (F)
•Fielding (D)

Junior League A Affiliate:
•Miharu Heights Golds (D) (Power Ranking #14)

Junior League B U-21 Club:
•Dohwa Park Blues (D-) (Power Ranking #15)

Trophies:
•1 SRC

Saint Mianho's are a club of nearly endless sorrow. They're stuck in a competitive division dominated by Saint Yoosan's and Saint Hayahoma's, and they have little talent at any organizational level that can give them any hope in the immediate future.

Ranked last in the league, 3rd worst in Junior A and 2nd worst in Junior B, it would take a miracle for Mianho's to grasp a post-season berth.

Outside of a Sunrise Cup trophy from the pre-expansion era, the “Cups” as they're called, have been looking at the bottom of an empty bottle for the last 20 years.

by **Chromatika** » Sat Apr 18, 2026 7:00 pm

Cutoff for Games 1 and 2 of the Round of Sixteen.

WBC 62 Playoffs - Round of Sixteen
Best-of-Five Series

(1) Banija vs. (16) Loyo
@ Vipers Den, Sanar, Rainbow District (Cap. 8,100)

Game 1
Loyo                       3 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0  5
Banija                     0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2  3

Game 2
Loyo                       0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
Banija                     1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 X  1

Series tied, 1-1.

(8) Liventia vs. (9) Eshialand
@ The Range, Lanar, Rainbow District (Cap. 8,500)

Game 1
Eshialand                  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2  4
Liventia                   0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0  2

Game 2
Eshialand                  2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0  3
Liventia                   2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  2

(9) Eshialand leads the series, 2-0.

(4) Milchama vs. (13) Chromatika
@ KnetyoDome, Knetyohai, Rainbow District (Cap. 10,500)
(Scored by Zwangzug)

Game 1
Chromatika                 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0  1
Milchama                   0 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 X  4

Game 2
Chromatika                 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2  4
Milchama                   0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0

Series tied, 1-1.

(5) South Newlandia vs. (12) TJUN-ia
@ The Sting, Shantarr, Heartland District (Cap. 4,300)

Game 1
TJUN-ia                    0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  0
South Newlandia            3 0 0 0 0 5 0 1 X  9

Game 2
TJUN-ia                    0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0  3
South Newlandia            0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0  1

Series tied, 1-1.

(6) Zwangzug vs. (11) The Kytler Peninsulae
@ The Headquarters, Hanai, Capital District (Cap. 9,100)

Game 1
The Kytler Peninsulae      0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2  3
Zwangzug                   0 0 1 0 1 0 0 6 X  8

Game 2
The Kytler Peninsulae      1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 3  7
Zwangzug                   0 2 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0  4

Series tied, 1-1.

(3) Drawkland vs. (14) Ranoria
@ The Field of Flames, Felswyr, Mountain District (Cap. 5,200)

Game 1
Ranoria                    1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1  4
Drawkland                  0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0  3

Game 2
Ranoria                    2 0 4 0 2 0 2 0 0 10
Drawkland                  3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2  6

(14) Ranoria leads the series, 2-0.

(7) Kamijiro vs. (10) Ko-oren
@ Field of Legends, Larhai, Coastal District (Cap. 6,200)

Game 1
Ko-oren                    2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1  4
Kamijiro                   0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0  3

Game 2
Ko-oren                    1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0  2
Kamijiro                   0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 X  3

Series tied, 1-1.

(2) Quebec and Shingoryeo vs. (15) Tikariot
@ The Barracks, Rhoni, Coastal District (Cap. 9,250)

Game 1
Tikariot                   0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0  2
Quebec and Shingoryeo      0 0 0 0 3 0 2 0 X  5

Game 2
Tikariot                   0 2 0 0 3 0 0 0 1  6
Quebec and Shingoryeo      0 4 0 0 0 0 3 1 X  8

(2) Quebec and Shingoryeo leads the series, 2-0.

by **Ko-oren** » Sun Apr 19, 2026 2:25 am

Season 32 Postseason

Briefly: some expectations ahead of the postseason per club.

The Amandine Wanderers are looking to repeat a championship, after spending years in the dumps as a bottom three destination for players. Fans were reluctant for that entire era, but they're showing up to games and forming a very healthy third bloc in the western division versus the Whales and Stars. It's gone from a situation where a Wanderers title would've been something silly, something one-off, to something that might be pretty healthy for the sport in Ko-oren in creating another good baseball market - even if it does make the West a much bigger division than either North or South. Anyway, the Wanderers are hoping for a title, not expecting it, but a deep run will solidify the idea of them building something good long-term.

The Katashi Giants are hoping to finally break the final curse. After two straight second places, it's gold or nothing. No Giants fan is actually pinning anything serious on the outcome of the playoffs, as the Giants expect heartbreak no matter how late in the season it arrives, but it's cathartic for most supporters to see they're getting one over the Generals at least. Though without a title, what's the value of those bragging rights? No team needs this win more than the 'little' Katashi team.

The Desierto Challengers were champions two years ago and would love to get back there, if only to show that the West is the domain of the ugly duckling Challengers (and Wanderers), not arrogant Whales and Stars. As for what this team has to prove: not much. They've won their trophy, and any more success would be fantastic, certainly.

The Echizen Dragons are also fairly satisfied with two titles in the last five years and one more final made and lost. They know they're the class of the North and as long as none of the other teams touch that status, for the time being the fanbase is happy with making the playoffs, getting a series win here or there. Dragons haters - which became very numerous during the LPB era - just want them out of the playoffs at the earliest convenience. They might even be the most hated team league-wide after the Generals!

The Santa Teresa Stars have quite a bit to prove. No matter the fact they're 5th in a field of five, no matter the title won six years ago, the fact that the Stars are literally third fiddle in a (traditionally) two-horse race division is an affront to everything holy - in the eyes of the fanbase - and must be corrected. The Stars simply must win, and if that comes at the expense of the Wanderers and Challengers, even better. That said, the Stars must also rival the Dragons and Generals in 'nationally hated franchise' so if they can also take out the Dragons on the way to glory, that's a necessary hurdle to take. The expectation each year is a trophy so the fans will delude themselves into thinking they have a good shot at it this year.

Wildcard

Desierto Challengers - Santa Teresa Stars 6-2
Santa Teresa Stars - Desierto Challengers 2-6

The two wild card teams meet, and it's the first opportunity the Stars have to tell off their little western brother. But the Challengers weren't first in the preseason rankings for nothing, and their top tier batting and pitching take care of things in two games, with Vasquez and Basquez starting on the mound and both giving up zero runs - the Stars only get production against the bullpen - while Davids, Cheltens, CarMichael, and Mulugeta are effective in both games to get six runs on the board. A fairly easy challenge for Desierto, and they move on.

Divisional Round

Amandine Wanderers - Desierto Challengers 3-5
Desierto Challengers - Amandine Wanderers 1-6
Amandine Wanderers - Desierto Challengers 7-1
Desierto Challengers - Amandine Wanderers 0-3

The Western division keeps on going on with the divisional matchups, and this time we get four out of five games from it. The Challengers are in their regular rhythm and win the first game handily with Peinoinin pitching and Mulugta, Newich, and Cheltens scoring. Game two turns the tide, as the Wanderers find what they came here to do and with their outstanding batting all season long they take down the desert - who is to deny a lineup of Calvo-Rich, Dakritdhen, Gjadhen, Sullivan, and Fralin? Exactly, nobody. So they're the ones to take over, shutting down every attempt by the Challengers in the infield on defence - three out of five are in fact infielders - and their speed is too much offensively as well. No matter what the Challengers throw at them, the Wanderers find a way around it. They really do only need one player on base to be dangerous. Three straight wins (and huge ones, too, including a shutout) and they're in the final!

Katashi Giants - Echizen Dragons 1-2
Echizen Dragons - Katashi Giants 1-3
Katashi Giants - Echizen Dragons 3-7
Echizen Dragons - Katashi Giants 5-11
Katashi Giants - Echizen Dragons 1-9

The division winners of the North and South meet for an all-Joshiman semifinal, and it starts out tepid. Just three runs in game one, four in game two, and it looks to be a cautious affair: he who slips up first, loses the series. But then the Dragons play their best game of the season in a 7-3 game three - Ngajisein takes the team by the hand for a three-run home run in the third, driving home fellow infielders Jimenez, Reimeden, and of course himself. The meta for the season is all about the infield: defensively solid players with excellent fundamentals and tremendous focus, who can make contact and get on base. That's it. Make contact, get on base, and that's most of your job done. The Dragons get a second home run via Lidirwizu bringing home Ngajisein along with her, and the Giants can't do much back.

But the Giants find some offence for themselves next game. While the Dragons score 5, normally good enough for a win, the Giants get 11 on the board with four home runs (off pitchers Good (2), Makino, and for good measure, closer Kotjuzen) with Tanonaka amounting for two of those. The sixth inning has all nine batters come to the plate and it's a revolving door until the Dragons can finally find an out, but that's way too late and they're not doing anything about a 3-8 midgame scoreline. The Dragons get the last laugh with a nine-run game to ready them for the final, and poor Giants starter Paljizen allows six of those. Yes, there's young pitchers now, but that also means sometimes they're going to let 5+ runs go by in the playoffs and you're going to need to attend to that for next season in the mental battle.

by **South Newlandia** » Mon Apr 20, 2026 12:59 pm

The definition of insanity

Hailey Clark knocked on the door of her team- and roommate, who quickly invited her into the room. Linda Miller was reading some fantasy novel Clark didn't recognise. 'Probably Tikariotian', she thought, knowing that her young teammate loves Rushmori fiction. And why shouldn't she? After all, after their defeat against TJUN-ia in the early afternoon, manager Franklin Bell had given them the rest of the day off. Some players had left the hotel to explore Shantarr, watching the waves crash into the shores of the Chromatik coast and trying various crustacean delicacies.

Most of the team had stayed behind, though, needing time to reflect or rest after the painful defeat to the Jaguars. That group included Hailey and her young teammate; Clark was still resting after throwing seven innings the previous day, while Linda just wasn't really the outgoing type of baseball player. "Hey Linda", she said, "you've got to come with me", she added in a tone that Linda knew well at this point. No point arguing with the staff ace, she clearly had a good reason. Linda Miller put her elephant bookmark into the book with the remarkably large dragon, stood up, and followed her teammate.

Clark quickly made her way to the video room, where the team had analysed some key plays, including a clever pick-off by TJUN-ian starter McAlbo in the fourth that killed a potential rally, from their loss. The light inside was dimmed, and the screen was at a weird angle from which the two South Newlandians were now looking into the room. Sitting in the middle of the room, Linda could barely make out the back of the head of the man she feared was inside.
"Is he still watching?" she asked her older teammate. "Yeah", Hailey replied. "What's the score now?", Linda wanted to know. Hailey Clark tried squinting at the video screen, but it was impossible to make out any details from their vantage point. She checked her phone instead. "8 to 3 for Ranoria", she said. "Wait -- now 9-3, it says", she continued. Both looked back up to the video room screen. They could see who they thought might be Julian Breit celebrating, before the camera cut to what was clearly an ecstatic Ol' Red jumping around. The camera lingered for some time on the woofer. Franklin Bell had watched the entire scene stoically, not moving a muscle.

"You know, just three hours of Ol' Red might be really good TV too", Linda remarked. "You're so right", Hailey said, "but I really worry about Bell. This can't be good for him, right?" The two quieted down, and could hear what the phone confirmed was Ranoria pouring on with another run. Franklin Bell remained unmoving. He still didn't move a muscle as the Drawkian reliever, eventually, mercifully, managed to conclude the top of the seventh with the Base Corps trailing 3 to 10, on the verge of being down 0-2 in the series to Ranoria. The screen went to commercial, and the two could hear the familiar ad jingles of Outbox, RTC, and DTLF.
Franklin Bell still had not moved a muscle. "He's sitting with the back to us, so I can't be sure," Linda said, "but I don't think he's blinked since the start of the game". Hailey Clark nodded. "Although, now it's 10-3. Maybe they'll come back!", Linda joked. "They won't", Clark knew. Both of them continued to watch their manager for another minute or two. "How sure are we that he isn't dead?", Linda asked. "Reasonably so. He did this in game 1 too and evidently survived that", Hailey said. "The Base Corps probably are, though".

by **TJUN-ia** » Mon Apr 20, 2026 1:35 pm

After a campaign that turned 2-7 into 18-12, the Battin' Jaguars of TJUN-ia were actually in the Playoffs of WBC 62...which was not a guarantee halfway through this campaign. The turnaround that Vojtěch Heyrovský and his team have managed to pull off has been nothing short of remarkable...but we are here now, in Chromatika, and no matter the road travelled, the destination remains the same - the World Baseball Classic. We know the Elephants of South Newlandia all too well, our many battles over the years as numerous as our combined subdivisions, but now here we are, meeting in Round 1 of these Playoffs in a clash that seems too big to be this early. This will not be easy at all, but at The Sting in Shantarr, we hope to fight like hell!

TJUN-ia 0-9 South Newlandia
Yolande Sirapui vs Hailey Clark was the opening contest of this series, and things did not go well. At all. Conceding 3 runs in the opening inning was less than ideal, but to then allow an additional 6 in a shutout? Just like the start of the entire campaign, it was an unmitigated disaster. The less said about this one, the better.

TJUN-ia 3-1 South Newlandia
But this is a Best-of-5, so JoJo McAlbo vs Wolodymyr King would not be the series clincher...not that it mattered anyway. You see, McAlbo clearly watched how brutal Hailey Clark was in Game 1, and so, he created a response that, while not a shutout, made the pre-WBC #2 look severely limited in the scoring department. McAlbo's efforts on the mound were enough to help Seo Ji-kyo get our Playoffs truly underway, and when he bowed out after the 7th, the applause he got from the TJUN-ian faithful was deafening. Khin Marlar Tun would get two more before Azeez Shakur came out and while she did concede one, she did not allow another - meaning we were now on the board and this series, after the two SNL "hosted" games, was tied at 1-1.

Game on then. In a series that has so far been defined by pitching, Glendinning and Makame will hope to be the next to shine.
GO BATTIN' JAGS!

Round of 16 Series vs South Newlandia (2/#5) - The Sting, Shantarr (DH = Y)
Game 1 (Yolande Sirapui vs Hailey Clark): L 0-9
Game 2 (Joseph "JoJo" McAlbo vs Wolodymyr King): W 3-1
Game 3 (Peter Glendinning vs Dylan Borges):
Game 4 (if needed) (Khamis Ali Makame vs ???):
Game 5 (if needed) (Mohammad Al-Rayyan vs ???):

by **Kamijiro** » Mon Apr 20, 2026 3:48 pm

Diamond IX, Vol. IV, Part VII: Comeback Falls Short, Series Now Best of Three

Game one log as written by Félix Cavaco.

Down two in the bottom of the ninth. That's where we were. Top of the order.
I grab my bat. Well, I grab a bat. My bat had been broken by a pitch in the fifth.
My music plays as I walk up to the batter's box. Tanto Que Tu Diche - what I've listened to every time I've taken up my stance in the box.
Yes, I'm Portuguese. Yes, the song's in Spanish. That don't befront me.

First pitch. Fastball. High, inside. Take it. Ball one.
Second pitch. Sinker. Swing and a miss. Ball fell off the table right before it got to me. One-one.
Third pitch. Back to the fastball. Contact made. Little bloop shot into short left. Single. Nice. Safe.

Then up comes Ryu. Pops out to centerfield. I advance to second.
Emi comes up. Another pop out, this time to right. I advance to third.

Napoleon's up to bat next. Do-or-die. Two outs, one man on, two runs down.
He takes the first two pitches. One strike and one ball.
The third pitch he takes, too. Another ball. Two-one count.
The fourth pitch is the one he finally likes. I saw it from third.
His eyes lit up. Well, I think they did. I could only see the one from my perspective.

His bat made a sound so clean that it might as well have come from a church choir.
It was over the fence before we knew it. I jog home. Tie game. Luci up to bat.
He gets walked intentionally. The pitcher would rather face Markus. Fair enough.

Markus can't bat. He's a superb defender, make no mistake.
Batting though, he's weak. We all know it.
He puts the ball in play, but it barely makes it to the shortstop. Play at second, end of the ninth.
Regardless, the game was tied at four.

Orielle had started us out.
Joaquim had relieved her.
Ellie was in for the tenth inning.
She got caught in a pickle of her own making.

Two on, one out. Runners at first and third. Tie game still on.
Then a pitch sat too long before it sank and the bat made contact.
Just enough that the batsman drove in a run.
Regardless, the frame ends with us down one.
Ellie's blushes weren't spared, the game was blown.

Our next three batters, Daijiro, Maou and Magurix.
Daijiro and Maou both went oh-for-six.
Maggie couldn't get it going, either. No chance for Félix.
Game over, ninth inning rally all for naught.

Game two log as written by Atsuji Akaminai.

The game started out with some bullshit.
Didn't make it a single batter before I gave up a homer.
Was my fault. Always is when shit goes that wrong that fast.
I called off Wings' sign. He wanted a sinker. I felt I could get a fastball.
I couldn't get a fastball.

I pitched shutdown the rest of the time I was out there.
We didn't give up another run until the eighth. I wasn't even pitching by that point.
Lucian raked in a three-run homer, brought home the twins and won us the game with one fell swoop.
Devyn gave up a single run in the eighth. Whatever. Game locked down by Shousuke.
Say what you will. The little geek's got an arm.

At least we go into the next part of the series tied instead of down oh and two.
It's a best of three for us to advance. We know that.
It's a question of how well Clarence and Howard pitch in the next two games.
And then we find out if Addie's got onions. She'd be the game five pitcher.

Going home now would feel like a waste of a ticket. We'd done so well to even get this far.
We go again.

by **Drawkland** » Mon Apr 20, 2026 4:05 pm

7,000

History of the Hit Record - The Contender - Glenn and Gelia - The New Fire - Shooting For 6 - Vow Renewal - Chasing .400 - A Pleasant Surprise - Jamming the Blues - Lingering Questions - Oh Brother - Beach Bums - Bargaining with Bellator - The Corps Trio - Get Kash - Standing Alone

For two weeks, Lane Kavana fielded congratulations and honors almost constantly. The week immediately following his breaking of Titus Kash’s career hit record was swamped. Every family member and friend he had sent him a call or text. Athletes and public figures from across Drawkland tagged him in posts lauding the milestone. Even the direct descendants of Kash himself sent Lane a very well-meaning letter. The All-Star Break only compounded this recognition, helped by Lane being part of the festivities for presumably the last time as a player.

The news cycle seemed to turn over following the All-Star week. Lane’s breaking of the hit record had somehow become old news. He’d noticed a few fans with “Hit King” signs or things of that nature at some games, but besides that the hype had died down. After all, there were a couple dozen other baseball teams playing meaningful games every day. There was no reason to keep giving airtime to a player who’d achieved a milestone weeks prior.

Lane was actually glad for this. Whether the media attention for his pursuit of the hit record was earnest or just out of a sort of obligation (hard to ignore the breaking of a record previously deemed ‘unbreakable’) didn’t matter much to him. This entire campaign wasn’t for outside recognition, it was for Lane’s own satisfaction. He believed he was capable of setting a new record nobody else could touch, and he felt achieving that would be gratifying in its own right.

The PBL season grinded along, and so did Lane. He wasn’t getting as many starts in the upper half of the lineup now – with the true hit record now achieved, Bellator skipper Jerry Pearson didn’t feel the social pressure to give Lane more at-bats higher in the batting order. With his continually mediocre defensive metrics to consider, Lane was lucky he was getting starts at all. If it weren’t for the fact that he was getting base hits at a great clip, he’d be back to bench riding more often than not.

[The Retirement Tour]

Though most of the media hype about the hit record had died down, there were still some that realized this was also going to be Lane’s final season. He hadn’t personally stated this outright, but it was pretty obvious that any season beyond this would be an embarrassment. Nearly every road series for Bellator featured a tribute or retirement gift to Lane from the opposing team, a common tradition among baseball teams for surefire hall-of-famers in their swansong year.

Over his thirty-one-year career across both of PBL’s leagues, Lane had played nearly every team enough times to have a good sample size against them. He passed the 5000 Games Played mark shortly after the All-Star Game, so it makes sense that he’d have some history with nearly every team in the league. Some were more involved than others, though. A fair number of teams provided reasonable (if a little boring) donations to Lane’s charitable foundation.

Other teams had gifts that reflected their team or city culture. The Sadeg Knights play in the historic Craggold Field, which still uses a hand-operated scoreboard in one of the outfield walls. The Knights gifted Lane a #7 sign previously used in the scoreboard (as he’s worn that number his entire career), handed to him by longtime Base Corps pitcher and Sadeg legend Claire Kirkland. Similarly, the Chelstio Stars boast a beautiful dome with a ceiling that emulates the night sky. They gave Lane a glowing star allegedly taken from the ceiling of the venue. The Whisrold Golds ply their trade in a former rock quarry-turned-ballpark, so their gift was a baseball that had real gold threads forming the laces.

Naturally the most thoughtful gifts came from those teams whose uniforms Lane actually wore at some point in his career. These came from truly genuine appreciation, rather than the arguably obligatory recognition of a well-known baseball star. The Shire-Port Marauders, who drafted Lane way back in the day, got theirs out of the way while they hosted the All-Star festivities. Lane received a custom pirate-themed tricorn hat from them. Raikennax had several little items, one of which was the base used at first in the game Lane entered the 5,000 hit club (since he was the only player to ever reach that mark in an Eruptor uniform). Gelia’s Blues offered a rocking chair with each plank painted a different shade of blue. It was the same model given to manager Glenn Sutton when he retired a few years prior, though the exact paint colors used were different.

Throughout all this weirdness happening once or twice a week, Lane just kept plugging away on the field. A hit one day, a couple hits another day, limiting the hitless days to a mere weekly occurrence. It was a similar pace to that which Lane held in the first half of the season, but it felt like nobody was paying close attention with the hype machine surrounding Kash’s record no longer in effect. Beyond the general “how is this old man still lowkey raking?!” type discourse and the retirement gift parade, Lane was a backburner story. The closer they got to the end of the season, though, the more that people began to take notice of another approaching milestone. The nerds looking at trend data saw it first … and so began the whispers of 7,000.

Hessport fittingly had the final sendoff ceremony for Lane. There were still 3 weeks left in the season, but the rest of Bellator’s games were either at home or on the road against division rivals they’d already played away before. Lane’s second longest tenure on a team came with the Blockade, so there were fans happy to see him even beyond the aspect of baseball history in the making. Though Lane and Blockade ownership had a less-than-amicable split when Lane left the club, they still brought out the stops to honor him, presenting him a huge 1:48 scale model of a Coravkey Class Drawkian battleship, which was sometimes used for the Blockade’s branding due to local history. There were some baseball tidbits hidden on the ship, like some of the model gun barrels being baseball bats, a small Blockade logo flag flying below the Drawkian flag, and the ship’s model numbering including some of Lane’s baseball career achievements.

The last few months of the season went as well as Lane could’ve hoped. Perhaps the weirdness and break from the routine that the retirement offerings provided was enough to get Lane out of his head. It seemed he’d often have better results when he wasn’t overthinking his every move. Regardless, it reached the point where the goal was simple. The stat-watchers noticed that with 15 games left, Lane had exactly 15 hits to go before reaching the seemingly impossible 7,000 club. Lane would be lying if he said he hadn’t been watching his own stat page on a regular basis to track his progress. He’d done the math once he reached hit #6,985 and looked at the schedule himself.

The last two weeks of the season seemed to just zip by. You’d think the “get one hit every day” goal would be simple enough, but Lane’s bat started cooling off. A couple hitless outings and one benching due to lineup considerations (Bellator was battling fiercely for the division against the Kayo Mages) meant that Lane fell behind. He managed to crawl back going into the final home stand of the season (and helping Bellator clinch the division title), but it was going to get tight.

Games 174, 175, and 176. The final home series of Bellator’s season, against the Whisrold Golds. 6,998 hits on Lane Kavana’s record. Just two measly hits separated Lane from the 7,000 club. A mere three games remained in his professional baseball career. Secretly he wished he’d toughed out a few minor injuries throughout his long career just to have gotten a few more at-bats by the end. Momentum said Lane would make it. The potential of overthinking threatened to stop it dead. This was it.

This installment should be longer for narrative purposes, but I'll post the second half next time.

by **Loyo** » Mon Apr 20, 2026 5:36 pm

Sunshine Tigers Keep Hope Alive with Solid Pitching against Banija

Heading into WBC 62, the task for Peter Ajoba’s squad was simple. Er-the concept was simple. Getting there was bound to be complicated. Loyo’s squad has squeaked into the knockouts just three times since the team’s debut in WBC 55, and has lost every series except for its WBC 60 round of 24 sweep of Tikariot. To reach beyond the round of 16, Ajoba and the rest of the squad needed to find a way to fix the team's weak links.

WBC 56 (18-12), 2nd in Group H, K.O. in Ro24 by TJUN-ia, 3-0
WBC 57 (18-12) 3rd in Group B, K.O. in Ro16 by South Newlandia, 3-1
WBC 60 (13-12) 3rd in Group A, K.O. in Ro16 by South Newlandia, 3-0

Not a great track record, but that's what happens when you sneak into the playoffs with not-especially impressive records in the group stage. Teams that showed speed and strength in group play (especially those in 56-57), were easily pushed over when faced against premier competition.

After two games in Chromatika, the Loyons sit even with the Banijans.

Game One: Loyo 5-3

Game one was quickly controlled by the Sunshine Tigers in the first inning, after a walk and a stolen base by Zhao Shuchun set up Jenna Albardoux to send him home on a ground-rule double, getting the ball lodged in the shallow left outfield fence of Vipers Den. Cain Jose struck out hard on a 2-3 count slider that would have been a ball for the second out of the inning. Tea Huishan capped off the inning with a home run to start the day, his first in a WBC proper.

Jenna Albardoux increased the lead in the 3rd, putting the ball in play for Rosa Stadler to take home on a center-field single. An excellent double play from Banija’s Cyper Coulibaly cut the inning short when the momentum was leaning further in the Loyons side, but Aden Colosi hammered another homer into the stands to make the game 5-0 in the top of the fourth.

Jan Robbas, in perhaps his best game of the tournament, finally let in a run in the 5th, when Salia Kamara got the better of him after a 9-pitch at-bat, arcing a ball behind Zhao Shuchun and sending Sadiiq Xoosh back to the dugout with cheers.

The rest of the game was mostly uneventful, providing an excellent lesson for young pitchers in attendance.

Banija's Kamirakwo Sejjala made two excellent line-drive snatches in the 6th and 8th innings, and nearly gave the Banijans the equalizer in the bottom of the 6th, when a tiring Robbas was pulled for Raj Preta, who struggled early, walking Salia Kamara and Mutebi Nvunyi. Sejjala worked the count to 2-1, and cracked a hit that would have almost certainly scored two runners were it not for Jenna Albardoux, who caught an out on the track to end the inning.

A late-game scare came when Gouta Rehana scored runs for herself and Xoosh off a Eris Pandovska slider, a hit that came right after she smashed a 4-seamer just a yard or two from the outside of the foul posts.

After a short mound visit from Hawoo, Pandovska finished out the inning, striking out Salia Kamara, forcing Mutebi Nvunyi to hit an out-of-zone fastball for an easy pop-fly, and forcing a bouncing ground ball out of Kamirakwo Sejjala that was easily secured by Huishan at first.

Game Two: Banija 1-0

The second game was even more of a pitchers duel than the first, with Isa Sey nearly recording a no-hitter, stumped by Tea Huishan who struck a messy single in the top of the sixth. The Banijans had adjusted their outfield, completely extinguishing Loyo's hopes of building momentum.

Rei Uno recorded 8 strikeouts, ceding the mound to Muhammet Songbai to start the 6th inning. Songbai pitched lights-out until the 8th, when Hawoo pulled him for Dao Nahass for an inning before bringing in Pandovska to retire the side.

Mago Gold, swapped in for Cain Jose in the 5th, nearly inspired hope for fans back home with a 9-pitch at-bat in the top of the 7th, but Nakisisa Buwuuyo slotted a ball just inside the zone, which infuriated the backup designated hitter, who nearly got himself ejected when arguing, having to be restrained by Jackson Free, who took him back to the dugout, still shouting at the umpire.

Heading forward into game three, Loyo's batters face Mulowa Kantu, who will throw tricky pitches with slower velocity than Kutate. Especially concerning is his circle change, generating a lot of ground balls that are unlikely to earn bases.

With that in mind, Ajoba has switched around the lineup, giving Zaida Moraviza and Jackson Free spots higher up on the list. Ajoba also pulled Xinyi Tang in favor of Mira Koiac, her first start in international competition.

“We're in the zone now. Two close games where the result could have gone either way,” said Peter Ajoba following game two. “We've got some strategic shifts heading into game three, which we hope brings us closer to our goals in this series.”

While most players said they've been focused on the competition, and haven't had time for sightseeing or leisure, bench player Dhimi Mohchen admitted to watching game two of Ranoria v. Drawkland with Birsha Mearsheimer during the team's off day.

“It's obviously better to be playing, but it's games like the first one that make you a little envious you can't just be a fan of the WBC,” said Mohchen.

by **Zwangzug** » Mon Apr 20, 2026 6:23 pm

The Phoenix would pose a firm test:
is their odd rotation the best?
In game one, their ace
put us in our place,
we couldn't crack Fyls Mopukest.

But their bullpen setup, perhaps
is what was due for a collapse.
We pounded Jake Cross,
and his side took the loss
while we were all tossing our caps.

Play with fire, and you will get burned:
a lesson their opponents learned.
We'd fall in the ash
after this drawn-out clash:
Game Two saw the tables get turned.

Färm's solo homer took the lead.
If insurance is something they'd need,
Fox's follow-up double
was produced without trouble.
Running loose among chickens, indeed!

by **Chromatika** » Mon Apr 20, 2026 7:29 pm

Justinian's Four-Hit Start, Sturdevantt's Hitting Gives Outliers New Life

The less that is said about the first game of the Chromatika-Milchama series, the better for the Outliers. Only a solo run was scored by Alena Egorova on a solo shot at the top of the eighth, the Outliers left four runners stranded, and they looked like relative rookies compared to the MIlchamans in high profile situations. Though Eddard Friend did go six innings, giving up eight hits and four runs, the lack of run support made it impossible for the pitcher to maintain any rhythm. A sold-out crowd that was mostly Chromatik-leaning was disappointed, and all hopes turned to Marceaux Justinian for the second game of the series, to keep Chromatika in it and to give some hope to the home crowd.

The twenty-seven year old right-hander didn't disappoint. Having a robust game plan to go around the different Milchaman batters, he pitched a five-hit, eight-inning game, exiting to a standing ovation from the sold-out crowd. Miles Sturdevantt drove in three of the four runs on a double and a home run as the Chromatiks took the lead at the top of the second and never looked back. Vera Mane pitched the bottom of the ninth to preserve the four-nil victory, and the series was tied at one heading into the two matches where the Outliers will be considered the home team at the KnetyoDome.

"He was fully in control. We had a game plan, and he was able to put it into action. Also, we really took advantage of the scoring chances given to us, it looked like a different team out there," explained Manager Alisen Mayamoto.

Taking on a giant like Milchama and getting a game is a boon. Can they continue it?

by **Milchama** » Mon Apr 20, 2026 7:49 pm

Karakorum Forum-Democracy-Times-Tribune-Sun-Stars-Gods-Men-Tribute-Fightin'-Picayune-Post-Gazette-Chronicle-Eclipsor-Ellipsor-Report-Spin-Connector-Deflector-News-Today-Yesterday-And-Tomorrow

Sports Section

News and Notes

Here are some pieces of information I've picked up from various sources in the MBL and as part of the Warriors set up:

- Milo Vashington has been struggling through slight leg soreness but felt better yesterday. Vashington, of course, threw a complete game in game 1 to shut down Chromatika and give Milchama the early lead in the series.

- Eitan Gomez looks set to become a Commie, the Commies have asked him to move to Alexandria and Gomez seems likely to do so. With the Phalanx having top prospect Itay Gashka ready to take at bats, they talked to Gomez about a platoon. Gomez rejected the idea out of hand and now looks set to move to Alexandria.

- Tel Chittor have talked to the Russelheim Blue Sox about starting pitching. They haven't heard any response yet, as most of the pitchers are on the South Newlandia national team but expect to hear something soon.

- Gideon Wainwright, the former Milchama Warriors ace, is going to be managing the New Corinth Miners in the third division. Wainwright, who just retired after last season in Tel Chittor, is excited for a new opportunity.

- The second base market is looking to develop as Hayden Flartoonik has officially left the Ships and signed with the Akkad Libraries. That means Alexandria needs a new second baseman.

- We know, however, it won't be Sydney Meyer who signed a multi year deal with the Libraries. Meyer, who many are worried about a decreased offensive performance last year, got rid of some of her freedom in exchange for a guarantee of employment. (As a reminder to our international readers, complete free agency benefits players the most since they then have complete freedom of movement, as Milchama is a socialist country all players are on guaranteed one year deals and have the exclusive right to renew with their teams. Meyer gave up that right to get more years in exchange for the security that comes from knowing where you will play).

- General Manager Todd Matunguy of the New Babylon Pirates said that the Pirates were in on Flartoonik but the native Akkadian wanted to play for the Libraries. Fans are skeptical due to multiple "we just missed him" posts on cica.da.

- That said, the Pirates have raided the second division and signed Alexander Timothy (best pitcher in the MLB) award winner Adam Green from the Tzor Islanders. Green slots into either the 2nd or 3rd starter for the Pirates and will definitely give the rotation more depth.

- New Babylon has been particularly active in the international market. The Pirates are trying to up to their name and raid the old carcass of the LPB for new players. They have reached out to several teams about just about any position but first base. GM Matunguy said, "there's a lot of talent out there and I bet some of them would love to come to New Babylon." It's always nice when a team lives up to their nickname.

- New Ashur Pioneers manager Yehudit Mendenthal has said that she may experiment with a 5 person rotation in the MLB next season. Mendenthal said that many of her starters seemed to tire over the year and that it was worth trying. Other seem skeptical of the practice as the extra work load on pitchers helps them stay sharp and become better faster.

- Eden Helfand finally feels like himself. Helfand said, "I feel like I was always struggling with intense pressure to become someone I wasn't, it's nice to finally be me and to just play the game" Helfand credits Warriors manager Evan Wartsickle with the change. It certainly has worked as Helfand has hit .422/.486/.591 in the second half of the WBC.

- Khojin Mikanikei is not happy about the Horses approach to him. Mikanikei, the star player for the Karakorum Mongols, grew up a Mongols fan and has, "loved every second of playing for the team I wanted to win everyday since I was born" as a life long Horses hater, Mikanikei was stunned when the Horses approached him about a transfer. He said, "Why would I move to the worst team ever?" Look at that one for bulletin board material for next year. The Karakorum derby is going to be spicy.

- Speaking of the Horses, they improved their bullpen again with the signing of Avery Stevens from second division Punjab Titans. Stevens had a .87 ERA last year. Stevens marks the third new bullpen arm for the recently promoted Karakorum team, they got prospect Dan Steely, Avery Stevens and they swear they have a mystery Banijan who will be announced "any day now"

- Olivia Maia wants to be on the Warriors. Maia, who hit .347/.402/.456 last year has massively improved her bat over the past 2 years. Expect her to be knocking down the doors if she can keep it up this season.

- Heraldry Barker is on tour. The Forts third baseman also performs in a hardcore band called Chintermantomantoman! Chintermantomantomantoman! is out on a national tour of Milchama and is mostly playing small concert venues. Barker, a decent guitarist, is the main guitarist for the group whose longest song tops out at 93 seconds.

- Manager Evan Wartsickle knows his seat is warm. Per Wartsickle he knows that the second half did a lot to cool down rumors of his demise but anything less than the quarterfinals will be considered a failure and probably lead to his firing.

That's it for our news and notes. Remember that it's a weekly column where we tell you things that we can't quite a full article out of but seem interesting anyways! Thank you!

by **Banija** » Mon Apr 20, 2026 7:59 pm

Banijan starting pitcher for Game 2, Isa Sey, sitting on the bench at the end of the game 1

Eris Pandovska was on the mound for Loyo, trying to put the game away. Jan Robbas had an elite performance so far- 8 innings of one run ball, as the two teams entered the bottom of the 9th, with Loyo on the brink of a massive upset- the 16 seed up 5-1. Despite it technically being a non-save situation, it was the playoffs- and so, in goes the closer in the bottom of the 9th. But Banija's wily veterans did not intend to make things easy for Pandovska. A Xoosh single was quickly followed by a line drive home run from Gouta Rehana, to make it 5-3. Suddenly, with only 3 outs remaining, the Banijans had finally put some offense together, and were only down 2 runs. But it seemed likely to be too little, too late.

A mound visit calmed down the Loyo closer, and Pandovska immediately stepped out and got two outs. She got Salia Kamara to strike out, swinging, on 3 pitches- way out ahead of a breaking ball nowhere near the zone on strike 3. And then, Mutebi Nvunyi popped up, on his first pitch, to the second baseman. Two out, nobody on, Loyo's closer looked ready to settle the nerves, and deliver the exclamation of what would be a huge win. Isa Sey, the Banijan starting pitcher for the next day, was simply watching from the bench.

He stood up and clapped, for the teams' first baseman, Kamirakwo Sejjala. Could the big righty get on base, as the game's tying run? The power hitter could not- the bats that had been tamed all day stayed tamed, as Sejjala worked a full count, and then hit the last out of the game on a weak, bouncing ball to first base. Isa Sey frowned, alongside the rest of the team, sitting on the bench, looking on. A disastrous start for the #1 overall seeds- and they knew that, for the next 24 hours, the pressure would ramp up.

Isa Sey knew that his own number was going to be called tomorrow- and he knew what the task was ahead of him. He watched his manager's press conference, at his locker, after the defeat. "Yes, you know, we really struggled on offense- they kept us off-balance. They were really studious, just repeatedly attacking, and winning, at our hitters weaknesses. And their offense was fantastic- we ran through how many pitchers- 7? We had to pull Kutate in the first inning of a playoff game? Just disastrous. We were beat thoroughly, and all credit to the Sunshine Tigers. But hey, it's a best of 5 for a reason- while things look rough, the sun will rise tomorrow, and we'll have game 2. We got faith in our man Isa."

Baaku Kutate, Banija's losing starting pitcher on the day, who allowed 3 earned runs, and only recorded a singular out before being pulled, spoke about his own failures on the day- and the faith he had in Isa Sey. "Look, I struggled mightily today, and Loyo's hitters simply had my number." He told reporters. "Hopefully, Isa Sey learned a lot out there- reading their hitters, not my performance- and we've got, as a team, our full faith in him to pull us level in game 2. You aren't going to win many games in the postseason when your starting pitcher records exactly one out. And even fewer when you're using 7 pitchers in a playoff game, because I set the tone so poorly. We've got full faith in our man Isa to reset it."

Isa Sey took in those comments. He knew the pressure was on him- down 1-0, it was practically a must win. And not just any kind of win- their bullpen was worn and depleted, while Loyo's was fresh- Isa Sey would need to go out and have a dominant start, to rest those relievers, before Game 2. Could he get the job done?

Banijan starting pitcher for Game 2, Isa Sey, sitting in the bottom of the first

Isa Sey had a brilliant first inning- just a 9 pitch first inning. A strikeout to record his first out, and then a couple of weak, early count groundouts to short. Basically, the exact kind of start you wanted when you burned through basically all of your reliable relievers the day before, and you're in a desperate, must-win situation. Exactly what you wanted to see. And the first thing that many wanted to see- were the Banijan bats. "There are too many good players in this offense for us to be taken to task two days in a row." Sey had told reporters earlier in the day. "We need some run support- if they can't get it going, then we might be in some serious trouble."

Isa Sey, in general, was very much incorrect- but in this very moment, he was correct. First pitch of the game- Cyper Coulibaly smoked one down the line in right field, just barely keeping it fair. Being aggressive on the basepaths, he ignored the third base coach's stop sign, and was booking it to third base. If the throw was perfectly on line, they probably would have gotten the runner trying to stretch a double into a triple. But a slightly off throw meant that the third baseman had to reach right, and then swing back to make the tag- and an elite slide by Coulibaly ensured that the runner slid in, safely, for a leadoff triple. "Come on!" Isa Sey yelled, alongside the rest of his teammates.

Two batters later, a Sadiiq Xoosh sac fly, to the warning track, drove in the game's opening run- and while they didn't know it, that would be Banija's only run.

Banijan starting pitcher for Game 2, Isa Sey, in the bottom of the fifth

To say that the game had gone swimmingly, would be an absolute understatement. It was a brilliant pitching duel- both pitchers going pitch for pitch, largely. And Isa Sey, in particular, was really dominating- while he was certainly throwing a lot of pitches, he was dominating. Through four and a third innings, he had recorded 7 Ks, and faced the minimum amount of batters, in 14. And now, another long at-bat, as he was chasing Colosi. Pitch count well into the 80s now in the fifth, it was clear that he was not going to be able to finish this out- especially in a quasi must-win game.

He caught one on the outside of the plate- and Colosi did his very best to try and find a gap. That gap in left center, particularly- Sadiiq Xoosh, Banija's starting left fielder, is 39 years old! How much range does he have left! Fortunately for Banija, however, Nameleego, the center fielder, despite being 31, is still quite in her athletic prime. The Triceratops center fielder had a great jump on the ball, and made a diving catch to the no-hitter, and deny what surely would have been extra bases for the Sunshine Tigers.

Banijan starting pitcher for Game 2, Isa Sey, in the bottom of the seventh

There was 2 outs recorded in the bottom of the 7th. The no-hitter had been lost in the 6th, although truly you don't really have a no-hit bid until you've been through the lineup twice. That didn't matter much- Isa Sey had gotten the next guy out, no problem. Jassey had told him that he was done, after throwing 101 pitches through 6, but Isa Sey begged his manager- just one more inning. He wanted to hand it off directly to the back end of the Banijan bullpen, for maybe even a two inning save by Banija's only non-long reliever who didn't pitch yesterday- the closer, Jallom Tate. Isa Sey, who had been gathering Ks like crazy, struck out the first two batters of the inning- the first one looking, the second one swinging.

But- 113 pitches, through 6.2 innings. So Jassey knew that he had no choice- it was the playoffs, it was a must-win, but at some point, even a starter who was dominating only had so much in the tank. Jassey was famous for not trusting his middle relievers- but what was he to do? In the 7th, he was in a bind. Normally, in a situation like this, he'd go to Tshikala Bakika, his setup man. The only problem? Bakika threw 41 pitches the day before, pitching 2.1 innings. There was simply no way you could ask him to pitch again. So when Jassey had made the call to the bullpen earlier, he thought about it, and decided that he was going to trust his veteran arm. Nakisisa Buwuuyo, his 35 year old middle reliever, called up to the plate to face off against Mago Gold.

The two battled to a full count, and then some, a 9 pitch at-bat. The 9th pitch, however, was decisive- painting the upper corner of the strike zone. Strike three called, inning over. And now, the closer, the only reliever who basically did not pitch the day before, was handed the ball in a clean inning, at the top of the 8th. And Jallom Tate, as he tends to do, slammed the door- a perfect 1-2-3 eighth inning, followed by a dominant 1-2-3 ninth inning- just dominance of another level.

Isa Sey smiled afterwards. Fans were certainly still nervous- their offense was basically being completely neutralized by Loyo's pitchers, both their starters and relievers. But an elite performance from Isa Sey, who led a combined one hitter from the Banijan pitching staff, had put the Banijans back in the series- and given them a chance to try and rescue their offense, without the threat of elimination looming over them.

by **Chromatika** » Mon Apr 20, 2026 8:00 pm

Cutoff for Games 3 and 4 of the Round of Sixteen.

WBC 62 Playoffs - Round of Sixteen
Best-of-Five Series

(1) Banija vs. (16) Loyo
@ Vipers Den, Sanar, Rainbow District (Cap. 8,100)

Game 3
Banija                     4 2 1 0 0 1 0 1 0  9
Loyo                       0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0  3

Game 4
Banija                     3 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0  6
Loyo                       0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1  2

(1) Banija wins the series, 3-1.

(8) Liventia vs. (9) Eshialand
@ The Range, Lanar, Rainbow District (Cap. 8,500)

Game 3
Liventia                   0 0 0 1 6 2 0 0 0  9
Eshialand                  0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1  3

Game 4
Liventia                   0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0  3
Eshialand                  0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0  2

Series tied, 2-2.

(4) Milchama vs. (13) Chromatika
@ KnetyoDome, Knetyohai, Rainbow District (Cap. 10,500)
(Scored by Banija)

Game 3
Milchama                   0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0  2
Chromatika                 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1

Game 4
Milchama                   5 0 0 2 2 0 0 2 0 11
Chromatika                 0 2 0 1 0 1 0 0 2  6

(4) Milchama wins the series, 3-1.

(5) South Newlandia vs. (12) TJUN-ia
@ The Sting, Shantarr, Heartland District (Cap. 4,300)

Game 3
South Newlandia            3 0 2 0 2 2 0 0 0  9
TJUN-ia                    3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2  5

Game 4
South Newlandia            3 3 0 0 0 5 0 0 6 17
TJUN-ia                    3 0 0 0 1 1 3 0 1  9

(5) South Newlandia wins the series, 3-1.

(6) Zwangzug vs. (11) The Kytler Peninsulae
@ The Headquarters, Hanai, Capital District (Cap. 9,100)

Game 3
Zwangzug                   0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1
The Kytler Peninsulae      3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 X  4

Game 4
Zwangzug                   1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1
The Kytler Peninsulae      0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 X  2

(11) The Kytler Peninsulae wins the series, 3-1.

(3) Drawkland vs. (14) Ranoria
@ The Field of Flames, Felswyr, Mountain District (Cap. 5,200)

Game 3
Drawkland                  0 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 4  9
Ranoria                    0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 7 10

(14) Ranoria wins the series, 3-0.

(7) Kamijiro vs. (10) Ko-oren
@ Field of Legends, Larhai, Coastal District (Cap. 6,200)

Game 3
Kamijiro                   0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0  4
Ko-oren                    0 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 X  5

Game 4
Kamijiro                   0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3  5
Ko-oren                    1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  2

Series tied, 2-2.

(2) Quebec and Shingoryeo vs. (15) Tikariot
@ The Barracks, Rhoni, Coastal District (Cap. 9,250)

Game 3
Quebec and Shingoryeo      0 0 0 2 0 0 1 1 1  5
Tikariot                   1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0  3

(2) Quebec and Shingoryeo wins the series, 3-0.

A reminder that Game 5 will be tomorrow.

by **Ko-oren** » Tue Apr 21, 2026 2:45 am

Season 32 Final

And so we arrive to another season's end. Hopes broken, others spring anew: the Giants had their sights set on greatness but were knocked out by a rebuilding Dragons team. It goes to show how close these teams are to one another at the end of the day. Meanwhile the Dragons are 'gifted' a place in the final on the back of an 'easy' bracket, which is to say, they didn't play any of the Western division teams. On the other side we find the Wanderers, who ran the entire gauntlet against their division rivals, from the Stars to the Challengers, and whoever came out of that pathway has earned their spot among the final two, they really deserve it. And so the Wanderers either get their repeat, or the Dragons show that their dynasty is far from over still.

Amandine Wanderers - Echizen Dragons 5-9

One of the semifinals had incredibly low scoring - it was the Dragons-Giants series. But when they finally got to hitting, after the regular starters were exhausted and the bullpen felt the effects of a grueling season, the runs started flowing. In the final, both teams waste no time and immediately get to hitting. A few pitching inaccuracies help: two hits by pitch, one wild pitch, and more walks in this one game than in the first three games of the Wanderers-Challengers series combined. Among all that, Jimenez breaks the deadlock with a 3-run home run for the Dragons to take a decisive 3-7 lead. Two more runs each scored in the bottom of the eighth and the top of the ninth don't change the margin of scoring, but 5-9 is a hell of a scoreline for game one.

Echizen Dragons - Amandine Wanderers 7-3

Now, at home on the Uvesaki field, the Dragons look to make it 2-0 in the series, and - spoilers - they do, as you've already seen. It's a much cleaner game than the opener, with players used to the weight of the moment a bit better, but now the Dragons are relying on ever younger pitchers: they have Good and Jembembe reserved for games one and two, and that leaves them with the young lineup of Gabheriten, Asezheshen, and Fajisen - the oldest among them being 22. We did say it's a rebuilding year for the Dragons, they took the playoff spot and division win as a sign to mean they're on the right track, but never did they expect a spot in the final, let alone a 2-0 lead in the series. But now that you're there, you'd be crazy not to take advantage, and maybe that's exactly why the home team play like they've got nothing to lose: they indeed have no downsides from this arrangement. The Wanderers, meanwhile, play with a tenacity that bites them in the behind a bit. It's all must-win games for them, as in their crowded division, you never know when your next chance arises. And so Kheudhen has a hard time dealing with the pressure and the Dragons go up 5-0 in the first three innings before the young Amandine starter is pulled. In her place: Andry, the long-term long reliever, who pulls it together but it's once more too much for the hitters to deal with. Mortier gets them on the board, but seven left on base in the final three innings are the difference. Dakritdhen, Esheross, Fralin all miss key opportunities to get more runs on the board - and now they're a dead team walking.

Amandine Wanderers - Echizen Dragons 6-2

One more game is all that's needed for Echizen to win the series, but the Wanderers have some fight in them. Fralin and Sullivan author home runs to go up 5-1 midway through the game, and from then on the Wanderers are hellbent on playing a clean game to not let this 4-run lead go to waste. Luckily for them, they have a much more mature pitching lineup from top to bottom - they're built like a championship team with all the right mixes of ages and positions, I mean, they literally are the reigning champs - and with Micheaux, Andry, Moriyama, and Nicholson they make short work of the Dragons in the final six innings of the game. This is how dominant the Wanderers can be, if they want to...

Echizen Dragons - Amandine Wanderers 1-5

On enemy soil, the Wanderers get another game and tie the series 2-2 setting us up for a hell of a decider! They move Saucini up in the rotation, they're playing with their backs against the wall after all. They can't afford to drop a game, so they're going with the slightly older - if maybe a little bit more limited an arsenal - Saucini. And he pitches perhaps the best few innings we've seen all series, which has been marred with some errant throws and unnecessary walks. It's a flawless game and he's on the mound for seven innings (also the longest start of the series), and the Dragons cannot find a way through. On the other side, we've hit the younger end of the Dragons' starters, and Fajisen is struggling with a confident Sullivan and Fralin. They're both successful on every plate appearance but one - and 1-5 is actually a fairly low outcome for what could've been a blowout. The Wanderers have the upper hand going into the final game.

Amandine Wanderers - Echizen Dragons 6-11

But instead it's the newly constructed Dragons with the win. They score 11 runs off of Haekhin (this time it's the Wanderers who are down to their last starter) with home runs by Jimenez, Hotard, and Hathisarufan. Only one of those goes for more than one run, however, but at that point the score is 4-9 already and it's a hell of a way to get back in there at that point. It's the highest scoring game of the series - and the entire playoffs, one more run than the 11-5 Giants win over the Dragons. The Wanderers do get one back with a two-run double by Nakajima, but it's too little, far too late.

And that means it's the projected ninth placed Echizen Dragons with their first title in three years, their fifth final appearance in seven years, and easily the team to beat across the league, even in a 'down year'. Never count them out. Next season, the three contending Western division teams will be back with a vengeance, the Giants will have even more of a chip on their shoulder, and the pressure is on the Northern teams to win a pretty bad division.

by **Banija** » Tue Apr 21, 2026 10:29 am

Sadiiq Xoosh, sitting in front of media availability, morning of Game 3

Sadiiq Xoosh, the captain and long-time left fielder for the Banijans, strolled to his seat, and sat in it. This was to be his last tournament- and the team was currently deadlocked. at one game a piece, against the Sunshine Tigers of Loyo.

"Sadiiq, the offense's struggles are a huge reason that this series is now a coin toss. Do you understand how Loyo's pitchers have seemed to get the better of you guys the first two games?"

"Look, it's the playoffs- the pitching and defense was always going to ramp up to an 11, and that is what is happening here." Xoosh told reporters. "People read too much into the seedings heading into this thing, in my opinion. This isn't the Ultra 64- this is the World Baseball Classic, where all 16 teams got some sort of legitimate shot at a deep run. Loyo should not have been dissed for being the last team into the tournament- they are playing without pressure on their shoulders, which has allowed them to relax, and attack. Now, thankfully Isa Sey led the way in game 2- but those of us holding the bats know that we need to figure something out in Game 3- otherwise, we're gonna be taking an early flight home."

After that, the press room, usually polite, kind of descended into pandemonium as various reporters all tried to ask questions at the same time.

"Sadiiq, is it because there are too many oldheads on the team? You and Gouta are the team's greats- but are you just the past generation, staying around for one tournament too long?"

"Sadiiq, do we have to be realistic about Banijan baseball? Did we just beat up on a bad group for the entire tournament, and we're gonna get flipped at the first sign of real opposition?"

"Sadiiq, should the manager be looking to switch up the lineup in what's now a best of 3?"

As question like those were being shouted, Sadiiq Xoosh was getting pissed off. He then stood up, and banged the table.

"HEY!" He yelled at the room, as the reporters died down. "I will let you guys all know this, and quickly- the manager doesn't need to make substitutions. Nobody needs to worry, or panic. We've got the guys- and the next guy who says that I'm too old to be here, or Gouta is, or Mutebi is, can take a long walk off a short pier. Their pitchers got the better of us for two days- there are three games left in this series, and I promise each and every one of you- we're going to remind you what these bats are all about." Pissed off as heck, he got up, put his fist on the table, and with 10 minutes left in his media availability, stormed out of a room, that was in shocked silence.

Would he get fined? Absolutely. But he didn't care about that. He was sick and tired of this team getting belittled. It was time to put up or shut up- and he fully intended on putting up.

After dropping game 1, Banijans win 3 in a row to bury Loyo, and punch their ticket to the WBC 62 Quarterfinals

SANAR, RAINBOW DISTRICT, CHROMATIKA- "Winning a playoff series is not easy, no matter what your seed is, or who the opponent is." Kingston Jassey told reporters. "So we are thankful that we are- but the job is far, far from done." And while it wasn't easy, and certainly was not smooth, the Banijans managed to mash their way to the quarterfinals of the 62nd World Baseball Classic. After Banija's offense was basically silenced for the opening two games of the series, the following two games were the exact opposite- from silence, to loudness. And from tentative at-bats, to aggressiveness that paid off- an off-day that led to a dramatic turnaround of Banija's offensive prowress, and threw Banija back up the list of potential tournament favorites.

Game 3

Mulowa Kantu, the 26 year old NMU grad, was set to take the mound in Game 3 for the Banijans- while, on the other side, Emre Conversos would take the mound. Loyo had taken back "home" field advantage for this series- and so the Sunshine Tigers would be on the mound first. With all the pressure on the Banijan offense, specifically, getting off to a fast start would be of paramount importance. "People seem to think that because we got a few veterans on our team, that we're all graybeards- and we are not. We've got to show the world, and the entire tournament, frankly, that we are capable of playing some legitimate championship baseball."

And so, just like Game 2, they would rely on the top of the lineup to set the tone. You felt things could go well after the first at-bat, when Cyber Coulibaly hit one all the way to the warning track. Did it get tracked down? Yes- but getting good contact that early in the game, is something that is going to tend to help you out. And the next Banijan batters, well... Were simply ready for the moment. Elisabeth Sa, who plays the hot corner, lined one into the gap at her very next at-bat, putting a runner on 2nd base, with just one out. A single up the middle, with Sa already taking a big lead, put the Banijans up, 1-0, as Sa just barely beat the throw, that was on line, and on target, from center field.

Then, for the second time, a Banijan batter found extra bases, as Gouta Rehana lined one down the right field line. Now, in a previous tournament, would Xoosh have scored from first? Of course! But, he's 39 years old now- and so he pulled in, standing up, to third base. Runners on 2nd & 3rd, only one out, and Salia Kamara up at the plate. A Kamara single, over the head of a leaping Loyo second baseman, would score Xoosh, which made the score 2-0. Nvunyi walked, to load the bases- and then Kamirakwo Sejjala stepped up to the plate, and smoked a 2 run double down the left field line, just past Loyo's diving third baseman. The offense, the source of so much criticism, had just put up a four spot in the first. Didn't matter that Damba Mukalo and Akia Nameleego both struck out to end the inning, giving your pitcher a 4-0 lead before they even take the mound is a great path to victory.

The offense continued to pour it on- with Gouta Rehana, for the second time this series, hitting a two run home run to chase Emre Conversos in the 2nd inning. Up 7-0 after three innings, the game was basically over before it began- and that remained true, as the Banijans ended up winning by a final score of 9-3. Mulowa Kantu recorded the win, getting the quality start, pitching 6.2 innings and allowing just 3 runs (2 of them earned). With such a huge lead, it was Banija's middle relievers who would close this out- Beesigye Waddiga finishing off the seventh, while 34 year old Batte Kirulu took the 8th, and then Othiamba Lukomwa putting up zeroes in the 9th. A big win to not only put the team up 2-1, but get the offense's confidence back.

"The bats- are back." Jassey told reporters. "Now, it's important that we continue this in Game 4. But we keep taking approaches like this? The sky is the limit."

Game 4

The sky is the limit, indeed. Game 4, a closeout game for the Banijans. "It's important that when you have an opportunity to win a series, you do so at first opportunity." Kingston Jassey told reporters. "And not only to do so- but to do so decisively. This game is so beautiful because no matter what, you've got to get 27 outs- can't run out the clock, can't stall, you've just got to go out, and attack, attack, attack. When you have a team on the ropes, you have to land the knockout punch- if you allow them a little room to breathe, a little room to get back in it, then that's where you see all those crazy comebacks." Over the years, the Banijans have been on both ends of those crazy comebacks. Most favorable to us, of course, was WBC 47- when we went down, 2 games to 0, in the first round of the playoffs, despite being a #2 seed. Of course, we all know what happened after that- 13 wins in a row(a reverse sweep, plus three sweeps) to win a world title.

But we have also seen teams come back against us as well. We did not want this to be a legendary mark for our opponents- nope, this needed to be a notch on the belt as the Banijans moved forward.

Jassey emphasized, the importance of starting well. The first three games of this series, had featured the winning team scoring in the first inning. Loyo put 3 up in the first inning of game 1, chasing our starting pitcher after he recorded just a singular out. Banija put up the game's lone run in the bottom of the first inning, in our gritty, 1-0 win in game 2. And of course, Game 3, we all saw it last night- a 4 spot in the top of the first. Would there be some more early inning magic?

The answer, was yes. The 22 year old Micah Jones, left-handed, getting the ball for the Sunshine Tigers- and Cyper Coulibaly starting off. He has taken such good game-opening at-bats- and Banija's leadoff hitter did so again, an immediate 11 pitch battle, turning into a walk. And then, he decided to get aggressive- steal second on the first pitch to Elisabeth Sa. A good way for the Banijans to press the issue, with Adroa Kayima set to throw in the closeout game. Sa hit a sac fly, to deep right field, to advance the runner- so Coulibaly was on third base, with just one out. Xoosh and Rehana, back to back, with a chance to drive in the run? Well, Gouta Rehana has been stealing all the headlines this series (2 home runs already!), but the captain had to make himself heard. Worked a 3-0 count, and obviously, a dude like Xoosh always has the green light. He saw a pitch that he liked, and he smoked it over the short porch fence in left field.

370 feet- and just like that, it was 2-0 in favor of the Banijans. While Rehana struck out after that, Salia Kamara, who is seemingly Xoosh's heir as Banija's star player, hit another home run himself- and suddenly, everybody's smoking long balls for Banija. Just like that, it was 3-0 in the first inning, and Loyo's manager had no choice but to pull Micah Jones. The Banijans had a chance- and they took it. Kayima had an excellent game. But think of the complimentary baseball here. When Jenna Albardoux had a RBI single in the third inning to start putting pressure on the Banijans, Kayima did not get rattled even slightly- forcing Tea Huishan to ground into an 4-6-3, inning ending, double play.

And then, in the fourth inning, more runs were to come- a cushion, for Kayima. Bases loaded, two outs- and Cyper Coulibaly at the plate. What did the shortstop do? A man who has had a sensational postseason so far continued his run, hitting a bases loaded, bases clearing double in the top of the 4th to make the score 6-1, and just suck the energy out of Banija's opponents. From there, it was pretty much a wrap. Kayima ended up throwing 6 innings of one run baseball. Make no mistakes about it from there- Nakisisa Buwuuyo threw the 7th, Tshikala Bikika threw the 8th, and Jallom Tate threw the 9th inning. Despite Tate allowing a 9th inning home run, the game was never really close- Banija had closed out the series, and punched their ticket to the quarterfinals.

"Congrats to Loyo on a good series- and a big win for the team." Said Kingston Jassey. "Big wins beget big games, and the quarterfinals will give us some more excellent matchups. I'll be off to Lanar on Sunday to watch LIventia v. Eshialand in person, while the players will get the day off- a chance to relax, and refresh mentally, as the intensity only ratchets upwards as the Classic goes along."

by **South Newlandia** » Tue Apr 21, 2026 2:19 pm

by **Zwangzug** » Tue Apr 21, 2026 2:52 pm

In the end, we must tip our hats
to our frenemies known as the Bats.
And you know what they say:
if they try to convey
a tiresome and smug message about identitarian leftism, we just go one harder by totally deconstructing the meter and rhyme scheme, and then angrily throw our bats at them.
[Editor's note: please don't do this.]

by **Liventia** » Tue Apr 21, 2026 4:29 pm

New Liventian prime minister Bellegarde promises "improved efficiency" in sports funding, singles out WBC team and Olympics

OREAN— Liventia's new prime minister Dany Bellegarde, speaking in his first comments after seeing his Social Democrats returned to government alongside their coalition partners the Democratic Liberals with an increased majority, has promised to work in favour of a more equitable spread in government funding for sporting endeavours.

Mr Bellegarde, who succeeds James Morgan as Liventia's head of government, is an Olympic champion. At 38, he is one of the youngest prime ministers in the country's history; the former snowboarder is also the first Liventian leader from the Francophone community.

His background as an athlete has led to questions about how his government will approach sports. In Mr Morgan's 18 years in office, the government took a sports-first approach to diplomacy and international relations.

"Certainly, I think being an athlete myself, that's the direction I'll continue to go in as we form our government policy," Mr Bellegarde said in his first press conference. "I know first-hand how sports funding is very hit and miss at the moment, and I think one of our aims will be to improve efficiency in how we handle funding decisions through Sport Liventia and the State Secretariat (ministry) for Sport."

The national baseball team, currently competing at the World Baseball Classic and facing a must-win Game 5 against Eshialand in order for their dreams to not be crushed at the first playoff hurdle again, was singled out by Mr Bellegarde in his comments.

"We know that our big team sports teams don't often get a lot of government funding. Baseball, for example, is 75-25 between the LBC (the domestic league) and Sport Liventia. Is that something we want to look into or are we happy with the private sector funding that? As a snowboarder I always relied on public funding too but there was often not a lot, with other sports prioritised — certainly, that split is something we will have to speak to Sport Liventia about too."

Mr Bellegarde's Social Democrats gained seven seats and have 150 MPs in the new Commons, while the Democratic Liberals held steady at 65 seats, giving the governing coalition a working majority of 39. The right-wing Liventia Reform Campaign, led by former centrist prime minister Jeremy Firston, surged to 64 seats, becoming the official opposition. The LRC capitalised on a collapse in the vote of both the Tories, who lost nine seats, and the far-right Liventia Forward Movement, who lost seven seats.

Full results from election (+/- change from last lower-house elections)

Social Democrats 150 (+7)
Democratic Liberal Party 65 (±0)
Liventia Reform Campaign 64 (+19)
Conservative Party 41 (-9)
Greener Society Coalition/EFCS 28 (-6)
Liventia Forward Movement 1 (-7)
Progressive Communist Party 1 (-3)
Independents 2 (±0)

by **Kamijiro** » Tue Apr 21, 2026 6:47 pm

Diamond IX, Vol. IV, Part VIII: Fourteen Innings and a Bomb

As written by Lucian Belvedere.

I've taken a lot of big swings in my life.
But perhaps none as large as the one at the stroke of midnight against Ko-oren.
The game was never meant to go this long, but a deadlock at two lasted for an extra four innings.
The first pitch was in the evening, the sun was still peaking out.

The final pitch I saw was at midnight.
I didn't see the ball for very long after I heard the crack of the bat.
I knew it was gone the moment it made contact.
The Sun twins driven in,
Drove us to a win.

Lockdown pitching by Devyn in the bottom of the fourteenth sealed the day.
We go to game five, ready to see if Adélaïde is truly ready for her biggest test yet.
Or will the Kamijiro curse strike yet again - good in the regular season, collapse in the post.
All sports are like this. We've been the rare exception. So far.

I write with the hope that we live to fight another series.
I write with the hope that this core of players sees a trophy before they age out.
I write with the hope that if we fall short, the fans at home won't be too sad.
I write with the hope that we won't have to find out if they're too sad.

by **Chromatika** » Tue Apr 21, 2026 7:15 pm

Cutoff for Game 5.

WBC 62 Playoffs - Round of Sixteen
Best-of-Five Series

(8) Liventia vs. (9) Eshialand
@ The Range, Lanar, Rainbow District (Cap. 8,500)

Game 5
Eshialand              0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1  3
Liventia               0 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 X  4

(8) Liventia wins the series, 3-2.

(7) Kamijiro vs. (10) Ko-oren
@ Field of Legends, Larhai, Coastal District (Cap. 6,200)

Game 5
Ko-oren                0 1 0 3 0 2 3 0 2 11
Kamijiro               0 0 0 1 2 4 0 1 0  8

(10) Ko-oren wins the series, 3-2.

WBC 62 Playoffs - Quarterfinals
Best-of-Five Series

(1) Banija vs. (8) Liventia
@ Merfolk’s Moor, Myana, Myana Island (Cap. 7,000)

(4) Milchama vs. (5) South Newlandia
@ Merfolk’s Moor, Myana, Myana Island (Cap. 7,000)

(11) The Kytler Peninsulae vs. (14) Ranoria
@ Knights’ Tale, Urrheddiao, Urrhed Island (Cap. 8,200)

(2) Quebec and Shingoryeo vs. (10) Ko-oren
@ Knights’ Tale, Urrheddiao, Urrhed Island (Cap. 8,200)

World Baseball Classic 62 Everything Thread

Batter Up!: The Final Blow

Batter Up!: SNL 1-2

7,000 - Standing Alone

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