WBC 9 in Liventia: Rosters/RP/Scores [Archive]

Qazox

06-12-2008, 05:32

QSPN.com/WBCIX Coverage

After winning two of the last three WBC championships, Qazox has become the team to beat in Baseball. The good news for the World, NONE of the players of the past three WBC's will return, as they have either retired or have moved on with their carrers. The bad news? Manager Adam Victorini is still around, and this team is still loaded, but with unproven international players.

The first matches of the WBC will see the Pheonix take on newcomers Idanno, in a homw/away two-game series. If the series is tied at 1 game apiece, then the aggregate score of the two games will determine the team advancing to Liventia for the final rounds of the WBC itself. The Pheonix, according to the New Bruxen Casino are 1:30 favorites in this matchup and 5:3 favorites to win their 3rd Classic in the 4.

STARTING LINEUP: (Bats/Throws)

CF- Darren Pew: (R/R) Classic leadoff hitter, Plenty of speed and gets on base. Has an below average throwing arm in the field.

2B- Herman Doane: (R/R)The best fielder on the team, but is streaky at the plate. Has little power, but can hit it anywhere.

1B- Douglas Ellenburg: (L/R) Hits for power, but strikes out alot. Has a decent glove for a first baseman, but will drop a few here and there.

RF- Angel Monks: (L/L) 4-tool player, Can do almost everything. Has only an average range in the field and a spotty arm.

3B- Clark Petrie: (R/R) Solid glove at the hot corner. Inconsistant at the plate, but has good power.

LF- Kyle Bryon: (S/R) Like Monks, a 4-tool player, Great arm, but has no bat power. Can hit it anywhere.

C- Mickey Weatherby: (R/R) Unlike past Qazoxian catchers, he can be run on, but can handle every pitch and has some pop in bat.

SS- Johnnie Bannon: (L/L)Great glove at short, can play anywhere on infield, but struggles at times at the plate.

Pitcher: (see below)

For games involving a DH, please place the DH as the #4 batter and drop everyone down acordingly.
DH- Hank Yans (also back-up catcher): Hits the ball a mile, but strikes out alot as well. Decent enough behind the plate, and has better arm than Weatherby.

STARTING PITCHING:

#1 (LHP)- Rick Highfield: Has a 98-mph fastball, a good slider and a good changeup. Does tend to fall behind in the count.

#2 (RHP)- Glen Barter: Good fastball, good curve, a decent changeup. Tends to give up a few HR on changeup.

#3 (RHP)- Corey Delrosario: Great slider, average fastball and average curveball. Can throw a knuckleball on occasion.

#4 (RHP)- Tyle Newson: Has a good circle-change and a good splitfinger fastball, but a hanging curve which does get crushed often.

BENCH:
1B: Oliver Tyes- Good fielder at first, but liability at bat, used for defensive purposes mostly.
2B: Victor Young- Quick runner, usually a pinch runner, as bat skills are ineffective.
INF: Randy Michaels- Good overall player, but has fielding issues and is usually put in in blowouts.
SS/3B: Sean Schell: Good bat off the bench and has decent fielding, but tends to make too many errors.
OF: Jasyen Iwimura- Good arm in outfield and good speed, but strikes out too frequently.
OF: Alvin Kulesza: Best pinch-hitter on team. Works the count real well, but has erractic arm.
UTIL: Carl Burchill: Plays anywhere and has decent power. Speed and throwing accuracy are keeping him on bench.

BULLPEN:
RP (LHP)- Brian Rescovich: Middle relief. Has a good slider and curve, but has a hanging fastball.
RP (RHP)- Nathaniel Schuyler: Godd setup man, has good curveball that tends to get hit into the ground.
RP (LHP)- Francis Scarbourgh: Long relief. Can go 3 innings if needed, but tends to get more ragged the longer he goes.
RP (RHP)- David Haskins: Used in mop-up role. Has decent stuff, but is wild.
CP (RHP)- Jackson Throne: Has 97-mph fastball and a 12-6 slider that lefties can't hit.

VENUE:
Pheonix Stadium- Capacity: 58,145. (a +1 hitters park)
http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/pheonix_stadium.jpg

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my runscorers: Yes
Choose my lineup: follow the one i have.
Follow my Pitching rotation Rotation: YES
Godmod scoring events: no
RP injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod injuries to my players: no
Eject my players:No
Godmod other events: No
DH in home park: No

Taeshan

06-12-2008, 05:45

Taeshan Home Field-Quarant Xa'virt Sphark Stadium-Recently upgraded to 400, 451 seats.

A No Dhing park.

Milchama

06-12-2008, 07:14

Announcement from the Milchama Baseball Association

The Milchama roster was supposed to be unveiled today. However due to an unfortunate set of circumstances involving incompetence, a large coffee maker, electricity, and cream of mushroom soup the computer that would have sent the roster was deleted from a computer. And now since the computer is under a lot of coffee and soup and nobody in the MBA bothered to back up the files who is actually playing for Milchama is a hotly debated subject. There have been at least 5 different rosters circulating, some of them involving clones, some involving old Major League Baseball players from that alternate universe, some involving actual possible players, the combinations are endless.

Unfortunately this means that a release of the roster has been suspended until which time as people can figure out what the roster is and who is actually on the roster. With that in mind we cannot release the rosters. The MBA sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience. We also say that even with our mysterious roster our ace pitcher, who ever that may be (possibly Kevin Yotam) and slugger, whoever that may be (possibly Tomasz Fivel) will still be able to beat The Bluth Corporation in both games. We are still better then them. THIS WE KNOW!

COME ON YOU WARRIORS!

Tocrowkia

06-12-2008, 08:22

After their success in World Baseball Classic 8, which included the teams first ever playoff berth, the Tocrowkian National Team, now dubbed the Nordics, is looking to repeat and improve on the success of the previous WBC. "Obviously, looking at WBC 8 you saw a team that was much more focused and energized than the cellar-dwellers you saw in WBC 7." Began the Nordics manager, Paul Rudolf. "And I feel that same kind of energy from the boys and girls this time around. We know that in an event as short as the WBC, we have play at 100% each game, through every pitch, every AB. They're the type of players that can do that."

Of the heart-breaking 0-4 record the Nordics had against defending champion Qazox, Rudolf shrugged and said. "I'm not going to let the past daunt me. I learned my lesson, and we'll play harder against them especially." 1st Baseman Johnny Stryker, who despite the team as wholes struggles against Qazox, batted over 300. and homered twice against them also scoffed at the notion they would experience the same lack of success this time around. "We tried last time around, but we didn't try hard enough. We're ready for them this time."

Batting Order:
3B - Kitten Dyfuse (R/R)
[ The 21 Year-old Kitten has a great set of wheels, among the leaders in her league in extra base hits, infield singles (despite being a righty) and stolen bases last year. Usually not a power hitter, but she has been known to go deep once in about every ten to fifteen at bats.
LF - Willhelm Dynrus (L/L)
[ Another Speed demon, and an expert at threading the needle with on the line base hits, bloopers and in field singles. Not a longball player, but he draws a lot of walks to make up for it.
SS - Jill Haviland (R/R)
[ A rarity among infielders, Jill Haviland has an excellent power stroke. She is known for her majestic, 425+ ft homeruns that come easily to her, giving her the tongue-in-cheek nickname "Princess of Pounders" Everything works for her, and her swing is regarded as one of the most beautiful in Tocrowkian baseball. She is much more than just a slugger though, and can pretty much get every type of hit from line drivers to tape measure jacks. She can also protect her strike zone fairly well. On top of that, she is a media darling with a great personality, thus making her the easiest choice for team captain. ]
CF - Dmitri Rykov (R/R)
[ Baring the nickname "Mr. Clutch", Dmitri Rykov is a man that thrives on clutch situations when a hit means a run. He lead the league in walk-off hits last year and looks to repeat this year. And as expected for the fourth hitter in your lineup, he posses significant power in his bat and he can protect the zone. ]
1B - Johnny Stryker (L/L)
[ An amazing young player who hits for power and average, can run and field exceptionally well, Stryker is a talented but arrogant player known for his show-boating (such as casually strolling the bases and grinning at the pitcher after hitting a home run). However, he is something of a free-swinger early in the count, but does have a significant amount of success in hitting, if not crushing, the first pitch. ]
C - Hoyt Klaus (R/R)
[ Hoyt is a veteran, hard-nosed player. Despite being more of a line-drive hitter at this point in his career, Hoyt still has pop in his bat. He likes breaking balls and his highly regarded for his ability to hit them ]
2B - Domino Mazdrick (R/S)
[ Mazdrick's position in the order should not reflect poorly on her. She is perhaps the best "pure hitter" on the team. Though she does posses power, that just isn't her game. She prefers hitting frozen ropes, line drives, bloopers and one hoppers and terrorizing the opposition that way. She is the most protective of her strike zone out of anyone on the team, and draws a lot of walks and runs up the pitch count that way. ]
RF - Alec Travylin (L/L)
[ Like the middle of the order, a power hitter. But a free swinger and he strikes out a bunch, an all or nothing type of hitter. So he's 8th for that reason. ]

Designates team captain

Pitchers:
SP - Tommy Thunder (Righty)
[ Classic power pitcher, with a 93-98 MPH fastball, 12-6 Curve, cut fastball and circle change making up his arsenal. Attacks the strike zone, especially the corners, with his fastball and uses his other pitches for outs. And having player 3rd base during high school and half of his college career, he is no slouch at the plate, either, and can hit balls and hit them deep. ]
SP - Jeanna Glaus (Lefty)
[ A sink baller by nature, Jeanna also has a 92-96 MPH fastball, curve ball and a slider to make use of. Of course her sinker is her main pitch however, which results in a lot of ground outs. ]
SP - Matthew Shaporio (Righty)
[ A pitcher with excellent control of four pitches: A 92-97 MPH fastball, an odd screwball, a deceptive splitter and a great change up. Has an odd wind-up and delivery style, which of course deceives hitters.]
SP - Mercedes Gaunt (Lefty)
[ Finesse pitcher who relies on breaking pitches and off-speed pitches to win games. Throws quality strikes, and has a low walk percentage to show for it. However, her fastball, which tops out at a maximum of 92 MPH is sort of easy to hit, but due to all the off-speed stuff she mix's in, it makes up for it. ]
MR - Jaycen Hester (Righty)
[ A former starter turned reliever late in his career. Has a four-seem fastball, a curve and a change-up. Though he used to be a fire-baller, he now relies on throwing quality strikes rather than over-powering the hitter. Good for up to two innings of effective relief. ]
MR - Gerald Fischer (Lefty)
[ A one inning, maybe less guy. A junk-baller by nature, he has a curve, slider, splitter and a sinker to use. Utilized mostly in blow-outs when giving up a run to the opposing team isn't such a big deal. ]
MR - Kimberly Soylnt (Righty)
[ A smart pitcher that uses a two-seam fastball, a slurve, a circle change and a fork ball. Though she usually ends up working the count full and throwing a bunch of pitches, she's good for up to two innings of relief. ]
MR - Hans Koller
[ Hans really only has control of three pitches. A sinker, a two-seam fastball and a curve. His sinker is really good though, so he's often used in jams with the game on the line, like a bases loaded no outs type of situation. ]
LHP - Darrel Klitz (Lefty)
[ Used against tough lefties, obviously. Has a cut-fastball, a slider and a change up. Prefers to work lefties inside at first, and surprise them with a fastball outside for the out. ]
LHP - Anna Tavker (Lefty)
[ Again, used against tough lefties. Another junk-baller too in that she relies on a 12-6 curve, a normal curve, a slider and a palmball in order to get her target out. ]
SU - Amber Taven (Righty)
[ Amber Tavern, an impressive young woman that performs well under pressure, has an arsenal of pitches to work with. A 95 MPH Fastball, a two-seam Fastball which has good movement and has a good late break, and is extremely effective against lefties. An excellent slider, which she often uses for outs against righties, an effective curve which breaks down and away, and finally a great change up. Amber is extremely emotional, and some would say cocky, and often performs elongated celebrations after retiring the side. ((OOC: Seriously. Imagine her doing something like Jonathan Papelbon (http://faninterference.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/jonathan-papelbon2.jpg) and K-Rod (http://www.francisspecker.com/images/K-Rod.jpg) after every out she records.)) ]
CL - Jamie Von Tipker (Righty)
[ A classic closer. Unlike her set-up counter-part, Jamie is a calm and modest player, but she is extremely effective. She has command of a cut-fastball, which she throws with great effectiveness and oddly enough causes alot of broken bats. She also has a good 12-6 Curve, circle change and finally a sinker. ]

Bench:
Eva Bethge (Utility Infielder) (R/R)
[ Can play either corner-infield position, Eva is a strong defensive player used mostly in double-switcher scenarios. She can make good contact on pitchers too, but has little power. ]
Stefan Küchler (Utility Infielder) (R/R)
[ Can play either middle-infield position, Stefan is utilized as pinch hitter more often than not due to his ability to work the count in his favor. Though he has little power like Eva, he can also hit for average. He also has good speed, and is often utilized as a pinch-runner as a result. ]
Michel Keitel (Utility Infielder) (R/R)
[ A young catcher, used more often than not to give Hoyt Klaus a break for a game or two. He can call a good came, but has iffy skill when it comes to throwing runners out. Can hit for power, but not for average and is vulnerable to striking out. ]
Heinz Görtz (Utility Outfielder) (L/L)
[ Can play either right or left field. He's a solid defensive player, but he can really struggle at the plate at times. When he does make contact however, he can hit the ball a long way. ]
Carmen Rein (Utility Outfielder) (L/L)
[ A young center fielder, Carmen is known for her athletic and impressive plays in the outfield and her cannon of an arm, having two gold-glove awards in her short career. Not a lot of power, but is pretty fast, making her a good pinch runner too. ]

Uniforms:
http://img390.imageshack.us/img390/5564/tocrowkianwbcteamunicopgs6.png (http://imageshack.us)

Stadium:
Wraith Field (http://img132.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bankoneballparkkh7.gif) (Modifer +0)
Capacity: 330,600
[A retractable roof stadium that favors neither pitcher nor hitter. Turf consists of an all-natural grass hybrid that was bred in a lab, designed to survive the environment of a domed arena. Also, steel flooring and generally enclosed roof and outfield wall during the winter months make the home-crowd noise positively defining.]

Dimensions
Left Field: 317 Ft
Left-Center: 332 Ft
Center: 402 Ft
Right Field: 318 Ft
Right-Center: 339 Ft

The Other Stuff:
Choose my runscorers: Yes
Choose my lineup: No
Follow my Pitching rotation Rotation: No
Godmod scoring events: A cautious yes for now
RP injuries to my players: No
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Eject my players: No
Godmod other events: Another cautious yes for now. Stuff like charging the mound, bench clearing bawls? That's fine with me. But I don't want to see my players murdering or raping people.
DH in home park: No

Rainere

06-12-2008, 08:45

Inside the Ministry of Sports and Culture, Minister Mark Kagen had just hung up the phone with the tournament organizers from Liventia. It was official; Rainere would be fielding its first international team to play in the ninth edition of the WBC. Not only that, the nation will be hosting its first international match at home against a top-ranked international team. There was, however, one slight problem. Minister Kagen indeed never checked to verify what sport would actually be played at the WBC. Assuming that it would be Basketball, one of the nation's premier sports, the Minister rushed to sign the nation up immediately after receiving the fax advertising the tournament. Still without the fact that baseball, a less popular sport in the nation, would be played at the tournament, he called over his assistant Dan to begin preparations. “Dan, get me on the phone with the National Basketball League, tell the commissioner I got us a spot in the international tournament.”

His assistant stood outside of his office, staring with a wide-eyed glare at the minister, but replied to the minister as calmly as possible. “Sir, the WBC stands for the World Baseball Classic, nothing to do with Basketball…”

“Don’t be ridiculous, it’s the World Basketball Championships.”

“No… World Baseball Classic… sir, I’m positive. Didn’t you discuss that with the organizers?”

“Err… that’s irrelevant. The fact of the matter is, I need to get on the phone with the commissioner of the National Baseball League.”

“We have no National Baseball League…”

“Okay, so a back up, what about Emerson College? No wait, didn’t Williams win last years University Championship, or was that Vassar?”

“Err, well… uhh, the University League is currently in the middle of their season… no coach would let their team forfeit to play in some outside tourney.”

“Damn it, Dan. Now what in the hell are we going to do? I can’t back out, that would be incredibly embarrassing for us. Not to mention, it will piss off a lot of people. Think Dan, think.”

“Okay, uhh… what about… high school players! We’ll send whichever team’s ranked highest. How does that sound?”

“We’re going to send a bunch of high school boys? Are you out of your god damn mind? You know what, okay, okay. FINE. Get me on the phone with their coach.”

And in the course of five minutes, it was settled that Rainere's first international match would be in one of the nation's less well-known sports, Baseball. True, the nation's major universities and prep schools did field teams, but no professional league and the sports popularity was a lot centered in certain parts of the country and even then, always second to Basketball, Soccer, Field Hockey, etc. After a few hours of negotiating and confirming important details, the Ministry was set to release it's first international press release.

Rainere National Baseball Team
Emerson, RAINERE - The Ministry of Sports and Culture is ready to officially announce its team for the ninth edition of the World Baseball Classic. The team, coached by Matthew Radford, is completely composed of the members of Saint Ignatius High School's Varsity Baseball Team, whom are the first ranked team in the nation and have won the national championships six times in the last ten years. The boys of Saint Ignatius will take on the national animal as there mascot and play as the Rainere Beavers and will take to the field at Emerson College's Pelham Memorial Field in the nation's capital city, Emerson.

Starting Pitchers
#25 - Josh Santiago - Sr
#40 - Adam Bass - Sr
#12 - Sean Kazmer - Jr
#15 - Zach Lockston - So

Bullpen
#52 - Alan Windward - Sr
#37 - Matthew Pulmar - Jr
#09 - Kyle Buck - Jr
#26 - Matias Wilson - Sr
#53 - Everett Brenner - Jr

Starting Lineup
#27 - 1B - Mohammed "Moe" Eshan - So
#34 - 2B - Juse Medrano - Sr
#45 - 3B - Elias Russel - Sr
#39 - CF - Stanley Muhlenberg - Jr
#04 - RF - Luka Kowalski - Sr
#54 - LF - Mike Stansborough - Jr
#22 - C - Cesar Ramos - Jr
#19 - SS - Nolan Arellanos - So

Bench
#16 - Emmanuel Ali - So
#11 - Luke Winthrop - Jr
#59 - Anthony Medrano - Fr
#63 - Rahm Bindschadler - Sr
#42 - Arnold "Arnie" Meiers - Jr
#32 - Alec Baxter - Jr
#23 - Ryan Dawson - Sr
#61 - Jose Sisou - Jr

Venue
John Pelham Memorial Field (http://thebonedaddies.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/081102001.jpg)
Capacity: 10,000
Location: Emerson College, Emerson, Rainere

Other Information
Mascot: Beavers (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/45/LuckyBeaversLogo2008.PNG)
Colors: Navy Blue, Beaver Brown

Allow opponents to RP injuries to my team: N
Allow opponents to RP ejections to my team: N
Allow opponents to choose my run scorers: Y
When playing at home in the preliminaries, DH is used: N

Newmanistan

06-12-2008, 12:26

In Newmanistan, baseball is a sport in which is dominated by women, thus we continue to send an all-female team to the WBC. The roster consists of mostly the same players who are eager to keep Newmanistan as one of the top baseball playing nations in the word, as evidenced by their 2nd and 3rd place finishes in the last two WBC’s, the only WBC’s in which the Empire has participated. There are some new faces scattered around, though.

Choose my runscorers: Yes
Choose my lineup: No, as my lineup is posted here. Follow that!
Follow my Pitching Rotation: My starting pitcher for the next game will always be announced in my RP from the previous game.
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes, but only to the extent of saying so and so was injured. I’ll determine the severity
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Eject my players: Yes on a basis of no more then one more then you eject from your own team.
Godmod other events: No, except for weather. That you can.
DH in home park: No

Additional Information that is very important to me: Newmanistan does not prescribe to the modern day concept of pitch counts determining how long a starting pitcher is kept in for. In fact, pitch counts are not even kept track of outside of curiosity sake. Such count is not displayed on the scoreboard, so if you want to track it for your pitcher, you must do it manually. If Newmanistan has given up 3 runs or less, then the starting pitcher has gone all nine innings. No ifs, ands, or buts. This is true even if it would have been a save situation.
– Another Newmanistan trait is aggressive base stealing. Think back to the days of Vince Coleman and Ricky Henderson in their primes.

Head Coach- Christina Sanders (Southport)
Hitting Coach- Allyson Payne (North Charlotte)
Pitching Coach- Carrie Lynsder (Hampton)

Rotation: (pitchers bat with the same hand the pitch with)
1) Tara Stewart (LHP- South Tier) A 30-year old veteran, with a career 1.87 ERA. Her best pitch is her curve, though she mixes in an effective slider, and a fastball that you must respect. Stewart has taken to hill in big games in both WBC 7 & 8, and being that she is in her prime right now, she seems poised for a great one.

2) Stacey Keisler (LHP- Southport)- The 26-year old veteran has been the most successful starting pitcher, statistically for the Rockets in the two World Baseball Classics that the Empire has participated in. She is a power pitcher and comes right after the hitter, afraid to challenge no one. She moves up in the Rockets rotation for this WBC. She was #4 before. Keisler is also known for being the most attractive player on the team and has used her success to also be a marketers dream.

3) Courtney Lombardi (RHP- Pocono City)- Just 23, Courtney came out of no where in her rookie season, after being a mere 18th round draft pick by the Pocono City Capitals and just continued to impress year after year. She, and her 98 MPH fastball have proven the critics wrong. She mixes in an assortment of breaking pitches, including a fantastic slider. Courtney also pitched in the #3 spot last time.

4) Kristen Haynes (RHP- South Charlotte)- Due to her petite stature, Kristen does not look like she would be an overpowering pitcher. On the contrary. The 25 year old won the league’s Curtis Award (equivalent of the Cy Young) in just her second season. Kristen’s fastball is in the low 90's, but its her ability to mix up speeds that makes her real effective. That, and her devastating splitter. She has a career 1.96 ERA. Haynes falling from #2 to #4 in the rotation from where she was last time is a credit to the others, not a minus on her.

5) Sarah Brayton (LHP- Putnam Lake)- At 21, Sarah is the newcomer to the Rockets for World Baseball Classic 9. Brayton will come at you with a wide variety of pitches, but her wicked 12-6 curve seems to be her favorite.

Bullpen: (Smaller then most because of the nation’s reliance on starters)
Lauren Tippett (LHP- North Charlotte)- The 24 year old will generally be used in situations where the Rockets need to pull one of their starters early, and then Tippett will go several innings. She is mainly a sinker/slider type pitcher.

Shannon Talcott (RHP- Loudon)- Another youngster, at just 23, Talcott will be a versatile member of the bullpen, and be called upon in varying situations. She is also a sinker/slider type pitcher. Her brother Sheldon, a football player, played in a Di Bradini Cup and World Cup 41 qualifiers. Sheldon now plays domestically in the Blouman Empire.

Jessica Vauclair (RHP- Tundra Falls) - The 29 year old features everyone’s favorite pitch, the knuckleball. She will mainly be used after Keisler and Lombardi, to make batters have to adjust to a knuckler after facing the heat all game.

Set up/Short Relief: Erica Darby (LHP- Springfield)- Darby is a 20-year old making her debut on the national team. Initially she seemed like she would be an above average but not a superstar as a starting pitcher, but once Springfield moved her to the bullpen, she was dominant. She did not allow an earned run in a 36 inning stretch of her final 31 appearances of the regular season, and the Rockets will be looking to continue to ride this Thoroughbred.

Closer: Jill Heisler (RHP- Fairfield City)- Heisler is another player making her WBC debut in Liventia. The 23-year old hard throwing member of the Admirals is your classic closer that looks to the heat to get batters out. But she also mixes up speeds very well. And that circle change she adds at key points of an at bat will drive batters crazy. She has a decent slider, but doesn’t use it a lot.

Batting Order: (throws/bats)
1) Brittany Wright- CF (R/R- North Charlotte)- Wright is everything you want in a leadoff hitter. The 26 year old has outstanding speed, and draws a ton of walks. Sadly for pitchers, it is often a 3-base walk. Wright will steal 3rd as aggressively as she steals 2nd. She has a 93% success rate, and a career .314 BA. Some may consider her to be the MVP of the team as she has really seemed to pick her game when the team needs it most.

2) Jennifer Martin- LF (R/S- Pocono City)- Martin, 22, the only member of the starting lineup that is making her World Baseball Classic debut, replacing Michelle Rancourt. Jennifer is more of a contact hitter then Michelle, who was on the team more for her wheels. She is expected to be able to handle the pressure of playing at this level without trouble.

3) Carrie Nicolette- 2B (R/S- Southport)- Behind the speedsters is one of the Empire’s all time best contact hitters, although its not fair to label her quite as that, as she averages 15-20 HR’s a year. The 28 year old has a career .340 BA. Nicolette does a great job getting on base and allowing the big guns behind her to bring her in, a formula that has worked extremely well.

4) Rachel Crockett- RF (R/S- Springfield)- Crockett’s power must be respected. She consistently averages 40-50 HR’s per season, but unlike a lot of power hitters, she also hits for a great BA (career .320 hitter), and rarely strikes out. At times, Rachel will do a little showboating after a homerun, but its one of the reason the fans love the 28 year old slugger.

5) Sarah Boland- 3B (L/S- Springfield)- Boland has the same HR capability as does Crockett, she’s just slightly less of an all-around player, with a .311 career BA. Also like Crockett, the 31 year old is a complete show off, but at the same time is a terrific clubhouse leader, as evidenced by the fact that she was named team captain, and has produced two huge home runs in Newmanistanian history in each of the last World Baseball Classics.

6) Natalie Monroe- 1B (R/R- Hampton)- Monroe is a balanced hitter, with a career .314 BA and a modest 20 HR’s or so per year, though she is still pretty young, at just 23 years of age. Monroe is also a threat to steal bases. She’s one to watch, and will make you pay if you want to pitch around Boland and Crockett.

7) Nicole Flick- C (L/L- Olympia)- When describing the 35year old catcher, you first have to start with her behind the plate ability, as she does a fantastic job calling a game and working with her pitchers. She also does a good job containing the running game, which in Newmanistan is a major component. Flick has some power, but is more of a contact hitter. She has a .276 career BA, but is coming off a career year where she hit .328.

8) Tara Cuyler- SS (R/S- South Tier)- There is no let up in the 8 spot, in fact, it is because Sanders wants to make sure the bottom of the order is not a walk through, that Cuyler hits here and not 6th. Tara is a career .334 hitter, and can hit the ball over the fence with regularity. She is 28

9) Pitcher (w/o DH)
9) (w/ DH) Caitlin Peters (INF by trade- Putnam Lake) (R/S)- Caitlin is a speedster. Opposing pitchers will hate it when 9-1-2 will hit in an inning of a game that uses the DH. She isn’t quite as fast as Wright and Rancourt, so she doesn’t run quite as much, but she’ll take her shot. She’s also a pure contact hitter, with a .333 career BA. Very little power. Her career high for HR’s in a season is three.

On the Bench: (Bios may come later, but I make no promises!)
Sarah Conrad- C (utility OF as a last resort if necessary) Tundra Falls
Jennifer Dawkins- MI (Middle Infield)- Dover City
Stacie Gallant- CI (Corner Infield)- Loudon
Kiersten Johnson- OF- Centralia
Meghann Carillo- OF- South Charlotte
Jessica Phelps- Utility- North Charlotte

The Gupta Dynasty

06-12-2008, 16:21

Yaforite Firebugs Roster

Style modifier is a totally Yaforite as negative as possible - if there is such a thing as a karelan baseball team, the Grand Democratic Duchy is that. Good, strong pitching and terrific defense give the Yaforites their victories (if they can get any!), but their lackluster hitting can lose them matches (which is why they tend to try and play small-ball). Upcoming is the twenty-five man roster:

[Yaforites play at home without a DH, in as pitcher's a park as there can be. When there is a DH, Jarifar is inserted into the fourth place in the batting line-up].

Allow opponents to RP injuries to my team: Sure.
Allow opponents to RP ejections to my team: Sure.
Allow opponents to choose my run scorers: Sure.
When playing at home in the preliminaries, DH is used: Definitely not.

[Position] [Name] [Team] [Bats/Throws] [Description]

3B - Caris Juir (S/R). Chelmar Flame. Juir is a good defensive player (he gets dirty often and a lot, and has a strong arm). He has the attributes that one looks for in a lead-off hitter; speed, a high on-base percentage, and the drive to, ever day, in and out, give 110%. If he tries to steal too often, it may be because he can get on base so much, and does so, often by bunting.

SS - Arrin Jarridan (S/R). Uharan Otters. Jarridan is the best player on the Yaforite team. Not only is he a perennial award-winner for his defense (he is quick and has a thunderous arm, especially from the whole), but he is also the best player offensively. From the left side, he is a slap-hitter, sprinting out base hits and taking walks. From the right side, he his for power, accounting for his back-to-back-to-back 50-50 seasons. He has excellent speed, as well. League leader in VORP, unsurprisingly.

1B - Tyrius Valderrana (R/R). Darigeris Wildfire. Valderrana is a rarity - a first baseman with some amount of speed. He can run fairly well, and field his position well, as well. He is in the line-up to provide some fair amount of power. Valderrana is also something of a surprise in the way he bats, since he is almost completely an opposite-field hitter, which can be both a weakness and a strength.

LF - Rabyn Zaranez (L/L). Uharan Otters. If there is a weak link in terms of fielding, it is Zaranez, who leads the team in errors. He, despite his fourth position on the team, is not a power hitter - instead, he is batting fourth for his ability to hit in the clutch. Zaranez not only has won award after award for his RBI abilities, but Zaranez is also a league leader in RISP. Zaranez may not catch every ball, but he makes that up for his ability to drive them in.

C - Daaklen Kirjai (S/R). Cirad Blaze. Kirjai is a very good defensive catcher. His greatest strength, it is said, is his ability to call a good game, which is a prized ability in a catcher. He also is very good at getting down and blocking balls in the dirt, though he can, like anyone, mess up. Kirjai, a switch-hitting batter, also possess a strong arm, having thrown out over nine tenths of opposing hitters in his career.

RF - Nan Judaron (S/R). South Ajer Titans. Judaron is anything but a defensive liability. His massive arm in the right field allows him to reach the catcher or third baseman without even a bounce, placing it perfectly for the play. However, he often hits for extra bases as a hitter, but does not have much power.

CF - Tyrius Carian (S/L). J'kar Ice. Quick and dangerous, Carian is much more of a defensive player than an offensive one. With Zaranez a bit of a weakness, Carian and his skills make up for the fault, due to his excellent range and diving ability. His arm is not suspect at all, but his hitting is, because, while he hits from both sides of the plate, only his speed is above suspicion.

2B - Haridas Jyolt (S/R) N'samri Heights Fire. If Carian is a second number-one hitter, than Jyolt is a second number-two hitter. He has the ability to bunt a runner over, to do things with a hit and run, and other such number-two hitter abilities. He also turns two well with Jarridan, and as a result, makes up a very good double-play combination.

P - Whoever.

Bench
SS/2B - Monar Calraahim (R/R). North Ajer Blizzard. - A patient hitter like most of the rest of the squad, Calraahim is an excellent pinch-runner because of his speed.
1B/3B/DH - Garregan Jarifar (S/R). Uhari Cutters. - A powerful hitter, Jarifar is the DH when playing with a DH because of his power. He has pop from both sides of the plate and good plate discipline to compliment his abilities. He's a massive person, though, so he isn't fast.
IF - Magan Dorianas (L/R). North Ajer Blizzard. - A slick-fielding versatile infielder, Dorianas is a very good back-up. His veteran abilities make him an excellent addition late in the game.
C - Caristan Nelias (L/L). Chelmar Flame. - The dependable, intelligent, defensive veteran catcher every team needs.
RF/LF - Corvan Ta'an (S/R). West Ajer Panthers. - Has a fair bit of pop in his bat, but strikes out a lot, as well. A swing-for-the-fences-or-nothing player, he can win a team games with one swing.
CF - Melius Vankirior (L/L). Satiran Boars. - Another quick back-up, who provides outstanding defense in center field and eases the pressure off of the other outfielders with his excellent play.

Starting Pitchers
RHP - Pedran Alvar. Southeast Ajer Whirlwind. Alvar has an excellent fastball, with tremendous movement on his pitches. His fastball often reaches triple digits. In comparison, his slider looks wicked. When Alvar is on, he is untouchable.
LHP - Johan Rean. Indigar Horsemen. A "junkballer", Rean is noteworthy for the fact that he sets up his 87-mph fastball with a 64-mph curve, jamming lefties and righties alike.
RHP - Darius Hadagamerion. North Ajer Blizzard. His fastball reaches up to 94-95 mph, but his abilities with his four off-speed pitched make up for it. He can defeat a team on his own and can always be counted on to be solid. He may be slightly overrated - his BABIP is quite above the league average.
RHP - Davrain Karajad. Uharan Otters. His fastball hovers around 97 mph usually, and, with his quick-moving slider and dangerous curve, can be counted as the most solid starter on a very solid staff. His WHIP is traditionally among the best in the league.
LHP - Raecher Harill. West Ajer Panthers. A left-hander with a big, breaking-curve, Harill may be the most suspect on the staff, but is probably the best number-five starter out there.

Middle Relievers/Long Relievers (come in when behind/tied)
RHP - Josain Villikan. North Ajer Blizzard. Good long reliever with mid 90s fastball.
RHP - Corvan Macran. South Ajer Titans. Stronger fastball, but weaker against lefties.
LHP - Gregan Xiarin. J'kar Ice. Good against both lefties and righties.

Set-Up Men (come in when ahead)
LHP - Maxin Cotras. Chelmar Flame. Primarily a lefthanded specialist, can also get out righties.
RHP - John Stanford. Cardarel Gazelles. Throws around 98 mph, can get out almost anybody.

Closer
RHP - Tyrius Validor. Uharan Otters. Throws around 104 mph, with three off-speed pitches as well. Has been untouchable in his career.

[OOC: I think I ought to win because of my avatar. :wink:]

Zwangzug

06-12-2008, 16:34

1 day ago: Following new legislation (more accurately, the absence thereof) in Zwangzug, the nation (more or less) is experiencing a severe (less or more) shortage of shorting events (just go with it).

Signals were crossed (not literally though), and the headquarters of Zwangzug's international sports organizations were recently bulldozed. Fortunately, if somewhat deus-ex-machina-style, old rosters were found in a backup infodump in Ajer, Yafor 2, and the national team has been duly reformed.

It might go without saying by this point that no such competence has been found in the broadcast booth.

"Zwangzug has been drawn against Secristan in the preliminary draw for the ninth World Baseball Classic in Liventia."

"Secristan? We don't have any history with them, do we?"

"Yes we do. Their women's team defeated Zwangzug's in the Olympic semifinals en route to the gold medal."

"Oh. Okay."

"New cleanup hitter Nadia Koves returns from that team. Perhaps Zwangzug's first female slugger of renown, Koves and Don Abuanza have joined the starting lineup which has otherwise just been rearranged. Rufus Lievano is the new leadoff hitter.

"Veteran Valerie Dvorak has dropped to eighth."

"Batting third is Noah Trecarichi, who's got some good OBPs."

"Gotta love that patience at the plate...just standing there...drawing walks...doing nothing..."

"...I suppose. Judson Slovinsky, yet another star from Kerlagrad, will start the first game."

"And Veasna Blago the second, in Secristan."

"We'll see you in the Worm Hole."

Rennidan

06-12-2008, 20:33

"Yo', Jose!"

The urban population of Rennidan is growing. The Industrial District has begun to leak out into the Newtown and Capital areas, and with it come the gangs, the violence and the crime that made the I.D so notorious. One of the biggest nuisances in the Industrial District at the moment are the I.D DeeJays who, alongside the Brutes, are turning into a prominent gang in the usually peaceful nation. Their base of operations, much like the Brutes, is one of the Industrial District's many unused buildings. In this case, it's the old Donald Jonbert High School, which sits decrepit and ruined on the east side of the I.D.

"Yeah man?"

Rows and rows of broken lockers, graffitied walls and stained floors make the run up to the principal's office, where Jose Eisenwolf sits and puts his imagination into action. It's the hub of the DeeJays, and it's where their head honcho holds out. Into the room bursts a tired hombre, one of Jose's closest friends.

We'll call him Ed.

Ed reels off the days activities, the tall stories of cars torched, men beaten, the elderly mugged and young children having their ice cream taken. But there's one story in it all that interests Jose the most. It's the story of the World Baseball Classic, entering its ninth edition. Now, Jose himself has never been a fan of the sport. Not enough blood in it for his heart. But that didn't mean he doesn't know how to swing a bat. On the contrary, my good friend. Just take a gander at the slugger sitting pretty on a rack on the wall of his office. That wooden beamer, covered in dents and dried blood. Oh no, Jose, he knew how to swing a bat, and he knew how to swing it well.

So he figured, screw it.

Let's enter a team.

The Rennidan DeeJays
World Baseball Classic 9 | First Entry

Batting Order:
3B - Jose Eisenwolf (R/S)
A man born to be a power hitter, Jose may seem scrawny, but he hides an athletic body that'd leave most women weakened at the knees. He's the DeeJays first and foremost best player, and he's certainly one to watch out for.
LF - Ed Elberts (R/R)
A runner within the DeeJay gang, Ed is used to speeding through a haze of bullets to get a message or a package to someone. The man is actually an expert in parkour, but we don't see how that's going to help him on the diamond.
SS - Mik Daniels (R/R)
Mik is one of the DeeJays top enforcers. He's used to using a baseball bat to knock seven shades of life out of some poor soul, but it looks like he won't be too bad when it comes to hitting a pitch either.
CF - Simmi Delves (L/S)
Simmi is one of the few female players to grace the Rennidan roster. She's one of the higher ranking lasses in the DeeJay organization, and it's quite obvious that, uh, her assets played a big role in her getting to the top. It doesn't help that she's wearing an incredibly shorter version of the DeeJay kit than any of her male counterparts. Bound to leave the majority of players stunned and staring.
1B - Dave Rouders (L/L)
Cool, slick, swish. All words that sum up Dave Rouders. He's a man of style, of accessories and of a certain coolness and charm inaccessible to most males. Women want him, men want to be him. He gained reputation in the DeeJays for his efficient and smooth fighting style, which can leave the best of the rest struggling to recover for months. And did we mention he can hit a ball into the stratosphere? The guy's good.
C - Clash Michaels (R/R)
Tough, rough and ready to rumble. Clash is more likely to pick a fight than play the game, no matter who's it with. Him and Dave have an ongoing struggle to gain Simmi's attentions, so if there's a fight going to break out at some point when tensions are high, it's probably between these two.
2B - Elle Jacobs (R/S)
The only other females player on the roster, Elle isn't quite as flaunty as Simmi, but she's just as attractive. Instead of letting her figure do the talking though, she lets the figures she's getting up on the scoreboard do the flaunting. One of the best on the team, she's certainly one to watch.
RF - Joe Grey (L/S)
Fresh out of the slammer, Joe is keen to stretch his legs and get some runs. He's not the strongest of hitters, but he can weave a ball through the outfield like no other.

Pitchers:
SP - Titch Mitchells (Left)
Nothing but brute force, Titch pitches an average 98-101 MPH fastball which could knock the head off a bear if it had too.
SP - Gaz Liam-Phelt (Right)
With a curve ball which could round up a tornado, Gaz pitches an average 79-83 MPH ball
SP - Henry Herberts (Left)
A pinpoint pitcher who could knock the wings off a fly with one of his fastballs, this guy is a menace to any batter.
SP - Lewis Churles (Right)
A pitcher who's right at home with any kind of pitch, he's a nusience for mixing it up and pitching a batters weakest point in a game.
MR - Mark Himmel (Right)
MR - Jorr Dwels (Left)
MR - Micki Skims (Right)
MR - Ehg Roller (Left)
LHP - Britof Smitters (Left)
LHP - The Jazz Pope (Left)
SU - Mich Phins (Left)
CL - Gabriel Garlings (Right)

Venue:
Donald Jonbert High's Memorial Baseball Field
Capacity: However many can cram on the rotting bleachers.

Allow opponents to RP injuries to my team: N
Allow opponents to RP ejections to my team: Y
Allow opponents to choose my run scorers: Y
When playing at home in the preliminaries, DH is used: N
Other: There's gotta' be at least one fight a game with this team, and I'm talking proper brawl. It'll usually happen after the game though, so don't worry too much about getting kicked out the stadium, eh?

Tocrowkia

07-12-2008, 02:07

((OOC: Updated my roster with some new info.))

Taeshan

07-12-2008, 04:29

Purple Knights To Face Jeruselem for Spot In Finals

Yes, its time once again for another World Baseball Classic. After a long wate the Knights will have yet another shot at the championship. This time though they will have to start off with a 2 game, home and away battle with the Jeruselem team due to the weird number of 22 teams entered in this years tournament. The winner with the highest aggregate score will advance to the next stage, the group stage of 12 teams. The Knights should be able to defeat the Jeru's, or hoes as many in Taeshan like to call them in there best sport. The Knights and the Jeru's are big rivals in many other sports, and even though they have never met in the game of baseball many predict it to be a long, hard fought two games for both teams.

Tocrowkia

07-12-2008, 04:47

As the Nordics prepare for their first-round games against Lovisa, a critical 2-game series that will decide rather or not the Nordics advance, we caught up with some of the players on the team. "Looking at our record versus theirs in the last WBC" Shortstop Captain Jill Haviland began "It can be easy to get excited about our chances. I know I am. But we can't let our selves get too comfortable. In this sport, anything can happen. Just look at how we turned it around in our last WBC." Jill gave a nod to the Cinderella story that was Newmanistan two WBC's ago. "They're a good example of that. A team of talented, hard-playing athletes who did what they like, and did it well. Every player on that team has my respect." Of course acknowledging the prowess of other teams is god, but Haviland also spoke highly of her own team. "I truly believe we have the potential to go far. We just have to play hard."

We also managed to catch up to starting pitcher Tommy Thunder, slated to be the MD1 opener for the Nordics. Though talented, Thunder has struggled against international hitters in the last two WBCs. Thunder shook off questions about his ability to pitch against the worlds teams, and stated "I know I haven't done well. I gave up some key hits and runs last time, and my team had to struggle to make up for. But I can't let the past effect me. I'm ready."

Green wombat

07-12-2008, 05:27

Wombat's WBC 9 Roster. (+1 modifer)

After the good showing at WBC 8, these players deserved one more chance.

BATTING ORDER:
LF- antonio Desrosiers
SS- albert Beckham
RF- robert Ortega
C- alan Monge
1B- aaron Clemente
3B- jose Gove
DH- andrew Held
2B- travis Seals

PITCHERS
SP kenneth Maclean
SP howard Lheureux
SP adam Moll
SP/RP eric Catalano
RP dale Luther
RP ernest Wayman
RP leonard Sheehan
CP jacob Wolford

BENCH
INF- randy Wells
OF- norman Cromer
INF- dennis Jasso
OF- jeffery Lundy

All home games will be held at Wombat Field, In Hellispont.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a0/Angel_Stadium_of_Anaheim.jpg/120px-Angel_Stadium_of_Anaheim.jpg
RF Line: 325
RF (straightaway): 340
Right center: 372
Center: 400
Left Center: 372
LF (straightaway): 340
LF Line: 325

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my runscorers: Yes
Choose my lineup: NO (stick to the one I have)
Follow my Pitching rotation Rotation: Yes
Godmod scoring events: NO
RP injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod injuries to my players: NO
Eject my players: Yes
Godmod other events: Yes
DH in home park: YES

Prux

07-12-2008, 05:30

The Prux POWER have decided to use REAL PERSONS, not Robo-ducks, nor sentient cheese, nor candy bars nor abstract concepts, but REAL PEOPLE this time around.

STARTING LINEUP
1. Louis Jaquez (SS)
2. Gerald Schlegel (1B)
3. Steven Fenn (LF)
4. Joe Lower (RF)
5. Robert Looney (DH)
6. Earl Harrigan (C)
7. Christopher Burnside (2B)
8. Lawrence Bosco (3B)
9. Alan Begin (CF)

In games w/o a DH, #6-#9 move up a spot and the pitcher bats 9th)

PITCHING ROTATION
LHP- Timothy Eskew
RHP- Johnny Wilson
RHP- Manuel Marker
LHP- Samuel Comfort

Reserves
SS/2B- Roy Chong
OF- Travis Gill
C- Kenneth White
3B/1B- Frank Fanning
INF- Patrick Russo
LHRP- Howard Bedell
RHRP- Nicholas Ripley
RHRP- Victor Dorman
LHRP- Gregory Kerr
LHRP- Henry Sheets
Closer- Alan Nicely
UTIL- Tony Rasmussen (Can play every postition, including P)

Stadium Info: (-1 Pitchers Park)
McCoy Stadium, Pawtucket, Prux Capacity: 10,031
Dimensions:
Left Field- 325 ft
Left Center- 375 ft
Center Field- 400 ft
Right Center- 375 ft
Right Field- 325 ft
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/McCoy_Stadium_Pan.jpg/300px-McCoy_Stadium_Pan.jpg

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my runscorers: Yes
Choose my lineup: No
Uses DH in homepark: YES
Follow my Pitching rotation Rotation: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod injuries to my players: no
Eject my players: Yes (1 per game, and make it interesting, ie: threw a bat at an umpire so such)
Godmod other events: No
DH in home park: Yes

Qazox

07-12-2008, 05:52

QSPN.com/WBCIX Coverage

Our quick hitting preview of the preliminary round (with winners)!

Green wombat v. Cassadaigua- The Wombats have slowly improved over the past few WBC's and they should be able to advance against the newcomers.

Zwangzug v. Secristan- Hmmm. Zwangzug is one of the better teams, and Secristan is the dark horse to win this WBC. Too bad one of these teams will haveto wait for the run differentials to come out, and that might not even help them.

Lovisa v. Tocrowkia- Tocrowkia in a mild upset. The team Qazox loved to beat just 2 years ago looks ready to take that next step and defeating a good Lovisa squad is the way to start.

The Bluth Corporation v. Milchama- What's happened to Milchama? Just about 10 years ago, they were almost unbeatable. Now they are just a good team, but a team that should beat TBC.

Prux v. Rainere- Prux, the enigmatic entry returns once again with humans. Didn't work out so great last time, but they should get by Rainere with little difficulty.

Idanno v. Qazox- The only real questions here is how many runs will Qazox score against this team? The over/under is 13, per game!

Colbourne v. Newmanistan- Newmanistan is the most likely challenger to Qazox for the WBC title, but Colburne has pulled off an upset or two before, don't be suprised to see this one come down to run differential.

Myedvedeya v. Rennidan- Probably the 2nd most interesting matchup besides Zwangzug-Secristan. This one will be decided by run differential or away runs or maybe even a coin flip, they're that even.

Yafor 2 v. Miroxia- The Firebugs are one of the most consistent teams in the world, consistantly underachieving that is. But they should be able to get past a pesky Miroxia team.

Jeruselem v. Taeshan- Taeshan is almost a mirror copy of Yafor 2, but a bit more sucessful. Jeruselem is still too inexperienced at this level, but the Princesses won't be an easy out.

Liventia v. Greal- Liventia should qualify easily over an outmatched Greal team.

And the 12th team to get to Liventia for the finals: The Secristan/Zwangzug loser should qualify, but don't rule out either Lovisa or Colbourne making the trip to Liventia.

Secristan

07-12-2008, 06:46

Bidding has concluded for the right to be on the Secristani national team for World Baseball Classic 9. Despite a preliminary round matchup with Zwangzug in which the Secristan Department of Sports is still not too thrilled about, they made the effort to profit as much as they could. However, with players faced with the possibility of only playing in two games it was difficult to encourage people to bid a significant amount of money.

Home Stadium: Loophole Life Insurance again bid the most to have the game played at the stadium named after them, in Lakeland. It is a run down facility that seats 42,000 but they bid the most, so that’s where the game is.

Allow opponents to RP injuries to my team: Y
Allow opponents to RP ejections to my team: Y
Allow opponents to choose my run scorers: Y
When playing at home in the preliminaries, DH is used: N

We will add more information to our roster should we advance past the two games in which we are a hefty underdog, but right now I am not gonna spend too much time on it.

Starting Pitcher Game #1- Steve Jamison - Hard throwing left handed pitcher. If this spot was also given to a player based on merit, he would still be here.

Starting Pitcher Game #2- Jim Slattery- A righty that mixes up a nice variety of offspeed pitches then just when you get that nailed down he shows you his 93 MPH fastball.

Relievers:
Roger Formica (L)
Cliff Swolek ( R)
Jorge Feliciano ( R)
Kyle Jones ( L)
Vernon Chapelle ( R) Set up
Francisco Martinez (L) Closer

Lineup - Players have normal attributes of the type of player that normally bats in that spot

1) Jason Carlin- CF
2) Jimmy Blanchard- 2B
3) Tim McMurtry- 3B
4) Manny Rodriguez- LF
5) Eric Beaudoin- RF
6) Adam Sperbeck- 1B
7) Mark Whittman- C
8) Paul Danzer- SS
9) Pitcher

Bench:
DH- Jim Hausletta (1B)- Used when the DH is needed. He will hit 7th when so, so insert him there and drop Whittman and Danzer

C- Smoky Canfield
2B- Lonnie Terlizzi
SS- Omar Ortiz
3B- Daniel Austin
OF- Dale P. Smith IV
OF- Carlos Velazquez

Jeruselem

07-12-2008, 11:47

Team is all male

Batting Order:
LF - Ray Parker (R/R)
3B - Clove Marshall (L/L)
CF - Reece Conway (L/L)
SS - Gavin Rossi (L/L) - CAPTAIN
C - Terry Misty (L/L)
1B - Paul Hanson (R/R)
RF - Clay Clackus (R/R)
2B - Dave Toolster (L/S)

Pitchers:
SP - Woz Planks (Lefty)
SP - Flak Jankovic (Righty)
SP - Kim Frank (Lefty)
SP - Gary Absman (Righty)
MR - Michael Konk (Lefty)
MR - Mark Lanson (Righty)
MR - Quinton Salmon (Lefty)
MR - Unke German (Lefty)
LHP - Adolf Hitman (Righty)
LHP - Loft Daffen (Righty)
SU - Len Kiely (Lefty)
CL - Peter Womann (Lefty)

Bench:
Nathan Hart (Utility Infielder) (R/R)
Clowny Bamber (Utility Infielder) (R/R)
Dronne Fask (Utility Infielder) (R/R)
Laske Romme (Utility Outfielder) (L/L)
Villan Koshan (Utility Outfielder) (L/L)

Stadium:
Fizz Cramer Field (Modifer +1)
Capacity: 25,000 (ya, it's small)

Dimensions
Left Field: 327 Ft
Left-Center: 391 Ft
Center: 425 Ft
Right Field: 322 Ft
Right-Center: 378 Ft

The Other Stuff:
Choose my runscorers: Yes
Choose my lineup: Yes
Follow my Pitching rotation Rotation: No
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: No
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Eject my players: No
Godmod other events: No
DH in home park: No

OOC - Don't complain it's the team from last cup

Newmanistan

07-12-2008, 14:02

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS WARY OF COLBOURNE

Pocono City, Newmanistan- The World Baseball Classic will be getting underway very soon and it’s format is rather unusual to Newmanistanian baseball fans. The 22 nations have been divided up into 11 pairs, and they will play the same opponent once, home and away, with the 11 winners and the “best loser” advancing to Liventia. We imagine the best loser criteria is going to cause a lot of debate. Fans of the world’s football are very familiar with this format, but in baseball, at least in Newmanistan, doing it this way is very unique. Can you imagine a team winning the first game by four, then in the second game putting in their closer when they are losing by three in the ninth to keep it that way? How about if the away team loses the first game by two, and has a one-run lead after 8 ½ innings in their home game? They hit in the bottom of the 9th anyway? They decide world football games with a penalty shootout after extra time, so how about a home run derby if the games are tied after say, 11 innings.

This was the format that our hosts decided on after days and perhaps weeks of deliberation on the number of nation that would join the 9th edition of the classic, and what was the best way to work with the number of entrants, and this is the way that was decided on. For the twelve teams that move forward, everything will be just fine. For the ten teams that go home, it’s probably going to feel as though they were never in this Classic to begin with. Newmanistan ends up playing Colbourne, and without question should make it into the final round of twelve. But coach Christina Sanders is doing her best to make sure that her team knows that the games are not played on paper, or on a spreadsheet using a formula, but out there on the field where anything can happen on any given day. For inspiration, Sanders doesn’t have to look any further then this past World Bowl. It was there where Newmanistan played this very same opponent, Colbourne, in the first game, and were highly expected to win. They dominated the game for much of it, but two key plays by Colbourne gave them the victory. We know what teams from this nation can be capable of, and the Rockets will need to be ready. The Rocket Report’s Meghan Traynor sat down with the coach to get her thoughts before the important games.

MT: Hey there it’s me, Meghan, with the Coach Christina Sanders of our baseball team! Nice to see you again!

CS: Always nice to see you, Meghan!

MT: So here we are, World Baseball Classic 9. Newmanistan made an immediate impression here, and now is seen as a contender for a championship. You excited?

CS: Yes I am. We are bringing most of our team back from the last group that took third place on our home turf, and a lot of them were on our runner-up team from before that. Our team knows what it takes now, and the world knows who we are. We’re ready to take a title.

MT: The format is a little weird, isn’t it?

CS: Well it is what it is. It’s the first time I have ever been involved in such a format with a home game and away game and aggregate scores, and it makes you coach a lot differently, especially in the first game.

MT: I bet it does.

CS: Let’s say we have a 6-2 lead after 8 in the first game, and hold Colbourne. We don’t hit in the 9th. Then the next game, Colbourne beats us by four with a 9th inning walkoff. Now, was that actually fair given that we didn’t have 9 innings in the first game. Or perhaps we will play the bottom of the 9th even if we are ahead. I’ll need to get clarification on that.

MT: I’m sure it also effects things like what pitchers you use. And assures that the starting positional players stay in the game because you might want to, if you can, run up the score in a game.

CS: Exactly. The whole game from a coaching standpoint is different.

MT: I know you were an advocate of two groups of eleven with one meeting each.

CS: That I was, yes. But it really doesn’t matter now. If we do what we are capable of, we’ll get by Colbourne.

MT: Have you made the players watch a tape of that World Bowl game yet?

CS: Nah, I didn’t think the whole game would be necessary for them to watch. But I did make them read the press clippings. That was a stunning loss by our gridiron team to Colbourne, but they finished it up with eleven consecutive wins. Colbourne’s going to give us all they can, but I know we will be ready. Our heads are in the right place.

MT: What do you have to do to get the one podium finish in the World Baseball Classic that has eluded you so far, while in Liventia?

CS: We don’t have to do anything unusual. We can win the Classic by playing our game. Qazox, Zwangzug, Milchama are good, but we are at their level. Nothing more is necessary.

MT: Tara Stewart pitches the first game, no surprise there. Stacey Keisler pitches the second. She’s moving up a bit. What went into this decision?

CS: Tara is our ace and I am sure all of our loyal fans would know why she gets the first game. Stacey has had some absolutely terrific starts for us in her Classic experience thus far, so in what is a very important game, I am confident in giving her the ball. We need to do everything we possibly can to assure ourselves of getting to Liventia.

MT: The Rockets will still keep the starters in longer then average, right?

CS: Absolutely. I make pitching decisions on performance not on a number.

MT: The offense looks stout. And I have to say even stronger with the addition of Jennifer Martin.

CS: Jennifer is exactly the kind of player you love to have hitting behind someone like Brittany Wright. They get it all set up for our bigger guns, and you are right when you say this offense is loaded. I’m excited with what we can do on the mound and on the plate.

MT: Sounds like it should lead to a title then.

CS: Well let’s hope. You have to remember that the powers like a Qazox or Zwangzug are also sending all-star teams, so they will be just as excited about their chances.

MT: Alright, Chrissy, I’ll be talking to you later. Good luck!

CS: You’re still one of the few people that can call me Chrissy! Thanks Meghan!

Liventia

07-12-2008, 14:17

To: The Editor, The Rocket Report

The organisers of World Baseball Classic 9 in Liventia would like to address some issues raised in a recent publication of The Rocket Report about the way the two-leg format of the preliminaries will work.

While we admit it is not the best format, we felt it was the best way forward given the difficult number of signups, as well as opposition from a number of teams to giving byes to the host and defending champions.

The entire tie, both legs, should not be treated as one giant game. Each game will be played with separate consideration; normal rules apply as to when games end. If a team away from home in the first leg loses by two but is up by one in their home game heading into the closing stages, they'd better get their act together because there will not be a bottom of the ninth.

As to the other point raised about being up by four then down by three and using a closer to ensure things don't change, we hope the fact that the best losers from the preliminaries will also qualify will ensure the scenario your publication raised will not happen.

We seek your readers' understanding on this issue, although we admit it could have been better planned. A three-game preliminary series did cross our minds, but only after the schedule had been sent out.

Regards,
Jane Thomson
Press Secretary, WBC9

Rennidan

07-12-2008, 15:51

It must be said, sunset in the Industrial District can be a beautiful sight. The golden sun setting behind a backdrop of decrepit buildings and, in the very distance, the peak of Mount Rennida casting it's strong shadow across the land. It was atop Donald Jonbert High School that the collective members of the I.D DeeJays stood, their faces turned to the west to bask in the dying light. The DeeJays, a bunch of ragtag gangsters, were gathered there that day to talk about their upcoming entry into the World Baseball Classic, when the golden horizon stole their interest and left them gawking at the distant star. Their leader, Jose Eisenwolf, watched fondly as the scene brought back the forgotten memories of his childhood, his past times of watching such sunsets over what he considered to be his land.

And then the shot rang out.

For the past two months or so, a new gang had sprogged up over the Industrial District, a group of individuals dressed in their smart suits, flash shades and high-end sports cars. These guys were more mafioso than they were average thugs, and they had a real dislike for the DeeJays. The first shot, as per the unwritten rules of the District, was supposed to be a warning shot. This one, however, caught Clash Michaels square in the shoulder. The shout went out and every dived for cover, whether it was behind the old ventilation ducts or just as low against the roof as they could get, as long as they were out the sight line of the men skulking two floors down by the entrance to the school, they should keep their heads. Jose looked around, the twilight was beginning to kick in and the harsh cold of a Rennidan night was beginning to set. If they stayed up on the roof any longer they'd probably freeze to death before the men below had a chance to pop them off. Simmi was already on her phone, buzzing for backup, and Joe Grey already had heat in his hand and was crawling towards the edge of the drop. The guy had just got out of the slammer after five years on the inside, and apparently the nutter was already itching for some action. In the distance, the heavy roar of some Rennidan-made Windizi Meshe Mustangs rung out, a sure sign that Simmi's calls had reached the right people. Whoever these new kids on the block were, with their million dollar cars, their Armani suits and their designer shades, they were about to learn that you don't try and pull one on the DeeJays.

_________

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk176/rennidan/Untitled-2.png

District Deaths

IN WHAT IS being called one of the worst acts of gang-related crime in years, the Industrial District in the South of Rennidan yesterday witnessed the cold-blooded death of three prominent gang members. The 'District Preachers', a group of rich 'playboy' type gangsters yesterday attempted a raid on the unofficial base of the 'I.D DeeJays'. After months of uneasy relations between the two, it would seem that the breaking point has finally been reached and that the Preachers are no longer willing to tolerate the DeeJays lazy rule over the Industrial District.
For years now, the DeeJays have claimed to be at the head of the Industrial District's crime problem, taking responsibility for a number of high-profile robberies, muggings and assaults. The gang, whilst seen as a terror by those living outside of the I.D, is said to be seen as a blessing by the District's citizens, who are under the protection of the DeeJays as long as they don't commit crimes on their own terms. Alongside the hooligan group Brute Force, the DeeJays have been a constant thorn in the side of the Rennidan police force, and have proven time after time to be as elusive as they are powerful. Five years prior, the RPF led a number of arrests targeted at the DeeJays key players, and the slight dip in power lead to a resurgence of many new gangs who eventually faltered when the DeeJays claimed their territory yet again. Only the Preachers stand to be a constant threat to the Rennidanian gang, but yesterday more than proved that not even they can bring down the man at the head of it all, Jose Eisenwolf.
The attack follows the news that the DeeJays will be entering their own team into the World Baseball Classic, a move which has left sports fans in Rennidan reeling at the prospect of being represented by a group of hoodlums. When asked about it, Jose merely pointed out the same fans willingness to follow the similar Rennidan Brutes in gridiron. It must be pointed out that the difference between the two is that the Brutes aren't an organized crime group, but Eisenwolf believes his point still stands valid. Their preliminary games will be against the team of Myedvedya, a nation which has been a constant nuisance to Rennidan in many sporting events.

Colbourne

07-12-2008, 20:20

Colbourne final rosters have been released
modifier +2
Pitchers
Sp's
#32 Jeff King
#34 Harry Young
#55 Pedro Ramirez
#35 Larry McDonald
#33 Micheal Wong
RP's
#56 Jack Nielson
#54 Peter Black
#57 Francisco Gomez
#58 Juan Guerrero
CP's
#59 Ivan Smith

Starrters
#1 Jose Ruiz C
#15 Joey Taylor 1B
#2 Aaron Micheal 2B
#7 Chris Moss SS
#9 Greg Harrison 3B
#21 JoJuan Reynolds LF
#13 Donavon Williams CF
#6 Alex Richards RF
Bench
#3 Mike Jackson
#8 Deshaun Mason
#10 Geoff Wells
#4 Randy Vector
#11 Carlos Rodriguez

Rogers field is where the national team play 98,000
LF 386 ft
CF 400 ft
LF 389 ft
it is usually between -10 and 5 degrees celsius on normal this time of year
Allow opponents to RP injuries to my team: N
Allow opponents to RP ejections to my team: N
Allow opponents to choose my run scorers: Y
When playing at home in the preliminaries, DH is used: Y

Cassadaigua

07-12-2008, 23:26

Cassadaigua will be bringing the following roster to World Baseball Classic 9.

Allow opponents to RP injuries to my team: N
Allow opponents to RP ejections to my team: N
Allow opponents to choose my run scorers: Y
When playing at home in the preliminaries, DH is used: Y

Home Stadium- Tolliver Field in Rutland. Seats 53,712

Coach- Erica Taylor

SP- #36- Meghan Corrigan- LHP- Will start game one.
SP- #38- Rachel Andrews- RHP- Will start game two.

After them, because of the format all other Dagan pitchers will be in the bullpen for the preliminary games. If we advance, we will put together more of a rotation.

P- #32- Renee Porter- RHP- Long reliever or a starter if necessary.
P- #41- Morgan Klein- LHP- Long reliever or a starter
P- #44- Erica Bellonte- RHP- Long reliever or a starter
P- #37- Kayla Belanger- LHP- Short reliever, usually just comes in to get one or two outs.
P- #40- Adrienne Benton- RHP- Short reliever, like Belanger.
P- #35- Katie Douglas- RHP- Mop up reliever.
P- #34- Alyssa Markowitz- LHP- Set up reliever.
P- #42- Katie Sanderson- RHP- Closer.

Here is our lineup with the players average numbers per season over the course of their career. All players are switch hitters, you don’t get to this level in Cassadaigua without having that ability.

1) #11- Christina Barrett- CF .337, 9 HR, 45 SB, 104 SB
2) #4- Brittany Knowles- 2B .330, 7 HR, 50 RBI, 88 SB
3) #31- Rachel Weston- C .327, 30 HR, 115 SB, 0 SB
4) #5- Katie Sheridan- 1B .348, 55 HR, 158 RBI, 11 SB
5) #17- Elizabeth Murray- DH .329, 43 HR, 140 RBI, 3 SB
6) #8- Megan Pattison- RF .319, 24 HR, 83 RBI, 33 SB
7) #3- Courtney Cutler- LF .316, 18 HR, 72 RBI, 14 SB
8) #20- Deanna Hudson- 3B .305, 12 HR, 60 RBI, 2 SB
9) #1- Michelle Driver- SS .308, 8 HR, 58 RBI, 2 SB

Where the DH is not used, Murray starts at 3B, Hudson goes to bench, and Driver bats 8th.

Bench:
#33- Casey McAbee- C
#7- Katrina Campell- 1B
#2- Stacey Kessler- 2B/SS
#6- Nicole Goddard- Utility Infielder
#15- Emily Thomas- OF
#18- Jennifer Branston- OF

Cassadaigua

07-12-2008, 23:52

Dagans Hope to Defy Odds

Cassadaigua will be participating in the World Baseball Classic for the first time, marking the third sport in which the country has made the step up to international play. After the soccer team showed that it could hold its ground in the Baptism of Fire and the Cup of Harmony and the football team showed that it could, well, at least they showed up in the World Bowl, Cassadaigua now is ready to take on the world in baseball and the country is very excited. Players and fans alike.

“I’ve been waiting my whole life for this!” outfielder Megan Pattison exclaimed. “The World Baseball Classic is such a fascinating competition. It is an honor to represent Cassadaigua on the greatest stage possible!” Interviews throughout the locker room will give you the same kind of response. The players are so excited to be able to be here because they feel that they can have success in this sport, and do a lot better then that 1-9 in the group stage football team did in World Bowl 4. However, it’s hard to get too excited because the format of the competition may just make the World Baseball Classic over before it truly starts. All twenty-two teams have been paired together for a two-game preliminary series that will determine the twelve teams that advance to Liventia. The eleven game winners, and the best among the losers are the nations that get to participate. This is not really a friendly format for nations in Cassadaigua’s situation, that are entering their first World Baseball Classic. The Dagans will play Green Wombat and will need to come up with some kind of magic to be able to send the Wombats back home.

“You can stand here and whine about the format or you can go out there and play baseball,” said coach Erica Taylor, “We know what we have to do and Green Wombat should not scare us. I am sure that a lot of people have written us off and have penciled in the Wombats to be advancing to Liventia but I know that we have a much better team then people think we do and if anyone thinks that Green Wombat’s advancement is a mere formality then they have another thing coming.” It is possible that Cassadaigua could fall back on the best loser scenario, but that looks as though it will be complicated to figure out so the easier way will be in beating Green Wombat. “We will put everything in these two games. Maybe we will catch them looking ahead.” warned Pattison.

Jeruselem

08-12-2008, 01:42

Jacinta Dallas with Gavin Rossi, the baseball team Captain ...

Gavin: Looking good Princess.
Jacinta: You look good yourself.
Gavin: Oh yes, thanks for the sponsorship money again.
Jacinta: Anything to help. How's the wife?

Gavin: Busy with my twin kids.
Jacinta: Kids alright?
Gavin: Twin girls, acting like ... err, Dallas girls.
Jacinta: Good to see! I see you guys play the Knights.

Gavin: Yes, the guys who write their press releases in purple.
Jacinta: Are they pretty good?
Gavin: A lot better than us.
Jacinta: You can beat them!

Gavin: We'll do our best, I can't guarantee we'll win anything.
Jacinta: The boys will make the nation proud.
Gavin: One can only do their best.
Jacinta: I think you guys can win.

Gavin: Well, we'll do it for you then. No one else thinks we have any chance.
Jacinta: You gotta have a bit of faith on one's ability.
Gavin: You've got more faith than most of the team.
Jacinta: Someone's gotta support you.

Gavin: We don't even have cheerleaders.
Jacinta: Pretty sad that.
Gavin: Can I borrow some money ... I won't get paid until next week.
Jacinta: Just be sure to pay it back, I am Jewish.

Liventia

08-12-2008, 05:18

Preliminary round, Game 1
Home team first

Green wombat 5-2 Cassadaigua*
Zwangzug 1-4 Secristan
Lovisa 1-10 Tocrowkia
The Bluth Corporation 1-3 Milchama
Prux 5-0 Rainere
Idanno 3-12 Qazox
Colbourne 3-7 Newmanistan
Myedvedeya 2-3 Rennidan
Yafor 2 8-3 Miroxia
Jeruselem 3-7 Taeshan
Liventia 2-0 Greal

*Game was originally scorinated as 11-0, until I realised a mistake in the formula, and was thus re-scorinated. Other games not affected as they were scorinated with the right formula.

Newmanistan

08-12-2008, 06:15

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS WIN OPENING GAME

Pocono City, Newmanistan- Pocono City Stadium was full to capacity as Newmanistanians took in their only chance to see their World Baseball Classic team in action at home before they head off to Colbourne, and hopefully, to Liventia. A strong, all-around effort by the Rockets ensured that there would be no let downs in the first leg of this matchup like what Colbourne had done to us in the World Bowl. It was a thrill to see the team back in action as there are high expectations for the team in the 9th World Baseball Classic. How could there not be after a runner up finish and a 3rd place finish in the team’s only WBC’s to date. There is still another game to go against Colbourne that the team will need to be ready for, but after this 7-3 victory, things do seem to be looking good.

The Rockets wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. In the bottom of the 1st, Brittany Wright led off with a double and as she is never afraid to do, stole third. Jennifer Martin popped out weakly to second, keeping Wright at third but only temporarily. Carrie Nicolette hit a single up the middle to score Wright, and then Carrie was driven in on a 2-run blast by Rachel Crockett. Quickly, Newmanistan was up 3-0, just as they would have wanted. Sarah Boland singled to follow, but Jeff King got out of the inning without any further damage. But even that was going to be short-lived. Brittany Wright came up to bat to lead off the bottom of the third and singled again, and proceeded to turn it into three with steals of second and third. Jennifer Martin this time was able to drive her in with a sacrifice fly to make it 4-0. After Nicolette was retired, Rachel Crockett hit her second home run in as many at bats, drilling a curveball over the fence to make it 5-0 in favor of Newmanistan and to get the home fans cheering and sensing that the rout was on. Colbourne got one back in the top of the 5th on an RBI double by Greg Harrison, and then another back in the 6th on solo HR off the bat of Joey Taylor to close to within 5-2. But any hopes they may have had of slowly chipping away at the lead was erased by the Rockets in the bottom half of the inning. Rachel Crockett, who went 4-for-5 tonight, led the inning off with a single, and after a walk to Sarah Boland, reliever Juan Guerrero was in trouble. He got Natalie Monroe to fly out, but that only advanced the runners, then he walked Nicole Flick to load them up. Tara Cuyler then delivered a double off the wall in right center field that scored Boland and Monroe easily. Flick also tried to score, but was tagged out. Still, the damage was done and the Rockets were up 7-2. Colbourne manufactured a run in the top of the 9th to make the final score be 7-3, but the win was already in the books.

Tara Stewart pitched all nine for Newmanistan, giving up eight hits and three earned runs. She walked one and struck out seven in the victory. Without question, Rachel Crockett is the player of the game, but let’s also keep in mind Brittany Wright’s efforts in being a table setter for the runs in the first and third innings. Now, Newmanistan will head to Colbourne and despite expected cold temperatures, the team is more then ready to bring it on. As is the Newmanistan custom when they play in these frigid environments, they will do their practice in a bikini at the coldest field possible. No, this is not to generate male interest although it is probably going to have this effect, the purpose is to prepare the body for the cold so that when it is game time and you can wear a turtle neck under your jersey, you’re hardly going to notice the temperature.

Bluth Corporation

08-12-2008, 06:25

OOC: It appears Milchama never posted a roster, so I'll do this the best I can.

LINEUP:
1 Kyle Thorson 1B #4
2 Jared Ritchie C #17
3 Alexander Beadles SS #24
4 Cody McConnell RF #28
5 Jared Lamar CF #20
6 Benjamin Eads 3B #23
7 Clint Eaton 2B #51
8 Arthur King LF #40
9 David Sisk P #37

All 54,000 seats in Newport Beach's Coleman Field were packed as Bluth Corporation Starting Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 stepped onto the mound to throw out the ceremonial first pitch of Bluth Corporation's bid to win the World Baseball Classic IX. He waved as he waited for the applause to die down, then catcher Jared Ritchie trotted out to hand him the ball. Manning cocked back to throw with a rather awkward grip, with his hand oriented more sideways along the ball, and as he released it it flew high into the air, clearing the backstop by several feet and coming down into the sure hands of a lucky fan, one M. Harrison, aged 88. Harrison nonchalantly flipped the ball back to a surprised home plate umpire, then returned to his seat on the end of the row, far from anyone else.

After the pregame festivities, the real baseball began in earnest. Starter David Sisk struggled to get his first out, putting men on first and second before the third man in the Milchama lineup was put out by a fly ball to deep right field--prime Cody McConnell territory. A quick signal by ever-alert Ritchie enabled Sisk to pick off the Milchama runner trying to steal third, and then he struck out the next man up to end the half-inning.

Second-baseman Kyle Thorson was the first batter up for the Corporation, and a wild pitch promptly put him on first. The next two batters struck out, but McConnell hit a double to right field on his fourth pitch, putting both he and Thorson in scoring position. The first pitch to Lamar was a booming line drive right down the first base line that hit the wall and landed in fair territory. The normally speedy Thorson was slowed down in his hustle home by some dirt, though, and Milchama was able to relay it to their catcher just in time to put him out, ending the ending.

The next four innings were a defensive struggle. Sisk struck out the side three times, and Milchama's twice, and a grand total of three batters got on base during that time, none advancing past second. Milchama finally looked to be getting something going offensively in the top of the sixth inning, but stellar clutch play by the infield kept three successive runners who had reached third from scoring. Still, it was enough to set off David Sisk's nerves, and as he headed to the dugout he was visibly shaken.

When Sisk got nervy, it was an all-or-nothing proposition: either he got ballsy or he broke down. The team was on edge in the dugout waiting to see what would happen, and the manager couldn't really justify taking out a pitcher who hadn't given up a run yet. Sisk's nerves were contagious--enough that many wondered why he was selected for the team at all.

Sisk was the first to bat for the Corporation in the sixth inning, and as he stepped up to the plate he made up his mind not to give anyone any more reason to doubt his effectiveness. He stepped up to the plate and spat. He felt a bit silly, a pitcher assuming the swagger of a big-time slugger, but he figured it couldn't hurt; it was certainly calming him down, and that was all he cared about at the moment. Some of the fans were mocking him for it, but he managed to tune them out. His eyes fixed on the ball, it came right down the middle--his counterpart for Milchama was challenging him outright--and he swung away with everything he had.

HOME RUN!

As he circled the bases to a standing ovation--he was the first Bluth Corporation pitcher to ever score a walk-off home run--he felt back at ease, and the rest of the team knew he would be fine. Hell, he might even get to pitch the entire game. Pitch counts be damned!

As it turned out, that would be it for Bluth Corporation's offensive production. Batters would get on base, but the same problem that had dogged the Bluth Corporation national team in the past continued to bite it: they just let too many men die on base! The hitting was there, but the speed wasn't. By the end of the game, Bluth Corporation would have left 14 runners on base.

It seemed, though, that despite the lack of offensive output, the defense would manage to keep Milchama off the board. Through the first eight innings, a grand total of eight Milchama runners got on base, and only three reached second. Sisk was taken out before the start of the ninth inning and replaced with closer Roth Cole. Cole had been a world-class starter in his own right earlier in his career, before age and injuries relegated him to a relief role. Cole's balls had been a bit slow in pre-game warmups, but he was next in the rotation, and the manager didn't want to upset it this early in the tournament. He struck out his first batter with ease, but after getting a strike off of a foul on the next batter, he gave up a ground rule double on the next pitch. The next batter popped out to right field, but Cole gave up a base on balls to the next man he faced. With runners on first and second with two outs, leading by one run in the World Baseball Classic, Cole realized that his career might be riding on this last out.

Fastball right down the middle, no swing...called strike.
Curveball low and outside, no swing...ball 1.
Fastball outside, no swing...ball 2.
Slider low, no swing...ball 3.
Fastball high, swing and a miss...strike 2.

FULL COUNT!

The catcher called time, then ran out to the mound to discuss the next pitch with Cole. Ritchie calmed him down as he ran back to the circle, and they set up.

FOUL BALL!

Next pitch...FOUL BALL!

By now everyone was nervous. This at-bat had gone on long enough. It was time to get this game over with. With a fastball right down the middle, saying "hit it if you can!"...

HOME RUN!

With 2 men on base, Milchama went up 3-1 as Cole sank to his knees in despair. Everything he had done to restart his career seemed to be going down in smoke...finally pitching in the World Baseball Classic, he had choked, big time. He just wanted to run inside...but Ritchie told him, "No, you've got work to do, you're the first up. It's time to get over it and man up, dude."

He wasn't going to get over it. Halfheartedly, he took his bat and assumed his position in the box. But his eyes were just gaping wide-open as he took three lifeless swings at three balls that had no chance of being hit...he just wanted to get out of the spotlight, take a shower, get this night over with. The rest of his team was furious with him; he didn't care anymore. He knew he was done, the goat everyone would talk about for years to come.

"Fine, we'll forget about that d-bag," declared Thorson as Cole walked, crying, back to the locker room. "We've still got to get two more runs." The first two pitches to Thorson went for balls, and the next for a foul ball. The next one Thorson hit squarely as it flew away and away, but when he saw it start to drop straight down he started to worry he had gotten too much air under it. It was going to be close, the Milchama outfielder against the wall, arm outstretched into the stands like he was Stretch Armstrong...as he ran towards first base he watched with hope. The ball and his heart thudded in unison, as the ball dropped into the outfielder's glove and Thorson's heart sank into his legs.

Two out.

Ritchie was next. He immediately hit a double, which thanks to an untimely fielding error became a triple. The fans and the Bluth Corporation team were on their feet now, with a chance to come back and at least tie, if not win.

Beadles came up expecting not just to get on base, but to drive Ritchie in and score himself as well. He wasn't about to put the job of driving in the winning run on someone else's shoulders--it was HIS job. He got behind early in the count, but managed to work up to 2-2 before he pounded a ball down the third base line, close enough to scare Ritchie from trying to score, but enough to get him on first base. Disappointing for Beadles, but it was too late to do anything about it now. It was all up to their right fielder, Cody McConnell.

McConnell sneered at the Milchama pitcher as he stepped up to the box. He had already decided he was going to score or go down swinging--no opportunity was going to pass him by. It was a risky strategy, with no chance of a base on balls, but McConnell was an aggressive guy. He swung violently at the first pitch, but just barely missed it. The second pitch was way outside, but he managed to catch it with the end of the bat and lob it foul for strike two. Three successive foul balls followed. McConnell wasn't going down without a fight. Finally, on the sixth pitch McConnell hit a ball fair. Ritchie went all out, knowing it was now or never. He fell down to slide as the ball flew towards home plate...first the ball was closer, than Ritchie, then the ball, then Ritchie, then the ball, then...

It was a cloud of dust and a tangle of bodies at home plate. The umpire reached in and took a look...the catcher's body had stopped Ritchie's slide just inches of the plate...third out, game over.

Qazox

08-12-2008, 06:44

(ooc: Am I right in assuming the First team listed is the Home team?)

QSPN WBC Today

John Morgan: Qazox in the first game of a 2-game series with Idanno took Game One at Idanno by the final of 12-3. The new look Pheonix got started early with 5 runs in the first and added 2 runs each in the third, fourth and fifth innings taking an 11-0 lead in the the bottom of the fifth. Idanno scraped a couple of runs by in the 5th off of Rick Highfield, who earned the win going 8 strong innings, allowing only 3 runs on 5 hits. Now the teams head back to Qazox, where anything but a complete collapse will prevent the Pheonix from advancing to Liventia for the finals.

BOX SCORE @ Idanno
TEAMS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Qazox 5 0 2 2 2 0 0 1 0 12 23 2
Idanno 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 3 6 0

Batting:
2B: Petrie 2, Bryon
3B: none
HR: Ellenburg 2, Petrie 2, Monks
RBI: Ellenburg 4, Bryon 2, Highfield, Petrie 3, Weatherby, Monks
SB: Pew
CS: none
SF: Bryon
Sac: Highfield
HBP: Bannon

Pitching:
PITCHER IP R ER H K BB ERA
Highfield 8.0 3 2 5 9 3 2.25 (W 1-0)
Haskins 1.0 0 0 1 1 0 0.00

HBP: Highfield 2

Fielding:
E: Ellenburg 2
WP: None
PB: None

SCORING SUMMARY:
Qazox First:
Pew singled to right.
Pew stole second.
Doane singled to left, Pew to third.
Ellenburg Homerun to right-center, Pew, Doane and Ellenburg scored.
Monks flied out to right.
Petrie doubled to center
Bryon singled to right, Petrie scored.
Weatherby singles to center, Bryon to second.
Bannon walked, Bryon to third, Weatherby to second.
Highfield sac bunt to third, out at first; I]Bryon scored[/I], Weatherby to third, Bannon to second.
Pew flied out to right.
5 runs, 7 hits, 0 Errors, 2 LOB (5-0 Qazox)

Qazox Third:
Petrie Homerun to left, Petrie scored.
Bryon doubled to left.
Weatherby singled to right, Bryon scored.
Bannon singled to center, Weatherby to second.
Highfield stuck out.
Pew flied out to right.
Doane walked, Weatherby to third, Bannon to second.
Ellenburg stuck out.
2 runs, 3 hits, 0 Errors, 3 LOB (7-0 Qazox)

Qazox Fourth:
Monks walked.
Petrie Homerun to left, Monks and Petrie scored.
PITCHING CHANGE: IDANNO Reliever #1 in for IDANNO Starter #1
Bryon singled to right.
Weatherby struck out.
Bannon Hit-by-pitch, Weatherby to second.
Highfield grounded out to third, Weatherby to third, Bannon to second.
Pew walked.
Doane flied out to center.
2 runs, 2 hits, 0 Errors, 3 LOB (9-0 Qazox)

Qazox Fifth:
Ellenburg Homerun to right, Ellenburg scored.
Monks Homerun to right, Monks scored.
Petrie grounded out to short.
Bryon struck out.
Weatherby flied out to left.
2 runs, 2 hits, 0 Errors, 0 LOB (11-0 Qazox)

Idanno Fifth:
Batter #5 reaches on Ellenburg's fielding error.
Batter #6 singles to left, #5 to second.
Batter #7 reaches on Ellenburg's fielding error, #5 to third, #6 out at second.
Batter #8 singles to left, #5 scored.
PinchHitter: Batter #10 in for Reliever #1.
Batter #10 doubles to left, #8 scored.
Batter #1 flies out to right, #8 to third.
Batter #2 walked.
Batter #3 grounds into 5-6-3 double play.
2 runs, 2 hits, 2 errors, 1 LOB (11-2 Qazox)

Idanno Seventh:
Batter #6 Hit-by-pitch.
Batter #7 singles to right, #6 to third.
Batter #8 singles to left, #6 scored, #7 to second.
PinchHitter: Batter #11 in for Reliever #2.
Batter #11 struck out.
Batter #1 Hit-by-pitch.
Batter #2 flies out to left.
Batter #3 grounds out to third.
1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 2 LOB (11-3 Qazox)

Qazox Eighth:
<PITCHING CHANGE: IDANNO Reliever #3 in for IDANNO Batter #11>
Tyes singles to right.
Iwimura struck out.
Petrie doubles to center, Tyes to third.
Bryon flied out to right, Tyes scored.
Weatherby grounded out to first.
1 run, 2 hits, 0 Errors, 1 LOB (12-3 Qazox)

Green wombat

08-12-2008, 06:57

Wachovia Daily News

A 5-2 win at Wombat Field, Hellispont sees the Wombats only a game away from a WBC trip to Liventia. kenneth Maclean went 7 1/3 innings allowing only 2 runs, a 2-run HR by Katie Sheridan in the first, but he settled down after that, allowing only 3 more hits. Trailing 2-0 in the bottom of the third, andrew Held and travis Seals had back-to-back doubles cutting the lead to 2-1. Then a 376 ft homerun by albert Beckham that just cleared the wall and the out-stretched glove of Megan Pattison in right made it 3-2. A robert Ortega 432-ft blast in the 5th made it 4-2 and Beckham's 3'd RBI, a double scoring antonio Desrosiers in the 7th closed out the scoring.

Now the Wombats have to travel to Cassadaigua, and need to win or lose by fewer than 3 runs to advance.

GW: 5 runs, 11 hits, 0 errors
Cassadaigua: 2 runs, 7 hits, 0 errors

Green wombat's Batting:
Doubles: Held, Seals 2, Beckham
Triples: none
HR: Beckham, Ortega
RBI: Seals, Beckham 3, Ortega

Pitching:
kenneth Maclean: 7 1/3 IP, 5 hits, 8 K's, 1 BB, 2 runs, ER (W 1-0)
leonard Sheehan: 2/3 IP, 1 hits, 1 K's, 0 BB, 0 runs, 0 ER (H 1)
jacob Wolford: 1 IP, 1 hits, 2 K's, 0 BB, 0 runs, 0 ER (Save 1)

Bluth Corporation

08-12-2008, 06:57

(ooc: Am I right in assuming the First team listed is the Home team?)

Home team first

So yeah, you're right :D

Prux

08-12-2008, 07:03

Pawtucket Times-Herald

A complete game 1-hitter for Timothy Eskew, as Rainere, making their WBC debut had no answer for the crafty lefty. A pair of RBI from both Steven Fenn and Robert Looney powered the offense. Louis Jaquez hit Prux' first ever leadoff HR.

The Power now have to travel to Rainere and that should be an easy win as well.

Rainere: 000 000 000 0 1 0
Prux: 210 101 00x 5 11 0

Batting Stats:
Doubles: none
Triples: none
Homeruns: Louis Jaquez
Runs: Louis Jaquez 2, Steven Fenn 2, Gerald Schlegel
RBI: Steven Fenn 2, Robert Looney 2. Louis Jaquez

Pitching stats:
Timothy Eskew: 9 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 10 K's, 3 BB (W 1-0)

Jeruselem

08-12-2008, 07:20

Princess Jacinta Sasha Dallas with a rather unhappy Captain Gavin Rossi ...

Gavin: Ah crap ...
Jacinta: Hey, we were leading at one stage!
Gavin: That was the 2nd inning and then we fell apart again.
Jacinta: You lot have trouble hitting the ball.

Gavin: We don't have quality pitchers to test our team.
Jacinta: They were really good, pity we didn't have the firepower.
Gavin: It's a vicious circle, if you have crap pitchers - the hitters don't get practice to hit quality ball so you have trouble attacking and defending.
Jacinta: That makes sense.

Gavin: We're screwed ...
Jacinta: But you're doing a great job.
Gavin: But as a team, we're awful.
Jacinta: Like people tripping over trying to catch a ball.

Gavin: Running into each other doesn't help either.
Jacinta: At least you are trying.
Gavin: We're going to get smashed in Taeshan, the Knights are too good.
Jacinta: You must fight still, go down fighting.

Gavin: I think we need go full time with this baseball.
Jacinta: They aren't bad for team of part timers.
Gavin: Yes, we're just amateurs playing the pros who smash us off the field.
Jacinta: Just keep trying.

Gavin: I don't know why we bother.
Jacinta: Because, you're playing for the pride of the nation.
Gavin: On current results, we're just shameful.
Jacinta: I'm proud of you losers. Oi, you owe me money.

Gavin: Sorry, here ...
Jacinta: Maybe you should get a better paying job.
Gavin: Yes, I should.
Jacinta: This baseball doesn't pay well does it.

Tocrowkia

08-12-2008, 07:26

((OOC: I hope you don't mind if I borrow your box score format, Qazox.))

TEAMS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Tocrowkia 3 1 0 2 1 1 1 1 0 10 18 1
Lovisa 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 1

HRs:
TOC: Jill Haviland 1 (1), Dmitri Rykov 1 (1), Johnny Stryker 1 (1)

The Nordics wasted no time in taking the Lovisan home crowd right out of the game. Back-to-back singles by Kitten Dyfuse and Willhelm Dynrus were followed up by Jill Haviland, who slugged the first pitch she saw from the Lovisan pitcher for a breath-taking home run to left-center. Though the next three hitters popped out, flyed out, and grounded out, the Nordic pitching proved no less merciless for the Lovisan. Tommy Thunder finally pitched like the ace he is, and struck out the side on 13 pitches.

The second inning saw a lead-off walk by Domino Mazdrick turn into yet another run on the board, as she promptly stole second. Alec Travylin drove her in with an RBI single, though Lovisa managed to escape the inning without further damage. Thunder struck out two more hitters, and got the final one to ground out to Jill Haviland before the Nordics got up to bat again, though Thunder and the top of the order were set down in the top of the third. However, a single from Haviland, her second hit set up the rout the game turned into. Rykov battled through a 12-pitch at-bat and ended up slugging an opposite-field homerun that ended up well back into the stands. From then on, the Lovisan crowd barely made a whimper. Johnny Stryker jacked a solo shot an inning later, which chased yet another Lovisan pitcher from the mound. From then on, the Nordics were content to keep the ball in the yard as the singled and doubled runs in. The Lovisans just barely managed to avoid a shut out on a sac-fly that scored on in the 7th, but it was far too late by then. Thunder ended up striking out 12, and solid D took care of the rest. Hopefully, the Nordics can continue this brilliant performance into their next game.

Quotes from the TSN announcers:

"And the first pitch to Haviland...and she belts it to left! Track, wall, bleachers! See ya! Captain Jill Haviland fires a seat-seeking missiles off her bat to start things off here in the first!"

"And now here's Rykov, ready for yet another pitch. And he connects! Carrying to deep right, and you can forget about it! Way gone! The crowd here is stunned! Stunned in disbelief as they watch Rykov pump his fist in the air and cross home for a 2-run Homer!"

"Here's the pitch...looks to be a curve and it's belted to deep right, down the line and gone. Stryker puts another one on the board and you can find more excitement in a morgue!"

Cassadaigua

08-12-2008, 14:14

Dagans Must Come up Big!

Well we didn’t win. It was looking good for a little bit when Katie Sheridan belted a 2-run homer over the left field fence that drove in Christina Barrett. It was a clutch hit with 2 outs and was supposed to be about sending a message to Green Wombat. There was a message delivered and it was by the Wombats and their pitcher Kenneth MacLean who went on to shut down the Cassadagan offense after that, allowing only 3 hits, and no more then one hit in an inning. At the same time, Green Wombat got their offense in gear in the bottom of the third inning on back to back doubles by Andrew Held and Travis Seals, then Albert Beckham hit a 2-run shot over a leaping effort by Megan Pattison to rob the slugger of the homer. It allowed Green Wombat to get a 5-2 victory. At least we didn’t lose 11-0, that would have been disastrous.

Now the two-game series heads to Rutland and Cassadaigua will do everything they can to stay alive. Don’t think for a moment that the team has packed it in. They must defeat Green Wombat, and do so by at least four runs. Why can’t that happen? Coach Erica Taylor says the team will have a positive approach for the game, “International baseball in Cassadaigua will be historic thing, and we are out to make this a very memorable game. We know what we have to do and we have it in ourselves to go out there and do it.” A win by less then three runs could get the Dagans in line for the best loser of the group, but that is not something that the team will be putting a lot of hope in.

Taeshan

08-12-2008, 22:11

Knights Rape and Pillage the Princesses

Okay maybe they didn't go that far. But seriously when you're up by three after 3 innings you don't just let the almighty Purple Knights back into it with bad pitching seriously. The Princesses had it bagged until there "star" pitcher threw a meaty ball right down the center for the Knights first three runs of a Socki Lewis. And after that just two innings later you let the same guy do the same exact thing, and oh when the same guy comes up in the 7th with you're team only down by three you don't do it again. Priceless, how stupid blondes can be sometimes. Really the Knights got lucky to be playing a team full of men, who played lik all the other Jeru teams are girly. (no offense, but sometimes)

Projected winners after first Games
Green Wombat
Zwangzug*#
Tocrowkia
Milchama
Prux
Qazox
Newmanistan
Myedvedeyan
Yafor 2
Taeshan
Liventia
*Behind after game 1.
#Loser will also advance

Projected Round Two Groups
Group A
Taeshan
Liventia
Yafor 2
Myedvedeyan
Qazox
Prux

Group B
Zwangzug
Newmanistan
Milchama
Tocrowkia
Green Wombat
Secristan

Zwangzug

09-12-2008, 00:21

"...Jamison winds and delivers a fireball, but Trecarichi takes inside to even the count."

"Fireball? That?"

"Look at the radar gun, it was 92 miles per hour."

"Whatever."

"The sign from Whittman. Jamison's throw, and connected into right field! Trecarichi pokes one the other way, a beautiful single, and Lievano will hustle home."

"He's not hustling, Beaudoin had no play."

"Trecarichi's RBI evens the score at one apiece here in the fourth..."

"...back under way after that nice pitching change."

"What's your problem? We've got one out till the stretch."

"Yeah, yeah. Arianna Shadduck enters for the Zebras."

"Finishes her warm-up tosses, and here we go."

"Rodriguez takes ball one."

"A little low there, started trailing off before it made it all the way to the plate."

"One and oh to Rodriguez, the pitch: driven deep into left. Dvorak tries to chase it down but it's going all the way to the wall. Two runs are in and Secristan is ahead again, three to one..."

"...is that where the Loops play?"

"I don't think so, but Zwangzug will face a tough uphill road there unless they can come back from this one."

"Oh and one on Schlemmer, pinch-hitting for Kirst."

"Martinez delivers, and it's skied to Carlin."

"Lazy fly will do it: Secristan takes the first preliminary game, 4-1."

"Was not!"

Secristan

09-12-2008, 04:38

PLAYERS RISE UP UNDER SDOS DOUBT

What’s all this fuss about anyway that the Secristan Department of Sports is raising? In a display of coming together to achieve a common goal even when all of the country didn’t believe in them, the Millionaires pulled off a stunning 4-1 victory over the heavily favored Zwangzug Zebras. The disputes of the SDOS over the way that things went down prior to the game have been well documented, likely leading the players to wonder that if their own country and their own government had absolutely no faith in them, then what kind of support do they actually have? It didn’t really matter. In the face of adversity, the Millionaires did not back down from the Zebras and took the first game of the series on the road. Now the matchup is coming to the Loophole where the players will look to make the Zebras wish they had played someone else.

Steve Jamison, the undisputed best pitcher in the country was masterful on the mound. Even though he has to bid for his spot on the team just like everyone else, he does so with personal pride, and the desire to compete. Somewhere we figure, there is a love for his country involved, too. Jamison sat down the Zebra batters down one after the other, and finished with a terrific stat line of 8 innings pitched, allowing just one earned run, and striking out ten. That’s an impressive total considering that Zwangzug has some very disciplined batters on their team. Francisco Martinez pitched the ninth for the save. With two runners on, the big hit for the Millionaires came in the top of the 7th after the Zebras brought in Arianna Shadduck, thinking she could get Manny Rodriguez to strike out or even better to ground into a double play, but Manny hit a long double to left which drove in Jimmy Blanchard and Tim McMurtry to make it 3-1, then an out later, an Adam Sperbeck single drove in M-Rod to give the Millionaires the three-run lead, a lead in which they would hold on to.

So now the players have an opportunity to do something that the Secristani athlete has always dreamed about and wished that one day this fantasy could come true. Not to win World Baseball Classic 9, but to make the Secristan Department of Sports look like complete idiots.

Liventia

09-12-2008, 15:31

Liventian squad for World Baseball Classic 9

The Liventian National Baseball Council has, albeit a few days late and one game in, finally released a confirmed list of players who will be representing Liventia at WBC9.

The team will be coached by Rints Cothasat, a first-generation Vephrall immigrant to Liventia, and in a curious twist of co-incidence, all 23 players selected on the team are of Vephrese heritage and descendance. This has caused an outcry in the country, as the seventh-ranked team had played most prior WBCs with an unchanged side that did fairly well.

As a result, most players have Anglicised first names but Vephrese last names. Only one, Connor Watson, has a fully-Anglicised name, but still has Vephrese lineage through his mother.

Starting lineup, hitting lefties (Bats/Throws):
1. Isaac GACKBANG, DH (1B), R/R
2. Jack ILLOKEL, 3B, S/R
3. Jonathan ANGUFAMS, LF, R/R
4. Alexander RILIN, C, S/L
5. Connor WATSON, 1B (SS), L/L
6. Blake WHAARINY, CF, R/R
7. Dominic DOTOS, RF, L/L
8. Kyle BASPAALT, 2B, S/L
9. Samuel APYRPHUNG, SS, R/R

Starting lineup, hitting righties:
1. Connor WATSON, 1B (SS)
2. Isaac GACKBANG, DH (1B)
3. Alexander RILIN, C
4. Jack ILLOKEL, 3B
5. Dominic DOTOS, RF
6. Kyle BASPAALT, 2B
7. Jonathan ANGUFAMS, LF
8. Blake WHAARINY, CF
9. Samuel APYRPHUNG, SS

*When no DH in play, Gackbang plays 1B and Watson plays SS, with Apyrphung dropping out for the pitcher to bat.

Pitching rotation (Bats/Throws):
1. Michael PEMBACE, R/R (started Game 1 against Greal)
4-seam FB, slider, forkball, changeup
2. Caleb UMSAASAD, L/R
Knuckleball, curveball, changeup, 2-seam FB
3. Ryan OSTALIR, R/R (will start Game 2 against Greal)
4-seam FB, sinker, knucklecurve, circle change
4. Aaron SOLIVASAS, L/L
4-seam FB, sinker, slider, cutter
5. Thomas SMAIT, L/L
4 seam-FB, curveball, changeup

Umsaasad will start Finals Game 1, with Solivasas going in Game 2. Pembace will go in Game 3, Smait in Game 4, and Umsaasad again in Game 5. Ostalir will serve as long relief from finals MD3 onwards.

Bullpen (throws):
LRP - Ryan OSTALIR (see above), R
LRP - Zach BRAMEIT, L
MRP - Justin CHEZLOT, R
MRP - Brian LANGIS, L
MRP - James PRARBENS, R
SU - Josh TOMPRISM, L
SU - Seb PINTEPS, R
CL - Luke SCEZES, R

RP INFO
Please do not choose my lineup or pitchers, please use the above rotation and lineup. You MAY insert relief pitchers, but please only after the 4th inning when Liventia is trailing by at least 4, and only after the 7th if Liventia is winning or trailing by not more than 2.

There IS THE DESIGNATED HITTER at all games played in Liventia. Read on: there is NO RULE saying a team must play a DH in such a situation, and may choose to bat a pitcher. Do note though that IRL in such a case, the other team gets to keep their DH at their discretion. You may RP storylines around this if needed in the finals.

Anything else, knock yourselves out. Just don't kill or maim my players.

Liventia

10-12-2008, 02:42

Preliminary round, Game 2
First leg results in italics; home team listed first

Green wombat 5-2 Cassadaigua
Cassadaigua 5-3 Green Wombat
*Over two games: Green Wombat 8-7 Cassadaigua

Zwangzug 1-4 Secristan
Secristan 2-5 Zwangzug
*Over two games: Zwangzug 6-6 Secristan
Second game, after extra innings: Secristan 4-5 Zwangzug
Secristan wins matchup, Zwangzug 'lucky loser' after extra innings

Lovisa 1-10 Tocrowkia
Tocrowkia 4-1 Lovisa
*Over two games: Tocrowkia 14-2 Lovisa

Bluth Corporation 1-3 Milchama
Milchama 0-5 Bluth Corporation
*Over two games: Bluth Corporation 6-3 Milchama

Prux 5-0 Rainere
Rainere 5-3 Prux
*Over two games: Prux 8-5 Rainere

Idanno 3-12 Qazox
Qazox 4-1 Idanno
*Over two games: Qazox 17-4 Idanno

Colbourne 3-7 Newmanistan
Newmanistan 6-1 Colbourne
*Over two games: Colbourne 4-13 Newmanistan

Myedvedeya 2-3 Rennidan
Rennidan 4-0 Myedvedeya
*Over two games: Myedvedeya 2-7 Rennidan

Yafor 2 8-3 Miroxia
Miroxia 1-2 Yafor 2
*Over two games: Yafor 2 10-4 Miroxia

Jeruselem 3-7 Taeshan
Taeshan 5-0 Jeruselem
*Over two games: Jeruselem 3-12 Taeshan

Liventia 2-0 Greal
Greal 2-4 Liventia
*Over two games: Liventia 6-2 Greal

Teams who will be involved in tomorrow's finals draw:
Green Wombat
Secristan
Tocrowkia
Bluth Corporation
Prux
Qazox
Newmanistan
Rennidan
Yafor 2
Taeshan
Liventia
Zwangzug

Tocrowkia

10-12-2008, 04:01

TEAMS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Lovisa 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 4 1
Tocrowkia 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 4 6 0

HRs:
TOC: Johnny Stryker 2 (3)

With Tocrowkia's 4-1 victory over Lovisa, The Nordics have sealed their second playoff berth in as many WBCs. Jenna Glaus went all nine innings, her ground ball wizardry assuring her pitch count remained low and the hurler strong. Her team also immediately put her on the scoreboard, with a two-run double from Jill Haviland in the first. The home crowd was rocking all through out with Wraith Field filled to full capacity.

Johnny Stryker also continued to amaze, lashing an opposite-field homerun in the fifth and jacking one to deep-right two innings later, which proved to more than enough against the Lovisan squad. They often threatened, but timely defense and pitching assured they didn't plate more than one runner, an RBI single in the eighth. The Nordics dominated the two game series, never surrendered the lead and outscoring the Lovisan's by a total of 14-2.

Quotes from the TSN announcers

"Stryker hammers one into left! Track, wall gone! And it's 3 to nothing here in the fifth."

"Here's the 3-2 pitch...and Stryker belts THIS one to deep right! Way up and outta here, seven or eight rows back into right center! 4 to 1 here in Tocrowkia!"

Composite series box:

TEAMS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Lovisa 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 4 1
Tocrowkia 5 1 0 4 2 1 1 1 0 14 24 1

Qazox

10-12-2008, 05:23

(ooc: I win by 9 on the road, but only 3 at home????)

QSPN WBC Today

John Morgan: Qazox took game 2 of the series with Idanno 4-1, as Manager Adam Victorini decided that with a 9-run advantage, he could afford to let a few of the bench players start today's game. While the 4-1 win wasn't pretty, it did get the Pheonix into he WBC Finasl, where the group draw will take place in a week. Francis Scarbourgh got the start, lasting 5 innings and allowing only 3 hits. The big offensive star of the game was Sean Schell, whose 3-run HR in the 4th broke the game open.

BOX SCORE @ Idanno
TEAMS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Idanno 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 5 1
Qazox 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 x 4 8 0

Batting:
2B: Pew, Yans, Young
3B: none
HR: Schell
RBI: Tyes, Schell 3
SB: none
CS: Young
SF: none
Sac: Highfield
HBP: Bannon

Pitching:
PITCHER IP R ER H K BB ERA
Scarbourgh 5.0 0 0 3 4 4 0.00 (W 1-0)
Rescovich 2.0 1 1 1 2 0 4.50
Haskins 1.0 0 0 1 1 0 0.00
Throne 1.0 0 0 0 2 0 0.00 (Sv. 1)

HBP: Rescovich

Fielding:
E: none
WP: Scarburgh
PB: None

SCORING SUMMARY:

Qazox Third:
Scarbourgh struck out.
Pew doubled to right.
Young grounded out to first, Pew to third.
Tyes singled to center, Pew scored.
Burchill flied out to right.
1 run, 2 hits, 0 Errors, 1 LOB (1-0 Qazox)

Qazox Fourth:
Petrie grounded out to first.
Iwimura singled to right.
Yans doubled to enter, Iwimura to third.
Schell Homerun to left; Iwimura, Yans and Schell scored.
Scarbourgh struck out.
Pew flied out to left.
3 runs, 3 hits, 0 Errors, 0 LOB (4-0 Qazox)

Idanno Seventh:
Batter #3 Homerun to left, #3 scored.
Batter #4 Hit-by-pitch
Batter #5 struck out.
Batter #6 flied out to right.
Batter #7 grounded out to third.
1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB (4-1 Qazox)

Taeshan

10-12-2008, 05:28

Dang it Myedvedeyan, milchama twi team off of perfect. ( next post probally won't be changes just figure it as if it was)

Taeshan

10-12-2008, 05:44

Knights In Finals After Shutout

And then there was twelve. Last week we made are predictions on who would make it, and we go 11 out of twelve of the qualifiers to the finals in Liventia right. Although predictions after a game is played between two in a series of two aren't exactly the hardest to make, some choices were quite obvious. Of course your Purple Knights made it to the second round with a 5-0 lockdown of the Jeruselem team. A complete game shutout, by the number 2 pitcher on the team Zeke Peters sealed the deal. The 26 year old from Machrobat used his Palmball to perfection mowing down 15 out of the 29 batters he face. He only gave up two hits all day, and thats saying something.

Taeshan is not the place most people would want to go on vacation. The freezing temperatures all year round give it that nice cool feeling. No one knows the strange occurence that makes the islands completely iced, and snowy, and leaves the rest of the Q Continuum warm. Even on the twelfth day of july the warmest month every year, it was snowing. The drifts covered the field and stands. Those brave enough to come from Jeruselem to watch there team left early, perhaps the lack of fans gave the team no hope.

Usually shutouts are hard to come by in the bad weather. The only days they happen are when the fields are icen over, and the precipitation is non-existent. Unfortunately that barely ever happens. The Knights would jump on the Jeruselm team and continue riding there pitching staff, while getting 27 hits all game. They only scored 5 points due to the sli ups that even come across the regulars on the field.

If you have ever glanced ujpon Qarant Xa'virt spark Park you know its outfield walls are menacingly far away from the plate. No one has ever hit one out of the park, but many have had inside the parkers due to the length, and the snow on the field. The Knights came across two of these lucky occurence;s. First when Flean Diageo slammed a 3 run homer in the fourth, and then when Socki Lewis nabbed yet another homer with his two run bomb in the 7th. Boy it was a great game, thanks to those Jeruselemites for the tune ups.

Qazox

10-12-2008, 05:58

QSPN WBC Today

John Morgan: For the first time in a while, the WBC Today will review the rest of the preliminary games.

Cassadaigua looked to upset Green wombat, but the Wombats managed to eke through on one run, sending them to the WBC.

In the matchup most thought would see both teams qualify, both Secristan and Zwangzug qualified, though they played extra-innings after the 2nd game to determine the tie-breaker. (ooc to Liventia: wouln't have AWAY runs have been a better choice for a Tie-breaker?? But you're the host.)

Tocrowkia, whom many picked to advance over a lethargic Lovisa squad, did so and with ease.

Bluth Corporation stunned 2-time WBC champions Milchama, in game 2, 5-0 to earn their way to Liventia, making the WBC finals for the first time.

Prux almost coughed up a +5 run differential to Rainere, but managed to score enough to qualify.

Rennidan qualified for the first time knocking out Myedvedeya.

Yafor 2 easily qualified over Miroxia.

Taeshan squashed the Princesses title hopes with 2 impressive wins.

and fianlly, Liventia struggled but managed to hold off Greal to qualify.

That leaves these 12 teams to compete for the WBC Crown (New Bruxen Casino Odds to win WBC9 are posted as well)
Green Wombat 25-1
Secristan 20-1
Tocrowkia 30-1
Bluth Corporation 50-1
Prux 10-1
Qazox 7-5
Newmanistan 4-1
Rennidan 75-1
Yafor 2 15-1
Taeshan 10-1
Liventia 10-1
Zwangzug 8-1

(OOC: Important News: Due to lack of interest, the WBC Hall of Fame has been closed ALSO WIKIPAGE (http://http://wikistates.outwardhosting.com/wiki/World_Baseball_Classic_9)

Newmanistan

10-12-2008, 14:39

(OOC: Alright lets pretend that I didn’t make the mistake of having our first game be our home game in my previous RP).

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS ADVANCE TO FINALS

Pocono City, Newmanistan- After beginning their home and home series with a comfortable 7-3 win in Colbourne, Newmanistan returned home for the second game knowing that all the pressure would be on their opponent. If all went according to plan, Newmanistan would be able to cruise their way through this preliminary series as they get set for the critical games taking place in Liventia. Stacey Keisler would take to the mound for the Rockets, but coach Christina Sanders told reporters before the game that if Newmanistan jumped out to the lead in this game, Keisler would be gone after five and the bullpen would pitch the rest of the game. There would be no sense in overusing Keisler, after all.

Stacey had a confident look on her face as soon as she took to the mound. She sat down Donavon Williams on three pitches. Then fanned Aaron Michael. Alex Richards? You take a seat right next to them. Eleven pitches, three strikeouts. Keisler was no nonsense and the Rockets were sending the message quickly that they intended to get this game in the bag as quick as they could. In the bottom of the inning, Carrie Nicolette lined a 2-out triple that essentially painted the right field line. Rachel Crockett, who went 4-for-5 in the first game with 2 home runs would get started quickly here as well with an RBI double. Sarah Boland then drove in Crockett and Newmanistan had a 2-0 lead after one. Heading into the bottom of the third, Colbourne was still hitless and Keisler had accumulated seven strikeouts already. Brittany Wright would lead the inning off with a single and then stole second and third and then scored when catcher Jose Ruiz threw the ball into left field in his effort to get Wright out. 3-0, just like that, and on the heels of the 7-3 road victory, Newmanistanian advancement was becoming more and more of a formality. Alex Richards picked up the first hit for Colbourne in the top of the 4th with a single, but was quickly erased. In the bottom of the inning, Newmanistan added a couple more. With one away, Nicole Flick and Tara Cuyler hit consecutive singles, and after Keisler moved them to third on a sacrifice, Brittany Wright drove both of them in with a double, and now the Rockets were up by five. After the top of the 5th inning was complete, and Keisler’s victory imminent, Christina Sanders became true to her word and took out the ace. Stacey pitched five innings, allowing just one hit, walking no one and striking out nine.

With the outcome appearing safe, coach Sanders elected to give one inning to each of her relievers just so they could get some work in. Shannon Talcott took care of business in the sixth inning, and Jessica Vauclair shut the door in the 7th. In the bottom of the inning, the Rockets added a 6th run to their side of the ledger on a 449-foot blast off the bat of Sarah Boland. The towering shot could be seen perhaps as an exclamation point that Newmanistan was all set to take their act to Liventia. Lauren Tippett couldn’t keep the shutout going in the 8th as Chris Moss hit an RBI-double to make it 6-1, but she quickly got out of the inning as to not allow Colbourne to think that they would have a chance to comeback. Even though it was not a save situation, the closer Jill Heisler got to work in the 9th, and finished the game out just the way that Stacey Keisler had started it, by striking out the side. The game ends with the Rockets victorious by the score of 6-1, and the total for the preliminary series was 13-4 in favor of Newmanistan, definitely showing the world that the team would not take any opponent lightly and that the sky blue and white would be ready to make a run at World Baseball Classic title in Liventia. Newmanistan was one of only two teams (Taeshan the other) to have won each of their games by at least four runs. We will now await the draw for the finals which will take place tomorrow.

Here is some post game reaction:

Sanders: “We did a great job in these two games simply taking care of business. Even though we felt we had the advantage on them, you never know. Therefore I have to give credit to the team for the way that they performed.”

Keisler: “I was definitely on and feeling good. It kind of stunk to have to be taken out after the 5th inning but I understood why the coach did it and it makes perfect sense. The finals in Liventia are far more important, especially after we had these games wrapped up.”

Crockett: (6-for-10 in series with 2 HR’s): “You look at the other games, Milchama is gone now. They eliminated us last time. Zwangzug would have been gone if not for the lucky loser. They eliminated us the time before that. So that just shows that you couldn’t take anyone for granted. We did what we were supposed to and now we get to go to Liventia to win this title.”

Zwangzug

10-12-2008, 23:23

"...there wasn't anybody out last night when Shadduck came in, was there?"

"Um, no, there wasn't."

"Ha-ha! You said there were two! What's all the rush about, huh? Yeah, take that..."

"...Slattery winds and delivers, ball one to Abuanza."

"Nice off-speed stuff there from the right-hander."

"Nice for us, sure."

"Abuanza will be hoping to work the count some more."

"But that's swung on and missed for strike two. What a fastball, came out of nowhere."

"Koves with the lead off of second."

"The delivery is pulled deep. Koves dashing in to make this game 1-0."

"Zwangzug draws first blood here in the second."

"But we've got a long way to go."

"Remember, Zwangzug need to win by at least three runs to pull even with Secristan overall..."

"...ball four to Kintopp."

"Everybody advances. Pargman will trot in."

"The Zebras increase their lead to 4-0."

"And take the lead in the total score, 5-4..."

"...Erewhon throws, and Blanchard strikes out swinging."

"And that'll do it; the Zebras win, 5-2."

"Um, not quite. The overall round is tied 6-6."

"So what?"

"So we have to play extra innings."

"Are any of the other games in extra innings?"

"Well...let me check the time zone conversions..."

"We should both be going through anyway."

"Free baseball! Isn't it great?"

"We have got to be making overtime for this..."

"...drilled to left center and still rising. Trecarichi back-pedaling, but that thing is out of here! A home run for Eric Beaudoin will win the game for Secristan."

"No it won't. At least it's a walk-off, though."

"Okay then, this...ends the game with a score of 5-4 Zwangzug, in what most surely be one of the most bizarre terminations to a World Baseball Classic game. So Secristan wins the preliminary round, but it looks as if the Zebras are set to advance as well."

"See? Told you."

Green wombat

11-12-2008, 05:54

Wachovia Daily News

Trailing Cassadaigua 5-1 in the top of the 9th, The wombats needed at least a run to have any chance to qualify. After Robert Ortega and Alan Monge singled off of Katie Sanderson, Aaron Clemente slapped a double to the left left wall scoring Ortega and Monge, and those two runs allowed the Wombats to sneak in as the 11th team to qualify.

Now the Wombats await the WBC draw to find out who will have the honor of knocking them out this time.

GW: 3 runs, 9 hits, 1 errors
Cassadaigua: 5 runs, 13 hits, 0 errors

Green wombat's Batting:
Doubles: Clemente
Triples: none
HR: Held
RBI: Held, Clemente 2
Error: Desrosiers

Pitching:
howard Lheureux: 7 IP, 9 hits, 4 K's, 2 BB, 4 runs, 4 ER (L 0-1)
ernest Wayman: 1 IP, 4 hits, 1 K, 0 BB, 1 run, 1 ER

Prux

11-12-2008, 05:59

Pawtucket Times-Herald

Rainere had a 5-0 lead until a 3-run HR by Robert Looney in the top of the 7th allowed Prux to win the series, despite losing game 2 5-3; on total runs.

While the Power didn't look great at Rainere, they expect a deep run in Liventia.

Prux: 000 000 300 3 9 0
Rainere: 101 210 000 5 11 0

Batting Stats:
Doubles: none
Triples: none
Homeruns: Robert Looney
Runs: Steven Fenn (3), Joe Lower, Robert Looney
RBI: Robert Looney 3

Pitching stats:
Johnny Wilson: 5 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 4 K's, 2 BB (L 0-1)
Victor Dorman: 2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 K's, 1 BB
Gregory Kerr: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 K's, 0 BB

Liventia

11-12-2008, 07:40

Finals draw

Group A
Newmanistan
Rennidan
Prux
Secristan
Green Wombat
Taeshan

Group B
Tocrowkia
Liventia
Yafor 2
Bluth Corporation
Qazox
Zwangzug

For MD1 to MD4, all games on a single matchday are ICly played at the same stadium, with start times of 7:50 am, 1:50 pm and 7:50 pm.

MD1: 1v2, 3v4, 5v6
Group A: Shocker Stadium, Orean; Group B: National Baseball Grounds, Orean

MD2: 1v3, 2v5, 4v6
Group A: LivEng Airways Titans Arena, Orean; Group B: LEC® Desert Grounds, Folenisa

MD3: 1v4, 2v6, 3v5
Group A: Shocker Stadium, Orean; Group B: National Baseball Grounds, Orean

MD4: 1v5, 2v4, 3v6
Group A: LivEng Airways Titans Arena, Orean; Group B: LEC® Desert Grounds, Folenisa

MD5: 1v6, 2v3, 4v5
Venues: Titans Arena, Desert Grounds, and Shocker Stadium respectively
ICly: Group A games at 1:50 pm; Group B at 7:50 pm

Tocrowkia

11-12-2008, 08:07

The Group Draws have been announced, and it looks like The Nordics will be going up against some familiar foes. Among them, Yafor 2 and the Bluth Corporation. In the previous World Baseball Classic, the Nordics went a combined 4-0 against these two teams. When asked what she thought of being pitted against the teams who propelled her and her squad to their first WBC playoff berth, Jill Haviland (6-for-10 in the WBC so far, with five RBI and one HR. A 600. BA) dismissed the idea that it would be easy. "Every Classic, everyone gets better. These may not be the exact same teams we faced in WBC 8. Just look at where Milchama and Zwangzug are now. We're going to go out and play 100% no matter who we face."

We asked the 31-year old slugger what she thought about also being pitted against another familiar foe, Qazox. "What I said goes both ways. We're not the same team that went 0-for-4 against them, either. I'm confident we can do better." Haviland dismissed any further questions about Qazox, and went on to state that for now the team is simply preparing for it's first match against Lovisa, sticking to the "one game at a time" philosophy that has been adopted through out the clubhouse.

Newmanistan

11-12-2008, 09:09

THE ROCKET REPORT

WAKE UP EARLY!

Pocono City, Newmanistan- The official group draw for the 9th World Baseball Classic has been released and Newmanistanians wishing to catch any of the games will have to set their alarm clocks to get up pretty early. Such is just one of the small sacrifices that a true fan though must make in order to support their national team. Newmanistan entered with a ranking of #5 originally, but with Milchama now back at home, the Rockets are a top four team, and according to the New Bruxen Casino in Qazox, the Empire is the second choice on the board with odds of 4:1.

All five of the Rockets round robin games have one thing in common. A 7:50 AM start time, and coach Christina Sanders immediately put to bed any thoughts that this was a disadvantage to Newmanistan, and in fact, she felt that it was quite advantageous for the Rockets. “Actually I love it. All of our games are at the same time, where other teams will have to play in the different time slots. The early morning hour doesn’t mean much as all we will need to do is adjust our body clocks. What we normally do at 2pm, you do at 2am. So when we don’t give you a 2pm interview, you’ll know why, we are fast asleep. We will get up around 9pm each night, have an 11pm or so “morning” practice, have lunch around midnight, practice some more at 2 am or so, and then when the game comes it will be like a traditional 7:50PM start. We can get away with doing this since all our games are at this time, and I think it puts as at an advantage.” Not a bad plan for the time schedule, and on three occasions, Newmanistan’s opponent will have played the previous matchday at 7:50 PM. Perhaps we should keep quiet before they think about altering this schedule. Tocrowkia, in Group B also has this schedule.

So who will the Rockets be playing? Well, things will be getting under way against Rennidan, who is making their World Baseball Classic debut and were able to get by Myedvedeya in a battle of first time nations in the preliminary. Rennidan has been a difficult opponent for Newmanistan in the World Bowl, but things should be different here with the Rockets out to get some redemption. Rennidan is probably the biggest longshot in the group, but the team seems to have a lot of character, so who knows. Then it’ll be Prux, a team the Rockets can’t look past. Newmanistan doesn’t have a ton of history with this nation of the Q Continuum, and will be hoping that this match ends well. Secristan, who’s players overcame even the doubts of their government will be next, and given the fact that they almost knocked Zwangzug out of the finals, the Rockets won’t be looking past their One Big Island rival. They wouldn’t anyway, as the “Penthoria River Wars” always get the juices pumped up. Following the Millionaires, the Rockets will finish out with two more members of the Q Continuum, Green Wombat and Taeshan. Green Wombat survived a major scare against debutant Cassadaigua in the preliminary, while Taeshan we always beat. Actually it was in the World Baseball Classic where a lot of the Taeshani frustration with Newmanistan began, and of course they were the opponent that Newmanistan defeated in the 3rd place series for World Baseball Classic 8.

There’s your schedule, and remember all games are bright and early at 7:50AM. We hope you saved some sick days from work.

Taeshan

11-12-2008, 22:01

Group Draw Announced

You can use one word to describe this World Baseball Classics group draw, draw. Newmanistan. And then you can use one word after you've learned that they are in are group once again. Lets just say it starts with an F and ends in uck, and its not Firetruck. That about sums up the history of the two teams facing off. Dreadful in our case, and awesome in there. Those games ar like a black hole of winning for the Purple Knights, and the light the Rockets need to shine.

The news is not all bad, as the Knights will have four other games to play in to make there 6th straight apperance in the semifinals. Although apparently thy're aren't any. But unlike Jeruselem was in the qualificatiopn round these guys are tough competitors, looking to toy with are emotions. Who are they? Well theres Rennidan a newcomer to baseball who should provide us with a win, Secristan the nation we beat at everything, Green Wombat and prux, the final 2, are nations we have long storied histories with and they should both provide us with yet another epic game.

Schedule
Game 1 Versus Green Wombat 3 O'clock* @ Shocker Stadium in Orean
Game 2 Versus Secristan 8 0'Clock @ LivEng Airways Titans Stadiums in Orean
Game 3 Versus Rennidan 7 O Clock @ Shocker Stadium
Game 4 Versus Prux 6 o'clock @ LivEng
Game 5 Versus Newmanistan** 12 O'Clock @ Titans

*Taeshani Time, all PM. We have are own magical time zone within the the Q Continuum somehow an hour behnd the rest of the Continuum yet we are on the wrong side hmm.(icly its some weird thing were we get kight at differnet times)
**National Rivalry Day off from school, no one is allowed to work. Free drinks all around at the ar.

Predictions
Group A Champions-Newmanistan
Runner Up-Taeshan
Prux
GW
Secristan Rennidan

Group 2 Champions-Qazox
Zwangzug
Yafor 2
Bluth Corporation
Liventia
Tocrowkia

Bluth Corporation

11-12-2008, 23:22

LINEUP:
1 Kyle Thorson 1B #4
2 Jared Ritchie C #17
3 Alexander Beadles SS #24
4 Cody McConnell RF #28
5 Jared Lamar CF #20
6 Benjamin Eads 3B #23
7 Clint Eaton 2B #51
8 Arthur King LF #40
9 Thomas Shelton P #16

Bluth Corporation's second preliminary game against Milchama was nowhere near as dramatic as the first as they shut out the home team and posted a 5-0 rout of the 2-time champions. Thomas Shelton pitched the entire game and only gave up three hits, plus another runner who reached second on a fielding error.

The offense was dominant early, as Kyle Thorson opened the game with a walk-off home run, and Clint Eaton had a grand slam with two out in the fourth. They cooled off the rest of the game, as the Milchama pitching staff finally learned the batters' weaknesses and pitched to those.

The Bluth Corporation National Team, having made the final round of the World Baseball Classic for the first time ever, is preparing for its opening game against Yafor 2.

Qazox

12-12-2008, 05:37

QSPN WBC Today

John Morgan: The Group draw for the finals of WBC9 were held earlier today, and there is good news, great news and bad news. The Bad news? Qazox is in a group with Zwangzug and the hosts, Liventia. The Good news? No Newmanistan or Taeshan int he group. The great news? Prux, Taeshan, Green wombat and Newmanistan are all in the same group! So 4 of our main rivals will knock each other off, leaving the Pheonix with an easier, though both Liventia and Zwangzug will be the best challengers; path to the WBC final.

Qazox' schedule:

MD1: Zwangzug @ National Baseball Grounds, Orean; Time: 7:50pm (2:20pm QST).

MD2: Liventia @ LEC® Desert Grounds, Folenisa; Time: 1:50pm (8:20am QST).

MD3: Yafor 2 @ National Baseball Grounds, Orean; Time: 7:50pm (2:20pm QST).

MD4: Tocrowkia @ Group B: LEC® Desert Grounds, Folenisa; Time: 7:50am (2:20am QST).

MD5: Bluth Corporation @ Shocker Stadium, Orean; Time: 7:50pm (2:20pm QST).

The Pheonix seem to be at a big disadvantage, playing the top two threats in the group right off the bat, and the short turn-around after the Yafor 2 game. But Qazox has overcome tougher odds before and proved themselves worthy. A record of 4-1 is expected with the lone loss coming to either Liventia or Zwangzug.

Here's our experts predictions:
GROUP A:
Newmanistan 5-0
Taeshan 4-1
Prux 3-2
Rennidan 1-4
Secristan 1-4
Green Wombat 1-4
GROUP B:
Qazox 4-1
Zwangzug 4-1
Liventia 3-2
Bluth Corporation 2-3
Yafor 2 1-4
Tocrowkia 1-4

In the Final, Qazox joins Az-cz as 3-time champions, edging out the Rockets once again, while Zwanzgzug sweeps Taeshan for Third place.

(ooc: WIKIPAGE (http://wikistates.outwardhosting.com/wiki/World_Baseball_Classic_9))

Green wombat

12-12-2008, 05:48

Wachovia Daily News

The Wombats got drawn into the tougher of the 2 groups, as they have to face fellow Q-continuum members; Prux and Taeshan, along with Newmanistan. Rennidan and Secristan, niether team an easy onbe to face round out the group. The great news is we never have to leave Orean for any of the 5 games, the bad news is 2 of the games start at 7am local time and another starts just after midnight.

SCHEDULE: (all times GWST)
MD1: Taeshan 12:50 pm
Shocker Stadium, Orean

MD2: Secristan 6:50 am
LivEng Airways Titans Arena, Orean

MD3: Prux 12:50 pm
Shocker Stadium, Orean

MD4: Newmanistan 12:50 am
LivEng Airways Titans Arena, Orean

MD5: Rennidan 6:50 am
Shocker Stadium, Orean

In this group, Taeshan, Prux and Newmanistan will battle each other for the championship and 3rd place match, while the wombats, Rennidan and Secristan will battle not to finish with the wooden spoon.

Prux

12-12-2008, 05:57

Pawtucket Times-Herald

A good group draw for the Power as they have weaklings, Rennidan, Secristan and Green wombat to beat on before have to deal with the underachiving Taeshan and overachiving Newmanistan teams.

the Schedule is this:
MD1: Secristan @ Shocker Stadium, Orean
MD2: Newmanistan @LivEng Airways Titans Arena, Orean
MD3: Green wombat @ Shocker Stadium, Orean
MD4: Taeshan @ LivEng Airways Titans Arena, Orean
MD5: Rennidan @ LEC® Desert Grounds, Folenisa

All games will be carried on tape-delay due to the time difference bewteen Prux and Liventia (8 hours behind). All the games will be broadcast on PruxONE at 5:00 pm Prux time, the day after.

Tocrowkia

12-12-2008, 06:25

The Nordics are determined to defy the odds, and the predictions cast on their team by Qazox and Taeshan. These two nations have listed Tocrowkia as the bottom dweller of Group B, despite the success Tocrowkia held against these very same teams (Bluth Corporation and Yafor 2) in the last WBC, where Tocrowkia was cast in the same group as well. Of course the entire team was dismissive of these predictions, and most refused to comment. So we, the loyal sports writers of the Reich, decided to take the time to defend our squad.

1-and-4? We'll see. Behind every play, every at bat, every pitch and every hit there is the hopes and admiration of over 9 billion people. There are the dreams and wishes of every Tocrowkian, in every level of society. With such a backing, how could the Nordics be projected to fair so poorly? With every WBC, the Nordics have improved and bettered them selves. Going from bottom dwellers in their first, to the playoffs in the second! We'll see. One comment we did manage to get was from Johnny Stryker, whom said simply. "I've always believed that whatever happens, happens because that's what God wants. God has his fingerprints all over this tournament, and I believe' he's going to smile on us if we have faith. And we all have faith. Faith in God, faith in our selves."

Liventia

12-12-2008, 12:19

*Remember, there is the DH at every game in Liventia. As previously stated (at least twice), teams may choose to forgo the DH and to have their pitcher hit, but the opposing team is free to retain their DH for the game. If you let your pitcher hit, per RL rules a DH may not be brought into the game later.

World Baseball Classic 9 in Liventia
FINALS Matchday 1

Group A
Newmanistan 6-2 Rennidan
Prux 6-8 Secristan
Green Wombat 3-4 Taeshan

TEAM GP GW GL PCT GB RS RA +/-
Newmanistan 1 1 0 1.000 -- 6 2 +4
Secristan 1 1 0 1.000 -- 8 6 +2
Taeshan 1 1 0 1.000 -- 4 3 +1
Green Wombat 1 0 1 .000 1 3 4 -1
Prux 1 0 1 .000 1 6 8 -2
Rennidan 1 0 1 .000 1 2 6 -4

Group B
Tocrowkia 6-4 Liventia
Yafor 2 1-3 Bluth Corporation
Qazox 3-1 Zwangzug

TEAM GP GW GL PCT GB RS RA +/-
Tocrowkia 1 1 0 1.000 -- 6 4 +2
Bluth Corp. 1 1 0 1.000 -- 3 1 +2
Qazox 1 1 0 1.000 -- 3 1 +2
Liventia 1 0 1 .000 1 4 6 -2
Yafor 2 1 0 1 .000 1 1 3 -2
Zwangzug 1 0 1 .000 1 1 3 -2

Tiebreakers if record is even: Head-to-head (not applicable after MD1), then differential, then runs scored.

Bluth Corporation

12-12-2008, 18:43

ooc: I'm assuming that, for instance, "3v4" means 3 is considered the away team and 4 is considered the home team. If that's incorrect, transpose "bottom" and "top" of an inning accordingly. And if that would create an illogical flow of events...well, I'll make sure I get it right next time.

LINEUP:
1 Kyle Thorson 1B #4
2 Jared Ritchie C #17
3 Cody McConnell RF #28
4 Jared Lamar CF #20
5 Benjamin Eads 3B #23
6 Joseph Coomer SS #19
7 Clint Eaton 2B #51
8 Arthur King LF #40
9 Cory Smith P #25

The Bluth Corporation defense performed rather well in its opening game of the WBC Finals against Yafor 2, holding them to one run and six hits, with no errors. Usual starting shortstop Alexander Beadles was out for the day after injuring his toe during some...extra-curricular...activities in his hotel room; he is expected to miss at least five games. Joseph Coomer, usually a first-baseman, started in his place and is expected to remain there until Beadles returns.

Of the injury, team manager Jim Thorpe remarked that he had considered kicking Beadles off the team entirely for this "careless act of selfishness and un-teammate-like activity," but decided against it when he learned Beadles would be out for several games anyway. It remains to be seen whether Beadles will be invited back to the national team after the WBC is over, however.

The game remained a scoreless tie until the seventh inning, when Yaforian Nan Judaron hit a double with one out to drive in a run by Arrin Jarridan. Bluth Corporation responded with a run of its own at the bottom of the seventh, a lead-off home run by Cody McConnell that boomed out of the park. Benjamin Eads nearly scored on a fly ball that was botched by the defense, but the Yaforians were able to get the ball to the catcher in the nick of time for the second out; the inning was ended with a strikeout by Coomer.

Bluth Corporation took the lead for good in the bottom of the eighth, with a 2-run homer with 2 out by Kyle Thorson, which also drove in Clint Eaton, who had gotten to second thanks to Yafor 2's other fielding error of the afternoon. Yafor 2 was unable to score another run, ending the game after 8 1/2 innings.

SCORING:

Yafor 2 000 000 100 1 6 2
Bluth Corporation 000 000 12x 3 8 0

Tocrowkia

12-12-2008, 19:12

TEAMS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Liventia 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 4 7 0
Tocrowkia 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 2 0 6 8 0

HRs: Jill Haviland 1 (2)
SV: Jamie Von Tipker (1)

Matchday 1 featured a hard-fought battle against Liventia, with Matthew Shaporio taking the mound. The game remained a pitchers duel, with the Nordics retaining a one run-lead, courtesy of a Hoyt Klaus RBI double, into the top of the third. However, Liventia immediately responded by jacking a clutch three homer off the bat of Jack Illokel. Despite this, Shaporio was left in to get the final out. The Nordics were held scoreless in the bottom of the same inning, but one inning later an infield single from Kitten Dyfuse, a bloop hit from Willhelm Dynrus set the stage for Jill Haviland, whom shined once again by responding with a three-run homer of her own.

From then on, the Nordics managed to contain Liventia to just one more run, as Shaporio left in the sixth, and the bullpen was charged with holding them. They were effective, and as expected of her, Jamie Von Tipker did an excellent job of shutting them down for good in the 9th. In the end it was a fine victory for the Nordics, whom looked concentrated and dedicated through out. Now, they are looking forward to tomorrows game against Yafor 2, whom interestingly enough have all ready dropped their first game...

Taeshan

12-12-2008, 21:53

Purple Knights Outpitch Green Wombat

It was a tough game between the 2nd and 3rd best teams in the Q Continuum. The Knights though would end as the victor, because the closer Willie Strava, the only Ambidextrious pitcher in the Wor;ld Baseball Classic. He won the game by striking out the side in the bottom of the ninth inning. The Knights next will face Secristan in a game that should be much easier to win then the first one, but hopefully know we will still win without jinxing it.

In yet another game the Knights beat the other team by slamming the ball deep again and again. It started with the Socki Lewis three run bomb to tie the game in the third after the Wombats scored all there runs. Flean Diageo would win it later with his home run, and the knights would take the first game of the group rou8nd.

Zwangzug

12-12-2008, 23:51

"...Bryon swings and misses at Schneider's fireball, nice speed there."

"Not if Abuanza can't get a grip on it."

"What are you talking about, of course he-um-"

"Ugly little passed ball there. Pew streaks in, and Qazox takes the lead..."

"...Yans slams it into the outfield. Koves hunting it down."

"That's a stand-up double for Dick Yans as Ellenburg comes in..."

"...the pitch from Delrosario. Worland jumps on it and lays down a bunt. Ellenburg flips to the pitcher covering, Pargman races home for the Zebras' first run."

"The Pheonix lead it 2-1 here in the fifth..."

"...Pew sprints in on Monks' double."

"Qazox adds an insurance run, and the defending champions look set for another win..."

"...a 3-1 defeat sees Zwangzug drop to the bottom of group B."

"Heh. Good day to be a Firebugs fan, I guess."

"What's good about losing 3-1?"

"Well, in the Zebras' case, getting the toughest match of the group stage out of the way."

"And what does this have to do with Yafor 2?"

"How often do they get to beat anybody out in the standings on alphabetical order?"

"I don't know. Go look it up."

"Nah."

Newmanistan

13-12-2008, 00:16

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS TAKE OPENER

Orean, Liventia- Newmanistan got off on the right football early this morning in the World Baseball Classic by defeating Rennidan by the score of 6-2. It was the first meeting on the diamond between the nations, and to date most, if not all of the times the nations have met in something, the green and gold had come up victorious. But Rennidan is just getting started in baseball and their team of gangsters, who look to follow in the footsteps of a group of Brutes from the Industrial District.

Well not today, said Tara Stewart and her curveball. As tough as the DeeJays may be on the outside, Stewart was making them look pretty silly at the plate. Her first time through the Rennidan batting order, she surrendered only a bloop single to Dave Rouders, and ended up striking out five. Tara got some early run support as well in the bottom of the second when Sarah Boland showed her what can happen if you don’t locate a 100 MPH fastball properly and the hitter gets a good read on it. A towering home run over the left field fence, measured at 460 feet certainly humbled Titch Mitchells, and it took him some time to recover. He walked Natalie Monroe and Nicole Flick, and we assume several of those inside pitches were simply him missing the corner of the plate instead of trying to hit one of our batters. After getting Tara Cuyler to hit a long fly ball to right that did advance the runners, designated hitter Caitlin Peters hit a double into the left field gap to score Monroe and Flick, and then would score herself on a two-out single by Jennifer Martin. At the end of the second inning, Newmanistan was up 4-0, and Titch Mitchells had been given a good idea that having a 100MPH-plus fastball is only as good as you locate it, and if you don’t have variety with it, good hitters will tear you apart, especially at this level. It was a quick exit for Mitchells, who only lasted the two innings.

In the bottom of the third inning, the DeeJay frustration continued to show after Rachel Crockett led off with a single. 1B Dave Rouders apparently made a comment to Crockett which got some shouting going, and then some pushes and shoves. Rouders attempted to clock Crockett with a big right but before he could connect, Natalie Monroe jumped him from behind and knocked him to the ground. The benches emptied and the DeeJays found themselves in a brawl with a bunch of ladies that could surprisingly hold their ground. It didn’t last too long, only about five minutes before it was broken up and order was restored. Rouders was ejected from the game, as was Elle Jacobs, who really seemed to have an intense hair pulling battle with Natalie Monroe. Because of not having any bench players, the DeeJays were forced to use relief pitchers at first and second base. Given the aggressive nature of their team, this is something that might happen quite a bit. Gangsters will be gangsters. Natalie Monroe and Rachel Crockett were also tossed from the game but were awarded with a standing ovation from the Newmanistanian fans in attendance as they left the field. Stacie Gallant took over for Monroe and Kiersten Johnson for Crockett. Two innings later, more craziness ensued when Micki Skims hit Johnson with a pitch. Skims may have been aiming for the head, but only got the left arm, and was immediately tossed by the umpire. Johnson kept her composure, and simply walked to first. She then showed up the DeeJays in her own way, as on the next two pitches she stole second and third, then would later score on a sac fly by Nicole Flick to make it 5-0 in favor of the Rockets. In the top of the 6th inning, Simmi Delves led off with a single, and would be “accidentally” tripped by Stacie Gallant as she wanted to try to stretch it into a double. Delves wasn’t to happy with this and went after Gallant, but she made one mistake. She never called for time. So Carrie Nicolette simply walked over and tagged her out, which really got Delves upset, and she took a swing at Nicolette. This was a mistake as she soon learned Carrie could fight as well and her only saving grace was when Tara Cuyler pulled Nicolette off of her. The umpire ejected both Delves and Nicolette as well, leaving the DeeJays to have to put another relief pitcher in the field while the Rockets could replace Nicolette with Jennifer Dawkins.

That would basically do it for the rough stuff. The DeeJays were getting embarrassed on the scoreboard and then had to really feel shame for the way that Nicolette knocked the snot out of Delves. Tara Stewart had done a pretty good job of maintaining her focus, and was having an easier time as now the Rennidan lineup had three relief pitchers hitting as well. In the top half of the 8th though, Rennidan was able to get a couple on the board. Clash Michaels led the inning off with a single, and an out later Joe Grey blooped a single into right. The next batter, Jose Eisenwolf, hit a long double to right that likely would have been a homer if it had enough height, but it was good enough to score two. But that would be it, and in the bottom of the inning, Jennifer Dawkins made the most of her playing time, by hitting a home run over the left field fence to make it 6-2 in favor of the Rockets.

And that would be your final. Newmanistan wins the opening game of group play by the score of 6-2, with Stewart pitching a complete game, allowing 7 hits, 2 runs, both earned, walking one and striking out thirteen. She feasted on the relief pitcher pinch hitters in the latter stages of the game. Christina Sanders insists that Newmanistan will not get involved in the kind of physical stuff that happened in this game in the future, and all of the players will be back in the line up for the next game against Prux. Stacey Keisler will take to the mound for the Rockets. Here are some post game comments:

Sanders: “I’m very proud of the way we played this morning getting the early lead and holding on. This game will be remembered more though for the fights, but that seems to be the way that the Rennidan team plays. I have really never seen a team like them that seem to be more interested in acts of thuggery. They tried to bring it to us, and I am proud with the way our team responded to it. I know this will only be a one game thing but Rennidan knows that we aren’t about to be pushed around. All of our players will be back in the starting lineup tomorrow.”

Nicolette: “I’m not from the streets but bring it on anytime, Simmi, with those implants of yours. I got more where that came from! I’m sure she will enjoy watching us on TV in the later rounds, that is if she can afford one.”

Stewart: “I’m happy with the way I pitched. Once we got the lead, you could see how Rennidan became more concerned with trying to get rough with us. We came together as a team very well, standing up for one another, and I’ll be honest, I think we won the fights as well.”

Boland: “Well we got the win, and are ready for the real teams of the group now. It’s not the way we like to play but hey, bring it on!”

Cuyler: “Gangsters do their stuff at night, usually, right? I think we caught up on them here since it was so early in the morning. It’s a good game to start with, a lot of us are going to laugh about what happened here. None of us got hurt even in the slightest, and I think there are a lot of bruised egos on their team. Owen Powis needs to teach them how to fight. Especially Dwels, I mean Carrie simply knocked her senseless.”

Qazox

13-12-2008, 05:26

QSPN WBC Today

John Morgan: Qazox survived a tough opening game beating Zwanzgzug 3-1 behind a strong pitching performance by Corey Delrosario. Niether team could lift a ball ou tofthe park, not with a strong 15mph wind blowing in from centerfield, but Qazox' speed and good defense held Zwangzug in check for the game. Throne pitched a perfect 9th for the save.

Up next for The Pheonix are the hosts, Liventia, who were upset by Tocrowkia 6-4 earlier in the day. Liventia is in must-win mode now and with Tyle Newson taking the mound, they have a better than average shot to win.

BOX SCORE
TEAMS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Zwangzug 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 6 0
Qazox 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 x 3 9 0

Batting:
2B: Yans (2)
3B: none
HR: none
RBI: Yans, Monks (2)
SB: Pew 2 (3)
CS: Bryon
SF: none
Sac: none
HBP: none

Pitching:
PITCHER IP R ER H K BB ERA
Delrosario 8.0 1 1 6 5 3 1.25 (W 1-0)
Throne 1.0 0 0 0 2 0 0.00 (Sv. 2)

HBP: none

Fielding:
E: none
WP: Delrosario
PB: Weatherby

SCORING SUMMARY:

Qazox Third:
Pew singled to right.
Pew stole second.
Doane struck out.
Ellenburg singled to left, Pew to third.
Passed ball by Abuanza; Pew scored, Ellenburg to second.
Yans doubled to center, Ellenburg scored.
Monks grounded out to third.
Petrie flied out to right.
2 runs, 3 hits, 0 Errors, 1 LOB (2-0 Qazox)

Zwangzug Fifth:
Spencer Pargman singled to right.
Wild pitch by Delrosario, Pargman to second.
Noah Trecarichi flied out to left.
Nadia Koves walked.
Passed ball by Weatherby, Pargman to third, Koves to second.
Patricia Worland sac bunt to first, Pargman scored, Koves to third.
Don Abuanza popped out to second.
1 run, 1 hit, 0 Errors, 1 LOB (2-1 Qazox)

Qazox Fifth:
Pew singled to right.
Doane popped out to catcher.
Pew stole second.
Ellenburg walked.
Yans grounded into fielder's choice, 4-6, Pew to third, Yans safe at first.
Monks doubled to left, Pew scored, Yans out at home advancing 7-6-2.
1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB (3-1 Qazox)

Prux

13-12-2008, 05:51

Pawtucket Times-Herald

A good start, but a crappy finish sees the Power fall to Secristan 8-6. After jumping out to an 4-0 lead in the first, backed by Joe Lower's 3-run HR and a RBI double by Christopher Burnside. But Secristan batteld back with 3 runs in the third and 5th innings, knocking out starter Manuel Marker. Another 2 runs in the 6th made it 8-4, but in the bottom of the 7th, Prux managed to scrape a coupel runs in and close the gap, but not enough as the Power are 0-1 and now face Newmanistan in the next game. A loss there and any chances of making the final would be all but gone.

Secristan: 003 032 000 8 18 0
Prux: 400 000 200 6 14 0

Batting Stats:
Doubles: Christopher Burnside, Harrigan
Triples: none
Homeruns: Joe Lower
Runs: Gerald Schlegel, Steven Fenn 2, Joe Lower 2, Earl Harrigan
RBI: Lower 3 (4), Burnside, Harrigan 2

Pitching stats:
Manuel Marker: 4 1/3 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 K's, 4 BB (L 0-1)
Nicholas Ripley: 2 2/3 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 K's, 1 BB
Howard Bedell: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 K's, 0 BB

Green wombat

13-12-2008, 05:59

Wachovia Daily News

Taeshan rode the long ball, as they are apt to do, edging out the Wombats 4-3, in the first game of the WBC groups stages. adam Moll did well, allowing only 6 hits, but 2 of them where Homeruns, a 3-run shot by Socki Lewis in the 3rd, after albert Beckham's bases-clearing triple in the botome of the 2nd. It remained tied at 3-3 until Flean Diageo's HR with 1 out in the 7th that chased Moll.

Up next for the wombats is Secristan, 8-6 winners over Prux earlier in the day. The wombats will be starting Kenneth Maclean, the best pitcher they have to try to stymie the Secristan offense.

GW: 3 runs, 11 hits, 0 errors
Taeshan: 4 runs, 8 hits, 0 errors

Green wombat's Batting:
Doubles: Clemente, Beckham
Triples: Beckham
HR: None
RBI: Beckham 3
Error: none

Pitching:
adam Moll: 6 1/3 IP, 6 hits, 8 K's, 1 BB, 4 runs, 4 ER (L 0-1)
ernest Wayman: 1 IP, 2 hits, 0 K, 0 BB, 0 runs, 0 ER
leonard Sheehan: 2/3 IP, 0 hits, 2 K, o BB, 0 runs, 0 ER

Liventia

13-12-2008, 14:43

OOC: Bluth, sorry, I should've made it clearer. The team listed first will be the 'home' team for the purposes of WBC9.

World Baseball Classic 9 in Liventia
FINALS Matchday 2

Group A
Newmanistan 6-1 Prux
Rennidan 1-4 Green Wombat
Secristan 1-3 Taeshan

TEAM GP GW GL PCT GB RS RA +/-
Newmanistan 2 2 0 1.000 -- 12 3 +9
Taeshan 2 2 0 1.000 -- 7 4 +3
Secristan 2 1 1 .500 1 9 9 +-
Green Wombat 2 1 1 .500 1 7 5 +2
Prux 2 0 2 .000 2 7 14 -7
Rennidan 2 0 2 .000 2 3 10 -7

Group B
Tocrowkia 3-2 Yafor 2
Liventia 4-2 Qazox
Bluth Corporation 2-6 Zwangzug

TEAM GP GW GL PCT GB RS RA +/-
Tocrowkia 2 2 0 1.000 -- 9 6 +3
Zwangzug 2 1 1 .500 1 7 5 +2
Liventia 2 1 1 .500 1 8 8 +-
Qazox 2 1 1 .500 1 5 5 +-
Bluth Corp. 2 1 1 .500 1 5 7 -2
Yafor 2 2 0 2 .000 2 3 6 -3

Tiebreakers if record is even: Head-to-head, then differential, then runs scored.

*Head-to-head skipped for MD2 in Group B due to conflicting H2Hs (i.e. Zwangzug won v. Bluth but lost to Qazox)

Newmanistan

13-12-2008, 17:10

THE ROCKET REPORT

KEISLER OVERPOWERS PRUX

Orean, Liventia- Playing at the LivEng Airways Titans Arena, the Rockets simply picked up where they had left off after defeating Rennidan. Although, the game was a lot more peaceful as they were matched up with an opponent that actually wanted to play some baseball instead of get involved in fights. Prux came into the game with a record of 0-1, having already lost to Secristan on the opening matchday. The pitching matchup featured Stacey Keisler for Newmanistan. The power pitcher appeared in the second preliminary round game against Colbourne, and was taken out after five innings after the Rockets had advanced to the finals. She would be opposed by Samuel Comfort.

Newmanistan would take the early lead, getting a pair of runs in the bottom of the second inning. With one out, Natalie Monroe got the threat started with a single right up the middle, and she would score when Nicole Flick slapped a double into the right center field gap. The next batter, and perhaps the best #8 batter in the entire World Baseball Classic, Tara Cuyler, would drive in Flick with a double of her own that went off the wall in straightaway centerfield. Comfort then went on to walk the next two batters he faced, to load up the bases for Jennifer Martin. An outstanding defensive play by Christopher Burnside to rob Martin of a single kept Newmanistan from really breaking the inning open. Instead of a hit, Burnside was able to induce the 4-6-3 double play to get out of the inning. Still, it was 2-0 and Stacey Keisler was in dominant form, having a perfect game in her first four innings of work. A two-out single by Earl Harrigan in the fifth broke up the perfect game, but Keisler got out of the inning by striking out Burnside. In the bottom of the 5th, Newmanistan added some more runs. Prux had kept Comfort in the game, hoping that he was bouncing back from the second inning. He had looked like he was doing so until Carrie Nicolette and Rachel Crockett led the inning off with singles. That would be it for Comfort, as Prux went with Nicholas Ripley. But Ripley was ripped, to the tune of a 2-run double off the bat of Sarah Boland to put the Rockets up by four. The next batter, Natalie Monroe, would single in Boland, and now it was 5-0 in favor of Newmanistan. With the way that Keisler was pitching, it was looking like the Rockets were well on their way to a victory.

In the top of the 7th inning, Prux had their moment, still at this point only having the hit from Harrigan on the board off of Keisler. With one away Steven Fenn delivered an infield single, and he would be driven in on a double off the bat of Joe Lower. Keisler thought quickly did away with any thoughts that the Power may have been getting that this would be the start of a rally. Robert Looney was struck out, one of three times in which Stacey fanned the designated hitter, and the Keisler was able to get Harrigan to a hit a routine ground ball to Carrie Nicolette to get out of the inning. In the bottom of the inning, Newmanistan got their 5-run lead back, demoralizing the Power further. Carrie Nicolette showed the Power that she has some power, by hitting a Gregory Kerr pitch deep into the left field stands for a solo HR, putting Newmanistan in front by the score of 6-1. This would be the final, as Stacey Keisler went all nine innings, giving up just four hits and the one earned run. She walked one batter and fanned eleven. Offensively, the Rockets saw their production be pretty balanced, as they pounded out twelve hits against Prux. With the win, Newmanistan is now 2-0 and tied with Taeshan atop Group A. Next up for Newmanistan will be the first ever World Baseball Classic meeting with their regional rival, Secristan. That should be a good one with a lot at stake. Courtney Lombardi gets the start.

Here is some post game reaction:

Sanders: “It was great to get back to baseball after what happened against Rennidan. Prux is a good opponent, so to be able to take it to them in the way that we did is something that I am very proud of. Today it was a complete effort, everybody that got in the game did something to help with the victory.”

Keisler: “They were free swinging a little bit. Once I saw that, I went to my fastball a little bit more, and the split finger seemed to have them off balance. Nicole called a great game and it’s great to get the victory.”

Boland: “Again we were able to score runs early and then ride the great performance that we got on the mound. Stacey is a great pitcher and it’s fun to get this opportunity to play behind her in the World Baseball Classic.”

Nicolette: “Well when you hang a slider right over the heart of the plate for me, I’m probably going to send it a long way. He missed the pitch obviously and anytime I can contribute with a home run, it’s extra sweet!”

Zwangzug

13-12-2008, 17:15

"...we are live from the Desert Grounds, where the hosts of Liventia recently defeated Qazox, 4-2."

"That'll upset the Group B tables."

"Zwangzug can create a four-way tie for second place by defeating Bluth Corporation."

"In first are the surprising Tocrowkia Nordics, now 2-0..."

"...Chiszar delivers. Popped up by McConnell, Fish scampers in."

"Unfortunately for the Bluth Corporation, that's about all he's done today."

"Indeed. The Zebras still lead it, 5-1."

"After Bluth Corporation's success in defeating Yafor 2, neither side is using the DH in this game..."

"...do you know what's going on during the seventh inning stretch?"

"You're probably gonna stretch, right?"

"I will be, yes. Anybody singing?"

"Better that than drum and bugle corps."

"Yeah, that'd be hard to fit on the field."

"Anyhow, the windup, the pitch, and it's unleashed to right-center!"

"Trecarichi waved home, it's a double for Nadia Koves."

"Zwangzug widens its lead to 6-2..."

"...now in second place based on run differential."

"What about head-to-head?"

"Not all the tied teams have played each other yet--though Zwangzug will play 1-1 Liventia next."

"Well, it won't matter once neither of them is 1-1."

"So join us then, back at the National Baseball Grounds."

"Until then, it's 11 pm Liventia time, and I'm still getting over my jet lag. See ya."

"Well, technically they'll be hearing us..."

Tocrowkia

13-12-2008, 19:36

TEAMS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Yafor 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 2 3 0
Tocrowkia 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 3 6 0

HRs:
Dmitry Rykov 1 (2), Johnny Stryker 1 (4)

The Nordics got another impressive win today against the Firebugs. Mercedes Gaunt took the mound, and pitched a strong 7 1/2 innings, only giving up two earned runs and striking out nine, and walking none as she usually does. Two of the Tocrowkia's three runs came off homers. The first, a blast to center off the bat of Dmitri Rykov gave the Nordics a lead they would never let go off through out the game, and the second came off Johnny Stryker's bat, whom remained his teams leader in homeruns this WBC with 4.

With the win, the Nordics have not only defied the 1-4 prediction cast on them, but now sit on the top of group b as the only undefeated team. "I'm proud." Managaer Paul Rudolf said after the game. "We're surprising everyone but our selves. We know what we can do, and now we just have to go out their and continue to play hard." Rudolf continued by saying "Every single element in a game is important, as I've said. We won't be slacking on anything." Next up for the Nordics? The squad from Bluth, whom also just dropped their second game by a score of 6-to-2.

Bluth Corporation

14-12-2008, 00:06

LINEUP:
1 Kyle Thorson 1B #4
2 Jared Ritchie C #17
3 Cody McConnell RF #28
4 Jared Lamar CF #20
5 Benjamin Eads 3B #23
6 Joseph Coomer SS #19
7 Clint Eaton 2B #51
8 Arthur King LF #40
9 Dwight Fish P #25

After two impressive defensive efforts in a row, the Bluth Corporation national team put up a stinker of a showing against Zwangzug. Almost never a strong offensive team, the Corporation lives and dies with its defense, and while the pitching was strong with their ace starter Dwight Fish opening the game, and Christopher Brewster coming in in relief in the seventh, fielding errors lost the game today.

Quite telling was that of Zwangzug's six runs, only two were actually earned by the pitchers. "It's as if we had all rubbed down our mitts with butter, then stood in the rain with the sun in our eyes and faced a hundred-mile-per-hour headwind with vertigo every time we tried to throw," griped manager Jim Thorpe at the post-game press conference. "We can't take any more chances...our entire starting lineup is out tomorrow, plain and simple. After a day like this, we've got to give the bench a chance."

The one highlight of the Corporation's day was Dwight Fish scoring his first-ever run in international play. He said later, when asked about it, "Yeah, but we lost."

Truer words have never been spoken.

SCORING:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Zwangzug 0 2 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 6 2 0
Bluth Corporation 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 2 5 8

OOC: Tocrowkia, just in case you RP first tomorrow my lineup will be (since it's being replaced):
1 Kevin Hurst RF #15
2 Joseph Coomer SS #19
3 Chester Stonecipher CF #36
4 Karl Vandenberg C #29
5 Sepp Stein 2B #38
6 Jared Lamar LF #20
7 Kyle Thorson 1B #4
8 Clint Eaton 3B #51
9 Sean McIntyre P #8

(yes, some players who are typically starters are indeed starting--don't have the personnel to TOTALLY replace the lineup--and in some instances at positions other than what they normally play)

Qazox

14-12-2008, 06:30

QSPN WBC Today

John Morgan: A walk-off 2-run Homerun by Liventia's Alexander Rilin off of Francis Scarbourgh saw the Pheonix fall into a 4-way tie for 2nd place, behind 2-0 Tocrowkia. Qazox got on the board first scaping across two runs on Kyle Bryon's double, with Petrie sliding just under the tag for the 2nd run. But Aaron Solivasas settled down after that, allowing just 2 more hits until he was lifted in the 8th. Tyle Newson pitched 6 1/3 solid innings, allowing just 2 runs on 6 hits, but the home team pulled though in the clutch, leaving Qazox with a bad taste of defeat.

Now with just 3 games left, but the toughest of the 5 games complete, the Pheonix turn to Rick Highfield, who dominated Idanno in his first start. He will face Yafor 2, who have gotten off to an 0-2 start.

BOX SCORE
TEAMS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Qazox 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 7 0
Liventia 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 4 8 0

Winning runs scored with 2 out in 9th.

Batting:
2B: Bryon (2)
3B: Pew
HR: none
RBI: Bryon 2 (4)
SB: none
CS: Bryon
SF: none
Sac: none
HBP: none

Pitching:
PITCHER IP R ER H K BB ERA
Newson 6.1 2 2 6 4 1 2.84 ND
Rescovich 1.2 0 0 0 1 1 0.00
Scarbourgh 0.2 2 2 2 0 0 27.00 (L 0-1)

HBP: none

Fielding:
E: none
WP: none
PB: Weatherby (2)

SCORING SUMMARY:

Qazox Second:
Yans flied out to left.
Monks singled to right.
Petrie signled to left, Monks to second.
Bryon doubled to center, Monks and Petrie scored.
Weatherby struck out.
Bannon flied out to left.
2 runs, 3 hits, 0 Errors, 1 LOB (2-0 Qazox)

Liventia Third:
Apyrphung singled to right.
Gackbang doubled to left, Apyrphung to third.
Illokel grounded out to short, Apyrphung scored, Gackbang to third.
Angufams popped out to third.
Rilin struck out.
1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB (2-1 Qazox)

Liventia Seventh:
Illokel flied out to right.
Angufams Homerun to right, Angufams scored.
PITCHING CHANGE: (Qazox) Rescovich in for Newson
Rilin struck out.
Waston walked.
Whaariny flied out to center.
1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB (2-2)

Liventia Ninth:
PITCHING CHANGE: (Qazox) Scarbourgh in for Rescovich
Gackbang flied out to left.
Illokel grounded out to short.
Angufams singled to short.
Rilin Homerun to right, Angufams and Rilin scored.
2 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB (4-2 Liventia)

Green wombat

14-12-2008, 06:34

Wachovia Daily News

(OOC: oops, I guess we read the schedule wrong, :tongue:)

A 4-1 win over Rennidan as Green wombat levels its record at 1-1. A pair of RBI's from andrew Held in the 3rd and anothe pair of RBi's from robert Ortega in the 7th sparked the win. kenneth Maclean went the distance again, allowing only a Homerun inthe 8th inning.

GW: 4 runs, 10 hits, 0 errors
Rennidan: 1 runs, 7 hits, 0 errors

Green wombat's Batting:
Doubles: Held, Ortega, Beckham
Triples: none
HR: None
RBI: Held 2, Ortega 2
Error: none

Pitching:
kenneth Maclean: 9 IP, 7 hits, 13 K's, 2 BB, 1 runs, 1 ER (W 2-0)

Prux

14-12-2008, 06:40

Pawtucket Times-Herald

Another loss, and the Power are just about eliminated from the WBC with an 0-2 record. Newmanistan already has a recap of the game up o thier website, so go there instead, we're too busy drinking egg-nog and I think that secretary just took her top off! What a great Christmas Party! WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Prux: 000 000 100 1 3 0
Newmanistan: 015 000 00x 6 14 0

Batting Stats:
Doubles:
Triples: none
Homeruns: Joe Lower 1
Runs: Joe Lower (3)
RBI: Lower (5)

Pitching stats:
Samuel Comfort: 3 1/3 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 0 K's, 0 BB (L 0-1)
Nicholas Ripley: 2/3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 K's, 1 BB
Howard Bedell: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 K's, 0 BB
Gregory Kerr: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 4 K's 1 BB

Liventia

14-12-2008, 15:18

World Baseball Classic 9 in Liventia
FINALS Matchday 3

Group A
Newmanistan 4-2 Secristan
Rennidan 0-4 Taeshan
Prux 3-2 Green Wombat

TEAM GP GW GL PCT GB RS RA +/-
Newmanistan 3 3 0 1.000 -- 16 5 +11
Taeshan 3 3 0 1.000 -- 11 4 +7
Secristan 3 1 2 .333 2 11 13 -2
Prux 3 1 2 .333 2 10 16 -6
Green Wombat 3 1 2 .333 2 9 8 +1
Rennidan 3 0 3 .000 3 3 14 -11

Group B
Tocrowkia 2-3 Bluth Corporation
Liventia 2-3 Zwangzug
Yafor 2 3-5 Qazox

TEAM GP GW GL PCT GB RS RA +/-
Zwangzug 3 2 1 .667 -- 10 7 +3
Tocrowkia 3 2 1 .667 -- 11 9 +2
Qazox 3 2 1 .667 -- 10 8 +2
Bluth Corp. 3 2 1 .667 -- 8 9 -1
Liventia 3 1 2 .333 1 10 11 -1
Yafor 2 3 0 3 .000 2 6 11 -5

Tiebreakers if record is even: Head-to-head (applies only if all matches between tied teams have been played out), then differential, then runs scored.

Tocrowkia

14-12-2008, 19:26

TEAMS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Bluth 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 3 3 0
Tocrowkia 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 5 0

HRs:
Johnny Stryker 2 (6)

The Nordics first loss was a frustrating one. Despite taking an early lead off a Johnny Stryker home run, an absolute blast to right-center that landed somewhere in the range of 455+ feet away from home plate, Bluth responded with a solo-HR of their own courtesy of Chester Stonecipher. An RBI double by Kyle Thorson an inning later gave them a lead. However, Johnny Stryker pulled through yet again and jacked another solo homerun. This time, the sound of bat connecting with ball echoed through out the stadium as Stryker placed it somewhere in the right-center upper-decks, an estimated 472+ feet away.

The brief tie would not last. A clutch triple by lead-off hitter Kyle Thorson, and a Sac-Fly by the next hitter up won the game for Bluth. "We can't allow our selves to panic." Manager Paul Rudolf said immediately after in a post game conference. "That'd be the very worst thing we could do. We still have two games left to play, and we still have a chance." A chance the Nordics do have indeed - but they're now staring up against two of their toughest opponents in the group, Qazox and Zwangzug. "We've been playing as hard as we can. But against these guys, we'll have to play even harder." Indeed, any conceivable semi-final Berth for the Nordics would require them to win their last 2 games. They have a chance, an outside shot. We'll just have to wait and see.

Zwangzug

14-12-2008, 19:47

"Whaariny settles under it and makes the catch. Lievano sprints home, and it's a sacrifice fly for Nadia Koves."

"Zwangzug gets on the board first, but we've got a long way to go."

"Too long for you?"

"No, of course not."

"That's good. Just checking."

"Patricia Worland steps into the box..."

"...blasted into the hot corner. Kintopp is right there, she'll make the long throw, and he is...out of there!"

"If that hadn't been hit so hard, she'd have needed a couple of steps to charge it."

"Sure, but who cares?"

"Lucky break for Zwangzug. After four innings, it's 1-1..."

"...Pastis fires-"

"That's an exaggeration."

"Yeah, you're right. Uh, swung on and missed by Angufams."

"A little too early there."

"The Zebras at last get out of it, but Dotos' double has tied this game up."

"We go to the seventh, it's Zwangzug 2, Liventia 2..."

"...ace Michael Pembace still in the game for the hosts."

"Cothasat discussing strategy with his...uh...compatriot?"

"Well, duh. It's the national team."

"You know what I mean."

"He'll go with the forkball, and it's--connected by Noah Trecarichi! Dvorak will score and Zwangzug are up 3-2..."

Taeshan

14-12-2008, 21:18

Knights Win To More behind the Pitching Staff

In thelast two game, versus Rennidan and Secristan, have only produced one whole point against the Knights. Secristan scored only once in there game and Rennidan was the second team this year, after Jeruselem, to get shutout by the masterful pitching of the Knights. Next they will have to face a tougher group of teams as they will be up against Prux next week, and Newmanistan in 3 weeks time for the big final stand.

In the first game it was the Secristan Millionares who tried to take the Purple Knights out. Yeah, we stole there millions and ran to a 3-1 win. Coi Vecxen the fourth starter in the linuep showed them what it was like to face the fireball pitchers of Taeshan. He struck 15 batters out of 33 out. Socki Lewis gave the Knights two of there 3 runs with a big bam off the building one street over, and Tadihito Shakiri hit one of his own deep down the alley to make it 3-1. Lets face it the Secristanis were never in it.

In yesterdays game the Knights took on the Deejays of Rennidan. they had no "pop" in there bats if you know what i mean. Anthony Rielas had a complete game shut out on the ,mound. Socki Lewis hit yet another two home runs, each for two runs, and the knights easily beat the Deejays getting to the "beat" faster the the other players.

ooc-I'm sorry i was not on yesterday. I was unable to get on after my sisters wedding because someone had changed one of the ettings on my compuiter. I didint find the problem till this evening.

Bluth Corporation

15-12-2008, 01:12

LINEUP:
1 Kevin Hurst RF #15
2 Joseph Coomer SS #19
3 Chester Stonecipher CF #36
4 Karl Vandenberg C #29
5 Sepp Stein 2B #38
6 Jared Lamar LF #20
7 Kyle Thorson 1B #4
8 Clint Eaton 3B #51
9 Sean McIntyre P #8

Manager Jim Thorpe's radical changes to the lineup appeared to pay off, as Bluth Corporation upset Tocrowkia in the third game of their WBC Finals schedule. The offense, as usual, was cool, but did enough to squeak by with a one-run win. Defensive play was much improved, as the pitching staff gave up only five hits and two runs, with no fielding errors. "Maybe we've got our groove back; that last game was hopefully a fluke," commented Clint Eaton, whose selfless play early in the 8th inning enabled Kyle Thorson to score the winning run.

Still, winning games by the skin of their teeth has not been good for the Bluth Corporation team's cardiac health. "My guys love bacon cheeseburgers, but I won't let them eat one until we get a blowout," said Thorpe. "I don't need someone getting a heart attack because the game's going down to the wire again." Cleanup man Karl Vandenberg concurred, adding that "At some point we need to start hitting better, hitting harder, and hitting farther."

Bluth Corporation's next game is against host Liventia, with only one win so far but still managing to stay in the mix. "They're a strong offensive team," noted pitcher David Fisk, scheduled to start that game. "It'll be up to me to keep them off base, because when they do get on base they usually score."

Qazox

15-12-2008, 05:59

QSPN WBC Today

John Morgan: Yesterday Qazox was the victim of a walk-off homerun. Today, Yafor 2 was the victim as Douglas Ellenburg slapped a 3-run homerun in the bottom of the ninth off of Tyrius Validor, putting the Pheonix in a 4-way tie for first place with Zwangzug, Tocrowkia and Bluth Corporation. With the last two games against the latter two of that list, Qazox is in a great position to win the group and advance to the final.

First up of those two games, is against Tocrowkia in about 2 hours. Yes the Phoenix have had only 5 hours to rest before this 2:20am start (QST). Perhaps Adam Victorini will make some changes to the lineup to ensure a better result, but the timing of the game is questionable.

BOX SCORE
TEAMS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Yafor 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 3 10 0
Qazox 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 3 5 11 0

Winning runs scored with 1 out in 9th.

Batting:
2B: Doane
3B: none
HR: Ellenburg (3)
RBI: Monks (3), Weatherby (2), Elllenburg 3 (7)
SB: none
CS: none
SF: none
Sac: none
HBP: Byron

Pitching:
PITCHER IP R ER H K BB ERA
Highfield 8.0 3 3 8 8 1 3.38 ND
Schuyler 1.0 1 1 1 1 0 9.00 (W 1-0)

HBP: Highfield (2)

Fielding:
E: none
WP: none
PB: none

SCORING SUMMARY:

Qazox Fourth:
Doane doubled to right.
Ellenburg walked.
Yans grounded into 4-6-3 double play, Ellenburg out at second, Doane to third.
Monks singled to left, Doane scored.
Petrie singled to right, Monks to second.
Bryon hit-by-pitch, Monks to third, Petrie to second.
Weatherby singled to center, Monks scored, Petrie to third, Bryon to second.
Bannon struck out.
2 runs, 4 hits, 0 Errors, 3 LOB (2-0 Qazox)

Yafor 2 Seventh:
Rabyn Zaranez singled to right.
Daaklen Kirjai doubled to right, Zaranez scored, Kirjai to third on throw.
Nan Judaron flied out to center, Kirjai scored.
Tyrius Carian struck out.
Haridas Jyolt grounded out to third.
2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB (2-2)

Yafor 2 Ninth:
Pitching Change (Qazox): Nathaniel Schuyler in for Rick Highfield
Garregan Jarifar doubled to center.
Zaranez sac bunt to third, Jarifar to third.
Kirjai flied out to center, Jarifar scored.
Judaron struck out.
1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 LOB (3-2 Yafor 2)

Qazox Ninth:
Pitching Change (Yafor 2): Tyrius Validor in for Raecher Harill
Bannon singled to left.
Pew infield single to third, Bannon to second.
Doane struck out.
Ellenburg Homerun to right, Bannon, Pew and Ellenburg scored.
3 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB (5-3 Qazox)

Green wombat

15-12-2008, 06:03

Wachovia Daily News

howard Lheureux went the distance, but it wasn;t enough as the Wombats were basically eliminated from play following the 3-2 loss to Prux.

GW: 2 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors
Prux: 3 runs, 8 hits, 0 errors

Green wombat's Batting:
Doubles: none
Triples: none
HR: alan Monge and aaron Clemente
RBI: alan Monge and aaron Clemente
Error: none

Pitching:
howard Lheureux: 8 IP, 8 hits, 11 K's, 2 BB, 3 runs, 3 ER (L 0-2)

Liventia

15-12-2008, 15:21

World Baseball Classic 9 in Liventia
FINALS Matchday 4

Group A
Newmanistan 0-1 Green Wombat
Rennidan 3-2 Secristan
Prux 0-3 Taeshan

TEAM GP GW GL PCT GB RS RA +/-
Taeshan 4 4 0 1.000 -- 14 4 +10
Newmanistan 4 3 1 .750 1 16 6 +10
Green Wombat 4 2 2 .500 2 10 8 +2
Rennidan 4 1 3 .250 3 6 14 -8
Secristan 4 1 3 .250 3 13 16 -3
Prux 4 1 3 .250 3 10 19 -9

Rennidan, Secristan and Prux are eliminated. Winner of MD5 Taeshan-Newmanistan wins group and advances to championship series. Green Wombat can advance to third-place series if they win against Secristan and Newmanistan lose on MD5.

Group B
Tocrowkia 6-7 Qazox
Liventia 3-0 Bluth Corporation
Yafor 2 3-5 Zwangzug

TEAM GP GW GL PCT GB RS RA +/-
Qazox 4 3 1 .750 -- 17 14 +3
Zwangzug 4 3 1 .750 -- 15 10 +5
Tocrowkia 4 2 2 .500 1 17 16 +1
Liventia 4 2 2 .500 1 13 11 +2
Bluth Corp. 4 2 2 .500 1 8 12 -4
Yafor 2 4 0 4 .000 3 9 16 -7

Yafor 2 is eliminated. Should Bluth Corp beat Qazox, Tocrowkia beat Zwangzug and Liventia beat Yafor 2 on MD5, there will be a five-way tie at the top, which pretty much means I'll handle that when that happens. All Qazox needs to do is win on MD5 to guarantee they win the group and advance to the championship series. Likewise, should Zwangzug win on MD5, they will be guaranteed at least a spot in the third-place series.

Tiebreakers if record is even: Head-to-head (including head-to-head differential and runs scored if three-way tie), then differential, then runs scored.

Taeshan

15-12-2008, 21:42

Purple Knights Shutout Prux on Heels of Newmanistan Game

Yet another big game between the opposing Newmanistan Rockets and are gallant Purple Knights wil behold the fat of the two historic squads. The winner will make a finals apperance yet again while the loser will most likely find a seat in the stands for the game after a tough battle in the third place game. And tragically it looks like the Knights will yet again fall to there controllers, as the Rockets are fresh of a nailbiting 1-0 loss to Green Wombat.

But before the Knights could take on there hated rivals, they would have to get past the Prux team. The second other Q Continuum team they have played in the group round. Everyone knows the Continuum is the zenith of the World Baseball Classic. Many have been held there, and it holds the most champions, and championship contenders. A third of the 12 finalists comes out of the region, and with Qazox, an dthe Knights both leading there groups it looks as if there will be yet another Continuum champion.

Prux though had already pretty much knocked themselves out of the tournament with a few earlier losses, and was playing the spoiler yet again, but they weren't able to do it. The Knights shut out the boys from Pawtucket and attained there third shutout of the tourney by winning 3-0. Zeke Peters had his first complete game of the year, and Socki Lewis connected for 3 Solo Home runs to defeat the other team practically single handedly.

In the other game many Taeshani sportsfans were watching the Green Wombat squad gave the Newmanistan team a 1-0 loss, giving the Knights more hope heading into the big group 1 championship game, as the other team don't really have a chance. both teams are looking to again give each others headaches, and hopefully the Knights will have tylenol, and can beat them.

Zwangzug

16-12-2008, 02:34

"...Zaranez at the wall, he can't reach it, it's out of here! A home run for Nadia Koves, Zwangzug's first of the tournament, sends the Zebras to a 2-0 lead."

"Koves certainly claiming the cleanup spot in just her first Classic."

"A stark contrast to the veteran Firebugs squad."

"Makes life easy for their scouts, though..."

"...Jarridan batting from the left against the southpaw Slovinsky."

"The count is 3-1."

"Swung on and connected! Jyolt will come in and 3-1 is now the score."

"The Yaforite MVP makes his first swing of the at-bat count. Gotta love that defensive spirit."

"Well, technically speaking one doesn't have to..."

"...will win the group by beating Bluth Corporation tomorrow night."

"But if they lose, and Liventia and Zwangzug win, we'll have a five-way tie, in which case-"

"They're not going to lose though, so who cares?"

"I do!"

"Just don't even worry about it, it was essentially settled on the first matchday."

"No it wasn't. Liventia beat Qazox, didn't they?"

"Why they're still bothering...well, there is the third-place playoff..."

Newmanistan

16-12-2008, 04:25

THE ROCKET REPORT

EMPRESS; ROCKET REPORT CHEER RETURN OF ACCESS

Pocono City, Newmanistan- Going two days without the ability to follow your baseball team in the World Baseball Classic is quite difficult especially when the team is doing their best to represent the country against quality opposition. But while Newmanistan's ladies were out in Liventia taking on Secristan and Green Wombat, a nasty storm ripped through the Empire preventing Empress Jessica from being able to go online to check scores, and keeping the Rocket Report from issuing any press releases. Our Meghan Traynor talked to the Empress about being left out in the cold.

MT: Yes, good evening! Newmanistan is back in business and via the phone I am talking with the Empress who has agreed to take a few minutes to answer a couple question. Your Highness, thank you for your time.

E: You're welcome. We value our sports and I know that the Empire missed our team.

MT: There is that issue that pops up from time to time about power problems needing a bright solution, how does this happen?

E: This is an issue that we will be investigating more as time goes on. It wasn’t the power as much as it was the internet. The majority of our civilians did not have any internet access at all for over 48 hours, and that really makes things difficult. Much of the urban areas had power, though.

MT: So, in a modern country like Newmanistan, how do we keep this from happening again?

E: Well the easy answer would be to eliminate ice storms. Unfortunately I don’t have any control over that.

MT: It appears as though while we had no access that Newmanistan defeated Secristan by the score of 4-2 and then lost to Green Wombat, 1-0. So the power outage seemed to also apply for the Rockets bats in the game against the Wombats.

E: Beating Secristan is always important. But the loss to Green Wombat is frustrating and I am sure it was also frustrating for the Rocket Report not to be able to offer any kind of analysis for the game.

MT: Yes it was, it was really terrible. The team is now in a must win situation to get into the championship series. We were doing so well before the storm.

E: Well just like we are picking up the pieces after the storm, I am confident the our team will do the same against Taeshan and get into that championship series. We have a very good history against Taeshan, especially in important games. But at the same time I am sure they would love nothing else then to get to the championship by knocking us out in the process.

MT: Internet access has now been restored across the Empire, we have received word. Let’s hope nothing that bad happens again.

E: You’re not alone Meghan. Well I must be going I have a lot of stuff I need to attend to.

MT: Thanks for your time Your Highness.

E: Anytime.

MT: Well that was the Empress for you! Since a lot of you are unaware what’s been going on, Newmanistan has a record of 3-1, and must beat Taeshan to advance to the championship series. If they do, then Newmanistan plays for World Baseball Classic 9 glory in Liventia. If not, then the team probably finishes 3rd unless we can get help from Secristan.

(OOC: Yes the above is a true story of why I haven’t been around the last couple days. Power outages suck, especially on your birthday (mine was Sunday). I have a ton of stuff to get caught up on now because of the outage so I had to keep it short.)

Qazox

16-12-2008, 06:37

QSPN WBC Today

John Morgan: Qazox survived the very short layoff of just about 6 hours to defeat Tocrowkia 7-6 to move to within a game of advancing to the finals. The game went back and forth with neither team having a lead of greater than 2 runs at any time. Qazox managed to scrape through with 3 runs in the 4th and a run in the 7th to give them a 7-5 lead. Glen Barter did rather well lasting 5 innings, allowing 5 runs on 11 hits, and earning the win, while the bullpen held firm over the last 4 innings only allowing a run in the bottom of the 8th, and a total of 4 hits.

Now the Pheonix have 36 hours to rest up before they face Bluth Corporation. A win and Qazox is in the finals, a loss and a HUGE can of worms could be opened depending on who also wins tommorrow.

BOX SCORE
TEAMS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Qazox 1 0 3 0 0 2 1 0 0 7 18 0
Tocrowkia 0 2 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 6 15 0

Batting:
2B: Pew (2), Bannon, Bryon (3)
3B: Pew (2)
HR: Yans
RBI: Doane, Pew 3, Ellenburg (8), Yans 2 (3)
SB: none
CS: none
SF: Yans
Sac: none
HBP: none

Pitching:
PITCHER IP R ER H K BB ERA
Barter 5.0 5 5 11 2 0 9.00 (W 1-0)
Haskins 1.0 0 0 1 0 0 0.00
Schuyler 1.0 0 0 1 1 0 0.00
Rescovich 1.0 1 1 2 1 0 9.00
Throne 1.0 0 0 0 2 0 0.00 (Sv. 3)

HBP: None

Fielding:
E: none
WP: none
PB: none

SCORING SUMMARY:

Qazox First:
Pew doubled to center.
Doane singled to right, Pew scored.
Ellenburg grounded into 4-6-3 double play, Doane out at second.
Yans flied out to left.
1 run, 2 hits, 0 Errors, 0 LOB (1-0 Qazox)

Tocrowkia Second:
Dmitri Rykov singled to left.
Johnny Stryker doubled to right, Rykov scored.
Hoyt Klaus grounded out to first, Stryker to third.
Domino Mazdrick flied out to left, Strkyer scored.
Alec Travylin grounded out to second.
2 runs, 2 hits, 0 Errors, 0 LOB (2-1 Tocrowkia)

Qazox Third:
Weatherby singled to left.
Bannon doubled to right, Weatherby to third.
Pew singled to center, Weatehrby scored, Bannon to third.
Doane struck out.
Ellenburg singled to left, Bannon scored, Pew to third.
Yans flied out to right, Pew scored.
Monks singled to center, Ellenburg out advancing to third (8-6-5).
3 runs, 5 hits, 0 Errors, 1 LOB (4-2 Qazox)

Tocrowkia Third:
Jill Haviland Homerun to left Haviland scored.
Rykov struck out.
Stryker singled to left.
Klaus singled to center, Stryker to second.
Mazdrick flied out to left.
Travylin grounded out to third.
1 run, 3 hits, 0 Errors, 2 LOB (4-3 Qazox)

Tocrowkia Fourth:
Heinz Görtz struck out.
Kitten Dyfuse singled to right.
Dyfuse stole second.
Willhelm Dynrus singled to center, Dyfuse scored, Dynrus out advancing to second (8-2-6).
Haviland grounded out to third.
1 run, 2 hits, 0 Errors, 0 LOB (4-4)

Tocrowkia Fifth:
Rykov Homerun to left Rykov scored.
Stryker singled to left.
Klaus flied out to left.
Mazdrick grounded into double play (6-4-3), Stryker out at second.
1 run, 2 hits, 0 Errors, 0 LOB (5-4 Tocrowkia)

Qazox Sixth:
Byron doubled to center.
Weatherby walked.
Bannon flied out to center.
Pew tripled to center, Bryon and Weatherby scored.
Doane struck out.
Ellenburg grounded out to first.
2 runs, 2 hits, 0 Errors, 1 LOB (6-5 Qazox)

Qazox Seventh:
Yans Homerun to center, Yans scored.
Monks struck out.
Petrie singled to left.
Byron singled to right, Petrie to second.
Weatherby flied out to left.
Bannon grounded out to third.
1 run, 3 hits, 0 Errors, 2 LOB (7-5 Qazox)

Tocrowkia Eighth:
Pitching Change (Qazox): Brian Rescovich in for Nathaniel Schuyler
Jill Haviland doubled to right.
Rykov singled to left, Haviland to third.
Stryker grounded into fielder's choice (5-6), Haviland scored, Rykov out at second.
Klaus flied out to center.
Mazdrick struck out.
1 run, 2 hits, 0 Errors, 1 LOB (7-6 Qazox)

Green wombat

16-12-2008, 06:44

Wachovia Daily News

I guess we called it too early. A dominating 2-hitter from, of all pitchers on the staff, eric Catalano, who struck out 13 Rockets and allowed only to singles, held off the Rockets enough for the Wombats to scrape a run across in the 7th inning, a double-play ball that scored antonio Desrosiers, who lead off the inning with a triple to dead-center that just missed being a Homerun by a foot.

Now with a win in their final game and a taeshan win over Newmanistan, Green wombat would play for third place.

GW: 1 runs, 8 hits, 0 errors
Newmanistan: 0 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors

Green wombat's Batting:
Doubles: none
Triples: antonio Desrosiers
HR: none
RBI: None offically
Error: none

Pitching:
eric Catalano: 9 IP, 2 hits, 13 K's, 1 BB, 0 runs, 0 ER (W 1-0)

Newmanistan

16-12-2008, 07:36

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS DEFEAT REGIONAL RIVAL

Orean, Liventia- There is always plenty of passion whenever Newmanistan and Secristan meet. It’s one of those matchups where you can throw away the ranks and records, because both teams want to beat the other very badly. The meetings are nicknamed “Penthoria River Wars” due to the fact that the nations are separated across a long border by the Penthoria River in One Big Island. While the nations are no strangers to the other in regional baseball, this is the first time they have met on the interregional level. Because of that, there was some familiarity between the players, although that is hard when Secristani rosters have so much turnover due to their unorthodox method of team selection.

Now Shocker Stadium was about the receive a shockingly intense game. With Group A featuring three teams from the Q Continuum and two from One Big Island, Liventians (OOC: assuming this is the proper term) have had their share of intense regional battles already, and it was time to give them another one. On the mound for Newmanistan was Courtney Lombardi, the 23-year old curveball wizard and she was opposed by the ace of the Secristani two man staff, Steve Jamison, who has certainly been getting his share of work in so far. Jamison has pitched well for the Millionaires, but he had to be tiring. Newmanistan looked to take advantage of this early, but Jamison was on top of his game in the early innings, sitting down the Rockets without the sky blue and white mustering much of an attack. Courtney Lombardi was equally effective with the exception of one error in the second inning. A curveball that got too much of the plate was deposited into the left field stands by Manny Rodriguez, giving the Millionaires the 1-0 lead and marking the first time that Newmanistan had trailed in any World Baseball Classic game, including the preliminaries. While Jamison got through the batting order well the first time, the second time was not as well. He walked the leadoff batter in the fifth inning, Sarah Boland, then surrendered a single to Natalie Monroe. After retiring Flick and Cuyler without allowing a run to score, it appeared as though he would get out of trouble with the 9th batter Caitlin Peters up. And he looked to get the out when he got Caitlin to ground right back to the mound. However his throw to Adam Sperbeck was high and ended up in right field, allowing both Boland and Monroe to score, and Peters to get to second. Next up was Brittany Wright, and she singled home Peters to make it 3-1 for Newmanistan until Jamison finally got out of the inning.

With the Rockets now in front, Lombardi tried to settle in, but the Millionaires were not going to make it easy. In the top half of the 7th inning, they closed to within one when Eric Beaudoin and Adam Sperbeck hit back to back doubles to get a run home. Courtney caught a break though after walking Mark Whittman intentionally to set up the force play and got Paul Danzer to ground into a 6-4-3 double play. Pinch hitter Dale P. Smith, IV coming up in the nine slot was struck out by Lombardi to get out of the inning. The game was close and intense, and in the bottom of the 8th, Newmanistan picked up a key insurance run on a 2-out double by Nicole Flick that would score Natalie Monroe, who had singled earlier in the inning. With Newmanistan up 4-2, they put the ball in Jill Heisler’s hands for the save, and she got a 1-2-3 inning. The victory enabled Newmanistan to improve to 3-0 in group play.

Here is some post game reaction:

Sanders: “Beating Secristan is big. We knew how important all the games were, but I think we all looked at this one as the one we could not afford to lose because the last thing we want is for them to have any kind of bragging rights.”

Lombardi: “My location was pretty good. I’m satisfied with the way I pitched tonight although I think I could have done a little better. We got the win and now we will have to carry it over into the game against Green Wombat.”

Monroe: “Their pitcher looked tired as the game drew on. We maintained a patient approach and that went a long way in us getting the victory.”

Crockett: “I hate Secristan. I’m so glad we beat them. We have to be careful now not to get too excited with the way that we’ve played or look ahead to that game with Taeshan.”

Newmanistan

16-12-2008, 08:04

THE ROCKET REPORT

CATALANO DOMINATES ROCKETS

Orean, Liventia- With everything going so very well for Newmanistan in Liventia, there was always that worry if there would be a dud coming up at some point. Well, that may have happened against Green Wombat. On a day where, perhaps fittingly, Newmanistan was without power due to a major storm, the Newmanistanian bats were also without power against the storm of Eric Catalano heat. It was a critical game for Green Wombat if they were to have any hope of making it into the semifinals, and Catalano stepped up for his country, shutting out the Rockets and allowing only two hits in the process.

With this 1-0 result, there will be a lot of questions since many Rockets fans were unable to watch the game anyway. The game was recorded in Orean by the Pocono City Sports Network, and it will air on a tape delay basis tomorrow, following the conclusion of the big game with Taeshan. The biggest question will be, was Catalano that good, or were the Rockets that bad? Was Newmanistan perhaps looking too far ahead and the Wombats caught them in it? Plus it might be easy to overlook the outstanding pitching performance put together by Kristen Haynes. After all, recall that Kristen was formerly the #2 pitcher in the Newmanistan but was dropped to #4 not because she did poorly, but because Stacey Keisler and Courtney Lombardi came up with some dominating performances in the previous two Classic. Kristen had a little something to prove, perhaps, for herself moreso then for the team. She did allow eight hits, but most of them were scattered and were singles. She was dominant in the first 6 innings especially, striking out ten Wombats. Then in the 7th, she missed a slider and Antonio Desrosiers sent it a long way, bouncing off the very top of the wall, and then getting a fortunate bounce that was not what Brittany Wright was anticipating in center, allowing Desrosiers to get a triple, the only extra base hit that Haynes would allow. After Albert Beckham was hit by a pitch, in which infuriated Christina Sanders on the bench because it appeared as though Beckham moved his insanely padded elbow into the ball to purposely get hit, Haynes got Robert Ortega to ground into a double play. It was the safe play. But was it the right play? With Desrosiers breaking for home in a game where one run would go a long way in a late stage of the game, perhaps Tara Cuyler should have made a throw home. It would have been very close. In defense of Cuyler, we believe that she made the right decision. Desrosiers doesn’t lead off for the Wombats because he is slow afoot. As a matter of fact, he is quite an impressive speedster, and with him breaking on contact, it would have been a very close play, and we don’t think that they would have been able to throw him out. Had Tara made that throw and Desrosiers was safe, then it’s 1-0 Green Wombat, no outs, and runners on first and second. Heads up play, Tara, don’t let the armchair shortstops tell you otherwise.

Newmanistan had no answer for this run. One of their two hits game in the eighth inning as a leadoff single by Sarah Boland and she would make it to third, but that would be the only time Newmanistan even got a runner to the hot corner all game long. Catalano fanned 13 batters in the game, setting a dubious team record for the amount of times they struck out in a nine inning game. With the loss, Newmanistan is now in a tough situation. They must beat Taeshan, and if they do they will advance to the final. The Rockets have a great history of head to head matchups on the diamond with Taeshan, so there is some confidence with that. With a loss, Newmanistan figures to lose out on the tiebreaker to Green Wombat in order to play for the 3rd place game, unless we were to get help from Secristan. At least the team controls their own destiny, and the Empire eagerly awaits the start of the game with Taeshan.

Here is some post game reaction:

Sanders: “Kristen pitched a great game for us. She really rose up and I am proud of her. Unfortunately, so did their pitcher. Eric Catalano had a great game and he deserves credit for that. I think we could have gotten some more patient plate appearances from some of our hitters, but what’s done is done. All that matters right now is beating Taeshan.”

Haynes: “I know they’ll tell me that I pitched great and I know that I did, but it doesn’t really matter if you lost. I made the one pitch and that guy gets a triple off of it.”

Boland: “I don’t think it was us looking ahead or anything. Or us being distracted by what was going on in Newmanistan and being concerned for our families and friends. Ok, I guess that made for a tough night. But I still don’t want to make any excuses.”

Nicolette: “When you hear of such a storm going through the Empire while you are away, you get concerned for the people you know. Maybe I spent a little too much time trying to get information about it when I should have been studying the tapes of Catalano. But we got Taeshan now, and we can make amends. We won’t let Newmanistan down.”

Tocrowkia

16-12-2008, 08:54

TEAMS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Qazox 1 0 0 3 0 1 0 1 0 7 18 0
Tocrowkia 0 2 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 6 15 0

HRs:
Jill Haviland 1 (3), Dmitri Rykov 1 (3)

The Nordics finally got another shot against the team that dashed their play-off aspirations in the last WBC, and though it was nothing like the 6-1 routs that were typical of the defeats suffered at the hands of Qazox, it was still a defeat, and with it, the Nordics hopes for success in this WBC have practically melted away. You could see it in way they carried them selves off the field, with Kitten Dyfuse wiping away her tears, with Johnny Stryker slamming his helmet in the dug out on the way back to the clubhouse, with Jill Haviland cursing under her breath.

"It hurts." Haviland said in a post game interview. Though she went 3-for-4 with a homerun, it was not enough. "To keep coming to this point, to have the finals practically within sniffing distance and...this. There's nothing I can say." Manager Paul Rudolf had this to say: "We've dropped two in a row, and this last one to Qazox, we scored enough runs to win." The problem is of course, the Nordics did not win. "And now here we are. But just look at how we defied the 1-and-4 prediction. Look at how this team has grown and bonded over the past three WBCs. Every year, we grow and get better. This is...well, just growing pains. And we can still tie for first place if we win tomorrow. The WBC isn't over yet, and neither are we."

Liventia

16-12-2008, 15:47

World Baseball Classic 9 in Liventia
FINALS Matchday 5

Group A
Newmanistan 9-5 Taeshan
Rennidan 1-2 Prux
Secristan 1-2 Green Wombat

TEAM GP GW GL PCT GB RS RA +/-
Newmanistan 5 4 1 .800 -- 25 11 +14 CHAMPIONSHIP
Taeshan 5 4 1 .800 -- 19 13 +6 THIRD PLACE
Green Wombat 5 3 2 .600 1 12 9 +3
Prux 5 2 3 .400 2 12 20 -8
Rennidan 5 1 4 .200 3 7 16 -9
Secristan 5 1 4 .200 3 14 18 -4

Group B
Tocrowkia 1-0 Zwangzug
Liventia 4-1 Yafor 2
Bluth Corporation 3-4 Qazox

TEAM GP GW GL PCT GB RS RA +/-
Qazox 5 4 1 .800 -- 21 17 +4 CHAMPIONSHIP
Tocrowkia 5 3 2 .600 1 18 16 +2 THIRD PLACE
Zwangzug 5 3 2 .600 1 15 11 +4
Liventia 5 3 2 .600 1 17 12 +5
Bluth Corp. 5 2 3 .400 2 11 16 -5
Yafor 2 5 0 5 .000 4 10 20 -10

Second-placed tiebreak table
TEAM GP GW GL RS RA +/-
Tocrowkia 2 2 0 7 4 +3
Zwangzug 2 1 1 3 3 +-
Liventia 2 0 2 6 9 -3

Tiebreakers if record is even: Head-to-head, then differential, then runs scored.

Third-place and final series will be played home-and-away, and not in Liventia. As such, local DH rules will apply. HOME TEAMS FIRST.
Game 1: Taeshan v Tocrowkia; Newmanistan v Qazox
Game 2: Tocrowkia v Taeshan; Newmanistan v Qazox
Game 3: Taeshan v Tocrowkia (in Liventia if necessary); Qazox v Newmanistan
Game 4: Qazox v Newmanistan (if necessary)
Game 5 (in Liventia if necessary): Newmanistan v Qazox

Newmanistan

16-12-2008, 16:51

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS TURN POWER BACK ON

Orean, Liventia- Newmanistan needed to get a victory in this final match day against Taeshan. Fortunately some may say, that opponent was Taeshan, the nation in which Newmanistan has eliminated in the previous two World Baseball Classics. It would go without saying that the Knights would have plenty of reason to be fired up for this game just due to the fact that they could knock out the Rockets for a change. On the hill for Taeshan was Zeke Peters (OOC: Assuming since you RP’d Rielas starting in your last game played), and he would be opposed by World Baseball Classic rookie Sarah Brayton. What confidence Christina Sanders must have had in Brayton to give her the ball for this much important game. Sarah, at just 21 years of age has been a young sensation throughout the Empire, thanks to her incredible curveball. With the bats, Newmanistan has had a very balanced attack while Taeshan has been a one man team. Unfortunately for Socki Lewis he has a ghost hanging over his head. That is, he has performed very poorly in head to head games against Newmanistan, both in World Baseball Classics 7 and 8, so quite honestly, his big bat really didn’t scare the Newmanistan pitchers, feeling that they own the great slugger.

Taeshan got on the board in the top of the first inning thanks to back to back singles by Alexander Parea and Zoey Menigen. Then came the big bomber Socki Lewis. Would he have another long shot to give his team? Nope, he would have a weak ground ball to second in which Carrie Nicolette used to turn a 4-6-3 double play. If Sarah Brayton needed a confidence boost, that was a big play. Even though the next batter, Riane Totalez would single to score Parea, that would be all the damage that Taeshan would do and Brayton could be comfortable knowing it was only 1-0. The lead would not last long. In the bottom half of the first, Brittany Wright led off the inning with a drag bunt single and would proceed to steal her way to third base. A single by Jennifer Martin and a double by Carrie Nicolette quickly put the Rockets in the lead by the score of 2-1. Two fly outs by Rachel Crockett and Sarah Boland enabled Nicolette to score, and it would be Newmanistan out in front by the score of 3-1. An inning later, Newmanistan got a solo HR off the bat of Tara Cuyler to make it 4-1 in favor of the Rockets and to get the Newmanistanians in attendance chanting “You can’t beat us!” right away. The chants were premature, however, as Taeshan would fight back. Zoey Menigen led the top of the third off with a double into the left field gap and after Socki Lewis was intentionally walked, and a strike out of Riane Totalez, Fier Henris would sent a laser off the right field wall that would drive in two, and have Henris at third after a throw by Rachel Crockett was somewhat errant. Tadihito Shakiri then delivered a game-tying RBI single to make it 4-4. Who said Taeshan was a one man team again? In this game, Taeshani fans had to be feeling great that the support players were getting the job done like this because once Socki Lewis would do his thing, this game would be theirs. Or so they hoped.

After the quick start, the game settled down a bit until the 6th inning. Because Zeke Peters had thrown a lot of pitches to this point and had been only mediocre, Taeshan would start the inning with reliever Goeli Hans on the mound. After getting the leadoff batter out, Hans ran into some difficulty. Brittany Wright lined a triple into the right field corner and a sacrifice fly by Jennifer Martin put the Rockets back in the lead. While it was looking like the damage would be minor, it was just getting started. Carrie Nicolette singled and then Rachel Crockett hit a long fly ball deep to right field, Socki Lewis going back, and it’s outta here! A big-two run shot and the Rockets had regained a 3-run cushion. The “You can’t beat us!” chants would start up again. In the bottom of the 7th, reliever Ohmegode Frede surrendered a solo HR to Natalie Monroe and now it was 8-4. Things were looking good. Sarah Brayton has been taken out in after the 6th inning, and in total gave up 8 hits and 4 runs, walking two and striking out six. A decent line, but the best number for her may have been Socki Lewis’ 0-for-3. Jessica Vauclair pitched the 7th and remained on the mound for the 8th inning and did not allow a hit in either, and got a strikeout of the big gun Lewis in the 8th. Newmanistan added another run in the 9th inning on an RBI double by Sarah Boland, driving in Carrie Nicolette, who had reached on an error earlier in the inning. Newmanistan was in control and on their way to the final, as long as they could hold the 9-4 lead. With Erica Darby on the mound in the 9th, Shakiri hit a one out single, and then Freddy Myers followed with another single. An out later, a single by Parea would score Shakiri and make it 9-5. Menigen then drew a walk. The bases were loaded. Two outs. Down by four and here comes Socki Lewis. The perfect script.

On a 2-1 pitch, Lewis got all of it. A long drive deep into centerfield. A moment in which Taeshani glory would be realized, or at least allow them to them to tie the game. It was on its way. However instead of making this a signature play for Taeshan, Rockets centerfielder Brittany Wright had other ideas. The ball was clearing the fence. Wright leaps, outstretches her arm as far as she can. The fans stare. Lewis watches intently. Brittany makes the catch! An unbelievable catch! Lewis falls to his knees in disbelief. Rockets win! Rockets win!

The victory sends Newmanistan into the World Baseball Classic 9 championship where they will meet the winners of both World Baseball Classic 6 and 8, Qazox. Only one team has eliminated Qazox in all those years. That would have been Newmanistan in the World Baseball Classic 7 semifinals. It should be a great series!

Here is some post game reaction:

Sanders: “Wow what a game! An amazing catch by Brittany! She’s made those catches before, but I don’t think one has ever been with so much on the line in this kind of a game situation! It was the exclamation point of what was an outstanding game by us and now we will take on Qazox with full confidence.”

Wright: “I got a good read on it when it left the bat. I knew I could get there, I was just hoping not to run out of room. I had to make the play and knew I could. Feels great to do something like that.”

Nicolette: “Brittany is just the greatest! We played really well in this game as we always seem to do when we play Taeshan. Just one more team to beat now!”

Brayton: “I was nervous and I think that had something to do with it. After the tough start I settled in well and if I get another start, I will do better.”

Zwangzug

17-12-2008, 00:14

"...a demoralized Tocrowkia side doesn't have much to play for. The Zebras should take it easily and save their energy for the final series."

"If you say so. Shaporio takes some unorthodox warmup tosses, Lievano steps in, and we're underway..."

"...gave up the game-winning hit in the first preliminary match."

"Reynolds still sticking with Arianna Shadduck to face Mr. Clutch. It's drilled into left-center, Haviland sprinting around from second. The cut-off is...not in time."

"The Nordics go ahead 1-0 in the eighth.

"And that could well prove the difference if Zwangzug's bats don't come alive very quickly..."

"...Pargman grounds it to third. Dyfuse to Stryker, and this one is over."

"Nordics 1, Zebras 0 is your final."

"Stay tuned for updates from Desert Grounds and Shocker Stadium, while I try to figure out these tiebreakers."

"Wait, do we have to stay here?"

"Yes. Look on the bright side. You don't have to do anything."

"What are you gonna do?"

"Interview players. Hi. Veasna, is this you?"

"Yeah."

"It's gotta be tough to pitch seven strong innings and get a no-decision, doesn't it?"

"Yeah."

"How are you feeling right now?"

"Sort of disappointed."

"Oh?"

"Well obviously the game was a letdown."

"Anything else on your mind?"

"Yeah, Taeshan should have come through against Newmanistan. I was betting on them."

"Ooo...kay...Right, thanks for your time."

"No problem."

"Veasna Blago here, joining us after a nailbiter defeat to Tocrowkia..."

"...are eliminated and we can go home now. Excellent."

"Here's one person not to hire if we ever get the domestic league underway."

"Isn't it the LAZY?"

"That's just the acronym. Not the desired personality for announcers."

"Oh...I sort of missed the memo there..."

Tocrowkia

17-12-2008, 04:01

TEAMS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Zwangzug 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
Tocrowkia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 3 0

SV: Jamie Von Tipker

The Nordics final game on Matchday 5 was a nail-biter to be sure. Shaporio pitched 8 1/2 innings, all of them strong while giving up only three hits, walking one, and striking out ten of the opponents batters. Shaporio kept the ball low, and as a result Zwangzug was unable to manage any extra base hits in the entire game. All three hits were singles on the opponents side. And with two out in the second, Mr. Clutch Dmitri Rykov delivered again, driving in Captain Haviland from second for the game winning run.

Tipker game in and closed the door, and sealed the Nordics victory and guaranteed the Nordics first berth into the deep-playoffs. For the third place title, anyway. "Obviously we wanted to come home with something more, but this is better than nothing." Rudolf said after the game. "The Purple Knights are a tough team, and just because it's for the third place ranking doesn't mean we'll stop playing hard. Getting a third place ranking would be a tremendous step toward a championship."

Qazox

17-12-2008, 05:41

QSPN WBC Today

John Morgan: Qazox beat Bluth Corporation 4-3 to advance to the championship game for the 4th time overall and the 3rd time in the last 4 WBC's. They will face Newmanistan, who reach the final for the 2nd time. Will the Pheonix avenge their loss at WBC7 and join the Robbers of Az-cz as the only 3-time champions; or will the Rockets become the 5th team ever to win a WBC? In a interesting match-up, the first two games will be played in Newmanistan at (ooc: I hope you don't mind me picking the venue, if you change it, so will I.) Tundra Falls Proving Grounds, while games 3 and 4 will be at Pheonix Stadium. If there is a game 5, it will be held in Liventia, most likely at National Baseball Grounds, in Orean.

But back to the game, Qazox once again struggled, as their pitching has not looked as good as it has the last 3 WBC's. But this team, I emphasize team, has no quit in them and they turned a 3-0 deficit after 5 innings into another win. The winning run came across on a bases-loaded two-out walk by Johnnie Bannon off of Logan Canaan, scoring Douglas Ellenburg. Corey Delrosario earned his 2nd win of the tourney, going 7 2/3 good innings, as the bullpen needed the rest after the short time between games 3 and 4, and the emptying of said pen in game 4.

BOX SCORE
TEAMS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Qazox 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 4 12 1
Bluth Corp. 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 9 1

Batting:
2B: Monks, Doane (2)
3B: none
HR: none
RBI: Weatherby (3), Doane (2), Monks (4), Bannon
SB: Pew (4)
CS: none
SF: none
Sac: none
HBP: none

Pitching:
PITCHER IP R ER H K BB ERA
Delrosario 7.2 3 3 8 9 3 3.86 (W 2-0)
Throne 1.1 0 0 1 2 0 0.00 (Sv. 4)

HBP: Throne

Fielding:
E: Bryon
WP: none
PB: none

SCORING SUMMARY:

T.B.C. Second:
Joseph Coomer singled to left.
Cody McConnell singled to center, Coomer to second.
Chester Stonecipher walked, Coomer to third, McConnell to second.
Karl Vandenberg singled to right, Coomer scored, McConnell to third, Stonecipher to second.
Benjamin Eads grounded into 4-6-3 double play, Vandenberg out at second, McConnell scored, Stonechipher to third.
Alexander Beadles struck out.
2 runs, 3 hits, 0 Errors, 1 LOB (2-0 T.B.C.)

T.B.C. Third:
Jared Lamar doubled to center.
Jared Ritchie singled to right, Lamar scored.
Kyle Thorson struck out.
Coomer flied out to left.
McConnell singled to right, Ritchie to third on Bryon's throwing error.
Stonecipher struck out.
1 run, 3 hits, 0 Errors, 2 LOB (3-0 T.B.C.)

Qazox Sixth:
Yans flied out to right.
Monks doubled to right.
Petrie singled to center, Monks to third.
Byron struck out.
Weatherby singled to left, Monks scored, Petrie to third.
Bannon flied out to left.
1 run, 3 hits, 0 Errors, 2 LOB (3-1 T.B.C.)

Qazox Seventh:
Pew singled to right.
Pew stole second, Pew advanced to third on throwing error by Jared Ritchie.
Doane doubled to center, Pew scored.
Ellenburg intentionally walked.
Yans singled to right, Doane to third, Ellenburg to second.
Pitching change (T.B.C): Logan Canaan in for Sean McIntyre.
Monks singled to right, Doane scored, Ellenburg to third, Yans to second.
Petrie struck out.
Weatherby popped out to catcher.
Bannon walked, Ellenburg scored, Yans to third, Monks to second.
Pew grounded into fielder's choice (6-4), Bannon out at second.
3 runs, 4 hits, 0 Errors, 3 LOB (4-3 Qazox)

Green wombat

17-12-2008, 05:47

Wachovia Daily News

Well the wombats did do their part, winning 2-1 over Secristan, but Taeshan failed to beat Newmanistan (can't Taeshan beat them in anything?... have they tried darts?, tiddlywinks? Simon Says???) thus eliminating the Wombats from the WBC. The big story of the game was Secristan's lack of run-producing, as they left 11 men on base, 8 in scoring postition. While Andrew Held whacked a 432-ft bomb in the second inning to provide all the runs the wombats would need.

GW: 2 runs, 5 hits, 0 errors
Newmanistan: 1 runs, 7 hits, 0 errors

Green wombat's Batting:
Doubles: none
Triples: antonio Desrosiers
HR: andrew Held
RBI: andrew Held 2
Error: none

Pitching:
kenneth Maclean: 9 IP, 7 hits, 5 K's, 6 BB, 1 runs, 1 ER (W 1-1)

Qazox

17-12-2008, 06:06

WIKI page (http://wikistates.outwardhosting.com/wiki/World_Baseball_Classic_9) updated!

Newmanistan

18-12-2008, 05:50

THE ROCKET REPORT

CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW

Tundra Falls, Newmanistan- For the second time in three World Baseball Classics, Newmanistan is playing for the title. For the third time in four World Baseball Classic, Qazox is playing for the title. This is the first time that the nations have gone up against each other for championship glory. But with Qazox’s reputation for being a baseball power, and Newmanistan’s becoming a force immediately, one must wonder if this will simply be the first of several championship meetings between the countries. Qazox has a glorious history, winning the 6th WBC that went through Liventia and the 8th WBC that went through, well they won it right here at the Tundra Falls Proving Grounds. In the 7th WBC, they were eliminated in the semifinal. Eliminated, by Newmanistan. In a very young history, Newmanistan has finished 2nd and 3rd in their only Classics. Just one spot left. Here now we take a look at how these teams measure up with one another:

Qazox Hitting vs Newmanistan Pitching- Qazox scored the second most amount of runs in the entire World Baseball Classic, second to the Rockets, while Newmanistan tied with Zwangzug for second overall in fewest runs allowed. If you exclude the start of Sarah Brayton in the 5th game against Taeshan, then Newmanistan allowed just six runs in four games. And even though it looks like Group B teams were a little more offensive then Group A teams across the board, this is still a pretty impressive figure. It is very fair to exclude the Brayton game as well, because Sarah Brayton will not be starting in this series. Tara Stewart will start game one, and if the series were to go five games, then Tara will be back on the hill in game five. Brayton has already been told that she will be assigned to the bullpen for the final series. As for the bullpen, there is no bullpen that is more rested then the Newmanistan bullpen. In the five games, Newmanistan relievers pitched four innings. That’s right, just four. In three of the five games, Newmanistan got a complete game. In a fourth, the starter went eight innings. Only in the game against Taeshan did the Rockets need to go to their bullpen for three innings. This speaks volumes for the success of the Newmanistan starting pitching and how fresh the bullpen will be. Offensively, Qazox has an offense that’s pretty similar to ours. There is no Socki Lewis one man team here. It has been a collective effort, and is a lineup that is well thought out. Darren Pew is a bit like Brittany Wright as a leadoff batter with his explosive speed, but odds are that he would have not have made the same kind of dramatic catch that Brittany made to secure the win over Taeshan. Douglas Ellenburg and Angel Monks are the main batters to fear. Ellenburg is prone to the strikeout, however, and Newmanistan has strikeout artists on their rotation. Monks will get it done, and when Clark Petrie is on his game, he is as good as anyone. Kyle Bryon may be the quiet key to the series for Qazox. An interest fact about this lineup for the Phoenix is that they have no leftovers from WBC 8. That said, when you add up all the pieces here, you have to say that Newmanistan pitching looks like it will hold an edge over Qazox hitting.

Newmanistan Hitting vs Qazox Pitching- Newmanistan’s 25 runs were the most scored in the group stage, plus let’s keep in mind the 13 runs scored in the preliminary series with Colbourne. All this includes a game in which they were shut out by Green Wombat, but that is a game that we give the team a pass on. Coming on the day that a major storm hit the Empire, the players were understandably distracted with concern for their families and friends back home and their preparation for the Wombats wasn’t what it would have been. Qazox had a middle of the road number for runs allowed, conceding 17. In fact, Qazox only had a run differential of +4, whereas Newmanistan’s differential was +14. Now again, the Qazoxian media will try to convince you that Group B was more difficult then Group A. Perhaps somewhat, but not significantly, in our opinion. Overall, their pitching was decent and can’t be criticized too much, but now their hurlers are graduating in class. Other then themselves, Group B had no team score more then 18 runs, which is an average of 3.6 runs per game. Newmanistan, having scored 25 runs, averaged an even 5.0 runs per game. That’s nearly a run and a half more then the highest scoring team that they faced in their group. No matter how you look at it, this is a step up in class for them. Perhaps they will rise up to challenge, that remains to be seen. They also used their bullpen much more heavily in which the Rockets did, and should any games need to be decided by the bullpen, that is also something that should work in favor of Newmanistan. The Rockets have had a balanced attack, with Brittany Wright once again having a great World Baseball Classic up on top of the batting order, and has turned singles and walks into three bases by stealing both second and third all Classic long. With Mickey Weatherby a catcher that can be run on, expect Wright to be running at the same high level here. It could be enough to have Qazox actually consider starting Hank Yans behind the plate for the two games played at the Proving Grounds, since there is no DH in the Newmanistan games. Cassie Nicolette has had a great tournament, getting extra base hits and Rachel Crockett and Sarah Boland have also done a great job. Natalie Monroe and Tara Cuyler have also delivered clutch hits. To make what could be a very long story short, the Rockets lineup is performing in just the way that it was drawn up. We therefore like this matchup quite a bit, with our hitting up against their pitching. Rick Highfield is an outstanding pitcher, but Tara Stewart will be countering him in the first game.

Experience: Advantage, Newmanistan?! Qazox is the defending champion, and are looking to win their third championship in four Classics. You would think just by that statement that the Phoenix would hold a significant edge in experience over the Rockets, but this actually not the case. Qazox returns no one, that’s right, no one from those teams. Whereas the majority of players on the Newmanistan roster have been here since World Baseball Classic 7 and were on the team that lost to Zwangzug in the final that year.

History: Well, this is obviously advantage Qazox. This country has rightfully made themselves the team to beat. Newmanistan has made themselves the team that might be able to overthrow them from their perch. For now though, the history of the Phoenix prevails, and a lot of times in interregional competitions history just plays a large intangible role.

Coaching: Adam Victorini is a holdover from championship teams. When we met in the World Baseball Classic 7 semifinal, the Rocket Report was hard on Victorini for his very conservative calls in regards to baserunning. The Phoenix simply do not take the extra base quite enough. Qazox inning summaries often read like this:

Qazox Third:
Pew singled to right.
Pew stole second.
Doane struck out.
Ellenburg singled to left, Pew to third.

With the speed of Pew, why isn’t he scoring on a single to left? This is just one example of ultra-conservative running the bases decisions by Victorini during this Classic, and the previous two in which we’ve been accustomed to this conservative style. With Qazox going up against the best pitchers they will face all series, they will need to be a lot more aggressive. You can’t argue the results Victorini has, but what can be argued that they are in spite of him and not because of him. Did we just give Qazox bulletin board material? Perhaps, but I’ll take Christina Sanders any day of the week.

Qazox will win if: Somehow their history and past plays a role, here. What is a must for them is for their offense to score runs, because Newmanistan will be. They have some players that can be streaky, and they will need to be on their game. Clark Petrie and Kyle Bryon loom as the pivotal players here. While you expect the big guns to have their day and their moments, it takes more then a Socki Lewis to win championships. Petrie and Bryon are excellent support players for the big bats, and if they have a big series, then Qazox will have their best opportunity to win. A win in game one would go a long way. Victorini is going to have to take some chances on the bases.

Newmanistan will win if: They continue playing the way they have played to this point. The pitching has been outstanding and has the ability to control the Qazox bats, but the big difference here is the likelihood of the Rockets scoring a fair amount of runs against the Phoenix. That one stat we gave to you in the Rockets hitting vs Phoenix pitching about Newmanistan averaging a run and a half more a game then the highest scoring team then that have played is glaring especially considering Qazox had a middle of the road pitching performance themselves. The balance of the offense will give fits to Qazox. The Rockets are also a much better defensive team then the Phoenix, something which cannot be overlooked, and are much more aggressive then their conservative opponent.

Prediction: Newmanistan in 4.

Qazox

18-12-2008, 06:29

QSPN WBC Today

John Morgan: For those very few of you in Qazox who read THE ROCKET REPORT, they had a complete breakdown of the upcoming series between the Rockets and the Phoenix.

But we here at QSPN have decided to take a different tack, the BackPage approach. So writing the rest of the column are two of QSPN.com's BackPage writers, and their take on Qazox vs. Newmanistan:

Mike "First and" TENor:
Ten things to look for in the WBC Final:
#10- Qazox and Newmanistan struggling in the first couple of innings then scoring runs late.
#9- The mental chess-match between Adam Victorini and Christina Sanders.
#8- The hopefully bountiful pics of Christina Sanders in a bikini.
#7- The hopefully burned pics of Adam Victorini in a Speedo.
#6- The Speed of Brittany Wright and Darren Pew on the basepaths.
#5- The Power of Douglas Ellenburg's and Sarah Boland's swings.
#4- The Mascot Fight. (oh wait, neither team has one, damn.)
#3- The Slider of Rick Highfield.
#2- The Fastball of Stacey Keisler.
and the #1 thing to look for in the WBC Final: Qazox winning a Third Championship.

Monday Morning Pitcher
by Fred Westercreek.

STAT OF THE WEEK:
125 to 84- The average pitch counts for each teams starting pitching in group play. Newmanistan, as usual, had the highest average at 125 pitches in 5 games; while Qazox had the 11th highest at 84. Prux had the worst at 73 per starter. What that tells me is that if the game is close, Qazox has pitchers that have played in close games, while Newmanistan has not. If any games go to extra innings, Qazox has pitchers that can pitch in those innings, while Newmanistan has a deep pen that is rested. But having thrown in 4 of 44 innings compared to 16 of 44 is like comparing Compari to Calimari. My Prediction is that Newmanistan wins in 5, with game 5 ending in extra innings.

Baseball Fan of the week:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6c/Australian_fan_Formula_1.jpg/466px-Australian_fan_Formula_1.jpg
I don't know who exactly he's rooting for, but he was there at the Qazox-Bluth Corporation game the other day. I think he got lost on the way to a rugby match.

The Error of the week:
Prux fans. I didn't see any person from Prux at any game this past week. I know the economy is bad, but it's only $200 to fly from Prux to Liventia on Prux Air, and tickets were only an additional $40 each. So a nation came here with no fans, that is the error of the week!

The Box Score of the Week:
Eric Catalano (Green wombat)
9 IP, 2 hits, 13 K's, 1 BB, 0 runs, 0 ER, against Newmanistan.

Liventia

18-12-2008, 17:51

World Baseball Classic 9 in Liventia
Third Place Playoff Series

HOME TEAM FIRST.
Game 1: Taeshan 3-1 Tocrowkia

Newmanistan

19-12-2008, 04:43

Kevin Collins’ Mailbag

Sometimes controversial Newmanistanian reporter Kevin Collins answers some fan mail:

“Kevin, do you think this series will be as easy for the Rockets as my friends think it will be? They think we will sweep them!” Matt, Olympia

The confidence of your friends is admirable. But to think that Newmanistan will be able to sweep Qazox is going a little too far. Newmanistan is going to win this series, go ahead and put money on it, but it won’t be a sweep.

“Would this be the greatest title ever won by Newmanistan?” Tyrell, Loudon

Absolutely. Let’s start with the Baptism of Fire. You can only win that once but you are against other first time nations there. The Cup of Harmony, again a big win, but it’s like winning the loser’s bracket. The Di Bradini Cup is significant, but not against enough opponents, and the set up of that, with junior players makes it a little different. And the World Lacrosse Championship victory is nice but that’s way too small of a tournament and most of the world respects Newmanistan as the place to go for Lacrosse. The World Baseball Classic is a senior-level competition, and the top bracket of it. There’s enough quality competition, too.

“Why won’t Qazox coach Adam Victorini run like a Victorino?” Shane, Pocono City.

Adam Victorini is classic example of a coach who goes along for the ride of a great team. Qazox has good baseball, and in areas, Victorini is a smart coach. But he’s a coward. He’s the most conservative coach I have ever seen on the basepaths with his station to station advancement of runners. He is not the reason Qazox is here.

“Will Brittany Wright end up on third every time she gets a single?” Elizabeth, Pocono City

Yes unless Qazox makes the change that I know they don’t want to make. Mickey Weatherby needs to be pulled from the starting lineup but that would be a decision that would take guts, and we know Victorini doesn’t have that. Wright will run like crazy. So will Carrie Nicolette, Natalie Monroe, and Tara Cuyler. They have good enough speed to run at will against his Mickey Mouse arm. Hank Yans is needed, but again, Victorini isn’t bold enough.

“Stacey Keisler guaranteed that Newmanistan will win the series in a local Southport broadcast or she would give a million gold coins to a Qazoxian charity. Was this smart or stupid?” Darci, Southport

Give the series some spice, Stacey! We know that she is an energetic pitcher, and when she is out there in the second game of the series, look for her to rack up the strikeouts against some of their free swingers. It’s smart, now let’s see someone on Qazox match the guarantee. Or do they not have the same level of confidence. Brilliant move!

“Why does Qazox care about the average pitch count per starter so bad?” Bill, Centralia

Because they are looking for ways to build up confidence in their team. When you are used to throwing 125 pitches in each start, then it’s just a number. Yes, Qazox has played in more close games and that is because their starting pitching hasn’t been nearly as effective.

“Should Newmanistan win, and I think they will, do you think they are officially the team to beat, reputation wise?” Jennifer, Brighton.

Unfortunately not because let’s face it, Qazox did make it to the final too. They will remain ranked #1 in the world. But the Qazox used to worry about a nation known once as Az-cz. They have been replaced by the Rockets. And the Rockets are their new nemesis. This is just the first Newmanistan vs Qazox final. There will be more.

“I don’t know if we necessarily need the motivation, but do you think Newmanistan’s victory over Qazox in the World Bowl recently might serve as inspiration?” Joe, Putnam Lake

I don’t think so. You see, this is a better team then the World Bowl team, and the nation has built up a better history in baseball. I’ll tell you this though, Newmanistan vs Qazox is becoming a popular feature in late knockout stages of all competitions not named the World Cup. Which probably will mean the first time that Qazox ever makes a World Cup final, they will lose to Newmanistan.

“You’re ultimate prediction is what?” Steve, Tundra Falls

Newmanistan is 5. Qazox is like red socks, they were yesterday. Newmanistan is like a champion filly, they are today.

Qazox

19-12-2008, 05:57

QSPN.com SPORTSWORLD Forums

Qazox vs. Newmanistan WBC FINALS
First<<2<3<Page 4>5>6>7>Last>>
Comments 61-80

JoefromLPC (1:13am): Qazox is too good for Newmanistan. They'll cruise to another title.

1337er (1:14am): Go blow it out your a$$ KatieRocket, Newmanistan was lucky as shit to win in the World Bowl and Qazox will avenge that loss in the WBC.

KatieRocket (1:23am): 1337er your the idiot, Brittany Wright will steal like 8 bases, in GAME ONE ALONE!

1337er (1:25am): Well she can't steal a base if she's not on base.

KatieRocket (1:28am): Not to mention that Stacey Keisler might throw the 2nd ever perfect game in Game 1.

higuyfromSV (1:30am): Who really cares? If Sativaville wasn't banned from international play, they'd wipe the floor with both teams.

KatieRocket (1:33am): 1337er your the idiot, Brittany Wright will steal like 8 bases, in GAME ONE ALONE!

1337er (1:34am): Only a crackhead could think a pothead could beat Qazox.

KatieRocket (1:34am): Only a crackhead could think a pothead could beat the Rockets.

1337er (1:35am): Well at least you and me katierocket agree on something.

KatieRocket (1:36am): LOL, I just was typing the same thing.

LR-RZ! (1:41am): Both of you are lucky that Az-cz didn't send a team again. We whipped Qazox' butt so much, we had to leave to allow the other nations a chance at winning.

JoefromLPC (1:43am): Sorry LR-RZ!, but you must be at least 5ft 6inches tall to post on this thread.

KatieRocket (1:42am): :D good one Joe.

1337er (1:45am): Damn midgets are scared, that's why they haven't shown up in the last 6 editions. Qazox wants to whoop some midget butt!

KatieRocket (1:50am) : Nah.. they heard that Newmanistan was coming and ducked into their hidey-holes.

taeLass (1:53am) W00T! The pUrplE kNighTs won!

1337er (1:55am): Who really cares about the 3rd place match... NOONE, except Taeshani losers like you.

KatieRocket (1:58am) : I wish we were playing Taeshan again.. That way the Rockets would get 3 perfect games in a row! :tongue:

PHEONIXRULE (1:59am): So, Anybody have a pic of Stacey Keisler NUDE?

First<2<<3<Page 4>5>6>7>Last>>

Liventia

19-12-2008, 16:10

World Baseball Classic 9 in Liventia
Third Place Playoff Series

HOME TEAM FIRST.
Game 2: Tocrowkia 6-5 Taeshan (extra innings)

Game 3 will be played at Shocker Stadium, Orean, Liventia, with the DH.

Championship Series

HOME TEAM FIRST.
Game 1: Newmanistan 2-5 Qazox

Newmanistan

19-12-2008, 16:49

THE ROCKET REPORT

STEWART DOWN AND OUT

Tundra Falls, Newmanistan- It didn’t take long for the excitement of the opening game of World Baseball Classic 9’s championship series to wear off and turn to concern for Newmanistan. The reality has set in, that this Qazox team is a strong opponent in which we are facing, and they came ready to play and win on the very field in which they celebrated winning their championship in the 8th Classic. The spirits of the Proving Grounds don’t seem to hold any grudges against Qazox. Their teams have been successful here both in World Bowl play, and in Baseball, and even when the nations meet head to head. The Phoenix scored a 5-2 victory, in a game in which Newmanistan had to scramble after a devastating opening.

Darren Pew, the second best leadoff hitter in the Classic led the game off with a triple that painted the right field line. Spirits, couldn’t you have that go foul? But the big blow came on a 1-1 pitch to the next batter, Herman Doane. Tara Stewart threw the pitch outside and heard something snap. She held her elbow in pain and the trainers rushed out to meet her. After checking her out, the Rockets ace was in too much pain to continue. Now, a bullpen in which had very little work in the group stage would now be put in a situation where they would need to get 27 outs. Christina Sanders was in a difficult situation here, but opted to go with Lauren Tippett. She was the designated person for this kind of thing, Sanders just didn’t want it to happen so quickly. Had this happened later in the series, perhaps #5 starter Sarah Brayton could be used, but now the plan to have Stewart return to the mound should there be a game five is gone and Brayton will have to go in that game. So in came Tippett. After her warm up tosses, she was still a bit rusty and preceded to walk Doane. Douglas Ellenburg then made Tippett and the Rockets pay with a towering shot into the left field stands, a blast later measured at 451 feet. 3-0 Qazox and not yet one out recorded. To her credit, Tippett settled down very well after this, but the damage may have already been done.

When Rick Highfield took the mound in the bottom of the first, he had to feel very good about having a three run lead already, and he threw his heater with confidence but he was also impressive with his changeup, which really can make a hitter look kinda silly when they are sitting on a fastball and he takes about 15-20 MPH off of it with the changeup. Highfield did his thing, and the 3-0 lead stood for a while. In the bottom of the fourth, the Rockets got one back when Rachel Crockett hit a two-out single to drive in Carrie Nicolette who had singled right before her. Maybe they could chip away at this. After the first inning, Tippett had only surrendered a lone single through the 6th inning. In the bottom of the 6th, the Rockets again got a run back, and Brittany Wright made it all happen with her legs. She would single, then steal second. On her steal of third, the throw by Mickey Weatherby sailed over the head of Clark Petrie, and Wright would score on the error. Chipping away at the lead, now it was a one-run ballgame and the fans were starting to believe that just maybe they could make this happen. But Highfield would shut the door in the 6th, and his offense would get to Shannon Talcott in the 7th. Shannon took over for Tippett and started out well with a strike out of Angel Monks, but couldn’t carry that into success for the rest of the inning. Clark Petrie and Kyle Byron hit consecutive singles to start the threat. After Weatherby popped out to first, Johnnie Bannon hit a sharp double to left center to score two. No wait, it only scored one. Adam Victorini surprisingly gave Byron the hold sign at third base, and Newmanistan would get out of the inning with it only 4-2. Qazox would get their 5th run in the 9th inning off of Erica Darby on a solo HR by Clark Petrie. Jackson Throne shut the door in the bottom of the 9th, getting a 1-2-3 inning.

The loss puts the Rockets in a 1 game to none hole in the series, but certainly they are not dead. Stacey Keisler will go for the team tomorrow, and she has historically come up with some clutch starts in important games. After the game, we received word that Tara Stewart has sustained elbow chips and is done, obviously, for the series. Sanders was non-committal on what her plan for game five would be, saying the team would cross that bridge when they come to it.

And here is some other post game reaction:

Sanders: “When you plan for a game, and then for something like the Stewart injury to happen so early it really just throws everything off. The opponent in that situation has to capitalize immediately while the other teams tries to pick up the pieces and Qazox was able to do that. Lauren pitched well once she got in her groove, and let’s give her credit for that. She only allowed one hit after the first inning.”

Stewart: “I just heard a pop. I had an elbow injury in my second season, so right away I am thinking this isn’t good. I really have the feeling of letting my teammates down. I am sorry.”

Tippett: “You don’t expect to have your name called so early, but I have always tried to prepare myself to be ready immediately, and I think that I was. Ellenburg took advantage of the situation and that’s something that a good smart hitter like him will do.”

Nicolette: “We’ll be back. Trust me.”

Tocrowkia

20-12-2008, 02:41

Game 1 boxscore

TEAMS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Tocrowkia 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 0
Taeshan 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 3 3 0

HRs:
Johnny Stryker 1 (7)

Mercedes Gaunt, despite a strong start was unable to keep the Purple Knights from scoring. She kept the ball low, and as a result the Purple Knights recorded no extra-base hits (and of course, no home runs), forcing the Purple Knights to manufacture runs through out. In the fourth inning, the formidable distance in the Taeshani stadium from home plate to the outfield walls did not prevent Johnny Stryker from putting one in the right-center field bleachers, pulling the Nordics to within two. However, an RBI single from Socki Lewis proved to be all the Purple Knights needed o the game.

"I feel sick..." Jill Haviland commented after the game. "I just can't believe we didn't win." She refused to comment further, as did pretty much everyone else. Manager Paul Rudolf gave a short interview after the game, and when asked about what would happen in the next game if the Nordics got eliminated, he replied curtly: "We ain't getting eliminated. So no comment."

Game 2 Bosxscore

TEAMS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 R H E
Taeshan 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 5 10 1
Tocrowkia 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 6 10 0

HRs:
Jill Haviland 1 (4), Johnny Stryker 1 (8)

Game 2 was one for the ages. The Nordics took to the field in front of an eager, but somewhat melancholy crowd. After all, no Tocrowkian alive wanted to see the Purple Knights celebrate on their field. And they didn't, either. Though the Knights took an early lead on an two-out RBI double, the Nordics immediately responded in their half of the first, courtesy of a one-out Two-run shot by Jill Haviland. Socki Lewis seemed to be seeking redemption from his embarrassment at the hands of the Rockets, and he got it. Sort of, in the fourth with a solo shot to deep, deep center.

The Nordics responded again in the fifth with an RBI triple off the bat of Mr. Clutch, though the Knights managed to tie the game in the eighth. From that point on, both teams bullpens continued to put up goose eggs on the scoreboard, dragging the game into extra innings. In the thirteenth, however, the Knights looked to seal the game, when Socki Lewis delivered yet another home run, a two run shot to right. When the Nordics took the field, even before the first AB, Wraith Stadium fell silent. A since of imminent defeat loomed over everyone's heads.

Though the first two hitters were retired, Haviland and Rykov managed to get on base. Haviland through a walk, and Rykov through a single that just barely missed being caught by the second baseman. Now it was Strykers turn. He swung at the very first pitch, and crushed it to deep-right center. Wraith Stadium went wild even before the ball reached the zenith of it's height, landing in the upper decks. Stryker pumped his fist in the air, shouted a profanity to the Purple Knights pitcher and slowly rounded the bases. He had just walked off the Knights!

"Told ya so." Rudolf said after the game. "And now, we're going back to Liventia with the momentum in our favor"

Qazox

20-12-2008, 05:34

QSPN WBC Today

John Morgan: Game 1 of the WBC Championship series took place at The Proving Grounds in Tundra Falls, Newmanistan, and Qazox struck the first blow with a 5-2 win over Tara Stewart and the Rockets. Stewart was injured throwing to the 2nd batter of the inning, Herman Doane and Newmanistan's big game pitcher was out just after 6 pitches, and the under-utilized Rocket bullpen was forced to step up. They didn't. Doane walked and Ellenburg crushed a fastball deep into the night and it was 3-0 Pheonix early and that would be all Rick Highfield would need. A couple of Rockets runs came in the 4th and 6th innings, but once again the Rocket's bullpen couldn't keep it close as Qazox scored in the 7th and 9th to give Jackson Throne a 3-run lead and that closed out Game 1.

The big question for the series now is if the series goes to a Game 5, will Tara Stewart be available for the Rockets? On the Qazox side of things, they got what they needed, a win in Newmanistan and now the pressure is on the Rockets, as they need to win Game 2 to avoid heading back to Qazox down 0-2.

BOX SCORE
TEAMS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Qazox 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 5 9 1
Newmanistan 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 7 0

Batting:
2B: Bannon
3B: Pew (3)
HR: Ellenburg (4), Petrie (3)
RBI: Ellenburg 3 (11), Petrie (4), Bannon (2)
SB: Pew (5)
CS: none
SF: none
Sac: none
HBP: none

Pitching:
PITCHER IP R ER H K BB ERA
Highfield 8.0 2 1 7 6 2 1.13 (W 2-0)
Throne 1.0 0 0 0 2 0 0.00 (Sv. 5)

HBP: none

Fielding:
E: Weatherby
WP: none
PB: none

SCORING SUMMARY:

Qazox First:
Pew tripled to right.
Pitching change (Newmanistan): Lauren Tippett in for Tara Stewart (INJURY)
Doane walked.
Ellenburg Homerun to left, Pew, Doane and Ellenburg scored.
Monks flied out to left.
Petrie struck out.
Bryon flied out to center.
3 runs, 2 hits, 0 Errors, 0 LOB (3-0 Qazox)

Newmnaistan Fourth:
Wright struck out.
Martin popped out to short.
Nicolette singled to center.
Crockett doubled to left, Nicolette scored.
Boland flied out to right.
1 run, 2 hits, 0 Errors, 1 LOB (3-1 Qazox)

Newmanistan Sixth:
Tippett struck out.
Wright singeld to center
Wright stole second.
Wright stole third, Wright scored on Weatherby's thrwoing error.
Martin grounded out to short.
Nicolette flied out to center.
1 run, 1 hits, 1 Errors, 0 LOB (3-2 Qazox)

Qazox Seventh:
Pitching change (Newmanistan): Shannon Talcott in for Lauren Tippett
Monks struck out.
Petrie singled to left.
Bryon singled to left, Petrie to second.
Weatherby popped out to first.
Bannon doubled to left, Petrie scored, Bryon to third.
Highfield flied out to right.
1 run, 3 hits, 0 Errors, 2 LOB (4-2 Qazox)

Qazox Ninth:
Petrie homerun to right, Petrie scored.
Bryon struck out.
Weatherby flied out to center.
Bannon walked.
PinchHitter (Qazox): Alvin Kulesza in for Rick Highfield.
Kulesza grounded out to third.
1 run, 1 hit, 0 Errors, 1 LOB (5-2 Qazox)

Qazox

21-12-2008, 06:05

(OOC: hmmm, weren't Finals Game2 and 3rd place game 3 supposed to be up yestersay/today?)

Liventia

21-12-2008, 07:38

(OOC: hmmm, weren't Finals Game2 and 3rd place game 3 supposed to be up yestersay/today?)

Yes, well, it just slipped my mind. We'll just put things back by a day. Sorry about that.

Qazox

21-12-2008, 07:50

Yes, well, it just slipped my mind. We'll just put things back by a day. Sorry about that.

(ooc: NP, and New, I'm taking a small liberty here, as I don't know if The Proving Grounds is a dome or not. AND Tocrowkia, I'm taking a libery as well, so I apologize in advance if either one of you two disapproves of my RP)

QSPN WBC Today

John Morgan: Well there is one problem with scheduling the WBC in December. Occasionally the weather plays a factor. And today a 37 degree day coupled with freezing rain and a wind chill of 15 degrees caused Game 2 of the WBC Championship between Qazox and Newmanistan to be postponed until tommorrow. You'd figure a place named Tundra Falls would have a domed stadium, but alas, The Proving Grounds is not a domed stadium. So each team gets an extra day of rest and that could see Rick Hightower pitching in Game 4 instead of Game 5.

As for the 3rd place playoff, both Taeshan and Tocrowkia were delayed by snow showers at Tocrowkia International, which would see the teams arrive just 4 hours before the scheduled start time for their deciding Game 3. So Liventia postponed Game 3 to tommorrow, to allow the teams a chance to rest before the game.

As many of you know, I'm not a proponent of Domed Stadia. I hate seeing artifical turf, but in cases like this, I might be able to make an exception. I'd like to WBC to mandate that in the future all championship games either a: be held in a dome, or b: held in cities that have little to no chance of snow occuring.

And one last bit of news to report, Qazox has offically begun the process to bid for the rights to host WBC TEN. If they are approved as hosts, Qazox would host the WBC for the fourth time and it would occur 20 (ooc: I consider the WBC to occur every 2 years, but your timeline may differ) years after the first WBC game was played between Assegai Developments and Saint Samuel (won by AD 2-0)

Liventia

21-12-2008, 16:59

World Baseball Classic 9 in Liventia
Third Place Playoff Series

SHOCKER STADIUM, OREAN, LIVENTIA ('home' team first)
Game 3: Taeshan 2-4 Tocrowkia

Championship Series
HOME TEAM FIRST.
Game 2: Newmanistan 3-0 Qazox
Series is tied 1-1. Series heads to Qazox for Games 3 and 4.

Newmanistan

21-12-2008, 23:38

THE ROCKET REPORT

ALL TIED UP

Tundra Falls, Newmanistan- Before the series began, Stacey Keisler made a promise. It was a guarantee that the Rockets would win the series or else she would donate a million gold coins to a Qazoxian charity. Keisler challenged anyone on the Qazoxian roster to do the same thing but none of them had the same kind of high level of confidence as the young Rocket. After a postponement of game two by a day due to inclement weather, it was time for Keisler to show that she wasn’t all talk. The young hurler has been used to picking up crucial victories when the team needed it most. In game two, Newmanistan needed her to come up big, and she did. A dominating complete game shutout in which she scattered four hits and struck out eleven gets the Rockets back in the series as we head to the Q Continuum.

Keisler also needed to come up big to rest a bullpen that needed to get 27 outs in the first game. That wasn’t something the pen had been expected to do, and it couldn’t happen again. Keisler was not going to worry. After getting two strikeouts in the first inning with a commanding fastball the message was delivered that this game was going to be different. Glen Barter also did not allow a run in the first inning, but it came with a scare. Newmanistan had loaded the bases with one out before Sarah Boland was jammed on an inside slider and grounded into an inning ending 4-6-3 double play. The run that the Rockets flirted with in the first would come in the second, however thanks to a one out double by Nicole Flick. Tara Cuyler followed it up with a single to left-center, allowing Flick to score from second. Sending the catcher around third to score on the play was a gutsy move on the part of Christina Sanders, especially so early in the game. The throw from left was on target but Flick, who has been on the receiving end of this too, barreled over Mickey Weatherby in order to jar the ball loose and score the first run of the ball game. An alert Cuyler took second on the throw, and the Phoenix were a little fortunate to get out of the inning with the score only 1-0. In fact, they had to think they were very fortunate in general to only be down by one. They could not figure out Keisler, who was intent on making sure she would live up to her word. Qazox had just the four hits, and never had more then one baserunner in an inning. A third inning single by Johnnie Bannon amounted to nothing when Glen Barter popped up the sacrifice bunt attempt, allowing Flick to make the catch and quickly fire to first to double up Bannon to get out of the inning. It was that kind of day for the Phoenix.

To his credit, Barter managed to settle in and keep Qazox in the game and have their fans feeling that perhaps they could manage one run off of Keisler. In the bottom of the 6th, however, that task would become much more difficult. After Keisler lead off the inning at the plate by blooping a single into left field, Brittany Wright came up and followed with a single and the team was in business. Qazox could only take small comfort in knowing that Wright was probably locked a base behind Keisler because surely Keisler wouldn’t run. On a 2-1 pitch to Jennifer Martin, Sanders completely stunned Qazox. A double steal with Keisler the lead runner? In an unbelievable move, this was the call, and it was done mainly because Sanders noticied that Clark Petrie wasn’t really playing close to the bag at third. By the time he reacted, Keisler was just about even with him, and since he had to reach behind him to get the throw by Weatherby, Keisler was in at third. Martin would strike out, but the next batter, Carrie Nicolette, would make them pay by blooping a single into right center field, that would easily score two. Qazox would get out of the inning, but with Newmanistan now up by the score of 3-0 and just three innings left to play, things were looking very good. Any hope that Keisler might be a little off in the top of the 7th after spending much of the 6th on the basepaths that the Phoenix may have had were quickly erased when Keisler fanned Douglas Ellenburg to lead off the inning, then get Angel Monks and Clark Petrie on a couple of weak groundouts. Stacey would finish off the Phoenix to close out the game and to secure an impressive three run victory for the Rockets. The series is now all tied up and going to Qazox. Courtney Lombardi will pitch game three for Newmanistan against probable starter Corey Delrosario.

Here is some post game reaction:

Sanders: “Obviously, we needed to win this game. I was really proud of the way that the team was able to bounce back after so many things went against us in the opening game, and then having more time to think about it with the postponement of this game because of the weather, which we heard there has been some real nasty weather going through the Empire over the last couple weeks. Stacey did her thing extremely well, what a tremendous big game pitcher she is and I truly believe that we have what it takes to have success in Qazox whether we win it there or we need to return to Liventia.”

Keisler: “Yeah, I was confident. No one on their team really scared me. My team needed me to come up big and I got it done for them. Courtney will be able to do the same thing against them in game three, and we can use that game to begin to take control of the series.”

Wright: “I suggested it to Colleen (the first base coach) while I was on first that we should try it when Ellenburg visited with his pitcher. They weren’t respecting any chance of Stacey running just because she is a pitcher. Well, Stacey does have good speed herself. I think it was a great call.”

Nicolette: “He hung a slider and I got enough of it. Fortunately they were playing me kind of deep, but as long as you get the ball to the outfield, you are going to get Brittany in from second, and her stealing that base behind Stacey was a pretty important part of this game. Winning a championship requires thinking outside the box, and she (Sanders) did with that call.”

Tocrowkia

22-12-2008, 04:43

TEAMS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Tocrowkia 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 4 12 0
Taeshan 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 5 0

HRs:
Johnny Stryker 4 (12)

The stage was set for a dramatic game three to determine the third-place champion of WBC 9. And Game Three did not disappoint, for the fans of the Nordics anyway. Down one game to none in a best-of-3 series, the Nordics made a historical come back. And Game three was just as historical. Johnny Stryker, whom walked off the Knights in Game 2 had four homers in four ABs, the only player in WBC history to do so.

"I just saw the ball really well." Stryker said with a big grin on his face. And indeed he did. No matter how they tried, the Knights just could not contain Stryker. His first homer was a modest shot down the line in right. The second was a long drive to right-center. The third found a new home six or seven rows back in deep center, and the fourth disappeared into the left-center stands, along with any hopes Taeshan might have had of a third place title. Tipker closed out the side to seize the 3rd place title.

At what point will the Purple Knights stop calling themselves the best team to never win the WBC, and admit their really just the worst team to make the finals? Who knows. But the Nordics, having seized the 3rd place title look poised to make a run in WBC 10. They may not have become overnight phenoms like the Rockets, but the fact they are rapidly improving is undeniable. From cellar dwellers, to the playoffs, to 3rd place in three WBCs? Amazing. And a championship next time 'round doesn't sound impossible, no, not in the least.

"The really fun part? Taeshan was one of the teams that predicted us to be 1-and-4. Ha. It was fun to watch em' cry when I kept tearing up their pitching. Losers." - Johnny Stryker

Qazox

22-12-2008, 05:46

QSPN WBC Today

John Morgan: Game 2 saw Qazox get shut-out for just the 5th time ever in WBC play, as Stacey Keisler completly shutdown the Qazox offense. Keisler along with Brittany Wright, on a double steal, stunned the Pheonix as the series move to Pheonix Stadium tied at 1-1. Keisler kept the big bats quiet and kept Pew off the basepaths as the Pheonix managed only 4 singles and never had a runner advance past second.

Now heading back home, Qazox will send Corey Delrosario (2-0) to the mound, who hasemerged as the best Pheonix pitcher this WBC so far, against Courtney Lombardi. Both teams need this win as the loser will have have to win twice in a row and the way these two teams are playing, to defeat either one twice in a row will be nearly impossible.

BOX SCORE
TEAMS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Qazox 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
Newmanistan 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 x 3 9 0

Batting:
2B: None
3B: None
HR: None
RBI: None
SB: Pew (6)
CS: none
SF: none
Sac: none
HBP: none

Pitching:
PITCHER IP R ER H K BB ERA
Barter 8.0 3 3 8 5 2 9.00 (L 1-1)

HBP: none

Fielding:
E: none
WP: Barter
PB: none

SCORING SUMMARY:

Newmanistan Second:
Monroe flied out to left.
Flick doubled to right.
Cuyler singled to left, Flick scored, Cuyler to second to throw.
Keisler popped out to pitcher.
Wright struck out.
1 run, 2 hits, 0 Errors, 1 LOB (1-0 Newmanistan)

Newmanistan Sixth:
Keisler singled to left.
Wright singled to center.
Keisler stole third, Wright stole second.
Martin struck out.
Nicolette singled to right, Keisler and Wright scored.
Crockett grounded into 4-6-3 double play, Nicolette out at second.
2 runs, 3 hits, 0 Errors, 0 LOB (3-0 Newmanistan)

Newmanistan

22-12-2008, 08:45

THE ROCKET REPORT

OFF TO QAZOX

Tundra Falls, Newmanistan- After defeating the Phoenix of Qazox in the second game by the score of 3-0, the series is now all tied up and going to the land of the two time champion. Game three will feature a pitching matchup between Courtney Lombardi and Corey Delrosario, both of whom have looked very good thus far in their previous Classic meetings. Delrosario has had two starts winning both, while Lombardi was victorious in her only start this far, a group stage win against Secristan. Before the team would board the plane and head out to the Q Continuum, our Meghan Traynor caught up with coach Christina Sanders to discuss things.

MT: Good evening everyone, I’m Meghan and I am here with Christina Sanders moments before the team heads to the road to play Qazox in games three and four. Christina, first, congratulations on the victory.

CS: Thanks Meghan, we played a great game.

MT: Stacey Keisler picks up the shutout, which basically backs up her talk before the series, that’s gotta be good.

CS: Stacey is a very charismatic pitcher. She loves the spotlight, and if you look at her history in the Classic she has pitched some great games. Well, you can add another one to the list. Getting a shutout of Qazox is no small accomplishment, and she truly was dominant. She has great poise and at the same time she’s very fun to be around, and is a fan favorite.

MT: The double steal call is a little unusual when a pitcher is the lead runner. What went into that decision?

CS: Clark Petrie wasn’t positioned to defend a steal of third. They obviously thought there was zero chance of us running. Brittany caught on to it, and Stacey told me she was shocked when she saw the sign come in, but then realized how far off the bag Petrie was. By the time Clark was could react, Stacey was just about even with him and Weatherby had to hesitate in making the throw too. It was the perfect storm setup, and we were able to capitalize.

MT: Stacey has pretty good speed too.

CS: Yeah she does. In fact she has been a pinch runner in Southport on several occasions.

MT: Backtracking a bit now, how is Tara Stewart?

CS: Tara’s doing pretty well, it’s not going to require surgery or anything. It’s the kind of injury that in the regular season you would talk about the pitcher missing two or three weeks and expect full recovery. Of course for the Classic, she is done.

MT: So if there is a game five, who starts?

CS: Sarah Brayton. We’ve decided that we not use her as a reliever in the other games. She came here as a #5 starter, and while the original plan was for Tara to pitch game five, Sarah is capable of pitching well for us. It’s a tough situation, but I believe in her.

MT: Sarah would also certainly feel as though she had something to prove.

CS: Yeah I think so. A good player like her always will take advantage of their opportunity, and if there is a fifth game, I think she would give step up for us.

MT: Many Newmanistanian journalists have gotten on the case of Adam Victorini for his ultra-conservative style, what is your opinion of that approach?

CS: I know that as a head coach you have to adjust your style to the personnel that you have. I wouldn’t be aggressive if I didn’t have people that had the skills that I have. Adam is a World Baseball Classic winning coach, so he has to be doing something right. His team works hard for him and seems to enjoy playing for him, so there isn’t anything wrong there.

MT: But I am sure you would be shocked if he became much more aggressive.

CS: Not really. He will do what it takes to win, and as an opposing manager I will be prepared for anything.

MT: Ok well that’s going to do it for now. I’ll see you in Qazox, good luck.

CS: Thanks Meghan and to all our supporters.

Liventia

22-12-2008, 16:35

World Baseball Classic 9 in Liventia

Championship Series
HOME TEAM FIRST.
Game 3: Qazox 4-6 Newmanistan
Newmanistan leads best-of-five series 2-1.

Newmanistan

22-12-2008, 23:46

THE ROCKET REPORT

JUST A GAME AWAY

Qazox- After each team had their game in Newmanistan that they took control of and got a big victory, the two teams had their first real dogfight of a game as the series shifted to Qazox for game three. With the Qazoxian fans in attendance hoping to see a big win for their team that could catapult them to their third title in four Classics, it would be the Rockets spoiling the party and picking up a big 6-4 victory. Now, it is Newmanistan who is only a game away from what would be their first Classic championship.

On the mound, both Corey Delrosario and Courtney Lombardi looked to have a dominant performance, but this game would not be about them. This day would be about the offenses, and ultimately, which team would get more clutch hits. After the first inning came and went without much to speak of, Newmanistan scored the first run of the ball game in the top half of the second inning. With one away, Sarah Boland got all of a high fastball and deposited the pitch into the right field stands for a solo home run. Sarah has picked up some clutch home runs for the Rockets in the past, and the team would hope that this would be the kind of hit that could get the momentum going for them in this game. But it really would not be. In the bottom of the third inning, the Phoenix rallied off of Courtney Lombardi. With one away, Johnnie Bannon blopped a single into the right-centerfield gap, and he would score an out later on a single by Darren Pew. Pew, the primary base steal threat of Qazox would then steal second base to get himself in scoring position. Herman Doane then would drive him in with a single, which was hit well enough to convince Adam Victorini that perhaps he should allow his speedster to score from second base. He would, and it would be Qazox now in front by the score of 2-1. It almost got worst, but a highlight reel diving catch by Rachel Crockett in right field would rob Douglas Ellenburg of what would have been at least a double and allow Lombardi to get out of the inning. But like the Newmanistanian lead earlier, the Phoenix would not remain in front for long. Jennifer Martin led off the top half of the fourth inning with a double, and after Carrie Nicolette lined out sharply to Johnnie Bannon at short, Rachel Crockett showed that she could also do damage with her bat and not just her glove by getting a double of her own to score Martin and to tie up the contest at two. After intentionally walking Sarah Boland, Delrosario got out of the inning by picking up a big double play on a ground ball by Natalie Monroe. The first batter of the bottom of the inning, Angel Monks would quickly restore the one run lead of the Phoenix by belting a misplaced curveball from Lombardi into the left field stands. Courtney got out the inning in order after that, but Qazox would now be in front by the score of 3-2.

The fans were just starting to get excited and hoping that Delrosario was settling in until the Rockets struck in the 6th inning. Brittany Wright led the inning off with a double, and would end up at third with her first stolen base of the game. Jennifer Martin then drew a walk before Carrie Nicolette would ground into a double play that would seem to limit the damage. Brittany Wright did score to tie up the game, but the inning was not over. Rachel Crockett would then single and score on a hard hit double off the bat of Sarah Boland that may have cleared the fence for her second home run of the game, but it was more of a line drive so it did not quite have the height needed. Still it would score Crockett, and now the Rockets were out in front by the score of 4-3. This time, it would Qazox’s turn to get out of the inning by flashing some impressive leather. Natalie Monroe hit a liner that seemed to be going into right center, but a tremendous leaping catch by second baseman Herman Doane would prevent that form happening, and keep the Newmanistan lead at just one run. The score remained this way until right after the seventh inning stretch. With Jessica Vauclair warming up in the bullpen, Christina Sanders opted to keep Lombardi in the ball game at least for one more inning. She would get Doane out to lead the inning off, but then surrendered three consecutive singles to Douglas Ellenburg, Angel Monks, and Clark Petrie. However, they could not lead to any runs as Victorini was cautious with his base running approach and instead settled for the bases being loaded with just one out. At this time, Sanders would pull Lombardi and bring in Vauclair. Jessica would allow a sacrifice fly to left that scored Ellenburg, but then strike out Mickey Weatherby, who is having a nightmarish series thus far to get out of the inning with game now all tied up at four. It would be in the next inning that Newmanistan would get their big hits. Leading off the top of the 8th off of reliever Nathaniel Schuyler was Brittany Wright and she slapped a single into left field, and once again would end up on third base with two steals. Schuyler would get Martin to ground out back to the mound, and he would do a good job in holding Wright at third before he made the throw to get the first out. But then he would lose Carrie Nicolette after the Rockets second baseman battled him in a 12-pitch at-bat for the walk. Showing some fatigue from that at-bat, and with Rachel Crockett working him up to 8 pitches on the next at-bat, Rachel smacked a hanging curveball deep into the right centerfield gap for a double that would score both Wright and Nicolette for a double and put the Rockets up 6-4. Schuyler would get out of the inning, but the big blow was delivered. Erica Darby came in an pitched a 1-2-3 eighth for Newmanistan, and then Jill Heisler closed it out, holding off a late comeback effort by the Phoenix to preserve the win.

This certainly was an exciting game for the fans as both teams battled it out hard to get what would be such a pivotal game. If nothing else, the Newmanistan victory assures that if the Phoenix were to win the title, that they will not be able to so do on their home turf. While Newmanistan had an enjoyable time in Liventia, they will be hoping not to return for a game five and to close out the series tomorrow with Kristen Haynes on the mound. Kristen pitched a gem in her lone start of the Classic so far, but it was on the losing end of the 1-0 loss to Green Wombat. The team promised her that they would get her more run support next time, so we will be hoping that is the case. The probable starter for Qazox figures to be Tyle Newson, but there was some speculation that they may jump over him and go with Rick Highfield on short rest, so we’ll have to wait for final word on that.

Here is some post game reaction:

Sanders: “This was quite an intense game, but I am proud of the way that we were able to respond every time that we needed too. It was tough to come in here in such an important situation, but we did have confidence. We got timely hits, and some nice defensive plays to win what was a true battle.”

Lombardi: “I thought that they would come out swinging well, and I think that my overall performance was alright. I would have liked to have done more, especially in the 7th inning there, but Jessica came in and limited the damage.”

Vauclair: “I just did what they have me on the team to do. I’ve been in that situation a number of times, although not on this big of a stage. It was a little relaxing though to know that I was going up against some of the bottom hitters of the lineup.”

Crockett: “Carrie had a great at-bat right in front of me. These short relievers hate it when you make them throw a lot of pitches at once, and then I fouled off some tough pitches to get the pitch that I could handle. He missed his spot, and you have to jump on a good pitcher when he does that. Hopefully now we can get that one more victory.”

Boland: “Definitely this was our best game with the bats, and I’m sure this was an exciting game for our fans to watch. We just need one more now for a title, but we know that Qazox is more then capable of getting two wins, so we will have to maintain our focus, and we will.”

Qazox

23-12-2008, 05:59

QSPN WBC Today

John Morgan: Game 3 saw the Phoenix and Rockets battle back and forth for 7 innings, until the speed of the Rockets once again lifted Newmanistan to victory. Now with Game 4 tommorrow, Qazox is in a must win situation, or else they will, (for the 4th time) see someone else hold up the WBC trophy on their soil.

Adam Victorini, by the Newmanistani press, as been called conservative, in not allowing players to go for extra bases or stealing more. An unnamed Phoenix player had this to say:

"I think some times Coach (Victorini) is either unwilling to risk an out for a base or he still believes in the 3-run HR approach. This might have worked in the past, but now adays, with the stricter steroid and preformance-enhancing drug testing, teams are going back to the basics, and that means more steals and taking more risks on the basespaths. Coach (Victorini) is a relic of an era that while it was successful, just isn't going to work anymore.

Kristen Haynes will be the Game 4 starter for Newmanistan, While Rick Highfield will start for Qazox, on his usual 3-days rest. But that leaves the question for Game 5, if Qazox makes it there, of who will start for the Pheonix, as Glen Barter and Corey Delrosario will be unavailable, as will Highfield. Will Victorini use Tyle Newson, who was rocked in his only start by Liventia? or will Barter pitch on 2 days rest? Victorini has also stated that Hank Yans will start at catcher instead of Weatherby, who has struggled this series getting runners out on steals. Also Victor Young will play at short, as Johnnie Bannon injured his hand breaking a bat in the dugout after striking out to end the game.

QAZOX' Lineup for Game 4:
Pew
Young
Monks
Ellenburg
Yans
Doane
Petrie
Bryon
Highfield

BOX SCORE
TEAMS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Newmanistan 0 1 0 1 0 2 0 2 0 6 13 0
Qazox 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 4 10 0

Batting:
2B: None
3B: None
HR: Monks (2)
RBI: Pew (4), Doane (3), Monks (5), Bryon (5)
SB: Pew 2 (8)
CS: none
SF: Bryon
Sac: Delrosario
HBP: none

Pitching:
PITCHER IP R ER H K BB ERA
Delrosario 7.0 4 4 9 7 2 5.14
Schuyler 1.0 2 2 3 0 1 18.00 (L 0-1)
Haskins 1.0 0 0 1 1 0 0.00

HBP: none

Fielding:
E: none
WP: Haskins
PB: none

SCORING SUMMARY:

Newmanistan Second:
Crockett grounded out to first.
Boland Homerun to right, Boland scored.
Monroe flied out to center.
Flick grounded out to short.
1 run, 1 hit, 0 Errors, 0 LOB (1-0 Newmanistan)

Qazox Third:
Weatherby struck out.
Bannon singled to center.
Delrosario sac bunt to third, Bannon to second.
Pew singled to center, Bannon scored.
Pew stole second.
Doane singled to right, Pew scored.
Ellenburg lined out to right.
2 runs, 3 hits, 0 Errors, 1 LOB (2-1 Qazox)

Newmanistan Fourth:
Martin doubled to center.
Nicolette lined out to short.
Crockett doubled to left, Martin scored.
Boland intentionally walked.
Monroe grounded into 3-6-1 double play, Boland out at second.
1 run, 2 hits, 0 Errors, 1 LOB (2-2)

Qazox Fourth:
Monks Homerun to left, Monks scored.
Petrie struck out.
Bryon flied out to center.
Weatherby struck out.
1 run, 1 hit, 0 Errors, 0 LOB (3-2 Qazox)

Newmanistan Sixth:
Wright doubled to left.
Wright stole third.
Martin walked.
Nicolette grounded into 6-4-3 double play, Martin out at second, Wright scored.
Crockett singled to center.
Boland doubled to left, Crockett scored.
Monroe lined out to second.
2 runs, 3 hits, 0 Errors, 1 LOB (4-3 Newmanistan)

Qazox Seventh:
Doane grounded out to first.
Ellenburg singled to right.
Monks singled to center, Ellenburg to second.
Petrie singled to left, Ellenburg to Third, Monks to second.
Pitching Change (Newmanistan): Jessica Vauclair in for Courtney Lombardi
Bryon flied out to center, Ellenburg scored, Monks to third.
Weatherby struck out.
1 run, 3 hits, 0 Errors, 2 LOB (4-4)

Newmanistan Eighth:
Pitching Change (Qazox): Nathaniel Schuyler in for Corey Delrosario
Wright singled to right.
Wright stole second.
Wright stole third.
Martin grounded out to pitcher.
Nicolette walked.
Crockett doubled to center, Wright and Nicolette scored.
Boland infield hit to third, Crockett to third.
Monroe popped out to catcher.
Flick flied out to right.
2 runs, 3 hits, 0 Errors, 2 LOB (6-4 Newmanistan)

(OOC to Newmanistan, Since you will be most likely RPing before I do, IF You win game 4, have Young be the scapegoat, [ie: a couple of costly errors], If I win, have Young and Yans be the heroes, Thanks.)

Qazox

23-12-2008, 07:34

QSPN.com SPORTSWORLD Forums

Qazox vs. Newmanistan WBC FINALS
First<<5<<15<23<<24<Page 25
Comments 481-495

KatieRocket (1:12am): Up 2-1 now! the Rockets are gonna be celebrating tonight!

1337er (1:14am): You got lucky. Schuyler got hosed on two str8 strikes.

KatieRocket (1:15am): U just ha8in, 'cause a bunch of girls kicking u a$$.

1337er (1:18am): I usually pay Z50 for that ;) LOL

JoefromLPC (1:18am): I can't believe that Victorini didn't send out Delrosario in the 8th. We still would haveto pinch-hit in the 8th, but at least the game might have been still tied.

KatieRocket (1:19am): LOL, I usually get paid $50 for that. :rolleyes:

1337er (1:20am): LOL.

PwerMann (1:22am): All I know is that Game 4 tickets are soldout, even on TicketsRUs. Anyone here have an extra one?

KatieRocket (1:23am): I'm still looking for a ticket of my own.

1337er (1:23am): Nope, Sold my buddy's for Z125, his wife due to give birth tommorrow.

xPeter12x (1:27 am): Go to QBay, or Scalpers.com, last time I checked, on QBay right field seats were Z60 and a pair along the 3rd base side was Z270. On Scalpers the same tickets were Z50 and Z175, but the auction for both nds at 2:00am, so you bettter hurry!

PwerMann (1:28am): Thx Pete.

KatieRocket (1:28am): Thx.

PHEONIXRULE (1:29am): Go to www.RocketsNude.net for nude pics of your favorite, or most hated Newmanistan player!

1337er (1:31am): Seriously PHEONIXRULE, get fu(<ing life. We all know that site is fake anyway, they cut and paste the heads on.

First<<5<<15<23<<24<Page 25

(ooc: 4500 posts? yep.)

Newmanistan

23-12-2008, 08:51

Good evening fans, and thank you for logging into Rocketsbaseball.new for everything to do with Newmanistan’s effort to win the World Baseball Classic 9 championship. Today in chat we are pleased to be joined by Carrie Nicolette, the second baseman of the team and one of the more outspoken players.

Moderator: Thank you Carrie for taking some time for the fans after a big victory and the mission to win the series here in Qazox tomorrow.

Nicolette: It is my pleasure and thanks for picking me! Bring on the fans.

<RocketPower12>: Carrie you rock! So like how do you feel in going up against their ace Highfield again?

Nicolette: Thanks and we are confident. We have two games in a row so there is no reason for us to be thinking that we can’t win a third game in a row. We’re not worried about Highfield. We know he is a good pitcher but he’s not unhittable.

<PockCityRulez>: If you win, will the party be in Qazox or are you going to come right back home and party here?

Nicolette: Ahh yes. A little too early for the party plans though I’m afraid. We are concerned with getting one more victory and keeping them from partying.

<BW_stoleURtitle>: I think Brittany Wright is the greatest player ever. You’re pretty awesome too but it seems like this team’s success is related a lot to Brittany’s success. She’s running like crazy on the bases and not even Yans will throw her out.

Nicolette: The leadoff batter is very important on every team and with the way that Brittany is doing her thing right now, it’s no surprise that we are picking up runs and victories. This is her third classic, like it is for many of us, and she has done this from the beginning. The simple fact that Qazox is now making a lineup adjustment to account for it shows the kind of skill she brings to the game.

<SouthportAngel>: Carrie is it just a coincidence that you and Stacey Keisler are two of the more outspoken players on the team and that you both play for Southport?

Nicolette: That’s how we roll in Southport! Still no one on Qazox matched Stacey’s guarantee now did they? That’s alright, you can see the difference between our team and their team. We seem to be a lot more loose and carefree where maybe they are feeling the pressure of very high expectations in wanting to win another title.

<TaeshanOwnedAgain>: Could you play for Adam Victorini given his style?

Nicolette: I respect his accomplishments but I’ll be honest with you that I would find it very difficult. It is my nature to be aggressive and knowing that he would probably hold me back is something that would frustrate me.

<PHOENIXRULE>: For the new Stacey Keisler sex tape, check ou *MODERATOR CUT OFF*

Moderator: Sorry about that.

Nicolette: Where do they get this stuff, and how many times does Stacey have to say that’s not her in the tape that is out there.

<WeWillRock_etYou>: What was that address? Ok sorry, so Carrie what would a World Baseball Classic title mean for you and what do you think it would mean for the Empire?

Nicolette: It would mean everything. So far the Empire Baseball League title has eluded me too, and that’s a big goal of mine, but to be able to say that you are the best in the world is quite a big deal. We’ve done a great showing the World that we are among the best, and now we can feel it getting closer. If we win one more game, it would be a great title, and it would mean a lot because we beat a team like Qazox in the championship.

<PutnamLakeJenny20>: So like is Qazox a fun place to be? Would you recommend it for a vacation?

Nicolette: Haha, I have only seen the hotel, the bus, airport, and the stadium. So I can’t really answer that. We don’t plan on doing anything here other then playing baseball.

<StewartK>: How’s Tara Stewart’s spirits? She traveled with the team right?

Nicolette: Absolutely she is still very much part of the team. Her spirits are pretty good, obviously she is frustrated with the way things have gone down for her on an individual level, but she is just as happy as all of us to be a win away.

Moderator: Alright we must close this out now. Carrie, thank you for your time.

Nicolette: Thanks! Don’t miss the game!

Liventia

23-12-2008, 17:06

World Baseball Classic 9 in Liventia

Championship Series
HOME TEAM FIRST.
Game 4: Qazox 3-2 Newmanistan
Series is tied 2-2. Final game of series played at Grover Stadium, Orean (temporarily converted for baseball), with DH.

Newmanistan

23-12-2008, 23:41

THE ROCKET REPORT

QAZOX FORCES TRIP TO LIVENTIA

Qazox- Leading the series two games to one, the Rockets were hoping to finish off the Phoenix in the fourth game to avoid a winner-take-all fifth game showdown in Liventia. It would have been a terrific achievement, but to discount the ability of a nation that is looking to win their third Classic title in four tries would be foolish. Qazox made a few roster adjustments, one due to an injury, that would be Victor Young in at short. Then one due to severe ineffectiveness of the starter, Hank Yans behind the plate. The final due to confidence in pitcher Rick Highfield to be able to go on three days rest like it was nothing, after all he commonly does this for the team. These players would all play significant roles in Qazox landing a 3-2 victory and giving them hope that they can still win the title.

The Newmanistan lineup did not have any changes. It was the same lineup with Kristen Haynes on the mound, and Haynes was looking to come up big to etch her name as a winning pitcher in the deciding game. She was dominant early, going through the Qazox lineup the first time with ease, not allowing a single hit. In fact, Haynes was perfect through the first four innings and had racked up six strike outs. But back when she pitched in the group stage, she was a tough luck loser when the Empire lost 1-0 to Green Wombat, and the start of this game had to be giving her the same kind of feeling that she was not going to get much run support. For every out that Haynes managed, Rick Highfield was doing the same thing. He too, was perfect after the first four innings, with the same six strikeouts. It was your classic pitching duel set up and it was beginning to look like one run could be all we would see in this game. In the top of the fifth inning, the game finally saw its first hit, which was a two out single by Natalie Monroe. But the Rockets could not do anything with it as Nicole Flick hit a routine fly ball to shallow left field for the final out. In the bottom of the inning, Qazox would also pick up their first hit but this one would be far more productive. Hank Yans, who has watched his cohort Mickey Weatherby struggle behind the plate all series long, and at it for that matter wanted to show Adam Victorini that he made the right decision and she should remain the starting catcher. Certainly he was doing a great job working with Highfield, but now he wanted to do something with that explosive swing of his. Off of a fastball, Yans read it perfectly and ripped a towering shot to left field. All Jennifer Martin could do is watch it sail over her head and land about fifteen rows into the stands. The fans were going crazy as perhaps this would be all the team would need. The blow by Yans gave the Phoenix the 1-0 lead. In the top of the sixth however, Newmanistan would bounce right back. Tara Cuyler led the inning off with a single and advance to second on a sacrifice. After Brittany Wright lined out to third, Jennifer Martin blooped a single into short centerfield that would score Cuyler and tie the game right up. After Carrie Nicolette followed with a single of her own the Rockets were threatening for more. They nearly got it, but Victor Young made an outstanding leaping grab on a liner from Rachel Crockett that most definitely would have scored Martin and perhaps have scored Nicolette as well. Instead it was a big catch for out number three.

So here we were, six innings in with two pitchers locked into a duel and a tie score at one run a piece. In the bottom of the seventh, the Phoenix would get some big hits. The inning was led off by Young and as so often you see, a player who makes a big defensive play come up with a big hit in their next at bat. It wasn’t a loud shot, but it was an effective leadoff single up the middle, enough to get things started. Monks was fanned, but then Ellenburg followed through with a single of his own and the fans were getting excited again. It would be Hank Yanks to follow, and he was certainly not lacking confidence having sent a Haynes pitch over the fence in his last at bat. This time it would not clear the fence, but another hard hit ball would be hit all the way to the wall, bouncing off of it for a 2-run double, scoring both Young and Ellenburg and making it 3-1. Yes, even Victorini in this case can send a man around to score from first and even though Haynes got out of the inning without anymore damage, you had the sense that this hit was devastating for Newmanistan’s chances of a victory. Although Rick Highfield likely could have pitched the ninth inning, Victorini did the conservative thing and brought in his closer Jackson Throne to finish off the Rockets and protect the 2-run lead. For Victorini and Throne, it’s good that they were up by two, or else this decision may have been second guessed a lot more. With one away, Brittany Wright lined a single to center. Would she challenge Yans? Of course, Brittany fears no catcher. For the first time, the play was close at second base, but Wright managed to beat the tag and arrive safely. Yans was a bit upset because he felt that Jennifer Martin, who was at the plate intentionally bumped into him just before he released the ball, but the umpire saw the very minor contact as being accidental since Martin did swing at the pitch. Jennifer would strike out, but with two away Carrie Nicolette slapped a double down the right field line to score Wright and suddenly it was 3-2. Throne wasn’t going to cough this up, was he? Rachel Crockett needed to come up with a big hit, but instead it was Throne with the big pitch. After working a full count, Throne would get Crockett to swing and miss and preserve the victory. It was a more stressful ninth inning then he would have liked, but it was good enough.

With the win, Qazox has evened up the best-of-five series with both teams hoping for an early Christmas present from Margaret Claus in game five. The game will be played in Liventia and we do not know as of yet who Qazox will be putting on the mound, but expect an announcement in perhaps another six hours or so. For Newmanistan, it will be Sarah Brayton. Not the way Christina Sanders drew it up, but Brayton has the chance to make Newmanistanian history. Will it be a glorious Christmas or will Qazox play the role of the grinch? Tune in tomorrow.

Here is some post game reaction:

Sanders: “Highfield pitched well. This was the tough thing about the rain out that he could get back for this game and he was on top form. I am satisfied with the effort that my team put out there on the field. Our loss wasn’t because of a lack of focus or anything like that. We will go to Liventia now and look to take care of business. Sarah Brayton has the full support of everyone on this team.”

Haynes: “Disappointing. We could have won the Classic today but I didn’t get the job done, especially against Yans.”

Boland: “Of course it is a disappointing loss but we aren’t going to let it get to us too much. We still have another game to play and if we win that then we are the champion. So our focus will go to tomorrow and play in front of the neutral fans in Liventia.”

Nicolette: “Bah humbug! Well I guess we just can try to give the fans something more to celebrate on Christmas and for our fans that do not celebrate Christmas, it can give them something they could celebrate instead. We can make it a great day for the Empire.”

Qazox

24-12-2008, 05:45

(ooc: thanks, you did great with my request. Do please take note of the lineup for Game 5)

QSPN WBC Today

John Morgan: Game 4 And Qazox pulled out a 3-2 win to send the series back to Liventia, for a neutral-site Game 5.

Kristen Haynes and Rick Highfield threw zeroes up on the board until Hank Yans unloaded on a Haynes fastball, and sent it an estimated 456 ft down the left field line. Yans just missed knocking it completely out of Pheonix Stadium by only 3 rows. The Rockets managed to scrape a run in in the top of the 6th to tie it at 1-1, but in the 7th, Yans just missed a 3-run HR by a foot, and instead wound up with a 401-ft double that made it 3-1. Victorini pulled Highfield after 8, though Rick had only thrown 86 pitches, and brought in Throne for the save. After a contriversial play, in which Brittany Wright was called safe at second, after Jenn Martin swung and missed, Yans had to alter his throw as Martin's body was in the way. Wright was safe by a hair,a nd Victorini came barrelling out of the dugout asking for a batter's interference call. Victorini was lucky he wasn't run, but after Martin struck out, Carrie Nicolette doubled home Wright, and the lead was 3-2. But Jackson Throne isn't one of the best closers in the world for nothing. He struck out Crockett after falling behind 3-0 in the count to close out the game and send it to Liventia.

Now Victorini is in a conundrum. Will he send Tyle Newson out for Game 5, despite no having pitched in almost a week? Or will Game 2 starter Glen Barter be sent out? Victorini will let the secret slip at his press conference tommorrow in Liventia. He did release the lineup for Game 5, Keeping Yans and Young, who did have a great defensive play saving a run early, and having Alvin Kulesza DH.

QAZOX' Lineup for Game 5:
Pew
Young
Monks
Ellenburg
Yans as Catcher
Doane
Petrie
Bryon
Alvin Kulesza (as DH)

BOX SCORE
TEAMS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Newmanistan 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 6 0
Qazox 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 x 3 8 1

Batting:
2B: Yans (3)
3B: None
HR: Yans
RBI: Yans 3 (4)
SB: Pew (9)
CS: Pew 2 (3)
SF: none
Sac: none
HBP: none

Pitching:
PITCHER IP R ER H K BB ERA
Highfield 8.0 1 1 4 11 2 2.25 (W 3- 0)
Throne 1.0 1 1 2 2 0 9.00 (Sv. 6)

HBP: none

Fielding:
E: Highfield
WP: None
PB: none

SCORING SUMMARY:

Qazox Fifth:
Yans Homerun to left, Yans scored.
Doane struck out.
Petrie singled to right.
Bryon flied out to left.
Highfield struck out.
1 run, 2 hits, 0 Errors, 1 LOB (1-0 Qazox)

Newmanistan Sixth:
Cuyler singled to right.
Haynes sac bunt to first, Cuyler to second.
Wright lined out to third.
Martin singled to center, Cuyler scored.
Nicolette singled to right, Martin to second.
Crockett lined out to short.
1 run, 3 hits, 0 Errors, 2 LOB (1-1)

Qazox Seventh:
Young singled to center.
Monks struck out.
Ellenburg singled to right, Young to third.
Yans doubled to center, Young and Ellenburg scored.
Doane singled to right, Yans to third.
Petrie walked.
Bryon struck out.
PinchHitter (Qazox) Sean Schell batting for Rick Highfield
Schell struck out.
2 runs, 4 hits, 0 Errors, 3 LOB (3-1 Qazox)

Newmanistan Ninth:
Pitching Change: Jackson Throne in for Sean Schell
Pinch Hitter (Newmanistan): Kiersten Johnson batting for Kristen Haynes
Johnson flied out to left.
Wright singled to center.
Wright stole second.
Martin struck out.
Nicolette doubled to right, Wright scored.
Crockett struck out.
1 run, 2 hits, 0 Errors, 1 LOB (3-2 Qazox)

Newmanistan

24-12-2008, 08:49

And now for what might be the first ever World Baseball Classic Christmas Carol, presented to us from an anonymous fan from Loudon. To the tune of jingle bells.

“Heading to Orean,
In a twin-engine jumbo jet,
to the field we go,
for this glory we can get!

Brayton will do her thing,
throwing strike after strike,
oh what fun it’ll be to watch the Rockets win this fight!”

Ohhhhh....

“Beat Qazox, beat Qazox....
In Liv-en-ti-a!
Oh how great it’d be to beat the Phoenix tonight...
Beat Qazox, beat Qazox....
In Liv-en-ti-a!
Oh how’d great it’d be to win this title on this night!”

“Brittany’s stealing third...
Yans can’t do a thing....
Carrie drives her in....
For success in Orean!”

"Sarah's got another double....
Victortini shakes his head....
because he knows his team's in trouble"

Ohhhhh...

“Beat Qazox, beat Qazox....
In Liv-en-ti-a!
Oh how great it’d be to beat the Phoenix tonight...
Beat Qazox, beat Qazox....
In Liv-en-ti-a!
Oh how’d great it’d be to win this title on this night!”

“Ellenburg strikes out.....
The Phoenix cannot score....
Their pitcher’s getting tired, as Rachel homers on a hanging slider!”

“It’s Classic Number nine,
and we know that you’ll agree,
the time has come for a great Rockets vic-to-reee!”

Ohhhhh.....

“Beat Qazox, beat Qazox....
In Liv-en-ti-a!
Oh how great it’d be to beat the Phoenix tonight...
Beat Qazox, beat Qazox....
In Liv-en-ti-a!
Winning this title sure feels right!"

Liventia

24-12-2008, 16:18

World Baseball Classic 9 in Liventia

Championship Series
Grover Stadium, Orean

'Home' team first.
Game 5: Newmanistan 4-5 Qazox (extra innings)

Congratulations to Qazox and happy holidays to all.

Qazox

25-12-2008, 07:07

QSPN WBC Today

John Morgan: Game 5, and for the first time in WBC history, a do-or-die final game went into extra innings. And the Newmanistan bullpen blinked first, in the top of the 11th, as Qazox held on to win 5-4; and win their 3rd WBC title in the last 4 tourneys. Qazox is now tied with Az-cz for the most WBC titles, with 3; and they are attempting to host the 10th edition.

Adam Victorini suprised no one by starting Tyle Newson, while Newmanistan's Christina Sanders countered with Sarah Brayton. Early on it seemed Sanders had made the wiser decision, as Newson gave up 3 runs in the first inning, on back-to-back doubles by Nicolette and Crockett. But Newson settled down after that, allowing just 3 more hits before leaving after 7 innings. Brayton set Qazox down in order in the 1st and 2nd innings and had 2 outs in the 3rd when Alvin Kulesza stepped up and launched a triple to right for the Phoenix' first hit. While Kulesza was stranded at third, the dam broke open in the 4th.

Afte getting the first batter out, Brayton gave up 3 consecutive seeing-eye singles by the Pheonix and a double by Doane as Qazox cut the lead to 3-2. After getting Petrie looking on a 12-6 slider, Kyle Bryon blooped in a single that tied the game up at 3-all, as Doane was cut down at the plate by a great throw from Rachel Crockett in right. After the 4th, neither side could do much offensively and we went into the 8th still tied at 3-3. In the top of the eighth, Douglas Ellenburg chased Brayton after a moon-shot to right that almost cleared the upper deck and Qazox was up 4-3. But the Rockets wouldn't go down without a fight. A couple of singles and up stepped Jennifer Martin who laced a double to left, scoring Sarah Conrad and Sanders waved home the speedster, Brittany Wright. It looked like Newmanistan would take the lead, but Kyle Bryon one-hopped a bullet to Hank Yans, who braced for the collision. After the dust settled, Wright was out and the innning was over quickly after that, as Victorini brought in Throne to preserve the tie, as Martin went to third on the throw. Throne got Nicolette to pop out on the first pitch and struck out Crockett to end the threat.

In both the 9th and 10th Newmanistan had a runner in scoring position with 1 out, but couldn't get either one of them home. In the 11th, Adam Victorini, either sensing that defense would be needed in the bottom of the inning, or he decided to take a gamble for once, took Douglas Ellenburg out and replaced him with Oliver Tyes. Tyes lead off the 11th with a double down the right field line and Qazox was in business. A bloop single by Yans and a Sac fly from Doane and Qazox re-took the lead 5-4.

Having used Jackson Throne in the 8th to shut down the lingering Rockets threat, Victorini sent in Brian Rescovich, who hadn't pitched too well in his earlier appearances in the WBC. The Rockets got the first two runners on base via walk and the play of the tourney was set up. Sarah Boland lined a shot right at Tyes, who snagged it and just got a returning Carrie Nicolette, who took off, thinking it would land for a line-drive double, making 2 outs. Natalie Monroe then would fly out to Darren Pew, and Qazox celebrated their 3rd title with a dog pile on Rescovich. Rick Highfield was named the Qazoxian WBC MVP as he went 3-0 in 4 starts.

BOX SCORE
TEAMS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 R H E
Qazox 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 5 13 0
Newmanistan 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 13 0

Batting:
2B: Doane (3), Tyes
3B: Kulesza
HR: Ellenburg (5)
RBI: Doane 3 (6), Bryon (6), Ellenburg (12)
SB: None
CS: Pew (4)
SF: none
Sac: Doane
HBP: none

Pitching:
PITCHER IP R ER H K BB ERA
Newson 7.0 3 3 8 5 3 3.86
Schuyler 0.1 1 1 3 0 0 27.00
Throne 0.2 0 0 0 1 0 0.00
Scarbourgh 2.0 0 0 2 2 1 0.00 (W 1-0)
Rescovich 1.0 0 0 0 0 2 0.00 (Sv. 1)

HBP: Newson

Fielding:
E: None
WP: Scarbourgh
PB: none

SCORING SUMMARY:

Newmanistan First:
Wright infield hit to third.
Martin singled to right.
Nicolette doubled (Ground-Rule) to left, Martin to third, Wright Scored.
Crockett doubled to center, Martin and Nicolette scored.
Boland lined out to left.
Monroe struck out.
Flick grounded out to short.
3 runs, 4 hits, 0 Errors, 1 LOB (3-0 Newmanistan)

Qazox Fourth:
Pew struck out.
Young singled to right.
Monks singled to left, Young to second.
Ellenburg singled to left, Young to third, Monks to second.
Doane doubled to center, Young and Monks scored, Ellenburg to third.
Petrie struck out looking.
Bryon singled to right, Ellenburg scored, Doane out at home advancing (9-2).
3 runs, 5 hits, 0 Errors, 1 LOB (3-3)

Qazox Eighth:
Monks grounded out to third.
Ellenburg Homerun to right. Ellenburg scored.
Pitching Change (Newmanistan) Lauren Tippett in for Sarah Brayton
Yans struck out.
Doane grounded out to first.
1 run, 1 hit, 0 Errors, 0 LOB (4-3 Qazox)

Newmanistan Eighth:
Pitching Change (Qazox) Nathaniel Schuyler in for Tyle Newson
Conrad singled to right.
Wright singled to center, Conrad to second.
Martin doubled to left, Conrad scored, Wright out advancing to home, (7-2), Martin to third on throw.
Pitching Change (Qazox) Jackson Throne in for Nathaniel Schuyler
Nicolette popped out to pitcher.
Crockett struck out.
1 run, 3 hits, 0 Errors, 1 LOB (4-4)

Qazox Eleventh:
Pinch Hitter (Qazox): Oliver Tyes in for Douglas Ellenburg
Tyes doubled to right.
Yans singled to center, Tyes to third.
Doane flied out to center, Tyes scored.
Petrie grounded out to third, Yans to second.
Bryon flied out to left.
1 run, 2 hits, 0 Errors, 1 LOB (5-4 Qazox)

NationStates Jolt Archive

WBC 9 in Liventia: Rosters/RP/Scores