Islandian Pro Alliance

Thursday, September 6, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - North Division

Valmara Topples Far Mountain 7-4
A big four-run sixth inning did the job for the second place Valmara Vipers, who toppled the first place Far Mountain Redhawks 7-4 and narrowed their lead to 4 games in the RU North with 7 games left. It didn't matter that the Vipers were outhit 12 to 9. Leading the way was right fielder Jet Kazmarek (.313) with 3-for-4, including a double and a home run. Kazmarek scored twice and batted in a run. Center fielder Jan Szymanski (.261) doubled in a run and scored two runs. Szymanski leads the IPA with 130 RBIs. On the mound Zarek Zalewski (19-7 2.83) didn't have a good day, but he still picked up his 19th victory. Zalewski worked seven innings, gave up four runs and eight hits, fanned five and walked one. He got help from closer Danny Blauser (9-5 2.34), who labored in the ninth. Blauser got his 13th save, but gave up a run in two innings of relief. Loser Bud Ford (6-3 3.30) went the route, but wasn't real effective. He surrendered seven runs and nine hits in eight innings of work. First baseman Royce Benson (.312) had three hits in defeat, along with right fielder Sid Cameron (.372). Center fielder Hawk Gallagher (.298) chimed in with 2-4, scored twice and drove one in. Cameron had two RBIs.

The two clubs have split the series so far with each winning one game. Far Mountain (79-64) is still in control with a four-game edge over Valmara (75-68). The Vipers (75-68 are still in the running for a wild card spot in the Elite 8 Playoffs, but there are several clubs right on their tail, the Sugar Valley Rattlers (74-69) and Volusia Vigilantes (73-70).

V's Score Late, Whip A's 3-1
At the Jailhouse in Volusia, the Vigilantes whipped the Glasco Athletics 3-1 behind the hard-throwing lefty Lenny Collins (15-10 3.93). He limited the A's to just four hits and one run in eight innings. Closer Ricky Moreno (4-5 2.03) worked his magic for the 24th time and saved the game with a runless ninth inning. Charles Darby (17-16 3.67) pitched a complete game in defeat, permitting three runs on six hits. Second baseman Francisco Abreu (.277) tagged his 26th home run for the V's.

The Volusia Vipers (73-70) are 6 games behind first place Far Mountain (79-64) and Glasco (69-74) trails by 10 games. Manager Alfonso Feliz is hoping his V's can sneak into a wild card spot. They will have to beat out Valmara (75-68) and Sugar Valley (74-68) for the last slot.

Savoie Fans a Dozen, Elnora Beats Colfax 4-1
Elnora lefthander Pat Savoie was just about the whole show in the 4-1 victory over Colfax at Mountain View Stadium. Savoie (12-8 3.69) fanned 12 Blasters and allowed seven hits, while walking none. First baseman Vic Gelder sparked the win with a solo home run and Savoie (.192), left fielder Quincy Peterson (.299) and right fielder Paul Giles (.281) added in an RBI apiece. The lost went to Robbie Smith (11-12 3.73), who was whacked for four runs and nine hits over his eight-plus frames.

The fourth place Colfax Blasters (70-73) are 9 games off the pace of the top team in the RU North Division, the Far Mountain Redhawks (79-64). Elnora (63-80) is in the basement and 16 games out.

Islandian Pro Alliance

Thursday, September 6, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - South Division

Hill Shuts Down Marston 7-0
Four solitary singles is all Marston managed against Gary Hill of the Waleska Westerners as he shut them out 7-0 at Legends Field. Hill (15-9 4.03) whiffed eight and did not give up a walk in a standout performance. The Westerners walloped 12 hits and were paced by catcher Mac Wilkins (.223) with a perfect 4-4 day with an RBI, right fielder Charlie Williamson (.318) got two hits and batted in two runs and third baseman Yoshihide Nishida (.282) collected three hits, scored twice and had an RBI. 20-game winner Nick Pace (20-13 2.91) failed again to get his 21st victory. Pace exited early in the fifth by giving up five runs and six hits.

Even with the defeat, Marston (82-61) has a 5-game lead over runner-up Forest City (77-66) in the RU South race. Waleska (66-77) is in fourth place and is 16 games behind the leader.

FC Noses Out Rattlers 5-3
Forest City rang up its fourth successive win and dealt Sugar Valley's playoff hopes a harsh blow as the Lumberjacks nosed them out 5-3. The Rattlers have lost their last three contests. Vinny Edelman (13-13 3.48) gave up nine hits in his eight and two-thirds innings, but was stingy with the runs, yielding only three. He struck out five and walked one. Johnny Marsh (0-0 0.90) was summoned in from the bullpen in the ninth with the bases loaded and he got hard-hitting Freddie Vaux (.349) on an infield popup to end the contest. The Lumberjacks smacked 14 hits and were led by first baseman J. T. Edmonds (.301) with 2-for-4, including his 19th home run. Edmonds also scored twice and batted in two runs. Rattler catcher Slingshot McFall paced Sugar Valley with two RBIs. Paul Haines (10-11 4.00) registered the loss, being shelled for 12 hits and five runs in four innings.

The second place Lumberjacks (77-66) are 5 games behind the RU South leader, the Marston Nine (82-61). Sugar Valley (74-69) is third in the standings and 8 games out. The Rattlers are one game back of Valmara (75-68) in the fight for the last wild card in the league. Forest City is pretty much a cinch for the other one.

Sunbirds Trim Claxton 7-5
Home runs carried Belair Beach to a 7-4 triumph over the Claxton Diamonds at Avalon Stadium. The IPA home run leader Nicky Swift (.327) belted two more today to give him 43 for the year. First baseman Phil Gravelli (.334) also unloaded his 31st for the season. The Sunbirds surged ahead 7-2 after three innings and the held off the Diamonds. Claxton right fielder Dixie Baker (.299) socked his 37th roundtripper and catcher Howie Peterson notched his 6th. Tiny Lindgren (5-7 3.76) labored, but got the victory. He gave up five runs and pitched into the ninth, needing help from Lou Zanelli (8-9 3.43). Zanelli picked up his 14th save by retiring the last two batters in the game. Belair Beach got to losing pitcher Sammy Melton (7-7 3.36) early and disposed of him in the five-run first frame.

The Sunbirds and Diamonds are now tied for last place in the RU South standings with identical 65-78 marks, 17 games out of first.

Islandian Pro Alliance

Thursday, September 6, 2001

Tycobbian Union - East Division

'Canes Salow Guns Down Ginza 6-2
Playing at home at Seaside Stadium, the Cape Coral Hurricanes Jeff Salow (8-6 3.37) gunned down the Ginza Ninjas 6-2 on a five hitter. Salow fanned 10 and walked only one. Catcher Rick Clark (.274) and right fielder Danny Mullins (.258) provided the offense. Clark had two hits and two RBIs, while Mullins was 3-3 and scored twice. Toshihiro Ito (16-8 2.80) suffered the loss. The Hurricanes tagged him for six runs in five-plus innings.

Cape Coral (70-73) is in third place in the TU East, 9 games behind the Ninjas (79-64). The Hurricanes technically are still in the chase for a playoff spot, but a lot of things would have to go their way. The Ninjas (79-64) are back in a tie with South Fork (79-64) for the division lead.

Stallions Skim by Z's 1-0, Tie for Lead in TU East
It was a rainy day in South Fork at Jock Ewing Stadium. Because of the rain delays the Stallions had to use three pitchers to shut out the Luxora Zorros. Ken Conner, Billy Joe Gordon and Glenn Turnbull combined to blank the Z's 1-0 on four hits and climb back into a first place tie with Ginza in the TU East. Conner (14-8 2.76) went the first five frames and held Luxora hitless. Gordon (3-6 2.58) relieved him and worked the next three innings. In the seventh inning third baseman Glenn Holliday (.282) reached base on an infield error, advanced to third on a single by shortstop Bobby Riley (.253) and scored on first baseman Keith Burke's (.290) base hit. The Zorros got good pitching from starter Johnny Montel (10-15 3.55), but he only went three innings because his shoulder tightened up because of the rain delays. Eddie Hoffman (2-4 2.71) pitched an impressive five innings and only gave up an unearned run. Gordon picked up the win, while Hoffman took the loss.

The Stallions were missing regular second baseman Rick Tsoukalis (.276) from the line-up. He is sidelined by a bad cold. Sal Avallone was signed to fill his roster spot.

South Fork (79-64) is back tied with Ginza (79-64) for the top spot in the division. Luxora (67-76) is fifth in the TU East, 12 games off the pace.

Nats Blank Hellcats on Hatch's 4-Hitter
In Ozarka at Ellie Ewing Stadium, Luther Hatch blanked the visiting Hartsdale Hellcats 6-0. Hatch (15-15 3.10) evened his record at 15-15 with an outstanding game, halting the Hellcats on four hits, while striking out nine. Center fielder Teddy Braun (.294) went 3-for-4, hit his 13th home run of the season, scored three times and batted in one run to pace the Naturals. Doug Cunningham (.249) drove in a pair of runs. Jackie Bond (6-5 3.58) was the losing pitcher. He gave up six runs in seven innings, but only three were earned.

Fourth place Ozarka (69-74) is 10 games behind Ginza (79-64) and Hartsdale (65-78) is in the TU East cellar, 14 games behind.

Islandian Pro Alliance

Thursday, September 6, 2001

Tycobbian Union - West Division

Viks Edge Frogs, TU West Tightens
Bayview is making a belated comeback in the heated pennant race in the TU West. The third place Vikings narrowly beat first place Fairfax 5-4 for their fourth win in a row, giving the Frogs a third straight defeat. Only three games separate them now with just 7 games to go. Winning pitcher Jerry Harrison (14-11 3.79) hurled a strong game, yielding only two runs and five hits in eighth innings, but his relief almost gave it away, allowing Fairfax to score two in the ninth and make it too close for comfort. Bayview shortstop Shorty Richards (.254) poled his 11th homer, went 3-for-4, scored twice and batted in two runs. Second baseman Alan Hansen, the IPA's-leading hitter with a .377 batting average, collected two hits and one RBI. The Vikings had 10 hits to the Frogs 4. The loss went to starting pitcher Kaz Hayagawa (13-15 3.74), who worked seven-plus innings, allowed five runs and ten hits.

Fairfax (76-67) still has 1.5-game edge in the Tycobbian Union West over second place Blue Lake (73-70) and a 3-game lead over Bayview (73-70).

La Claire Batters Blue Lake 8-1
The La Claire Lynx battered second place Blue Lake 8-1 at Harbor Stadium, dropping the Blue Sox two games back of first place Fairfax in the TU West. Kimo Orlando put on a fine performance, holding Blue Lake to one run on six hits. Orlando (6-10 3.27) had four Ks and a walk and went the distance. He outpitched the Blue Sox ace, Jay Clay (15-6 3.09), who was belted for four runs in three innings and got the loss. Batting-wise for the Lynx, third baseman Luis Marquez drove in three runs with three hits and scored three times. Marquez cracked his 19th homer of the year and had two doubles. Second baseman Darrell Boyce (.245) also chipped in three hits, scored two and batted in a run.

Blue Lake (74-69) fell two games back of Fairfax (76-67) in the pennant race, but still has a good shot at the last wild card playoff spot. They are a game up on third place Bayview (73-70) in the wild card battle.

Champs Squeeze by Bucs, Hang in Playoff Picture
The Arlon Champions are not giving up without a fight. They snapped a four-game losing streak today. Center fielder Jerry Keller and three pitchers paved the way to victory as the Champs kept their slim playoff chances alive with a tight 3-2 win in ten innings over Bay St. Clair. Keller (.291) was the hitting star with two homers and three RBIs. Keller now has 21 roundtrippers for the season. Reliever Rob Kelley (11-3 2.96) recorded the win with two scoreless innings. Ace Howe started and worked the first seven frames, surrendering two runs - one earned - and five hits with seven strikeouts and four bases on balls. Jeff Nieman (10-7 1.27) pitched a perfect eighth. The Buccaneers got a good effort from righthander Duncan McFalls (10-7 3.41), who allowed only two runs in eight innings. fanned six, but issued four bases on balls. Jeremiah McDonald (3-8 4.34) sustained the loss. He was ripped for two hits and the winning run in his two innings. Leading Bay St. Clair were center fielder Wayne Latham (.303) and second baseman Tony Mann (.320). Both had an RBI.

Arlon (72-71) is a close fourth in the Tycobbian Union West, trailing the top team, the Fairfax Frogs (76-67), by four games. The Buccaneers (64-79) are dead last and 12 games behind in the standings.

Islandian Pro Alliance

Friday, September 7, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - North Division

Redhawks Wallop 4 HRs, Rout Vipers 9-1
Leading 2-1 in the seventh inning, Far Mountain exploded for 7 runs in the next two innings to rout Valmara 9-1. The Redhawks walloped four homers and got a strong outing from Sonny Elliott on the mound. Left fielder Karl Dietz (.238) hit his 26th of the year in the fifth inning, good for two runs to take a 2-1 lead. In the seventh, shortstop Joey Cannizzaro (.333) swatted a two-run homer and second baseman Steve Kaminski (.300) hit a solo shot. Third baseman Johnny Strickland (.279) finished it off with a grand slam in the eighth, number 19 for him. Elliott (17-13 2.95) had an easy time with the Vipers, holding them to one run and six hits with eight strikeouts and no walks. Starter Todd Turner (15-10 4.00) was the losing pitcher. He worked six innings and was charged with three runs, while giving up only two hits.

First place Far Mountain (80-64) improved a game on second place Valmara (75-69) and now lead by 5 games. The Redhawks magic number is down to two. Any combination of Far Mountain wins and Valmara losses that total two will give the regular series division title to the Redhawks. The Vipers are still in the running for one of the two playoff spots.

V's Sandoval Sizzles, Blanks A's 1-0
Volusia's Raul Sandoval got his third shutout of the season with 1-0 victory over the Glasco Athletics at the Jailhouse. It kept the Vigilantes in the wild card race for the last slot with Valmara and Sugar Valley. Sandoval (17-15 3.21) allowed just six hits, all singles, fanned seven and walked two for his 17th win of the season. Glasco's Jake Nyberg (2-4 3.86) was almost as tough, yielding only one run and six hits in seven innings. Nyberg had seven Ks and issued a pair of walks. The only run of the game came in the third inning. New shortstop Shane Wells (.250), playing in his first game, led off with a single and was batted around on a double by first baseman Alejandro Salazar (.284). A's left fielder Ox Beauvais (.337) had three of the six hits allowed by Sandoval.

The Vigilantes (74-70) are third in the RU North and are 6 games off the pace. They are contending for the final wild card with the Valmara Vipers (75-69) and Sugar Valley Rattlers (74-70). The Athletics (69-75) are fifth in the division and 16 games behind.

Elnora Edges Colfax, Costas Wins 15th
Elnora's Carl Costas went the distance as the All-Stars edged Colfax 4-3 today at the Blasters home field, Mountain View Stadium. Costas pitched a steady game, holding the Blasters to three runs on nine hits with eight strikeouts and perfect control. He walked none in the game. First sacker Paul Kesler provided three RBIs to pace the All-Stars at-bat. He singled in two runs in the first frame and sent the last run home on a groundout in the fifth. Left fielder Quincy Peterson (.301) went 2-for-4, scored three runs and batted in one with his 26th home run. Colfax second baseman Tucker Hill (.342) clouted his 6th homer in the eighth inning. The Blasters had nine hits to eight for the winners. The losing pitcher was righthander Andy Haig (1-1 2.48), who made his first start in the IPA and did well. Haig allowed four runs and eight hits in eight innings of work. Only three were earned. He fanned five and gave up two walks.

Glasco (68-75) is fifth in the Ruthlandian Union North Division, 11 games in back of first place Far Mountain (80-64). Elnora (64-80) is last in the standings, 16 games out.

Islandian Pro Alliance

Friday, September 7, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - South Division

Waleska's Wagner Fans 12, Beats Marston 5-3
Jack Wagner struck out 12 batters en route to a 5-3 triumph over the first place Marston Nine at Legends Field. Wagner stymied the Nine on seven hits and allowed all three runs in his eight and two-thirds innings. Andrei Marsiske got the last out after loading the bases with a hits batsman. Marsiske got his 14th save of the year. A four-run sixth won it for the Westerners, highlighted by center fielder Rick Vaughn's (.298) three-run roundtripper, number 15 on the season. Marston starter Casey Ledbetter (15-13 3.60) was the loser, giving up five unearned runs in five and two-thirds innings. Both ballclubs has 7 hits apiece in the contest.

Marston (82-62) is the top team in the RU South with a four-game edge over second place Forest City (78-66). The Nine's magic number is 3. Any combination of Marston wins and Lumberjack losses that equal 3 gives the division title to Marston. Waleska (67-77) is fourth in the standings and trails by 15 games.

FC Wins 5th In a Row, Rattlers Lose 4th Straight
The second place Forest City Lumberjacks are playing well down the stretch. They edged third place Sugar Valley 6-5 to take their fifth win in a row and sent the Rattlers to a fifth straight defeat. The winning score came on an error on a routine grounder by third baseman Jorge Vargas with the bases loaded and one out. Closer Timmy Brooks (5-6 1.93) struggled a bit with three hits and two walks in two innings, but gave up no runs and got credit for the victory. His Rattler counterpart, Gregg Neal (10-7 2.47) caught the loss, losing on an unearned run in his only inning. Sugar Valley had 14 hits to 12 for Forest City. Sparking the Lumberjacks was center fielder Ryan Morse (.340) with a perfect 5-for-5 day. He had two doubles, scored twice and batted in a run. First baseman J. T. Edmonds went 3-for-4 with a three-run homer, his 20th this season. The Rattlers were led by first baseman Ron Armstrong (.329) with three hits, three RBIs and two runs scored. Armstrong collected his 12th roundtripper.

Despite the loss, Sugar Valley (74-70) is still within a game of the last playoff spot. They trail Valmara (75-69) for the last playoff position. Forest City (78-66) is almost a shoo-in for a wild card. The 'Jacks are runner-up to first place Marston (82-72) and 4 games back.

Diamonds Nakashima Shines in 3-2 Win
Claxton got a impressive effort from righthander Tetsunori Nakashima and beat Belair Beach 3-2 at home at Avalon Stadium. Nakashima (15-11 4.37) hurled eight strong innings, permitted seven hits and two runs to pick up his 15th victory. He got help from closer Mike Grenier (1-0 2.30), who nailed down his 7th save this season with a scoreless ninth. The Diamonds top hitters were second baseman Donny McCoy (330), left fielder Dan Molnar (.284) and third baseman Keith Olsen (.308). They each drove in a run. Dirk Garrett (4-8 4.04) took the loss, going six innings and giving up three runs.

Claxton (66-78) is fifth in the Ruthlandian South race, 16 games behind, while Belair Beach (65-79) is last in the division and 17 games out.

Islandian Pro Alliance

Friday, September 7, 2001

Tycobbian Union - East Division

Stallions Reclaim First Place In TU East
South Fork has been blessed with brilliant pitching this season and it certainly continued today against the Luxora Zorros. The Stallions prevailed 2-1 in thirteen innings, when center fielder Ronnie Lee (.306) laced a ground ball single into left field to score shortstop Bobby Riley (.254) with the winning run. This dramatic win catapulted South Fork ahead of the Ginza Ninjas by a game in the hot TU East pennant chase. Three hurlers pitched magnificently with starter Vince Bernini (11-6 2.51) working the first seven innings and giving up only one run and six hits. Glenn Turnbull (7-5 2.61) fired three scoreless innings and struck out five. The win went to Billy Joe Gordon (4-6 2.43), who tossed one-hit ball over the last four frames. Luxora was no slouch in the pitching department either. Chris Pierce (12-13 3.96) started and went nine innings and allowed only one run. The Z's standout closer Roberto Martinez (11-5 1.80) was pinned with the loss, but yielded only one run in four and two-thirds innings. The Stallions got the best of the Zorros in hitting, 13 hits to 9.

South Fork's (80-64) magic number is 6 - any combination of the Stallion wins and Ginza (79-65) losses that total 6 - gives the division championship to them. The Ninjas lost today and now trail by one game. Luxora (67-77) is fifth and is 13 games out of first place.

'Canes Robinson Stops Ginza 5-2
Cape Coral's marvelous 37-year-old lefty Wally Robinson threw a masterful game in beating the Ginza Ninjas 5-2 at Seaside Stadium today, knocking them off of first place in the Tycobbian Union East. In a complete-game victory Robinson stopped the Ninjas on seven hits, fanned four and issued no bases on balls for his fourth consecutive win. He outpitched 19-game winner Kojiro Matsumoto (19-11 2.91), who has lost three of his last four decisions. Ginza committed four errors in the game. Matsumoto only gave up two earned runs on six hits in seven innings, four runs in all. At the plate the Hurricanes were led by right fielder Danny Mullins (.261) with 2-3, two runs scored and one run batted in and left fielder Rod Kelly (.299) with two hits, an RBI and a run scored.

It was a costly defeat for the second place Ninjas (79-65), who fell a game behind the South Fork Stallions (80-64). Ginza is a game behind with only 6 more to go.

Vaitkus and Hellcats Blank Nats 2-0
Tal Vaitkus of the Hartsdale Hellcats twirled a sensational 2-0 shutout over the Ozarka Naturals today at Ellie Ewing Stadium. It was his first-ever blanking in the IPA. Vaitkus surrendered only two walks and fanned four, while allowing only five hits, all singles. Third baseman Whiz Weaver (.287) picked up 3 hits in four tries to pace the Hellcats. He doubled in a run in the opening frame. The other score came on a passed ball in the fourth inning. Losing pitcher Tony Didriksen (12-16 3.80) worked a strong eight innings, gave up only two runs and eight hits, while striking out eight and walking three.

Fourth place Ozarka (69-75) is now 11 games off the pace. Hartsdale (66-78) is in the TU East cellar and is 14 games behind.

Islandian Pro Alliance

Friday, September 7, 2001

Tycobbian Union - West Division

Frogs Snap Losing Streak, Beat Viks 3-1 in 12
Catcher Marv McCoy (.266) put an end to Fairfax's three-game losing streak with a two-run double in the twelfth inning to beat the Bayview Vikings 3-1. It also snapped Bayview's win skein at four. McCoy's hit sent Wally Tidwell (6-8 3.12) down to defeat and picked up a win for Takehide Takahashi (11-6 1.40). It was a tight pitchers' duel the entire game as starters Jackie Leslie (16-11 3.93) for the Frogs and Tony Vardaman (6-4 2.67) of the Vikings battled to a 1-1 draw after nine innings. Each club only had six hits apiece as the hurlers dominated. Takahaski blanked Bayview over the final two and two-thirds innings, while Tidwell went three innings and allowed the winning runs in spite of giving up only one hit. He walked two batters to set up McCoy's winning double.

Fairfax (77-67) really needed a win with both Blue Lake (74-70) and Bayview (73-71) putting pressure on them in the Tycobbian Union West pennant race. The Vikings are now 4 games out of first place and the Blue Sox are three back. Bayview, Blue Lake and Arlon are vying for the last playoff slot in the Tycobbian Union. The Ginza Ninjas (79-65) of the East Division have just about cinched the other spot.

LC's Gentry Stops Blue Sox 5-1
La Claire righthander George Gentry stopped Blue Lake 5-1 and dealt a harsh blow to the Blue Sox's flag hopes this season. The loss dropped them three games back in the TU West race with only six games to go in the regular campaign. Gentry (9-4 2.92) limited Blue Lake to just four hits and a run in his eight innings. He struck out nine and issued three walks in a strong performance. Andy Murray (3-1 3.20) pitched a shaky ninth to wrap up the victory. He didn't give up a run, but was tagged for three singles. A double play saved the day for him and got him out of the inning. Happy McManus (4-2 2.83) absorbed the loss, permitting five runs in four-plus innings with only three of them earned. The Lynx's offense was supplied by center fielder Lucky Collins (.319) with two hits and two runs scored, right fielder Antonio Guerrero (.333) with two hits, two runs scored and an RBI and third baseman Luis Marquez (.288) with two hits and a run batted in. Blue Sox center fielder Donnie Frazier (.281) drove in their only run with a third-inning double.

Blue Lake (74-70) is in second place in the division, 3 games behind the leader, the Fairfax Frogs (77-67), while La Claire (71-73) is in fifth and six games out. The Blue Sox are running ahead of both Bayview (73-71) and Arlon (72-72) for the final wild card position.

Arlon Falls to Bucs, Playoff Chance Slim
The Arlon Champions slim playoff chance got even slimmer with a 5-4 loss to Bay St. Clair today at Shoreline Park. Bucs pitchers Norm Gross (16-10 3.45) and Chris Van Arden (6-4 3.21) teamed up to tame the Champs. Gross notched the victory by going eight innings. He allowed four runs and six hits, but only a couple of them were earned. Van Arden registered his 13th save with a runless-ninth inning. Second baseman Tony Mann (.320) and left fielder Charley Moon (.302) both homered to spark the Buccaneers. It was Mann's 12th and Moon's 15th. Third baseman Bubba Tate (.325) hit one for Arlon, his 10th of the year. Bay St. Clair had 8 hits in the game, while the Champions had 7.

Arlon (72-72) is fourth in the TU West Division and trails first place Fairfax (77-67) by 5 games now. The Champs are not likely to catch the Frogs for the division title, but still have a slight chance to pick up a playoff spot as a wild card. Both Blue Lake (74-70) and Bayview (73-71) are ahead of them for the last playoff spot for the Elite 8 playoff round.

The Islandian Times

Friday, September 7, 2001

Bad News for Blue Sox, Lose Closer Courtney
Very bad news for manager Cobb Tyson. His Blue Lake closer Russ Courtney hasn't been feeling well lately and now has been diagnosed with strep throat. He's expected to be out for one week. The Blue Sox are battling for a wild card position and will sorely miss Courtney. In 2001 the bullpen ace has worked 93 innings in 58 relief appearances and picked up 20 saves. He has dished out 73 strikeouts and walked 23 with a 6-4 mark and a 2.32 ERA.

Paddy O'Rourke, a 27-year-old lefthander, will move into the finishing role. He has just recently joined the team and has a 1-0 record with one save in four relief appearances with a fine 2.00 ERA.

Islandian Pro Alliance

Saturday, September 8, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - North Division

Redhawks Win RU North, Beat Vipers 6-3
The top team in the RU North, Far Mountain, upended the runner-up club, Valmara, 6-3 to take the rubber game of a five-game series and take the RU North crown. Far Mountain now has a six-game lead with only five games to go. The Redhawks rebounded late with three runs in the seventh and three in the eighth to come back and whip the Vipers, despite being outhit 14 to 9. Valmara held a 3-0 lead after six, but couldn't hold it. Sparking the victory were first baseman Royce Benson (.314) with three RBIs and right fielder Sid Cameron (.369) with two. In the seventh Benson made it 3-1 with a double and Cameron tied it up with a two-run homer, his first of the season. In the eighth second baseman Steve Kaminski (.299) single in the tie-breaking run and Benson had a two-run single to finish off Valmara. Third baseman Rickey O'Reilly (.282) led the Vipers with four hits and first baseman Yank Jankowski (.285) got his 12th home run. John Luzzatti (19-8 3.32) racked up his 19th win, going seven innings and allowing three runs on 11 hits. He bent, but he didn't break. Valmara stranded 11 baserunners in the game. Dependable Mike McCabe (6-4 2.20) worked the final two innings and didn't give up a run for his 11th save. Jerry Yosarian (3-3 2.01) was the loser in his rockiest start so far. He was tagged for six runs and eight hits in seven innings.

Far Mountain (81-64) is headed for the Elite 8, the first round of the IPA Playoffs. They finished the regular season with a 21-9 edge over second place Valmara (75-70).

V's Tie Vipers for Second Place in RU North
At home at the Jailhouse in Volusia, the Vigilantes narrowly defeated the Glasco Athletics 3-2 to gain a tie with Valmara for second place in the RU North. It was the V's third straight triumph over the A's. A critical error by first baseman Maury Smith in the seventh inning allowed two runs to score to snap a 1-1 tie. Brian King (5-7 2.61) was the winner as he tossed eight innings and surrendered only two runs with five Ks and a walk. Closer supreme Ricky Moreno (4-5 2.00) did it again for his 25th save, tops in the IPA. Moreno retired Valmara in order in the ninth. Glasco outhit the V's 9 to 6. Jerry Smith (16-17 3.38) deserved a better fate. He took the loss, but didn't give up an earned run. Smith worked eight innings and surrendered three runs on eight hits.

The Vigilantes (75-70) moved into a tie for second place in the Ruthlandian Union North with Valmara (75-70). Far Mountain (81-64) is six games ahead of them and has claimed the division title. The V's and the Vipers will now try to capture the last playoff spot in the RU. Sugar Valley (74-70) of the RU South is also contending for the remaining wild card.

Kerr Fan 13 Blasters, Elnora Wins 3rd in a Row
19-year-old Kenny Kerr is not tall in statue, but he stands tall on the mound. The 5'9" Elnora southpaw chalked up 13 Ks today to tame Colfax 6-3 at Mountain View Stadium. Kerr checked them on four hits. His only mistake was serving up a three-run homer to catcher Bill Urbanek (.211) in the fifth frame that knotted the score at 3-all. Kerr even drove in the winning run in the sixth when he grounded into a fielder's choice. Shortstop Johnny Zumwalt (.248) doubled in two insurance runs in the seventh. Losing pitcher Jasper LaForge (1-2 2.10) made his first start of the season after 14 relief appearances and did not fare very well. He was ripped for 11 hits and six runs in eight innings. The All-Stars racked up a dozen hits with left fielder Quincy Peterson (.300) driving in two runs and center fielder Rusty Gilbert driving in the other run.

It was the third victory in a row for Elnora (65-80), who are destined to finish last in the RU North this season. They are 16 games off the pace. Colfax (70-75) is in the fourth spot and trails by 11 games.

Islandian Pro Alliance

Saturday, September 8, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - South Division

Westerners Win Third Straight from Marston
The Waleska Westerners are on a roll. They knocked off the first place Marston Nine for the third day in a row, topping them 6-1. Smokey Joe Carter (18-13) notched his 18th win of the year. He hurled a solid seven innings and gave up only three hits and one run. Boomer Bradley (0-0 5.63) tossed two scoreless innings and registered his first save of the season. Batting leaders for Waleska were first baseman Freddie Shelton (.293) and third baseman Yoshihide Nishida (.280). They both had a homer and two RBIs. The Westerners only got seven hits total in the game, while the Nine was held to just five. Larry Blauer (0-1 2.79) lost his first start for Marston. He was touched for six runs and seven hits in seven innings, but only three were earned.

Marston (82-63) is still atop the RU South Division and leads Waleska (68-77) by 14 games. The Nine is 3 games ahead of runner-up Forest City (79-66) in the flag chase.

Red-hot 'Jacks Win 6th Consecutive Game
The red-hot Forest City Lumberjacks squeezed out their sixth consecutive win, beating Sugar Valley 5-4. It was the fifth loss in a row for the Rattlers. Third baseman Jesse Pearson (.238) led the way with a three-run home run in the third inning. It was his 9th this year. Second baseman Jesse Wolf (.289) and catcher Joey Jarvis (.219) also drove in runs. Starter Glenn Moore (17-13) worked seven innings for the victory, allowed four runs and eight hits. Timmy Brooks (5-6 1.90) and Brian Charles (8-8 3.75) finished up for him with each of them throwing a scoreless inning. Charles got his third save. Harvey Hines (14-15 3.97) started and lost it, yielding five runs and eight hits in seven innings.

Forest City (79-66) has now cut Marston's (82-63) lead in the RU South to 3 games with 5 to go. Sugar Valley (74-71) is in a severe slump and slipped 8 games off the pace. The Rattlers are third in the standings and still have a chance to win a playoff spot.

Sunbirds Trounce Diamonds 10-4
Center fielder Bobby Joe Morris (.278) drove in four runs to spark Belair Beach to a 10-4 trouncing of the Claxton Diamonds. The Sunbirds backed up Carl Thompson with an 11-hit attack and he cruised to his 16th triumph this season. Belair Beach right fielder Matty McDermott (.300) and third baseman Alex Frisard (.255) collected homers in the game. Thompson (16-15 3.07) fanned eight, while allowing four runs and nine hits. Thompson hurled his 13th complete game. Newcomer Ernie Garland (2-3 3.44) sustained the loss. He was hit hard by the Sunbirds as they tagged him for five runs in one and two-thirds innings. First baseman Marty McCluskey (.296) hammered his 18th roundtripper for the Diamonds.

The Sunbirds (66-79) win placed them in a tie for the basement with Claxton (66-79) in the Ruthlandian Union South standings. They both are trailing Marston (82-63) by 16 games.

Islandian Pro Alliance

Saturday, September 8, 2001

Tycobbian Union - East Division

SF Takes 3rd Straight, Olson Whips Z's 4-1
Ken Olson did it all today at Jock Ewing Stadium in South Fork. He tripled in three runs and pitched the Stallions to a 4-1 victory over the Luxora Zorros. Olson (15-14 3.02) fanned five, allowed seven hits and walked just one. Keith Callahan (16-13) was shelled early for four runs in three innings and took the loss. South Fork only managed 6 hits in the game, while Luxora got 7.

The Tycobbian Union East leader, South Fork (81-64), won for the third successive day, while runner-up Ginza (79-66) dropped its third straight game, falling two games behind. Luxora (67-78) is fifth and 14 games out.

'Canes Nip Ginza 3-2 in 12 Innings
Cape Coral dealt Ginza a harsh blow to their pennant hopes with a 3-2 twelve-inning defeat, pushing the Ninjas two games back of first place South Fork in the TU East race. Center fielder James Middleton (.283) drove in the decisive run with a single. It came off losing pitcher Ken Watkins (4-8 2.30), who permitted just one run in three and a third innings. Gary Fountain (12-12 3.64) picked up the win with three scoreless innings. First baseman Rodger Wooten (.299) and left fielder Rod Kelly (.302) had the other two RBIs. Wooten got his with his 28th home run of the year. The Ninjas got both of their runs on roundtrippers. Catcher Howard Mitchell (.305) and third baseman Kaz Ojima (.256) both went deep to pace Ginza.

Second place Ginza (79-66) lost its third consecutive game to the third place Hurricanes (72-73) and fell two games of the pace of first place South Fork (81-64) with only five to go. Cape Coral is 9 games back. However, the Ninjas look like a sure bet for a wild card position in the Elite 8 playoffs.

Ozarka Wins Over Hartsdale 7-6 in 14 Innings
Ozarka battled back throughout the game and finally edged Hartsdale 7-6 on left fielder Ronnie Patterson's RBI single in the fourteenth inning. The Naturals rallied from a 3-0 deficit after three innings, tied it 3-3 in the seventh, fell behind by a run in the eighth, knotted it up 4-4 in the bottom of the ninth and again 6-6 in the last of the eleventh. Ozarka collected 16 hits in the game and were led by Patterson (.260) with two hits and three RBIs. Center fielder Terry Braun (.300) went 5-for 6, scored two and batted in two, while hitting his 14th home run. Second baseman Duane Starr (.270) also hit a homer, also number 14 for him. Right fielder Kermit Wiggins (.294) scored three runs and had three hits. Hartsdale totaled 12 hits with center fielder Greg Reynolds (.268), catcher Kevin Haynie (.256) and right fielder Mel Poe (.255) all getting two hits apiece. Donnie Young (6-8 4.18) claimed the win with three scoreless innings, while Ike Moore (3-3 3.55) was the loser and worked the last one and one-third innings.

The Ozarka Naturals (70-75) are fourth in the division standings and 11 games behind South Fork (81-64). The Hartsdale Hellcats (66-79) are last, but with a chance to escape the cellar in their final five games of the regular season. They are only one game out of fifth.

Islandian Pro Alliance

Saturday, September 8, 2001

Tycobbian Union - West Division

Frogs Nip Vikings 4-3, Meredith Wins 15th
First Place Fairfax took another step toward the TU West regular season crown with a 4-3 triumph over the third place Bayview Vikings. Robbie Meredith (15-9 2.98) went the distance in an important win. He stopped the Vikings on six hits and three runs, only two earned. Meredith fanned six and walked two in the game. Third baseman Stan Cobb (.305) and second baseman Cecil Parmenter (.330) led the way with three hits apiece with Parmenter driving in two runs and Cobb one. First baseman Earl Hutchinson doubled in the other run. Most of Bayview offense came from first sacker Dwayne Coleman (.283), who banged two homers, giving him 43 for the year. Coleman is tied with Nicky Swift of Belair Beach for the IPA home run lead. The Frogs outhit the Viks 10 to 6. The loss went to starter Frank Wells (12-11 3.66). In seven innings Wells surrendered eight hits and three runs, just two of them earned.

Fairfax (78-67) is the top team in the TU West and is 5 games ahead of the third place Bayview Vikings (73-72). Bayview still is in the running for a wild card.

Blue Sox Rally, Get Past Lynx 7-5
Blue Lake was at home at Harbor Stadium and rallied for four runs in the seventh to put away the La Claire Lynx 7-5. The Blue Sox overcame a 5-2 deficit in the fourth inning. Solo home runs by right fielder Fred Collins (.282) and catcher Curly Harris (.244) were the big blows of the game for the winners. Second baseman Ken Bennett (.288) had two hits and three RBIs for Blue Lake and left fielder Doyle Osborne (.352) was 2-for-4, scored twice and batted in a run. For the Lynx shortstop Dirk Lindahl (.274) went 3-for-3 and scored twice. Jud Gray, who just joined the squad a few days ago, claimed his first win by blanking La Claire for three and one-third innings of one-hit ball with four Ks. Neil Krogstad (5-7 3.30) picked up his first save of the year by getting the last five outs of the game. Tony Nygaard (12-9 3.51) got tagged with the defeat, permitting six runs in his seven innings.

The Blue Sox (75-70) are the number two team in the TU West and are 3 games off the pace of the top club, the Fairfax Frogs (78-67). Blue Lake seems to be headed toward a wild card berth in the Elite 8 playoffs. Fifth place La Claire (71-74) is 7 games out of first and headed nowhere.

Lyons Homers Twice, Bucs Belt Champs 8-5
At Shoreline Park in Bay St. Clair, the Buccaneers belted the Arlon Champions 8-5 in the strength of two homers and five RBIs by first baseman George Lyons. He hit his 29th and 30th home runs, went 3-for-3 and scored three times. Left fielder Charley Moon (.302) also knocked in two runs for the victors. Adam Lundgren (9-6 3.02) pitched into the eighth, allowed only two earned run on seven hits, fanned eight and issued four bases on balls. He departed with a three-run cushion, leading 8-5. Jeremiah McDonald (3-8 4.31) got credit for his fifth save with a scoreless ninth. Losing pitcher Craig Smith was KO'ed in the third after giving up five runs and six hits. Arlon left fielder Matt Merrill (.298) had two hits and scored twice. He collected his 21st roundtripper on the year.

The Arlon Champions (72-73) have slumped badly in the last week of so, skidding to a 2-8 mark and falling 7 games behind Fairfax (78-67). Bay St. Clair (66-79) is in the TU West Division basement and is a distant 12 games behind.

The Islandian Times

3 Divisions Still in Doubt With 5 Games to Go in the IPA
The pennant races are going down to the last series of the regular series in three of the four divisions in the Islandian Pro Alliance's first season. Only the Far Mountain Redhawks have clinched a spot in the IPA Elite 8 Playoffs. The Redhawks were guided to the RU North title by Alex Groveland. Far Mountain (81-64) is six games up on second place Valmara (75-70) and Volusia (75-70) with only five games to play. The Redhawks will travel to Volusia to tangle with the third place Vigilantes at the Jailhouse.

The Forest City Lumberjacks (South Division) have a four-game lead and look like a pretty good bet to secure one of the two wild cards in the RU. The Valmara Vipers (75-70) and Volusia Vigilantes (75-70) of the North Division are running neck-and-neck for the last wild card in the Ruthlandian Union. Sugar Valley (74-71) of the South Division is also in the mix, too.

In the Ruthlandian Union South Division Marston (82-63) has a three-game edge over the runner-up Forest City Lumberjacks (79-66). Marston will be at home hosting the third place Sugar Valley Rattlers (74-71) at Legends Field for the last series of the season. The Nine's magic number is three. The Rattlers still have a lot to play for as they are still in the fight for a wild card.The Lumberjacks will host fourth place Waleska (68-77) in their season-ending series finale.

Over in the Tycobbian Union, the South Fork Stallions (East Division) and the Fairfax Frogs (West Division) are the division leaders. South Fork (81-64) has a two-game lead over the Ginza Ninjas (79-66) and will close out the year at home against the last place Hartsdale Hellcats (66-79) at Jock Ewing Stadium. The Stallions magic number is now at four. The Ninjas have a tougher assignment with the third place Cape Coral Hurricanes (72-73). They will play a five-game series at Ninjas Stadium.

Ginza is one of the odds-on favorites for a wild card spot with a four-game lead over the Blue Lake Blue Sox (75-70) of the TU West. The Blue Sox also have a good shot at a wild card slot. They are two games up on the Bayview Vikings (73-72) also of the TU West in the battle for the last remaining TU wild card.

Fairfax's (78-67) magic number is down to three in the Tycobbian Union West Division. The Frogs top the Blue Sox by three games and the Vikings by five games. The top two teams in the division will go head-to-head for the final five games of the year. Fairfax will close out the season on the road in Blue Lake at Harbor Stadium. Bayview will be at home at Downtown Plaza Stadium against the fifth place La Claire Lynx (71-74).

The Arlon Champions (72-73) of the TU West and Cape Coral (72-73) of the TU East both have outside chances at getting into the playoffs. The Champs will end the season at home at Derby Downs, playing the last place Bay St. Clair Buccaneers (66-79).

Islandian Pro Alliance

Sunday, September 9, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - North Division

V's Betanzos Bests FM 3-1 on 3 Hits
In the opener of a 5-game series at the Jailhouse, Volusia got a very strong outing from Tommy Betanzos, who held the RU North champions, the Far Mountain Redhawks, to just three hits in the 3-1 triumph. It was the V's four successive victory. Betanzos (3-2 2.15) fanned five and walked three. His shutout was spoiled in the ninth by center fielder Hawk Gallagher (.295), who slammed his 7th homer of the year. Vigilante right fielder Jesus Arroyo (.289) cracked his 12th roundtripper and drove in two runs. Catcher Jojo Nunez (.264) drove in the other run. Volusia collected 9 hits to Far Mountain's 3. Starter Bud Ford only worked one and a third innings in defeat and gave up one run and two hits. Ford (6-4 3.35) was injured and removed in the second inning.

Far Mountain (81-65) has already won the RU North Division. They are getting ready for the IPA Playoffs, the Elite 8, beginning in a about a week. Volusia (76-70) took over the runner-up spot from Valmara (75-71).

Glasco Halts 3-Game Drought, A's Beat Valmara 2-1
In a standout performance at Valmara's War Memorial Stadium, Glasco's Jesse Balfour (16-11 2.65) halted the Vipers 2-1 as they fell for the third time in a row. Balfour whizzed it by Valmara batters for 11 strikeouts, allowing only five hits and one earned run, snapping the Athletics three-game losing skein. First baseman Maury Smith (.353) and right fielder Bucky Bucholtz (.281) supplied the firepower with home runs in the top of the first inning. It was Smith's 15th and Bucholtz's 4th. Center fielder Jan Szymanski (.260) drove in the Vipers only run in the fourth. The A's edged Valmara in hits 7 to 5 with the loss going to Erich Ptacek (2-4 2.76), who worked a solid game, yielding only two runs in nine innings with five Ks and a waik.

Valmara (75-71) dipped to third place with the defeat, falling 6 games out of first and was replaced in second place by Volusia (76-70). The Vigilantes now have a game lead over the Vipers in the race for the final playoff slot.

Colfax Blasts Elnora 9-3, Stops 3-Game Skid
Pitcher Flash Guidry put a stop to Colfax's 3-game losing skid with a 9-3 rout of the Elnora All-Stars. It was Elnora first loss in three games. Guidry (15-17 3.61) didn't allow an earned run, gave up seven hits and fanned seven. The Blasters rapped 11 hits and were paced by first baseman Dennis Cole (.324) with two hits and two RBIs and left fielder Cy Bartz (.256) with a pair of hits and one run batted in. First baseman Paul Kesler (.252) doubled in three runs in the fifth for the All-Stars only runs. Tyrone Gray (9-17 4.46) lost his third consecutive decision, giving up four runs in two innings.

Colfax (71-75) is fourth in the RU North Division and is 10 games behind Far Mountain (81-65). Elnora (65-81) is last in the standings and 16 games off the pace.

Islandian Pro Alliance

Sunday, September 9, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - South Division

SV Snaps 5-Game Losing Streak, Rips Marston 9-2
Sugar Valley finally snapped out of its 5-game slump by ripping first place Marston 9-2 behind the fine pitching of Val Watford. That sent the Nine down to its fourth loss in a row. Watford (3-1 3.08) stopped Marston on two runs and six hits, struck out eight and issued no walks in an impressive performance. The Rattlers backed him up with an 11-hit attack, including three home run blasts. First baseman Ron Armstrong (.333), catcher Slingshot McFall (.266) and shortstop Flipper Bird (.290) all went deep for Sugar Valley. Bob Lowe (3-4 4.08) caught the loss. He surrendered four runs in three innings. First baseman Chuck Barrett (.263) homered for Marston.

Marston (82-64) is still in first in the Ruthlandian Union North race, but just 2 games in front of second place Forest City (79-66). Sugar Valley (75-71) is in the third place postion and 7 games behind.

Westerners Win 4th In a Row, FC Falls 8-4
The fourth place Waleska Westerners pounded 12 hits and whipped second place Forest City 8-4 at Riverside Stadium for their fourth victory in a row. Right fielder Milt Carlson (.287) scored twice, had two hits and two RBIs, including his 4th homer of the year. Catcher Mac Wilkins (.226) also chipped in two runs and two RBIs and third baseman Yoshihide Nishida (.280) had two RBIs in the game. The 'Jacks got two homers from Benny Davis (.275) and little else. Devon Turner (2-3 3.73) notched the win by hurling seven and one-third innings, was tagged for seven hits and three runs. Turner was wild with five walks, but fanned six batters. Knucks Nomellini (7-2 3.26) was shelled for five runs in less than two innings for the loss.

Forest City (79-67) lost a golden opportunity to narrow first place Marston's (82-64) lead in the RU South pennant chase. The Rattlers trail them by 3 games. Waleska (69-77) is 13 games out and ranked fourth in the division.

Church's 9th-Inning Homer Wins Game for Sunbirds
Shortstop Danny Church slugged a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth and gave Belair Beach a comeback 7-6 victory over the Claxton Diamonds at Bayside Park. Reliever Sandy Kozicz (3-1 3.66) registered the win, though he gave up a run in his two and one-third innings of work. Dennis Scott (8-9 4.89), who came on in the ninth, gave up the decisive shot and absorbed the defeat. The Sunbirds cracked four homers in all with first baseman Phil Gravelli (.336) getting number 32 and 33, left fielder Nicky Swift (.325) his IPA-leading 44th and Church (.245), his 10th of the season. Claxton outhit Belair Beach 11 to 7. Third baseman Keith Olsen (.309) went 2-for-5 with two RBIs and his 9th roundtripper and second sacker Donny McCoy (.332) smacked three hits and batted in three runs in defeat.

The Sunbirds (67-79) leaped past Claxton (66-80) into the fifth slot in the RU South stanindings. The Diamonds are in the cellar now, 16 games behind.

Islandian Pro Alliance

Sunday, September 9, 2001

Tycobbian Union - East Division

Holliday Hits 3 HRs, Stallions Halt Hellcats 9-7
The South Fork Stallions won their fourth game in a row as Glenn Holliday hammered three homers and just about single-handedly beat Hartsdale 9-7 today at Jock Ewing Stadium. Holliday (.285) drove in six runs with homers number 34, 35 and 36. The last one in the sixth inning overcame a 5-4 Hellcat lead and put first place South Fork ahead to stay 7-5. Center fielder Ronnie Lee finished the scoring with a two-run shot in the seventh. Flint Battle (20-11 2.71) struggled, but chalked up his 20th victory of the season. Battle went eight innings and was tagged for six runs. He had a 9-6 lead when he left the game. Closer Glenn Turnbull (7-5 2.70) also struggled in the ninth before claiming his 12th save. He gave up a run and three hits. Hartsdale actually outhit the Stallions 14 hits to 9. They also hit three home runs. Third baseman Whiz Weaver (.290) hit his 26th homer and drove in four runs, right fielder Dan Rogers (.295) got his 11th and left fielder Emile Djorovich (.250) got number two for the year. Starter Mitch Yassen (8-7 4.09) was the losing pitcher, giving up nine runs in seven innings.

Holliday was the third player to hit three homers in one game. It was done previously by Roberto Betancourt of the Cape Coral Hurricanes on April 28 and by Ken Bennett of Blue Lake on June 28.

South Fork (82-74) is in the driver's seat in the TU East standings and now lead runner-up Ginza (79-67) by 3 games with only 4 games to go. Hartsdale (66-80) fell to 16 games out and is in the division basement.

'Canes Mullins HR in 15th Beats Ninjas 4-3
Cape Coral's Danny Mullins was the hero in the 4-3 fifteen-inning Hurricanes 4-3 win at Ninja Stadium in Ginza. Right fielder Mullins (.268) slammed his 18th roundtripper this season to decide the game and deal the second place Ninjas their fourth consecutive setback. It was Cape Coral's fourth straight victory. Mullins led Cape Coral with 5 hits in 7 at-bats and drove in two runs. Owen Pruitt (7-6 3.91) pitched two runless innings for the victory, while Kenny Nishimura (0-1 1.29) took the loss. It was the only run he gave up in four innings of relief.

It was a costly defeat for second place Ginza (79-67) and put the Ninjas 3 games behind first place South Fork (82-64) in the race for the Tycobbian Union East flag. Any combination of Stallion wins and Ninja losses that equals two will give the pennant to South Fork. Nonetheless Ginza looks like a safe bet for an Elite 8 wild card spot. Cape Coral (73-73) is in third place and is 9 games back of the division leader. The Hurricanes still have a remote shot at a wild card playoff spot.

Tovares Tames Ozarka in Zorros 5-2 Win
Big 6'5" Tito Tovares and the Luxora Zorros tamed Ozarka 5-2 on the road at Ellie Ewing Stadium. Tovares (6-10 2.03) has won only 6 games in spite of a splendid 2.03 ERA. This time he got the triumph, holding the Nats to no earned runs. Tovares fanned eight and walked two. Yasuyuki Nakagawa (13-17 3.66) was the loser. He permitted four runs in eight innings. Pacing the winners were first baseman Paul Hallenbeck (.303) with three hits and an RBI, catcher Eric Richter (.313) with two hits and two runs scored and second baseman Paco Benitez (.259) with two RBIs. The Z's collected 11 hits off Ozarka pitching, while giving up 10.

Prior to this victory, Luxora (68-78) had lost its last three contests. The Zorros are fifth in the division standings and 14 games off the pace. Ozarka (70-76) is fourth and 12 games back.

Islandian Pro Alliance

Sunday, September 9, 2001

Tycobbian Union - West Division

Blue Sox and West Down Frogs 8-2
At Harbor Stadium in Blue Lake, the second place Blue Sox downed the first place Fairfax Frogs 8-2 behind the pitching of Bennie West and the batting of catcher Curly Harris. West (19-10 2.94) gunned down the Frogs on six hits to gather up his 19th victory, while striking out eight and walking three and Harris (.245) poled his 11th homer of the season, a grand slammer. Second baseman Ken Bennett (.292) also chipped in three hits and scored three runs for the Blue Sox. Blue Lake tore up losing pitcher Ted Ellison (0-2 3.63), shelling him for eight runs in seven innings. Blue Lake had the edge in hits 11 to 6.

The Blue Sox (76-70) are making a belated run for the TU West regular season crown and have cut Fairfax's (78-68) lead to 3 games with 4 games to go. Blue Lake needs to sweep the entire five-game series to take the division title. However, they have a two-game lead over Bayview for the last playoff spot.

Vikings Trip Up La Claire Lynx 5-3
Dwayne Coleman and Hank Bethel both boomed two-run homers out of the park and propelled the third place Bayview Vikings to a 5-3 win over the fifth place La Claire Lynx. It was Coleman's (.285) 44th roundtripper this season, tied for the best in the IPA with Nicky Swift of Belair Beach, and Bethel's 5th. Center fielder Phil Kanaan (.297) topped Viking hitters with three hits. Southpaw Paul Hood (11-6) notched the victory, allowing only two runs on five hits in six innings before departing for a pinchhitter. Hood fanned seven and walked just two. Closer Buzzy Lewis (6-8 3.07) got his 20th save of the year with a scoreless ninth. Pat Daniels (12-11 3.62) suffered the defeat by giving up four runs on four hits, while striking out seven in his four innings.

Bayview (74-72) snapped a two-game slide and is the number three club in the TU West, trailing the top club, Fairfax, by 5 games. The Vikings just have a slim chance of getting into the Elite 8 with the last remaining wild card berth. They are two games back of Blue Lake and there are just four games remaining on the regular season schedule. La Claire (71-75) is 7 games out and in fifth place.

Travis Homers in 13th, Champs Nip Buccaneers 8-7
At Derby Downs in Arlon, the Champions nipped Bay St. Clair 8-7 in 13 innings on Gil Travis' home run. Arlon got a brilliant relief job from winning pitcher Burnell Bradford (2-3 3.19), who totally shut down the Buccaneers, retiring all 12 batters he faced over the final four frames. The Champs slapped three homers among their 12 hits with first baseman Travis (.209), right fielder Andy Pettorini (.280) and catcher Smoke Zakharov (.215) knocking home runs. The Bucs had only eight hits and only one roundtripper by third baseman Eddie Albrecht (.316). Arlon got a fine performance from Sean Lawrence (2-9 3.41). He got tagged with the loss, but pitched four and a third innings and gave up only one run and three hits.

Arlon (73-73) stayed alive for a wild card, but its chances of getting it are very, very slim. The Champs are in fourth place, 5 games off the pace of Fairfax (78-68). Bay St. Clair (66-80) is 12 games back and in last place in the TU West.

Islandian Pro Alliance

Monday, September 10, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - North Division

FM Stops V's Win String at 4
Sonny Elliott and the Far Mountain Redhawks put a stop to Volusia's four-game winning string with a tense 1-0 victory, putting in danger the Vigilantes hopes for last playoff slot in the Ruthlandian Union. Elliott (18-13 2.86) twirled a six-hitter, fanned three and issued no walks in a most impressive outing. Losing pitcher Lenny Collins (15-11 3.81) did almost as well, yielding six hits and one run with five Ks and three bases on balls. The game's only score came in the opening inning when center fielder Hawk Gallagher (.295) led off with a bunt single, moved to second on a Royce Benson (.311) sacrifice bunt, then scored on catcher Dave Davis' (.354) RBI single. From then on it was nothing but goose eggs on the scoreboard.

Far Mountain (82-65) has already won the RU North. The Rattlers are now 6 games up on second place Volusia (76-71). The Vipers are battling Valmara (75-72) of the North Division and Sugar Valley (75-72) of the South Division for the last playoff spot for the Eiite 8 Series.

A's Squeak By Vipers 7-6
The Glasco Athletics extended Valmara's late season slump by squeaking by the Vipers 7-6 and giving them a fourth straight defeat. In the top of the eighth the visiting A's broke a 4-4 deadlock with back-to-back doubles by left fielder Ox Beauvais (.338) and first baseman Maury Smith (.354), then added two more runs in the ninth for a 7-4 margin. Right fielder Buck Bucholtz (.284) and Smith each had RBI singles in the inning. In the last of the ninth Valmara mounted a two-run comeback that fell one run short. Glasco was sparked by Smith with two hits and two RBIs, Bucholtz with two hits and three RBIs and center fielder Chet Reynolds (.271) with three hits, two runs batted in and two runs scored. In defeat Valmara right fielder Jet Kazmarek (.315) went 3-for-5 and drove in a pair of runs with a double and a triple. Lefthander Charles Darby (18-16 3.70) worked eight long innings for the victory, allowed four runs, seven hits, fanned seven and walked five. Ray Cook (4-5 2.01) almost gave the game away in the ninth. He got his 18th save, but almost blew a three-run lead. Viper bullpen ace, Danny Blauser, (9-6 2.53) also had a rough time and was the losing pitcher. Blauser was battered for three runs and six hits in one and one-third inning. The Athletics outhit the Valmara 13 to 10.

The third place Vipers (75-72) are floundering in the final stages of the regular season and are now one game behind second place Volusia (76-71) in the RU wild card race. Sugar Valley (75-71) of the South Division is also contending for the final playoff slot.

All-Stars Savoie Strikes Out 16
Pat Savoie of the Elnora All-Stars tied the IPA record for most strikeouts in a game. The crafty lefty whiffed 16 Colfax Blasters in the 5-4 victory, equalling Ron Benson of the Sugar Valley Rattlers. Savoie (13-8 3.73) got them in only eight innings, leaving for a pinchhitter. Savoie allowed five hits and four runs, while walking two batters. Taylor Gibbs (3-1 5.14) worked a scoreless ninth to finish out the game. It was Gibbs 5th save of the year. Robbie Smith (11-13) sustained the loss, going only four innings and giving up four runs. He went to the showers trailing 4-1. Right fielder Paul Giles (2.83) doubled in two runs in the first inning and third baseman Richie Franklin (.253) doubled in two more in the third to lead the victors. Catcher Bill Urbanek (.217) unloaded a three-run homer in the seventh to pace Colfax.

Ron Benson of Sugar Valley originally set the strikeout mark with 16 in a 5-3 triumph over Waleska on June 25.

Colfax's (71-76) defeat dropped them into a tie with Glasco (71076) for the fourth spot in the RU North standings. Both are now 11 games behind the division leader. Elnora (66-81) is in the cellar and 16 games out.

Islandian Pro Alliance

Monday, September 10, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - South Division

Marston Takes RU South Title
Two of the top two clubs in the RU South were poised to battle with two 20-game winners on the hill. But the pitching duel never happened. The first place Marston Nine proved their mettle by rallying from a 6-2 deficit after four innings to nudge by third place Sugar Valley 7-6 at Legends Field and take home the pennant in the RU South. Right fielder Kerby Jost (.308) hit a three-run homer and drove in five runs all total to spearhead the comeback. Third baseman Roland Thomas (.360) and left fielder Ronnie Horn (.293) knocked in the other two runs. Sparking the Rattlers was left fielder Bruno DiPirro (.318) with two RBIs and two runs scored. Ron Benson (23-11) started for Sugar Valley and was roughed up for seven runs in seven innings for the loss, while Nick Pace of the Nine lasted less than four innings and allowed six runs. So much for the pitcher's duel. Marston saved the best for the last, rallying for three runs in the sixth and two in the seventh to take a 7-6 lead. However, Sugar Valley mounted a severe threat and put two runners on in the top of the ninth against reliever Jorge Bonilla (4-0 2.76). Manager Johnny Walters brought in Booger Burchfield (11-12 3.09). After a sac bunt advanced the runners to second and third, Burchfield intentionally walked clean-up hitter Jorge Vargas (.325) to load the bases. He then fanned the dangerous Ron Armstrong (.335) for out number two and ended the game by getting tough Tommy Sonnier (.267) to ground out to third. It was Burchfield's first save of the season. The win went to Kenny Bagby (7-3 3.16), who held Sugar Valley runless from the fourth through the seventh inning, while the Nine made their comeback.

Sugar Valley left fielder DiPirro injured his throwing arm in the contest and will have to take a week off to recover.

It was a heartbreaking loss for the Rattlers. They fell a game behind the Volusia Vigilantes (76-71) of the North Division in the race for the final playoff berth from the Ruthlandian Union. Marston (83-64) is 8 games up on third place Sugar Valley (75-72).

Westerners Eliminate 'Jacks From Flag Race
McGraw Johnson's Waleska Westerners are on a roll. They rolled over second place Forest City 6-4 for their 5th consecutive victory and put the quietus on the 'Jacks pennant hopes. Gary Hill (16-9 4.01) logged his third straight win, holding the 'Jacks to four runs and seven hits in eight innings of work. Buddy Kennedy (2-7 3.71) closed it out for his 5th save by blanking them in the ninth. First baseman Freddie Shelton (.298) popped a three-run roundtripper in the first inning and center fielder Rick Vaughn (.294) hit a solo job. It was number 22 for Shelton and number 16 for Vaughn. Vince Edelman (13-14) caught the loss and gave up four runs in three innings. Forest City right fielder Benny Davis (.277) doubled and homered, driving in a pair of runs. The Westerners totaled 9 hits in the game and the Lumberjacks had 7.

Today's defeat eliminated Forest City (79-68) from the flag race as Marston clinched the RU South title. The Lumberjacks are 4 games out with 3 to play. Forest City can secure a spot in the Elite 8 playoffs with just one win in the last three games, They can also win a wild card, if Volusia (76-71) of the North Division loses a game. Waleska (70-77) is in fourth place and is 13 games back.

Diamonds Blank Sunbirds 4-0
Claxton southpaw Sammy Melton hurled an outstanding game, shutting out the Belair Beach Sunbirds 4-0 on just two hits, but he needed help from Dennis Scott in the ninth. Melton's arm tightened up and he had to leave the game. Melton (8-7 3.11) fanned four and walked nobody in the win. Scott (8-9 4.85) pitched a perfect ninth to finish off the Sunbirds. Offensively left fielder Dan Molnar (.282) and center fielder Wayne Wilson (.276) led the Diamonds. Molnar clouted his 17th homer of the year and Wilson belted his 11th. Second baseman Rick Sullivan (.285) got both hits for the Sunbirds, a triple and a single. Tiny Lindgren (5-8 3.71) suffered the defeat, permitting four runs and eight hits.

The Claxton (67-80) triumph tied them again with Belair Beach (67-80) for fifth place in the RU South Division standings.