The Islandian Times

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

2006 Islandian Pro Alliance Pro Cup Series - Elite 8

Ruthlandian Union

Valka Trims Claxton 2-1 for 1st Elite 8 Win
Just like they did three days ago Valka needed a win in the worst way and Aato Neetar got it for them. Neetar won the fifth game of the Sweet 16 and kept the Blackhawks alive in the Pro Cup playoffs and he did it again today at Avalon Stadium in Claxton. Neetar stopped hot-hitting Claxton 2-1 to keep Valka in the postseason. A loss would have sent them home for the year. The victory narrowed the Diamonds lead to 2-1 in the Elite 8 Series.

It was an excellent pitching duel between Neetar and Dennis Scott. Neetar (2-1 2.18) limited Claxton to one unearned run and four hits in his eight and two-thirds innings. He chalked up six Ks and walked two, but needed closer Kaito Oras (0-0 2.28) to save it for him. Oras relieved with a 2-0 lead, two outs and two runners on, but committed an error that allowed the Diamonds their first run of the game. With the tying run on second Oras fanned SS Jimmy Marciunas for the final out of the game. The Blackhawks got their only runs in the seventh on a two-run single by Neetar (.375), who is also a fine hitter. Scott (1-1 2.65) worked a fine game, yielding only two runs on seven hits, while fanning seven and walking three in eight innings. Valka had the edge in hits 8 to 4.

Claxton will get another chance to finish off Valka tomorrow afternoon in Claxton. If needed, game five will be played in Valka at Cybertel Park.

Elnora Homers Past V's 6-4, Trails by a Game
At home at State Fair Park, Elnora finally broke into the win column in the Elite 8 Series with Volusia. The All-Stars powered past the Vigilantes 6-4 with three home runs and now trail two games to one. 2B Johnny Zumwalt (.150) slapped a two-run shot in the third inning, 3B Dmitri Vrotsos (.360) got a solo homer in the fourth and C Todd Simons (.300) hit the eventual game-winner with a three-run salvo in the fifth. The homers put Elnora up 6-1 and they held on to win. Warren Paul (1-0 3.97) got the win with help from Harry Dye, who allowed no runs in his one and two thirds innings of relief. Tony Hartwig (0-1) was the loser. He was tagged for six runs in four-plus innings. Volusia outhit Elnora 11 to 8. RF Briscoe Crowder (.276) paced the Vigilantes with a two-run homer.

Elnora will try to even up the best-of-five series at two games each tomorrow afternoon at home. Should the series go five games, the finale will be held in Volusia at the Jailhouse.

Tybobbian Union

Turon Takes Lead Over Cape Coral 7-2 in Game 3
The Turon bats woke up in the late innings and whacked Cape Coral 7-2 at Seaside Stadium to take a 2-1 lead in games in the Elite 8 Series. One more victory and the Typhoons will advance to the Pro Cup Final 4. LF Bruce Boatman (.308) went 3-5 with two doubles, two RBIs and two runs scored to top the hitters and James Longstreet (2-1 1.04) hurled a complete game to spark Turon. Longstreet walked six, but held the Hurricanes to just two runs on seven hits. Cape Coral took a 1-0 lead on LF Paul Phelps (.278) solo homer in the fourth inning, but Turon got to work on loser Ronald Blevins (0-2 8.71) with three runs in the sixth and seventh to seal his fate. The Typhoons totaled 11 hits overall.

Game four is scheduled for Cape Coral. Should a fifth game be necessary, it will be played in Turon's Typhoon Stadium.

Viks Take Lead in Elite 8, Clip Champs 7-4
Playing in the friendly confines of Downtown Plaza Stadium, the Bayview Vikings went one-game up on Arlon in the Elite 8 Series. The Vikings clipped the Champs 7-4 in game three to take the lead two games to one. Bayview was led by 1B Chancey Quibedeaux (.200) with two hits, two runs and two RBIs, including a home run that proved to be the winning runs in the fifth inning. That put the Viks up 6-1. LF Kelton Carpenter (.226) also had a home run and scored twice and SS Kris Benson (.310) drove in a pair of runs.

Charlie Tubbs (1-1 4.91) struggled with his control but came out the winner. Tubbs went the route and permitted only four hits, but walked six. LF Rocco Belasario (.400) got to him for a solo roundtripper in the fourth frame and 1B Jay Dunbar (.321) cracked a three-run job in the eighth to get Arlon back in the ball game 6-4. The defeat went to Kurt DeHaan (0-2 6.75), who was belted for six runs in six innings.

Game four is slated for Bayview tomorrow, while game five, if needed, will be Friday in Arlon at Derby Downs.

The Islandian Times

Thursday, September 28, 2006

2006 Islandian Pro Alliance Pro Cup Series - Elite 8

Ruthlandian Union

5 HRs Send Volusia to Final 4, Elnora Falls 8-6
Volusia rode five home runs into the RU Pro Cup Final 4. The Vigilantes prevailed 8-6 in game four of the Elite 8 Series with Elnora to take the series three games to one. 2B Scooter Perez (.400) hit two of them and LF Winky Rush (.393), SS Bobby Farias (.258) and 3B Warren McDaniel (.290) banged out one apiece. Perez went 5-for-5, scored three times and batted in two runs.

The V's had to battle back from a 3-0 first-inning deficit. They hammered three homers in the third inning off Taylor Gibbs (1-2 6.00) and regained the lead at 5-3 and increased it to 7-3 in the seventh. Hernando Espaderos (3-0 3.04) settled down after a rough opening inning and notched the win. He gave up four runs in seven-plus innings with six strikeouts and a walk. Elnora threatened in the ninth when pinchhitter Sammy Marlaire (.385) hit a two-run clout off Raul Sandoval and cut the lead to 8-6. However, Todd Wolfe managed to get the final three outs and save it.

The Vigilantes racked up 12 hits to 11 for the All-Stars. CF Rick Mulloy (.231) and LF Quincy Peterson (.222) paced Elnora with two RBIs each.

Claxton Makes the Final 4, Whips Valka 12-8
The Claxton Diamonds outgunned the Valka Blackhawks 12-8 in game four of the Elite 8 Series and will now advance to the RU Final 4 against the Volusia Vigilantes. The Diamonds piled up four runs in the first inning and added seven more in the second to take an 11-1 lead, then held off the Blackhawks for a 12-8 victory in the fourth and decisive game. Claxton won the series three games to one.

Claxton lashed out 12 hits and were sparked by C Allen Lemay with a homer and four RBIs, 2B Mac Smith (.379) with a three-run triple and SS Jimmy Marciunas (.440) with three hits, two runs and one RBI. Valka also racked up 11 hits and were paced by SS Donnie Allgood (.231) with a grand-slam homer, 1B Marlin Kiefer (.421) with four hits, two runs scored and a run batted in and 3B Bobby Stroud (.343) with two runs driven in. Allgood, Kiefer and Stroud all smashed home runs. Bobby Banner (1-0 0.00) worked a scoreless fourth inning and registered the win with the defeat going to starter Daryl Vannoy (0-3), who had his third straight rough outing.

Tycobbian Union

Champs Win 5-3, Arlon-Bayview Series Even at 2-2
Arlon's 24-year-old righthander Armando Cruz continued his outstanding postseason performance as he stopped the tough Bayview Vikings 5-3 in game four to even the Elite 8 Series at two games each. Cruz (3-0 1.69) won his third playoff game with the help of reliever Connie Gavagan. Cruz worked six-plus innings and held the Vikings to two runs. He exited with a 5-2 lead. Gavagan finished up for him and got the save, but did yield a run in the eighth.

LF Rocco Belasario (.394) slammed a crucial two-run triple in the fifth to give the Champs a 4-1 lead. 1B Jay Dunbar (.313) also chipped in an insurance home run in the sixth to make the score 5-1. Bayview collected 12 hits to Arlon's 8 and were led by RF Ted Karno (.296) and 3B James Scott (.448) with three hits apiece. Scott batted in two runs and racked up two doubles and a homer. Viking starter Frank Wells (0-1 4.91) caught the loss as he was shelled for four runs in four-plus innings.

Game five will be tomorrow afternoon at Derby Downs in Arlon. The winner will move ahead to the TU Final 4 against Cape Coral or Turon with that series set to get underway on Saturday.

Hurricanes Shell Turon 9-4, Knot Series at 2 Each
Playing at home the Cape Coral Hurricanes had two big innings to shell Turon 9-4 and knotted up the Elite 8 Series at two games each, setting the stage for the series finale tomorrow afternoon at Typhoon Stadium in Turon. It was the 'Canes big bats that brought home the victory.

A four-run fifth and a five-run seventh did the job. 2B Hoshi Sato (.250) unloaded a bases-loaded homer to lead the way. CF Bobby Josker (.321) had two hits and two RBIs as well. However, Turon had the most hits, 10 to 9 over the Hurricanes. Starter Doug Lyons (2-1 3.63) and reliever Hadley Frasch teamed up to top the Typhoons. Lyons was the winner as he worked seven-plus decent innings and allowed four runs, three of them earned, while Frasch held Turon scoreless and got the last five outs of the contest. Freddi Spiegel (2-1 3.00), who has pitched so well for the Typhoons in the postseason, couldn't do it today and sustained the loss. Spiegel gave up four runs in his six innings. He struck out six and issued five walks. Spiegel left trailing 4-1.

Turon's fine first baseman Boots Dubois (.214) was injured early in the game. He suffered a bruised heel running the bases and could miss a few days.

The Islandian Times

Friday, September 29, 2006

2006 Islandian Pro Alliance Pro Cup Series - Elite 8

Tycobbian Union

Vikings Victorious, Nip Arlon 2-1, Go To Final 4
In a tense pitching duel at Derby Downs in Arlon, Bayview's Wally Tidwell got the best of Andre Masson and the Vikings nipped the Champs 2-1. Bayview will now advance to the TU Final 4. The Viks won the Elite 8 Series three games to two. Tidwell (2-1 1.96) was as sharp as a tack as he went the route and stopped Arlon on five hits, fanned three and walked three. Masson (1-3 3.67) also hurled a strong game, allowing only two runs on six hits in seven innings, striking out seven and giving up two bases on balls.

Bayview won the game in the third inning with RBI singles by C Hank Bethel (.267) and 1B Chancey Quibedeaux (.212). Arlon finally got one in the sixth on a double by CF Steve Barnett (.278), a walk to LF Rocco Belasario (.361), a single by RF Chucky Gilton (.324) and an RBI groundout by 1B Jay Dunbar (.278). It was Dunbar's 11th run batted in during the playoffs.

The Pro Cup Final 4 will begin tomorrow afternoon. It will be Volusia playing Claxton at Avalon Stadium for the Ruthlandian Union title and Bayview will oppose the winner of the Cape Coral-Turon Elite 8 Series in the Tycobbian Union Final 4. Both series will be best-of-five.

Turon Trims 'Canes 2-1, Plays Viks in Final 4
Turon won game five to win the Elite 8 Series three games to two over Cape Coral. Scotty Boswell, a 6' 7" righthander, beat the Hurricanes 2-1 to eliminate Cape Coral from the playoffs and move the Typhoons into the TU Final 4 against the Bayview Vikings. Boswell went the distance, checking the 'Canes on one run and six hits. Boswell (2-1 2.7) chalked up three Ks and walked three. To win Turon had to beat one of the best pitchers in the IPA. Cody Burg (2-1 2.59) also pitched a complete game, allowed 11 hits, but only two runs, struck out nine and walked nobody. This was the first time Burg has lost a postseason game. He was 6-0 in 8 starts prior to this defeat. Boswell is also 6-1 in 9 playoff assignments.

Cape Coral got an early lead with a run in the opening frame. 3B Kenny Hall (.333) had a bunt single and scored on an RBI double by 2B Hoshi Sato (.257). In the fourth the Typhoons tied the score at 1-all. CF Mac McCurnan (.395) beat out a bunt to lead off the inning, stole a base and came around to score on a double by 1B Tommy Jahn (.333). McCurnan scored the winning run in the eighth when he singled, stole second and rode home on Andy Porter's (.293) base hit. McCurnan went 3-for-4 in the game.

Bayview will be the home team for the first two TU Final 4 games. They will entertain Turon at Downtown Plaza Stadium with game one tomorrow afternoon. They tied with 89 regular season victories, but the Vikings were 4-2 in head-to-head competition.

The Islandian Times

Saturday, September 30, 2006

IPA Pro Cup Series Down to Four Clubs

The teams in the IPA Pro Cup Series have been whittled down to just four teams. Claxton, Volusia, Bayview and Turon have made the cut for the Final 4 which gets underway today. They are just one series away from the Pro Cup Finals which will decide the overall champion of the Islandian Pro Alliance. Volusia won the Pro Cup in 2001 and Turon took it in 2003.

Representing the Ruthlandian Union will be the Volusia Vigilantes and the Claxton Diamonds. The series will open up at Avalon Stadium in Claxton for the first two games. The V's (88-66) finished second to Middlefield in the RU West, while the Diamonds (96-59) were runner-up To Valka in the RU North.

Over in the Tycobbian Union the Bayview Vikings (89-65) will go up against the Turon Typhoons (89-65). The Vikings will be the home team in games one and two because they won the season series between the two clubs 4-2. The TU Final 4 will begin today at Downtown Plaza Stadium.

Ruthlandian Union

Volusia - Opponents
BA: .278 - .245
Runs: 825 - 646
HR: 117 - 118
ERA: 3.60
FA: .978

Claxton - Opponents
BA: .274 - .273
Runs: 840 - 721
HR: 167 - 151
ERA: 4.08
FA: .978

Tycobbian Union

Bayview - Opponents
BA: .287 -.263
Runs: 937 - 769
HR: 242 - 195
ERA: 4.34
FA: .974

Turon - Opponents
BA: .264 - .236
Runs: 745 - 577
HR: 139 - 118
ERA: 3.27
FA: .977

The Islandian Times

Saturday, September 30, 2006

2006 IPA Pro Cup Series - Final 4

Ruthlandian Union

Claxton Rolls Over Volusia 7-1 in Final 4 Opener
At home at Avalon Stadium, the Claxton Diamonds made it look easy as they rolled over Volusia 7-1 in game one of the RU Final 4 Series. The strong pitching of Dennis Scott (2-1 2.08) shut down the red-hot Vigilantes on seven hits, while striking out seven and walking four in a complete-game performance.

The Diamonds also pounded out 11 hits, led by LF Dixie Baker (.344) with three hits and four RBIs and 3B Bobby Ritter (.368) with three hits and two runs scored. C Allen Lemay (.424) added a two-run home run. Baker hit his 4th roundtripper of the playoffs, a three-run clout. He has driven in 10 runs in the postseason. Reliable Carl Schmitz (3-1 2.59), who has been invincible this postseason, just didn't have it today. He was bashed for nine hits and seven runs in four-plus innings. It was his first loss in the playoffs this year. SS Bobby Farias (.273) accounted for the V's only run with a solo homer.

Tycobbian Union

Turon Takes 1st Game, Bombs Bayview 10-2
The Turon Typhoons blew into Bayview and tore up the Vikings 10-2 in the first game of the TU Pro Cup Final 4 Series. The Typhoons hammered three homers and got a fine outing from James Longstreet (3-1 1.29). The big, tall righthander stymied the big bats of Bayview on seven hits, fanned three and walked three, while going the route and he got great run support with homers from 2B J. L. Lawrence, CF Mac McCurnan and LF Bruce Boatman. Lawrence (.241) hit a grand slam in the six-run first, McCurnan (.391) slammed a two-run shot in the second and Boatman (.300) got a solo job in the fourth. RF Andy Porter (.283) also drove in a pair of runs in the rout. Charley Tubbs (1-2 5.28) took the brunt of the attack and the loss as he allowed six runs in the first inning.

The Islandian Times

Sunday, October 1, 2006

2006 IPA Pro Cup Series - Final 4

Ruthlandian Union

Baker Leads Diamonds to 2-0 Lead in Final 4
Dixie Baker drove in four runs to lead Claxton to a 5-4 comeback win over Volusia to take its second game in a row in the best-of-five Final 4 Series. Baker hit a three-run homer in the seventh to give the Diamonds a 4-3 lead and then won it in the bottom of the ninth with an infield hit that scored 1B Mike Luzzatti (.438), who doubled to lead off the inning. Baker (.361) drove in four runs in the game to give him 14 for the playoffs.

Closer Pat Grange (1-0 0.00) claimed the win with two-thirds of an inning in relief of starter Terry Kuznetsov. Kuznetsov and Hernando Espaderos had both labored to a 4-4 tie after eight and a half innings. Raul Sandoval (0-1 9.64) came on in the ninth for the Vigilantes and lost it. The V's were led at the plate by C Armando Villa (.406), who pounded two homers and drove in three runs. Volusia outhit Claxton 10-6, but dropped the game.

The series will now head south to Volusia for game three. Claxton will try and finish off the Vigilantes at the Jailhouse. One more win will do it.

Final 4 Even, Viks Edge Turon 6-5 in 10 Innings
The Bayview Vikings gained a split in the first two games of the Pro Cup Final 4 Series with Turon. In game two the Viks rallied to tie it up 4-4 in the last of the ninth and then rallied to win it 6-5 in the tenth. 2B Alan Hansen doubled in 3B James Scott with the tying run in the ninth and then Scott won it with a two-run walk-off homer in the tenth. Hansen (.250) topped Bayview with two doubles and three RBIs while Scott (.447) connected on three hits, scored three times and drove in two runs. Scott belted his 3rd roundtripper of the postseason and leads Bayview with 7 RBIs. CF Mac McCurnan (.412) paced the Typhoons with 3-for-5 and two RBIs.

The winning pitcher was reliever Josh Glover (1-0 0.00) and the loser was Jeb Pickett (0-2 8.44). Turon totaled 12 hits to 9 for the Vikings, but left 13 men stranded. Bayview played shoddy defense with four errors and gave up three unearned runs. Turon was flawless in the field.

Games three and four will be hosted by Turon at Typhoon Stadium. If a fifth game is needed, it will be played in Bayview.

The Islandian Times

Monday, October 2, 2006

2006 IPA Pro Cup Series - Final 4

Ruthlandian Union

Wolfe Devours Diamonds 1-0, V's Trail 2-1
Volusia manager Alfonso Feliz took a chance and it paid off handsomely. He gave beleagued pitcher Todd Wolfe the start in game three of the RU Final 4 Series. It was a must game - a loss would have ended the Vigilantes season. Wolfe only had one start in the playoffs this year and was soundly thrashed. Since then he has been relegated to the bullpen. Feliz's gut decision paid off - Wolfe was superb in a 1-0 triumph over the Claxton Diamonds at the Jailhouse. He blanked them on just four singles, fanned seven and allowed four walks. Wolfe more than did his job. The V's are still alive in the playoffs, but still trail Claxton two games to one in the best-of-five series.

Losing pitcher Charlie Murphy (1-1 3.06) and his relief Doug Torvik were almost as tough, but C Armando Villa (.429) walloped a solo homer in the fifth to decide the game. It was Villa's 3rd postseason homer. Murphy worked six innings, yielded only five hits and one run with four Ks and a walk, while Torvik tossed two shutout innings.

Tycobbian Union

Boswell Beats Bayview 3-1, Turon Leads Final 4
At Typhoon Stadium in Turon, Scotty Boswell led the hometowners to a 3-1 victory over Bayview. That put the Typhoons up two games to one in the TU Final 4 Series. Boswell (3-1 2.31) continued his postseason dominance by holding the hard-hitting Vikings to just one run on seven hits. Boswell went the route, fanned eight and walked nobody. Turon took the lead in the opening frame on RF Andy Porter's two-run clout. It was Porter's 3rd roundtripper in the playoffs and 11th RBI. Viking CF Tommy Riddle's (.267) RBI single narrowed it to 2-1 in the fourth and LF Bruce Boatman (.265) made it 3-1 with a single in the fifth inning. The loss was pinned on starter Wally Tidwell (2-2 2.48), who allowed three runs on seven hits in his six-inning stint.

The Islandian Times

Tuesday, October 3, 2006

2006 IPA Pro Cup Series - Final 4

Ruthlandian Union

Final 4 Even, V's Schmitz Dumps Claxton 7-2
Lefty Carl Schmitz worked his magic again as Volusia staved off elimination with a 7-2 decision over Claxton at the Jailhouse to even up the best-of-five Final 4 Series at two games apiece. Schmitz (4-1 2.45) limited the Diamonds to two runs on seven hits and chalked up five Ks and walked none, while hurling a complete game.

The Vigilantes were up 3-2 going into the last of the sixth, when they erupted for three runs to expand the score to 6-2. Another blast gave them a five-run edge in the seventh. C Armando Villa (.410) continued a torrid postseason with his 4th roundtripper, a three-run shot, that gives him 11 RBIs. 3B Warren McDaniel (.273) also had a home run and batted in three runs. Diamond starter Dennis Scott (2-2 2.64) suffered a back injury in the fifth inning and had to be taken out. He was slapped around for three runs in his four-plus innings and took the loss. Scott gave up three hits and walked seven in a lousy outing and departed trailing 3-1.

The series will now switch back to Claxton for the Final 4 finale scheduled for tomorrow afternoon at Avalon Stadium.

Turon Tames Bayview 8-1, Pro Cup Finalist
One of the 2006 Pro Cup finalists has been determined. The Turon Typhoons tamed Bayview 8-1 to take the TU Final 4 Series three games to one. James Longstreet (4-1 1.22) twirled another fine game, scattering eight hits and giving up only one run. Longstreet went the distance, struck out three and issued three bases on balls. The Typhoons backed him up with 11 hits and capped off the victory with a six-run seventh. Turon was paced by RF Andy Porter (.286) with 2-for-3, a homer and a triple, three RBIs and two runs scored. Porter upped his RBI total to 13 in the playoffs. CF Mac McCurnan (.386) added a two-run double and SS J. L. Lawrence (.263) contributed a single, double and two RBIs. Charlie Tubbs (1-3 6.35) suffered the loss as he was battered for all eight runs.

Turon skipper Ashton "Whitey" Richburn was all smiles after the clinching game. He assessed the the series this way, "I am blessed with three fine starters in Longstreet, Boswell and Spiegel and a good bullpen, too. We have a good all-around team with good pitching, hitting and fielding. I like our chances in the Pro Cup Series."

Bayview manager Walter Johanssen told reporters after the game, "Turon's pitchers are very talented. I've got an excellent hitting ball club, but we hardly got to first base against them. The Typhoons will represent Tycobbia very well in the Pro Cup finals. I'll be pulling for Whitey's team."

Turon will represent the Tycobbian Union in the IPA Pro Cup Series and will play the Ruthlandian Final 4 winner, either Volusia or Claxton. The Pro Cup championship series is slated for Thursday, two days from now.

The Islandian Times

Wednesday, October 4, 2006

2006 IPA Pro Cup Series - Final 4

Ruthlandian Union

Claxton Starter Scott Will Miss the Playoffs

The Claxton Diamonds announced today that one of their starting pitchers Dennis Scott is out for the season. He injured his back in the fourth game of the RU Final 4 Series against the Volusia Vigilantes. He suffered the 7-2 loss that evened the series at two games each. Scott was 11-4 in the regular season with a 3.50 ERA. In the postseason he has posted a 2-2 mark with a 2.64 ERA and has been important to the Diamonds playoff success. Scott will be out about a month with a herniated disc.

Claxton manager Stacy Engel told BNN, "This is devasting news. Dennis has been outstanding in the playoffs. He is pitching better than he ever has in his career. He will be greatly missed." Engel said Doug Torvik (17-10 4.30), the #4 starter in the regular season, will take Scott's slot in the postseason. Torvik has been the Diamonds long reliever in the playoffs. He has worked 7 innings in 3 games and compiled a 0-0 record with a 4.91 ERA with one save.

The fifth and deciding game of the series will be played today in Claxton at Avalon Stadium. The winner will proceed to the IPA Pro Cup championship round against the Tycobbian champ, the Turon Typhoons, who disposed of the Bayview Vikings in four games in the Final 4 series.

The Islandian Times

Wednesday, October 4, 2006

2006 IPA Pro Cup Series - Final 4

Tycobbian Union

Volusia KO's Claxton, V's Play for Pro Cup
It will be Volusia and Turon in the 2006 IPA Pro Cup finals. The Vigilantes won the right with a stirring 5-4 triumph over the Claxton Diamonds in the fifth game of the RU Final 4. It was a tense struggle all the way. The V's took an early lead on RF Briscoe Crowder's (.275) solo shot in the second, but Claxton promptly retaliated with a three-run homer by SS Jimmy Marciunas (.381) in the bottom of the inning. Marciunas now has 4 in the playoffs. In the third frame 2B Scooter Perez (.333) tripled and scored on LF Winky Rush's (.347) deep sacrifice fly to narrow the score to 3-2. Volusia moved ahead 4-3 in the sixth on CF Ryan Raines' (.245) two-run blast, his 4th of the postseason. They added a crucial insurance run in the top of the ninth on three singles. 3B Warren McDaniel (.271) got the RBI. Trailing 5-3 in the last of the ninth, the Diamonds made it very interesting. With two outs pinchhitter Rance Murillo doubled to cut the margin to 5-4. However reliever Raul Sandoval got CF Jackie Faust (.200) to ground out to end the game and the series.

The winning pitcher was the V's starter Hernando Espaderos (4-0 3.49), who went seven innings, allowed five hits, three runs, fanned eight and walked four batters. Sandoval (0-1 8.10) got his second save with two innings of relief. He was touched for one run and two hits. Claxton starter Terry Kuznetsov (2-1 5.60) took the loss, yielding four runs on five hits in seven innings of work. He fanned five and walked one. Paul Grange (1-0 1.59) tossed the last two innings for the Diamonds and surrendered one run and four hits.

Turon and Volusia, two former Pro Cup champs, will open the IPA title series tomorrow at Typhoon Stadium in Turon. The first two games will be there. Games three through five, if necessary, will be at the Jailhouse in Volusia. Games six and seven, if needed, will return to Turon. The Typhoons got the home field advantage because of a better regular season record. Turon was 89-65, while the Vigilantes were 88-66. Volusia won the Pro Cup in the inaugural season in 2001, sweeping the Ginza Ninjas in four games. Turon took the crown in 2003, topping the Valmara Vipers in a three-game sweep. This will be the first time a team has won two Pro Cups.

The Islandian Times

Thursday, October 5, 2006

Scribes Pick Turon Over Volusia in Pro Cup Finals
The Islands' baseball writers are giving the edge to Turon in the IPA Pro Cup Series with Volusia this year. It's the first time two Pro Cup champions have played one another in the finals. Volusia took the title in the first year of the league in 2001, while Turon was the crownholder in 2003.

The BNN writers cited Turon's superior pitching and power in choosing the Typhoons over the Vigilantes. Manager Whitey Richburn can call on two 20-game winners in his rotation. James Longstreet was 22-7 during the regular season with a 2.50 ERA. Scotty Boswell was 21-12 with a 2.22 ERA. In the postseason Longstreet is 4-1 with a 1.22 ERA and Boswell is 3-1 and a 2.31 ERA. Overall the team compiled an impressive 3.27 ERA, one of the best in the IPA.

At the plate the Typhoons hit .268 during the season with 139 home runs and 745 runs scored. Turon top batters were C Todd Somerset (.296 BA/29 HR/101 RBI), SS J. L. Lawrence (.309 BA/11 HR/61 RBI/75 R/12 SB), RF Andy Porter (.303 BA/16 HR/70 RBI/73 R/19 SB), CF Mac McCurnan (.300 BA/14 HR/51 RBI/53 R/19 SB), 2B John Paul Trevenot (.300 BA/10 HR/43 RBI/95 R/12 SB) and 3B Eric Hix (.284 BA/17 HR/75 RBI/80 R).

In Volusia manager Alfonso Feliz's best pitchers are Carl Schmitz (23-10 3.02) and Hernando Espaderos (17-11 3.21). Both of them have excelled in the playoffs. Schmitz is 4-1 with a 2.45 ERA, while Espaderos is 4-0 and 3.49. As a team the Vigilantes turned in a 3.60 team ERA.

The V's had a high-powered attack in the regular season with a .278 batting average, one of the tops in the IPA. Volusia scored a lot of runs, too. They tallied 825 runs. However, they hit only 117 roundtrippers. The Vigilantes best bats are CF Ryan Raines (.333 BA/22 HR/106 RBI/115 R/30 SB), 2B Scooter Perez (.310 BA/4 HR/64 RBI/111 R/44 SB), RF Briscoe Crowder (.288 BA/14 HR/88 RBI/85 R/24 SB), SS Bobby Farias (.281 BA/15 HR/76 RBI/99 R/29 SB) and 1B Bob Nash (.302 BA/10 HR/74 RBI/60 R/15 SB).

It could be a low-scoring series as both clubs play in big ballparks and they stress good pitching.

In the 2006 Pro Cup playoffs Turon is 9-5 so far with a 6-2 mark at home. Volusia is 9-4 with a 3-4 road record. The Typhoons are all even at 3-3 out of town... the Vigilantes are unbeaten in 6 games on their home diamond.

The Islandian Times
Thursday, October 5, 2006

2006 IPA Pro Cup Series - Game One at Typhoon Stadium in Turon

Typhoons Win in 10, Edge V's 3-2 in Opener
Good pitching was forecast for the 2006 Pro Cup finals and that's exactly what transpired in the opening game at Turon. The Typhoons edged Volusia 3-2 in 10 innings on a walk-off single by RF Andy Porter (.317), who got three hits in the game and drove in his 13th and 14th runs in the postseason. Scotty Boswell started and went eight strong innings, holding Volusia to two runs and seven hits. Boswell fanned five and walked only two in the victory. Relievers Ronnie Zetterberg and Robby Lee Mason (1-0 1.50) worked a scoreless inning apiece with the win going to Mason.

Turon took the early 1-0 lead on CF Mac McCurnan's (.393) first-inning homer. It was his 12th RBI in the playoffs. The Vigilantes rallied for the lead in the fifth when pitcher Todd Wolfe (.167) tied the score with an RBI grounder and 2B Scooter Perez (.333) made it 2-1 with a sac fly. Porter evened the score at 2-all with a single in the bottom of the eighth. The V's starting pitcher Todd Wolfe (1-1 3.70) pitched well, too. Wolfe held Turon to two runs and five hits over eight innings. He walked four and struck out four. The losing pitcher was Raul Sandoval (0-2 8.22), who came on in the tenth. Volusia outhit the Typhoons in the opener 9 to 8.

The Islandian Times

Friday, October 6, 2006

2006 IPA Pro Cup Series - Game Two at Typhoon Stadium in Turon

V's Even Pro Cup, Nip Turon 5-4 in Game 2
Volusia went from winning in a breeze to winning in a sweat as they nipped Turon 5-4 in game two of the Pro Cup Series. Carl Schmitz had a very comfortable 5-1 edge going into the ninth, but couldn't hold it. Back-to-back homers made it close. The Typhoons cut it to just one run before reliever Tony Hartwig could put out the three-run last-ditch rally.

Schmitz (5-1 2.77) notched the win and evened up the series at one game each. Turon got to him for four runs and eight hits in eight and one-third innings. Schmtiz fanned six batters and walked only one. James Longstreet (4-2 1.72) sustained the loss, going eight innings and giving up five runs. Longstreet suffered from his lack of control as he walked nine. Four of them came in the critical three-run second inning. Longstreet permitted six hits. Walks were involved in all of the Vigilantes runs in the third and ninth innings.

Volusia was outhit by the Typhoons who chalked up 9 to the V's 7. 2B Scooter Perez (.345) and SS Bobby Farias (.204) topped Volusia with a pair of hits apiece, while Turon was led by RF Andy Porter (.328) who homered in the second inning, his 3rd of the playoffs, C Todd Somerset (.302) with a two-run clout in the ninth, his 4th in postseason, and 3B Eric Hix (.250), who collected a solo homer in the ninth.

The teams will now head to the Jailhouse in Volusia for games three and four.

The Islandian Times

Saturday, October 7, 2006

2006 IPA Pro Cup Series - Game Three at Silver River Stadium (The Jailhouse) in Volusia.

Speigel Spins 1-Hitter, Turon Tops V's 3-0
Turon's 23-year-old righthander Freddi Spiegel hurled a career game - a brilliant one hitter to shut out Volusia 3-0 in game three of the IPA Pro Cup Series. The Typhoons now lead the best-of-seven series two games to one. Briscoe Crowder's (.246) second-inning double was the only hit off Spiegel. C Armando Villa (.340) was the only other baserunner as he got on base via an error in the seventh. Spiegel (3-1 2.41) struck out five Vigilantes and walked none in a superb outing. Hernando Espaderos (4-1 3.57) suffered his first loss of the postseason. He allowed three runs on six hits with four Ks in six-plus innings. Turon broke up the scoreless duel in the three-run sixth when SS Roy Flanagan (.391) singled in two runs and Spiegel (.214) also batted in one with a single.

The Islandian Times
Saturday, October 7, 2006

2006 IPA Pro Cup Series - Game Four at Silver River Stadium (The Jailhouse) in Volusia.

NOTE: Sorry, folks... originally I posted game three twice and did not post game four.

VOLUSIA DEADLOCKS PRO CUP SERIES AT 2 GAMES EACH

The Islandian Times

Monday, October 9, 2006

2006 IPA Pro Cup Series - Game Five at Silver River Stadium (The Jailhouse) in Volusia.

Turon Takes Pro Cup Lead, Tops V's 1-0
Both Turon and Volusia had their aces on the hill and it turned out to be an old-fashioned pitchers' duel. When it ended, surprisingly one of the aces won the game with his bat. Turon's James Longstreet (.318), not only hurled a 5-hit shutout against the Volusia Vigilantes, but he also homered in the seventh inning for the only run of the game. The Typhoons won game five 1-0 to take a three games to two lead in the best-of-seven IPA Pro Cup Series. Longstreet (5-2 1.47) went the distance for his fifth postseason triumph this season. He struck out five batters and issued four bases on balls. Carl Schmitz (5-2 2.59) worked seven strong innings and gave up only one run in a losing effort with three strikeouts and no walks.

The Pro Cup Series will now go back to Turon and finished out the playoffs at Typhoon Stadium. One more win will clinched the 2006 Pro Cup for the Typhoons.

The Islandian Times

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

2006 IPA Pro Cup Series - Game Six at Typhoon Stadium in Turon

Turon Wins 2nd Pro Cup, Wins 3-2 in Game 6
They did it again! The Turon Typhoons became the first team to win two IPA Pro Cups. Whitey Ashburn's Typhoons eliminated the Volusia Vigilantes in six hard-fought games to take the crown for the second time in its history. Turon whipped Valmara in 2003 for its first title. This time around it was also great pitching that produced the championship. In game six, Freddi Spiegel (4-1 2.34) fired a five-hitter to beat the Vigilantes 3-2. He went the distance, fanned four and walked two, while outpitching Hernando Espaderos (4-2 3.54). Espaderos also hurled a complete game and only surrendered five hits, struck out three and walked three in defeat. Trailing 2-1 in the seventh, SS Roy Flanagan (.394) tied it up with a single and LF Bruce Boatman (.247) had the game-winner with a single. Just three days ago Spiegel tossed a splendid 1-hit shutout in game three. He blanked the Vigilantes 3-0 to put the Typhoons up 2-1 in the series.

Volusia got its two runs in the first inning on LF Winky Rush's (.278) solo homer and SS Bobby Farias' (.206) base hit. In the last of the second Turon cut the score to 2-1 when C Todd Somerset (.299) singled, advanced to second on a ground-out and rode home on 3B Eric Hix's (.254) double. It remained that way until the decisive seventh.

Manager Ashton "Whitey" Richburn was really beaming after the game. He told reporters, "The first Pro Cup felt great, but it gets even better the second time around. We depend on pitching and defense and it came through for us again this year. Longstreet, Boswell and Spiegel really did their jobs." Turon compiled a great 1.93 ERA in the Pro Cup finals against the Vigilantes and a 2.24 ERA in 20 playoff games.

Volusia's skipper Alfonso Feliz commented during the press conference, "We lost, but I'm still proud of my team. They stood toe-to-toe in every single game and came close to winning. Unfortunately, close only counts in horseshoes. You got to give credit where credit is due. Whitey's starting threesome just might be the best in the IPA. They certainly were in the Pro Cup finals. They held us to a .226 batting average and only 15 runs. A few base hits here and there and we could easily have been the champs. Five of the six games were decided by one run. Turon only scored 19 runs overall. It was a hotly-contested series and they won it. I salute them and congratulate them. The Typhoons are a fine ball club."

James Longstreet won the deciding game in 2003 Pro Cup Series when he beat the Valmara Vipers 5-3 in game three with help from reliever Mac Yokum. Turon swept favored Valmara in three games and were led by Longstreet, closer Yokum and CF Lance Ambrose.

Longstreet was 4-1 with a 1.05 ERA, while Yokum had 5 saves in 7 relief appearances and allowed no runs in 11 innings. Ambrose was the Typhoons top hitter with a .341 batting average, 7 runs batted in and 9 runs scored.

Longstreet was the 2003 Pro Cup Most Valuable Player.

The Islandian Times

Thursday, October 12, 2006

IPA Announces Best Newcomers

Ruthlandian Union Names Top Rookie
Rookies are supposed to be seen, but not heard. At least, that's how most veterans feel. But that's not the case with Elnora's Rick Mulloy. He spoke up loudly and often this season on his way to winning the Ruthlandian Union Rookie of the Year Award for 2006.

To be accurate, the 25-year-old center fielder let his performance do the talking. In his debut season Mulloy piled up some good stats, hitting .289, driving in 76 runs and scoring 125 times, while playing in 147 games. The All-Stars newcomer also had 25 doubles, 12 triples and 24 home runs.

TU Top Newcomer Named
His rookie season has paid off well for Teddy Blanton of the Colchester Elites. He has hit the jackpot. The 27-year-old right fielder topped off his fine first season with the 2006 Tycobbian Union Rookie of the Year Award. It was a season to remember for the Elites newcomer. He wrapped up his inaugural year with a .329 batting average, 24 doubles, 5 triples and 47 home runs. Blanton also had 134 RBIs and scored 106 times.

The Islandian Times

Friday, October 13, 2006

IPA Chooses Top Twirlers For 2006

Snappers Watkins, Golden Arm Award Winner
The Golden Arm Award for 2006 has been presented and the Ruthlandian Union winner is Ernie Watkins of Rocky Rapids. Watkins excelled with an impressive 28-11 record in 39 starts. In 285 innings he yielded 256 hits and 91 walks, while striking out 201 and compiling a fine 2.52 ERA.

Blue Jays Ace TU's Best Pitcher
He's in the early phase of his career, but this past season Titus Bristow performed like a veteran on the hill for the Tuckanarra Blue Jays and walked away with the Tycobbian Union Golden Arm Award in the process.

The 25-year-old Blue Jays star fashioned a 27-7 won-loss record in 2006 with a 1.73 ERA. In 327 innings of work and 39 starts, Bristow struck out 141 while giving up 281 hits and 66 walks. He held opposing batters to a .237 average.

The Islandian Times

Saturday, October 14, 2006

Best Hitters in the IPA Selected

2006 Premier Batter Picked
Charlie Gamble of the Middlefield Roosters proved that you can step out of the shadows and onto the stage if you've got the talent and the drive to hone your skills. Hard work, long hours and a tireless resolve paid off for him today in the form of the Ruthlandian Union Golden Bat Award. Gamble hit for a .338 average while collecting 215 hits, 40 doubles, 2 triples, 52 home runs, 147 RBIs and scoring 120 times. The hard-hitting 32-year-old second baseman led the IPA in RBIs and home runs, while finishing fourth in runs scored.

Courtney TU Selection for 2006 Golden Bat Award
Wherever Oxford's Joe Courtney signs on next year, the Red Cap third baseman will be hauling home a good paycheck after the impressive season he just wrapped up. Courtney received word of his Tycobbian Union Golden Bat Award selection earlier today. That should make him a valuable commodity for next year. This is the second time in his career Courtney has won the much-coveted award. He was the 2003 winner. In 2006 the 32-year-old third sacker boasted a .359 average and a .464 on-base percentage as he piled up 188 hits, 27 doubles, 2 triples, 44 home runs, 118 RBIs and 114 runs scored. Courtney finished third in homers in the IPA.