Wednesday, October 8, 2087
VAUNTED FAIRFAX FROGS CROAK IN IPA FIRST ROUND, SO DID OTHER TOP-RATED TEAMS GINZA, GRAND CITY AND BELLE PLAINE
Apparently none of the lesser lights in the IPA postseason playoffs paid any attention at all to their lightly-regarded reputation. The Tuckanarra Blue Jays, La Claire Lynx, Ranford Bulls and Rocky Rapids Snappers just went out and did their thing on the baseball diamond and they did it well. So long and sayonara to the pundits playoff picks.
The vaunted Pro Cup favorite Fairfax Frogs croaked to the #3 Tucks in 5 games in the first round of the Pro Cup playoffs, #2-ranked La Claire delivered a decisive blow and kicked out the Ginza Ninjas in 7 games, lowly 8th-rated Ranford upset #3 Grand City in 7 games and #7 Rocky Rapids outdueled the #5 Belle Plaine Musketeers in 6 games.
In the Islandian Pro Alliance Title Series it will be Rocky Rapids hosting Ranford in the RU Title round and Tuckanarra welcoming La Claire in the TU Title round. All rounds are best-of-seven series.
BLUE JAYS FLY BY FROGS IN 5 GAMES IN TU FIRST ROUND
And just how did Tuckanarra manage to dispose of the powerful Fairfax Frogs in 5 games? The Bluebirds did it with superb pitching. Their staff completely silenced the super bats of the Frogs, holding them to just 11 runs in the 5 games. Fairfax led the entire IPA in both scoring and pitching this year.
Fairfax started off in a blaze of glory and rallied late for a 7-6 triumph in the opener, but that was the first, last and only offense they produced in the series. The Frogs were very feeble the rest of the way, scoring only 4 runs in the final 4 games.
In game two the Blue Jays took down the Fairfax Frogs by the score of 4-2 and moved into a 1-1 tie in the IPA first-round action. The largest share of the credit belongs to Tuckanarra starter Artie McQuiston, who threw 8 innings of 7-hit ball. He also drove in 2 runs with 2 hits.
In the third game the Tuckanarra Blue Jays got an exceptional performance from starter Danny Patrick, who silenced the Fairfax offense on 4 hits en route to a 4-0 shutout win. The Frogs could never get a bead on the right-handed Patrick, who threw 8 innings of shutout ball. The Blue Jays now had a 2-1 advantage in the best-of-7 series.
Game four was more of the same. Tuckanarra moved to within one game of the TU Title Series, downing the visiting Fairfax Frogs at Central Park Stadium by a score of 2-1. Blue Jays right-hander Jarli Hamilton had a strong outing in which he threw a complete game of 5-hit ball. The win gives the Blue Jays a huge 3-1 advantage in the best-of-7 first-round series. One more loss and Fairfax's fabulous season is over. No Pro Cup for them!
In the TU First Round the Tuckanarra Blue Jays are riding high after eliminating the favored Fairfax Frogs four games to one. The Bluebirds got another great outing from Grant Gossard, who shut them down 3-1 with 8 solid innings. Closer Hoyt Riddle sealed the game and the series with a scoreless 9th, getting his 3rd save.
The Tucks held Pro Cup favorite Fairfax and its high-power attack to just 11 runs in the 5-game series. The Blue Jays staff was magnificent. The Blue Jays tallied only 17 runs in the 5 contests. Patrick (1-0/0.00 ERA/8 IP), Hamilton (1-0/1.00 ERA/9 IP), McQuiston (1-0/2.25 ERA/8 IP) and Gossard (2-0/2.40 ERA/15 IP) dominated the Frogs.
I DO DECLARE LA CLAIRE UPSETS HIGHLY-TOUTED GINZA IN 7-GAME AFFAIR
There was another upset in the other Tycobbian Union First Round Series. La Claire surprised the Ginza Ninjas, nipping them four games to three. However, Ginza began like a ball of fire, running off three victories in the first four games and seemed to be a cinch to win. That's when the Lynx went to town and captured the last three games, the last two in routs.
Playing at home La Claire was victorious over Ginza 2-1 in game one of the Tycobbian Union First Round. Shuggie Garsett and two relievers outpitched Eddy Bohannon. They held the Ninjas to 5 hits to take the opener. Sonny Zambello paced the Lynx with 2 hits and 2 RBIs, including a solo swat. Muzuki Hoshino sparked the Ninjas with an RBI double. Bohannon went all the way, yielding just 2 runs on 6 hits in a very good performance.
In game two the Ginza Ninjas knotted up the series at Capitol Park Stadium, thanks in large part to starter Asmund Bjornstad, who quieted the La Claire Lynx, enabling Ginza to grab the 3-0 win and move into a 1-1 tie in the best-of-7 series. Bjornstad allowed no runs on 5 hits over his eight and one-third innings stint. He walked 2 and struck out 6. Kento Tokota got the final 2 outs for Byornstad. Andy Murdoch led Ginza at the plate with 3 hits, 2 runs and an RBI. Murdoch sent one soaring out of the park in the 7th frame for the game's only circuit clout.
The Ginza Ninjas got a superlative outing from starter Taichi Taka, who silenced the La Claire offense en route to a 3-0 shutout win in third game of the series. Taka blanked the Lynx on 5 hits, fanned 3 and walked only one. The Ninjas now hold a 2-1 advantage in the best-of-7 series. Ginza scored all their runs in the 4th frame on back-to-back-to-back roundtrippers by Muzuki Hoshino, Kazz Yamazaki and Ko Yoshimo. Willem Chrisman suffered the loss, working 7 innings and giving up 3 runs on 8 hits with 5 Ks and no walks. The next game is set to be played tomorrow again at Ninja Stadium.
The Ginza Ninjas moved to within one game of the Tycobbian Union Title Series downing the visiting La Claire Lynx at Ninja Stadium by a score of 4-3. It was a battle of home runs. There were 5 all total, 3 by Ginza. Ninjas left-hander Luis Rosario had a strong outing, going the distance , allowing 10 hits, but only 3 runs. Rosario whiffed 6 batters, while walking only one. The win gives the favored Ninjas a big 3-1 advantage in the best-of-7 series. With no one out in the bottom of the fifth, Andy Murdock barreled up a curveball from Cyrus Mylonas. The result was a 2-run home run, putting the Ninjas in front, 4-0. Riki Miyamoto and Muzuki Hoshino also went deep. La Claire made the game close with a pair of dingers. A 2-run shot by Frechie Devereaux and a solo swat by Sonny Zambello. Mylonas was pinned with the defeat, tagged for 4 runs and 7 hits in 6 innings. The next game is set to be played tomorrow afternoon at Ninja Stadium.
Already down in the TU First Round, the La Claire Lynx put on their best show in the fifth game of the series, beating Ginza by a final score of 4-0 at Ginza Stadium. Starter Shuggie Garsett was special, shutting out the Ninjas on 3 singles in his 8 and one-third innings. Closer Von Eldredge finished up for him. La Claire now trails Ginza 3-2 in the best-of-7 affair. Eddy Bohannon lost again, slammed for 4 runs and 11 hits in 8 frames. Devon Daley and Don Carlin both socked 2 hits and drove in a run. Lyn Holman and Stosh Rudarski drove in the other 2 scores. Sonny Zambello and Judah Woods contributed 2 hits apiece and scored a run. The next game is set to be played Tuesday afternoon in La Claire at Capitol Park Stadium.
The La Claire Lynx and the Ginza Ninjas will take the TU First Round Series to a decisive 7th game. In a must-win situation the Lynx beat clobbered the Ninjas 10-1 at home in game six at Capitol Park Stadium to force the series into what will essentially be a one-game playoff. La Claire first baseman Culver Jensen was 3-5 with a home run and 2 singles, while scoring 3 runs and driving in 4. The Lynx lashed out 15 hits in the rout. Johnny Salsbury and Devon Daley also collected 3 hits each. Sammy Zambello added a pair of hits. The next game is also slated for the Lynx's home field to be played tomorrow afternoon. After trailing 3 games to one, the Lynx are right back even in the series and have the home-field advantage. Ginza ace Asmund Byronstad took it on the chin. La Claire battered him for 7 runs on 10 hits in just 3 innings.
It went the distance, but the La Claire Lynx came back from the dead and rallied from a 3-1 deficit and disposed of the favored Ginza Ninjas, clobbering them 11-6 in the series clincher at Capitol Park Stadium, paced by Sonny Zambello, Lyn Holman and Devon Daley. Zambello and Holman each rapped 4 hits and drove in 3 runs, while Daley pitched in with 2 hits and scored 2 runs. Norman Calder also contributed a 2-run homer. It was a slugfest. The Lynx cracked 15 hits and the Ninjas had 10. Kenshin Yamada led the Ninjas with 2 homers and 4 runs batted in and Muzuki Hoshimo smacked 3 hits., but they didn't get any help from the other big Ninjas sluggers. Ginza cut the La Claire lead to 7-6 in the top of the 7th frame, but Lynx put them away and wrapped up the series with a 4-run 8th.
Winning the seventh-game finale gave the Lynx the series, 4-3. They will now advance to the Tycobbian Union Title Series. The Most Valuable Player Award went to La Claire second baseman Sonny Zambello. He batted .517 in the series, collecting 5 RBIs and scoring 6 runs. La Claire outscored Ginza 30 to 18 in the 7-game series, also sparked by the bats of Devon Daley (.379 BA), Stosh Rudarski (.348 BA), Lyn Holman (.333 BA) and Johnny Salsbury(.320 BA). Shuggie Garsett (2-0/0.61 ERA/14 IP) and Roger Arenado (1-1/2.20 ERA/16 IP) stood out on the hill. Muzuki Hoshino (.407 BA/2 HR) and Andy Murdoch (.321 BA/2 HR) were the prime bats for the Ninjas. Both Taichi Taka (1-1/1.29 ERA/14 IP) and Luis Rosario (1-0/3.00 ERA/9 IP) performed well on the mound.
UNRECOGNIZED RANFORD TOPS FAVORED GRAND CITY IN SEESAW RU FIRST-ROUND SERIES 4-3
The #8-ranked Ranford Bulls pulled off a mild upset over the #4-rated Grand City Cybercats, taming them in a hard-fought 7-game series. In seesaw fashion the teams traded victories throughout the series. Ranford won the series in spite of being outscored 31-22. The Bulls were led by two veteran pitchers 40-year-old Kim Madison (2-0/1.20 ERA/15 IP) and 34-year-old Dayton Stansbury (2-0/1.69 ERA/16 IP).
In the first game of the RU First-Round Series, Ranford got an impressive start on the road from 34-year-old veteran left-hander Dayton Stansbury as the Bulls bested Grand City 4-2 at Syntergy Park. Stansbury threw 8 innings allowing 1 run in the win, which gave the lightly-rated Bulls a 1-0 lead in the best-of-7 series. Ranford used homers by Tommy Clements, Gil Kirchberg and Sherm Barrymore to gain the victory. The next game is also slated to be played tomorrow afternoon in Grand City. Eddy Futch took the loss and surrendered 3 runs in his 7 frames.
In the second game the Grand City Cybercats took down the Ranford Bulls by the score of 5-4 and tied the best-of-seven series at one game apiece. Little Ben Nash's game-tying 2-run homer and Dante Gravolet's game-winning double were the big blows of the game. Winning pitcher Sammy Sledge hurled a complete game. He fanned 7 batters, walked none, while being touched for 10 hits. Roger Whitney suffered the defeat, tagged for 5 runs in 6 innings.
Playing at home at Ranford County Stadium, game three went to the homestanding Ranford Bulls 3-1 behind 40-year-old journeyman hurler Kim Madison. In a strong outing he stiffed Grand City on one run and 7 hits with 4 Ks and no walks. The Bulls now lead the series 2 games to one. Ranford scored all its runs in the first 3 frames off loser Rodney Heroman, who allowed 9 hits in his 6 innings. Kelly Kincaid had an RBI base hit in the first frame, Madison's sac fly scored a run in the second and Christopher Jung finished the scoring with a 3rd-inning clout. Grand City's Winky Brewer's blast in the 6th spoiled Madison's shutout. Game four is also set to be played tomorrow afternoon in Ranford.
It was Grand City's turn to win in the seesaw series. The Cybercats knotted up the RU First-Round Series at Ranford County Stadium, thanks to the shutout pitching of Dale Stonestreet, who quieted the Ranford Bulls 8-0 on a 4-hit masterpiece, enabling the C'Cats to move into a 2-2 tie in the best-of-7 series. Stonestreet got excellent run support. Dimitris Tsoukalas homered, doubled and drove in 4 runs. Raul Carrero added a homer, single and 3 ribbies. Game five will also be played in Ranford.
Game 5 was big. So was Dayton Stansbury. The veteran fired 8 strong innings as the Ranford Bulls defended their home turf to seize a 3-2 lead in the best-of-7 Ruthlandian Union First-Round Series. The Bulls slipped past Grand City 4-3. Stansbury limited the Cybercats to 2 runs and 5 hits with 6 strikeouts and 2 walks. Ranford took the lead 4-2 with 3 runs in the last of the 8th, highlighted by Mel Tillis' 2-run double. Christopher Jung and Jakob Heidelberger also doubled in runs for the winners. Samuel Stamps and Dante Gravolet homered for Grand City. Eddy Futch lost for the second time in the series, rapped for 3 runs and 7 hits in 8 innings. The Cybercats return home for the final two games of the series.
In game six at home, the big bats of the Grand City Cybercats were booming. The C'Cats banged 3 out of the park in an 11-4 thrashing of the Ranford Bulls, knotting the series at 3 games each to force a 7th game in first-round RU action. Raul Carrero, Noel Jolivette and Winky Brewer all blasted 2-run roundtrippers to bash the Bulls. Grand City got strong relief work from Gordy Stockton, Vernon Plante and Eddy Futch. The trio blanked the Bulls the last 5 and one-third innings. Stockton picked up the win, while the loss went to Ranford starter Roger Whitney, who was scorched for 7 runs in just 5 frames. It was Whitney's second defeat in the series. Game seven is tomorrow afternoon at Syntergy Park.
The Ranford Bulls are on their way to the Ruthlandian Union Title Series after outlasting the Grand City Cybercats, sparked by 40-year old southpaw Kim Madison, who won 2 games in the series. In game seven Madison befuddled the C'Cats on 4 hits in his 6 innings. He whiffed 4 and didn't walk anyone in a masterful performance. Closer Rafael Buenaventura sealed the series with his 3rd save with 3 scoreless frames. Madison outpitched Rodney Heroman, who permitted 2 runs on 8 hits in 6 frames, walked no one and fanned 3 batters. It was his second defeat in the series. The game was a scoreless duel until the top of the 5th when the Bulls tallied twice on a single by Christopher Jung and a two-bagger by Gil Kirchberg. Little Ben Nash got Grand City on the scoreboard with an RBI double in the bottom of the 6th. Ranford's Tyke Nolte finished the scoring with an 8th inning solo swat. Christopher Jung was voted the series MVP. He put up a .333 BA with a .419 on-base percentage in the series. He also had 1 home run, drove in 5 runs and scored 6 runs himself. Other Ranford batting contributors were Tyke Nolte (.400), Sherm Barrymore (.290 BA) and Gil Kirchberg (.267 BA). On mound Madison (2-0/1.20 ERA/15 IP), Dayton Stansbury (2-0/1.69 ERA/15 IP) and Buenaventura (0-0/2.57 ERA/3 saves/7 IP/4 games). Grand City's key performers at the plate were Raul Carrero (.385 BA/2 HR/8 RBI), Little Ben Nash (.308 BA/4 RBI), Dimitris Tsoukalas (.250 BA/1 HR/5 RBI) and Winky Brewer (.233 BA/2 HR/5 RBI). Top twirlers were Dale Stonestreet (1-0/0.00 ERA/8 IP) and Eddy Futch (0-2/3.24 ERA/17 IP/3 games).
ROCKS SOCK MUSKIES IN 6 GAMES, ADVANCE TO RU TITLE ROUND
Staked to a 7-4 lead at home at Snapper Stadium, Dobie Mortenson, 13-5 during the season, held Belle Plaine to just one earned run in his 7 innings and Rocky Rapids held on to edge the Musketeers 7-6 in the opening game of the Ruthlandian First-Round Series. The Snappers handled 20-game winner Marcel Giroud (20-5/2.71 ERA) fairly easily, ripping him for 6 runs in 6 innings. Eugene Ganley (.298 BA/9 HR) belted a 3-run homer in the 6th to give Rocky Rapids the lead 6-3. Tony Nobles (.263 BA/21 HR) added a solo shot in the 8th. The Muskies rallied for 3 runs in the 9th, but fell short. Jean-Paul Lacombe (.358 BA/28 HR) slammed a 2-run smash in the inning. Rocky Rapids played lousy defense, but overcame the 4 miscues. The two clubs meet again this afternoon in Rocky Rapids. The Snappers have the homefield advantage in the best of 7-game series. Belle Plaine is a slight favorite. The Musketeers are rated the 5th-best team in the IPA playoffs, while the Snappers are picked 7th.
in game two of the RU First Round Belle Plaine got a standout start from Claude Woodhouse (14-13/3.56 ERA) on the road. Woodhouse spun a jewel, stopping Rocky Rapids 4-0 to even the series at one game each. Game three is set for Belle Plaine this Friday. Woodhouse held the Snappers to just 5 hits, struck out 5 and gave up 2 bases on balls. He went all the way for the win. Anthony Taliaferro (.292 BA/11 HR) cracked 2 out of the park to spark the Muskies' attack. Bobby Ray Timberlake (15-10/4.02 ERA) notched the loss, tagged for 3 runs and 9 hits in 6 innings. Overall Belle Plaine collected 11 hits.
Back in the comfort of their homefield, Musketeer Stadium, for the third game of the series Belle Plaine took advantage of it and clobbered the visiting Rocky Rapids Snappers 11-2, battering them for 13 hits. Frankie Holstein (17-9/372 ERA) was on the hill, hurling a complete game. The Snappers got 7 hits, but only 2 runs. Holstein fanned 6 batters and walked just one in an outstanding outing. This win gave Belle Plaine a two games to one edge in the best-of-seven series with game four and five also at their home place. The Muskies mauled Nelson Goodlee (3-0/1.77 ERA) for 4 runs in 6 innings. The bullpen did even worse, giving up 7 more scores. Jean-Luc Lacombe (.358 BA/107 RBI) led the way at the plate with 3 RBIs. Callum Hayford (.291 BA/89 RBI), Viggo Frandsen (.265 BA/41 RBI) and Olav Frandsen (.267 BA/45 RBI) pitched in with 2 ribbies apiece.
It's all even again in RU First-Round action. Rocky Rapids' Sal Brooks (13-13/4.12 ERA) rockin' and rolling'. The 25-year-old right-hander sat down hard-hitting Belle Plaine 3-2, yielding only 5 hits and 2 runs in 8 innings. Sandy Noland (6-2/4.31 ERA/13 saves/38 games) relieved and got the last 3 outs to get his 2nd save in the series. Pinch hitter Herm Chatham (.323 BA/11 HR/47 RBI) provided the eventual gamewinner, a run-scoring double in the 7th frame. Nelson Sinquefield (12-11/3.88 ERA) absorbed the loss, allowing 3 runs in his 7 innings. He had 6 Ks and walked none. Jean-Luc Lacombe (.358 BA/28 HR/107 RBI) acconted for the Musketeers only runs with a 2-run rip.
Game five in Belle Plaine was a huge game and Rocky Rapids got a huge game from Dobie Mortenson (13-5/2.94 ERA). In a brilliant performance the 27-year-old righty was in total command, shutting out the Musketeers 1-0 on just 2 measly and miserly hits. This gave the Snappers a three to two edge in the best-of-seven series. One more victory and its on to the Ruthlandian Union Title Series. A Tony Nobles (.263 BA/21 HR/77) double and a Julian Duvauchelle (.271 BA/10 HR/65 RBI) single made Mortenson a winner over reliever John Michael Rupp (12-11/5.26 ERA). Rocky Rapids only managed 8 hits themselves. Belle Plaine ace Mike Giroud (20-5/2.71 ERA) was also superb, matching Mortenson zero for zero for 6 and two-thirds innings. Walks got him in trouble in the 7th and he needed relief. Rupp got him out of it, but lost it in the 8th. Dominque Roche (.302 BA/16 HR/84 RBI) was the only Musketeer to get a hit. He got both of them, both of them singles. That was all, y'all. The teams will be off today and tangle in game six on Tuesday afternoon in Rocky Rapids.
The Rocky Rapids Snappers rocked Belle Plaine for 3 homers in game six and copped the series in 6 games. The Snappers were powered by home-run power in the 6-3 triumph. Bobby Ray Timberlake led the way for Rocky Rapids, turning in a strong performance on the mound. He was backed up by 3 homers by Mickey Starbuck (.283 BA/17 HR/71 RBI), Tony Nobles (.262 BA/21 HR/77 RBI) and Julien Duvauchelle (.271 BA/10 HR/65 RBI). Timberlake (15-10/4.02 ERA) held the heavy bats of Belle Plaine to one earned run and 5 hits in 7 innings. Sandy Noland (6-2/4.31 ERA/13 saves) posted his 3rd save of the series. He whiffed 4 batters in his 2 innings and didn't permit a base hit to close out the game and the series. Dodie Mortenson was named series MVP. The MVP had a 0.56 ERA over 16 innings and chalked up a 2-0 record. During the regular season Mortenson was 13-5 with an impressive 2.94 ERA.
