[Eugene Church]

2088 Ruthlandian South Season Review

SUNBIRDS TOP RU SOUTH START-TO-FINISH; BLACKHAWKS, CYBERCATS CLOSEST RIVALS
For the fifth time in the last six seasons the Belair Beach Sunbirds snared the Ruthlandian South crown. The Sunbirds led the division all year long, but not by much. Belair Beach had pressure from 4 or 5 clubs during the season and never had much of a lead. The Sunbirds just played steady ball the entire year and didn't have a losing month. They were chosen the second-best team in the preseason poll. Grand City was supposed to repeat as division champion, however the Cybercats wound up in the third spot in the standings, trailing by 7 games. Grand City ran a very close second until after the All-Star Game when they slipped to a fairly distant third. The pitching-rich Valka Blackhawks came in second, 5 GB. Lack of scoring greatly hampered Valka and Grand City. Belair Beach had the best offense in the RU South and coupled that with solid pitching to prevail as pennant winners. It was a super-tight race until midseason with five teams bunched together. First to 5th place was a short span of only 5 and a half games. The other two contenders were San Dimas and Crystal Lake. The Firebrands and the Skippers both faded quickly in the second half of the season and dropped totally out of contention. Belair Beach has their sights dead set on its third Pro Cup Trophy in the last five seasons. The Sunbirds are a good all around club and just might pull it off. Compared to the 2086 IPA champions, the current Sunbirds have kicked it up a notch at the plate and on the hill. They will be in the running for the IPA overall crown.