ISLANDIAN PRO ALLIANCE (RUTHLANDIA and TYCOBBIA BASEBALL UNIONS)

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Friday, July 27, 2001

Tycobbian Union - West Division

Frogs Leslie Beats Bucs 6-2 for 13th Win
First place Fairfax got back on the winning track with a 6-2 triumph over Bay St. Clair at the Frog Pond. The 6'7" tall and lanky lefthander Jackie Leslie (13-8 3.66) was on target, holding the hot-hitting Buccaneer batters to just five hits, while fanning eight and walking four. It was his 13th win this year. The Frogs racked up 10 hits with six doubles and a homer. They were paced by third baseman Stan Cobb (.321) with two doubles and two RBIs, center fielder Billy Echevarria (.283) scored twice, batted in two and had two hits, shortstop Warren Lee (.324) had two hits, including his 7th roundtripper, and second baseman Cecil Parmenter (.361) was 2-for-2 with two runs scored and an RBI. For the Bucs, first baseman George Lyons (.266) had three hits and his 20th home run. Young 17-year-old Hal Meissner (2-2 3.24) showed his age a little bit. He was rapped for four runs and five hits in five innings for the loss.

Fairfax (57-43) is now 11.5 games ahead of last place Bay St. Clair (46-55).

7-Run Inning Halts Vikings Streak at Three
After seven innings it seemed like Bayview would win a fourth consecutive game. Manager Walter Johanssen's crew had a 5-2 lead at the time, but then the roof caved in on them -- Arlon scored at will in the last of the eighth, chalking up 7 runs in the inning for a 9-5 comeback victory, spearheaded by RBI doubles by catcher Smoke Zakharov (.239), second baseman Karl Detwiler (.308) and left fielder Matt Merrill (.317). The Champs smacked 13 hits off three Viking hurlers, most of them off losing pitcher Jerry Harrison (11-7 3.41), who dropped his third decision in a row. Harrison gave up six runs and nine hits in seven and two-thirds innings. Skipper Gary Louis got excellent relief work. A four-run first make it look like a long day for his club, but relievers Burnell Bradford, Rod Kelley and Ray Hunt held Bayview to one run over the remaining eight innings. Bradford worked four innings, the fourth through the seventh and gave up only one run, Kelley (6-2 3.69) got credit for the victory with a runless top of the eighth and Hunt sat the Vikings down in the ninth.

Bayview (53-49) is now 5 games behind first place Fairfax (57-43) in the Tycobbian Union West Division. The Champions are fourth in the race, 8 games out.

Blue Sox Rally for 12-7 Win Over Lynx
The Blue Lake Blue Sox were on the road, playing at Capitol Park Stadium in La Claire and trailing 7-2 after seven innings. Not a good scenario. But then they rallied for ten runs over the final two frames for a 12-7 victory. A huge 8-run eighth told the whole story. Both clubs had three roundtrippers each in the hitfest with the Blue Sox cranking out 13 hits to 11 for the Lynx. Second baseman Ken Bennett (.271) with a three-run homer and shortstop Cy Orgeron (.272) with a two-run blast led the rally. Left fielder Greg Boone (.295) also had a bases-empty home run. Right fielder Doyle Osborne (.318) had three hits and two RBIs for the winners and first baseman Fred Taranto (.298) batted in two runs. The big guns for La Claire were third baseman Luis Marquez (.286), left fielder Rich Hart (.250) and first baseman Francisco Robles (.284). They all went downtown with Marquez and Hart each driving in three scores, and Robles one in the loss. Clint McPherson (4-5 4.41) won the game with a perfect seventh and Russ Courtney (5-3 2.39) closed it out for his 12th save by blanking the Lynx in the last two frames. Nick Baumgartner (3-7 3.67) took the loss and didn't evem get an out in the eighth, yielding three runs - but only one earned.

The triumph was a good one for Blue Lake (50-50), it enabled them to keep undisputed possession of third place. The Blue Sox are 7 games out of first and a game ahead of fourth place Arlon (49-51). Fifth palce La Claire (47-54) sank to 10.5 games back with the disappointing defeat.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Saturday, July 28, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - North Division

Blasters Win 4th From Redhawks, Takeover 1st Place
The Colfax Blasters outscored Far Mountain 11-9 to take their fourth straight game from the Redhawks at Sky High Stadium and take over first place in the Ruthlandian Union North Division. The Blasters boomed 16 hits and now have a half-game lead in the super-tight pennant race with five of the six teams in the running. Right fielder Blinky Brandon (.305) and first baseman Dennis Cole (.336) both had two-run homers to spark them to victory. It was Cole's 29th and Brandon's 5th of the year. Brandon went 4-for-5 and score three times, while Cole drove in three runs and scored twice. Second baseman Tucker Hill (.330) chipped in three hits in six at-bats, scored twice and batted in a run and left fielder Rodney Rich (.333) added a two-run double. Colfax charged out to a 9-0 margin after four and a half innings, then had to hold on as the Redhawks came back with a vengeance, but just had to far to go. Trailing 11-4 in the eighth they made it close with five runs, but fell short. Closer Vic Jankovich (3-0 0.79) came in and shut down the rally and got the last five outs for winning pitcher Jim Dreyer (4-0 4.04), who was pounded hard for 12 hits in seven-plus innings and gave up all nine runs. Far Mountain center fielder Hawk Gallagher (.304) had the big blow, a grand slam, his only hit in the game. Shortstop Joey Cannizzaro (.317) also went 2-3 and drove in three runs in defeat. The Redhawks racked up 14 hits, but to no avail. John Luzzatti (9-8 3.47) had a dismal day and suffered the loss, being ripped for nine hits and six runs in four and two-thirds innings.

Colfax (54-47) is now in the top spot in the division standings with a scant half-game edge over second place Far Mountain (54-48).

A's Dump Vigilantes 7-2, Led by Reynolds, Byorvik
Glasco third baseman Zach Byorvik (.252) rapped out three hits and drove in four runs and center fielder Chet Reynolds (.290) slammed a three-run home to dump Volusia 7-2 at Athletics Field. For Byorvik it was homer number 9 and number 6 for Reynolds. The Athletics got only 8 hits overall, but bunched them well. Though he suffered control problems with 8 walks, 18-year-old Bobby Joe Belvin (1-2 2.17) was tough with runners in scoring position. He only gave up two runs in six and a third-innings. Reece Kilham (1-2 4.66) came to his rescue and got him out of a bases-loaded one-out situation and didn't allow a run to score. But Kilham walked the first two batters in the eighth and closer Ray Cook (3-4 1.95) came in from the bullpen and did his job to perfection - six up, six down with two strikeouts to nail down the win. The Vigilantes left a dozen runners on base. V's starter Kit Kivett (9-6 4.05) allowed five runs and caught the loss. He departed in the fifth, trailing 5-0.

Volusia (52-50) lost a golden opportunity to make the division even tighter. The V's are only 2.5 games out of first place, while Glasco (48-52) is 5.5 games out in fifth place.

Wojcik Fires 2-Hitter, Vipers Pop All-Stars 6-3
The Valmara Vipers Gerry Wojcik (3-2 4.08) restricted the All-Stars to just two hits in his 6-3 win at State Fair Park in Elnora. The 20-year-old righthander struck out eight and went the distance, allowing only right fielder Paul Giles (.274) and second baseman Gil Foster (.351) to get hits. Giles accounted for all three runs with his 21st homer in the fourth to tie the game at 3 runs apiece. It stayed that way until the Vipers wrapped up the win with three in the eighth inning, highlighted by a two-run error by left fielder Quincy Peterson, which cost Elnora the game. All-Star starter Tyrone Gray (7-11 3.88) struggled and went down to defeat, allowing six runs - four earned - in his seven and a third innings. Valmara pelted Elnora pitchers for 11 hits, led by Yoshi Motsuzuki (.303) and left fielder Louis Sharp (.320) with three hits apiece. Center fielder Jan Szymanski (.271) also collected his 100th RBI this season, tops in the IPA.

The Vipers (51-50) have moved up to challenge the RU North leaders and have drawn within 3 games of the top spot. Elnora (45-57) is last, 9.5 games off the pace.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Saturday, July 28, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - South Division

Waleska's Carter Winner over Marston Nine 4-1
At Westerner Field in Waleska the hometown Westerners got the best of the first place Marston Nine 4-1 as Smokey Joe Carter notched victory number 13. Carter (13-9 3.31) stymied Marston on six hits and a run, struck out nine and walked only one in a strong route-going effort. Shortstop Jinx Giarussa (.311) had two singles and batted in two runs to lead Waleska. Center fielder Rick Vaughn (.307) and third baseman Yoshihide Nishida (.289) drove in the other two scores with sacrifice flies. The Westerners ran up a 4-0 lead in the first four frames off loser Casey Ledbetter (12-7 3.49). Waleska outhit the Nine 9 to 6.

Marston (57-43), the top club in the RU South, has a 9.5-game edge over the fourth place Westerners.

Sunbirds Sock Lumberjacks 9-5, Escape Cellar
Belair Beach ran up a 5-0 lead after six innings, saw Forest City cut it to 5-3 in the top of the seventh, then the Sunbirds finished them off with a four-run outburst in the bottom half of the inning to make it 9-3. The Lumberjacks got two more in the ninth, but fell short 9-5. The victory enabled the Sunbirds to climb out of last place in the standings. Belair Beach bashed 12 hits and were sparked by third string catcher Jarred Carbone (.286), who had two hits and five RBIs in a rare start. First baseman Phil Gravelli (.345) went 3-for-4, scored twice and batted in a run and center fielder Bobby Joe Morris (.324) was 2-for-4, scored one and drove in one. Lefthander Carl Thompson (13-8 2.63) was knocked around a bit, but picked up his 13th win. He went the distance, allowed eight hits and five runs, struck out 11 and issued two bases on balls. Forest City first baseman J. T. Edmonds (.304) collected two hits, scored two and had a two-run homer, his 14th. Losing pitcher Brian Charles (4-6 4.38) only lasted five innings and gave up five runs.

The Forest City Lumberjacks (54-48) are second in the RU South Division, 4 games off the pace. Belair Beach (47-54) moved up out of the basement into fifth place and are 10.5 games back.

Sugar Valley Squeezes by Claxton 4-3
It started all wrong for Sugar Valley as Claxton belted them for three runs in the opening frame, but the Rattler staff settled down and blanked the Diamonds the rest of the way to capture a 4-3 verdict. Catcher Slingshot McFall's (.299) two-run double won it for them in the seventh inning. Middle reliver Bud Flynn (2-0 5.40) got credit for the victory with two scoreless innings with Gregg Neal (8-5 2.04) copping his 13th save by shutting down the Diamonds in the last two frames. Sugar Valley third baseman Jorge Vargas (.334) drove in two runs and had two hits, while second baseman Rudi Oliver (.340) cracked two hits and scored twice. Alex Vanzetti (7-4 2.70) pitched a complete game for Claxton and took the loss. He was battered for 11 hits, but only allowed four runs. Center Fielder Wayne Wilson (.281) had four hits to pace the Diamonds with catcher Howie Peterson (.242) adding two hits and two RBIs.

The third place Rattlers (50-50) are back up to the .500 mark and trail division-leading Marston (57-43) by 7 games, while Claxton fell down into the cellar with the setback, 11 games out of first place.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Saturday, July 28, 2001

Tycobbian Union - East Division

Ginza's Rousakis Stops Nats 5-1
Ginza righthander Vic Rousakis (11-11) stood out on the hill with an impressive 5-1 victory over the Ozarka Naturals at Ninja Stadium. Rousakis (11-11 3.77) went all the way, fanned nine and held the Nats to six hits, while giving up three walks. It was a scoreless tie for five and a half innings between Rousakis and Sid Hyder, who had a one-hitter. But the Ninjas bats broke it open in the sixth with five runs and sent Hyder (4-3 3.83) to the showers, First baseman Kenshin Yamamoto (.318) had the big hit in the inning, a base-clearing three-run double. Ozarka's third baseman Doug Cunningham (.263) had the only homer in the game, his 24th of the season.

First place Ginza (58-43) has a 9-game lead over the fourth place Naturals (49-52) in the Tycobbian Union East race.

Zorros Rally Late, Nip South Fork 4-3
The hometown Zorros hit the ball all over De la Vega Stadium for seven innings, but couldn't put a dent in the scoreboard. South Fork's Flint Battle (13-8 2.51) stranded runners right and left and had a 3-0 lead, but couldn't make it last. Luxora jumped on him for three runs in the bottom of the eighth to tie the score. Four singles and a wild pitch evened it up. Small ball won it for the Z's in the ninth. Catcher Eric Richter started the inning with a single, was sacrificed to second, advanced over to third on a ground out, then raced across the plate with the game-winner on second baseman Paco Benitez's (.252) line drive single to center. Luxora torched Stallion pitching for 14 hits, paced by Richter (.322) and left fielder Pedro Vizquel (.303) each with three hits. South Fork third basemen Glenn Holliday (.289) doubled and homered for two RBIs in defeat. Holliday now has 22 home runs for the year. Battle worked eight innings, was tagged for a dozen base hits, but left a lot of runners standed. Glenn Turnbull (6-5 3.12) took over for him in the ninth and absorbed the defeat. The Zorros got effective pitching from starter Chris Pierce (8-9 3.86), who went seven innings, fanned six, walked two and gave up three runs on five hits over seven innings. Middle reliever Andy Stevens (3-6 3.43) had a perfect eighth inning and closer Roberto Martinez (9-3 1.97) plucked the win, putting down the Stallions in the ninth, although they put two men on base and threatened to go ahead.

Second place South Fork (56-46) slipped a game further back in the standings and is now 2.5 games behind the top club, the Ginza Ninjas (58-43). Luxora (45-55) is in the fifth spot in the division and 12.5 games behind.

Hellcats Reed Masters Hurricanes 2-1
Hartsdale's 24-year-old righthander Phil Reed mastered the third place Cape Coral Hurricanes 2-1 with a very well-pitched 5-hitter. Reed (10-6 2.81) fanned five and walked none for his 10th win of the season. A single and three walks forced in a run in the first inning to put the Hellcats up 1-0. Right fielder Mel Poe (.256) got the RBI. In the fourth, catcher Rick Clark's single (.287) knotted the score at 1-1. Hartsdale won it in the seventh when third baseman Whiz Weaver (.283) walked, moved to second on a ground out and was driven in by shortstop Mike Burke's (.259) base hit. The Hellcat numbered only seven hits in the game. There were no extra-base hits. Loser Gary Fountain (7-7 4.22) worked a good game except for wildness - he walked seven. Fountain gave up only two runs on six hits.

Cape Coral (51-50) dropped 7 games out in the Tycobbian East with the loss. Hartsdale (44-57) is last and 14 games behind.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Saturday, July 28, 2001

Tycobbian Union - West Division

Hankins Homers, Bucs Edge Frogs 4-3
For the third time in four days, the surprising last place Bay St. Clair Buccaneers have knocked off first place Fairfax. They did it this time on a Chuck Hankins ninth-inning homer to edge the Frogs 4-3 at the Frog Pond. It came off one of the best closers in the IPA, Takehide Takahashi (8-5 1.50), who gave up three runs and four hits over the last two innings to garner the loss. Only one of the runs, however, was earned. Takahashi came on in the eighth with a 2-1 lead, but couldn't nail down the victory for starting pitcher Robbie Meredith (10-5 2.91). It was Hankins (.312) 12th home run of the season. Though he gave up a tying run in the bottom of the eighth, Kenny Metcalf (5-2 3.93) got credit for the win. Chris Van Arden (4-1 1.90) sealed the verdict by holding the Frogs without a run in the ninth. It was his 6th save. Meredith went six and two thirds innings and allowed only one run on five hits. Duncan McFalls (7-3 3.19) started for the Bucs and worked seven good innings. He gave up only two runs on five hits.

Fairfax (57-44) is now 10.5 games ahead of last place Bay St. Clair (47-55).

Viks Vardaman Shut Outs Champs 7-0
Strong pitching and strong hitting are a tough combination to beat. Second place Bayview got 'em both today at Derby Downs in Arlon and bashed the Champions 7-0. Southpaw Tony Vardaman (2-0 1.98) was razor-sharp in blanking Arlon, fanning seven batters with no walks, while permitting eight hits. He was backed with a 15-hit assault. Third baseman Vic Boldt (.254) hit a three-run homer and center fielder Phil Kanaan (.302) cashed in with a two-run blast to lead the way for the Vikings. Arlon's Connie Gavagan (2-3 1.33) was ripped hard for 12 hits and four runs in seven-plus innings to get the loss.

The win enabled runner-up Bayview (54-49) to knock a game off Fairfax's (57-44) lead in the Tycobbian Union West race. The Vikings are now just 4 games behind them. Arlon (49-52) is in fourth place and stands 8 games off the pace.

Hart's 2-Run Shot Wins It For LaClaire
The La Claire Lynx pulled out a victory 3-2 over Blue Lake on Rich Hart's two-run roundtripper in the eighth inning off Mickey Dwyer. Pat Daniels (10-5 3.48) went the distance to ring up his 10th win of the season. Daniels tossed a solid game, allowed seven hits and two runs with six Ks and a base on balls. Dwyer (2-2 2.93) was the loser as he yielded three runs on ten hits with four strikeouts and two walks. Left fielder Hart (.255) sparked La Claire with 3-4 and two runs batted in. The Lynx picked up ten hits overall.

The Blue Lake Blue Sox (50-51) are in the third spot in the standings and trail first place Fairfax (57-44) by 7 games. La Claire (48-54) is in the fifth spot and are 9.5 games out.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Sunday, July 29, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - North Division

Wow! Blasters Win 5th Straight From Redhawks
The Colfax Blasters came to Far Mountain trailing by 3.5 games in the RU North and so far they have won all five games in the series to take a 1.5-game lead in the pennant chase. To do it, they had to come back from a 6-0 deficit after two innings to win 9-6. In the opening game of a twinbill, shoddy defense gave the Redhawks four unearned runs in the first inning. After scoring single runs in the third and fifth frames, the Blasters needed a 6-run rally in the seventh inning to pull it off. Colfax ripped Far Mountain pitching for 15 hits, led by new left fielder Rodney Rich, who just came over in a trade from Marston of the RU South. Rich (.377) doubled, homered and went 5-for-5 with three RBIs and scored twice. Right fielder Pat Lott (.277) added two hits and two RBIs, while second baseman Tucker Hill (.333) was 3-for-6 with two runs scored and one batted in. The Redhawks had 8 hits and were paced by third baseman Johnny Strickland (.290) with a two-run double. Center fielder Hawk Gallagher (.305) and right fielder Sid Cameron (.389) each delivered two base hits. Manager Clem Rogers got excellent work out of his bullpen as Val Watford (2-1 3.80), Irv Panko (1-2 3.33) and Jasper LaForge (0-0 0.00) only gave up one run and five hits between them over the final eight and two-thirds innings. Watford got credit for the win, while LaForge picked up his first save in his first game ever in the IPA. Bud Ford was stuck with the defeat as he was shelled for eight runs and thirteen hits in five and two-thirds innings. Ford blew a 6-0 lead.

FM Salvages Nightcap, Ends Colfax 5-Game Streak
The second place Far Mountain Redhawks finally salvaged a game in the 6-game series with first place Colfax, taking the nightcap 7-4 with a 13-hit attack. The win snapped their losing string at five moved them within a half-game of the top spot in the division. Stan Lamoreaux (7-4 4.36) pitched a six-hitter, cutting down 13 batters on strikes, while walking only two. Lamoreaux (.222) also tripled in two runs. Third sacker Al Nixon (.251) also drove in a pair of runs for the winners. First baseman Dennis Cole (.334) was the big gun for Colfax with two homers, number 30 and 31 for the season. Cole is second in the RU in home runs and also second in RBIs with 96. He batted in three in this game. Robbie Smith (7-7 3.13) was pegged with the defeat, allowing seven runs, only two earned, in four and a third innings.

Colfax (55-48) has a half-game edge in the RU North standings and now also leads Far Mountain (55-49) in the season series 13-12.

McDougall Homers Twice, A's Slip by V's in Opener
In the first game of a doubleheader at Athletics Field, Glasco right fielder Lee McDougall (.265) homered twice and knocked in all four runs to slip by Volusia 4-3. Righthander Jerry Smith (12-11 3.87) toughed out all nine innings for his 12th triumph this season. Smith gave up three runs and eight hits, but no runs over the last four innings. He fanned nine and walked none in a fine outing. McDougall's last homer came in the fifth and put Glasco ahead to stay. Portsider Lenny Collins (10-6 2.99) lost for the first time in his last six decisions, yielding four runs on eight hits with four Ks and three walks. Collins also pitched the entire game. Vigilante shortstop Scooter Perez (.375), the RU-leading batter with a .375 mark, walloped his 7th home run in the first inning and left fielder Winky Rush (.288) got his 9th one in the fifth frame.

V's Win Game Two, Split Twinbill with A's
In game two of the doubleheader, Volusia's Raul Sandoval got the best of Glasco's Jesse Balfour en route to a 6-2 decision. Sandoval (11-11 3.25) held the Athletics to five hits, fanned ten and walked nobody in a very strong outing. He outpitcherd Balfour (9-10 3.18), who left trailing 3-2 after eight innings. Balfour was almost as effective as Sandoval as he struck out nine and gave up no walks. The Vigilantes got nine hits off him and 12 in the game. Shortstop Scooter Perez (.378) socked three hits and had a pair of RBIs to lead Volusia at the plate. First baseman Alejandro Salazar (.293) and catcher Jojo Nunez (.270) contributed two hits and two RBIs to the V's attack. Second baseman Barry McCord (.304) was just about the only Glasco threat. He doubled, homered, scored twice and batted in a run.

Volusia (53-51) is now deadlocked with Valmara for third in the RU North, only 2.5 games off the pace of first place Colfax (55-48) with Glasco (49-53) fifth, trailing by just 5.5 games.

Vipers Edge Elnora 3-2 in Single Game
In the only single game in the RU North today, the Valmara Vipers won 3-2 in a tight squeeze over Elnora to rack up their 3rd consecutive victory. They are now tied with Volusia for the third spot in the division. Catcher Yoshi Motsuzuki (.302) tied the score at 1-1 in the third with his 12th homer. In the fourth first baseman Yank Jankowski (.324) made it 2-1 with his 6th of the year. Jankowski also drove in the eventual winning run in the sixth with a sac fly. Right fielder Paul Giles (.277) plated both of the All-Stars runs with his 22nd roundtripper in the second frame and an RBI single in the last of the sixth. 32-year-old Vance Mitchell (6-4 4.13) notched the win with some help from closer Danny Blauser. Mitchell tossed seven and a third innings, gave up just two runs on eight hits. Blauser (7-4 2.49) got the last five outs for his 7th save. Pat Savoie (7-3 3.26) also gave a fine effort, permitted only three runs and eight hits and struck out ten.

Valmara (52-50) and Volusia (53-51) are in a tight tussle for third place and are currently tied, just 2.5 games out of first. Elnora (45-58) pulls up the rear in last place and is 10 games back.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Sunday, July 29, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - South Division

Nine Win in 10 Over Westerners 2-1
In game one of a doubleheader at Westerner Field, the first place Marston Nine had to go 10 innings before they subdued Waleska 2-1. Center fielder Tommy Reinhold (.305) singled with one out in the tenth and then scored from first on second baseman Ken Green's (.330) two-out two-bagger. Manager Johnny Walters got excellent pitching from Booger Burchfield and closer Walt Sellers. Burchfield (6-9 3.28) worked eight strong innings, stopping the Westerners on five hits and a run. Sellers (4-5 2.91) took over in the ninth and set down six batters in a row for the win. Waleska skipper McGraw Johnson got a very good effort from his starter, Rusty Kraft (7-12 2.91), who went nine and a third innings, gave up seven hits and two runs. He was relieved by Andrei Marsiskke (4-4 4.64) with one out in the ninth and a runner on first base. Kraft was charged with the loss when Green doubled in Reinhold with the winning run. Marston has eight hits in the game to five for the Westerners.

Westerners Win 2nd Game 6-3 Over Marston
In the nightcap, Waleska broke up a 3-3 tie with three runs in the eighth inning to upend first place Marston 6-3 and split the doubleheader. Center fielder Mark Carlson (.276) delivered a tie-breaking single to send the Westerners ahead. One batter later Big Hoss Burkhalter (.308) clinched it with a two-run homer, his 29th of the season. Gary Hill (10-7 4.21) was on top of his game, holding hard-hitting Marston to seven hits and three runs. Hill chalked up 11 strikeouts and walked just one in going the distance. Paul Azard (9-6 3.82) was the losing pitcher. He also pitched a complete game, allowed only three earned runs, fanned five and walked one. Carlson also batted in two runs for Waleska with a pair of base hits. Second baseman Ken Green (.329) had a two-run roundtripper for the Nine and shortstop Don Nichols (.315) hit a solo blast. The Westerners collected nine hits to Marston's seven.

Marston (58-43) is the division leader in the RU South and has a 10.5-game lead over fourth place Waleska (49-54).

Sunbirds Slug 'Jacks 8-4 in Game One
In the doubleheader opener, Belair Beach banged out 14 hits and ripped Forest City 8-4 at Bayside Park, led by first baseman Phil Gravelli (.350) with three RBIs and his 23rd home run and right fielder Matty McDermott (.322) with three RBIs and his 16th homer this season. On the mound Ray Watson (5-2 3.38) won his third consecutive decision, stopping the Lumberjacks on six hits and three runs over seven innings. He fanned seven, walked one and allowed only one earned run. Reliever Lou Zanelli finished up for him, giving up a run and a hit in two innings. The loss went to Vinny Edelman (9-9 3.47), who was clubbed for a dozen hits and six runs in five-plus innings. Second baseman Jesse Wolf (.299) led Forest City with the bat with his 21st homer. Center fielder Ryan Morse (.346) also had two hits and batted in a pair of runs.

'Jacks Bomb Belair Beach 10-6 in 10 Innings
In the nightcap of the twinbill, Forest City erupted for four runs in the tenth inning and blasted Belair Beach 10-6 to gain a split for the day. The Lumberjacks slammed two homers in the inning, a solo shot by pitcher Knucks Nomellini (1.000) and a two-run blast by second baseman Jesse Wolf (.300). Nomellini homered in his first-ever at-bat in the IPA. Forest City rattled the boards for 16 hits, led by Wolf with two hits and three RBIs, left fielder Dave Jagger (.400) went 3-4 with two runs batted in, right fielder Chuck Hill (.320) had four hits, scored three times and drove in a run, and center fielder Ryan Morse (.348) got three hits, scored one and had an RBI. Nomellini (2-0 1.50) was the winner, going two and a third innings, striking out three and giving up no runs. Lyndon Yarbrough (0-4 5.12) was the victim of the tenth inning uprising and the losing pitcher. The Sunbirds had 13 hits in the game and were paced by catcher Denny Everhart (.229), who was 4-5, including his 11th home run and two RBIs. Shortstop Danny Church (.247) had two doubles and two runs batted in and center fielder Bobby Joe Morris (.333) was 2-5 with a homer and a run scored.

Forest City (55-49) remained in second place, 4 games behind the RU South leader, Marston (58-44). Belair Beach (48-55) is in the fifth spot in the standings, 10.5 games off the pace.

Rattlers Rally, Win in 10 Over Diamonds 7-6
In a single game at Farmers Memorial Park, the Sugar Valley Rattlers made a huge comeback to get past Claxton 7-6 in ten innings. Diamonds starter Ernie Garland had the upper hand and led 6-2 going into the ninth, but he, Mike Grenier and Dennis Scott couldn't get it done. The Rattlers rallied for four runs in the bottom of the ninth to even it a 6-all. Shortstop Flipper Bird (.295) singled in a run, second baseman Rudi Oliver (.343) and center fielder Freddie Vaux (.341) had RBI doubles, and right fielder Karl Dietz (.252) tripled in a run. Sugar Valley won it in the tenth when Vaux singled with two outs and the bases loaded. Right fielder Dixie Baker (.317) single-handedly kept the Diamonds in the ballgame with two home runs and five RBIs. Baker unloaded his 29th and 30 of the year. Gregg Neal (9-5 2.01) notched the victory, but had a tense tenth. Claxton loaded the bases on him with two outs, but couldn't score.

Sugar Valley's ace Ron Benson (16-7 2.59) failed to get his 17th win. He was knocked out in the sixth after surrendering six runs. Only three of them were earned.

The Rattlers (51-50) are in the third spot in the Ruthlandian Union South and trail Marston (58-44) by 6.5 games. Claxton (47-56) is now in the division basement, 11.5 games out.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Sunday, July 29, 2001

Tycobbian Union - East Division

Ninjas Nip Nats 2-1 Behind Nakayama
Two fine hurlers went at it at Ninja Stadium in Ginza today in the division's only single game. Both Ginza's Kazuhiro Nakayama and Ozarka's Yasuyuki Nakagawa were outstanding. Neither one deserved to lose, but one did -- on an error in the bottom of the ninth. The Ninjas nipped the Naturals 2-1 on shortstop Gil Lantz's bases-loaded error. He botched a ground ball to cost his club the game. It was the Ninjas third successive win over Ozarka. Nakayama (10-10 2.76) limited Ozarka to just three hits, struck out seven and walked two for the victory, while Nakagawa (10-12 3.33) permitted only five hits, walked two and fanned two. Ginza scored first on a sacrifice flyball by Tommy Fujimoto (.279) in the first inning. That stood up until the fourth, when Nats left fielder Ronnie Patterson (.236) doubled and scored on first baseman Floyd Snow's (.236) double.

The Ginza Ninjas (59-43) topped the TU East Division and enjoy a 3-game edge over second place South Fork (57-47). The Ozarka Naturals (49-53) are fourth and are 10 games back.

Zorros Zip Past Stallions 7-2
In the opening game of a twinbill Luxora zipped past South Fork 7-2 behind 20-year-old Keith Callahan, who struck out 11 Stallions in the game. Callahan (11-8 3.18) gave up seven hits and walked none in a solid performance. The Zorros backed him up with a 12-hit barrage. Leading the way was first baseman Paul Hallenbeck (.321) with a three-run homer, his 15th of the year. Shortstop Vince Cooper (.320) chipped in three hits, scored twice and drove in one for the Z's. Everybody in the lineup except for Callahan got a hit. Luxora beat one of the better pitchers in the IPA, Ken Connor (9-5 2.87). They ripped him for five runs in less than two innings.

Stallions Split With Z's, Win Nightcap 3-2
The South Fork Stallions came back in the second game and split the doubleheader with Luxora, taking the nightcap 3-2. Kris Gervais hit the game-winning single in the top of the eighth. Vince Bernini (5-3 2.35) went eight innings for the win, stopping the Zorros on five hits and two runs with eight Ks and one walk. Glenn Turnbull (6-5 3.06) pitched a perfect ninth for his 5th save. Hard-luck Tito Tovares (1-5 2.30) got another tough loss in a well-pitched outing. He went the distance, gave up three runs on ten hits, struck out 11 and walked only two batters. Leading the offense for South Fork were left fielder Gervais (.245) and shortstop Bobby Riley (.250). They hit solo homers in the fifth inning. Left fielder Pedro Vizquel (.305) doubled in the first run for Luxora in the fourth frame and the second run scored on an throwing error in the sixth. That tied up the score at 2-2.

On the day second place South Fork (57-47) dipped a half-game further back in the race. The Stallions dropped 3 games behind the leader Ginza (59-43). Fifth place Luxora (46-56) is 13 games out.

3rd Straight For H'Cats, Take Opener From 'Canes
In the first game of a doubleheader, Hartsdale racked up it third straight victory over third place Cape Coral. The Hellcats thumped the Hurricanes 5-2 at Pioneer Park. Mitch Yassen (3-2 3.44) tossed six innings for the win, giving up two runs and eight hits with Jackie Bond (4-2 3.70) getting his first save with three scoreless innings of one-hit ball. Second baseman Francisco Abreu (.280) led the 9-hit Hartsdale attack with his 20th homer. Shortstop Kenny Hall (.244) hit his 5th for the Hurricanes. Katsuyuki Nagashima (10-8 2.95) lost for the first time in four decisions, yielding nine hits and five runs in a route-going performance. He struck out 7 and issued one walk.

Hurricanes Clobber Hellcats 8-0 in Game Two
Cape Coral came back with a vengeance in the second game by thrashing Hartsdale 8-0 on Jeff Salow's 4-hit shutout. The Hurricanes humbled the Hellcats with 18 hits to snapped their three-game losing streak. Salow (4-3 2.83), a 22-year-old lefty, blanked them with six strikeouts, while walking four batters. Everyone in the Cape Coral batting order had at least one hit. Even Salow (.391) went 2-for-4. Heading the hit list for the Hurricanes were first baseman Rodger Wooten (.294), who drove in four runs with four hits, including his 21st home run on the year, and second sacker Andy Anderson (291), who added in three hits and two RBIs. Glenn Mann (7-14 3.86) dropped his his fourth decision in a row, being shellshocked for five runs and eleven hits in just four-plus innings.

Talking to BNN writers after the game, Salow's manager Huggy Miller said, "He's got the makeup. He's not afraid to challenge guys. Jeff is pretty poised out there. He knows how to pitch and how to use his stuff." This year has posted a 4-3 mark in 10 starts and has a 2.83 ERA.

Cape Coral (52-51) is now 7.5 games out of first and is third in the Tycobbian Union East. Hartsdale (45-58) stands in the basement and 14.5 games off the pace.

3rd Straight For H'Cats, Take Opener From 'Canes
In the first game of a doubleheader, Hartsdale racked up it third straight victory over third place Cape Coral. The Hellcats thumped the Hurricanes 5-2 at Pioneer Park. Mitch Yassen (3-2 3.44) tossed six innings for the win, giving up two runs and eight hits with Jackie Bond (4-2 3.70) getting his first save with three scoreless innings of one-hit ball. Second baseman Francisco Abreu (.280) led the 9-hit Hartsdale attack with his 20th homer. Shortstop Kenny Hall (.244) hit his 5th for the Hurricanes. Katsuyuki Nagashima (10-8 2.95) lost for the first time in four decisions, yielding nine hits and five runs in a route-going performance. He struck out 7 and issued one walk.

Hurricanes Clobber Hellcats 8-0 in Game Two
Cape Coral came back with a vengeance in the second game by thrashing Hartsdale 8-0 on Jeff Salow's 4-hit shutout. The Hurricanes humbled the Hellcats with 18 hits to snapped their three-game losing streak. Salow (4-3 2.83), a 22-year-old lefty, blanked them with six strikeouts, while walking four batters. Everyone in the Cape Coral batting order had at least one hit. Even Salow (.391) went 2-for-4. Heading the hit list for the Hurricanes were first baseman Rodger Wooten (.294), who drove in four runs with four hits, including his 21st on the year, and second sacker Andy Anderson (291), who added in three hits and two RBIs. Glenn Mann (7-14 3.86) dropped his his fourth decision in a row, being shellshocked for five runs and eleven hits in just four-plus innings.

Talking to BNN writers after the game, Salow's manager Huggy Miller said, "He's got the makeup. He's not afraid to challenge guys. Jeff is pretty poised out there. He knows how to pitch and how to use his stuff." This year has posted a 4-3 mark in 10 starts and has a 2.83 ERA.

Cape Coral (52-51) is now 7.5 games out of first and is third in the Tycobbian Union East. Hartsdale (45-58) stands in the basement and 14.5 games off the pace.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Sunday, July 29, 2001

Tycobbian Union - West Division

Fairfax Trims Buccaneers 5-3
At the Frog Pond, first place Fairfax slowed down the red-hot Bay St. Clair Buccaneers 5-3 in the only single game scheduled in the TU West today. Bobby Ray Trent (3-3 2.78), new to Harry Buckley's rotation, did his job once again. He hurled the entire game, setting down the best-hitting club in the TU West on two runs and nine hits with six strikeouts and a couple of base on balls. Right fielder Gregg Vincent (.324), who recently missed two weeks due an ankle injury, looked like his old self again and slugged homer #27. Third baseman Stan Cobb (.322) also belted one in the stands, his 11th this year. Center fielder Billy Echevarria (.288) added in two hits and scored twice for the Frogs. Losing pitcher Jeremiah McDonald (1-3 2.83), who has been converted to a starting role by skipper Guy Rondre since coming to Bay St. Clair, suffered some faulting fielding and gave up 4 unearned runs. He departed after six innings, trailing 4-3. In all McDonald surrendered four runs and five hits with seven strikeouts and two bases on balls. Second baseman Tony Mann (.331) paced the Bucs with 2-for-4, two runs scored and two driven in. Mann collected his 8th home run in the game.

Fairfax (58-44) has an 11.5-game lead over last place Bay St. Clair (47-56).

Arlon's Smith KO's Viks on 2-Hits 6-1
Arlon scored often and early in beating second place Bayview 6-1 in the opening game of the twinbill. The Champs battered losing pitcher Frank Wells (9-8 4.00) for all six runs in the first four innings. They also got some great pitching by Craig Smith (12-8 3.24), who stopped the Vikings on just two singles, an RBI single in the first by center fielder Phil Kanaan (.301) and a single in the third by second baseman Alan Hansen (.398). Smith piled up eight strikeouts and walked four in a sensation mound performance. Batting-wise Arlon was led by shortstop Bama Hartley (.275) with 3-5 and two runs scored, left fielder Matt Merrill (.314) with a two-run double and center fielder Jerry Fuller (.294), who had two hits, scored a run and drove one in.

Champs Take Twinbill From Bayview
Arlon's Ace Howe (8-9 3.27) tossed a 5-hitter in game two of the doubleheader to sweep the second place Bayview Vikings . Howe halted a personal three-game losing string with a 4-1 triumph. He went a month without a win. The Champions collected 8 hits in the game with right fielder Andy Pettorini (.333) getting three of them, center fielder Jerry Keller (.296) had two, first baseman Brad Ray (.247) drove in a pair of runs and third baseman Bubba Tate (.325) slammed his 6th roundtripper of the season. That sent Paul Hood (8-5 3.20) down to defeat. He was slapped around for all four runs and 8 hits in six-plus innings.

Second place Bayview's (54-51) double defeats plunged them 5.5 games behind the TU West's top club, the Fairfax Frogs (58-44). Arlon's (51-52) twin wins moved them into a tie for third in the standings with the Blue Lake Blue Sox (51-52).

Sox Outlast Lynx in Opener, Win 4-2 in 16 Innings
The first game of the doubleheader at Capitol Park Stadium in La Claire went to the visiting Blue Lake Blue Sox 4-2 in 16 innings. With two outs in the top of the 16th, two singles and a walk loaded the bases for catcher Seitaro Ohayashi (.198), who dumped a dying quail into right field to score two runs. Clint McPherson (5-5 4.30) pitched the last two innings for the win, allowing no runs. The loss went to Nick Baumgartner (3-8 3.71), who worked the final four innings and gave up two runs and five hits. The Blue Sox were outhit in the game by the Lynx 14 to 11. Bennie West (12-9 2.90) and Russ Courtney (5-3 2.20) both pitched well for Blue Lake. West worked the first nine and gave up two runs on six hit, while Courtney went the next five and blanked the Lynx on five hits. La Claire starter Kimo Orlando (4-4 2.58) pitched eight innings, allowed two runs on five hits with seven strikeouts. Munoto Kishata (4-9 3.81) and Andy Murray (3-1 3.12) both tossed two scoreless innings.

Lynk Wallops Blue Sox 8-5 For Split
La Claire rebounded in the nightcap to wallop Blue Lake 8-5 and divide the doubleheader. The Lynx were powered by four home runs. First baseman Francisco Robles (.293), center fielder Lucky Collins (.320), left fielder Rich Hart (.257) and right fielder Antonio Guerrero (.278) all hit two-run homers. George Gentry (3-2 2.35) pitched into the ninth, gave up five runs on ten hits, fanned 11 and walked five for the victory. A three-run rally in the ninth sent him to the showers. Henny Cossaboom (0-0 3.68) got the last two outs and his first save of the season. Neil Krogstad (2-2 3.21) suffered the defeat, allowing five runs in six innings. Robles led La Claire with 3-for-5, while Blue Sox center fielder Donnie Frazier (.297) went 3-for-3 with four RBIs and right fielder Doyle Osborne (.347) 3-for-4. Frazier hit his 17th roundtripper and Osborne got number two on the year. Both clubs got ten hits each.

Blue Lake (51-52) is now tied with Arlon (51-52) for third place in the TU West. Both are 7.5 games behind Fairfax (58-44). La Claire (49-55) is fifth, 10 games behind.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Sunday, July 29, 2001

Volusia Trades 4 to Hartsdale For 2B Abreu

With the trading deadline just two days away, GM Juan-Carlos De la Hoya of Volusia needed some punch in his lineup for the RU North stretch run, so he traded four players to Hartsdale for Francisco Abreu, a power-hitting second baseman. Most of the V's players are backups, only one of them was a starter.

The Vigilantes have finalized a deal with the Hellcats for the services of the 26-year-old Abreu. In exchange, they will receive 28-year-old right fielder Dan Rogers, 24-year-old second baseman Hoppy Hill, 28-year-old catcher Jorge Rosado and 24-year-old reliever Ike Moore.

Volusia is tied for third in the RU North Division and are only 2.5 games out of first place. Hartsdale is languishing in last place in the TU East and is 14.5 games off the pace and headed nowhere.

De la Hoya told BNN, "We got a premier player in the trade in Abreu and did not sacrifice any regulars or starting pitchers. I am overjoyed to get a player like Abreu."

This season Abreu has hit at a .279 clip and produced 64 RBIs, 20 home runs and 57 runs scored. In limited action, Rogers is batting .288 with 2 homers and 19 RBIs, while Rosado is hitting .253 with one homer and 17 RBIs. Hill is better known for his glove than hitting. He has a .231 batting average in 24 starts this season. This year Moore has made 3 starts and 16 relief appearances with no saves. His won-lost record is 3-2 with a 4.34 ERA and 42 strikeouts in 45 innings.

GM/Manager Zim Donner said he hated to part with his best player Abreu, but he got four players that will improve his ballclub immediately. Donner said, "We are going nowhere this season. This was chance to build for next year and the future. All of the players are young and have not reached their potential. Rogers and Rosado should replace the offense we're losing with Abreu's departure."

He also told reporters that Hill is a good, young second baseman and Moore is a solid, veteran pitcher.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Sunday, July 29, 2001

Sugar Valley Swaps 2-for-1 with FM Redhawks

Just two days prior to the trading deadline, officials for the Sugar Valley Rattlers of the RU South confirmed that they have traded 26-year-old right fielder Karl Dietz to the Far Mountain Redhawks of the RU North. In return, the Rattlers will receive 28-year-old right fielder Tommy Sonnier and 28-year-old starting pitcher Stan Lamoreaux. The deal was consumated today by GM/Manager Alex Groveland of the Redhawks and GM Manny Earl of the Rattlers.

Groveland commented to the press, "We desperately need a home run hitter and Dietz was the best one available. I think we can compete very well offensively now with the other three pennant contenders. Dietz will really add some sorely-needed power to our lineup."

Far Mountain is 2.5 games back in the division and is currently in second place. Dietz will take over left field for Far Mountain, while Sonnier will be in right field for the Rattlers. Lamoreaux will step into manager Gibson Bobkins' starting rotation in the number four slot.

Bobkins told BNN, "I'm happy. I got a quality outfielder and a quality starter in the trade. we are a better ballclub."

Sugar Valley is third in their division, 6.5 games out of first place. Dietz is presently hitting at a .252 pace with 17 home runs, 53 RBIs and has scored 42 times. Lamoreaux has compiled a 7-4 mark with a 4.36 ERA in 16 starts. He has fanned 118 in 117 innings, while walking 63. Sonnier sports a .252 batting average with 9 homers, 45 RBIs and has scored 50 times and stolen 19 bases.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Monday, July 30, 2001

Ninjas Yamamoto TU Player of the Week

Kenshin Yamamoto went on a sensational hitting spree, belting the ball at a .579 pace this week. The Ginza first baseman has been selected the top performer and gets the Tycobbian Union Player of the Week Award.

Asked what his hitting philosophy was, Yamamoto quipped to the BNN reporters, "Well, my theory of hitting is to just watch the ball as it comes in and hit it."

It was a good week's work for Yamamoto. He hit .579 average (11-19) with 3 home runs and 9 RBIs. So far this season Yamamoto is hitting .320 with 19 home runs.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Monday, July 30, 2001

Waleska's Giarussa TU's Hottest Hitter
Jinx Giarussa of the Waleska Westerners had a super week and today was voted the Player of the Week by the Ruthlandian Union.

The 33-year-old shortstop put up a .615 average with a .643 on-base percentage, racking up 8 hits in 13 at-bats, 1 home run, 10 RBIs and 4 runs scored.

Looking at his 2001 season stats, Giarussa has compiled a .296 batting average in 45 games with a .329 on-base percentage, while hitting 3 home runs and driving in 21 runs.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Monday, July 30, 2001

Rattlers Dealing Again, Get Watford for Bartz
The last day to make a deal in the IPA is tomorrow. So GMs Earl Mann and Clem Rogers got busy today. A trade between the Colfax Blasters and the Sugar Valley Rattlers was made official this morning. Colfax has sent 30-year-old reliever Val Watford and 30-year-old right fielder Wiley Reese to Sugar Valley in exchange for 25-year-old right fielder Cy Bartz.

Sugar Valley's GM Earl Mann commented, "We need help in pitching and Watford is a prize. He will give us another fine arm. I'm sure he will get much more use with the Rattlers than than the Blasters, who have a wealth of pitching. They just couldn't give him many innings. It wasn't for a lack of talent, he got caught in a numbers game. The Rattlers are delighted to have him and will make great use of him."

Colfax GM/Manager Clem Rogers spoke at the press conference and said, "Bartz gives us another good bat with power. He should give us a good boost in run production. Watford is a good pitcher, but you got to give something to get something. He was the only way the deal would have been completed."

Year-to-date Watford has appeared in 10 games with 2 starts and 21 strikeouts in 23 innings. Watford has 2 wins and 1 loss and a 3.47 earned run average. Currently Bartz has 32 doubles and 10 home runs and a .269 batting average with 49 RBIs, while Reese has just been a utility outfielder. Reese has played in only 20 games and is hitting only .173.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Monday, July 30, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - North Division

Valmara Derails Blasters for 4th In a Row
The Ruthlandian Union North is getting tighter with every game. Third place Valmara shaved a game off first place Colfax's lead with a 7-3 decision, cutting it to just 1.5 games over the Vipers. It took a four-run eighth inning to snap a 3-3 tie and give Valmara its fourth win in a row. The Vipers cracked 13 hits in the game to only 7 for Colfax. Closer Danny Blauser (8-4 2.44) not only blanked the Blasters over the last two innings, he also doubled in two runs in the eighth. Zarek Zalewski (13-6 2.56), a 13-game winner and the ERA leader in the RU, went seven innings and allowed three runs and six hits. He shut them out over the first five frames, but then weakened and needed Blauser's help. Harry Manning (12-9 3.84) started for the Blasters and took the loss, going seven and a third innings, giving up four runs on ten hits. The winning run was unearned, when shortstop Wayne O'Reilly dropped a throw at second on a double play attempt.

Colfax (55-49) is 5-5 in the last 10 games and now sees its lead dip to just 1.5 games over third place Valmara, who had won 8 of its last 10 game.

A's Darby Stops Redhawks 4-2
It's only 4.5 games from first place to fifth place in the tight RU North pennant chase after Glasco's Charles Darby stopped second place Far Mountain 4-2 on a six-hitter. Darby came within one out of a complete game, fanned six and walked three in a solid outing. Closer Ray Cook came on and got the final out with with the bases loaded. The fifth place Athletics managed nine hits off losing pitcher Sonny Elliott (13-9 2.91), who suffered his third straight setback. Elliott allowed four runs in seven innings. Shortstop Kyle Ballentine (.299) and first baseman Maury Smith (.361) collected three hits apiece to pace Glasco. Redhawk left fielder Karl Dietz (.256), just obtained in a trade, got two hits in his first game, one of them his 18th homer of the season.

A victory would have put Far Mountain (55-50) on top of the division standings, a half-game in front of Colfax (55-49). They slipped a half-game back with the loss. The A's (50-53) are in fifth place, but only 4.5 games off the pace.

All-Stars Edge Vigilantes 4-3
The Elnora All-Stars ended a 3-game losing streak by edging Volusia 4-3 on a two-out bottom of the ninth single by first baseman Paul Kesler (.305). It was the Vigilantes first loss in three games and dropped them to fourth place, 2.5 games out. Carl Costas worked a good eight innings, gave up three runs and 10 hits, but the win went to closer Taylor Gibbs (2-0 2.25), who retired all three batters he faced in the ninth. The All-Stars beat one of the top bullpen aces in the IPA, Ricky Moreno. They tagged Moreno (4-3 1.94) for a run and two hits in two-thirds of an inning. Second baseman Gil Foster (.355) sparked the winners with three hits, three runs scored and 2 RBIs. Foster hit his 15th homer. Volusia first baseman Alejandro Salazar (.293) hit number 13, a two-run shot. Left fielder Winky Rush (.290) had three hits, including two doubles, drove in a run and scored one. Both ballclubs swatted 10 hits apiece.

Volusia (53-52) missed a good chance to get closer to the top spot in the RU North. The V's are 2.5 games behind Colfax (55-49). Elnora (46-58) is last, 9 games out, but has won 7 of their last 10 games.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Monday, July 30, 2001

Tycobbian Union - East Division

Ninjas Win 11-Inning Thriller 3-2
In a showdown five-game series between second place South Fork and first place Ginza at Ninja Stadium, the Ninjas drew first blood with a thrilling 3-2 triumph in 11 innings. With one out, shortstop Shinjiro Aoki (.283) doubled off Billy Joe Gordon and then scored the deciding run on third baseman Kaz Ojima's (.319) single. Skipper Huroko Uchiyama got a superb outing by Toshiharu Ito (12-4 2.47), who pitched the entire game, giving up only two runs on ten hits, walking nobody and fanning five. Stallion manager DeRoche "Lips" Leon got good efforts on the mound, too. Ken Olson (12-8 2.54) started and went seven strong innings, allowing only four hits and two unearned runs. Billy Joe Gordon (1-6 2.75) went three and a third innings for the loss, surrendering one run on five hits with four strikeouts. The Ninjas were outhit 10 to 9 by South Fork with Stallion right fielder Art Atkins (.312) and third baseman Glenn Holliday (.290) getting three hits apiece. Aoki had two hits and scored twice to pace Ginza.

Ginza (60-43) gained ground with their fourth consecutive victory, moving four games ahead of South Fork (57-48). The two top contenders in the Tycobbian Union East Division will battle 10 more times in the coming two weeks. So far in the season series Ginza has a 12-8 edge.

'Canes Robinson Blanks Nats 2-0 on 3 Hits
The TU strikeout co-leader, Gary Robinson (13-7 3.14) of Cape Coral, hurled a 2-0 humdinger -- he stopped Ozarka on just three hits and captured his 13th victory. He outpitched Luther Hatch (10-11 3.50), who allowed only five hits and two runs in eight innings, but took the loss. Second baseman Andy Anderson (.291) drove in the first run with a second-inning single. The Hurricanes added the second run in the third inning, when third baseman Spook Estes (.274) doubled, was sacrificed to third and rode home on left fielder Rod Kelly's (.302) base hit.

Year-to-date Robinson shows a 13-7 record, 26 starts, 200 innings, 158 strikeouts and a 3.14 ERA. He is tied with Ken Olson of South Fork for the strikeout leadership in the TU.

Cape Coral (53-51) is third in the division, 7.5 games in back of first place Ginza (60-43) and 3.5 games behind second place South Fork. Ozarka (49-54) is fourth and 11 games off the pace.

Zorros Montel Spins 3-0 Shutout Over Hellcats
Lefthander Johnny Montel spun his third shutout of the season, blanking Hartsdale in Luxora's De la Vega Stadium 3-0 on a 5-hit performance. Montel (8-12 3.39) registered five strikeouts and walked two. The Zorros lashed 11 hits off Tal Vaitkus (3-1 3.71), who lost for the first time. Vaitkus gave up three runs in seven innings. Luxora scored two in the first on Rico Vina's (.292) 13th homer and another in the third on Vina's RBI single. Vina led them with three hits and three RBIs. Shortstop Vince Cooper (.325) tossed in two hits and scored twice.

"I felt great out there. After the second or third inning, I got real comfortable," Johnny Montel said in his postgame interview. "Hopefully this is a building block for me. I'm hoping for a few more starts like this."

To date in 2001, Montel sports a 8-12 mark with a 3.39 ERA in 26 starting assignments. He has held the opposition to a .246 batting average and has 120 strikeouts in 177 innings.

Fifth place Luxora (47-56) is 13 games out of first place in the TU East standings, while Hartsdale (45-59) is last and 15.5 games behind.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Monday, July 30, 2001

Tycobbian Union - West Division

Frogs Eke Out 5-4 Win Over Champs in 11 Innings
This time Fairfax pitcher Takehide Takahashi won the game with his bat. Takahashi (.200), the Frogs fine closer, slammed a triple to lead off the 11th inning, then scored the winning run on a single by shortstop Warren Lee (.320) to eke out a 5-4 win over the Arlon Champions at Derby Downs. Takahashi (9-5 1.41) also got credit for the victory with four scoreless innings. He came on in relief of starting pitcher Eddie Castillo (0-3 3.72) in the eighth with score 4-4 and blanked Arlon the rest of the game. The Frogs chalked up 14 hits in the game and were sparked by Lee with 3-for-6 and three RBIs and right fielder Gregg Vincent (.330) with 4-for-5. Champ shortstop Bama Hartley (.277) led his club with two hits and his 8th homer. Arlon's bullpen ace, Jeff Nieman (7-7 1.68) also pitched well in defeat, going four innings and striking out four, but giving up four hits and the game-winning run.

The first place Fairfax Frogs (59-44) improved their lead over the third place Arlon Champions (51-53) to 8.5 games in the Tycobbian Union West race. The Champs are tied with Blue Lake (51-53).

Viks Win Close One 4-3 Over Blue Sox
Bayview's brand new backstop, Jerry Johnstone made an auspicious debut with a three-homer that won the game 4-3 over Blue Lake. Johnstone (.333) went deep off losing pitcher Jay Clay (11-5 2.81) in the fourth inning and supplied the eventual-winning runs. The winning pitcher was Jerry Harrison (12-7 3.39), who went the route, scattered eight hits and gave up three runs, while fanning five and issuing only one base on balls. Harrison got back on the win track after losing his last three starts. Bayview got only five hits in the game, all off Clay, who tossed seven innings and gave up all four runs. Second baseman Ken Bennett (.272) went 2-2 with two RBIs to lead the Champs, one of them was his 18th homer of the year. Bennett also doubled across a run. Third baseman Timmy Smith (.317) went 2-for-4 and drove in a run for Arlon.

With the win, second place Bayview (55-51) remained 5.5 games behind first place Fairfax (59-44), while Arlon remained tied with Blue Lake for third place in the Tycobbian West standings, both are 8.5 games out.

Lynx Seesaw Past Bucs 8-7
In a seesaw game at Capitol Park Stadium in La Claire, the Lynx won a seesaw 8-7 game over the Bay St. Claire Buccaneers. The Bucs jumped out 2-0 in the top of the first, fell behind 7-2 after three, tied it up 7-7 in the sixth, then lost it in the bottom of the ninth. A leadoff walk to left fielder Rich Hart (.256), a single by third baseman Luis Marquez (.286) and misplayed by Charley Moon in left put runners on second and third. Catcher Ronald Lynn (.276) then easily drove in the winning run with a deep sacrifice fly to left field. The Buccaneers outhit the Lynx 15 to 11, but to no avail. They stranded 14 baserunners. Lynn led La Claire with three runs batted in. Right fielder Antonio Guerrero (.298) and shortstop Dirk Lindahl (.273) both had three hits and center fielder Lucky Collins (.322) drove in two runs for the winners. The Bucs catcher Jake Singleton (.313) and first sacker George Lyons (.262) drove in a pair of runs each, while shortstop Chuck Hankins (.314) and center fielder Wayne Latham (.351) had three hits apiece. La Claire closer Monoto Kishata (5-9 3.67) claimed the victory with two scoreless innings and the loss went to the Buccaneer relief ace, Chris Van Arden (4-2 2.22), who worked only two-thirds of an inning.

The Lynx (50-55) are fifth in the TU West and trail first place Fairfax (59-44) by 10 games. Bay St. Clair (47-57) is still in the division cellar and 12.5 games out, but still playing good ball of late. The Bucs have gone 6-4 in recent games.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Tuesday, July 31, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - North Division

Blasters End Vipers Win Streak at 4
Valmara was riding high and had won its last four games, but today it came to an end at the hands of first place Colfax 7-4. The Blasters trailed 3-0 after five innings as center fielder Jan Szymanski (273) hammered homer #22 to put the Vipers ahead. But it didn't stand up as Colfax rallied for 7 runs over the last four innings. The Blasters whacked 14 hits with five players collecting two each: right fielder Blinky Brandon (.311), first baseman Dennis Cole (.336), left fielder Cy Bartz (.268), shortstop Wayne O'Reilly (.242) and catcher Jeff Cook (.234). Jim Dreyer (5-0 4.14) worked seven innings for the win, checking the Vipers on four runs and seven hits. Dreyer totaled eight Ks and walked four. Two newcomers to Clem Rogers' mound staff, Andy Haig (0-0 0.00) and Jasper LaForge (0-0 0.00), blanked Valmara the last two innings with LaForge getting his second save.

The win came just in time as there are five teams taking aim at the top spot in the Ruthlandian Union North. Colfax (56-49) is now 3 games ahead of the third place Valmara Vipers (53-52) and a half-game ahead of runner-up Far Mountain (56-50).

Redhawks Down A's 7-3, Keep Pace with Colfax
Far Mountain stayed close on the heels of first place Colfax by downing the Glasco Athletics 7-3 at Athletics Field. The second place Redhawks are only a half-game behind in the RU North pennant race. Far Mountain racked up 11 hits and were paced by first baseman Royce Benson (.311), who drove in three runs with two hits, including his 6th home run. Catcher Dave Davis (.357) chipped two more runs with a double with third baseman Johnny Strickland (.289) and pitcher John Luzzatti (.107) driving across the other two runs. Luzzatti (10-8 3.49) registered the win, allowing three runs and six hits in six-plus innings. Mike McCabe got his 3rd save by getting the last out of the game with the bases full. Dave Johnston (0-0 3.00) held the A's scoreless over his two innings, but got into trouble in the ninth with a single and two walks. The Redhawks ripped losing pitcher Bobby Joe Belvin (1-3 3.48) for six runs in four-plus innings. Center fielder Chet Reynolds (.288) led Glasco with his 7th roundtripper this year.

Far Mountain (56-50) is staying close in second place in the division standings, just a half-game behind Colfax (56-49). Glasco (50-54) is not too far behind in the fifth spot and only 5.5 games out in the race.

All-Stars Clip Vigilantes 5-1
A 4-run rally in the eighth helped last place Elnora put away fourth place Volusia today 5-1. Left fielder Quincy Peterson led off the eighth with his 19th home run for the go-ahead run. The All-Stars tacked three more on with third baseman Richie Franklin (.257) forcing in a run with a bases-loaded walk and pinchhitter Vic Gelder (.286) batting in two more with a base hit. Taylor Gibbs (3-0 2.08) was called into to relieve starter Jim Tarzetti in the eighth with two outs and runners on second and third and the score tied 1-1. He struck out tough Alejandro Salazar (.289) to end the threat and picked up the victory. Tarzetti (3-3 3.12) had pitched very well, permitting only one run and six hits in seven and two-thirds innings. Loser Ricky Moreno (4-4 2.51) just didn't have it today as he was tagged for four runs, three hits and two bases on balls in just one-third of an inning. Kit Kivett (9-6 3.88) started for the Vigilantes and held Elnora to just one run in seven innings with four strikeouts and no walks.

It was a tough time for Volusia (53-53) to lose a game, especially to the last place team. The V's are in fourth place, but are only 3.5 games away from first place. Elnora (47-58) is 9 games back.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Tuesday, July 31, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - South Division

FC's Charles Stops Marston 2-1
Manager Robbie jackson needed a win and got it from an unexpected source, his number four starter. Lefty Brian Charles (5-6 4.06) took on the tough Marston Nine and stopped them on one run, while allowing eight hits. Charles tossed a strong game, struck out eight and issued only one walk in a complete-game performance. He outpitched Casey Ledbetter (12-8 3.45), who only allowed three hits and two runs in seven innings. It was Ledbetter's third successive defeat. Marston took the lead in the first inning 1-0, when center fielder Tommy Reinhold started the game with a bunt single and advanced to second on an error by shortstop Pops Keller on left fielder Ronnie Horn's grounder. Reinhold then stole third with Horn stealing second base. Second baseman Ken Green's (.330) single put the Nine in front. But that was it for them as they were shut out the rest of the game. Doubles by Keller (.295) and Chuck Hill (.319) knotted the score in the bottom of the first. In the fifth the Lumberjacks first baseman J. T. Edmonds (.304) walked, then went to third on a throwing error by catcher Walt Adams trying to cut him down stealing second. Edmonds came across to score the eventual winning run on a ground out to second base by catcher Joey Jarvis (.248). Forest City managed only four hits in the game, but still won it.

The Lumberjacks (56-50) triumph evened the 5-game series at one game apiece and cut the gap between them and first place Marston (59-45) back to 4 games.

Rattlers Haines Beats Sunbirds 3-2
Third place Sugar Valley narrowly beat Belair Beach 3-2 behind the effective mound performance of 35-year-old righty Paul Haines and sub first baseman Ron Armstrong (.321), who belted a two-run blast into the stands to send the Rattlers up 3-0 and ahead to stay. Haines (7-7 3.56) spread out eight hits in eight innings, did not allow an earned run and finished up with six Ks and a walk, then gave way to star closer Gregg Neal (9-5 1.97), who got his 14th save with a 1-2-3 ninth. Carl Thompson (13-9 2.67) lost his first game in over a month, giving up three runs on eight hits in seven innings. Thompson fanned five and issued a walk in a pretty decent outing. Sugar Valley outhit Belair Beach 9 to 8 with third baseman Jorge Vargas going 3-for-4 with an RBI and catcher Slingshot McFall (.304) collecting 2-for-3. It was catcher Denny Everhart (.229) and shortstop Danny Church (.248) with the RBIs for the Sunbirds.

The Rattlers (52-51) are in the third spot in the RU South Division and trail the top club, the Marston Nine, by 6.5 games. Belair Beach (49-56) is fifth and 10.5 games off the pace.

Claxton's Nakashima Blanks Waleska 1-0
The Claxton Diamonds only got six hits in the game and Waleska only got four -- all singles -- there were no extra base hits. The Diamonds won it 1-0 as the hot-and-cold running Tetsunori Nakashima (13-7 4.44) had a hot hand today. Nakashima went the distance, blanking the Westerners and striking out eight for his second shutout of the season. He beat Smokey Joe Carter (13-10), who also had an excellent outing, surrendering no earned runs. Carter fanned seven and walked three in a tough setback. The game's only score came in the top of the first. Catcher Howie Peterson (.242) got on base via a throwing error by first baseman Freddie Shelton. A walk to second baseman Donny McCoy (.336) put runners on first and second. A fielder's choice retired McCoy at second with Peterson going to third. Cleanup hitter and third baseman Keith Olsen (.299) singled him in.

Nakashima told BNN sportswriters in the postgame interview, "This is a game of adjustments and I made some good ones in this game. You have to do that the third and fourth time you go through the lineup."

Nakashima in 2001 has fashioned a 13-7 mark, 4.44 ERA and thrown 194 innings in 26 starts with 11 complete games and 122 strikeouts. Opposing clubs are batting .293 against him.

Claxton's win created a three-way tie for last place with the Diamonds, Belair Beach and Waleska all having the same record, 49-56. All of them are 10.5 games behind the Ruthlandian Union South leader, the Marston Nine (59-45).

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Tuesday, July 31, 2001

Tycobbian Union - East Division

South Fork Foils Ninjas, Battle 5-3 Winner
33-year-old Flint Battle rose to the occasion and snapped first place Ginza's win streak at four games with a 5-3 complete-game victory for the South Fork Stallions. Battle (14-8 2.49) surrendered nine hits, but only three runs - only two earned - to keep the runnerup Stallions in the pennant chase, only three games back. It was Battle's 14th victory and 13th complete game. He struggled a litle bit with his control by walking four, while striking out five. The Stallions beat 15-game winner Kojiro Matsumoto (15-6 2.95), who was touched for four runs on eight hits in seven innings. He departed trailing 4-1. Sparking the South Fork bats were third baseman Glenn Holliday (.290) with his 23rd home run, a two-run shot, center fielder Ronnie Lee (.320) with three hits and shortstop Bobby Riley (.257) with three hits. The Stallions collected 10 hits to 9 for the Ninjas.

Ginza (60-44) is the number one team in the Tycobbian Union East and has a 3-game edge over second place South Fork (58-48). So far they have split the first two games of the five-game series.

Nats Nose Out 'Canes 1-0
It was a grand day for the pitchers at Ellie Ewing Stadium in Ozarka. Only one solitary run was posted on the scoreboard in Ozarka's 1-0 win over Cape Coral. That came in the fourth inning when first baseman Floyd Snow (.240) doubled, moved to third on right fielder Kermit Wiggins' (.315) single and scored on shortstop Gil Lantz's (.231) sac fly. Teaming up for the victory were starter Tony Didriksen (10-8 3.53) and closer Alex DiMaggio (8-4 1.14). Didriksen pitched into the eighth, giving up seven hits and striking out five. He got into trouble and put runners on first and second with one out and needed DiMaggio's help. DiMaggio induced a double play ball to end the inning and recorded a perfect ninth for his 11th save. The Hurricanes got good work from starter Gary Fountain (7-8 4.08), who tossed one-run ball for seven innings, giving up eight hits, fanning five and walking one. Tommy Archer (1-0 0.00) sat the Naturals down in order in his only inning.

Third place Cape Coral (53-52) holds the third spot in the division standings and is 7.5 games in back of the top club, the Ginza Ninjas (60-44). Ozarka (50-54) is fourth and trails by 10 games.

Hellcats Whip Zorros 6-1, Reed Winner
Phil Reed was wild at times, but came through in the clutch to pitch Hartsdale past Luxora 6-1. Reed (11-6 2.74) limited the Zorros to one run and six hits, while walking seven and fanning four. Closer Gene Young (6-4 2.35) was brought in when Reed tired in the eighth and nailed down the verdict by retiring all four batters he faced for his 10th save. Chris Pierce (8-10 3.97) went the distance and absorbed his fourth straight loss. He gave up 14 hits and six runs. Pierce managed to keep the score close until the three-run ninth. Third sacker Whiz Weaver (.280) slammed a three-run homer to lead the Hellcats at the plate. Center fielder Greg Reynolds (.273) doubled, homered and had four hits. It was his 12th roundtripper. And right fielder Dan Rogers (.297) went 3-for-5 with an RBI.

Cellar-dweller Hartsdale (46-59) closed the gap with fifth place Luxora (47-57) to a game and a half. The Z's are 13 games out of first, while the Hellcats are 14.5 games behind.