ISLANDIAN PRO ALLIANCE (RUTHLANDIA and TYCOBBIA BASEBALL UNIONS)

[Eugene Church]

To whet your appetite for postseason baseball, I will tease you with the game headlines for the IPA First Round opening games.

EC is busy on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday each week recording my radio programs. I will cover the IPA First Round Series beginning Thursday.

2092 IPA First Round Series - Game 1

[Eugene Church]

2092 IPA First Round - Game 2 Schedule

[Eugene Church]

2092 IPA First Round Series - Game 2

[Eugene Church]

Sunday, October 12, 2092

LAGRANGE, FOREST CITY, LA CLAIRE WIN IN IPA PLAYOFF 1ST ROUND, WHILE HARTSDALE UPSETS SOUTH FORK AGAIN
The first round of the Islandian Pro Alliance postseason playoffs played out pretty much as predicted. Favorites LaGrange, Forest City and La Claire won as expected. Only South Fork failed to live up to expectations. The favored Stallions were victimized for the second year in a row by the underdog Hartsdale Hellcats.

Pro Cup favorite LaGrange bested the #8 Claxton Diamonds four games to one and Forest City swept the #5 Marston Nine in the Ruthlandian Union First Round, while defending Pro Cup champion La Claire knocked off the #4 Summerland Sunsets in five games in the Tycobbian Union First Round. Unheralded #7-rated Hartsdale had South Fork's number for the second straight season, upsetting the #3 Stallions in six games.

In the RU Title Series it will be #1-ranked LaGrange pitted against #6 Forest City. In the TU Title Series it will be #2 La Claire vying with #8 Hartsdale.

2092 Ruthlandian Union First Round Playoff Recap

GATORS LE ROYER FEASTS ON DIAMONDS, FIRES GAME-ONE GEM
In the opening game of the Ruthlandian Union First Round Series at The Swamp in LaGrange, the Gators' ace Jules Le Royer feasted on the Claxton Diamonds, firing a 5-0 gem, blanking them on 5 hits in his 8 innings of work. The little right-hander fanned 10 and walked 3. James Forest finished up for him with a runless 9th.

The LaGrange bats also feasted on losing pitcher Monty Maples for 13 hits, led by Lou Buckman and Julien Pascal with 3 hits and Remy Martin with 2. Ricardo Zamora slammed the game's only fourmaster, a solo swat.

DUJARDIN BRILLIANT, GATORS WIN 2ND STRAIGHT
The LaGrange Gators are known for their offensive firepower, but so far in the Ruthlandian First Round, the pitching has been devastating in the first two games. Jules Le Royer magnificently blanked Claxton 5-0 in the first game of the series, while, Andre Dujardin hurled a brilliant 2- hitter in the second game. The only run permitted was scored on an error. Dujardin fanned 6 batters and permitted only one walk. He went all the way for the win. The Gators bested the Diamonds 3-1 to take a 2-0 edge in the best-of-seven series. Lou Buckram provided the offense with 2 solo homers. LaGrange pinned the loss on Irv Dawkins, who gave up 3 runs on 7 hits in 7 innings.

Monday is an off day. The series will continue at Avalon Stadium in Claxton on Tuesday.

CLAXTON RALLIES LATE, NOW DOWN 2-1
It was now or never for the Claxton Diamonds in game three of the series. Down two games to none, they rallied at home at Avalon Stadium in the late innings for a 4-3 comeback victory over the LaGrange Gators and cut their lead to two games on one in the RU First Round Series. Heading up the rally were Jeffrey Bounds with a 2-run homer in the 7th and Greg Kendall, who provided the gamewinner, a base hit in the last of the 9th that scored Andreas Koopman from second base.

Solid pitching by starter Augie Diokos and closer Dingo Ferrell did the job. Diokos worked 7 innings, gave up 2 earned runs and 7 hits with 8 Ks and 2 walks. Ferrell finished up for the win with 2 scoreless frames.

Jules Dufour started for LaGrange and exited after 5 innings with a 3-1 edge, but his bullpen failed him. Bucky Erdman came on in the 9th and lost it.

Jeffrey Bounds cracked 3 hits and batted in 2 runs for the winning Diamonds, while Charles Gray led the Gators with 2 ribbies.

EASY ED STOPS CLAXTON 5-2 IN GAME 4, GATORS UP 3-1
Southpaw Easy Ed Sutcliffe had an easy time with the Claxton Diamonds in pivotal game four of the Ruthlandian Union First Round Series on the road at Avalon Stadium. After giving up runs in the first 2 frames, Sutcliffe settled down and blanked the Diamonds the rest of the way. Now the Gators have a substantial 3-1 lead over the Diamonds. Sutcliffe hurled 8 innings for the 5-2 victory, permitting 8 hits with 7 strikeouts and 2 bases on balls. Elliott Bagwell worked the last inning to seal the win. Armand Ardoin caught the loss, but he only allowed 2 earned runs in his 7 innings. Errors cost him 3 runs.

Right fielder Ricardo Zamora socked a 2-run double in the top of the 3rd frame to put the Gators in front 4-2. Julien Pascal, Evon Layton and Lou Buckram drove in the other Gator runs.

LAGRANGE TOPS CLAXTON IN 5 GAMES IN ROUND 1
This year's Pro Cup favorite LaGrange has booked its spot in the Ruthlandian Union Title Series, going up against the red-hot Forest City Firebirds. The Gators quickly disposed of the Claxton Diamonds in 5 games, wrapping it up with a hard-fought 11-inning 3-2 thriller, finally decided on a two-bagger by Ricardo Zamora. Forest City blitzed the Marston Nine in 4 straight games.

LaGrange's ace Jules Le Royer and Claxton's ace Monty Maples battled to a 2-2 draw in their 6 innings of work. Both bullpens did their jobs, too, until the Gators broke through against loser Irv Dawkins in the 11th frame. Elliott Bagwell won it with 3 spotless innings and 5 Ks.

The Gators collected 12 hits, led by Lenny Lang and Ricardo Zamora with 3 base hits each and Julien Pascal and Evon Layton with 2 hits apiece. Zamora, Lang and Gray drove in the LaGrange runs.

The Diamonds had 11 hits. Greg Kendall, Arnfried Beckenbauer and Kees Molenaar rapped 2 hits each. Beckenbauer and Molenaar knocked in the runs. Molenaar had the game's only longball.

Series Summary
GATORS KNOCK OFF DIAMONDS WITH GREAT PITCHING
The Pro Cup favorite LaGrange Gators defeated the Claxton Diamonds in 5 games, holding them to just 9 runs in the series. The big bats of the Gators only managed 19 runs themselves.

The LaGrange mound corps sparkled, led by starters Jules Le Royer (1.32 ERA in 2 starts), Andre Dujardin (0.00 ERA), Jules Dufour (2.25 ERA) and Easy Ed Sutcliffe (2.25 ERA). The bullpen, headed up by Elliott Bagwell stood out, too.

The Gator attack wasn't as potent as in the regular season. LaGrange led the entire IPA with a .272 BA and topped the Ruthlandian Union with 170 homers and 753 runs. But the Gators got sufficient hitting from Lou Buckram (.438 BA), Julien Pascal (.409 BA), Lenny Lang (.316 BA) and Ricardo Zamora (.316 BA) to win the series. The only decent performers for Claxton were Kees Molenaar (.350 BA), Arnfried Beckenbauer (.318 BA) and Jeffrey Bounds (.312 BA). The rest of the batting order was anemic, all of them batted under .200. Starters Augie Diokos (2.57 ERA) and Armand Ardoin (2.57 ERA) kept the Diamonds close in their 2 starts and closer Dingo Ferrell (0.00 ERA) did well in 2 relief appearances. Claxton ace Monty Maples (4.40 ERA) had a mediocre series with one poor start and one good one.

2092 IPA First Round Series

[Eugene Church]

2092 Ruthlandian Union First Round Playoff Recap

FC F'BIRDS BURN MARSTON WITH 6-RUN 9TH IN OPENER
In the first game of series on the road at Legends Field, favored Forest City trailed Marston until its final at bat, when the Firebirds blistered reliever Wiz Mulloy for 6 runs and shocked the Nine at home 8-3. Cyril Morse with 3 hits and 3 RBIs propelled the Firebirds to victory. Cale Borden has 2 hits and 2 ribbies, Ben Stubbs and Jim Raver also added 2 hits each, Milt Moncriffe smacked a solo homer and pinch hitter Milt DeRozier knocked in the go-ahead run in the top of the 9th.

Thomas Tate and 2 relievers tossed a solid game. Tate went 7 frames, allowing 2 earned runs on 7 hits with 6 Ks and a walk. Shannon Slate notched the win with a scoreless 8th. Curt Leininger wrapped it up with a runless 9th.

Marston starter Merle Dubbins deserved better. He departed after 7 with a 3-1 lead. Forest City only got 1 runs and 5 hits. Dubbins whiffed 5 and issued just one walk. Whiz Mulloy was pinned with the defeat.

Right fielder Addison Cole was the top bat for the Nine with a 2-run single

O'MARA MOWS DOWN MARSTON, F'BIRDS UP 2-0 IN SERIES
The Forest City attack is flourishing in the playoffs and so is their pitching. On the road at Legends Field, the Firebirds polished off the Marston Nine for the second straight day in a row. This time it was Matty O'Mara on the hill in the 7-0 shellacking. He twirled a complete game, struck out 4 and walked only one, holding the Nine to 6 hits. Again it was first baseman Cyril Morse leading the charge wtth 3 hits, 3 runs and a pair of RBIs. Morse led the way with a homer and a triple. He has driven in 5 runs so far. Bryant Stubbs and Milt Moncrief pitched in with 2 hits apiece and an RBI. 'Twas not a good day on the hill for loser Mal McElroy. Forest City pelted him for 10 hits and 6 runs in his 6 innings.

FIREBIRDS TORCH NINE AT HOME, NEAR SWEEP
The Forest City Firebirds are just one game shy of a sweep after downing the visiting Marston Nine 7-3 in the third game of the RU First Round Series. The Firebirds jumped out to a 6-0 margin in the first 5 frames and then held off Marston's belated rally. Forest City right fielder Bryant Stubbs led the 11-hit parade, going 3 for 4 with a homer and 3 runs batted in. Jurgen Borgman also added 2 hits and a solo swat. 6-foot-7 Big Boy Walker provided the pitching, working into the 9th frame. Walker was tapped for 3 runs and 10 hits, while fanning 7 and walking 4. Closer Curt Leininger got the final out.

Marston starter Andrew Michaels was torched for 6 runs in 5 innings and suffered the defeat. JJ Merriweather socked 3 hits in a losing cause.

Forest City will try to wrap up the series at home in the next 3 games, scheduled for Riverside Stadium beginning Tuesday.

FIREBIRDS SWEEP DIAMONDS, HEAD TO RU TITLE ROUND
The Forest City Firebirds made it look easy and are heading to the Ruthlandian Union Title Series against the winner of LaGrange and Claxton.They have ousted the Marston Nine in a sweep, the final win coming by a 7-6 score in 10 innings, clinching the 4-0 series win.

Game four was not so easy though. The Firebirds blew a 6-2 lead in the top of the 9th when their bullpen caved in, Fortunately. they got back on track and won it in the 10th when Milt Moncriffe singled in Clete Ward with the winning run from second base. Robbie Matthews logged the win with a scoreless 10th, while reliever Merle Dubbins was tagged with the loss on an unearned run..

Cyril Morse drove in 4 runs to spark the victory. He drove in 10 runs in the 4-game series. In the 5th he cracked a 2-run homer, his 2nd in the series. Bryant Stubbs had 3 hits and batted in 2 runs in game four. He finished with 6 ribbles in the series.

Defense was shoddy in the game with 7 errors, 3 by Marston and 4 by Forest City. However, only one run was unearned --- and that was crucial --- It was the winning run.

Firebird starter Craig Ballantyne did well in his 6 innings, holding the Nine to 2 runs on 5 hits. He departed ahead 5-2.

Series Summary
FC FIREBIRDS TOO HOT FOR MARSTON, NINE FALL IN 4-GAME SWEEP
The Forest City Firebirds blew away the Marston Nine in just 4 games to advance to the Ruthlandian Union Title Series against powerhouse LaGrange. The Firebirds attack was firing on all cylinders outscoring the Nine 29 to 12, while the hurlers were solid on the mound. Offensive standouts for Forest City were Bryant Stubbs (.500 BA), Cyril Morse (.474 BA), Jim Raver (.375 BA), Jurgen Borgmann (.357 BA) and Milt Moncriffe (.294 BA). Morse knocked in 10 runs in the 4 games, while Stubbs plated 6.

The Firebird staff stood tall on the hill, too. All 4 starters Matty O'Mara (0.00 ERA), Thomas Tate (2.57 ERA), Craig Ballantyne (3.00 ERA) and Big Boy Walker (3.12 ERA) toss quality starts and shut down the Marston bats.

The long-awaited Year of the Firebird may be here. The Forest City Firebirds are really fired up and cookin'. It wouldn't be a big surprise if they come away with their second Pro Cup.

Only two players performed well for Marston. Second sacker Howie Wright hit .333 and drove in 5 runs, while Merle Dubbins (1.04 ERA) was effective in his only start. He came on in relief in game four, but suffered thel loss on an error.The rest of the lineup and pitching staff was anemic.

[Eugene Church]

2092 Tycobbian Union First Round Playoff Recap

LC LYNX HRS STUN SUNSETS IN 1ST GAME
The current Pro Cup champion La Claire did what they always do well --- good pitching backed up by timely hitting --- The Lynx are trying to do the unlikedly --- win their 3rd consecutive Pro Cup Trophy. Playing the home opener at Capitol Park Stadium, La Claire stunned the Summerland Sunsets 4-1 with homers by Dennis Culpepper and Howie Ellenberger in the last of the 7th frame. Ellenberger's 2-run blast was the gamewinner. Up until this fatal inning Paul Pegram had stymied them with 6 shutout innings. The Lynx got strong pitching from starter Don Bartels and his bullpen, 3 relievers, winning pitcher Enos Elliott, Lyndon Fletcher and Roger Arenado. Bartels worked into the 6th, surrendering just one run on 4 hits. The bullpen blanked the Sunsets the last 3 innings.

Ellenberger sparked the Lynx with 2 hits and 3 runs batted in. Lyn Holman chimed in with 3 hits.

WALL WALLOP HR, LYNX TRIUMPH AGAIN
Home-run power and strong pitching are the key to playoff success in the Islandian Pro Alliance. That is the hope of the defending Pro Cup champ, the La Claire Lynx. Once again its impressive mound corps stopped the Summerland Sunsets 3-1 behind starter Shuggie Garsett and rookie reliever Enos Elliott. Garsett tossed the first 5 frames and picked up the win, yielding only one run and 5 hits. He whiffed 6 and allowed 3 walks. Elliott close it out with 4 scoreless frames, though he was touched for 5 hits and he walked 2. Garsett and Elliott bent, but didn't break, stranding 13 baserunners all total. Second baseman Rick Wall sent one soaring out of the park in the 5th for the game-winning blow. It snapped a 1-1 tie. That dealt the defeat to Gary Glanville, who allowed 3 runs in 7 innings

LEGRAND, SUNSETS WALLOP LYNX IN GAME 3
Lucien Legrand was signed in the offseason to provide some much-needed offense for the power-hungry Summerland Sunsets and that's just what he did in the third game of the TU First Round Series at Sunset Stadium. Legrand lashed 3 hits, including a homer and a double and drove in 4 runs as Summerland slammed the defending Pro Cup champion La Claire Lynx 7-1. The win cuts the deficit facing the Sunsets to two games to one and gave them new life.

Summerland also got some strong pitching from Ruben Jans, who went 8 innings and held the Lynx to one run on 7 hits. Closer Bubba Byers did what he's supposed to do --- he closed out the game with a runless 9th.

Legrand had some help offensively from Boogie Bonham, who rapped 3 hits, scored twice and drove in a run.

La Claire starter Paul Unruh suffered the defeat, ripped for 7 runs in just 4 innings.

GANT HR GIVES LYNX UPPERHAND IN SERIES 3-1
Lordy mercy, what a series between La Claire and Summerland --- and what a game four at Sunset Stadium! It was nip-and-tuck the whole game, finally won by the Lynx 3-2 on pinch hitter Donny Gant's solo shot in the top of the 9th off losing hurler Bubba Byers. Now the current Pro Cup champion La Claire has a 3-1 advantage in the best-of-seven series and needs just one more victory to advance to the Tycobbian Union Title Series.

La Claire trailed 2-0 at the end of 5 innings, but eventually tied it up 2-2 in the 7th frame. For 6 innings it was a tense duel between starters Jim Collier for the Lynx and Wes Warrick for the Sunsets. Then they turned it over to the bullpens. Lyndon Fletcher picked up the victory with 2 scoreless frames, while Bubba Byers suffered the defeat.

La Claire had a big advantage with 12 hits, while Summerland only managed 5. Lyn Holman led the Lynx with 3 for 5 and 2 RBIs. The Sunsets' only 2 scores came on homers by Boogie Bonham and Rik De Graaf.

LYNX STOP SUNSETS IN 5 GAMES, NOW IN TU FINALS
The current IPA Pro Cup crownbearer La Claire Lynx took a first step toward 3-peating and winning its 4th Pro Cup by moving past the pesky Summerland Sunsets in the best-of-seven Tycobbian Union First Round Series. The Lynx fought off the scrappy Sunsets in a closely-contested series. In the fifth and deciding game, La Claire topped Summerland 3-2 at Sunset Stadium to decide the series, 4-1. Bill Gallagher, Gino Manda and Howie Ellenberger were the driving forces in the finale. In the top of the 9th Ellenberger smashed a 2-run homer to give La Claire its first lead in the game. Paul Pegram had blanked them for the first 8 innings. Manda and Gallagher followed with back-to-back two-baggers to make it 3-1. Summerland made it close with Pieter Van Dalen's solo roundtripper in the last of the 9th.

Don Bartels started for La Claire and worked into the 7th frame. He limited the Sunsets to one run and 6 hits with 9 Ks and no walks. Bartels left the game trailing 1-0. Paul Pegram went all the way in defeat, only to fall in the fatal 9th. Overall Pegram gave up 3 runs on 7 hits, fanned 8 and issued 2 walks. Enos Elliott and Lyndon Fletcher blanked Summerland in the 7th and 8th. Roger Arenado came on the 9th, gave up Van Dalen's homer, but closed out the game.

Bill Gallagher had 3 of the 7 hits for La Claire, while Boogie Bonham delivered 3 of Summerland 6 hits.

Series Summary
LA CLAIRE FIGHTS OFF SUMMERLAND IN 5 GAMES
This was a much closer series than it looked. La Claire only outscored Summerland 14-13 as the pitching corps dominated the series. Lynx starting stalwarts Don Bartels (1.50 ERA in 2 starts) and Shuggie Garsett (1.80 ERA) paved the way to victory. The La Claire bullpen was outstanding, led by rookie Enos Elliott (0.00 ERA/4 games) and Lyndon Fletcher (0.00 ERA/3 games). Center fielder Bill Gallagher (.438 BA), third baseman Howie Ellenberger (.353 BA) and shortstop Lyn Holman (.350 BA) provided just enough timely hitting to get past the tough Summerland hurlers.

Summerland got good work from its starters Paul Pegram (2.35 ERA/starts), Wes Warrick (3.00 ERA), Ruben Jans (1.12 ERA) and Gary Glanville (3.86 ERA). However, Bubba Byers (6.35 ERA) let them down in the bullpen. That was a huge factor in the series. Third baseman Boogie Bonham (.350 BA), Rik De Graaf (.350 BA) and Arno Gelderloos (.357 BA) were the only threats in the batting order, but they were good enough.

Standout pitching and an occasional home run can do wonders in the playoffs. La Claire is a bonafide threat to capture its 3rd straight Pro Cup and 4th overall in its history

[Eugene Church]

2092 Tycobbian Union First Round Series

HLADKI LEADS HELLCATS PAST STALLONS WITH 2 HRS
Last year the unheralded and underdog Hartsdale Hellcats upset the South Fork Stallions in the TU First Round. Are they destined to do it again? First sacker Jorah Hladki hammered 2 out of the park to pace the Hellcats to an 8-5 triumph on the road at Jock Ewing Stadium to snatch the opening game of the best-of-seven series.

Hladki belted a 2-run shsot in the 4th to put Hartsdale in front and then put the Stallions away with another 2-run clout in the 8th. Delton Gunn also aided the Hellcat cause with 2-run roundtripper
in the 5th giving them a 6-2 margin.

Right-hander Benny Frye persevered through his 6 innings for the win, tagged for 3 runs and 6 hits with 5 walks and 3 strikeouts. His relief Bomber McBee didn't fare much better, but still managed to save it.

Righty Owen Frank started, lasted 6 innings and lost it. The Hellcats nailed him for 6 runs in 6 innings.

Center fielder Brayan Easterwood had a solid game in defeat for South Fork with 3 hits, 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored.

STALLIONS TOP HELLCATS AND EVEN UP SERIES 1-1
Good defense and clutch hitting paved the way for South Fork to even up the TU First Round Series at one game apiece with the Hartsdale Hellcats. The Stallions turned 3 double plays and stranded 12 runners in a 5-3 victory at Jock Ewing Stadium in South Fork. Though outhit 10 to 7 the Stallions came away with a win. Starter and winner Dobie Wilbur staggered to victory, walking 7 batters and giving up 6 hits, but he was stingy, only permitting one score in 7 innings. Topping South Fork at the plate were Raylan Stegenga, Silas Leeuwenhoek and Davy Mannington, each with 2 hits and one run batted in. Stegenga homered and tripled. Scottie Deutsch went deep in defeat for the Hellcats. South Fork shelled losing hurler Javon Hardin for 5 runs in 6 frames.

Pioneer Park will be the site of the next 3 games in Hartsdale. After a day of travel, game 3 is slated for Tuesday afternoon.

HELLCATS OUTHOMER STALLIONS, LEAD SERIES 2-1
Playing at the friendly confines of Pioneer Park, homestanding Hartsdale outhomered South Fork 3 to 2 for an easy 8-4 victory in game 3 to take a two games to one edge in the best-of-seven TU First Round series. Jozef Yoren and Calvin Mannon belted solo shots and Delton Gunn clouted a 3-run roundtripper to spark the Hellcats. Mitch Womack posted the win, though he allowed 3 runs and 6 hits in his 6 innings. His bullpen Willie Ditchburn and Kurt Schnell protected his lead over the final 3 frames.

Hartsdale was led at the plate by Jozef Yoren with 3 for 3 and Scottie Deutsch 3 for 4.

Tommy Kirk and Tommy Leduc went deep for the Stallions. Kirk had 3 RBIs. Davy Mannington smacked 3 hits.

Taking the lost was starter Chuck Landes, who was bashed for 7 runs in 6 innings.

SF WINS SHOOTOUT IN GAME 4, SERIES EVEN 2-2
Game four was rip-roaring, hair-raising shootout at Pioneer Park, home of the Hartsdale Hellcats, but it was not the hometown team that won. It was visiting South Fork. The Stallions absconded with a 9-8 verdict to even the TU First Round Series at two game apiece. Pinch hitter Brayan Easterwood stroked the winning hit in the top of the 7th frame. There were a total of 31 hits in the game and 5 roundtrippers.

South Fork smashed 18 hits, paced by Tommy Kirk with 4, Biggy MacLemore and Will Wilford cracked 3 apiece and Silas Leeuwenhoek and Ronald Brooks chimed in with a pair each. MacLemore drove in 4 runs, rapping a 3-run clout. Raylan Stegenga and Silas Leeuwenhoek also homered.

Hartsdale hammered 11 hits with Jozef Yoren geting 3 of them including 2 home runs and 4 runs batted in. Dickie Fraisse contributed 3 hits, too. Delton Gunn pitched in with a pair of ribbies.

HELLCATS TAKE CRITICAL GAME 5 FROM STALLIONS
Game 5 was big. So was Bennie Frye.

In leading Hartsdale to a crucial 3-2 victory over the South Fork Stallions at Pioneer Park, the Hartsdale starter rose to the occasion. Frye threw 7 innings of 6-hit ball as the Hellcats defended their home field to seize a 3-2 lead in the best-of-7 TU First Round Series. Frey fanned 4 batters and walked nobody, but the victory went to Kurt Schnell, even though he permitted the Stallions to tie score in the top of the 8th. Schnell fired a perfect 9th to seal the verdict.

The game was at a stalemate until center fielder Jozef Yoren came to bat in the bottom of the eighth. His game-winning base hit scored Richie Penniman from third base.

Yoren batted in 2 runs for the Hellcats. Bill MacPherson plated the other one. The Stallions got both of their scores off solo socks by Ronald Brooks and Biggy MacLemore.

Losing pitcher Owen Frank hurled a complete game, surrendering 3 runs in his 8 innings, 9 hits with 3 walks and 6 strikeouts.

HARTSDALE UPSETS SOUTH FORK 2ND YEAR IN A ROW
For the second year in a row underdog Hartsdale has done in favored South Fork in the TU First Round. The Hellcats were victorious this year in 6 games, winning 4 games to 2. Game six was a nailbiter won by Delton Gunn's dramatic 3-run blast in the top of the 9th off Wayland Frazee, giving Hartsdale a stirring 6-5 win and South Fork a hardbreaking defeat. The Stallions had seemingly won it in the last of the 8th on Ronald Brooks' 2-run double off Kurt Schnell, putting them up 5-3, heading into Hartsdale's last at-bat. Schnell backed into another victory. For the second game in a row he allowed South Fork back into the game in the 8th, but he did close out each game with a scoreless 9th.

The Hellcats outhit the Stallions 11 to 8.

Series Summary
It was a high-scoring, entertaining six-game affair with Hartsdale putting 36 runs on the scoreboard and South Fork 30. The Hellcats big guns were left fielder Delton Gunn (.222 BA) with 3 homers and 10 runs batted in, center fielder Jozef Yoren (.458 BA) with 3 roundtrippers and 8 ribbies, and Jorah Hladki with 2 home runs and 5 runs driven in. Third baseman Dickie Fraisse (.409 BA) and Calvin Mannon (.300 BA) also had good series. Just about everybody in the Stallions' lineup hit well: center fielder Brayan Easterwood (.400 BA), second baseman Ronald Brooks (.364 BA), third baseman Tommy Kirk (.348 BA), first baseman Davy Mannington (.333 BA), shortstop Silas Leeuwenhoek (.300 BA) and left fielder Raylan Stegenga (.280 BA). Stegenga and catcher Biggy MacLemore homered twice, while Brooks, Kirk and MacLemore swatted in 5 runs apiece. Hartsdale sent 10 swats out of the park, while South Fork rapped 8 roundtrippers.

There wasn't a lot of pitching. Benny Frye (2.77 ERA) did well in his 2 starts for Hartsdale. Dobie Wilbur (2.77 ERA) was the only effective starter for South Fork.

Hartsdale has eliminated favored South Fork two years in a row and now for the second straight year must face the defending Pro Cup champion La Claire Lynx in the TU Title Series. Last year strong pitching sparked the Lynx past the Hellcats four games to one. To defeat La Claire, Hartsdale will have to hit well and pitch well. They won the first game last year and could have won game two, blowing the lead in the top of the 9th. From game three on it was all La Claire.

[Eugene Church]

Finished with my radio programs for this week.
EC will now play the IPA Union Title Series and report on them.

LaGrange and Forest City will be an exciting series.
Both are playing like potential Pro Cup champions.

Defending Pro Cup champ La Claire is looking real good.
So is Hartsdale. The Hellcats beat a fine South Fork club.

[Eugene Church]

Friday, October 17, 2092

2092 IPA Ruthlandian Union Title Series - Game 1

F'BIRDS WIN ON ROAD, TOP GATORS IN GAME 1
Two of the finest teams in the IPA Forest City and LaGrange are going up against one other in the Ruthlandian Title Series. Flip a coin and take your pick --- that's how even the teams are. Game 1 was a tense battle finally won by the Firebirds 5-4 over the Gators. A walk in the top of the 9th to Clete Ward and a base hit by Cyril Morse put runners on second and third with one away. Ward scored on a passed ball by Lou Buckram. Elliott Bagwell suffered the tough defeat, while Curt Leininger (1-0/9.00 ERA) notched the win. After blowing the lead in the 8th, Leininger sat down the Gators in order in the bottom of the 9th.

Charley Gray propelled LaGrange into an early lead when he doubled in Evon Layton in the opening frame. Forest City tied it 1-1 up in the 2nd on an RBI single by Thomas Tate, only to have Gator catcher Lou Buckram (.400 BA/3 HR/4 RBI) blast a homer in the bottom half of the inning. The Firebirds gained the lead once again 3-2 in the 3rd frame on a two-run shot by Milt Moncriffe. It was knotted up again in the last half of the inning by the Gators. Remy Martin singled, stole second and rode in on Charley Gray's base hit. Forest City seesawed back into the lead when Cyril Morse singled in Thomas Tate in the top of the 4th. Both of the teams' aces struggled in the early going, but Thomas Tate and Jules Le Royer settled down in the middle innings. Tate lasted until the 8th, gave up 3 earned runs on 4 hits, walked 3 and fanned 11, while Le Royer gave up 3 earned runs and 9 hits in his 6 innings with one walk and 6 Ks.

The bats of both teams were quiet until the LaGrange 8th when Lenny Lang walked, stole second and was doubled in by Ricardo Zamora (.305 BA/5 RBI). That tied it up again 4-4.

Forest City had a big advantage in hits. The Firebirds banged out 12, while the Gators only got 5. First baseman Cyril Morse (.522 BA/11 RBI) collected 3 hits and Bryant Stubbs (.480 BA/6 RBI) and Milt Moncriffe (.333 BA/6 RBI) added 2 hits apiece to the total. Charley Gray (.286 BA/6 RBI) had a perfect day for LaGrange with 2 hits, 2 walks and 2 ribbies. LaGrange also swatted 11 hits, but sadly left 11 runners on base. Charley Gray had 2 hits and scored a run for the Gators, while Kyran Carwell (.429 BA) went 3 for 4.

2092 IPA Tycobbian Union Title Series - Game 1

LA CLAIRE LAMBASTS HARTSDALE IN TU TITLE OPENER
Held in check by Summerland in the first round, the La Claire bats lashed out against the Hartsdale hurlers in the first game of the series and lambasted the Hellcats 9-5 in the Tycobbian Union Title Series at Capitol Park Stadium in La Claire. The Lynx, the defending Pro Cup champion, piled up 7-0 lead after 5 frames and never looked back, although the Hellcats scored 5 runs in the final 2 at-bats. Don Bartels (1-0/186 ERA) gained the victory working 7 innings and allowing just 2 runs on 7 hits with 2 walks and 6 strikeouts. It was not a good day for Hartsdale's Bennie Frey (1-1/4.50 ERA). He was slammed for 7 runs in his 5 innings.

La Claire totaled 13 hits, led by Judah Pickens (.381 BA) with 4 hits and 2 RBIs, Dennis Culpepper (.250 BA) had a pair of hits and Bill Gallagher (.400 BA) slammed a 3-run double. Hartsdale rapped 10 hits with Delton Gunn (.250 BA) and Wayne Gervais (.231 BA) leading the way. Gunn went 2 for 5 and doubled in 2 runs giving him 12 for the postseason. Gervais posted 3 hits and scored a run.

[Eugene Church]

Saturday, October 18, 2092

2092 IPA Ruthlandian Union Title Series - Game 2

FC F'BIRDS TORCH GATORS, TAKE 2-0 SERIES LEAD
Yes indeed, 2092 could just be the Year of the Firebirds in the IPA playoffs. For the last five seasons Forest City has been one of the Pro Cup favorites, but they never lived up to expectations. So far, the Firebirds have won the first two games of the Ruthlandian Union Title Series with Pro Cup favorite LaGrange. In game two at the Swamp, the Firebirds torched the Gators 6-3, scoring all of the runs in the last 2 frames. All of the scoring came after 7 innings of scoreless ball. Starters Matty O'Mara and Andre Dujardin had a brilliant duel going. However, things collapsed in the late innings. The Firebirds tore up the Gator bullpen, smacking loser Elliott Bagwell (1-2/6.00 ERA) for 4 runs in the 8th and Bucky Erdmann for 2 runs in the 9th. O'Mara did get the win (2-0/0.54 ERA). He went into the 8th, permitted just one earned run on 8 hits with 8 Ks and 2 bases on balls. Leininger got the save, but was treated harshly in the 8th and had the bases loaded in the 9th before he got the final out.

Propelling the Forest City 11-hit attack were Bryant Stubbs (.500 BA/2 HR/9 RBI) with 3 for 5, including a 2-run homer and 3 RBIs and Jurgen Borgmann (.409 BA) with 3 for 4 and 2 runs batted in. Cyril Morse (.519 BA) chimed in with 2 for 4 and scored twice.

LaGrange also swatted 11 hits, but sadly left 11 runners on base. Charley Gray had 2 hits and scored a run for the Gators, while Kyran Carwell (.429 BA) went 3 for 4.

2092 IPA Tycobbian Union Title Series - Game 2

HELLCAT HRS HAMMER LYNX TO EVEN SERIES 1-1
Hartsdale took it on the chin in the first game of the series, but the Hellcats came back with a vengeance and hammered the defending IPA Pro Cup champion La Claire Lynx 10-1 in game two. Hartdale rapped 3 out of the park, paced by catcher Bill MacPherson (.233 BA/3 HR/9 RBI), who belted 2 homers and drove in 6 runs and first baseman Jorah Hladki (.222 BA/3 HR/8 RBI) with a 2-run blast and 3 runs scored. Jozef Yoren (.455 BA/3 HR/9 RBI) continued his torrid postseason with 3 hits and 3 runs scored. The Hellcats also got standout pitching from starter and winner Javon Harbin (1-1/4.42 ERA) and his relief Willie Ditchburn, who blanked the Lynx the last 2 innings. Harbin fired the first 7 frames, struck out 7 batters, walked 3 and permitted one run on 7 hits.

La Claire starter and standout Shuggie Garsett was blitzed for 7 runs in just 6 innings. Garsett rarely gets treated in such a manner.

[Eugene Church]

Monday, October 20, 2092

2092 IPA Ruthlandian Union Title Series - Game 3

F'BIRDS NEAR SWEEP ON COLLINGHAM CLOUT IN 8TH
Down 4-2 heading into the bottom of the 8th Forest City rapped 2 critical home runs that moved them within one victory of the Pro Cup Finals. Bryant Stubbs cut the LaGrange lead to 4-3, then Milt Moncriffe singled and Willie Collingham clobbered one out of the park for a stunning comebacvk 5-4 win over the gaping Gators. Forest City is sitting pretty with a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven Ruthlandian Union Title Series. Big Boy Walker notched his second playoff win, giving up four runs on 5 hits in his 8 innings. Shannon Slate tossed a scoreless 9th to finish off LaGrange. The Gators got a fine start from Jules Dufour, who held the Firebirds to 2 runs in 5 innings. He departed with a 3-2 edge.

Forest City cracked 12 hits, sparked by Bryant Stubbs(.529 BA/3 HR/10 RBI) with 3 hits and a solo homer, Milt Moncriffe (.333 BA/2 HR/6 RBI) went 2 for 4 and scored 3 times, Jim Raver (.370 BA/3 RBI) got 2 hits and drove in a pair of runs and Willie Collingham (.083 BA/1 HR/2 RBI) drilled the game-winning blast. LaGrange only got 5 hits and was led by Ricardo Zamora (.333 BA/7 RBI) with 3 hits and 2 runs batted in.

2092 IPA Tycobbian Union Title Series - Game 3

HARTSDALE HOME WIN GIVES THEM LEAD OVER LYNX 2-1
Lordy mercy, there may be another upset in the making --- underdog Hartsdale just won their second in a row over Pro Cup champion La Claire --- a big 4-run 6th did the job, highlighted by Dickie Fraisse's 2-run two-bagger that pushed the Hellcats ahead 5-4. Their bullpen did the rest. Winning pitcher Darren Peabody (1-0/4.26 ERA) and Bomber McBee (0-1/2.53 ERA/2 saves/4 games) blanked the Lynx the final 4 frames on just one hit and gave Hartsdale a 2-1 margin in the Tycobbian Union Title Series. Rookie closer Enos Elliott (1-1/1.93 ERA) was pinned with the loss. He surrendered the go-ahead runs and blew the save. Both clubs only managed 7 hits apiece. Hartsdale was led by Wayne Gervais (.281 BA) with 2 hits. Judah Pickens (.379 BA) with 2 hits paced La Claire. David Glascock (.030 BA/1 HR/3 RBI) of La Claire got the game's only homer, a 2-run wallop. Neither starter Mitch Womack (1-0/5.73 ERA) for the Hellcats, nor Paul Unruh (0-1/10.38 ERA) for the Lynx were effective.

[Eugene Church]

Tuesday, October 21, 2092

2092 IPA Ruthlandian Union Title Series - Game 4

LAGRANGE STILL ALIVE THANKS TO SUTCLIFFE
The LaGrange Gators have a long, long way to go, but at least they staved off being swept in four games by the sizzling Forest City Firebirds. Easy Ed Sutcliffe cooled them off 6-1 in game four, halting them on 6 hits, fanning 6 and walking 2. Still, it's going to be a huge uphill battle to win three more games. The Gators tore into loser Craig Ballantyne (0-1/5.73 ERA) early and knocked him out of the box after 5 innings. He went to the showers trailing 5-0. LaGrange got 9 hits, led by Evon Layton (.270 BA) with 2 hits, including a solo homer and by Ricardo Zamora (.353 BA/8 RBI) with a double and a single and an RBI. Kyran Carwell and Ed Sutcliffe also had a ribbie.

2092 IPA Tycobbian Union Title Series - Game 4

LA CLAIRE NIPS HARTSDALE IN GAME 4, SERIES NOW 2-2
Game four of the Tycobbian Title Series was a scoreless duel for 7 innings --- nothing but goose eggs were put up on the scoreboard --- finally, the Lynx were victorious in a cliffhanger 3-2. La Claire's Jim Coller and Hartsdale's Dandy DeBusshere were both impressive --- finally La Claire broke through with 3 runs in the top of the 8th against Hartsdale loser Bomber McBee (0-2/3.95 ERA), who was rocked for 3 runs, 4 hits and 4 walks in his 3 innings. McBee made it easy for the Lynx. Judah Pickens (.394 BA/5 RBI) broke the ice with an RBI single, followed by bases-loaded walks to Dennis Culpepper (.235 BA) and Howie Ellenberger (.267 BA). The Hellcats made it close with 2 runs in the last of the 8th with RBI singles by Delton Gunn (.256 BA/3 HR/14 RBI) and Jorah Hladki (.235 BA/3 HR/10 RBI) against reliever Lyndon Fletcher. Roger Arenado closed it out in the 9th with a 1-2-3 inning. It was his 3rd save in the playoffs. Enos Elliott (2-1/1.59 ERA ) got the win with 2 runless innings in the 6th and 7th frames. Only 10 hits in the game, 6 for La Claire and just 4 for Hartsdale. It a brand-new series. La Claire is trying to win its 3rd straight Pro Cup. So far Hartsdale has given them fits. It's anybody's series to win. The bullpens will decide the series.

[Eugene Church]

Wednesday, October 22, 2092

2092 IPA Ruthlandian Union Title Series - Game 5

FC FIREBIRDS WIN RU TITLE IN 5 GAMES
Yeah buddy, it just might be the Year of the Firebirds --- they are headed for the IPA Pro Cup Series against the champion of the Tycobbian Union --- Forest City ace hurler Thomas Tate wrapped up the Ruthlandian Union Title with a superb 2-hitter, firing a 6-1 victory in the 5th game of the series. Forest City eliminated LaGrange four games to one. Tate (1-0/2.31 ERA), a lefty, went the route, whiffed 10 and walked only 2. The Firebirds roughed up IPA ERA leader Jules Le Royer for 6 runs in just 5 innings. Le Royer had quite a season with a 1.83 ERA and a 17-4 record. He finished the playoffs with a 1-1 record and a 3.65 ERA. LaGrange also had a great season winning 107 games, third-best mark in IPA history. The Gators were the choice to win the 2092 Pro Cup. The Firebirds were rated the 6th best of the 8 division winners.

Forest City jolted Le Royer for 5 runs in the 4th frame. The Firebirds attack were led by Jim Raver (.314 BA/5 RBI) and Jurgen Borgmann (.333 BA/5 RBI) with 2 RBI apiece. Thomas Tate (.500 BA/2 RBI) also drove in a run.

LaGrange second baseman Lenny Lang (.237 BA/3 RBI) spoiled the no-hitter and shutout with 2 hits and a run batted in.

Winning manager Randy Snow gave credit to his team's hefty hitting and solid pitching. They made it look easy to get past the potent Gators in 5 games.

Losing skipper Antoine Robicheaux told the press, "It was a great season for my Gators. We just ran into a red-hot team when they were sizzling. Woe to the Tycobbian champion. They are about to find out what we found out".

2092 IPA Tycobbian Union Title Series - Game 5

HELLCATS TAKE 3-2 LEAD ON HLADKI'S HR
Bennie Frey was brilliant on the mound in the 5th game of the best-of-seven Tycobbian Title Series, yet the Hartsdale Hellcats just barely won. Frey only permitted one hit in his 8 innings, a homer by Dennis Culpepper. Frey left Kurt Schnell with a 2-1 edge in the 9th, but he couldn't hold it. It took a home run in the last of the 9th by Jorah Hladki (.237 BA/11 RBI) to trim the Pro Cup champ La Claire Lynx 3-2 in the critical game five. The Lynx are seeking to 3-peat as IPA champion. Hartsdale is now in the driver's seat with a three games to two margin.

Frey outpitched La Claire ace Don Bartels (1-1/1.93 ERA), who fired a complete game, limiting the Hellcats to 2 earned run on 5 hits with 8 Ks and one walk. Schnell (3-0/5.14 ERA) gained another victory despite blowing another lead.

Frey even drove in the first run of the game with a sacrifice fly in the 5th frame. Bill MacPherson (.200 BA/9 RBI) singled and went to third on an error, then tagged up and scored easily on Frey's deep drive to center. La Claire's Dennis Culpepper tied it up in the 6th with a solo swat. In the bottom of the 8th pinch hitter Glen Henley (.167 BA) sent Hartsdale into the lead again with a roundtripper. La Claire came right back in the top half of the 9th and knotted the score at 2-all. Dennis Culpepper (.263 BA) and David Glascock (.138 BA) singled, putting runners on the corners. Pinch hitter Harry Lawrence (.500 BA) tied it up again with a sac fly. In the last of the 9th Hladki sent one soaring out of the ballpark to give Hartsdale a three games to two edge in the best-of-five series.

Not a lot of hits in the game. Hartsdale only had 5, while La Claire only got 4.

[Eugene Church]

Friday, October 24, 2092

2092 Tycobbian Union Title Series - Game 6

H'CATS END LYNX'S DREAM FOR 3-PEAT,
It's all over, but the crying in La Claire. The Lynx's dream of winning 3 straight Pro Cups has been derailed by a determined bunch of Hartsdale Hellcats. The Hellcats triumphed 3-2 in game 6 on La Claire's homefield, Capitol Park Stadium, to take the tense duel four games to two. Scottie Deutsch doubled in the 7th and scored the series-winning run on an error by right fielder Judah Pickens, when he misjudged Delton Gunn's line drive.

It was a nailbiter with real good pitching on both sides. Javon Harbin (1/1/4.24 ERA) started and worked 5 good innings for Hartsdale, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits. Closer Bomber McBee took over and took charge, shutting out the Lynx on 1 hit the final 4 frames. McBee (1-2/3.06 ERA) got the victory. Shuggie Garsett (1-1/4.96 ERA) got the start for La Claire, went 5 innings and held the Hellcats to one earned run on 6 hits - 2 runs in all. Garsett was behind 2-1 when he exited. Loser Enos Elliott (2-2) was the victim of the vital error and gave up an unearned run in his 2 innings. Lyndon Fletcher kept the Lynx in the game with 2 runless inning in the 8th and 9th.

Hartsdale collected 10 hits, paced by Wayne Gervais (.286 BA) with 3 hits and 2 runs scored. Jorah Hladki (.262 BA/5 HR/12 RBI) had 2 hits, including his one-run clout, his 5th of the postseason. Dennis Culpepper (.268 BA/3 HR/6 RBI) homered for La Claire in defeat. It was his 3rd of the playoffs and good for a pair of runs in the first frame. The Lynx could only muster 6 hits in the game.

Long-time Hartsdale skipper Mark Markis told reporters, "It was a heck of a series --- the last four games were one-run thrillers --- Yes, indeed, we are happy to get out La Claire --- they are a great team --- our pitching saved us".

La Claire manager Jonny Bacon said, "We were on the edge of making IPA history, but we just ran out of hits in the last four games. The Hartsdale hurlers are better than you think".

Bacon added, "I think the Hellcats will do quite well in the Pro Cup Finals against Forest City. It should be a whale of a series. Both clubs can hit with the best teams in the IPA and their pitching just might be underated".

[Eugene Church]

A special thanks from EC to the AI that helped me write the story.
Saturday, October 25, 2092

HURLERS BEWARE: HIGH OCTANE ATTACKS SET TO IGNITE AT RIVERSIDE STADIUM IN FOREST CITY IN THE IPA PRO CUP SERIES
Grab your gloves and keep your heads on a swivel. If the scouts are right, the bleachers at Riverside Stadium in Forest City are about to become a landing zone for home run balls. The Islandian Pro Alliance Pro Cup Finals kick off this Tuesday afternoon, featuring a best-of-seven clash between the Forest City Firebirds and the Hartsdale Hellcats. While both clubs boast solid starting rotations, analysts are predicting a literal shootout, warning that the bats will be booming from the very first pitch.

The Road to the Finals
Both squads arrive at the championship series having played the role of spoilers. #6-rated Forest City punched their ticket by dismantling the heavily favored #1-ranked LaGrange Gators in just five games to claim the Ruthlandian Union Title. Not to be outdone, #8 Hartsdale pulled off a stunning upset of their own in the Tycobbian Union, ending the reign of the #2 choice La Claire Lynx in six games. By knocking off the defending champs, the Hellcats prevented a rare "three-peat"— a feat that hasn't been achieved in the IPA since the Far Mountain Redhawks did it in 2011.

Quest for the Cup
For Firebirds skipper Randy Snow, the series is a chance to etch his name into Forest City lore. The club is chasing its second Pro Cup, having last tasted championship glory in 2068. Across the diamond, Hellcats manager Mark Markis is looking to add a third trophy to the Hartsdale mantle. The Hellcats previously captured the revered Pro Cup in 2046 and 2063.

The X-Factor
On paper, the two teams are a mirror image of one another. They are statistically equal at the plate and both feature reliable front-end starters. However, in a series expected to be defined by heavy hitting, the margin for error is razor-thin. "The cherished Pro Cup Trophy will be won or lost in the late innings," noted one league analyst. With both offenses firing on all cylinders, the bullpens will likely be the deciding factor. Which relief corps can bridge the gap and silence the booming bats?

The quest for IPA Pro Cup begins this Tuesday at Riverside Stadium in Forest City.

2092 IPA Pro Cup Series Forecast: Give the Forest City Firebirds a very slight edge in hitting, pitching and bullpen. The pitchers will determine the Pro Cup champion this year. The Firebirds will edge out the Hartsdale Hellcats in a seven-game thriller.

[Eugene Church]

Forest City Firebirds
Regular Season (95-59) (47-30 home) (48-29 away)
Postseason (8-1) (4-1 home) (4-0 away)

Key Pitchers:
(Name) (Regular Season) -- (Postseason)
LHP Thomas Tate (18-8/3.02 ERA) -- (1-0/2.31 ERA/3 GS)
RHP Matty O'Mara (18-4/2.76 ERA) -- (2-0/0.54 ERA/2 GS)
RHP Big Boy Walker (17-11/2.69 ERA) -- (2-0/3.78 ERA/2 GS)
LHP Curt Leininger (8-13/4.71 ERA/25 saves/71 G) -- (1-0/6.75 ERA/2 saves/5 RA)

Key Position Players:
(Name) (Regular Season) (Postseason)
SS Cale Borden (120 G/.324 BA/13 HR/45 RBI/49 R) -- (.225 BA/1 HR/6 RBI/6 R)
RF Bryant Stubbs (133 G/.318 BA/18 HR/89 RBI/76 R) -- (.463 BA/3 HR/10 RBI/6 R)
2B Milt Moncriffe (148 G/.307 BA/23 HR/86 RBI/80 R) -- (.297 BA/2 HR/7 RBI/3 R)
C Jurgen Borgmann (135 G/.281 BA/14 HR/59 RBI/55 R) -- (.333 BA/1 HR/5 RBI/5 R)
3B Jim Raver (148 G/.273 BA/20 HR/74 RBI/70 R) -- (.314 BA/0 HR/5 RBI/3 R)

Hartsdale Hellcats
Regular Season (84-70) (46-31 home) (38-39 away)
Postseason (8-4) (4-2 home) (4-2 away)

Key Pitchers:
(Name) (Regular Season) -- (Postseason)
RHP Bennie Frey (18-9/3.65 ERA) -- (1-1/3.46 ERA/4 GS)
RHP Javon Harbin (10-10/2.86 ERA) -- (1-1/4.24 ERA/4 GS)
LHP Dandy DeBusshere (12-10/3.80 ERA) -- (0-0/6.52 ERA/2 GS)
LHP Milt Womack (15-6/4.18 ERA) -- (1-0/5.73 ERA/2 GS)
LHP Bomber McBee (8-13/4.00 ERA/11 saves/68 G) -- (1-2/3.06 ERA/2 saves/6 G)
LHP Kurt Schnell (8-17/3.97 ERA/17 saves/78 G) -- (3-0/5.14 ERA/0 saves/5 G)

Key Position Players:
LF Delton Gunn (151 G/.296 BA/22 HR/71 R/97 R/19 SB) -- (.220 BA/3 HR/14 RBI/9 R/3 SB)
CF Jozef Yoren (150 G/.275 BA/17 HR/75 RBI/.97 R/13 SB) -- (.333 BA/3 HR/11 RBI/10 R/2 SB)
SS Wayne Gervais (151 G/13 HR/59 RBI/86 R) -- (.286 BA/0 HR/1 RBI/8 R)
3B Dickie Fraisse (151 G/.267 BA/13 HR/71 RBI/68 R -- (.333 BA/1 HR/4 RBI/1 RBI)
2B Scottie Deutsch (151 G/13 HR/71 RBI/75 R) -- (.349 BA/1 HR/3 RBI/9 R)
1B Jorah Hladki (.260 BA/27 HR/81 RBI/81 R) -- (.262 BA/5 HR/12 RBI/8 R)
C Bill MacPherson (.256 BA/15 HR/68 RBI/58 R) -- (.205 BA/2 HR/9 RBI/7 R)
RF Calvin Mannon (.250 BA/17 HR/75 RBI/71 R/12 SB) -- (.263 BA/1 HR/1 RBI/5 R)

[Eugene Church]

If the Pro Cup forecast is wrong, EC will probably blame it on the AI.
Yeah, buddy! That's what EC will do.

[Eugene Church]

After looking at all the regular season and playoff stats of both teams.
EC thinks Forest City will win in 6 games. They have better starting pitchers than Hartsdale. Neither team has a good bullpen.

Then again, Hartsdale beat last year's champ La Claire with a seemingly lesser quality mound corps. But the Lynx are not a good-hitting team.

My final decision: Forest City in 6 games --- the Firebirds hit better and their starters are better.

[Eugene Church]

Wednesday, October 29, 2092

2092 IPA Pro Cup Series - Game 1

[Eugene Church]

Thursday, October 30, 2092

2092 Islandian Pro Alliance Pro Cup Series - Game 2