ISLANDIAN PRO ALLIANCE (RUTHLANDIA and TYCOBBIA BASEBALL UNIONS)

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Friday, July 13, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - South Division

Waleska's Hill Halts Marston 4-3
Kip Sanders of Waleska hammered a two-run homer in the eighth inning to whip Marston at Legends Field 4-3. Gary Hill (9-5 4.27) stood out on the mound for the Westerners and went the route, giving up seven hits, striking out eight and walking three. Losing pitcher Casey Ledbetter (11-5 3.52) failed for the fifth time to get his 12th win. Waleska got to him for nine hits and four runs in eight innings. The Westerners were led by right fielder Charley Williamson (.294) with 3-for-4 and second baseman Wiz Taylor (.307) with 3-for-5. It was shortstop Sanders 3rd homer of the year. Catcher Eddie Allen (.248) had two hits and two RBIs for the Nine and left fielder Ronnie Horn (.292) drove in the other one.

First place Marston (47-39) saw its lead over the Westerners fall to 3.5 games with the loss. Waleska (44-43) is in third place in the RU South.

'Jacks Moore Mows Down Rattlers 9-3
At Riverside Park in Forest City, the Lumberjacks unleashed a dozen hits and Glenn Moore mowed down Sugar Valley 9-3, giving them three wins in a row and the Rattlers a fifth straight loss. Moore (9-7 3.12) blanked them for the first six innings, yielding six hits overall in the game with four Ks and a walk. Third baseman Jesse Pearson (.270) sparked the 'Jacks with three hits and three RBIs with right fielder Benny Davis (.269) adding three hits, scoring twice and driving in one. Moore (.136) helped his own cause with 2-3 and two RBIs. Forest City bombed losing pitcher Hec Skurgan (0-1 6.31) for eight runs in just four innings. Sugar Valley third baseman Jorge Vargas (.343) doubled, homered and drove in all of their runs. He has now hit 23 roundtrippers this season.

Forest City, managed by Robbie Jackson, is now just a half-game behind the RU South frontrunning Marston Nine (47-39). The Rattlers (43-44) dropped back to 4.5 games off the pace in fourth place.

Sunbirds Score Late to Beat Diamonds 5-1
For six innings it was a fine pitchers' duel between righthander Ken Frey of Belair Beach and Claxton lefthander Sammy Melton with Melton (.429) having the edge 1-0 on his own third-inning homer. But in the seventh and eighth, it all took a turn for the worst for Melton and the Diamonds. The Sunbirds went in front 2-1 on an RBI single by third baseman Dom Corbelli (.268) and shortstop Danny Church's (.244) sacrifice fly. Second baseman Rick Sullivan (.266) then added three more the next inning on a bases-loaded double to finish off Melton 5-1 and run the Sunbirds win skein to five games. Frey (6-7 3.47) hurled an impressive game, stopping Claxton on six hits, while fanning six and walking two. Sullivan and right fielder Matty McDermott (.335) led Belair Beach with three hits apiece. Melton (1-1 3.78) gave up five runs in seven-plus innings for the loss. He fanned nine.

Belair Beach (39-49) is last in the division standings, but is on the rise with 6 wins in the last 10 games. The Sunbirds trail by 9 games, while Claxton (42-47) is now 6.5 games out.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Friday, July 13, 2001

Tycobbian Union - East Division

'Canes Close Gap, 3 Games Behind Ninjas
Third place Cape Coral is hosting an important five-game series with first place Ginza at Seaside Stadium and took the opener 5-3 for their 4th consecutive victory. Katsuyuki Nagashima (8-7 2.65) shined on the mound, hurt only by a three-run homer by right fielder Charlie Campbell (.296) in the fourth inning. Otherwise the Ninjas couldn't dent the scoreboard. Danny Mullins put the Hurricanes up to stay 4-3 with a homer in the bottom of the inning. Nagashima gave up only two earned runs and eight hits and went the distance. Nagashima was aided by three double plays and he was backed by three roundtrippers, all solo shots. Right fielder Mullins (.305) hit his 9th and 10th, and center fielder James Middleton (.314) cracked his 5th on the season. Vic Rousakis (9-10 3.74) also pitched the whole game. He surrendered 10 hits and took the loss.

Ginza (49-39) fell for the third game in a row and its lead over Cape Coral (46-42) is down to 3 games.

Stallions Win 7th In a Row, 8-2 Over Z's
Sizzling South Fork won its 7th in a row and beat Luxora 8-2 at home to cut Ginza's lead in the TU East to just one game. Reformed reliever, now starter, Ken Connor (8-2 2.28), won his fifth straight start, holding the Zorros to six singles, while fanning seven and walking only one. Left fielder Gene Woodruff (.279) led the way at bat with three hits and three runs driven in. Center fielder Ronnie Lee (.316) also knocked in two runs for the Stallions. Johnny Montel (7-10 3.29) registered the defeat, permitting four runs in four innings. He left trailing 4-1.

South Fork (48-40) is 8-2 in its last 10 games and has moved up to second to challenge the Ginza Ninjas (49-39), while Luxora (40-46) is fifth and 8 games out.

Nats Skim by Hellcats 4-3
Ozarka skimmed by Hartsdale 4-3 to snap its three-game slide and extend the Hellcats losing streak to seven games. Playing at home at Ellie Ewing Stadium the Naturals got solid pitching from Tony Didriksen (8-7 3.72). The 28-year-old righthander worked into the ninth, permitted three runs on eight hits and fanned six, giving up three walks. Ace closer Alex DiMaggio (7-4 1.43) came in with the tying run on second and got the last two outs to seal his 8th save. Both ballclubs each had 8 hits with Hellcats third baseman Whiz Weaver (.284) and shortstop Terry Bellino (.276) getting the only home runs in the game. Ozarka was paced by RBI doubles by shortstop Gil Lantz (.246) and left fielder Ronnie Patterson (.245), a run-scoring single by second baseman Duane Starr (.287) and a sacrifice fly by catcher Vinny Shepherd (.200). Glenn Mann (7-12 3.63) lost another one, his sixth loss in his last seven decisions. The Nats got to him for four runs in six innings. He gave up eight hits and six bases on balls.

Ozarka (42-46) is fourth in the TU East race, 7 games back of Ginza (49-39). Hartsdale (38-50) is last and 11 games behind.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Friday, July 13, 2001

Tycobbian Union - West Division

Frogs Take Opener in Showdown Series with Viks
It's showdown time in the Tycobbian Union West with second place Bayview entertaining the division's top club, Fairfax, at Downtown Plaza Stadium. Things were looking bleak for the visitors after six innings as the Vikings ran up a 5-2 lead. The Bayview starter Frank Wells held the Frogs in check, but then gave way to his bullpen and things fell to pieces. Fairfax rallied for three in the seventh to even the score and won it 7-5 with two in the eighth with the winning runs coming on third baseman Stan Cobb's (.323) two-run two-bagger. Reliever Barrett Carruthers (1-0 3.00) won his first game ever in the IPA with a hitless sixth and seventh. Eddie Castillo (0-3 3.83) picked up his 2nd save by holding the Vikings without a hit over the last two frames. Shortstop Tuck Hawkins (.278) topped the Frogs with a three-run homer in the seventh, while Cobb also drove in three runs. Hawkins was 3-5, Cobb 2-5 and center fielder Billy Echevarria (.263) went 4-4 and scored twice. For Bayview it was center fielder Phil Kanaan (.299), who did the most damage with a three-run double in the four-run fifth. The Vikings only got 5 hits and none after the fifth inning. Fairfax slammed Bayview pitching for 15 hits with the loss going to Buzzy Lewis (3-5 3.30), who was rapped for two runs in two innings.

The Frogs (53-35) increased their lead over Bayview to 8 games.

Champs End Bucs Streak at 5
It took 11 innings, but the third place Arlon Champions put a stop to Bay St. Clair's 5-game win string with a 7-6 triumph. Clean-up hitter Jerry Keller doubled in Andy Pettorini with the winning score to pin the loss on Sean Lawrence and give the victory to Rod Kelley. Both teams rung up 14 hits apiece with the Champs being led by left fielder Matt Merrill (.314) with 3-for-6 and two RBIs, center fielder Keller (.301) with 2-for-5 and two RBIs and catcher Smoke Zakharov (.247) with 2-for-6 and a pair of runs driven in. Pacing the Buccaneers were right fielder Jose Valenzuela (.289) with two hits and two RBIs, second baseman Tony Mann (.327) with three hits and third baseman Bobby Tracy (.320) with three hits. Kelley (5-2 4.03) got credit for the win, working two scoreless innings to wrap up the game. Lawrence (2-8 3.71) absorbed the defeat, pitching five innings and allowing two runs, only one earned.

The victory moved Arlon (45-43) into a tie for second place in the standings with Bayview (46-44), both 8 games off the pace of the division leader. Bay St. Clair (38-51) dropped 15.5 games back in the race.

Blue Sox Stop 5-Game Losing Streak
Jay Clay put a stop to the Blue Sox 5-game losing streak with a masterful 4-1 win over La Claire at Harbor Stadium in Blue Lake. Clay (10-3 2.58) improved to 10-3 on the year and lowered his ERA to 2.58, checking the Lynx on seven hits, while fanning six and issuing three free passes. The Blue Sox only got six hits with first baseman Fred Taranto (.310) setting the pace with his 12th roundtripper. Second baseman Dandy Wilson chipped in with two RBIs and center fielder Donnie Frazier (.294) drove in one run. All of the runs came off loser Tony Nygaard (3-7 3.45), but only two were earned. In his five innings Nygaard allowed five hits and had five strikeouts.

Blue Lake (41-46) holds the fifth position in the TU West standings and trails Fairfax (53-35) by 11.5 games, while La Claire (42-46) is in the fourth spot and 11 games off the pace.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Saturday, July 14, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - North Division

Costas Too Much for Colfax
Colfax ran into a twirler that was too tough for them. Elnora's crafty lefthander Carl Costas (6-10 3.26) allowed 9 hits, but limited the Blasters to just one run in the 5-1 win. Costas chalked up five Ks and walked two in a fine outing. The All-Stars only got 7 hits but made good use of them to send Colfax to its third straight loss. Right fielder Art Atkins (.311) and left fielder Quincy Peterson (.286) knocked in two runs apiece. Harry Manning (11-6 3.66) was treated badly for the second successive start and went down to defeat, allowing five runs in four-plus innings.

It was a critical loss for Colfax (49-40) as the Blasters are now tied for first with Far Mountain in the Ruthlandian Union North, pending the outcome of the Redhawks game with the Valmara Vipers. Elnora (36-54) is in the basement and trails by 13.5 games.

Vipers Zalewski Keeps Redhawks Out of Top Spot
The pressure was on Far Mountain on the road at War Memorial Stadium in Valmara. The Redhawks could have move into a tie with Colfax for the top spot in the division, but the Vipers splendid southpaw Zarek Zalewski kept them in the runner-up position with a 6-0 shutout. Zalewski (11-5 2.57) snapped out of a recent slump and stopped Far Mountain on five hits, all singles, and struck out 11 in his seven innings. He needed relief help from Danny Blauser (7-4 2.67), who came in and blanked the Redhawks over the last two innings, striking out two and retiring all six batters in order. A five-run fouth inning put Valmara over the top. The Vipers had 9 hits off four pitchers and were led by third baseman Steve Kaminski (.355) with a two-run triple and second baseman Floyd Vinson (.306) with two RBIs. Lefty John Luzzatti (7-7 3.52) gave up all six runs in less than four innings and took the loss.

The loss put Far Mountain (49-41) a half-game behind first place Colfax (49-40), while Valmara (43-46) is in fifth place and just 6 games out. There are still a lot of teams in the hunt for the playoff spots in the Islandian Pro Alliance.

Sandoval Dominates A's 4-1, 11 Ks
The third place Glasco Athletics also had a chance to get a little closer to first place in the RU North, but ran into standout mound performance by Raul Sandoval, who dominated them 4-1. The fireballing portsider restricted the A's to only four hits and no earned runs, fanned 11 of them and walked just one. Sandoval (8-10 3.45) had lost his last three decisions. Sparking the Vigilantes were centerfielder Alex Luna (.278), right fielder Jesus Arroyo (.279) and first baseman Alejandro Salazar (.290). In the three-run third Luna singled in the first run of the game, Arroyo doubled in number two and Salazar tripled in another. Catcher Jojo Nunez (.274) drove in the final run in the fifth with a sac fly. Glasco's Charles Darby (11-8 3.42) lost for the fourth time in his last six decisions. He was whacked for nine hits and four runs in seven innings.

In spite of the setback, the A's (45-42) are only 3 games out of first place. Volusia (45-44) is just 4 games behind in the flag chase.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Saturday, July 14, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - South Division

Burchfield Fires 3-Hiitter, Nine Dumps Waleska 4-1
With the RU South just about as close as it can get, manager Johnny Walters of the first place Marston Nine was in need of a victory and he got it from Booger Burchfield. The 26-year-old hurler stopped third place Waleska 4-1 on a three-hitter at Legends Field and ended a personal three-game losing stretch. Recently Burchfield had been relegated to the bullpen for ineffectiveness. Though his control wavered at times as Burchfield (5-9 3.51) walked five, but he was tough to hit and fanned seven. Center fielder Tommy Reinhold (.307) had a three-run double in the second inning to lead Marston at the plate. In the seventh left fielder Sam Dixon (.278) singled in Reinhold to complete the scoring.

The Nine (48-39) broke a two-game slide and now leads the third place Westerners (44-44) by 4.5 games. Waleska is tied with Sugar Valley (44-44).

SV Snaps 5-Game Slump, Edges FC 3-2
It was five games ago that Sugar Valley last had the sweet taste of victory. The Rattlers snapped that streak by edging Forest City 3-2 on the road at Riverside Stadium. Ace righthander Ron Benson blanked the tough Lumberjacks for the first eight innings. A tired Benson stumbled in the ninth and gave up two runs, cutting the lead to one run, but he got help from Gregg Neal, who finally got the last out after giving up a single and a walk to put the outcome in jeopardy. Benson (14-7 2.64) allowed nine hits, walked four and struck out five to capture his 14th win of the year, best in the IPA. Neal (7-5 2.24) got his 12th save, but sweated out a possible blown save. The Rattlers got a run in the first on a double by center fielder Freddie Vaux (.343). In the fifth they added two more runs on a single by shortstop Flipper Bird (.297) and a throwing error by the 'Jacks center fielder Ryan Morse. Forest City third baseman Jesse Pearson (.275) and pitcher Buddy Hutchinson (.158) had RBI singles in the ninth. Southpaw Brian Charles (3-4 4.56) put in a good performance in defeat, surrendering only three runs and nine hits in eight innings.

Second place Forest City (48-42) slipped to 1.5 games behind the RU South leader, the Marston Nine (48-39). Sugar Valley (44-44) climbed back into a third place tie with Waleska (44-44), both clubs are 4.5 games behind in the standings.

Sunbirds Sink Diamonds, Win 6th Straight
Skipper Marty Pedrosa has got his Belair Beach Sunbirds flying high with a 6th straight win. The Sunbirds sank Claxton 3-2 on the strong outing of Tiny Lindgren (1-0 3.38) and the strenght of first baseman Phil Gravelli's (.332) two homers, his 18th and 19th this year. The Diamonds took the lead 2-1 after five on Bobby Ritter's (.311) double in the third and right fielder Dixie Baker's (.315) 28th roundtripper in the fourth, but Lindgren shut them off after that. Gravelli rallied Belair Beach with solo homers in the sixth and eighth frames. Earl Weber (5-6 3.86) whiffed 10 Sunbirds in defeat. He went the distance, permitted nine hits and three runs, walking only one.

Claxton (42-48) is in the fifth spot in the Ruthlandian Union South standings and trails the top club, the Marston Nine by 7.5 games. Belair Beach (40-49) is on the move, but still in last place, 9 games off the pace.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Saturday, July 14, 2001

Tycobbian Union - East Division

Hurricanes Capture 5th In a Row
Third place Cape Coral continued to win and captured its 5th victory in a row. The Hurricanes downed the first place Ginza Ninjas 8-3 at Seaside Stadium and climbed to within two games of the top spot in the Tycobbian Union East flag chase. Ginza has now lost three straight. Righthander Gary Fountain (7-4 4.21) dazzled them with a four-hitter in his seven innings of work, allowing only one run, fanning six and walking two. He easily got the best of Tashiharu Ito (9-3 2.45), who was pounded for five runs and eight hits before he exited in the fifth inning. Pacing the Hurricanes 12-hit attack were catcher Fats Dalton (.179) with two hits and three RBIs and left fielder Rod Kelly (.309) with 3-for-4 and three runs scored.

Ginza's (49-40) defeat dropped them into a first place tie with the South Fork Stallions (49-40), while Cape Coral (47-42) is nipping at their heels just two games behind the co-leaders.

Stallions Win 8th Straight, Tie Ginza for First
Bernini was brilliant and Turnbull was terrific! And the South Fork Stallions are now tied for first in the TU East with Ginza. Vince Bernini (3-3 2.10) and closer Glenn Turnbull (6-3 2.62) combined to blank the Luxora Zorros 2-0 at Jock Ewing Stadium for the Stallions 8th straight victory. Bernini tossed eight innings and stopped the Z's on four hits with three Ks and a walk, while Turnbull got his third save with a perfect ninth. Second baseman Bob Jones (.295) singled in first baseman Keith Burke (.308) from second for the winning run in the seventh. South Fork got an insurance run in the eighth on a walk, sacrifice and two-base throwing error. In a low-hit game the Stallions numbered only three hits, while Luxora just got four. Tito Tovares (1-2 2.45) was outstanding in defeat as he gave up only one run and three hits in seven innings with eight strikeouts and two walks.

South Fork (49-40) has moved to the top of the standings with a 9-1 run and now shares first place with the Ginza Ninjas (49-40). The Luxora Zorros (40-47) are 8 games back and in fifth place.

Hellcats Finally Win, Break 7-Game Streak
It has been almost a week since Hartsdale was in the win column. The Hellcats finally won and broke a 7-game losing skein as they bumped off Ozarka 4-1 behind the fine pitching of Mitch Yassen (1-1 3.18). The recent acquisition rung up his first career win in the IPA with a five-hitter. Yassen is a righthanded finesse pitcher and had four strikeouts and no walks. Hartsdale's talented second baseman Francisco Abreu (.292), who has pretty much carried the offense this season, did it again today with four RBIs, including a three-run homer in the opening frame. It his 19th of the year. The Hellcats only got six hits in all. They pinned the loss on Sid Hyder (3-2 3.63), who allowed four runs in six innings.

The fourth place Ozarka Naturals (42-47) are 8 games off the pace, while Hartsdale (39-50) is last and 10 games behind.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Saturday, July 14, 2001

Tycobbian Union - West Division

Viks Rally to Beat Frogs 3-2
The second place Bayview Vikings rallied in the late innings to beat first place Fairfax 3-2. Shortstop Shorty Richards (.236) tied it with an RBI single in the seventh inning and first baseman Dwayne Coleman (.303) drove home the winning run with a single in the eighth. Earlier center fielder Phil Kanaan (.298) hit his 8th homer in the second inning. Skipper Walter Johanssen got some good pitching from starter Paul Hood and closer Buzzy Lewis. Hood gave him seven fine innings, striking out nine and holding the Frogs to two runs and five hits. Lewis (4-5 3.19) picked up the victory with two scoreless innings. Bobby Ray Trent (0-2 2.61) lost another tough decision, yielding only four hits and two earned runs in going the route. Trent finished with seven Ks and four bases on balls. Fairfax outhit the Vikings 7 to 4 with third baseman Stan Cobb (.326) going 2-for-3 with an RBI and right fielder Louie Ward (.306) 2-for-4 and scoring a run.

Fairfax (53-36) still hold a 6-game edge over Bayview (47-44) in the TU West Division.

Big Inning Wins It for Bucs
Things didn't look good for Bay St. Clair. The Buccaneers were trailing 4-0 going into the bottom of the seventh when they exploded for 5 runs to take a 5-4 comeback victory over the Arlon Champions. A pair of two-run homers quickly changed the outcome of the game. Second string first baseman Matt D'Abo (.053) and left fielder Charley Moon (.281) delivered the key hits of loser Craig Smith (11-6 2.89). It was D'Abo's first career homer and Moon's 13th. The Bucs also had the edge in hits 12 to 11. Long reliever Gary Robinson (6-9 4.43) starred with four shutout innings and five strikeouts for the win. Chris Van Arden (3-0 0.68) has been unbelievable since joining the club three weeks ago. Van Arden got his 4th save, giving up no runs in the final two innings.

Arlon (45-44) is third in the division and 8 games out of first, while Bay St. Clair (39-51) is at the tail end, 14.5 games behind.

Blue Sox West Guns Down 11 Lynx
Blue Lake's Bennie West was overpowering today at Harbor Stadium. His 97 mile an hour fastball was really blazing as he fanned 11 and held La Claire to just six singles in the 4-0 shutout. In a sterling performance West (10-9 2.92) chalked up his third shutout this year and walked no one. The Blue Sox only got 7 hits themselves, but benefited from 10 bases on balls. George Gentry (0-2 1.69) suffered the loss, being tagged for four runs in seven innings, but only two were earned. He walked 8 batters. Blue Lake was led by center fielder Donnie Frazier (.297) with two doubles and first sacker Fred Taranto (.315) with three singles.

Fourth place Blue Lake (42-46) trails the division leader by 10.5 games and fifth place La Claire (42-47) is 11 games out.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Saturday, July 14, 2001

Arlon and Bay St. Clair Swap Players
GM/Manager Gary Louis of the Arlon Champions of the TU East announced a trade has been completed with the Bay St. Clair Buccaneers of the TU West. The Champs will get third baseman Bubba Tate in return for pitcher Hal Meissner.

Guy Rondre, GM/Manager of the Buccaneers, said it was a win-win for both clubs. His club desparately needs pitching and the Champs needed a productive hitter.

Meissner is a 17-year-old righthander, who was signed two weeks ago by Arlon. In four games he has a 1-0 record with a 1.20 ERA. In Meissner's only start he beat the first place Fairfax Frogs 4-1 on July 10. Rondre said Meissner will be inserted into his starting rotation immediately.

Rondre told reporters, "I think Meissner has a great future. He throws 96-98 MPH. He just needs to learn to control it. Looks what he did against the Fairfax Frogs, one of the top teams in the IPA."

Tate is a 33-year-old veteran with a good stick, but not much with the glove. He bats right and so far this season is hitting .325 with 5 homers and 29 RBIs in 50 games. At Bay St. Clair he was platooned. Louis had indicated Tate will be his regular third baseman and will play fulltime with no platooning.

Louis told reporters, "We hated to give up Meissner, but you have to give up something to get something. We were looking for a productive hitter and we found one. We have to score more runs to compete with the likes of Fairfax and Bayview. We lead the division with a 3.54 ERA, but are 8 games out of first place. We got the pitchers...we needs some batters."

To make room on the rosters, Arlon placed little-used utility infielder J. L. Lawrence on the reserve roster. He batted only .118 in 6 games. The Buccaneers dropped 19-year-old righthander Don Yaden from the active roster. Yaden had a 2-1 mark and a 3.78 ERA in 9 games. Yaden started three games.

Rondre told BNN, "Yaden did a good job for us and is a solid pitcher, but we just didn't have room on the roster for him. We can only carry 9 pitchers and he was the odd man out. Yes, we are in the market for hitters, but they will have to have power. We lead the division with a .283 average, but are last in homers. That's got to change. We will try to see if we can trade Yaden. I think there are several teams around the IPA in dire need of pitching."

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Sunday, July 15, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - North Division

Gray Shuts Out Blasters on 6 Hits
Tyrone Gray had his good stuff today as he chalked up his IPA-best third shutout of the season and he did it against one of the best teams in the RU North Division, the tough Colfax Blasters. Gray (6-10 4.09) blanked them 1-0 on a 6-hitter for only his 6th triumph of the year. The 34-year-old righty struck out seven and walked just one in a superlative performance. The only score of the game came in the opening frame when center fielder Ronnie Gilbert (.257) led off the game with a single and hustled to third on right fielder Art Atkins' (.315) single. Gilbert rode home on left fielder Quincy Peterson's (.287) deep fly to center. Southpaw Robbie Smith (6-5 3.09) was just about as stingy with runs as Gray. He scattered eight hits and also went the distance.

It was the fourth loss in succession for Colfax (49-41) and the All-Stars third win in a row. The Blasters are now tied for first in the division, pending the outcome of Far Mountain's (49-41) clash with the Vipers in Valmara. Elnora (37-54) is in the cellar, 12.5 games behind Colfax.

Vipers Keep Redhawks Out of First Place
It was a devastating defeat for Far Mountain. The Valmara Vipers stunned them with a 4-run uprising in the last of the eighth to take a 4-2 victory and keep the Redhawks from taking over the top spot in the Ruthlandian Union North race. Up until then Vance Mitchell had shut them out on three hits. Catcher Yoshi Motsuzuki (.284) hit his 9th homer to lead off the inning. Mitchell retired the next two batters, but then gave up two singles to put runners on the corners. Skipper Alex Groveland then summoned his bullpen ace, Doc Rutledge, to the mound. Rutledge was promptly tagged for a game-winning three-run shot by third baseman Rickey O'Reilly (.283). Starter Todd Turner (9-7 4.18) registered the win, working into the ninth and allowing six hits and two runs, one earned. Turner twirled a strong game, fanning six and walking one. Andre Trepanier (3-3 4.25) took over in the top of the ninth with one out and a runner on first. He gave up a single, putting runners on first and second, but got his 2nd save by retiring the last two batters on fly balls. Redhawk second baseman Nick Calhoun (.205) had two hits, including a solo homer in the fifth frame. Valmara also had the advantage in hits 9 to 7. Mitchell (4-4 3.88) took the loss and Rutledge (6-6 3.22) blew the save.

Since both the top two clubs suffered setbacks, first place Coffax (49-41) is still a half-game up on runner-up Far Mountain (49-42). Valmara (44-46) is still in the hunt in fifth place, but only 5 games off the pace.

V's Beat A's 6-4 in Opener
In the first game of a doubleheader at Silver River Stadium in Volusia, the hometown Vigilantes beat the Glasco Athletics 6-4. The V's rode a 6-0 lead they had built up over the first six innings for the victory. The A's rallied for four runs in the seventh, Volusia's fine relief specialist, Ricky Moreno (4-2 1.94), held them scoreless the last two innings to garner his 13th save. The win went to starter Manny Seguin (2-1 3.78), who went seven innings and allowed all four runs and a dozen hits. Losing it was Glasco starter Bill Darby (4-6 4.57). He was ripped for six runs and eight hits in five-plus innings. The A's topped the V's 14-10 in total hits. Third baseman Gabie Barksdale (.304) sparked the winners with 3-4 and two RBIs with some help from second baseman Hoppy Hill (.234) with two runs batted in. First baseman Alejandro Salazar (.294) hit the only homer in the game, number 10 for him this year. Glasco was led by shortstop Kyle Ballentine (.309) with 2-4 and a pair of RBIs and center fielder Chet Reynolds (.309) with 2-5 and a run batted in.

A's Romp, Wallop V's 13-5 in Nightcap
The Glasco A's tore into Volusia pitching for 17 hits in a 13-5 romp in the nightcap to divide the twinbill. Right fielder Lee McDougall (.275) and left fielder Ox Beauvais ((.342) cracked homers to top the hit parade, McDougall's 6th and Beauvais' 18th. First baseman Maury Smith (.353) had a perfect day with 3-for-3, scoring twice and driving in a pair. Five Athletics had two hits each. Starter Jerry Smith (11-9 3.92) notched his fourth win in his last five decisions, working six innings and giving up four runs. Arnie McFalls (5-4 5.15) logged his 2nd save with three good innings, allowing two hits and a run. Kit Kivett (9-4 3.67) lost for the first time in his last five decisions. He was roughed up for six runs in two innings. The Vigilantes were paced by center fielder Alex Luna (.282) with three hits and two RBIs, catcher Jorge Rosado (.318) with 2-for-4 and two runs batted in and shortstop Scooter Perez (.383), the top hitter in the Ruthlandian Union, with a .383 mark. Perez had two hits and scored twice. Volusia had 11 hits all total.

By spliting the doubleheader third place Glasco (46-43) gained a half-game in the race with first place Colfax (49-41) and second place Far Mountain (49-42). The A's are only 2.5 games out. Volusia (46-45) also picked up ground and are in the fourth spot, just 3.5 games behind.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Sunday, July 15, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - South Division

Nine Wins Game 1, Nips Westerners 5-4
In the opener of a twinbill at Legends Field, first place Marston nipped Waleska 5-4 on Don Nichols' (.301) two-run clout in the eighth inning. But it took a fine relief effort by Jorge Bonilla (2-0 3.47) to clinch the verdict. Bonilla relieved Milt Wilson in the top of the ninth with the score 5-3, no outs and the bases loaded. He proceeded to strike out the first batter, gave up a run-scoring single to Big Hoss Burkhalter, then got the last two outs on a short fly to right and a strikeout. It was his 4th save on the season. Wilson (1-4 3.21) got credit for the win, but was more than shaky in his one-third of an inning, giving up three hits and a run. It was Nichols' 2nd home run. The 20-year-old shortstop had two of the Nine's nine base hits and drove in three runs. Waleska third baseman Yoshihide Nishida (.287) topped them with 3-for-5, an RBI and scored twice. Right fielder Burkhalter (.310) and second baseman Wiz Taylor (.306) both had two hits and drove in a run for the Westerners, who punched out 13 hits. but left 10 on. Right hander Smokey Joe Carter (12-8 3.20) went the distance and failed for the third time to get his 13th victory.

Marston (49-39) is on top of the Ruthlandian Union South and leads Waleska (44-45) by 5.5 games. The Westerners are in a fight for third place with Sugar Valley.

Marston Swamps Waleska 12-2, Takes Twinbill
The second game was no contest as Marston's big bats came alive and swamped Waleska 12-2 with a 17-hit barrage to take both ends of the doubleheader. Right fielder Chris Deangelo (.276) lashed two homers and drove in four runs, left fielder Ronnie Horn (.293) had three hits and three RBIs and catcher Eddie Allen (.254) had a two-run roundtripper. On the mound Nick Pace (13-8 2.94) gave a good account of himself and picked up an easy 13th win. Pace struck out six, walked two and scattered nine hits. It was his 12th complete game. Ken Vakros (0-1 13.50) in his first start for the Westerners was pounded for six runs and eight hits in just four innings.

The first place Marston Nine (50-39) moved 6.5 games in front of fourth place Waleska (44-46).

3-Run Ninth Makes Rattlers a Winner over 'Jacks
Sugar Valley struggled for eight innings against the righthanded slants of Vinny Edelman. The Rattlers only managed three hits and trailed 1-0, but they busted out with four hits in the ninth and won the game 3-1, highlighted by second baseman Rudi Oliver's (.348) RBI double, left fielder Cy Bartz's (.277) RBI single and first baseman Glen Love's game-winning base hit. Sugar Valley skipper Gibson Bobkins got strong pitching from his starter Paul Haines and closer Gregg Neal. Haines (5-6 3.64) stymied the Lumberjacks on one run and seven hits over the first seven innings, while Neal (8-5 2.15) finished them off by holding them scoreless the last two frames and chalked up his 8th victory. Edelman deserved a better fate, yielding only five hits and two runs in eight-plus innings with six Ks and a walk. Buddy Hutchinson (3-8 4.60) gave up two hits and the other run in the ninth. Forest City picked up nine hits to only seven for the winners. 'Jacks first sacker J. T. Edmonds (.300) hit homer number 12 in the second inning, but Forest City couldn't make it hold up.

The Lumberjacks (48-43) lost a game to first place Marston in the RU South race and now are 3 games out. Sugar Valley (45-44) is 5 games behind the Nine and are in the third spot in the division.

Diamonds "Walk Away" With a Win
At Avalon Stadium the Diamonds "walked away" with a win as Belair Beach closer Lou Zanelli walked three in the eighth and forced in the winning run in a 5-3 Claxton victory. That gave the win to Alex Vanzetti (7-2 2.53), who stumped the Sunbirds on five hits and snapped their 6-game winning streak. Vanzetti just had one bad inning - the fourth - when he gave up three-run triple to Belair Beach shortstop Danny Church (.244). Vanzetti pitched the whole game, striking out six and issuing four bases on balls. Left fielder Dan Molnar (.406) continued to hit at a hot pace for the Diamonds with two hits, two RBIs and two runs scored. Second baseman Donny McCoy (.345) and shortstop Bobby Ritter (.313) also chipped in with two hits apiece. Zanelli (7-7 3.51) forced in the winning run, but starter Ray Watson (2-2 4.21) got charged with it and the loss.

Claxton (43-48) is fifth in the division and is 2.5 games up on last place Belair Beach (40-50), who are 10.5 games out of first place.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Sunday, July 15, 2001

Tycobbian Union - East Division

Ninjas Are Back On Top of TU East
Home run power put Ginza back in first place in the Tycobbian East Division. Trailing Cape Coral 4-3 in the top of the eighth, both Takashi Fujimoto and Mitsuru Takaki went deep in the 8-4 comeback win. Center fielder Fujimoto hit his 12th homer to lead off the inning. Two batters later, Takaki (.136), the rarely-used second string first baseman, smashed a three-run blast. Both came off reliever Owen Pruitt (6-5 4.12). The Ninjas outhit the Hurricanes 10 to 5 and were led by Fujimoto (.287) with 2-3 and three RBIs, right fielder Charlie Campbell (.303) with 4-5 and two RBIs and shortstop Shinjiro Aoki (.280), who went 2-5 and scored twice. The victory went to Ginza's little 5'7" junkballer, Kojiro Matsumoto(14-4 3.01). He finessed his way to his 14th win and tied for the IPA lead with Ron Benson (14-7 2.64) of Sugar Valley. Matsumoto limited Cape Coral to just four hits in eight innings, fanned six, but walked four. He gave up all four scores, but only two were earned. Knucks Nomellini came in from the bullpen in the ninth and finished off the Hurricanes with a scoreless ninth. 37-year-old Wally Robinson (11-7 3.28) was tagged with the defeat, allowing five runs - three earned - and seven hits in seven-plus innings.

Ginza (50-40) regained the top spot in the division as South Fork (50-41) divided a pair of games with Luxora. The Ninjas are a half-game ahead of the Stallions. Cape Coral (47-43) fell 3 games off the pace in third place. Ginza had losses in its last three games, while the Hurricanes were on a five-game winning streak.

Olson Spins Shutout, SF Tops Z's for 8th Straight
South Fork likes being in first place and plans to stay there. In the first game of the doubleheader Ken Olson spun an 8-0 shutout for the Stallions 8th consecutive win. Olson (10-7 2.69) spread out eight hits, had eight Ks and walked two in blanking the Luxora Zorros at Jock Ewing Stadium. It was his third triumph in a row and 5th win in his last 6 decisions. The South Fork batters had a great game, too. They battered Luxora pitching for 12 hits, led by first baseman Keith Burke (.312 with two hits, including a three-run homer in the third inning. Chris Pierce (8-8 3.78) took the brunt of the attack and was the loser. He was slammed for six runs in four-plus innings.

Z's Win Nightcap 7-4, Snap SF Streak at 8
It took a strong performance by Luxora's Keith Callahan to snap South Fork's 8-game winning streak and drop them to second place in the TU East pennant chase. Callahan (8-8 3.31), a 20-year-old righthander, struck out 11 Stallions enroute to a 7-4 victory. South Fork had plenty of opportunities with 11 hits, but just couldn't deliver with runners in scoring position. They also made four errors and gave up three unearned runs. The Stallions ace righthander never made it out of the second inning as he was rocked for five runs and five hits with shoddy defense to boot. Only two of the runs were earned. The Zorros made good use of their 9 hits, paced by second string catcher Edmundo Neves (.185) with a two-run homer. Third baseman Roberto Vina (.291) added two hits and two RBIs to the cause.

South Fork (50-41) has won 9 of the last 10 games. The Stallions are 8 games up on the fifth place Zorros (41-48) in the TU East standings. Luxora is on a downturn, winning only 3 times in 10 games.

Nakagawa Wins Duel with Reed 1-0
Speaking after the game, the Ozarka manager, Joe Mac Carney said, "Nakagawa had everything going for him. He controlled their bat speed, stayed down, had a lot of movement... he had it all...masterful."

Righthander Yasuyuki Nakagawa put nothing but zeroes on the scoreboard today for the weak-hitting Ozarka Naturals, who could only muster up a single, solitary run on the scoreboard. But today that did the job as Nakagawa outdueled Hartsdale's Phil Reed 1-0. Nakagawa twirled a magnificent two-hitter, struck out seven Hellcats and walked none. Reed (9-4 3.17) was right there with him, surrendering only four hits and one run in seven strong innings. If it hadn't been for two walks, a balk and a wild pitch in the sixth frame, the two clubs would still be playing. Only one run in the game and it was scored without the benefit of a single hit. Nakagawa had a no-hitter until the sixth when Reed (.158) doubled. The only other Hellcat hit was a single by center fielder Greg Reynolds (.260) in the ninth. Nakagawa (.140) even had two of the Nats 5 hits. Maybe manager Joe Mac Carney could use him in the outfield on his off-days?

Ozarka (43-47) is fourth in the division, 7 games behind Ginza (50-40), while Hartsdale (39-51) is last and trails by 11 games.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Sunday, July 15, 2001

Tycobbian Union - West Division

Frogs Stomp Vikings, Parmenter Hits 3 HRs
It was a high-scoring day for Fairfax as the Frogs stomped Bayview 14-3 at Downtown Plaza Stadium, pounding out 6 roundtrippers and 18 hits in the process. Second baseman Cecil Parmenter (.350) almost stole the show with three homers, the third time it has been done in the short history of the IPA. However, centerfielder Billy Echevarria (.277) stole some of his thunder with 6-for-6, two home runs, six RBIs and three runs scored. Parmenter went 4-for-4, scored a record-setting five times and drove in five runs. The two of them outhit the whole Viking team 10-9. Third baseman Stan Cobb (.325) also slammed a two-run homer for Fairfax. The 6 homers tied a league record set by Claxton on April 22 in a 14-6 rout of Sugar Valley. Jackie Leslie (12-7 3.47) also had a fine outing on the hill for the Frogs. He struck out eight batters and went the distance, walking three and allowing three runs. The losing pitcher was Jesus Carvajal (9-7 4.40) who was ripped for six runs by the time he was knocked out in the fourth inning.

Parmenter now holds the homer mark in the IPA with Cape Coral's Roberto Betancourt and Blue Lake's Ken Bennett. Betancourt did it on April 28, while Bennett accomplished it June 28. Echevarria tied Jerry Keller of Arlon with his six-hit performance. Keller turned the trick on May 6.

Parmenter was filling in for the Frogs regular second baseman Greg Inman (.281), who had the day off.

The Frogs (54-36) lead the series 2-1 with second place Bayview (47-45). Fairfax is first in the TU West and has upped its lead in the race to 8 games over the Vikings.

Bucs and McFalls Blank Champs 4-0
Bay St. Clair is certainly not playing like a last place team as they have won 8 of the last 10. The Buccaneers knocked off third place Arlon 4-0 at Shoreline Park as Duncan McFalls tossed a shutout at them. McFalls (7-2 3.15) chalked up his first career shutout. He scattered nine hits, fanned seven and issued three walks. The Bucs backed him up with three home runs, all solo jobs. Shortstop Chuck Hankins (.316) got his 11th, Jose Valenzuela (.291) hit his 7th and George Lyons (.255) smacked his 18th of the season. Arlon left fielder Matt Merrill (.319) went 4-for-5 in a lost cause. Connie Gavagan (1-2 0.87) caught the defeat, allowing three runs in six innings.

Arlon (45-45) slipped 9 games off the pace in the standings and rests in third place. The Buccaneers (40-51) have recently made up a lot of ground, but still have quite a way to go. They are 14.5 games out.

3 In A Row For Blue Sox, Slip Past Lynx 2-1
In game one of a doubleheader, a seventh-inning two-run homer by pinchhitter Doyle Osborne paved the way for Blue Lake to slip past La Claire 2-1 to record its third triumph in a row. Derek Manetti and Pat Daniels were locked up in tight duel, when Osborne (.342) played the hero. That gave the victory to Manetti (6-6 3.82), his third win in his last four starts. Manetti held the Lynx to five hits over seven innings, struck out four and walked two. Closer Russ Courtney (5-3 2.51) came on in the top of the eighth and got his 11th save with two scoreless frames. Daniels (9-4 3.58) stood out in defeat, pitching a complete game, yielding just six hits, while fanning three batters. Shortstop Ken Hall (.242) accounted for the only La Claire run with his 4th roundtripper of the year.

Blue Lake Rolling, Sweeps Twinbill from La Claire
The Blue Lake Blue Sox rolled to their 4th consecutive victory and swept the twinbill with the La Claire Lynx today at Harbor Stadium. Newcomer Neil Krogstad (1-0 2.70) rung up his first career win by beating the Lynx 4-2. Krogstad stopped them on just two base hits in his seven innings with nine Ks and four bases on balls. Third baseman Luis Marquez's 9th home run of the year in the fourth inning was the only harm done. That gave La Claire a short-lived 2-0 margin. Blue Sox second baseman Ken Bennett (.270) promptly tied it in the last of the fourth with his 16th homer off losing pitcher Kimo Orlando (3-3 2.77). Blue Lake hammered him for five runs and a dozen hits in seven innings. Orlando exited early in the eighth inning trailing 5-2. Reliever Mickey Dwyer (2-1 3.3)) blanked the Lynx over the final two frames for his first save. Center fielder Donnie Frazier (.294) also went deep for the Blue Sox with his 16th roundtripper. The winning scores came in the bottom of the seventh on catcher Curly Harris' (.247) base hit. Harris led Blue Lake at bat with 3-4 and two runs batted in. Third baseman Timmy Smith (.322) also chipped in three hits and scored two times.

Blue Lake (44-46) is in the fourth spot in the Tycobbian Union West standings and 12.5 games in back of the division leader. La Claire (42-49) is fifth and 12.5 games behind.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Sunday, July 15, 2001

Bucs Lyons Named TU Star of the Week
George Lyons went on a week-long tirade against the Tycobbian Union pitchers and was acclaimed the Player of the Week. The Bay St. Clair first baseman was hot as a firecracker, exploding with a .424 average, 2 home runs and 6 RBIs. For the week Lyons bashed out 14 hits in 33 at-bats and scored 12 runs. So far this year in 83 games Lyons is hitting .255 with 18 home runs, 50 RBIs and 53 runs scored.

Gravelli Honored by Ruthlandian Union
The Ruthlandian Union announced today that Phil Gravelli, the 17-year-old first baseman of the Belair Beach Sunbirds, earned Player of the Week honors for his performance over the past seven days. During the week Gravelli hit .436 with 4 home runs, 11 RBIs and 9 runs scored. Gravelli is hitting .331 this year with 19 home runs and 52 RBIs. He also has an OBP of .348, 9 walks and scored 35 times.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Monday, July 16, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - North Division

Redhawks Back in First Place
The Far Mountain Redhawks are back in first place in the Ruthlandian Union North Division, but they had to sweat out a tense ninth-inning rally by the Valmara Vipers. The Redhawks carried a 5-1 lead into the ninth when starting pitcher Vic Vaux started to lose control with two walks and a wild pitch to make the score 5-2. Closer Doc Rutledge (6-6 3.18) entered the game with one out and runners on second and third. Rutledge gave up two runs on an RBI single and an outfield throwing error, but then closed it out for his 10th save of the season. He retired Yoshi Motsuzuki on a deep fly to right field to end the game and put the Redhawks on top of the division. Third baseman Johnny Strickland (.289) delivered the big blow of the game for Far Mountain with his 15th homer, a three-run clout in the top of the eighth inning. Second baseman Shirai Kobayashi (.263) also cracked a homer. Leading the Vipers was Matsuzuki (.286), who gave them an early lead with his 10th home run to start the game. Vaux (8-6 4.27) was the winning pitcher, going eight-plus inning, allowing six hits and four runs. Gerry Wojcik (1-2 4.96) suffered the loss as he was touched for five runs in seven and two-thirds innings. He gave up nine hits, while striking out nine batters. Far Mountain outhit Valmara 11 to 7.

Far Mountain (50-42) now takes over first place from the Colfax Blasters (49-42) by a half-game. Valmara (44-47) falls to 5.5 games off the pace and is in fifth place.

Colfax in 5-Game Funk, All-Stars Win 5-1
Colfax is in the throes of a 5-game funk with first place in serious jeopardy. The last place Elnora All-Stars did it again to the tune of 5-1 as Pat Savoie and John Tinker combined for their 4th straight victory. Savoie (6-2 3.06) hurled a strong seven innings, limiting the Blasters to just three hits, all singles. The stylish southpaw whifed seven and allowed three walks and a run. Tinker (3-8 4.52) wrapped up the game, yielding no runs over the final two innings. The All-Stars broke open a 2-1 game with a three-run outburst in the seventh against loser Irv Panko (1-1 2.76). Pinchhitter Rick Tsoukalis (.307) smashed a three-run homer for the clincher.

The Colfax Blasters (49-42) have dropped back to second place in the RU North, a half-game behind Far Mountain (50-42). The Elnora All-Stars (38-54) are still in the basement and trail by 12 games.

Vigilantes and Collins Tame Glasco A's 4-2
At the Jailhouse in Volusia, the Vigilantes scored three runs in the opening inning and their power-throwing lefty Lenny Collins made it stand up for a 4-2 decision over the third place Glasco Athletics. Collins (8-5 3.02) fired strikes past 11 A's and went the distance, giving up eight hits and walking only one batter. Center fielder Alex Luna (.285) tripled in the first run for the V's in the first frame and first baseman Alejandro Salazar drove him in with his 11th homer. Right fielder Dan Rogers (.294) added the last run in the eighth with an RBI single. Second baseman Barry McCord (.311) singled in a run for the Athletics in the first and doubled in another one in the third. Volusia totaled 11 hits to 8 for Glasco. Jesse Balfour (8-8 3.24) went the route and finished with 8 Ks and three walks.

With the win Volusia (47-45) moved into a tie with Glasco (46-44) for the third spot in the division standings, only 3 games behind in the race, while Valmara (44-47) is fifth, 5.5 games out.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Monday, July 16, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - South Division

Marston Wins 4th Straight, Ledbetter Wins 12th
It was Casey Ledbetter's best game in a month and Marston really needed it. Ledbetter came through with his 12th win of the season to nip Waleska 2-1 at Legends Field. He had lost his last three decisions. The Nine have won their last four games. Ledbetter (12-5 3.38) held the Westerners to just four hits and fanned 11. He had a worthy opponent in Rusty Kraft (6-10 4.39), who also pitched a complete game, checking the hard-hitting Nine on eight hits, fanning six and walking two. Waleska took the lead in the second inning 1-0 on back-to-back doubles by Mac Wilkins (.202) and left fielder Jimmie McNeil (.222). Center fielder Tommy Reinhold (.311) knotted the score in the fifth with his 8th home run of the year. Marston got the game-winner in the sixth when third baseman Roland Thomas (.362) doubled, advanced to third on a ground out, then raced home on a wild pitch. Thomas led all hitters with three hits, two of them doubles. Waleska has dropped four games in a row.

Marston (51-39) is the top club in the RU South and has a 7.5-game lead over fourth place Waleska(44-47).

Lumberjacks Edge Rattlers 4-3
Two of the best teams in the RU South battled at Riverside Stadium in Forest City today. The second-place Lumberjacks were playing host to the third place team, the Sugar Valley Rattlers. When the dust cleared on the diamond, Forest City squeaked by with a 4-3 victory over Sugar Valley. Third baseman Jesse Pearson (.275) was the hero with a two-run eighth-inning single that paced the Lumberjacks late-inning comeback victory. Relief specialist Timmy Brooks (4-3 1.42) dominated the Rattlers over the last two frames and got the win. Brooks fanned three and gave up a hit in his two-inng stint. Harvey Hines (8-7 3.76) went the route for Sugar Valley and suffered the setback. Both clubs had 10 hits each. The 'Jacks other two scores were provided by right fielder Benny Davis (.271) and first sacker J. T. Edmonds in the sixth frame. Davis had an RBI double and Edmonds an RBI single. Rattler second baseman Rudi Oliver (.350) went 2-4 and had two RBIs. His RBI groundout supplied the first run in the first inning and his 9th homer in the third put them up 2-0, but they couldn't hold off Forest City. Oliver and center fielder Freddie Vaux (.347) teamed up for the final run in the eighth with back-to-back doubles. Herb Bahr (11-5 3.38) started and went seven innings, allowing three runs on nine hits. He departed in the eighth trailing 3-2.

Forest City (49-43) is still 3 games off the pace of the first place Marston Nine (51-39) and Sugar Valley (45-45) is third in the division, trailing by 6.

Sunbirds Slam Diamonds 11-2
On the road in Claxton, Belair Beach slammed the Diamonds 11-2 with a 14-hit attack and Carl Thompson's 6-hit pitching. Thompson (11-8 2.47) won his third consecutive decision with 11 strikeouts and 6 walks. The Belair Beach batting stars were second baseman Rick Sullivan (.267) with three RBIs, shortstop Alex Frisard (.229) with three RBIs, third baseman Dom Corbelli (.271) with two RBIs and right fielder Matty McDermott (.338) with a pair of runs driven in. It was a tight game for the first seven innings with the Sunbirds holding a 3-1 lead. Belair Beach added two in the eighth off starter Johnny Szwak (9-4 3.86) and then really went to town on the Claxton relief corps, pounding them for six runs in the ninth. Szwak took the loss.

Belair Beach (41-50) has run off a 7-3 mark in its last 10 games and are 10.5 games behind in last place in the division standings, while Claxton (43-49) is in the fifth spot and 9 games out.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Monday, July 16, 2001

Tycobbian Union - East Division

Ginza's 4-Run 7th Too Much for 'Canes
A 4-run seventh inning, highlighted by Kenshin Yamamoto's 15th home run, cracked open a 3-3 tie and paced first place Ginza to an 8-5 triumph over third place Cape Coral at Seaside Stadium. First baseman Yamamoto (.296) topped the Ninjas with three RBIs and shortstop Shinjiro Aoki (.281) had two hits and scored twice. On the mound righthander Kazuhiro Nakayama (7-10 2.91) labored, but went the route. He gave up 13 hits and finished up with six strikeouts and a walk. Not a thing of beauty, but still a win. Rocket-arm Jeff Salow (3-2 3.06) was shelled for seven runs in five-plus innings and recorded the loss, but struck out eight. Center fielder James Middleton paced the Hurricanes with 3-for-5, two RBIs and one run scored.

Ginza (51-40) is trying to hold off the hard-charging South Fork Stallions in the Tycobbian Union East race. Cape Coral (47-44) missed a chance to get within two games of the top. The Hurricanes fell 3 games back with the setback today.

SF's Conner Stops Luxora 6-2
Ken Connor is "Mr. Consistency" for the South Fork Stallions and manager DeRoche "Lips" Leon. Since moving in from the bullpen about three weeks ago, the 26-year-old righthander has rattled off six straight wins and six complete games. His latest victim was the Luxora Zorros. Conner tossed a 7-hitter at them and stopped them 6-2 at Jock Ewing Stadium. The Stallions put up 10 hits and were sparked by Glenn Holliday (.280) with three hits and two RBIs, including home run number 18. First baseman Keith Burke (.313) also had three hits and an RBI and left fielder Gene Woodruff (.291) socked a two-run two-bagger. Southpaw Johnny Montel (7-11 3.46) lost for the third time in a row, pitching a complete game, but being rocked for six runs and ten hits.

With 9 victories in the last 10 games, second place South Fork (51-41) is just a scant half-game behind the front-running Ginza Ninjas (51-41) in the TU East pennant race. Luxora (41-49) is a distant 9.5 games off the pace and in fifth place.

Nats Bomb Hellcats 11-5
Even the worst hitting team in the IPA occasionally breaks out with some hits. The Ozarka Naturals are batting only .238 as a team, but the bats were booming today at their home park Ellie Ewing Stadium as they bombed Hartsdale 11-5. Shortstop Kelly Eldridge (.271) had a double and home run, drove in three runs and scored four times to pace the Nats. Newcomer in right field, Kermit Wiggins (.333), socked three hits in four tries, scored twice and had an RBI. Second baseman Duane Starr (.283) collected his 9th roundtripper and drove in a pair of runs, too. On the hill, the durable Luther Hatch (9-10 3.73) rung up his 13th complete game of the season. He just coasted to the win, allowing eight hits, fanning eight and walking four. The game never was much in doubt. Ozarka led 6-1 after four innings and 10-3 after six.

The Naturals (44-47) are fourth in the standings, 7 games out of first place. Hartsdale (39-52) is down at the bottom of the standings and trails by 12 games.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Monday, July 16, 2001

Tycobbian Union - West Division

Viks Harrison Gets the Best of Frogs 6-3
In a good performance Bayview portsider Jerry Harrison crafted a 6-3 victory over first place Fairfax at Downtown Plaza Stadium. Harrison (11-5 3.17) fanned seven, walked three and permitted just three runs in nine innings. Topping the hit list for the Vikings was the IPA's top batter, Andy Hansen. The 22-year-old second baseman (.397) had 3-4 and scored twice and had help from shortstop Shorty Richards (.240), who cracked his 9th roundtripper this season. Right fielder Louie Ward (.302) hit a solo homer for the Frogs. Notching the defeat was Kaz Hayagawa (9-11 4.03), who worked the first five innings and yielded three runs in five innings. He was ineffective and gave up six hits, walked six and struck out four. He departed with the score 3-1 in favor of Bayside. The Vikings also got the best of the Frogs in hits 11 to 9.

Fairfax (54-37) still has quite a lead over Bayview (48-45) in the Tycobbian West Division. The first place Frogs have a comfortable 7-game bulge over the second place Vikings.

Champs Fitzgerald Halts Bucs 7-2
After two losses in a row to last place Bay St. Claire, the third place Arlon Champions halted the Buccaneers 7-2 as lefthander Wally Fitzgerald hurled an impressive game. Fitzgerald (6-5 3.69) won his third in four starts, giving up a lot of hits, 11 in all, but limited the Bucs to just a pair of runs. He only allowed two runs, walked two and had seven strikeouts. The Champs scored early and led 6-2 after the first five innings, getting rid of starter and loser Hal Meissner (1-1 3.26). Newly-acquired third baseman Bubba Tate (.333) stood out in his first game since being traded for Meissner. Tate was 4-4 with a double and two RBIs. Center fielder Jerry Keller (.304) blasted his 14th homer, scored once and drove in two runs. Second baseman Kurt Detwiler (.306) and shortstop Bama Hartley (.271) each contributed two hits and scored one in the 12-hit Champ attack.

Arlon (46-45) is the number three club in the division and trails Fairfax (54-37) by 8 games. The Buccaneers (40-52) fell back to 14.5 games and are in the cellar.

Nygaard Ends Blue Sox Win String at 4
La Claire snapped a four-game losing streak behind the dominating pitching of Tony Nygaard. The Lynx hard-throwing righty stopped Blue Lake 5-0 on a fine five-hitter and put an end to the Blue Sox's own four-game winning string. Nygaard (4-7 3.22), who throws 98 mph, whiffed 11, but had to leave the game with two outs in the ninth when his right shoulder had some pain. Henny Cossaboom came in and got the last batter to wrap up the game. Jay Clay (10-4 2.69) suffered only his fourth loss of the season. It was not one of his better efforts as he surrendered four runs in his seven innings. La Claire had the advantage in hits 9-6.

The Blue Sox (44-47) are fourth in the TU West standings, 10 games off the pace, while La Claire (43-49) are fifth and trail by 11.5 games.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Tuesday, July 17, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - North Division

Redhawks Outslug Vipers 15-9
First place Far Mountain mounted a big comeback in the ninth inning and outslugged Valmara 15-8 at War Memorial Stadium. Trailing 9-7, the Redhawks ripped the Vipers for 8 runs in the rally. Valmara pitching woes continued as Far Mountain banged out 21 hits and were led by first baseman Royce Benson (.298) with five hits, center fielder Hank Gallagher (.308) with four hits and catcher Dave Davis (.382) with four hits. Mike McCabe (4-2 2.59) got the win almost by default as he gave up three runs in his only inning. Taking the loss was Andre Trepanier (3-4 4.78), who came on in the ninth and was slammed around for 4 runs. The only bright spot for the Vipers was catcher Yoshii Matsuzuki (.288) with three RBIs and two hits.

Far Mountain (51-42) is atop of the Ruthlandian Union North and leads fifth place Valmara (44-48) by 6.5 games.

Blasters Snap 5-Game Skid, Beat All-Stars 9-5
It tooks some heavy hitting for Colfax to snap a 5-game losing skid that cost them first place in the RU North. The Blasters teed off on Elnora for 13 hits in a 9-5 victory at Avalon Stadium. With the score deadlocked at 5-5, a four-run ninth put an end to Elnora's four-game winning streak. First baseman Dennis Cole (.330) and right fielder Pat Lott (.282) led the way with the bats. Cole hit a three-run homer, his 27th this year, and Lott had a solo shot, his 7th. Righthander Flash Guidry (11-9 3.01) broke a personal three-game losing streak. But he needed lots of run support to do it. Guidry gave up 5 runs in 8 innings and needed help from Walt Sellers (2-5 3.30) to close it out. Sellers set the All-Stars down in order in the ninth. Center fielder Rusty Gilbert (.267) topped Elnora at bat with 3-for-4 and and two RBIs, while second baseman Gil Foster (.346) smacked his 13th home run to drive in two runs. Closer Wally Tidwell (3-6 4,14) took the loss as he was shelled for four runs and six hits in the ninth.

Second place Colfax (50-42) stayed close to first place Far Mountain (51-42) with the win over Elnora. The Blasters still trail by a half-game. The All-Stars (38-55) are 13 games behind and in last place.

Volusia Nips Glasco 3-2, Sandoval Beats Darby
In a well-pitched game, Volusia nipped Glasco 3-2 at Silver River Stadium to take over third place. Lefty Raul Sandoval (9-10 3.33) held the A's to six hits and only one earned run in eight innings of work for the win, while loser Charle Darby (11-9 3.42), also a lefty, yielded nine hits and three runs in going the distance. Darby has lost his last three decisions. Vigilante first baseman Alejandro Salazar (.298) paced his club with two hits, including a two-run double. Volusia got the other run on a wild pitch. All three runs were scored in the third inning. The Athletics got their two runs in the sixth on an outfield throwing error and a single by catcher Nick O'Neill (.214).

Volusia (48-45) eked a game in front of Glasco in the battle for third place. The A's (46-45) slipped to fourth place, four games off the pace, while the V's are 3 games back.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Tuesday, July 17, 2001

South Fork and Elnora Swap Players
GM Finley Charles of the South Fork Stallions stunned the ballclub when he traded his clean-up hitter Paul Giles to Elnora for outfielder Art Atkins and infielder Rick Tsoukalis.

Charles told BNN, "We had a chance to improve our defense at two positions with Tsoukalis at second base and Atkins in right field. We got two .300 hitters and two fine glove men and gave up a slugger in Giles. These two additions will make our excellent pitching staff just a little bit better."

George Costanza, the All-Stars general manager, was excited to get a hitter of Giles' caliber. "We gave up a good utility player and a good outfielder for a guy who will hit 30 homers and drive in 100 runs."

Stallion skipper DeRoche "Lips" Leon said Tsoukalis will play fulltime at second base and Atkins will take over in right for Giles.

The 31-year-old Giles is hitting .273 with 19 home runs and 57 RBIs. The 27-year-old Tsoukalis was playing behind one of the best second basemen in the IPA, the .346-hitting Gil Foster. In 17 games, mainly at first base, Tsoukalis has batted .314 with 9 doubles, 1 homer, 15 RBIs and 3 stolen bases, while Atkins carries a .310 batting average with 14 doubles, 2 triples, 5 home runs and 28 RBIs. Atkins, age 26, has scored 44 times and stolen 7 bases.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Tuesday, July 17, 2001

Cape Coral and La Claire Trade Players
It was announced today that Cape Coral and La Claire have completed a one-for-one trade. The Hurricanes will send 30-year-old outfielder Antonio Guerrero to the Lynx and in return pick up 23-year-old Ken Hall, a slick-fielding shortstop.

Manager Zoggy White told reporters, "We needed to shore up our defense. Right now we are the worst defensive team in the division. Hall will immediately improve us. He can do it all with a glove and he packs some power, too."

Hall has been a backup so far this season. In 23 starts he sports a .242 average with 3 doubles, 1 triple, 4 home runs and has driven in 14 runs. Hall hasn't committed an errors in 19 games at third and 4 at shortstop.

Guerrero missed two months of the season with a fractured wrist, but is now fully recovered. Guerrero is batting .364 and has played in 14 games.

According to La Claire's GM/Manager Rip Calkin will move into right field right away. "Antonio brings a good bat and good defense into our lineup. He will make up a better team."