The Beautiful Game (of Baseball)

[jasg224]

April 1895
England - First Division


Blackburn are on a hot start, and there's nothing better to exemplify this than the 8-game winning streak they had mid-April. They're currently the best offensive team and the 3rd best defensive team in the league. After 9 starts, England's new ace Peter Neilson is on pace for a season as good as last year's. Hitter of the month Darren Hartshorn is having an all-time start to the season, breaking the record with a 32-game hitting streak extending from last year. In 22 games this year, The Count has 39 hits, 9 of them for extra bases and 21 runs driven in. Young Liam Mangnall is having a better season than last year, when he won the YPoTY and PoTY awards. The Rovers are looking like the team to beat early in the season, though it is a tight race at the top.

West Bromwich Albion is just a half-game back from Blackburn, with a second-best defense that led them to a 7-game lossless streak to end the month. 8-year veteran Sebastian Burns has allowed just 5 clean runs in 67 innings of work with Marvin Healy and Conor Wickens not too far behind in terms of performances. Clyde Martin has been their best hitter so far, with a .994 OPS and 17 runs driven in. The bats are not the hottest, but that is not necessary when the defense allows just 2 or 3 runs per game. The Throstles should be treated as serious contenders this year and they could finally bag their first title.

The Toffees are also a half-game back from Blackburn, though they owe it to an exciting offense. Though their schedule has been somewhat amicable, they've managed to crush Aston Villa, Grimsby, Preston, Stoke and Wolverhampton. SS Riley Thomas and LF Douglas Rousset have been their key players, driving in 25 runs on 43 hits between the two. Righty Oscar Swan isn't doing himself any favors, with a 3.74 ERA to start the season after putting up a career-worst 4.32 last year. Everton are relying on a 43 year-old Everton Taylor to perform on the mound and keep things close, which can't be a good sign. The Liverpool outfit are a talented team, but will it all gel together for them to finally get the trophy?

At the bottom of the table, Darwen and Sheffield United are looking like second division teams. They're unable to score runs, though the Blades' pitching is not beyond recovery and they might escape the trial matches if Preston, Bolton or Manchester city have a dip in form.

Top Hitters
3B Andrew Oldham - Manchester City - .376/.448/.435, 5 2B, 18 RBI, 2 SB
LF Dwayne Baird - Burton - .313/.333/.374, 4 2B, 1 3B, 10 RBI, 9 SB
LF Darren Hartshorn - Blackburn - .429/.490/.571, 7 2B, 2 HR, 21 RBI, 6 SB
3B Riley Creamer - Stoke - .403/.438/.642, 10 2B, 3 3B, 11 RBI, 3 SB
2B Ryan Peters - Burton S. - .393/.419/.472, 5 2B, 1 3B, 10 RBI

Top Pitchers
RH Sebastian Burns - West Brom. - 8 GS, 7-1, 67.2 IP, 0.67 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 19 K, 18 BB
LH Brad Burrows - Blackburn - 7 GS, 5-1, 58.1 IP, 3.24 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 19 K, 25 BB
LH Keith Coleman - Burnley - 8 GS, 5-2, 70.2 IP, 2.04 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 28 K, 15 BB
LH Derek Hawtin - Bolton - 3 GS, 4-0, 37.1 IP, 2.17 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 4 K, 13 BB
RH Ben Gibson - Burton S. - 6 GS, 4-1, 54.2 IP, 3.46 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 11 K, 9 BB

England - Second Division


Crewe Alexandra sit atop the league table thanks to their league-best rotation. Their rotation is headlined by a pair of young Irish lefties: Devin Murphy (5-2, 2.04 ERA) and Shawn Reynolds (4-1, 2.45 ERA). They've been fantastic, giving an otherwise mediocre offense a chance to shine. This is best exemplified in their 10-game lossless streak in mid-April. They had 3 shutouts, averaging 1.5 runs allowed in that time span while scoring 3.8 runs on average. Scottish vet Gregor Murray has been the highlight of their offense, driving in 11 runs and stealing 8 bases with a .753 OPS.

Port Vale have climbed up the ladder quickly in their short history, and are now looking at serious chances to play in the test games. Their rotation is led by Denzel Butterworth (7-2, 2.60 ERA) but it is their offense that has pushed them through. They have a second best OPS of .751, with players like 1B Lewis Hallworth (16 RBI, .871 OPS), 3B Tyler Pocock (13 RBI, .773 OPS) and 2B Fergus Robinson (9 RBI, .771 OPS) leading the way for the Valiants. They've handled former First Division teams nicely, sweeping Newton Heath and Rotherham and winning the series against Nottingham. Port Vale could sneak into the First Division come August.

Rotherham Town don't have flashy numbers overall, but a 4-game winning streak has them in 3rd place. Ghana-born pitcher Arthur Wharton (5-2, 1.94 ERA) leads a 4th best rotation while SS Gavin Gordon (13 RBI, .902 OPS) and RF Colin Cox (10 RBI, .979 OPS) lead the charge offensively. Their numbers are not the greatest, but continuing this hot streak could cement them in 3rd place and just one series away from the First Division.

Top Hitters
2B Michael McLoughlin - Burton W. - .357/.432/.464, 6 2B, 1 HR, 12 RBI
SS Joel Lucas - Bury - .358/.382/.585, 1 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 3 SB
2B Gary Cowie - Liverpool - .438/.475/.618, 10 2B, 2 HR, 17 RBI, 8 SB
1B Declan Bowles - Leicester - .429/.471/1.000, 2 2B, 2 HR, 7 RBI
RF Jake Kelly - Newcastle - .372/.413/.535, 5 2B, 3 HR, 14 RBI

Top Pitchers
RHP Mitchell Tempest - Small Heath - 8 GS, 6-1, 72.1 IP, 1.24 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 63 K, 24 BB
RHP Glen Rice - Bury - 10 GS, 5-1, 75.2 IP, 1.43 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 41 K, 9 BB
RHP Denzel Butterworth - Port Vale - 11 GS, 7-2, 86.2 IP, 2.60 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 70 K, 13 BB
LHP Devin Murphy - Crewe Alexandra - 10 GS, 5-2, 75 IP, 2.04 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 54 K, 32 BB
RHP Kieran Nicol - Newcastle - 9 GS, 5-1, 64.2 IP, 2.37 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 40 K, 8 BB

Scotland - Division One


Dumbarton's great start carries them into first place, but they may be due for a crash back down. The Sons are 5th in runs scored and 9th in runs allowed. Their ace in James McDonald has 6 wins despite putting up a 4.83 ERA. Their offense has been firing on all cylinders however, and Scotland star Lewis Johnston hasn't been their top performer. That title belongs to 3B Keith Cliff, who owns a .408/.443/.549 slash with 11 RBI. Just over one month of games is left and Dumbarton are just one game ahead, will they remain consistent enough to earn a second championship?

A surprise contender has emerged in the form of Abercorn. After being promoted just last year, they're showing they definitely belong at this level. The Paisley club has scored the 3rd most runs and have the 5th best defense in the league so far. After 6 years with Abercorn, 5' 6" righty has a 2.25 career ERA and a 3.58 ERA in his second season in Division One. CF Daniel Allison is making up for a lack of skill in the outfield with an amazing hitting record so far: .383/.462/.531 with 3 doubles and 3 triples, one homer and 18 runs driven in. Will their run hold up in the second leg of the season? We'll find out!

Also surprisingly, Renton are sitting in 3rd, though they did finish in 3rd place in 1892. Lefty Nathan Maxwell has a 7-1 record (7-0 with a 1.73 ERA before his last start, giving up 12 runs in 2 innings), with a career low 1.29 WHIP. Their offense is the 4th best, thanks in large part to RF Charlie McIntosh (.368/.417/.461, 11 RBI) and SS Andrew Baird (.312/.333/.344, 8 RBI). They're a dark horse choice, but it seems like they're not well-rounded enough to truly compete.

Rangers have been another surprise, but for all the wrong reasons and are now in last place. After back-to-back titles, it seems like their offense has been figured out by the rest of the league. They've allowed the 2nd less runs this season, and the table is tight all-around so a full recovery may be possible for the Glasgow outfit.

Top Hitters
CF Daniel Allison - Abercorn - .383/.462/.531, 3 2B, 3 3B, 1 HR, 18 RBI, 16 SB
3B Daniel Morrison - St. Mirren - .371/.406/.461, 4 2B, 2 3B, 12 RBI, 5 SB
3B Keith Cliff - Dumbarton - .408/.443/.549, 6 2B, 2 3B, 11 RBI, 1 SB
3B Jayden Broadbent - 3rd LRV - .456/.511/.570, 7 2B, 1 3B, 13 RBI
LF Harry Wilson - Clyde - .390/.425/.488, 8 2B, 6 RBI

Top Pitchers
LHP Scott Weir - St. Mirren - 8 GS, 7-1, 71.2 IP, 2.64 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 17 K, 20 BB
LHP Nathan Maxwell - Renton - 8 GS, 7-1, 64.1 IP, 3.36 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 18 K, 21 BB
RHP Samuel Stewart - Renton - 7 GS, 1-4, 57.2 IP, 3.12 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 7 K, 14 BB
LHP Connor Mackenzie - Celtic - 5 GS, 4-1, 43.2 IP, 4.53 ERA, 1.74 WHIP, 5 K, 21 BB
RHP Lewis Mitchell - Leith - 8 GS, 3-4, 70 IP, 3.09 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 11 K, 13 BB

Scotland - Division Two


St. Bernard's is leading the race for a return to Division One. After being relegated in 1893, they are now leading the league in both offense and defense. Dundee (2nd in offense, 3rd in defense) are just a game and a half back, trying to make an immediate return. Other clubs in Hibernian and Greenock are close in the race, but probably don't have enough to earn promotion.

Top Hitters
3B Archie Lambert - Pt. Glasgow - .462/.514/.631, 4 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 18 RBI, 1 SB
LF Ossnain Dillon - Kilmarnock - .386/.411/.534, 8 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 23 RBI
LF Logan Weir - St. Bernard's - .407/.455/.648, 3 2B, 8 3B, 1 HR, 17 RBI, 25 SB
LF Reece Ferguson - Pt. Glasgow - .410/.479/.578, 11 2B, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 1 SB
2B Cowal Wilson - Partick T. - .337/.402/.554, 5 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 1 SB

Top Pitchers
RHP Dylan Graham - Dundee - 7 GS, 5-1, 63 IP, 3.29 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 14 K, 18 BB
RHP Kyle Ritchie - St. Bernard's - 6 GS, 5-0, 47.2 IP, 2.64 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 11 K, 11 BB
RHP Jon Kent - St. Bernard's - 8 GS, 5-2, 71 IP, 2.28 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 13 K, 7 BB
LHP Finlay Fisher - Pt. Glasgow - 7 GS, 5-2, 60.2 IP, 3.56 ERA, 1.65 WHIP, 15 K, 38 BB
LHP Randal Roberts - Linthouse - 5 GS, 3-2, 41.2 IP, 3.24 ERA, 1.61 WHIP, 8 K, 20 BB

Irish League


This short league sees just a little over a month of action. That was enough for Cliftonville to win it by the finest of margins! The Reds win their second title and their first since 1890! They were the best on offense and second on defense. Cliftonville were 4-2 on the season against Linfield.

Player of the Year
3B Fionn Bailey - Linfield - 1st - .358/.434/.403, 3 2B, 6 RBI, 7 SB, 0.8 WAR

Young Player of the Year
RHP Owen Evans - Cliftonville - 19, 1st - 4 G, 2 GS, 1-3, 26 IP, 5.88 ERA, 2.04 WHIP, 9 K, 10 BB

Team of the Year
C Kellagh Green - Glentoran - 1st - .439/.475/.544, 6 2B, 7 RBI, 3 SB, 1.1 WAR
1B Ronald Crabtree - Cliftonville - 1st - .357/.416/.429, 1 2B, 2 3B, 12 RBI, 2 SB, 0.2 WAR
2B Ethan Brookfield - Glentoran - 1st - .300/.355/.386, 4 2B, 1 3B, 8 RBI, 5 SB, 0.7 WAR
3B Fionn Bailey - Linfield - 1st - .358/.434/.403, 3 2B, 6 RBI, 7 SB, 0.8 WAR
SS Kian Anderson - Cliftonville - 1st - .301/.325/.411, 6 2B, 1 3B, 7 RBI, 1 SB, 0.6 WAR
LF Tyler Elliot - Cliftonville - 2nd - .383/.439/.433, 3 2B, 8 RBI, 5 SB, 0.1 WAR
CF Breandan O'Sullivan - Glentoran - 1st - .359/.388/.422, 2 2B, 1 3B, 11 RBI, 6 SB, -0.2 WAR
RF Paul Brady - Glentoran - 1st - .390/.419/.424, 2 2B, 5 RBI, 1 SB, 0.3 WAR
DH Liam Moffat - Distillery - 2nd - .329/.388/.411, 3 2B, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 2 SB, 0.2 WAR
P Damien Morris - Linfield - 1st - 8 GS, 4-3, 69 IP, 2.48 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 25 K, 14 BB, 1.2 WAR

Belgian Coupe de Championnat


The Belgians only play games on the weekends (my bad). Racing Liège's season began with a 6-game winning streak, thanks in large part to some nice pitching. They're 5th in runs scored with 2B Marceau Dumortier (.353/.421/.529, 5 RBI), LF Onne van Veen (.368/.375/.421, 3 RBI) and 1B Moos van Horssen (.355/.429/.484, 9 RBI) bringing in 38% of the club's runs. On the pitching side, Dennie van Bemmelen (3-0, 1.33 ERA) has been their best pitcher so far. With the season scheduled to end in early July, there's still a long way though just 24 games left to be played.

Antwerp, the oldest club in the nation, are hot on Racing Liège's tail. Despite having more wins, Liège's tie and less games played keep them in first place. Antwerp are the opposite of the Sang et Marine, leading the league in runs scored though only 4th in runs allowed. Sjoerd van Rij (4-0, 3.03 ERA) has yet to lose a game this season, even after allowing 8 runs (7 earned) against Léopold. CF Philip Berg has been the best player of the season, putting up a .426/.472/.553 slash with 8 runs driven in. Will their offense make the difference, or will RCL's pitching staff lead them to Belgium's first title? We'll find out!

Top Hitters
CF Philip Berg - Antwerp - .426/.472/.553, 3 2B, 1 HR, 8 RBI
LF Urs Dekker - Léopold - .375/.444/.458, 2 2B, 1 3B, 7 RBI
1B Jean Taillandier - Brugge - .438/.538/.469, 1 2B, 6 RBI, 2 SB
C Joe Jenniskens - Léopold - .360/.373/.440, 4 2B, 7 RBI
LF Onne van Veen - Racing Liège - .368/.375/.421, 2 2B, 3 RBI

Top Pitchers
RH Salim Boucard - Union d'Ixelles - 4 GS, 3-0, 35 IP, 2.57 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 8 K, 7 BB
RH Norman Kamp - Brugge - 3 GS, 2-1, 27 IP, 2.67 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 11 K, 6 BB
RH Dennie van Bemmelen - Liège - 3 GS, 3-0, 27 IP, 1.33 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 5 K, 5 BB
LH Lucas van Gijzen - Liège - 3 GS, 1-1, 27 IP, 3.00 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 11 K, 6 BB
RH Sjoerd van Rij - Antwerp - 4 GS, 4-0, 32.2 IP, 3.03 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, 6 K, 6 BB

Argentinian Primera División


With just 3 series left in the season, Lomas, Flores and Lomas' academy are in the race for the title! The main Lomas team will face Flores, Lomas Academy and Retiro in the final 8 games. Flores will face Lomas, Retiro and English High School. Meanwhile, the debate of wether Lomas Academy should even be allowed to participate is growing stronger. The race is on, as Lomas (2nd in both offense and defense) face off against Flores (1st in both categories)!

Top Hitters
RF Nathan Graham - Lomas - .435/.485/.500, 3 2B, 1 HR, 21 RBI
RF Keenan Kavanagh - Lomas A. - .402/.438/.524, 7 2B, 1 HR, 14 RBI, 2 SB
LF Peter Foster - Flores - .418/.470/.527, 10 2B, 19 RBI
RF Jamie Hunter - Flores - .435/.462/.494, 3 2B, 1 3B, 18 RBI, 1 SB
CF Ryan Wilson - Flores - .413/.486/.543, 5 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 13 RBI, 5 SB

Top Pitchers
LH Randal Mitchell - Lomas A. - 8 GS, 4-2, 70 IP, 2.44 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 25 K, 11 BB
RH Aaron Thomson - Flores - 8 GS, 6-1, 71.2 IP, 1.38 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 38 K, 17 BB
LH Fernando Ramírez - Retiro - 8 GS, 3-4, 66 IP, 2.45 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 17 K, 20 BB
RH Lewis Ferguson - Lomas - 8 GS, 6-2, 68 IP, 1.99 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 34 K, 11 BB
LH Guillermo Martínez - Lomas A. - 7 GS, 5-2, 59 IP, 3.20 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 16 K, 9 BB

[jasg224]

May 1895
England - First Division


Everton had one of the best months in history, losing only 3 games in May. They end the month on a 7 game winning streak. They've got the 3rd best offense in the league right now, paired with the best rotation. This has allowed them to outscore their opponents by a total 121 runs. The veteran Everton Taylor is on pace for the second best season of his career, with a 2.71 ERA and 1.23 WHIP. Oscar Swan (2.90 ERA) and Theo Sanderson (2.90 ERA) are also holding it down in their starts. On the other side, it's been a collective effort, with players like SS Riley Thomas (.351/.394/.422), CF Harvey Dean (.319/.376/.455), LF Douglas Rousset (.348/.401/.508) and 2B Lewis Reade (.354/.381/.464) all having career years. With a month and a half of games remaining, the Toffees are in a great spot and they should go on to win their first ever title.

Blackburn are doing the chasing now after going 15-10-1 in May. They end the month on a 6 game winning streak but Everton's May is hard to match. They have the best offense right now, led by LF Griff Hillier (.355/.420/.482). Southpaw veteran Brad Burrows (3.16 ERA) is leading a top 5 rotation, though Peter Neilson (4.15 ERA) is far from replicating his 1893 Pitcher of the Year campaign and Tony Coulon (4.28 ERA) is pitching like his usual self. Blackburn are outscoring opponents 5.7 to 3.8 on average, and this may be enough to fetch them a third title if Everton weren't playing on another level right now.

At the bottom of the table, Darwen are a shoo-in for the test matches. Sheffield, Bolton, Manchester and Grimsby will battle it out for the remaining spot.

Top Hitters
RF Samuel Patton - Burnley - .383/.434/.561, 10 2B, 5 3B, 4 HR, 31 RBI, 21 SB
SS Riley Thomas - Everton - .351/.394/.422, 6 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 29 RBI, 1 SB
1B Clyde Martin - West Brom - .407/.463/.531, 13 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 33 RBI
3B Andrew Oldham - Manchester - .351/.422/.447, 14 2B, 2 3B, 31 RBI, 4 SB
1B Riley Creamer - Stoke - .380/.419/.602, 20 2B, 7 3B, 1 HR, 35 RBI, 7 SB

Top Pitchers
LHP Brad Burrows - Blackburn - 12-4, 145.1 IP, 3.16 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 46 K, 61 BB
RHP Les Kysel - Wolves - 8-2, 96.1 IP, 2.15 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 26 K, 16 BB
RHP Sebastian Burns - West Brom - 12-6, 151.1 IP, 2.68 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 38 K, 42 BB
LHP Keith Coleman - Burnley - 8-5, 139.2 IP, 2.77 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 53 K, 26 BB
RHP Everton Taylor - Everton - 11-3, 129.2 IP, 2.71 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 40 K, 30 BB

Young Players
SS James Hay - 19 - Blackburn - .296/.322/.377, 11 2B, 1 3B, 32 RBI
2B Nathan Holmes - 22 - West Brom - .351/.395/.404, 6 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 32 RBI, 1 SB
RHP Daniel Scott - 23 - Grimsby - 4-4, 105 IP, 4.37 ERA, 1.68 WHIP, 19 K, 50 BB
C Lenny Trainor - 23 - Sheffield - .247/.293/.295/, 2 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 19 RBI
CF David Martin - 22 - Darwen - .199/.269/.272, 3 2B, 4 3B, 9 RBI, 1 SB

England - Second Division


As things stand, Crewe Alexandra and Loughborough will participate in the test matches. Crewe Alexandra are the 4th best offense and defense in the league. Their rotation is led by the 21 year old lefty Devin Murphy (2.22 ERA) and Mitchell Nunn (2.42 ERA). League leaders such as C Lenny Geraghty (.329/.360/.413), LF Jason McTaggart (.277/.340/.457) and 2B Shaun Welsh (.263/.294/.389) make up the core of a terrifying lineup.

Loughborough are a surprising second place right now, as they're tied for 8th in runs scored and 6th in runs against (11th in starters ERA). Their rotation is highlighted by surprise ace Brandon Curley (1.79 ERA) who had only played amateur ball almost 200 km away in Keighley before this year. RF Andrew Smith (.273/.315/.412) has been the brightest spot in their lineup so far. With 12 ties giving them a .622 winning percentage so far, many questions still remain about Loughborough's candidacy for the test matches.

Top Hitters
RF Jake Kelly - Newcastle - .356/.422/.503, 11 2B, 5 HR, 27 RBI
2B Michael McLoughlin - Burton Wanderers - .301/.367/.430, 12 2B, 4 HR, 30 RBI
RF Micah Smith - Leicester - .264/.345/.368, 8 2B, 4 HR, 27 RBI, 4 SB
2B Robbie Austin - Rotherham - .298/.350/.457, 6 2B, 8 HR, 21 RBI, 6 SB
RF Andrew Smith - Loughborough - .273/.315/.412, 8 2B, 6 HR, 27 RBI, 4 SB

Top Pitchers
LHP Devin Murphy - Crewe Alex - 9-4, 146 IP, 2.22 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 68 BB, 97 K
RHP Mitchell Tempest - Small Heath - 10-4, 141.2 IP, 2.29 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 39 BB, 122 K
RHP Glen Rice - Bury - 8-4, 145 IP, 2.05 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 21 BB, 82 K
RHP Kieran Nicol - Newcastle - 11-3, 132.2 IP, 2.37 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 12 BB, 88 K
RHP Kian Aldridge - Lincoln - 8-6, 159 IP, 2.55 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 29 BB, 157 K

Young Players
LHP Devin Murphy - Crewe Alex
1B Joshua Dickson - Burton Wanderers - .314/.349/.450, 4 2B, 5 HR, 22 RBI, 2 SB
RHP Julian Charge - Sunderland - 7-9, 140.2 IP, 3.39 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 74 BB, 84 K
CF Corey Garside - Newton Heath - .237/.265/.417, 1 2B, 9 HR, 22 RBI, 1 SB
RHP Gregor Brown - Sunderland - 3-9, 108.1 IP, 4.90 ERA, 1.76 WHIP, 70 BB, 73 K

Scotland - Division One


Just 5 games remain in the season and 4 teams are mathematically in contention!

Abercorn have surprised everyone with a fantastic season and are about to win their first title immediately after gaining promotion! With no clear stars, the club is 3rd in both runs scored and allowed. They're 11-3-1 in their last 15 and are just two wins away from completing the feat. Their rotation is headlined by Connor McArthur who transitioned beautifully to Division One, allowing just one homer and 20 walks through 18 starts for a 3.25 ERA. This is his first Division One season since 1892 when he was relegated alongside Abercorn. A veteran lineup is firing on all cylinders, with players such as 2B Thomas Jackson (34, .839 OPS), CF Daniel Allison (33, .881 OPS), C Jamie Brown (37, .815 OPS), 1B Charles McLennan (32, .884 OPS) and LF Denzel Young (34, .738 OPS) putting up performances for the ages. Abercorn will face relegation candidate Leith Athletic and 6th place Renton to close out the year.

Dumbarton are chasing their second title but require a perfect finish against Celtic and Heart of Midlothian to make it. Their bats are cold, 8th in the league, with Keith Cliff (.319/.362/.429), Taylor Gardner (.387/.409/.441) and Lewis Johnston (.354/.429/.461) carrying the team on their backs. On the mound, Graeme Reynolds (2.65 ERA) is trying hard to undo the damage caused by James McDonald (4.21 ERA) and Sean Cairns (4.70 ERA) who are still ahead of him in the rotation. It looks like Dumbarton will have to wait at least another year to celebrate again.

Rangers (who face Clyde and St. Mirren) and 3rd Lanark (who face St. Mirren and Heart of Midlothian) are on the outside looking in and need a truly big break for a shot at the title. This means the 2nd best defense in Rangers will not be enough to fetch them the threepeat.

Clyde and Leith are battling it out to avoid relegation, with Leith currently losing the battle.

Top Hitters
2B Kai Reid - 3rd LRV - .379/.425/.521, 18 2B, 6 3B, 26 RBI, 39 SB
2B Thomas Jackson - Abercorn - .360/.389/.450, 8 2B, 5 3B, 21 RBI, 34 SB
CF Ross Henderson - Heart of Midlothian - .363/.403/.483, 12 2B, 6 3B, 18 RBI, 33 SB
3B Keith Cliff - Dumbarton - .319/.362/.429, 14 2B, 3 3B, 27 RBI, 4 SB
CF Lewis Duff - Leith - .364/.390/.495, 12 2B, 4 3B, 2 HR, 23 RBI, 8 SB

Top Pitchers
RHP Graeme Reynolds - Dumbarton - 9-5, 125.2 IP, 2.65 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 23 BB, 23 K
LHP Scott Weir - St. Mirren - 12-4, 139.2 IP, 3.74 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 34 BB, 35 K
RHP Connor Millar - 3rd LRV - 10-4, 116.2 IP, 3.32 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 21 BB, 14 K
RHP Samuel Stewart - Renton - 5-9, 146.1 IP, 3.38 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 39 BB, 25 K
RHP Lewis Mitchell - Leith Athletic - 6-9, 144.2 IP, 3.73 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 30 BB, 28 K

Young Players
SS Griff Wainwright - 22 - Heart of Midlothian - .260/.326/.403, 4 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 13 RBI, 1 SB

Scotland - Division Two


The promotion race is as tight as ever with just one tied game separating Dundee and St. Bernard's! Dundee are the hotter team, and will face Kilmarnock and Motherwell to close out the season. St. Bernard's have a tougher finish, facing last place Port Glasgow before 3rd place Linthouse visit them. It's a real nail-biter as two great teams attempt to return to Division One!

Top Hitters
LF Logan Weir - St. Bernard's - .362/.458/.583, 9 2B, 13 3B, 3 HR, 39 RBI, 55 SB
3B Archie Lambert - Pt. Glasgow - .412/.457/.562, 5 2B, 2 3B, 5 HR, 37 RBI, 1 SB
3B Lewis Finlayson - Dundee - .409/.462/.596, 11 2B, 10 3B, 2 HR, 59 RBI, 9 SB
2B Leon Johnson - Linthouse - .364/.445/.566, 11 2B, 10 3B, 3 HR, 26 RBI, 15 SB
SS Conor Davidson - Hibernian - .368/.413/.500, 7 2B, 1 3B, 6 HR, 37 RBI, 1 SB

Top Pitchers
RHP Jon Kent - St. Bernard's - 11-3, 145.2 IP, 2.84 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 25 BB, 33 K
RHP Dylan Graham - Dundee - 13-2, 147 IP, 4.16 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, 38 BB, 38 K
RHP Sam Scott - Dundee - 6-0, 66.2 IP, 3.78 ERA, 1.59 WHIP, 21 BB, 9 K
RHP Kyle Ritchie - St. Bernard's - 7-0, 64 IP, 3.66 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, 25 BB, 15 K
RHP Dylan Anderson - Dundee - 15-2, 160.1 IP, 3.76 ERA, 1.57 WHIP, 33 BB, 62 K

Young Players
LHP Finlay Fisher - 20 - Pt. Glasgow - 8-9, 132.2 IP, 6.31 ERA, 2.01 WHIP, 79 BB, 37 K
C David Baillie - 23 - Hibernian - .303/.363/.413, 5 2B, 4 HR, 20 RBI, 1 SB

Belgium - Coupe de Championnat


Club Brugge have surged from 3rd to first after winning all of their series this month. Their rotation is the best in the league, even with an all-righty lineup: Norman Kamp (3.00 ERA), Nicolas Besson (3.06 ERA) and Constant van de Watering (3.15 ERA). In the box, it's been a team effort in an offense-heavy league with the likes of LF Denie Cornelissen (.392/.432/.486), 1B Jean Taillandier (.373/.455/.400) and 1B Emmanuel Malherbe (.391/.424/.402) mashing day in and day out. With just over a month to go, the Blauw-Zwart could seal it in June.

Antwerp also had an amazing month, but losing their series to Brugge leaves them still in second place. They've got the 3rd best rotation in the league, thanks in large part to Sjoerd van Rij (2.49 ERA), who's an early Pitcher of the Year contender. Their lineup is the 2nd highest scoring in the league, with C Abel Truong (.440/.455/.571) and CF Philip Berg (.364/.402/.477) fighting it out for Player of the Year honors.

June will show exactly what Liège are made of, after dropping to 3rd this month, as they visit both Antwerp and Brugge. Dennie van Bemmelen (1.71 ERA) has put in some work, winning all 7 of his starts. The Sang et Marine's bats are cold, and their 4.6 runs per game are the 2nd worst so far. Still close in the race, the dip in form could mean the end of Liège's hopes in the Coupe de Championnat's maiden season.

Top Hitters
C Abel Truong - Antwerp - .440/.455/.571, 3 2B, 3 HR, 21 RBI
CF Philip Berg - Antwerp - .364/.402/.477, 4 2B, 2 HR, 16 RBI
LF Dustin Vermeulen - Léopold - .404/.467/.543, 2 2B, 4 3B, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 2 SB
2B Marceau Dumortier - Liège - .370/.425/.493, 4 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 12 RBI, 6 SB
LF Aad Boltjes - Bruxelles Sp. - .367/.438/.456, 6 2B, 1 3B, 5 RBI, 3 SB

Top Pitchers
RHP Dennie van Bemmelen - Liège - 7-0, 63 IP, 1.71 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 8 BB, 15 K
RHP Sjoerd van Rij - Antwerp - 7-1, 68.2 IP, 2.49 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 15 BB, 18 K
RHP Salim Boucard - Ixelles - 5-1, 57.1 IP, 3.45 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 13 BB, 15 K
RHP Constant van de Watering - Brugges - 4-3, 60 IP, 3.15 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 8 BB, 11 K
RHP Frederik van Mourik - Léopold - 4-4, 62.1 IP, 4.33 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 10 BB, 15 K

Young Players
2B Marceau Dumortier - 20 - Liège
3B Luc Lopez - 21 - Bruxelles Sp. - .330/.371/.443, 6 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 14 RBI, 1 SB
RHP Reynold Verhoeven - 22 - Bruxelles Sp. - 1-2, 47.2 IP, 5.10 ERA, 1.70 WHIP, 34 BB, 8 K

Argentina - Primera División


One loss makes all the difference as Flores win back-to-back titles! Flores' series win against Lomas to start the month ensured their title.

Mejor Equipo
C Stephen Scott - Lomas, 1st - .381/.436/.476, 4 2B, 2 HR, 21 RBI, 25% RTO
1B Josh Gillies - Flores, 2nd - .328/.381/.416, 5 2B, 3 3B, 17 RBI, 9 SB
2B Connor Carmichael - Flores, 2nd - .320/.385/.410, 6 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 15 RBI
3B Jack McLellan - Flores, 2nd - .347/.386/.372, 3 2B, 16 RBI
SS Luke Scott - Lomas, 1st - .296/.379/.361, 4 2B, 1 HR, 10 RBI
LF Peter Foster - Flores, 2nd - .415/.474/.496, 10 2B, 23 RBI
CF Ryan Wilson - Flores, 2nd - .408/.483/.528, 8 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 22 RBI, 5 SB
RF Jamie Hunter - Flores, 1st - .414/.453/.466, 4 2B, 1 3B, 24 RBI, 1 SB
DH Ethan Cairns - Flores, 1st - .398/.500/.466, 5 2B, 1 HR, 20 RBI
P Aaron Thomson - Flores, 2nd - 8-1, 89.2 IP, 1.10 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 18 BB, 53 K

[WooBallFan43]

Lets goooo he's finally back!

[jasg224]

Originally Posted by WooBallFan43

Lets goooo he's finally back!

Thanks for the comment! I didn't realize there was anyone actually following along lol