ISLANDIAN PRO ALLIANCE (RUTHLANDIA and TYCOBBIA BASEBALL UNIONS)

[Eugene Church]

Tuesday, July 2, 2085

IPA FRENETIC FANS IN A FRENZY, LOTS OF TEAMS IN THE PENNANT HUNT AT MIDYEAR
Yep, lots of the perennials are still doing well in the Islandian Pro Alliance standings midway in the season this year, but there are quite a few of the longstanding also-rans also playing some surprisingly good baseball with an outside chance of taking the division flag and the playoff spot that goes with it. The last three Pro Cup champions have come out of nowhere and won the famed prize. Kenwood in 2082, East Point in 2083 and Belair Beach last year. None of the regular powers-that-be have won it in recent years. Who will be this year's Prince Charming?

6 of the preseason favorites are on top the standings at midseason. Things are not going well for 2 of the pundits' choices. Taranto, defending Pro Cup champion Belair Beach, Eastshore and unsung Forest City are on top of their divisions in the Ruthlandian Union. Favored Rocky Rapids has flopped miserably so far. Turon, Hartsdale, unheralded High Mesa and Rolling Hills are riding high in the Tycobbian Union. Preseason choice South Fork is not doing so well.

Typical also-rans in the Ruthlandian Union Valmara, Far Mountain, Ranford, Waleska, Claxton, Grand City, Marston, Forest City and Stoner are in contention. The habitually struggling teams that are challenging this season in the Tycobbian Union are Fairfax, Blue Lake, Arroyo Grande, San Alejo, High Mesa, Hillsboro, Chicopee, La Claire and Bay St. Clair. The teams that soar in the second half will come home with a postseason playoff spot and a chance to win the coveted Pro Cup.

Let's take a quick spin around the IPA and take a glance at what has happened so far in the first half of the season.

2085 RUTHLANDIAN UNION MIDSEASON RECAP

TARS BEING TESTED BY 5 TEAMS IN RU NORTH
In the Ruthlandian North it's wide open for any one of 6 teams to win it. Favored Taranto is playing well, but is being pressured by Ancona. They are currently tied for first place. Breathing down their backs are 4 other challengers, third place LaGrange, the division winner in 2 of the last 3 seasons, fourth place Valmara, fifth place Far Mountain and sixth place Ranford. The fans are going crazy in the RU North. Only 3 games separate the teams. Taranto hasn't won the division flag since 2074, appearing only 10 times in the postseason with only one Pro Cup to show for it. That was long ago in 2015. It would nice if Ranford made it. The Bulls have won 10 pennants and one Pro Cup. That was in 2040. However, Ranford last won the RU North flag in 2080. Valmara has been very successful in the IPA with 31 postseason appearances and 4 Pro Cups, but not much recently. The last pennant came for the Vipers in 2079, the last Pro Cup in 2050. Far Mountain hasn't done well in recent decades. Overall they have won the division 18 times with 3 Pro Cups. The last pennant was in 2083. The Redhawks won their Pro Cups in great fashion, winning an unprecedented 3 in a row in 2011, 2012 and 2013. This was possibly the best team in IPA history. They also lost a 7-game series in 2009 in the Pro Cup Finals. Far Mountain was up 3-0 and lost to Turon four games to three. That's the only time it ever happened in the Pro Cup Series.

SUNBIRDS STILL FLYING HIGH IN CLOSE RACE IN RU SOUTH
Belair Beach is dead serious about winning the Ruthlandian South for the third straight year. The Sunbirds also have their sights set on two Pro Cups in a row. So far, so good. However, the Sunbirds first have to dispose of its three main contenders, all within four games of the cherished top spot. Waleska, Claxton and Grand City are right on their tails and clinging close. Belair Beach has appeared 12 times in the playoffs and has captured 2 Pro Cups (2071 and 2084). The sentimental choice would be the Grand City Cybercats, who have won only 4 pennants and have never won a Pro Cup and never come close. The last time they made the postseason was in 2055.

COTTON KINGS STANDING TALL IN RU EAST
As expected, preseason favored Eastshore is doing well in the RU East, but so are three other rivals. Marston is just one game behind in second place, Cold Creek trails by 3 and a half games in third and last year's champ Belle Plaine is in the fourth spot in the standings and 5 and a half games out. Even perennial power Wynnamac is still within striking distance. The Macs have had only one losing season in the last four decades.
Eastshore is seeking its third Pro Cup. As the Elegants, one of the best teams ever in the IPA, they won back-to-back Pro Cups in 2016 and 2017. Eastshore has copped 10 division titles with the last ones coming in 2073 and 2074.

FIREBIRDS RED-HOT IN RU WEST RED-HOT RACE
The Forest City Firebirds are back again burning up the Ruthlandian West race. They won the title three years ago, but have floundered ever since. Overall the Firebirds have only made the playoffs on 7 occasions with one Pro Cup in 2068. The baseball experts picked them last this year. But right now they are deadlocked atop the RU West with Colfax. Three other challengers are close behind. Last year's division champ Fort Benton is in third place, 3 and a half games off the pace. Volusia and Stoner are tied for fourth, 4 GB. Preseason pick Rocky Rapids is nowhere in sight, lumbering along in 7th place, 14 GB. If you are like me, I like to pull for the underdog. This year it would be the Stoner Stars with only 6 pennants and no Pro Cups. Or maybe the Fort Benton Cannons with 7 division flags and no Pro Cup Trophies. I think I could pull for the Firebirds, too. Only one club in the RU West has done well in the playoffs. The Middlefield Roosters have won 3 Pro Cups in its 20 postseason appearances, but not lately. The Roosters last flag and last Pro Cup came in 2056.

[Eugene Church]

2085 TYCOBBIAN UNION MIDSEASON RECAP

HELLCATS AGAIN ON FIRE IN TU NORTH, SEEK 4TH FLAG IN A ROW
In the Tycobbian North the highly-touted Hartsdale Hellcats have dominated for the last three seasons. They started off in a somber slumber in April, but they have since righted the ship, set sail for the number one spot and nailed it at the midseason mark. The Hellcats have a 4-game edge over runner-up Fairfax, 6 games better than Blue Lake and 8 games up on Mahaska. It is beginning to look like Hartsdale is going to make shambles of the TU North again. It's not likely anyone can catch them in the second half. Hartsdale is due. They have made the postseason 19 times with 2 Pro Cup Trophies. The Hellcats were IPA champion long ago in '46 and '63. This is their time and this could be their year.

TRIED AND TESTED TURON TO TRIUMPH IN TU SOUTH
Turon is a traditional power in the Tycobbian South, rarely not in the running for the division crown. It's been 18 years since they have had a losing season. 9 times in that span the Typhoons have nabbed the pennant, also took 2 Pro Cups in '72 and '78. They have made the postseason 30 times, winning 6 Pro Cups. This year Turon is the preseason favorite in the TU South, but they do have competition. It will not be easy to beat second place Arroyo Grande. The Suns are just one game behind. San Alejo is right on their heels, just one and a half games back. Fourth place belongs to Ginza. The Ninjas are 5 games back. It's anybody's pennant to win. Turon usually wins out in the end.

HIGH MESA RIDING HIGH IN TU EAST
High Mesa has not had many high points in its IPA history. Rarely in the past two decades have they posted a winning record. Only 5 times in the team's history have the Buckaroos made the playoffs, but they do possess one Pro Cup, captured in the early days of the IPA in 2002 when they were the Cowboys. The Bucks have not been to the postseason since 2062. High Mesa may be the longsuffering team everybody will be pulling for this season to win the Pro Cup. The Buckaroos were forecast to be the division winner this year. So far, So good. Hillsboro is 7 games behind, South Fork is 8 games behind and last year's champ Ozarka is 12 games out. Things are looking good for High Mesa. They might just have it all this season, good hitting, scoring, home-run power and pitching. A Pro Cup in 2085 is not out of the question. Pro Cup powers Belair Beach, Rolling Hills and Hartsdale beware. There's a new kid in town.

RACERS IN A RACE IN THE TU WEST
What more can you say about the Rolling Hills Racers? 10 Pro Cups in its fabled history. 3 of them in the last 10 years. 5 TU West titles in the last 10 years. And yes, they were chosen to win the pennant for the third consecutive year. So far, Rolling Hills is doing it, but not by much of a margin. Just about the entire TU West still has postseason hopes, at least in theory. The pesty Chicopee Braves are hanging close, just one game out of the top spot. Archrival Bayview is running third, 5 and a half-game behind. La Claire is fourth, 6 GB. Bay St. Clair is fifth, trailing by 6 and a half games. Even sixth place Arlon and seventh place Denton City still have a shot at the playoffs. It will probably comes down to the Racers and the Vikings, the way it has been the last two seasons.

2085 Tycobbian Union Midseason Standings and Statistics

[jg2977]

I still love reading your recaps. Keep it up! Looking forward to seeing who wins the next division pennants and Pro Cup.

[Eugene Church]

Originally Posted by jg2977

I still love reading your recaps. Keep it up! Looking forward to seeing who wins the next division pennants and Pro Cup.

Thanks, Jeff, for being such a loyal follower of the IPA.

Not sure what is going on, but views have jumped sharply in the last two weeks. They have shot up from 150 a day to over a 1000 per day.
4 times they numbered over 2000 views. This is great. The best I have ever averaged was about 400 to 500 a day.

My best day was 806 earlier this year..
I had 2296 yesterday.

Thanks, everybody. Really appreciate the views.

[Eugene Church]

Wednesday, July 11, 2085

GLORIOUS GLITTER GALORE WEDNESDAY IN BELAIR BEACH FOR 85TH IPA ALL-STAR CLASSIC
Competition is fierce for a spot in the Islandian Pro Alliance All-Star extravaganza. There are only 50 slots available on the two teams. Annually the Tycobbian Union Stars and the Ruthlandian Union Stars
come together at the home of the current Pro Cup crown bearer for boasting rights in the IPA. This year's site is Bayside Park in Belair Beach. The stars will all come out Wednesday afternoon and get
their chance to shine and gleam on the baseball diamond.

The Ruthlandian All-Stars will be sparked by Tory Spinnerton, a perennial participant for the LaGrange Gators. He will be making his 8th appearance at first base. Behind the plate will be Volusia backstop
Raul Bernardo. He is a 7-time All-Star. The RU Stars will feature two rookies, Glasco third baseman Florian du Pont at age 23 and Rocky Rapids center fielder Henri Tallyrand, age 25. Brock Josephson of
Pro Cup-winning Belair Beach will be in charge of the RU Stars, who trail dramatically in the series 54-30.

Veteran star performers are not in abundance on the Tycobbian All-Stars, skippered by Pro Cup runner-up Hugo Sutton of of the Rolling Hills Racers. Tuckanarra catcher Conn Donelson heads up the talent
with his 6th appearance. The TU Stars have three rookies on their squad, 21-year-old hurler Dookie Garnham of Hartsdale, 3-year-old second sacker Mylon Moncrief of Chicopee and 25-year-old third baseman
Kade Burwyn of North Hills.

The oldest All-Star in the game is pitcher Skip Hennessy of the Turon Typhoons. This will be his first All-Star Game at 37. Hennessy is in this 12th year in the IPA. The youngest All-Star will be Sugar Valley
right fielder Radney Correll at age 20 and now in his 3rd season.

For the Ruthlandian Union, the roster includes:

SP Dex Antoon (WYN) - 9-4, 2.67 ERA, 128.0 IP, 1.16 WHIP, 7.2 K/9, 3.1 WAR
SP Joe Buras (CFX) - 9-1, 2.13 ERA, 131.0 IP, 1.09 WHIP, 5.6 K/9, 2.0 WAR
SP Frankie Gifford (TAR) - 9-3, 2.49 ERA, 133.2 IP, 1.09 WHIP, 5.7 K/9, 1.3 WAR
SP Dutch Rembrandt (STO) - 6-5, 12 SV, 2.04 ERA, 97.0 IP, 1.09 WHIP, 5.4 K/9, 1.4 WAR
SP John Michael Rupp (BP) - 10-6, 2.64 ERA, 129.2 IP, 1.10 WHIP, 6.7 K/9, 2.3 WAR
SP Ike Shakespeare (GLS) - 10-4, 2.57 ERA, 122.2 IP, 1.21 WHIP, 6.8 K/9, 2.0 WAR
SP B.D. Smitherman (FTB) - 7-3, 12 SV, 2.27 ERA, 87.1 IP, 1.06 WHIP, 5.4 K/9, 0.9 WAR
SP Robert Sumter (ANC) - 11-2, 3.23 ERA, 128.0 IP, 1.28 WHIP, 5.4 K/9, 1.8 WAR
C Raul Bernardo (VOL) - .262/.338/.380, 237 AB, 5 HR, 1 SB, 112 wRC+, 1.7 WAR
C Gavin Foxton (CFX) - .307/.402/.474, 251 AB, 9 HR, 161 wRC+, 3.8 WAR
C Juan-Carlos Juarez (MAR) - .303/.390/.424, 231 AB, 7 HR, 139 wRC+, 2.4 WAR
1B Andreas Koopman (CLX) - .315/.417/.502, 311 AB, 13 HR, 172 wRC+, 4.7 WAR
1B Tory Swinnerton (LAG) - .290/.377/.530, 321 AB, 22 HR, 160 wRC+, 3.3 WAR
2B Arnfried Beckenbauer (CLX) - .344/.363/.484, 308 AB, 7 HR, 5 SB, 148 wRC+, 3.1 WAR
2B Gip McAvoy (BP) - .327/.390/.479, 309 AB, 7 HR, 1 SB, 152 wRC+, 4.1 WAR
3B Florian du Pont (GLS) - .334/.397/.455, 308 AB, 6 HR, 1 SB, 145 wRC+, 2.4 WAR
3B Chris Savallas (ANC) - .334/.400/.545, 299 AB, 15 HR, 10 SB, 177 wRC+, 5.6 WAR
SS Max Hartenstein (FM) - .315/.335/.450, 340 AB, 8 HR, 4 SB, 129 wRC+, 3.7 WAR
SS Toby McGyver (ETS) - .350/.417/.489, 311 AB, 6 HR, 7 SB, 163 wRC+, 5.2 WAR
LF Beauregard Berthelot (VLK) - .322/.390/.547, 320 AB, 17 HR, 1 SB, 170 wRC+, 3.1 WAR
LF Mac Teale (ETS) - .270/.351/.562, 304 AB, 21 HR, 10 SB, 158 wRC+, 3.5 WAR
CF Jake Osborne (CL) - .354/.415/.468, 314 AB, 5 HR, 4 SB, 157 wRC+, 4.0 WAR
CF Henri Talleyrand (RR) - .341/.373/.462, 305 AB, 4 HR, 7 SB, 145 wRC+, 4.0 WAR
RF Radley Correll (SV) - .296/.395/.478, 291 AB, 12 HR, 155 wRC+, 3.8 WAR
RF Kirk Guilbeau (ETS) - .298/.344/.470, 285 AB, 9 HR, 1 SB, 137 wRC+, 2.0 WAR (Injured)
RF Adrus Saks (VLK) - .348/.476/.551, 276 AB, 12 HR, 1 SB, 201 wRC+, 4.1 WAR

For the Tycobbian Union these players have been selected:

SP Eddy Bohannon (GIN) - 10-4, 2.34 ERA, 130.2 IP, 1.08 WHIP, 5.9 K/9, 1.8 WAR
SP Chuck Chelkowski (BSC) - 10-5, 1.92 ERA, 150.0 IP, 0.89 WHIP, 6.2 K/9, 4.1 WAR
SP Scottie Donaldson (AG) - 9-8, 13 SV, 2.58 ERA, 101.0 IP, 1.15 WHIP, 6.5 K/9, 0.8 WAR
SP Flash Fesmire (TUR) - 10-4, 2.54 ERA, 131.0 IP, 1.05 WHIP, 5.3 K/9, 2.4 WAR
SP Dookie Garnham (HAR) - 9-2, 1.98 ERA, 127.1 IP, 1.07 WHIP, 6.4 K/9, 3.1 WAR
SP Skip Hennessy (TUR) - 9-3, 1.89 ERA, 128.2 IP, 1.04 WHIP, 5.0 K/9, 3.3 WAR
SP Goldy Keane (MAH) - 11-4, 2.08 ERA, 130.0 IP, 0.90 WHIP, 5.1 K/9, 2.9 WAR
SP Allie Tuthill (HM) - 13-1, 1.94 ERA, 134.2 IP, 0.91 WHIP, 5.2 K/9, 3.7 WAR
C Emile Buckner (OZK) - .284/.307/.346, 257 AB, 2 HR, 90 wRC+, 1.1 WAR
C Conn Donaldson (TUC) - .290/.304/.455, 255 AB, 5 HR, 2 SB, 116 wRC+, 2.2 WAR
C Buck Ransom (RB) - .259/.317/.407, 263 AB, 10 HR, 113 wRC+, 2.1 WAR
1B Lucien Legrand (FFX) - .328/.374/.603, 335 AB, 21 HR, 179 wRC+, 2.9 WAR
1B Haden Mulcahy (RB) - .315/.360/.568, 324 AB, 20 HR, 173 wRC+, 2.9 WAR
2B Noah Bowers (AG) - .347/.451/.595, 291 AB, 18 HR, 2 SB, 205 wRC+, 5.8 WAR
2B Mylon Moncrief (CHI) - .376/.449/.635, 263 AB, 16 HR, 1 SB, 209 wRC+, 4.1 WAR
3B Kade Burwyn (NH) - .321/.350/.446, 287 AB, 6 HR, 131 wRC+, 2.4 WAR
3B Danny Cantrell (GIN) - .298/.356/.497, 292 AB, 12 HR, 150 wRC+, 3.3 WAR
SS Colby Harris (AG) - .304/.340/.448, 326 AB, 7 HR, 4 SB, 132 wRC+, 1.6 WAR
SS Ruben Schuessler (DC) - .305/.359/.457, 315 AB, 10 SB, 137 wRC+, 3.9 WAR
LF Bobby Delaney (ARL) - .346/.430/.599, 257 AB, 14 HR, 198 wRC+, 3.7 WAR
LF Dwayne Huffty (HM) - .300/.371/.537, 300 AB, 17 HR, 165 wRC+, 3.5 WAR
CF Fernando De la Paz (HAR) - .283/.331/.444, 329 AB, 9 HR, 9 SB, 127 wRC+, 3.8 WAR
CF Tim Robbins (OZK) - .280/.354/.478, 289 AB, 14 HR, 3 SB, 142 wRC+, 3.0 WAR
RF Red Lilly (CHI) - .342/.408/.550, 313 AB, 6 HR, 5 SB, 172 wRC+, 5.4 WAR
RF Calvin Mannon (HAR) - .307/.386/.487, 306 AB, 12 HR, 5 SB, 154 wRC+, 4.2 WAR
RF Yank Yankovich (SF) - .309/.391/.611, 298 AB, 24 HR, 11 SB, 188 wRC+, 4.9 WAR

[Eugene Church]

[Eugene Church]

Wednesday, July 18, 2085

TU STARS TRIM RU STARS IN THRILLER
'Twas a very exciting IPA All-Star Classic this year at Bayside Park in Belair Beach. The Tycobbian Union All-Stars captured a high-scoring 9-8 shootout thriller that ended with the tying run being thrown out in the bottom of the 9th. Right fielder Yank Yankovich (South Fork) broke the hearts of the Ruthlandian Union All-Stars with a perfect throw that nailed Gib McAvoy (Belle Plaine) trying to score from second base to end the game. There was lots of offense and action galore with very little pitching. The two star-studded teams amassed 34 hits between them, each chalking up 17 base hits. Third baseman Danny Cantrell (Ginza) put the TU Stars up 8-5 in the top of the 6th with a 3-run roundtripper and was voted the game's Most Valuable Player. Rookie center fielder Henri Tallyrand (Rocky Rapids) also homered for the RU Stars.It was a solo swat.

This was a rock 'em, sock 'em affair in contrast to the low-scoring pitching duels of the last three years. The Tycobbian Union increased its already-dominating lead in the All-Star Classic to 85 wins and only 50 defeats. The TU Stars have triumphed three of the last four years.

Ruthlandia ran up an early 5-2 lead in the first four innings and seemed well on their way to victory, but it was not to be. Their bullpen collapsed on them when Tycobbia jolted them for 6 runs in the 5th. It was an absolutely miserable inning for losing pitcher Dex Antoon (Wynnamac), who was torched for 6 runs and 8 hits in his only frame. The victory went to rookie Dookie Garnham (Hartsdale), who worked a scoreless 4th inning.

Never-say-die Ruthlandia roared back from a 9-5 deficit in the last three innings and came within a heartbeat of tying the score. They might have won the game except for Yankovich's fine arm.

The victorious Tycobbian skipper was Hugo Sutton of Rolling Hills. Taking the loss for the Ruthlandian Union was Brock Josephson, manager of the Belair Beach Sunbirds. They were protagonists in the Pro Cup Series last year.

[Eugene Church]

[Eugene Church]

Saturday, September 1, 2086

SEPTEMBER SOAR AND SCORE OR SWOON AND MOON; IPA ENTERS FINAL MONTH
Soar in September and good things are likely to happen in the IPA, swoon and it's gloom and doom. Pro Cup defending champion Belair Beach is basking in the glow of a 10-game lead in the Ruthlandian
South going into September, the last month of the season in the Islandian Pro Alliance. Hartsdale is doing quite well with a hefty 8-game margin in the Tycobbian North race. Both clubs are playing very well
entering the final month and no one is liable to catch them. Eastshore is looking cautiously good with a 5-game edge in the RU East. Ditto High Mesa in the Tycobbian East with a 4 and a half-game lead. The
Cotton Kings and the Buckaroos are playing like champions, too. The outlook is not certain, but odds favors them. The other four divisions are up for grabs with 13 teams in the hunt. Let's take a whirlwind
sample of each of the 8 divisions in the IPA.

PHOTO FINISH IN RU NORTH BETWEEN GATORS AND TARS
LaGrange and Taranto are running neck-and-neck in the Ruthlandian North, separated by just one-half game. The Gators have won the pennant 3 of the last 4 seasons. They struggled in August, posting a poor
12-15 mark, while Tars shined with 16-11. Momentum may be with Taranto. The Tars have not won the RU North since 2074. Their mound corps may be the difference. The Tars have 3 solid starters and a good
bullpen.

SUNBIRDS SNOWBALL RU SOUTH AGAIN THIS YEAR
For the second successive season the reigning Pro Cup titleholder, the Belair Beach Sunbirds have ravaged the Ruthlandian South. Last year by an outrageous 18 games, this year by 10 so far. The BB 'Birds
flew sky-high in August with a 20-7 record. Nope, no one thinks anyone will catch them this year. Belair Beach has its eye set on a second straight Pro Cup Trophy. Some folks think they are a tad better than last
year, despite losing star center fielder Lucky Hayden with back trouble last month. He might be able to return in October.

COTTON KINGS PICKED IN RU EAST
It's pretty much coming down to first place Eastshore and second place Wynnamac in the Ruthlandian East race. Both clubs are red-hot. It might be asking too much of the Macs to make up 5 games in September.
It could happen, but it's not likely. The Cotton Kings are the top-scoring team in the IPA and they also possess good pitching and a pretty good bullpen. Eastshore will be hard to beat. A September swoon is not
expected. Last year's flag winner Belle Plaine is running third, trailing by 8 and a half games. The Cotton Kings have run close thirds the last two seasons. Their last RU East crowns came in back-to-back seasons
in '73 and '74. Eastshore was the preseason choice to take the division this season, but pushed hard by Belle Plaine and Wynnamac in a close race.

UNSUNG FIREBIRDS AND HIGH-TOUTED BLACK SOX FIGHT IT OUT IN RU WEST
The baseball pundits and prognosticators called it wrong in the Ruthlandian West this year. Rocky Rapids was the preseason favorite. Forest City was destined for a dead-last finish. Nope, it didn't happen. The
Snappers were supposed to edge out Colfax and last year's champ Fort Benton in a tight race. Instead, Rocky Rapids never contended and is running in 6th place, 17 GB. Forest City just might be the surprise
team of the year in the IPA. The Firebirds are tied for the top spot in the standings with Colfax. Current champ Fort Benton has fizzled, too, and finds itself in 3rd place, but 11 GB. Forest City recently won the RU
West in '81, but they faltered badly the last 2 years. The Firebirds hit and score fairly well, but they have an excellent starting rotation and strong bullpen. The Black Sox can match their starters, but falls short
in the bullpen. Colfax has the better offense. Both clubs are playing very well headed in the last month of the year. The Firebirds were 19-7 last month, while the Black Sox were 16-11. Forest City has been
the best team in the RU West the second half of the season. They are a rock-solid club. Look for them to edge out Colfax in a stirring finish. The Black Sox haven't won the division title since 2065, but they did
run pretty good races the last 3 seasons. Colfax is a good team, too.

HARTSDALE HEADED FOR 4TH TU NORTH TITLE IN A ROW, AIMING FOR 3RD PRO CUP TROPHY
The Hartsdale Hellcats have had the Tycobbian North all to themselves in recent years. They are gunning for their 4th flag in a row and are very likely to get it. No one is close to them this season. The Hellcats
have a good attack and can score runs and they couple it with good pitching and a good bullpen. They are a good-around club that will go deep in the postseason playoffs. It's about time for the Hellcats to ring
up their 3rd Pro Cup. The last one came in 2063. Runner-up Mahaska trails by 8 games, going into September. Third place Fairfax is 11 and a half games off the pace. Both the Hellcats and Haymakers did well
in August. Not so, the Frogs. It is highly unlikely Mahaska can overtake Hartsdale. They will just have to be happy with second place. The Hayseeds were second last year, 8 GB. Mahaska last won the TU North in
2076 and 2078. Poor Fairfax has not made the postseason since 2033. The Frogs have the offense, they just don't have much pitching.

TURON SLIGHTLY FAVORED OVER SAN ALEJO AND GINZA IN TU SOUTH DOGFIGHT
Yeah, buddy, the best division race in the IPA is in the Tycobbian South where 4 clubs are fighting tooth-and-nail and trying to claw their way into the Pro Cup playoffs. Preseason favorite and last year's champ
Turon is deadlocked at the top of the standings with unheralded San Alejo, beginning the final month of regular-season play. Tied for third place and just 3 games back are lightly-regarded Ginza and slumping
Arroyo Grande. It's a rip-roaring shootout and very likely will go down-to-the-wire. Preseason selection Turon is the defending champ and has the best pitching. The Montaneros and the Ninjas also possess pretty
fair pitching. Only Arroyo Grande has an offense, but the Suns suffer badly from pathetic pitching. They also are going into the last month not playing well at all. Arroyo Grande slumped to 10-18 in August and seems
to be swooning into oblivion. Turon (15-13), San Alejo (15-12) and Ginza (15-12) are playing pretty good baseball heading into September. It is looking like a 3-way photo finish. Give the edge to the perennial playoff
team, the Typhoons. Turon has won 9 pennants in the last 15 seasons and taken 2 Pro Cups, too, in '72 and '78. San Alejo has been really bad the last decade with only one winning season in '84. The Monties last
appeared in the postseason in 2076. The Ninjas last big year was in 2060 when they copped the pennant. In 2059 Ginza won its only Pro Cup.

LONG-TIME LOSER BUCKAROOS WILL WIN IN TU EAST
The High Mesa Buckaroos just might win their first Tycobbian East title since 2062. They possess a 4 and a half-game lead over runner-up Hillsboro, heading into the final month of the year. The Buckaroos are playing
well, 17-11 last month, while the challenging Blazers only mustered a 13-14 mark. High Mesa can hit, score, hit with power and they have the top pitching staff in the Tycobbian Union. Hillsboro has the better offense,
but comes up way short in pitching. That's the difference maker in the race. The Blazers rarely make the postseason playoffs. Only twice in its infamous IPA history have they made it. Hillsboro made the playoffs in '51
and '67. That's all, y'all. No matter how it plays out in the TU East this year, fans of underdog teams will be happy. Especially the fans in High Mesa and Hillsboro.

LA CLAIRE BEST IN THE TU WEST THIS YEAR
Yep, things are chaotic in the wild, wild Tycobbian West this year. 5 teams are in the hunt for the pennant. Heading into September, only 5 and a half games separate 5th place Bayview and the top team La Claire.
Also in the mix are last year's division winner Rolling Hills and Chicopee, tied for second place, just 2 GB. Fourth place Arlon is just 3 and a half games behind. Only two of the clubs are playing well. La Claire went
19-9 last month, while Arlon was 16-12. Rolling Hills (10-18), Chicopee (11-16) and Bayview (12-15) did not fare very well. The Racers were the preseason choice to win their 5th flag in the last 7 seasons. Rolling Hills
was a big favorite to win. Bay St. Clair (2nd), Bayview (3rd) and Denton City (4th). Chicopee (5th), Arlon (6th), La Claire (7th) and Tuckanarra (8th) were given little chance to take the division crown. The Lynx seldom
win a pennant. Only 6 times has the team made the postseason. The last pennant came in 2077. The Braves are a regular also-ran, appearing in the playoffs only 4 times in its pathetic history. 2074 was the last pennant.
The Champions have not won the TU West since 2058. And lastly, the poor Vikings haven't participated in the postseason since 2016. Who will be the victor? Probably La Claire. The Lynx have solid pitching and solid
scoring, but they lack home-run power. The Racers are in trouble. They are playing poorly, no home-run power with average scoring and pitching. They are not the Racers of old. The Braves are not playing well. They
possess scoring ability, despite no power. Chicopee had solid starters, but a terrible bullpen. The Champions are the best bet to give La Claire a run for its money. Arlon can score runs, has some power, but lacks pitching.
The Vikings have decent pitching and some HR-power. Bayview ran good races the last few years, but always lost out to powerhouse Rolling Hills. La Claire looks to be the cream of the crop in the TU West this year, but it
will be close. The best-hitting team will win it.

2085 Ruthlandian Union September Standings



2085 Tycobbian Union September Standings

[Eugene Church]

I think I am going to recreate the final week of the IPA season because so many teams have a chance of winning the pennant and a spot in the Pro Cup playoffs. It just might be a magical week for some of the 17 teams.

Here's why I am doing this night-by-night coverage of all 17 teams:

Some of the best memories of my life involve down-to-wire pennant races. That's when you live-and-die night after night with every pitch involving your favorite team. You keep your ears glued to the radio. Harry Caray on KMOX radio covering the miraculous 1964 National League finish involving the sensational St. Louis Cardinals, the infamous Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee Braves, Cincinnati Reds, even the San Francisco Giants. Not only do you follow your team, you live and die with the other teams, too. Game scores are continually updated in each broadcast.

I loved it when the Cards won the pennant and the World Series, but my favorite memory is of the 1955 Mobile Bears of the beloved Southern Association. I was 15 years old and loved all sports. The Bears were in last place at midseason and going nowhere. Then the magic began. Slowly, but surely, they turned the season around. Back then, they had four-team playoffs to determine the league champion. So Mobile's only chance was to sneak into the playoffs in fourth place. Memphis, the regular season champ, Birmingham and Chattanooga would not be caught. That was out of the question. Fourth place was possible, but unlikely. The season came down to the last week, the last weekend and the very last day before it was decided.

Yep, my ears were glued to the radio listening to Jack Bitterman cover the Bears on the road on WABB radio. They didn't cover home games. You had to buy a ticket, I think it was $1 or $2. Anyway it came down to the last weekend. To make fourth place and the playoffs, Mobile had to win all three remaining games and Nashville and New Orleans had to lose all of their games. Lo and behold it happened. Juvius Pluvius played a huge role. The New Orleans Pelicans had two games rained out and the Nashville Vols had three games rained out. If those games had been played, the Bears might have lost out and come in sixth.

But that not the whole story. Unsung, unheralded and lightly-regarded Mobile beat the heavily-favored regular season champ Memphis Chickasaws in a tense 7-game series in round one and then defeated the favored Birmingham Barons in 6 games in round two for the playoff championship.

Nope, the fairytale is still not over. Mobile will now play for the Double A championship against the champion of the Texas League, the Shreveport Sports. In the opening game of the famed Dixie Series in Shreveport, the Sports jumped out to a huge 9-0 lead after 4 innings. I couldn't believe my ears, but my beloved Bears came back and won it 10-9. This broke the hearts of the Sports and the Bears swept them in 4 games.

Mobile's most valuable player was pitcher Ralph Mauriello (18-8/2.76 ERA). He led the league in ERA and strikeouts. Leading the position players were first baseman Big Jim Gentile (.290 BA/28 HR/109 RBI/153 G), third baseman Jim Baxes (.293 BA/18 HR/69 RBI/112 G), right fielder Ray Shearer (.277 BA/7 HR/50 RBI/115 G), second baseman Dick Young (.266 BA/11 HR/56 RBI/89 R/20 SB/151 G), center fielder Don Demeter (.251 BA/11 HR/36 RBI/92 G), catcher Herb Olson (.269 BA/12 HR/57 RBI/121 G) and shortstop Chris Kitsos (.249 BA/7 HR/39 RBI/85 R/114 G). Gentile and Demeter made the Major Leagues and had pretty good careers. Gentile would have been even better if it hadn't been for HOF-er Eddie Murray, who took his position for the Baltimore Orioles, when Gentile was in his prime years. Gentile played 9 years, hit .260 with 179 homers and 549 RBIs. Demeter played 11 years, batting .265 with 163 roundtrippers and 563 RBIs.

Yeah, buddy, 1955 was a magical year in the life of 15-year old EC.

[Eugene Church]

Monday, September 24, 2085

PENNANT SHOWDOWNS IN IPA IN FINAL WEEK OF SEASON
It's going to be a rip-roarin', rootin' tootin' good time in the final week of the regular season in the Islandian Pro Alliance. 19 teams are frantically fighting for the 8 postseason spots that come with a division title, that gives them a chance to win the revered IPA Pro Cup Trophy, emblematic of supremacy in baseball in the Islands

RUTHLANDIAN UNION

GATORS AND TARS LOSE, LAGRANGE STILL 4 GAMES IN FRONT
There are just 6 games left in the IPA season. Playoff spots are on the line. Both challengers lost in the Ruthlandian North, so first place LaGrange (83-65) kept its 4-game margin over second place Taranto (79-69). The Gators were shut out 4-0 on 4 hits by Ancona's Dolph Inman (8-7/2.84 ERA). The Jumbos pounded out 13 hits and sent Sonny James (14-9/3.44 ERA) down to defeat. The Tars fell 6-3 to Valmara (78-70) and Yuri Yermentov (6-1/4.51 ERA), who worked 7 innings and gave up 3 runs and 6 hits, posted the victory. Jay Coffman (6-4/4.90 ERA/3 saves/39 games) closed it out for him and got the save.

SUNBIRDS STILL 6 GAMES AHEAD OF DIAMONDS IN RU SOUTH
In the RU South the top team Belair Beach (86-62) lost 4-3 to the Grand City Cybercats (77-71) on Clem Roger's (.289 BA) homer in the last of the 8th. Rodney Heroman (5-5/2.39 ERA/7 saves/27 games) notched the win in relief. Claxton (80-68) stayed alive in the race with a 5-2 triumph over Crystal Lake, but the Diamonds are still 6 games behind. Tough Harry Lomas (12-4/2.41 ERA) chalked up the win for Claxton. Ty Almond (.295 BA) homered for the winners.

COTTON KINGS UP LEAD OVER MACS TO 3 GAMES IN RU EAST
In the RU East, leading Eastshore (88-60) gained a game on runner-up Wynnamac (85-63) to extend its lead to 3 games. The Cotton Kings rallied to beat Belle Plaine (79-69) 6-3 on Kirk Guilbeau's (.284 BA) 3-run clout in the 7th and Max Teale's (.258 BA) 2-run smash in the 8th. Johnny McQuillen (6-1/2.82 ERA) went 6 frames for the victory. The Macs (85-63) never had a chance. Cold Creek's (79-69) Stu Sevassi (13-16/4.14 ERA) trashed them 5-0 on a 5-hitter. Nailed with the loss was Sundowners starter Clifton Branch (13-10/3.54 ERA). The Raccoons got to him for 5 runs and 10 hits in his 8 frames.

COLFAX ALL EVEN WITH FOREST CITY IN RU WEST
Way out in the Ruthlandian West, Colfax (87-71) climbed up into a first-place deadlock with Forest City (87-71) by nipping Middlefield 3-2. The Roosters (55-93) are in last place. The Firebirds fell 6-5 in 12 innings to Fort Benton (77-71). Monty Counts (.234 BA) singled in the gamewinner for the Black Sox in the top of the 9th. Dick Latham (11-11/3.00 ERA) and Gordy Stockton (12-17/4.61 ERA/15 saves/67 games) teamed up with the win going to reliever Stockton. Fort Benton reliever Jim Keever (1-1/2.44 ERA) logged the victory with 2 scoreless innings with the loss going to Johnny Olszak (6-2/2.27 ERA/5 saves/45 games ). Stosh Dusek's (.313 BA) RBI single in the 12th put the Cannons over the top.

TYCOBBIAN UNION

HELLCATS and HAYMAKERS BOTH VICTORS, HARTSDALE ON TOP BY 4 GAMES IN TU NORTH
Top team Hartsdale (88-60) and runner-up Mahaska (84-64) both copped wins in the Tycobbian North. The Hellcats blanked Luxora (70-78) 3-0 on a brilliant 1-hit shutout by Fletch Beliveau (5-4/3.04 ERA). The Hellcats are still 4 games ahead in the race. The Haymakers also got some splendid pitching by Goldy Keane (19-6/2.55 ERA), who stiffed North Hills on 5 hits in a 4-0 thumping. Sam Moody (.230 BA/27 HR) and Byron Bennigan (.323 BA/41 HR) both hammered homers out of the park for the Haymakers.

BOTH WIN, MONTIES STILL 1 GAME AHEAD OF TYPHOONS IN TU SOUTH
In the Tycobbian South both contenders triumphed. First place San Alejo (84-64) skimmed by Summerland 3-2 behind the fine performance by Fernando Hierro (16-5/1.97 ERA). He held the Sunsets (67-81) to one run and 2 hits in his 6 innings. Victor Arcanada (5-3/2.66 ERA/7 saves/39 games) got the save with a runless 9th. Both Vicente del Bosque (.289 BA) and Kerry Carter (.275 BA) got 2 hits and a run batted in for the Montaneros. Turon (83-65) got the best of the Southport Sports (72-76) 3-1. Clete Engstrom (15-9/2.99 ERA) fired 7 strong innings, striking out 8, walking nobody and allowing 8 hits and just one run. Closer Philip Reiser (8-9/2.67 ERA/22 saves/76 games) finished up for him with 2 scoreless frames. Gus Newton's (.189 BA) 2-run blast in the first frame turned out to be the winning runs. Sun Sox pitcher Lacy Lillis (8-11/3.96 ERA) went the distance in defeat and pitched well, giving up 3 runs on 6 hits.

BOTH FALL, HIGH MESA MAINTAINS 2-GAME EDGE OVER HILLSBORO
Things did not go well for first place High Mesa (85-63) and second place Hillsboro (83-65) in the Tycobbian East Division. They both tasted the harsh pangs of defeat. The Buckaroos are still 2 games up on the Blazers. The Buckaroos lost a close one 3-1 to the Ozarka Naturals (67-81). Asmund Byornstad (12-11/2.85 ERA) and Adam Fedderson (4-2/0.40 ERA/4 saves/15 games) stifled them on just 4 hits. Rick Prescott's (.245 BA) 2-run double in the top of the 9th settled the game. The win went to Fedderson. In relief Elizar Belasario (10-11/3.48 ERA/22 saves/77 games) was pinned with the loss. The Midway Wolves (70-78) knocked off Hillsboro 6-4 in 11 innings. Blackie Lavitola (.245 BA) put them in front 5-4 with an RBI base hit in the top half of the inning. Miguel Cuellar (.212 BA) added an insurance RBI single, too. Midway's Nat Mortenson (6-2/3.31 ERA/3 saves/44 games) gained the victory, while the defeat went to Presley Pendergast (12-9/3.65 ERA/17 saves/78 games).

LOGJAM IN TU WEST TIGHTENS, ONLY 4 GAMES SEPARATE 5 TEAMS, BRAVES ON TOP BY 2
Yes indeed, it is a heck of a pennant race in the frantic logjammed Tycobbian West. 5 teams are still going at it like all get out, trying to catch first place Chicopee (80-68). At the end of the day's action, the Braves enjoy a 2-game edge over La Claire (78-70) and Rolling Hills (78-70), 3 games better than Bayview (77-71) and 4 up on fifth place Arlon (76-72).

The Arlon Champions bumped off first place Chicopee 7-5 as losing pitcher Sparky Toms (15-11/2.50 ERA) was shelled for 5 runs in the 2nd inning and 6 in 6 innings. Pinch hitter Terry Zinn (.241 BA) delivered the game-winning blow with a sac fly in the 6th frame. Wayne Shafer (4-3/4.79 ERA/1 save/37 games) won it in relief for Arlon with 1 and two-thirds scoreless innings. Nathan Ellis (.265 BA) and Mick McKinnon (.250 BA) both went deep for the Champions. Chino Robinson (.222 BA) belted one out for the Braves.

The La Claire Lynx lashed out 13 hits and lambasted Rolling Hills 10-1, enabling them to move up into a second-place tie with the Racers, 2 games out of first place. Johnny Salsbury (.265 BA) sparked the Lynx with 3 hits, including a 3-run roundtripper. Lynn Holman chimed in with 2 hits and 3 runs batted in. Charlie Hamner (10-12/3.01 ERA) also hurled 8 strong innings. The Racers were held to just 3 hits. It was not a good day for loser Dominic Bard (14-9/3.83 ERA). He was bashed for 7 runs in the very first inning. He didn't get an out.

The Bayview Vikings knocked off the Kenwood Wildcats (63-85) 6-4, led at the plate by Kim Kallstrom (.256 BA/43 HR) and Hoder Kristensen (.236 BA/9 HR), who walloped home runs for the Vikings. On the hill Byork Thorstad (12-10/2.43 ERA) gritted out the win, permitting 4 runs in 7 and two-thirds innings,but it was good enough to win. Closer Marcos Rubio (1012/4.50 ERA/13 saves/55 games) finished up for him, holding the Wildcats runless the rest of the game. Anders Thorsen (.240 BA) sparked Kenwood with 3 hits, a homer and 2 ribbies. Andre Lafrance (6-16/4.44 ERA) suffered the defeat, slammed for 6 runs in 4 innings.

Yeah buddy, the race is on in the IPA. It just might be the photo finish of all pennant races.

Who's gonna win.

Ruthlandian Union Standings and Statistics



Tycobbian Union Standings and Statistics

[Eugene Church]

[Eugene Church]

Monday, September 24, 2085

CRYSTAL-CLEAR PREDICTIONS DOWN-THE-STRETCH IN THE IPA
Who's gonna take the division flags?
EC's gonna go out on a limb and say Belair Beach in the RU South. There ain't a lot better than a 6-game margin going into the last 6 games of the season. Yep, you are right, a 7-game lead would be better. The Claxton Diamonds are not gonna catch the Sunbirds. Yeah buddy, EC has a real good crystal ball, don't he? I got it used and on sale at a shop in the French Quarter in New Orleans from Marie Laveau, the infamous Voodoo Queen. Most probably LaGrange will take the RU North. The Gators just have too much home-run power and a 4-game lead to lose it to Taranto. LaGrange is playing well. The Tars are not. The clubs will play a 3-game series early this week in Taranto. The Gators could wrap it up there. They were 13-6 against the Tars this season. Taranto has the better pitching corps, but can't compete with LaGrange at the plate and on the scoreboard. Eastshore in the RU East and Hartsdale in the TU North. My cheap crystal ball gets a little misty and foggy for the rest of the divisions. My gut feeling is Forest City will edge out Colfax in the RU West. The Firebirds have better HR power and a better bullpen than the Black Sox. Better bats, too. The clubs have a 3-game matchup in the last series of the year.

High Mesa will prevail over Hillsboro in the TU East. The Buckaroos are a fine team with strong, all-around pitching and good power. The Blazers are a better scoring team, but lacks the pitching staff. However, the scary thing is that Hillsboro is playing better ball right now and has the easier schedule. Still EC will go with High Mesa. Their pitching will protect their skimpy 2-game lead. Both teams close out the season with 6 games on the road.

In the TU South race San Alejo takes a slim one-game lead into the last 6 games of the year over the second place Turon Typhoons. The clubs close the season with 3 games in San Alejo. The Montaneros may have the best overall pitching staff in the IPA. They also have some reliable bats throughout their lineup. Turon has 5 fine starters and one of the best closers in the IPA. The Typhoons just have trouble putting runs on the scoreboard. They also suffer from a lack of depth in the bullpen. Look for the Monties to win out in a photo finish with Turon. In addition, head-to-head San Alejo won 11 of the 19 games against the Typhoons this year. They will also be at home.

There ain't no way to tell who is gonna win the big mess in the TU West. EC just gets dizzy when I have to compare 5 teams and all the various variables. Chicopee's bullpen is suspect, but the Braves are playing well this month. La Claire is not playing well and has no power at the plate, but possesses good starters. Got all that? Are you taking notes? However, the Lynx play nothing but contenders, Bayview and Arlon in the final week. Fortunately both series are at home. The Lynx bullpen is questionable, too. Rolling Hills has trouble scoring with little power in the batting order. Pitching is pretty good. Bayview has a little power, good pitching, but has trouble scoring. The schedule favors Rolling Hills. The Racers play poor teams the final 6 games on the road, but the lackluster bats and no power hurt their chances. Rolling Hills has pretty good pitching. Still it will be hard to make up the 2 games so late in the season. Bayview is playing well right now at the right time, but they must close the season on the road in La Claire and Chicopee. The Vikings don't score well. They will have to depend on their fine starting pitching to win the pennant. Winning out against the two top teams in the league will be a big challenge. And nope, the bullpen is not very good. Plus the Viks are 3 games out. Arlon is not playing good ball. Don't have a lot of good pitching and they are 4 games behind.

So after all of that astute research, reasoning, biased guesstimating and crystal balling by my semi-great baseball mind who is EC going to pick in the TU West? Yeah buddy -- surprise, surprise -- my choice is the FIRST PLACE Chicopee Braves with their good pitching and their 2-game edge in the standings. That's a big, big plus with just 6 games to play.

That's all, y'all. That's enough soothsaying for today. You wore EC out. I'm too old to be spending so much of my very short and limited time left in this world on a silly ole computer baseball game created by of all people a German. How can he know so much about the Great American Pastime? That's got to be unAMURICAN, pilgram.

Hmm. Maybe the very ancient and very old Amurican, EC, can create a computer soccer game -- that's football for you folks and aliens in the rest of the known universe -- that will run Football Manager out of business. Yeah buddy, that's quite a thought.

[Eugene Church]

Tuesday, September 25, 2085

SLOW DAY IN THE IPA, ONLY 5 GAMES
Not a lot changed in the IPA standings. There were only 5 games played. One in the Ruthlandian Union and 4 in the Tycobbian Union.

In the Ruthlandian Union Wynnamac blanked the Marston Nine 5-0 behind the sensational outing by Frankie Holstein (13-8/3.31 ERA), a 3-run homer by Julius Goodson (.301 BA/17 HR/83 RBI) and a solo shot by Sonny Corleone (.244 BA/15 HR). Holstein sparkled, holding the Nine (77-72) to just 5 singles. Haywire Haywood (14-12/2.89 ERA) was zapped with the loss, scorched for 5 runs in 7-plus innings. The Macs (86-63) moved within 2 and half-game of the idle first place Eastshore Cotton Kings (88-60) in the RU East.

Over in the Tycobbian Union Bayview (78-71) opened up a crucial 3-game series with the La Claire Lynx (78-71) with a 5-2 victory in 10 innings. Janko Janowski (.213 BA/46 RBI) hit a sac fly with the bases loaded to put Bayview in the lead. Kim Kallstrom (.256 BA/101 RBI) added a two-run single to solidify the win. The Vikings and Lynx are now tied for the third spot in the TU West, 2 and one-half games behind first place Chicopee (80-68), who did not play. Jorgy Neal (12-10/2.92 ERA) and Marcos Rubio (11-12/4.46 ERA) combined for the victory. Reliever Jerome Lowenstein (4-5/3.95 ERA/3 saves/44 games) got the loss, rapped for 3 runs in his only inning.

First place High Mesa (85-64) saw its lead in the TU West drop to one and a half games over second place Hillsboro (83-65) who had an off day. The Midway Wolves (71-78) slipped past the Buckaroos 5-4. Big Jim Gentile (10-11/3.54) went all the way and whipped them. He allowed 4 runs on 9 hits. Luke Zachary (4-3/4.03 ERA) suffered the loss, slapped for 5 runs in his 6 innings. Morgan Maddux (.201 BA/15 HR) led the Wolves with 2 hits, 2 runs scored and a solo homer.

In TU South action the top team San Alejo (84-65) saw their lead dissolve to just a half-game over second place Turon (83-65). Colchester (73-76) and Jayden Koopman (1-3/2.4 ERA) dealt the Montaneros a critical defeat 5-2. Jimmy Love (.286/13 HR) paced the Elites with a 3-run roundtripper. Garrett Lindsey (.208 BA/4 HR) also swatted a solo homer. San Alejo got 10 hits, but stranded 12 runners. The losing pitcher was Leron Benthall (14-8/2.79 ERA). Colchester banged him around for 5 runs in his 8 innings.

In the Tycobbian North, the division-leading Hartsdale Hellcats were humiliated by the Oxford Red Caps 12-4, who smashed 19 hits and 5 homers in the rout. Willie Nelson (33 HR), Dave Smalley (5 HR), Babe Coleman (31 HR), Yuma Norimoto (1 HR) and Paul Plunkett (1 HR) each hit one out of the park. Ricky Sitko (1-1/5.02 ERA) breezed to the victory. Rookie Dookie Garnham (16-5/2.50 ERA) took it on the chin. The Red Caps (73-76) had his number today. They spanked him for 6 runs in 6 innings. The runner-up Mahaska Haymakers (84-64) were not scheduled and gained a half-game in the division race and are now 3 and a half games behind Hartsdale (88-61).

Ruthlandian Union Standings and Statistics



Tycobbian Union Standings and Statistics

[Eugene Church]

Wednesday, September 26, 2085

DEFENDING PRO CUP CHAMP BELAIR BEACH FIRST TO CLINCH SPOT IN IPA PLAYOFFS. LAGRANGE AND HARTSDALE NEAR DIVISION CROWNS. 5 OTHER DIVISIONS STILL NOT DECIDED.

Ruthlandian Union
In the final week of the season the two top teams in the Ruthlandian North went at it in the opening game of a crucial three-game series in LaGrange. The Gators trimmed the Tars in 10 innings 8-7. Home runs
by Dwight Houser (.228 BA/24 HR/71 RBI), Jed Mayfield (.284 BA/12 HR/50 RBI) and Bill Swinnerton (.305 BA/43 HR/96 RBI) upped LaGrange's lead to 5 games. Robin Moncriffe (.245 BA/10 HR/49 RB) decided
the game with a run-scoring single in the 10th. Another win by the Gators or another defeat for the Tars will give the division flag to LaGrange. Taranto fought hard with 3 homers, 2 by Gerald Whitney
(.231 BA/12 HR/48 RBI) and one by Claude Haines (.254 BA/6 HR/20 RBI). Neither club got much pitching.

Belair Beach (87-72) is headed back to the IPA playoff with a chance to repeat as the Pro Cup champion. The Sunbirds cinched the RU South with 5 games to go. The Sunbirds smacked Valka (66-83) for 14 hits
in a 6-3 triumph. Georgie Adams (16-11/2.94 ERA) hurled 7 solid innings for the victory. Dirk MacIntyre (.283 BA/22 HR/70 RBI) and Yianni Kostakis (.304 BA/18 HR/85 RBI) both hit 2-run clouts in the clinching game.

The second place Claxton Diamonds (81-68) did all they could do. They edged the St. John Crusaders 4-3 in 10 behind the impressive pitching of 20-year-old rookie Monty Maples (14-9/3.31 ERA), who stumped
the Crusaders (71-78) on 2 earned runs, while going the distance. He did give up 11 hits, but stranded 11 baserunners. Maples fanned 5 and issued only 2 bases on balls. Andreas Koopman (.317 BA/25 HR/94 RBI)
paced Claxton at the plate with 2 hits and 2 RBIs, one of them a solo swat to win the game in the bottom of the 10th.

Runner-up Wynnamac (87-73) shaved a game off first place Eastshore's (88-61) lead in the RU East. The Cotton Kings are now only one and a half-game ahead. The Macs slipped by Marston 3-2 yesterday. Shotgun
Clayton (10-11/3.42 ERA) worked a complete game, stopping the Nine (77-73) on 5 hits and struck out 8. Mike Mantle (.255 BA/9 HR/57 RBI) drove in 2 runs for the Sundowners. Julius Goodman (.299 BA/17 HR/84 RBI)
also pitched in with an RBI. Taking the loss was Jim Singer (10-12/3.33 ERA), who allowed 3 runs on 8 hits in 8 frames.

Beechwood's (63-86) young Jimmy Chandler knocked off Eastshore 3-2, limiting them to 2 runs and 5 hits in 6 innings. He struck out 6 and walked no one. The win went to Jackie Dittmer (9-14/4.50) Andrew Delchamps
(15-4/3.23 ERA) more than matched Chandler, firing 8 strong innings, permitting 1 run on 5 hits, while whiffing 7 and walking 3. He left for a pinch hitter with the game tied at 1-all. Shuggie Stanbury
(10-11/2.80 ERA/20 saves/73 games) blew the game in the 9th. RBI base hits by Dickie Gannon (.258 BA/6 HR/45 RBI) and Paz Vizcarra (.276 BA/14 HR/60 RBI) did him in. Both scores were unearned.

In the RU West Colfax battered Volusia 13-1 to take over the top spot by one game over Forest City. The Black Sox blasted 18 hits and 4 homers to back up the fine pitching of Jimbo Munsey (11-8/2.86 ERA), who held
the Vigilantes to 5 hits. Going deep for Colfax were Tommy Wilkins (.256 BA/6 HR/62 RBI), Tim Bozeman (.313 BA/7 HR/46 RB), Ben Watkins (.237 BA/4 HR/22 RBI) and Jimmy Sweet (.267 BA/28 HR/71 RBI).
The Firebirds were defeated by Stoner 8-5 behind Pat Adenhart (17-8/2.78 ERA), who outpitched Kirby Mars (17-9/2.63 ERA). Adenhart tossed 8 frames and gave up 4 runs, while Mars was ripped for 7 runs in just 6 inning.
Leading the Silver Sox at the plate were Ben Atcheson (.264 BA/8 HR/18 RBI), Clem Pollard (.235 BA/1 HR/6 RBI), Gus Yakis (.258 BA/8 HR/36 RBI) and Jaxx Sedlin (.208 BA/4 HR/19 RBI). All of them batted in 2 runs
apiece. Atcheson had the only Stoner roundtripper.

Tycobbian Union

Both contenders in the TU North dropped games yesterday. Hartsdale (88-62) is 3 and a half-game in front of second place Mahaska (84-65) with 5 games left on the schedule. The Hellcats were beaten in 16 innings 10-9
by Oxford (74-76). Claude Coleman's (.283 BA/19 HR/61 RBI) sacrifice fly won it in the bottom of the 16th. Babe Coleman (.271 BA/32 HR/81 RBI) and Willie Nelson (.258 BA/34 HR/87 RBI) went deep for the Red Caps,
each collecting 3 ribbies. Oxford fought back from a 9-4 deficit after 5 and a half frames. Their bullpen corps was splendid with 10 and one-third scoreless innings. Benny Crystal (.241 BA/16 HR/79 RBI) and Calvin Mannon
(.309 BA/26 HR/81 RBI) homered for the Hellcats.

None of the top clubs could win in the TU South, either. So San Alejo (84-66) stayed one-half game up on Turon (83-66). The Montaneros fell 5-3 to Colchester (74-76). Ricardo Rijos (11-8/3.31 ERA) stopped the Monties
on 6 hits, while Erich Albrecht (14-10/3.15 ERA) lost it, slammed for 10 hits and 5 runs in 8 innings. Cochester's Huey Nicholas (.228 BA/13 HR/43 RBI) cracked 2 homers and drove in 4 runs. Willard Van Halen
(.269 BA/19 HR/68 RBI) also knocked one out of the park. Providing the offense for the Monties were Ricardo Zamora (.275 BA/23 HR/83 RBI) and Tom Russell (.177 BA/1 HR/3 RBI). They each slugged homers. Carter's
was a 2-run shot.

The Typhoons were shackled 2-0 on 6 hits by Arroyo Grande's Carlton Nobles (13-5/2.48 ERA) and his relief Buddy Verrine (5-11/4.04 ERA/14 saves/64 games). Pinch Hitter Nicky Carrick (.313 BA/12 HR/38 RBI) won it
with his 8th-inning 2-run clout that broke up the scoreless duel. Typhoon loser Matt Simon (8-11/3.00 ERA) tossed a complete game and only allowed 5 hits. The Suns are in third place, trailing by 5 and a half games.

Second place Hillsboro (84-65) narrowed High Mesa's margin to a half-game in the TU East. Rog Bartell's (.299 BA/2 HR/14 RBI) 3 hits and 5 RBIs sparked the Blazers past Ozarka (67-82) by the score of 7-5. Bartell's
3-run slam clinched it in the 8th frame. Audry Brabant (4-5/7.09 ERA/2 saves/35 games) notched the victory with 2 scoreless innings.

Midway's (72-78) Niki Petrakis outpitched High Mesa's (85-65) Allie Tuthill (21-4/1.86 ERA) 3-2, despite giving up 11 hits in his 8 innings. Kurt Bernheisel (.288 BA/21 HR/70 RBI) crushed a homer to win the game
in the last of the 9th. Tuthill went all the way, surrendered 11 hits and 3 runs.

In the jam-packed TU West the top team Chicopee (80-69) dropped its second in a row and saw its lead melt to one and a half games over runner-up Bayview (79-71). 5 teams are still technically in the hunt with just 5 games
to go. The Braves were beaten 6-5 by the Denton City Redbirds(71-78). Ruben Schuessler (.310 BA/63 RBI) sparked the Redbirds with 4 hits, 2 runs and an RBI. Ralph Demazio (.264 BA/16 HR/74 RBI) also provided 2 runs
batted in for the victors. Topping the Braves at bat were David Glascock (.242 BA/14 RBI/40 RBI) and Yuri Karelsky (.256 BA/14 HR/65 RBI). Denton City's superlative closer Gib Bobbins (7-1/2.19 ERA/26 saves/74 games)
got the last out and logged the save.

The Vikings had to go 14 innings to subdue the 4th place La Claire Lynx (78-72), who trail by 2 and a half games. Bayview got 4 shutout innings from its bullpen. Howie Hughes (.269 BA/10 HR/30 RBI) led the Vikings with
a grand slammer. Rookie reliever Lars Kyellson (2-1/2.35 ERA/12 games) picked up the win with 2 scoreless frames. The Lynx got a 2-run homer from Frenchie Devereaux (.299 BA/9 HR/42 RBI)

3rd place Rolling Hills (78-71) lost a 10-inning 9-8 heartbreaker to Kenwood (64-85). The Wildcats tied it up with 4 runs in the 9th and won it in the 10th on Ardell Armstrong's (.233 BA/14 HR/57 RBI) base hit. Johnny Davidson
(.279 BA/9 HR/45 RBI and Cloyce Farmer (.260 BA/5 HR/39 RBI) each had 2 ribbies apiece for Kenwood. Hank Bandy (.360 BA.6 HR/22 RBI) walloped 2 roundtrippers and socked in 5 runs for the Racers.

Ruthlandian Union



Tycobbian Union

[Eugene Church]

Thursday, September 27, 2085

HARTSDALE WINS TU NORTH, HEADED FOR IPA PLAYOFFS, LAGRANGE'S MAGIC NUMBER DOWN TO ONE IN RU NORTH
Hartsdale is the second club to snare a spot in the IPA playoffs and they did it in a resounding way. The Hellcats hammered Oxford unmercifully 17-2 yesterday. The LaGrange Gators have whittled
their magic number down to one in the RU North race. All LaGrange needs in the last four games is one win by them or just one loss by the Taranto Tars.

Ruthlandian Union Recap
LaGrange has a 4-game margin over Taranto with only 4 games remaining on the schedule. Second place Taranto stayed alive in the Ruthlandian North with a 4-3 victory over LaGrange in the second
game of their three-game series. Frankie Gifford spun a solid game for his 17th victory of the year. He has lost 5. Gifford hurled a complete game, fanned 6 and walked 3. Juro Kinura (11-13/4.13 ERA)
was pinned with the loss. He went 7 innings and allowed 4 runs. Andy Murchison (.216 BA/9 HR/44 RBI) homered for the Tars. Dwight Houser (.228 BA/25 HR/73 RBI) paced the Gators with a 2-run sock.

Belair Beach has already won the Ruthlandian South. They are 6 games ahead of runner-up Claxton. The Sunbirds were first team to clinch a playoff spot. Belair Beach gets a chance to repeat as IPA
Pro Cup champion.

In the Ruthlandian East, both challengers were defeated yesterday afternoon. First place Eastshore still has a small one and a half-game edge over runner-up Wynnamac. They will meet in the final
three games of the season in Eastshore. Lowly Beechwood got some impressive mound work for the second game in a row. Tommy Fouts (11-12/4.30 ERA) topped the Cotton Kings 3-2. Marv Mathews
(13-13/3.32 ERA) suffered the loss. Both went all the way. Dick Gannon's (.259 BA/7 HR/47 RBI) 2-run roundtripper was the game-winner.

Marston's Don Dorgan (18-5/3.15 ERA) was dynamite in a 5-1 win over the Macs. He struck out 8, walked only one and held them to just 5 hits. Eliot Wilkinson (.229 BA/19 HR/63 RBI) cracked a two-run
homer and batted in 3 runs for the Nine and Juan-Carlos Juarez (.284 BA/8 HR/55 RBI) knocked in a pair of scores. Wynnamac's Dex Antoon (12-8/3.14 ERA) took the loss, but only gave up 2 earned runs.

In the RU West Colfax copped their third straight game and upped their lead over Forest City to 2 games. Black Sox twirler Joe Buras (15-7/2.80 ERA) polished off the Volusia V's 5-2, spinning
a 3-hitter, while the Firebirds lost their third game in a row.

Stoner got the best of Forest City 6-1 behind Bill Aubrey (3-3/2.24 ERA), who stumped them on one run and 5 hits in 8 innings. He struck out 8 and walked 4. Aubrey was tough in the clutch as he stranded
12 runners on the basepaths. Ben Acheson (.266 BA/8 HR/20 RBI) doubled in 2 runs for the Silver Sox and Julio Garcia (.227 BA/2 HR/25 RBI) belted a 2-run home run. Stoner hit losing hurler
Charlie Calvert (14-11/3.34 ERA) hard for 6 runs in 6 innings. The Firebirds close the season on the road in Colfax with crucial 3 games. They will decide their own fate.

Tycobbian Union Recap

Hartsdale won the TU North in convincing fashion, smashing the Oxford Red Caps 17-2 with an 18-hit barrage and 4 homers. Wayne Wolfe (15-9/3.18) was also in good form, tossing a complete game and
stopping the Red Caps on 6 hits. Loser Jeff Cruise (8-15/4.22 ERA) never saw what hit him. The Hellcats stunned him with 7 runs in the first frame. Leading the Hartsdale hit parade were Jorah Hladi
(.347 BA/17 HR/72 RBI) with 2 roundtrippers and 6 RBIs, Gerrit Troost (.225 BA/10 HR/46 RBI) with 5 ribbies and Calvin Mannon (.315 BA/27 HR/84 RBI). Mannon and Benny Crystal (.242 BA/17 HR/80 RBI)
also sent one soaring out of the ballpark.

When Mahaska lost 2-1 to Blue Lake, that ended the Hayseeds' chance at the postseason. 37-year-old Delwyn Bell (2-10/4.57 ERA), a former Hartsdale pitcher, did his old club a big favor. He fired a strong
game, stopping Mahaska on 7 hits. Bobby Perry (12-9/3.50 ERA) lost a tough one. He also tossed a complete game, gave up only 4 hits, fanned 5 and walked one. Only one of the 2 runs were earned. The
winning run came in on an error in the 7th inning.

Neither contenders apparently wants to win the Tycobbian South. First place San Alejo lost its third consecutive game to the Colchester Elites and runner-up Turon fell to the Arroyo Grande Suns for the
second successive afternoon. The Monties are up by a scant half-game. The Montaneros were nudged out 7-6 by the Elites, who rallied in the last 2 innings to win it. Colchester got peerless work from Randall
Rice (7-10/3.11 ERA) and premier closer Roberto Clemente (8-4/2.37 ERA/15 saves/56 games). They blanked the Monties the last 5 frames. San Alejo reliever Glenn Sumter (6-5/3.40 ERA/10 saves/37 games)
blew the save and absorbed the defeat. He was tagged for 2 runs in 2 innings.

Turon's offense is pathetic. Arroyo Grande slimmed past them 3-2. Robb Mankin (10-9/4.27 ERA) and closer Buddy Verrine (5-11/3.95 ERA/15 saves/65 games) held them to just 3 hits and outpitched losing pitcher
Skip Hennessy (14-8/2.82 ERA). Hennessy gave up 3 runs and went the distance. Hans Hammerstein (.294 BA/6 HR/37 RBI) drove in all 3 runs for the Suns, a solo roundtripper in the 6th and a 2-run game-winning
single in the 7th frame. Billy Borders (.243 BA/7 HR/53 RBI) supplied a 2-run two-bagger in the first inning for the Typhoons only scores.

In the Tycobbian East both challengers went down to defeat. The top team High Mesa lost its 5th straight game, but still retains a skimpy half-game margin over the Hillsboro Blazers in the standings. The Buckaroos
are just not scoring runs. Midway got the best of them 7-2. Winner Mel Middleton (9-9/3.27 ERA) yielded just one run and 7 hits in his 8 frames, while the Buckaroos got terrible work from normally very reliable
Roy Murrell (15-10/3.17 ERA). The Wolves walloped him for 7 runs in 4 innings.

It was a horrible loss for Hillsboro. The Blazers scored 3 runs in the top of the 10th and possessed a very comfortable 8-5 lead, only to have Midway come back and win it 9-8 on Pete Adriani's (.239 BA/15 HR/62 RBI)
2-run game-winning clout. The Wolves socked 5 homers in the game, 2 of them by Adriani. Emile Buckner (.274 BA/7 HR/47 RBI), Neal Woodward (.250 BA/2 HR/28 RBI) and Tim Robbins (.244 BA/19 HR/67 RBI)
also went deep. Hillsboro stayed in the game with homers by Emil Farnham (.333 BA/10 HR/39 RBI) and Johnny Doolen (.264 BA/15 HR/81 RBI).

The primary contenders in the wild, wild Tycobbian West race, the first place Chicopee Braves and runner-up Bayview Vikings both triumphed. Third place Rolling Hills and fourth place La Claire lost and their
slim shots at the postseason playoffs are slowly fading away. Fifth place Arlon was eliminated from playoff consideration. They also lost yesterday. The Braves lead the Vikings by one and a half games, Racers by 3
games and the Lynx by 3 and a half games. Only four games are left in the season.

Chicopee clobbered Denton City 10-3, slamming 16 hits and getting a quality start from Matty Ledbetter (8-8/3.17 ERA). The Braves' big bats belonged to Red Lilly (.336 BA/7 HR/77 RBI), rookie sensation Mylon
Moncrief (.361 BA/22 HR/115 RBI) and Junior Andrews (.333 BA/2 HR/20 RBI). Lilly got 3 RBIs and Moncrief and Andrews got 2 ribbies apiece.

Bayview won its fourth consecutive game, trimming La Claire 4-2 in a pretty-well pitched game. Winner Nicklas Alexandersson (15-9/2.62 ERA) chalked up the victory, as he held the Lynx to 2 runs and 5 hits in 7
innings. Going all the way in defeat was Wilem Chrisman (13-10/3.13 ERA). TU home-run leader Kim Kallstrom (.256 BA/44 HR/103 RBI) tied the score in the 7th with a 2-run blast. The winning run came in on a
balk later in the same inning.

Rolling Hills fell for the fourth straight game 5-4 to the Kenwood Wildcats. It was a gut-wrenching defeat. The Racers rallied from an early 3-0 deficit, supplied by Jerome Madigan's (.244 BA/1 HR/16 RBI) 3-run
homer. Rolling Hills tied it up in the top of the 9th, only to lose it when Noel Bettis won it with a sac fly in the last half of the frame. Matty Mihalek (12-11/4.26 ERA/11 saves/60 games) picked up the victory, while
the defeat went to Steve Farnham (8-10/3.51 ERA/16 saves/59 games). Emmett Spangler (.266 BA/9 HR/63 RB) sparked the Racers at the plate with 2 runs batted in.

And Arlon lost for the fourth time in five games, trounced 8-2 by Bay St. Clair. The Bucs got a good outing from Sleepy Duhe (12-11/3.04 ERA). He held the Champions to 2 runs on 9 hits. The Buccaneers backed
him up with 14 hits. T.D. Hannum (.291 BA/9 HR/54 RBI) went 3 for 5 and drove in 2 runs. Tyrone Kerek (.284 BA/14 HR/65 RBI) added 2 for 3 and batted in a pair of runs. Jesse Storm (.280 BA/22 HR/74 RBI)
slugged a solo swat out of the park.

Ruthlandian Union



Tycobbian Union

[Eugene Church]

Sorry, folks. This is too much work to cover the last week of the season.

I'm just going to be brief and to the point with fewer details about the game and less stats.
I bit more off than I could chew.

I could have played the 2086 season by now.

[Eugene Church]

Friday, September 29, 2085

12 CLUBS STILL VYING FOR 6 PLAYOFFS SPOTS
Nope, according to a well-know baseball authority, it ain't over till it's over. Well, it ain't over yet in the Islandian Pro Alliance. 12 clubs still are in the running for 6 division crowns. Only Belair Beach and Hartsdale have won pennants so far. With only 3 games to go in the regular season here is how it stands around the IPA.

Ruthlandian Union Recap
In the RU North runner-up Taranto edged first place LaGrange 5-4 in the rubber game of a three-game series and narrowed the Gators lead to 3 games. The Tars won the last two games and now trail by 3 games. LaGrange's magic number is down to one. Taranto must win all 3 remaining games and LaGrange must lose all 3 to give the Tars a chance to tie for first place and force a sudden-death game. The Gators blew a 4-0 lead in the final game of the series. Andy Murchison (.219 BA/9 HR/45 RBI) drilled a key single to decide the game in the last of the 7th frame. Taranto closer Tito Ibarra (13-10/3.33 ERA/15 saves/70 games) worked 2 scoreless innings to save the day for the Tars. Bo Murphree (.264 BA/22 HR/64 RBI) and Gerald Whitney (.233 BA/12 HR/50 RBI) paced Taranto at the plate, each with 2 ribbies. Robin Moncriffe (.244 BA/11 HR/51 RBI) led LaGrange with a homer and 2 runs batted in.

Defending IPA Pro Cup champion Belair Beach has won the RU South for the third straight season and now gets a shot at back-to-back IPA titles.

In the RU, the top team Eastshore moved up on second place Wynnamac by 2 games with a win over the Beechwood Blues 4-3. The Macs had the day off. The 2 clubs will decide the pennant in Eastshore, where they will host the Sundowners in the last 3 games of the year. Wynnamac will have to sweep the series to win it. Bobby West (19-8/3.54 ERA) came through for the Cotton Kings. He hurled them past the Blues, striking out 10 batters and giving up 3 runs on 8 hits. Kirk Guilbeau (.284 BA/16 HR/82 RBI) won the game with an RBI hit in the 6th frame. Luc Likovich (.269 BA/25 HR/89 RBI) cracked a solo homer for the Cotton Kings.

Both contenders lost in the RU West. First place Colfax fell 6-1 to Volusia, while second place Forest City was knocked off 5-1 by the Stoner Silver Sox, who swept the 3-game series. Marco Nunez (10-11/4.50 ERA) easily handled the Black Sox, stopping them on 6 hits. Timmy Birchman (12-11/3.36 ERA) shut down the Firebirds on 5 hits with 7 Ks and one base on balls. Ben Acheson (.278 BA/8 HR/24 RBI) powered Stoner with 4 RBIs.

Tycobbian Union Recap
The Hartsdale Hellcats have already won its fourth TU North title in a row and they are looking like a force to reckon with in the Pro Cup playoffs.

In the TU South, the San Alejo Montaneros had an off-day, but gained a half-game in the battle with second place Turon, who lost for the third straight day to Arroyo Grande 7-6. The Monties will carry a one-game margin in the last 3 games of the season. San Alejo will close the regular season at home against the Typhoons. The Suns jumped in front of Turon 6-1 after 5 frames, but they held off a late rally by the Typhoons. Noah Bowers (.303 BA/31 HR/89 RBI) slammed a grand slam for the winners. Turon tried to come back late in the game, but fell short. They hit 3 out of the park in the comeback. Robby Graciano (.291 BA/10 HR/63 RBI), Troy Stanton (.231 BA/11 HR/43 RBI) and Tito Rosales (.273 BA/6 HR/23 RBI) all went downtown in defeat.

The Hillsboro Blazers picked up a half-game and climbed up into a first-place tie with the High Mesa Buckaroos, who had the day off. The Blazers got a strong outing from Dino Crocetti (13-9/3.73 ERA). He put away Ozarka 3-2 by outpitching Mordecai Partridge (9-14/3.00 ERA). Crocetti fanned 3, walked none and held the Naturals to 6 hits. Rog Bartell's (.312 BA/4/18 RBI) 2-run roundtripper made the difference. Hillsboro only got 4 hits in the game.

It looks like the TU West will be decided in Chicopee this weekend. The first place Braves will host runner-up Bayview for a 3-game set. Chicopee is only one game up on the Vikings. Rolling Hills (2 GB) and La Claire (3 GB) are mathematically still in the chase, but a lot of things will have go right for them in order to pull in a pennant and a playoff spot.

Denton City's Spunky Selkirk (8-18/5.15 ERA) went the distance and outhurled Chicopee's Glen Temple (15-11/3.15 ERA) yesterday afternoon 3-2, limiting them to 6 hits with 7 strikeouts and walking only 2 batters. Temple did well, giving up 3 runs on 8 hits with 8 Ks and just 2 walks.

Bayview copped their 5th victory in a row, beating La Claire 4-2 on Kim Kellstrom's 2-run homer in the 7th frame. He now has a league-leading 44 roundtrippers and 103 RBIs this year. Niclas Alexandersson (15-9/2.62 ERA) won the critical game and held the Lynx to 2 runs in 7 innings. Closer Marcos Rubio (11-12/4.34 ERA/14 saves/58 games) fired 2 runless innings for the save. Catching the loss was Wilem Chrisman (13-10/3.13 ERA), who worked a complete game, gave up 4 runs on 7 hits.

Rolling Hills snapped a 4-game swoon with a 3-0 win over Kenwood as Linc Dickens (16-9/3.04 ERA) performed brilliantly. He had little trouble with the Wildcats, shutting them out on 4 hits. Kenwood loser Ronnie Gaspard (8-7/2.82 ERA) deserved better. He went all the way, too.

Ruthlandian Union



Tycobbian Union

[Eugene Church]

Saturday, September 29, 2085

DIVISION CHAMPS EASTSHORE, COLFAX PLAYOFF-BOUND
We have reached the halfway point for Pro Cup participants. Eastshore won the Ruthlandian East, while the best in the Ruthlandian West is Colfax. The Cotton Kings will join the other division winners, Pro Cup champion Belair Beach and Hartsdale, in the IPA postseason playoffs. And away we go for a quick tour of the Islandian Pro Alliance and a review of all of the pennant races.

Ruthlandian Union Recap

In the Ruthlandian North, Taranto is hanging on to its slim hopes of catching the LaGrange Gators, who possess a 2-game lead. All LaGrange needs is one win or one Taranto loss. They got neither yesterday. The Tars stayed alive with an 8-3 drubbing of the Ranford Bulls. They smacked 15 hits and a pair of homers and got solid pitching from winner Warren Noland (12-7/3.38 ERA) and closer Anthony Zacconi (5-6/3.06 ERA/5 saves/49 games). Harland Schiffman (.290 BA/31 HR/98 RBI) and Manny Russo (.253 BA/18 HR/61 RBI) both sent balls soaring out the park. Schiffman collected 4 hits.

The Gators were mesmerized by Ranford's Moonie Somers (8-11/3.84 ERA), who slammed the door on them in a 3-0 whitewashing with one walk and 5 strikeouts. And can you believe, Somers socked a 3-run homer for all the runs in the game. J.Z Small (13-8/4.05 ERA) took the loss, allowing 3 runs in 7 innings. LaGrange has lost 6 of its last 7 games. Taranto is on a 3-game winning streak.

In the Ruthlandian South, Belair Beach is breezing into the playoffs, currently holding a 5-game edge on runner-up Claxton. The Sunbirds are ready, willing and able to repeat as IPA Pro Cup champion.

For the first time since 2074 the Eastshore Cotton Kings got a bumper crop in the Ruthlandian East. They wrapped up the division crown by edging out second place Wynnamac in a 7-6 showdown on the road. Chipper Pennington (.297 BA/10 HR/52 RBI) powered them to victory with a homer, double and 4 ribbies. Doing the job on the hill were winner Johnny McQuillen (7-1/2.97 ERA) and Shuggie Stanbury (10-11/2.91 ERA/22 saves/75 games). Clifton Branch (13-11/3.74 ERA) was the losing pitcher. He was shelled for 7 runs in 4 innings.

After two decades of frustration, the Colfax Black Sox finally captured another RU West flag. They also won face-to-face with their main challenger, the Forest City Firebirds. It was a magnificent matchup, finally decided 3-2 in the 12th frame on Audie James' (.218 BA/8 HR/46 RBI) base hit. Dick Latham (11-11/2.99 RA) won a duel with Rance Koenig (11-11/2.91 ERA) with the relief help of Gordy Stockton (13-17/4.49 ERA/15 saves/69 games). The loser was Forest City closer Allie Lydon (14-7/1.89 ERA/23 saves/73 games).

Tycobbian Union Recap

The powerful Hartsdale Hellcats are resting on their laurels down-the-stretch. They have cinched the TU North already and they are now getting ready to make some noise in the IPA Pro Cup playoffs. The second place Mahaska Haymakers did give them a good run for their money.

Heading into the final two games of the regular season San Alejo is just a smidge ahead of runner-up Turon in the Tycobbian South. The Monties have a 2-game lead. One more win and San Alejo is the division winner. Yesterday afternoon at home at the Casa de Beisbol the Montaneros polished off the visiting Typhoons 5-2 with a game-winning 3-run outburst in the last half of the 7th inning. Adam Foxton (.237 BA/7 HR/61 RBI) doubled in 2 runs and Leron Benthall (.063 BA/3 RBI) singled in a third one to win the game. That pinned the loss on Flash Fesmire (15-9/3.43 ERA), who went the distance. Benthall (15-8/2.76 ERA) also hurled a sharp game, holding the Typhoons to 4 hits with 3 walks and 5 Ks. He also tossed a complete game.

High Mesa and Hillsboro are deadlocked for the TU East lead with a pair of games to go. Both contenders triumphed yesterday. The Buckaroos broke a 5-game losing skid with a 6-5 victory over the South Fork Stallions and the Blazers burned the East Point Panthers 6-1.

It was thriller in South Fork. High Mesa won it with a 3-run eruption in the top of the 9th on Timmy Dynes' (1.000 BA/3 RBI) 2-run single and Ace Serling's double. Serling rapped in 4 runs for the victors.

Hillsboro hurler Tuffy Sweet (12-6/2.39 ERA) had a standout game, throttling Ozarka 6-1 on 6 hits, going the distance, giving up 3 walks and fanning 4 batters. The loser was Mordecai Partridge (9-14/3.00 ERA), who only gave up 4 hits, but he walked 6.

The Bayview Vikings are sailing sky-high with 10 wins in the last 11 games. They have now caught the Chicopee Braves and tied them for the TU West lead. The Braves are on a skid with 4 defeats in the past 5 games. The La Claire Lynx and the Rolling Hills Racers have not thrown in the towels. They trail by 2 games and still could force a playoff for the regular-season title. But a whole bunch has to go right for them.

The Vikings crushed Chicopee and Sparky Toms (15-12/2.79 ERA) 16-8 at the Braves' wigwam yesterday afternoon, propelled by 20 hits. Mitch Collins (.234 BA/11 HR/46 RBI) and Kim Kallstrom (.261 BA/44 HR/105 RBI) sparked them with 4 hits apiece and Howie Hughes (.267 BA/11 HR/33 RBI) chimed in with a 3-run clout. Jorgy Neal (13-10/3.10 ERA) struggled badly, but he got the win, despite allowing 7 runs in 7 innings.

La Claire outlasted Arlon in 12 innings 6-5, winning on a triple by Robby Raven (.302 BA/2 HR/31 RBI), who scored on wild pitch. The Lynx snapped a 3-game losing skein.

In Bay St. Clair, the Buccaneers put a huge damper on Rolling Hills' pennant hopes, nicking them 3-1 on some fine pitching by Albert Springer (1-5/4.37 ERA) and a 2-run homer by Ronny Reed (.253 BA/5 HR/28 RBI). Springer went all the way, surrendered just one run on 7 hits with 7 strikeouts and 3 bases on balls. Dominic Bard (14-10/3.81 ERA) also tossed a quality game, yielding 3 runs on 8 hits with 4 Ks and only one walk. The Racers have lost 5 of their last 6 games.

Ruthlandian Union



Tycobbian Union

[Eugene Church]

LAGRANGE MAKES PLAYOFF; 3 OTHER RACES IN A PHOTO-FINISH DOWN TO THE VERY LAST GAME OF THE SEASON
It's the last day of the season, game number 154 and 3 of the Islandian Pro Alliance divisions have not yet been decided. Islandia is a baseball fans' Paradise today. Get ready for one, two or maybe 3 sudden-death playoff games. Let's take a gander at what happened yesterday in the IPA.

Ruthlandian Union Photo-Finish Review
Yes, the LaGrange Gators are the flag winner in the Ruthlandian North, but they didn't win it, Taranto lost it. LaGrange fell for the 4th game in a row, when they could have won it almost a week ago. The Gators were humbled by Far Mountain 6-2. Ned McIntyre (11-15/3.58 ERA) restricted them to just 4 hits and Bradley Scott (.252 BA/15 HR/68 RBI) swatted a pair of homers and drove in 3 runs. Sonny James (14-10/3.49 ERA) couldn't keep the Redhawks off the scoreboard. They slapped him for 5 runs in 7 innings. LaGrange has been dismal both at the plate and on the mound. The Gators are 2-9 in the last 11 games. That is certainly not a good way to head into the Pro Cup playoffs.

The Taranto Tars tried hard this week, but they had the misfortune to run into Kim Madison (9-10/3.62 ERA) of the Ranford Bulls, who shut them down 5-2 and ended Taranto division-title hopes. He went all the way into the 9th frame before he need relief. Madison only permitted 4 hits, fanned 5 and walked one in a sharp outing. Leading 2-1 in the top of the 8th, the Bulls got to losing pitcher Vinny Arcaro (14-8/3.40 ERA) for 3 more runs. Arcaro worked 8 innings and allowed 5 runs on 10 hits. He also walked 5 batters. Taranto really made LaGrange sweat down-the-stretch. It was an exciting week for the Tars, but not quite so good for the Gators.

2084 Pro Cup champion Belair Beach claimed the Ruthlandian South crown Tuesday and enjoyed the last few days of the season without any undue pressure. This was the third year in a row the Sunbirds copped the pennant. They are now preparing for the IPA Pro Cup playoffs with hopes of repeating as the overall league champion. Look for the Sunbirds to be a force again in the postseason.

The Eastshore Cotton Kings had to sweat out the final days of the season playing its main rival, Wynnamac. It was touch-and-go for them. However, the Cotton Kings rose to the occasion Friday afternoon and won the Ruthlandian East by taking the first game of the series 7-6 at home. Yesterday the Macs got a some satisfaction with a 14-2 rout in game two, but that was too little, too late. The best they can do is second place. The Sundowners will again sit the playoffs out this season.

The Colfax Black Sox wrapped up their first Ruthlandian West title since 2065 two days ago, personally eliminating their main nemesis the Forest City Firebirds in a classic 12-inning battle. In game two the Black Sox rode the fine pitching of Julian Cervantez (7-3/3.45 ERA) and a 4-run first frame for a 5-2 triumph. Bernie Yarbrough (.264 BA/16 HR/54 RBI) and Blinky Zelinsky (.218 BA/1 HR/51 RBI) provided 2 ribbies each in the win. Ben Watkins (.246 BA/5 HR/23 RBI) went deep for Colfax.

Tycobbian Union Photo-Finish Review
The Hartsdale Hellcats won their fourth consecutive Tycobbian North crown early this week. Pesky Mahaska pestered them all year long, but the Hellcats finally prevail. Hartsdale will be a big factor in the IPA postseason. The Hellcats are one of the best all-around clubs in the IPA. They will test the other favored teams like defending IPA champ Belair Beach, Eastshore and Colfax. Chicopee, Bayview and High Mesa and Hillsboro should do well, too, but first, they have to win their divisions.

In the Tycobbian South race, runner-up Turon stayed alive by blasting first place San Alejo 10-3 yesterday afternoon at the Casa de Beisbol in the second game of the three-game series in the final days of the regular season. The Typhoons must win today's game to force a playoff for the division flag tomorrow. It was the Montaneros fourth defeat in the last five games. It was Turon's only victory in the last five games. So far, they have split the series, each with a win. San Alejo was victorious in the opener 5-2. Neither club appears to have much of a chance in the IPA playoffs. They have good pitching, but little in the way of offense.

With just one game to go, the High Mesa Buckaroos and the Hillsboro Blazers are still tied for the top spot in the Tycobbian East standings. Both of them took it on the chins yesterday. Buckaroo ace Allie Tuthill, the IPA leader in victories and ERA, pitched his heart out, but lost 1-0 to South Fork and Dolf Kessler (3-4/3.51 ERA), who was superb, stopping them on just 4 hits. Tuthill (21-5/1.84 ERA) went the distance, too, stuck out 8 batters, walked 4 and gave up 5 hits. Rupert Kruger (.304 BA/12 HR/59 RBI) won the game in the bottom of the 9th with a walk-off two-bagger.

Hillsboro also lost a tense showdown in the last of the 9th frame to the East Point Panthers 3-2 on a game-winning double by pinch hitter Rod Rheams (.185 BA/4 HR/23 RBI). 37-year-old Jalen Abercrombie (13-10/2.67 ERA) hurled a splendid game for the win, just barely beating 37-year-old Clancy Mahaffey (14-8/3.01 ERA) in stirring duel.

It's the same scenario in the TU West between first place Chicopee and second place Bayview. The Braves crushed the Vikings 11-3 yesterday to go ahead by one game. Chicopee really needed the win. They are just just 2 and 4 in this critical week, while Bayview has been sizzling hot with a 6-1 mark. The Braves snapped the Vikings 6-game winning string. Chicopee rang up 17 hits in the debacle and got a solid performance from Kevin Shatner (13-9/2.88 ERA). The Braves' top bats were David Glascock (.241 BA/15 HR/42 RBI) and Yuri Karelsky (.260 BA/14 HR/67 RBI) with 3 hits apiece. Red Lilly (.337 BA/7 HR/81 RBI), Junior Andrews (.336 BA/2 HR/24 RBI), Kendall Kiley (.240 BA/9 HR/50 RBI) and Jake Smithers (.154 BA/10 RBI) all socked a pair of hits and batted in a pair of scores. Glascock was the only one to go deep. Shatner twirled a complete game, holding the Viks to 3 runs on 8 hits. Martin Ellingsen (13-9/3.63 ERA) had a crummy outing, torched for 10 runs in just 5 innings. My, oh, my, that was pure torture for a rock-solid pitcher.

One thing for sure all across the Islands this Sunday afternoon the fans will be glued to their TVs and radios, especially in the 6 towns of San Alejo, Turon, High Mesa, Hillsboro, Chicopee and Bayview. Let's hope they all play their best game and the best teams win.

EC will be pulling for the underdogs. Poor Bayview hasn't won a pennant since 2016, High Mesa since 2062 and Hillsboro since 2067. Three other contenders have recently been to the postseason. Chicopee appeared in 2074, San Alejo made it in 2076 and Turon participated just last year, in 2084.

Ruthlandian Union



Tycobbian Union