ISLANDIAN PRO ALLIANCE (RUTHLANDIA and TYCOBBIA BASEBALL UNIONS)

[Eugene Church]

Tuesday, September 27, 2089

PRO CUP PUNDITS FAVOR FC FIREBIRDS IN IPA PLAYOFFS
Peering into their peerless crystal ball and poring over a plethora of pragmatic prognostications the Pro Cup pundits are predicting that the Forest City Firebirds will perhaps possibly prevail in the IPA postseason playoffs in a profound process and end up the paragon of Islandian baseball . Said in a more practical, simple and less alliterative manner, Forest City will win the 2089 Pro Cup. The only sure-fire thing we know is one of the eight division champions will win it. Most likely it will be one of the least likely teams that will emerge as the best overall club in Islandian Pro Alliance circles. Without much ado let's make a quick perusal of the postseason participants and their probability of prosperity and success.

2089 IPA Pro Cup Poll by The Islandian Times
(The team stats are rankings among the playoff teams, not all 64 IPA teams)

1. FOREST CITY FIREBIRDS (101-53)
816 runs (1st)
.274 BA (1st)
143 HR (3rd)
2.81 ERA (2nd starters)
4.22 ERA (8th bullpen)
.981 FA (2nd-tied)
Bullpen will be a key factor... otherwise strong in all respects... Firebirds are primed to go deep into the postseason... best of the best on paper and statistically.

2. Summerland Sunsets (98-56)
763 runs (5th)
.264 BA (4th)
134 HR (5th)
3.13 ERA (5th starters)
3.96 ERA (6th bullpen)
.982 FA (1st)
Runner-up last year to Pro Cup champ Belle Plaine... pretty good all around club... offense is better than you think... questionable bullpen... not deep enough..

3. South Fork Stallions (91-63)
792 runs (2nd)
.266 BA (3rd)
180 HR (1st)
3.31 ERA (7th starters)
3.17 ERA (2nd bullpen)
.973 FA (8th)
Stallions should be a serious Pro Cup contender... defense is poor... could be a critical fault... otherwise can play with anyone.

4. Eastshore Cotton Kings (92-62)
703 runs (6th)
.245 BA (7th)
142 HR (4th)
3.15 ERA (6th starters)
3.78 ERA (4th bullpen)
.979 FA (4th-tied)
Cotton Kings could be a dark horse spoiler... solid team, but lacks offense.

5. Claxton Diamonds (89-65)
684 runs (7th)
.259 BA (5th)
115 HR (6th)
3.01 ERA (3rd starters)
3.15 ERA (1st bullpen)
.979 FA (4th-tied)
Diamonds possess a fine mound corps, but they lack offense.

6. Oxford Red Caps (101-53)
787 runs (3rd)
.270 BA (2nd)
168 HR (2nd)
3.60 ERA (8th starters)
3.47 ERA (3rd bullpen)
.981 FA (2nd-tied)
No doubt the Red Caps can score runs, but will their starting pitching staff proves to be sufficient.

7. La Claire Lynx (93-61)
764 runs (4th)
.252 BA (6th)
90 HR (8th)
3.06 ERA (4th starters)
4.03 ERA (7th bullpen)
.978 (6th-tied)
Woefully weak at the plate with good starters... bullpen not very strong either.

8. Valmara Vipers (93-61)
654 runs (8th)
.244 BA (8th)
125 HR (6th)
2.79 ERA (1st starters)
3.80 ERA (5th bullpen)
.978 FA (6th-tied)
Sometimes teams like the Vipers can surprise in the playoffs with excellent pitching and good home-run power.

Teams Home Pages

[Eugene Church]

[Eugene Church]

Wednesday, September 28, 2089

FIREBIRDS, SUNSETS, STALLIONS, COTTON KINGS FORECAST PRIME PICKS IN IPA PRO CUP PLAYOFFS
It all begins three days from now and lasts a month. On Saturday afternoon all of Islandia will be glued to their TVs, radios, internet streams and at four ballparks for the annual diamond
ritual --- the much-revered IPA Pro Cup playoffs. 8 division winners will vie for the much-coveted Islandian Pro Alliance Pro Cup Trophy, emblematic of supremacy in professional baseball
in the Islands. Last year's Pro Cup champion Belle Plaine missed out this year by coming in second to Eastshore in the Ruthlandian East pennant race. The Cotton Kings beat out the
Musketeers by 4 games. Last year's Pro Cup runner-up Summerland is back again for another try at their first Pro Cup Trophy.

Summerland is the only club in this year's postseason playoffs without a Pro Cup. South Fork ('25, '42, '73, '77) and Valmara (.'26, '43, '49, '50) have copped 4 each, Eastshore ('16, '17)
and Oxford ('09, '61) have won twice and Claxton ('64), Forest City ('68) and La Claire ('87) each have one IPA title.

Opening round games features #5 Claxton and #1 Forest City and #4 Eastshore and #8 Valmara in the Ruthlandian Union First Round. It will #7 La Claire meeting #2 Summerland and
#6 Oxford hosted by #3 South Fork in the Tycobbian Union First Round. Baseball experts favor Forest City in the Ruthlandian Union and Summerland in the Tycobbian Union. The Firebirds
are picked to defeat the Sunsets for the overall IPA crown.

[Eugene Church]

Ruthlandian Union Champion vs Tycobbian Union Champion

[Eugene Church]

Sunday, October 2, 2089

IPA PRO CUP OPENERS GO TO FIREBIRDS, COTTON KINGS, STALLIONS AND SUNSETS
Yeah, buddy! They are out of the gate and off and running in the Islandian Pro Alliance playoffs. The Ruthlandian Union postseason opener went to Forest City, who skimmed by Claxton 3-2 in 10 innings. Jim Raver drilled the game-winning single and starter Matty O'Mara had a good day on the hill, tossing 7 solid innings and only allowing one run. Curt Leininger got the win with a scoreless 10th inning. Closer Dingo Ferrell lost it in the 10th. In the other RU clash it was also a good duel won by Eastshore 3-1 over Valmara. Winner Hal Shearer and Chucky Cayton combined to hold the Vipers to 6 hits. Arjan Huntsman took the loss, allowing 3 runs and 7 hits in 5 innings. Cayton didn't give up a hit in his 4 frames of relief. Toby McGyver, Cletis Woodson and Vinny Hixson each drove in a run for the winners. Huntsman plated the Vipers only score with a base hit.

Over in the Tycobbian Union South Fork bombed Oxford 11-3, banging out 16 hits, led by Silas Leeuwenhoek, Davy Mannington, J.Z. Levan and Will Wilford with 3 hits apiece. Mannington homered and drove in 3 runs. Wilford had 3 ribbies, too. And Levan batted in a pair of runs. Dobie Wilbur chalked up the victory with 8 solid innings. He gave up 3 runs on 8 hits. Veteran Chuck Chelkowski was battered for 6 runs in the first 2 innings for the loss. In the other TU opening game Summerland's Joren Vanderzee outpitched La Claire's Don Bartels 4-1, stopping the Lynx on 5 hits. Both hurlers went the distance. Bartels also allowed 5 hits. Hennie Hendriks and Kent Montford cracked 2-run double to spark the Sunsets. Lyn Holman drove in La Claire's only run.

[Eugene Church]

Monday, October 3, 2089

FIREBIRDS, STALLIONS AND SUNSETS WIN AGAIN IN GAME 2
The three top-rated teams in the IPA playoffs are off to a great start with victories in the first two games of the best-of-seven series. Forest City used its vaunted firepower to best the Claxton Diamonds 8-6 in the Ruthlandian Union first round. In the Tycobbian Union South Fork and Summerland used their fabled pitching to win their second games in a row. In the other series Valmara tied up Eastshore at one game each.

Jurgen Borgmann busted up a 6-6 deadlock with an 8th-inning single to give Forest City an 8-6 triumph over the Claxton Diamonds. The Firebirds were also paced at the plate by Willie Collingham with a 2-run homer and Fuzz Smiley with an RBI single and RBI double. Andreas Koopman had a fine game in defeat for the Diamonds, going 2 for 3 with 3 runs and 2 RBIs. He doubled and homered. Shannon Slate stood out on the mound for Forest City. He notched the victory with 3 scoreless innings. Dingo Ferrell, who suffered the game-one defeat, did not fare well again in game two and lost it. The Firebirds burned him for 2 runs in his 2 innings.

In other RU playoff action Valmara piled up a 13-2 lead in the first 5 frames and then held off the Eastshore Cotton Kings 13-9 to even up the series at one game apiece. Pavel Malashenko and Bryan Tiller each slammed 3 hits to lead the way. Malashenko, Ivan Jurczyk and Liam McWhirter all drove in 3 runs each. The Vipers pounded out 15 hits in all, while the Cotton Kings collected 10. Nappy Brice led them with a double, triple and 4 runs batted in. Vinny Hixson had a solo homer.

Standout pitching was the mark of the day in the Tycobbian Union. Paul Pegram twirled a 2-0 shutout gem, stopping La Claire on just 3 hits. He fanned 5 and walked only two batters in a route-going affair. Loser Shuggie Garsett also fared well, working into the 8th frame and only allowing 2 runs on 6 hits. Back-to-back solo shots by Norris Chance and Bruce Quarterman in the first inning were the only offense in the game.

South Fork nudged past the Oxford Red Caps 3-1 behind rookie Owen Frank and Jimbo Tucker, who stifled them on just 3 hits. Frank went the first 5 and two-thirds innings for the win and held the Red Caps to just one hit with 4 Ks and one walk. Tucker finished them off in the final 3 and one-third frames, giving up 2 hits. The Stallions got all their runs in the 3rd inning off losing pitcher Duane Cloud. Davy Mannington got the first run in with an RBI ground out. Yank Yankovich followed that with a 2-run clout. Oxford's only run came in the bottom of the 6th on a base hit by Honus Cobb.

[Eugene Church]

Wednesday, October 5, 2089

FC FIREBIRDS AND SF STALLIONS NEAR SWEEPS, COTTON KINGS AND SUNSETS LEAD 2-1 IN 1ST ROUND
Two clubs are on the verge of sweeping their first-round series, while two others still have a fight on their hands. Forest City and South Fork have both won all three games. One more victory and it's on to the second round of the IPA playoffs --- the Union Title Series. Eastshore and Summerland lead their series two games to one.

In Ruthlandian action the Forest City Firebirds are red-hot with three wins in a row over the Claxton Diamonds. They rode the superb pitching of Craig Ballantyne (1-0/1.42 ERA) and Shannon Slate (0-0/1.23 ERA/1 save/3 games) to a 2-1 verdict in game three. Ballantyne held Claxton to one hit and one run in his 6 and one-third innings. Andreas Koopmann's (.500 BA/2 HR/3 RBI) roundtripper was the only run allowed. Slate held the Diamonds runless over the last 2 and two-third frames. Claxton only managed 2 hits in the game. Jurgen Borgmann's (.375 BA/1 HR/4 RBI) 2-run home run in the 4th inning proved to be the game winner. Claxton's three hurlers did well only allowing 2 runs on 8 hits. Starter Carl Simons (0-1/3.00 ERA) lost it. He was tagged for all 8 hits and both runs.

Eastshore copped a thriller from the Valmara Vipers to go up by a game 2-1 in the series. The Cotton Kings came from behind and nipped the Vips 3-2 on fine pitching and timely hitting. In the 6th frame Chipper Pennington (.308 BA) tied the score with a base hit and Cletis Woodson (.182 BA) put them ahead to stay with an RBI single. Starter Dayle Helwig tossed 5 strong innings, yielding only one run on 4 hits. Winning pitcher Chucky Cayton (1-0/1.00 ERA)/2 games) closed it out, surrendering just one run in 4 innings on 2 hits. Paolo Portocarrera (0-0/3.38 ERA) went the first 5 innings and gave up 2 runs. Warren Jakobson (0-1/2.45 ERA) absorbed the loss. He permitted one run in 3 innings. Toby McGyver (.273 BA/1 HR/3 RBI) homered for the Cotton Kings, while Howie Dassner (.286 BA/1 HR/3 RBI) went deep for the Vipers.

In Tycobbian play South Fork won its third straight. This time they topped Oxford 5-1 on a 9th-inning grand slam from Silas Leeuwenhoek (.500 BA/1 HR/5 RBI). Three hurlers did the job. Snooky Darling (0-0/0.00 ERA) started and went 5 shutout innings, giving up just 2 hits. Jimbo Tucker (0-0/0.00 ERA/1 save/2 games) gave them 2 more scoreless frames. Winning pitcher Wayland Frazee (1-0/4.50 ERA/1 game) posted the victory with 2 innings of relief, but he did give up a run in the 8th. The Stallions socked 11 hits, while the Red Caps were held to 6. Honus Cobb (.200 BA/1 HR/2 RBI) homered for Oxford.

Throughout game three La Claire and Summerland kept swapping scores. Behind 5-4 and heading into the bottom of the 8th Norman Calder (.222 BA/3 RBI) walloped a bases-loaded two-bagger to spark the Lynx to a 7-6 victory, thus cutting the Sunsets' lead in the series to a tolerable two games to one. Reliever Jeff Redford (1-0/9.00) won it in backdoor fashion. He gave up 3 runs in 3 innings, but still notched the win. Bubba Byers (0-1/27.00 ERA) was victimized by Calder and was nailed with the defeat. Defense played a part in Summerland's downfall. They committed 3 errors and gave up 2 undeserved scores. La Claire got help at the plate from Sonny Zambello (.182 BA/1 HR/2 RBI) with a 2-run homer and Gino Manda (.273 BA) also chimed in with 2 hits and 2 runs scored. The Lynx picked up 8 hits in all, while the Sunsets socked 10.

[Eugene Church]

Thursday, October 6, 2089

SF STALLIONS SWEEP OXFORD, ADVANCE TO TU TITLE SERIES IN IPA PLAYOFFS
Powerhouse South Fork showed its best stuff in brooming away the Oxford Red Caps in the first round of the Tycobbian Union playoffs. The Stallions now advance to the TU Title Series against the victor of the Summerland-La Claire series, which is tied at 2 games apiece. Claxton stayed alive in the Ruthlandian Union with a victory in the 4th game against Pro Cup favorite Forest City. La Claire lashed out against Summerland and evened it up at two games each. Valmara tied its series with Eastshore by squeezing past the Cotton Kings in a pitcher's duel.

The South Fork Stallions raced past the Oxford Red Caps in 4 straight games with a fine display of hitting, pitching and power. The Stallions finished them off 7-4 in the fourth game and will now advance to the TU Title Series. Will Wilford (.312 BA/1 HR/7 RBI) led them with 2 hits, 2 runs and 4 ribbies. Rupert Kruger (.375 BA/3 RBI) added support with 2 RBIs. Kenny Falconer (1-0/3.60 ERA) and Jimbo Tucker (0-0/1.93 ERA/2 saves/3 games/9 IP) teamed up for the win. Falconer went 5 innings, allowed 2 runs on 4 hits, while Tucker saved it with 4 innings of work. He gave up 2 runs and 5 hits.

La Claire lashed out 13 hits and blistered Summerland 7-4 to even the best-of-seven series at 2 games each. Rolf Zimmerman, Lyn Holman and Sonny Zambello paced them with 2 RBIs apiece. Zimmerman and Zambello homered and Holman tripled. Clayton Benedix (1-0/2.25 ERA) and Roger Arenado (0-0/0.00 ERA/1 save/2 games) combined for the victory with Benedix going 8 frames and permitting 4 runs on 8 hits, but only 2 of the runs were earned. Jeff Endicott (0-1/13.50 ERA) took the loss, slammed hard for 7 runs in 5 innings.

Fine pitching was the order of the day in game four in the Ruthlandian Union. Claxton drubbed Forest City 5-1 with some standout mound work by Terry Bickham (1-0/1.29 ERA) and Dingo Ferrell (0-2/4.76 ERA/3 games/6 IP). Bickham limited the Firebirds to just one run on 2 hits in 7 innings, while Ferrell blanked them over the last 2 frames. The Diamonds drilled 3 balls out of the park off losing hurler Slats Slattery (0-1/6.43 ERA), ripping him for 5 runs in 7 innings. Bill Quincy (.333 BA/1 HR/2 RBI) blasted one in the 4th, Andreas Koopmann (.417 BA/3 HR/4 RBI) also sent one soaring in the 4th and Norbert Groot (.143 BA/1 HR/4 RBI) got the last one in the 7th. Koopmann is going great guns in the playoffs so far with 3 homers in 4 games.

Valmara got some topnotch twirling from starter Raoul Villejean (0-0/1.59 ERA) and three relievers. Villejean only yielded one run on 3 hits in his 5 innings. The bullpen Warren Jakobson, Michel Bourgeois and Nat Yosarian combined and held the Cotton Kings to one unearned run and no hits in 3 innings. Eastshore got a good outing from Les Bethune (0-1/3.38 ERA), who fired 8 innings and gave up 3 runs on 7 hits. His relief Andrew Delchamps (0-0/4.50 ERA/2 games/2 IP) worked a scoreless 9th. Viper Honus Hobbs stroked a 2-run single in the 8th for the victory. Riki Miyamoto (.294 BA) and Ivan Jurczyk (.286/3 RBI) led Valmara with 2 hits each.

The 5th games of the first round will continue in Claxton, Eastshore and La Claire.

[Eugene Church]

Friday, October 7, 2089

FC FIREBIRDS FINISH OFF CLAXTON IN 5 GAMES, WHILE VIPS AND SUNSETS TAKE PIVOTAL GAME 5
Another team has advanced to the IPA Union Title Round. Pro Cup favorite Forest City finished off the Claxton Diamonds 7-2 in game five to wrap up the series four games to one. The Firebirds join South Fork in round-two action. They both qualified for the Ruthlandian Union and Tycobbian Union Title Series. Thus far, two teams have been eliminated, leaving six clubs to contend for the legendary IPA Pro Cup Trophy. Forest City KO'ed Claxton in five games and South Fork swept Oxford in four games. Valmara and Summerland triumphed in the pivotal fifth game for a 3-2 edge in the best-of-seven series. The Vipers defeated the Eastshore Cotton Kings in RU First Round play and the Sunsets were victorious over the La Claire Lynx in the TU First Round.

Forest City will take on the winner of the Eastshore-Valmara series in the Ruthlandian Union Title Series. South Fork will meet the victor in the La Claire-Summerland series in the Tycobbian Union Title Series.

#1-ranked Forest City got another strong mound performance from Matty O'Mara (1-0/1.65 ERA), who shut down the Claxton Diamonds 7-2 in game five, holding them to 2 runs and 6 hits in a complete game. He whiffed 8 batters and walked 4 in the game. Tony Benedetti (.286 BA/1 HR/3 RBI) led the Firebirds at the plate with 2 hits, 2 runs and 3 RBIs. He clouted the game's only roundtripper, a 2-run shot in the 7th inning. Jim Raver (.263 BA/3 RBI) also contributed 2 hits and drove in a pair of runs. Clete Ward (.200 BA/3 RBI) and Jurgen Borgmann (.250 BA/1 HR/5 RBI) batted in the other two scores. Monty Maples took the loss, tagged for 7 runs in his 7 innings, although 3 of them were unearned. Claxton committed 2 crucial errors. The Diamonds had fairly good pitching in the series, but they just left too many runs on the bases. Claxton could have won the opener and game three with a little more offense.

Valmara and Eastshore locked horns in game five at Kraft Stadium and it was a tense pitcher's duel decided by Howie Dassner's (.316/2 HR/5 RBI) solo swat in the 5th frame. Arjan Huntsman (1-1/2.08 ERA) worked 8 innings under duress. He bent, but he didn't break. Huntsman walked 3 and allowed 6 hits, but he stranded 10 baserunners. He fanned 6 batters. Warren Jakobson saved it for him with a scoreless 9th inning. Huntsman redeemed himself after an opening game 3-1 loss. Eastshore starter Hal Shearer was forced to leave after 3 shutout innings due to an arm injury. His bullpen did well, surrendering just one run over the next 6 frames. Jorian Wiles (0-1/2.70 ERA) was pinned with the defeat. The only score he gave up in his 3 innings was Dassner's home run. Valmara only got 5 hits off of 5 pitchers. Eastshore got 6. After a day for travel the series will be concluded at War Memorial Stadium in Valmara. The Vipers have the homefield advantage.

Another pitcher's battle was on the horizon in La Claire at Capitol Park Stadium. Both starters -- Joren Vanderzee for Summerland and Don Bartels for La Claire -- had won 19 games each in the regular season. Lady Luck went the Sunsets' way. Summerland shut out La Claire 5-0 to take crucial game five for a three games to two edge in the series. Vanderzee (2-0/0.50 ERA) fired a brilliant 2-hit shutout to outduel the unlucky Bartels (0-2/2.25 ERA), who gave up 4 runs in 8 innings, but none of them were earned. Loose defense was the main cause of the loss. Summerland took advantage of the poor defense in the 2nd inning for 4 runs. Gerrit Maas (.182 BA/3 RBI) and Norris Chance (.333 BA/1 HR/4 RBI) delivered 2-run singles in the inning. That was more than enough runs for Vanderzee. Hennie Hendriks (.200 BA/3 RBI) added another run in the 9th on a sac fly. Vanderzee also won the opener, beating Bartels 4-1.

The remainder of the series will be played in Summerland at Sunset Stadium.

[Eugene Church]

Sunday, October 9, 2089

SUMMERLAND SIZZLES, SINKS LYNX IN 6 GAMES, EASTSHORE FORCES 7TH GAME IN VALMARA
It will be Summerland and South Fork for the Tycobbian Union title. The Sunsets disposed of the La Claire Lynx 3-1 in game six of the TU First Round Series behind the standout performance of Paul Pegram (2-0/0.56 ERA). The big right-hander held La Claire to one run and 5 hits in 7 strong innings. Bubba Byers (0-1/9.00 ERA/1 save/2 games/3 IP) closed out the game and the series with two perfect frames. Bruce Quarterman (.381 BA/3 HR/4 RBI) homered in the 2nd inning to give the Sunsets the lead. It was his 3rd dinger in the series so far. Norris Chance (.369 BA/1 HR/6 RBI) finished the scoring with a 2-run double in the 3rd frame. Shuggie Garsett (0-2/1.88 ERA) lost another tough postseason game, permitting only one earned run in 7 innings. He also lost game two 2-0. The Lynx were restricted to just 15 runs in the 6-game series. They were shut out twice and held to one run twice.

The Eastshore Cotton Kings forced a 7th game in the Ruthlandian Union by edging Valmara 4-3 at War Memorial Stadium, the Vipers' home field. The Cotton Kings jumped off to a 3-0 lead in the opening frame on an RBI single by Chipper Pennington (.304 BA/2 RBI) and two failed double play attempts. Mac Teale (.087 BA/3 RBI) and Luc Likovich (.118 BA/2 RBI) drove in runs on fielder choices. Valmara got a run in the bottom of the frame on a solo swat by Ivan Jurczyk (.400 BA/1 HR/4 RBI). The Vipers were blanked until the 8th when they plated 2 scores to cut the margin to 4-3 on Tavio Ortega (.100 BA/1 RBI) and Howie Dassner (.318 BA/2 HR/6 RBI) RBI-base hits . That's as close as they got. Clark Cameron (1-1/6.97 ERA) struggled at times, but gained the victory. He allowed 3 runs on 7 hits in 7 and two-thirds innings. The Vipers pounded him 13-9 in the game-two loss. Chucky Cayton (1-0/0.87 ERA/2 saves/4 games/10 IP) got the last 4 outs to close it out for his 2nd save in the series. The Cotton Kings pinned the loss on starter Country Corbin (1-1/8.71 ERA), who was pelted for 3 runs in his 5 innings. Corbin was the winner in the 13-9 shootout.

The starting assignments for the 7th-game finale in Valmara will be Dayle Helwig (8-4/2.03 ERA) for the hometown Vipers and Paolo Portocarrera (5-3/2.38 ERA) for the visiting Eastshore Cotton Kings. In the playoffs thus far Helwig is 0-0 with a 1.80 ERA. He worked 5 innings in the 3-2 victory with no decision in game three. Portocarrera worked the same game and gave up 2 runs in 5 innings with no decision. He is 0-0 in the postseason with a 3.38 ERA.

[Eugene Church]

Monday, October 10, 2089

VALMARA UPSETS FAVORED EASTSHORE IN RU, VIPERS ADVANCE TO MEET POWERFUL FOREST CITY FOR RU TITLE
The #1, #2 and #3-ranked teams all made the second round of the IPA Pro Cup playoffs. Forest City, Summerland and South Fork are now joined by #8-rated and unheralded Valmara. The darkhorse Vipers upset #4-ranked Eastshore in 7 games in the RU First Round, wrapping up the series with a 5-3 decision over the Cotton Kings. Valmara prevailed over the Cotton Kings with some excellent mound work that put a damper on their home-run hitters. The Vipers have the best starting foursome in the IPA. The lightly-regarded bullpen really came through for Valmara by holding Eastshore to just 5 runs in 19 innings -- just 3 of them earned. That was a key factor in the Vipers' series win. Timely hitting also played an important role, too.

The Cotton Kings got a good start with a 2-run homer by Cletis Woodson in the first inning, but it didn't hold up for long. The Vipers put a 4 spot on the scoreboard in the 3rd frame, highlighted by Ivan Jurczyk's (.385 BA/1 HR/5 RBI) 2-run two-bagger and Howie Dassner (.308 BA/2 HR/8 RBI) 2-run single. They added another run in the 4th when Riki Miyamoto (.222 BA/1 RBI) singled in Pavel Malashenko (.360 BA/3 RBI) from third base for their final score. The Cotton Kings picked up their last run in the top of the 9th on a triple by Cletis Woodson (.273 BA/1 HR/4 RBI) and a base hit by Mac Teale (.115 BA/4 RBI). Starter Paolo Portocarrero was cruising along until he hurt his arm in the 9th and needed relief from Michel Bourgeois for the final out. Portocarrero (1-0/3.1 ERA) went 8 and two-thirds innings, gave up 3 runs on just 4 hits, while fanning 6 batters and walking 4. Dayle Helwig (0-1/5.87 ERA) struggled early. The Vipers belted him for 4 runs in his 3 innings. At that point Eastshore called on its most reliable starter Hal Shearer in relief. He held the Vipers at bay, giving up only one runs over the next 5 frames. He gave them a great chance to get back into the game.

The IPA Union Title Series are now set. Valmara will travel to Forest City in the Ruthlandian Union Title Series, while it will be Summerland hosting South Fork for the TU Title crown.

[Eugene Church]

Sunday, October 16, 2089

VIPERS AND STALLIONS WIN ON THE ROAD IN IPA UNION TITLE OPENERS
Where have all the hitters gone? Valmara's Arjan Huntsman blanked the Forest City Firebirds 2-0 in the first game of the Ruthlandian Union Title Series and South Fork's Owen Frank shut out the Summerland Sunsets 2-0 in the Tycobbian Union Title Series opener. It was the visiting team that won each game.

Valmara's Arjan Huntsman (2-1/1.23 ERA) spun a 6-hitter to beat the powerful Forest City Firebirds. He outdueled Matty O'Mara (1-1/1.61 ERA). O'Mara tossed 6 strong innings, giving up just one run on 2 hits. Tavio Ortega (.115 BA/1 HR/2 RBI) slammed one out of the park in the 2nd frame for the only run off of O'Mara. The Vipers added the other run in the 9th on a base hit by Ivan Jurczyk (.379 BA/1 HR/6 RBI). Neither club could muster up much offense. Valmara only got 5 hits, Forest City just 6.

The bats were pretty silent in the Tycobbian Union Title Series, too. Owen Frank (2-0/0.00 ERA) did it all for South Fork. Not only did he shut out Summerland on 7 hits, he also socked a 2-run single for the game's only scores. Frank hasn't given up an earned run in 15 postseason innings. He has yielded only one unearned run. Joren Vanderzee (2-1/1.11 ERA) lost a tough one. He held the Stallions to 2 runs on 7 hits in 6 and one-third innings.

[Eugene Church]

Monday, October 17, 2089

VIPS NIP FIREBIRDS 2ND STRAIGHT GAME IN RU, SUNSETS SPLIT TWO IN TU WITH STALLIONS, HARD TIMES FOR THE HITTERS IN IPA PLAYOFF
In the Ruthlandian Union Title clash Pro Cup dark house Valmara pulled another surprise and edged Pro Cup favorite Forest City, stopping their potent bats for the second day in a row. Three visiting Viper hurlers combined to halt the Firebirds 3-2, shutting them down on 6 hits and sparked by Riki Miyamoto (.257 BA/1 HR/4 RBI) with his hot bat with a double, homer and 3 runs batted in. Valmara posted the win behind starter Raoul Villejean (0-0/1.68 ERA), who tossed the first 5 frames, held the Firebirds to 4 hits and one run. However, Villejean left the game behind 1-0. Craig Ballantyne stood out for Forest City until he faltered in the 6th inning. Miyamoto's 2-run double got rid of him. Gerhard Voelker (1-0/0.00 ERA/2 games/4 IP) notched the victory with 2 scoreless frames. Miyamoto also homered in the top of the 9th for the game winner off losing pitcher Shannon Slate (1-1/1.59 ERA/1 save/3 games/11 IP). In a sharp stint Ballantyne (1-0/2.02 ERA/2 starts/13 IP) only permitted 2 runs on 4 hits in his 7 innings.

The batters also struggled for the second afternoon in a row in the Tycobbian Union Title Series in Summerland, where the hometown Sunsets restricted the South Fork Stallions to just 5 hits in a 4-1 win and knotted the best-of-seven series at one game each. Paul Pegram (1-0/0.75 ERA) continued to prosper in the postseason, firing 8 strong frames, allowing only one run on 5 hits with 10 Ks and a couple of bases on balls. Closer Bubba Byers (0-1/5.79 ERA/2 saves/4 games/5 IP) put the finishing touch on the victory with a runless 9th. Summerland cracked 9 hits as they broke open the low-scoring game with 3 runs in the 4th frame. Danny Defoe (.241 BA/1 RBI) tied it with a run-scoring single and Hennie Hendriks (.333 BA/5 RBI) put the Sunsets ahead 3-1 with a 2-run base hit. Kent Montford (.214 BA/4 RBI) made it 4-1 in the 6th when he singled Hendriks in from third base. Starter Dobie Wilbur (1-1/3.95 ERA) absorbed the defeat as he was banged around for 4 runs and 5 hits in his 6 innings. Rupert Kruger (.333 BA/4 RBI) gave the Stallions the early lead in the top of the 3rd with an RBI bingle. Hendriks paced Summerland with 3 hits.

Both series will move to Valmara's War Memorial Stadium and to Summerland's Sunset Stadium for the next 3 games, if needed.

[Eugene Church]

Wednesday, October 19, 2089

VALMARA'S VAUNTED HURLERS DO IT AGAIN, STYMIE FOREST CITY, NEAR SENSATIONAL SWEEP OF FAVORED FIREBIRDS
Yes, indeed, the vaunted Valmara mound corps is as good as, or even better than their reputation. For the third game in a row in the Ruthlandian Union Title Series, the Vipers vaulted past the frustrated and stunned Forest City Firebirds behind the pitching of Country Corbin (2-1/7.31 ERA) and his relief Michel Bourgeois (1-0/1.54 ERA/2 saves/6 games/12 IP). Unheralded Valmara is now in command of the series and needs just one win in 4 games to advance to the Pro Cup Series. Corbin was not very effective, but still picked up the victory 6-3, thanks to closer Michel Bourgeois, who blanked Forest City, holding them hitless the last 3 and one-third innings for his 2nd save. Corbin was tagged hard for 3 runs and 8 hits in his 5 and two-thirds frames.

Honus Hobbs (.156 BA/7 RBI) and Howie Dassner (.316 BA/1 HR/10 RBI) paced Valmara. Hobbs had 2 hits and 3 ribbies and Dassner helped out with 2 hits and 2 runs batted in. Riki Miyamoto (.282 BA/1 HR/4 RBI) pitched in with 2 hits and scored twice. Ivan Jurczyk (.351 BA/1 HR/7 RBI) contributed to the cause with an RBI base hit. Tony Benedetti (.265 BA/1 HR/4 RBI) doubled and tripled for the Firebirds, but had little help otherwise.

In the Tycobbian Union Title Series South Fork won a must game at home at Jock Ewing Stadium to narrow Summerland's lead to two games to one in the best-of-seven series. Snooky Darling (1-0/0.64 ERA) hurled a complete game and stymied the Sunsets 5-1, permitting just one run on 8 hits with 2 walks and 5 strikeouts. Loser Jeff Endicott (0-2/7.11 ERA) dropped his second straight postseason start, ripped for 5 runs and 10 hits. He also went the distance in defeat. Silas Leeuwenhoek (.433 BA/1 HR/7 RBI) sparked the Stallions with 3 for 4. Davy Mannington (.333 BA/1 HR/5 RBI) added a pair of hits and Chipper Engverg (.192 BA/1 RBI) walloped one out of the park.

Game four and five, if necessary in each series, will be in Valmara and South Fork.

[Eugene Church]

Thursday, October 20, 2089

SF AND FC WIN GAME 4, STALLIONS TAKE CHARGE IN TU, UP 3-1; VIPERS STILL LEAD 3-1 IN RU
Unsung Valmara couldn't finish off the Pro Cup favorite Forest City. The #8-ranked Vipers were whitewashed in game four at home 4-0, giving the Firebirds a little bit of life in the best-of-seven Ruthlandian Union Title Series. Yet, Valmara still has a huge three games to one advantage in the series.

In the pivotal 4th game in the Tycobbian Union Title Series, #3-rated South Fork took charge of it with a breath-taking 13-inning 4-3 victory over #2-ranked Summerland Sunsets. The Stallions got some breathing room and lead the Sunsets three games to one. Both Forest City and Summerland are in very precarious postseason positions. They both need seldom-seen miracles to survive. It will be a monumental uphill battle. It has happened only 6 times in 89 years of IPA postseason play. The last time was in 1980.

Forest City's savior was southpaw Tommy Tate (1-0/1.84 ERA), who spun a jewel, blanking Valmara 4-0 on the road at War Memorial Stadium. The 19-game winner rose to the occasion and won a must-win game, scattering out 8 hits, going all the way, fanning 4 batters and allowing 2 walks. Brodie Northern (.200 BA/4 RBI) and Fuzz Smiley (.375 BA/5 RBI) made sure Tate had some runs on the scoreboard. Northern had 2 singles and drove in 3 runs, while Smiley was 3 for 4 with an RBI and 2 runs. Jim Raver (.233 BA/3 RBI) walked twice and scored twice. Valmara loser Warren Jakobson (0-2/2.57 ERA) did well in defeat. The Firebirds only got 2 runs in his 7 innings on 7 hits.

There was a humdinger at Jock Ewing Stadium in South Fork where the hometown Stallions and visiting Summerland Sunsets went toe-to-toe and tooth-and-nail for 13 hard-fought frames. When the battle dust settled, South Fork emerged the victor 4-3 on Gillis Featherstone's (.345 BA/2 RBI) 5th hit of the game, an RBI single. The Stallions' staff was sufficient. Starter Kenny Falconer went the first 5 frames, gave up 2 runs on 5 hits. His bullpen, Chuck Landes (0-0/2.45 ERA/1 game/4 IP), Jimbo Tucker (0-0/1.42 ERA/2 saves/6 games/13 IP) and Wayland Frazee (2-0/3.00 ERA/2 games/2 games/3 IP) followed and only allowed 1 run over the last 8 innings. Frazee got the win with a scoreless 13th. South Fork outhit Summerland 16 to 13, led by Featherstone's playoff record-tying 5 hits and 3 by Rupert Kruger (.333 BA/4 RBI). The Sunsets got RBIs from Bruce Quarterman (.303 BA/3 HR/5 RBI), Hennie Hendriks (.314 BA/6 RBI) and Art Duffie (.200/1 RBI). Summerland trailed early, but got back in the game with standout work from their relievers, finally tying it up 3-3 in the top of the 9th and sending the game into overtime. Rik Boone (0-1/3.00 ERA/2 games/3 IP) was slapped with the loss. He allowed 1 run in 2 innings.

[Eugene Church]

Thursday, October 21, 2089

2089 PRO CUP FOES: VALMARA VS SOUTH FORK
The IPA Union Title Series were competitive, but they ended quickly. Game-wise Ruthlandian Union champion Valmara and Tycobbian Union title winner South Fork both disposed of their postseason rivals in quick fashion, eliminating them in just five games. But the two Union crown bearers did not dominate those series. Both losing teams, Forest City and Summerland, were in each game, most all were decided by just a few runs at most. Both Valmara and South Fork have won 4 Pro Cups in their history. The Vipers were IPA champions in 2029, 2043, 2049 and 2050. The Stallions reigned supreme in 2025, 2042, 2073 and 2077.

The Valmara Vipers were the biggest surprise in the playoffs. They were the lowest-rated squad, ranked #8 by the diamond pundits and prognosticators, yet they defeated highly-regarded Eastshore (#4) and Pro Cup favorite and powerhouse Forest City (#1) to advance to the Pro Cup Series. The Vipers did it with superlative pitching, holding the heavy-hitting Firebirds to zero home runs and just 11 total runs in the five games. How in the world did Valmara do it? They had zilch for offense. Howie Dassner was their RBI leader with 69 in the regular season. Forest City had six players with 70 or more RBIs. However, the Vipers had talented twirlers in abundance.

The Tycobbian Union Finals pitted the #2 Summerland Sunsets and #3 South Fork Stallions. The Sunsets went all the way to the Pro Cup Finals last year, finally succumbing to the Pro Cup champion Belle Plaine Musketeers in six games. This was to be "the" year for Sunsets to win their first-ever Pro Cup. But it didn't happen. Too little offense. South Fork was a stingy pitching staff. They held the Sunsets to 11 runs in the 5 games. Pitchers really are dominating the playoffs this year. There were only 3 homers hit in the 10 games in the league semi-finals. Forest City led the IPA with 180 roundtrippers this season. They did not have a single, solitary home run in the Valmara series -- no, not one.

Game five was a tense duel between the two aces Arjan Huntsman (19-3/2.18 ERA) for the Vipers and Matty O'Mara (16-12/2.94 ERA) for Forest City. Huntsman (3-1/1.30 ERA) was the victor 3-2 over O'Mara (1-2/2.22 ERA). Huntsman went into the 6th frame and gave up just one run on 6 hits. O'Mara permitted 3 runs and 4 hits in his 6 innings. The Firebirds scored first without a base hit in the opening inning. A walk, wild pickoff throw and a wild pitch gave them the 1-0 lead. The Vipers went to work in the last of the 4th and put up 3 runs on the scoreboard. Ivan Jurczyk (.318/1 HR/8 RBI) plated Riki Miyamoto (.277 BA/1 HR/4 RBI), who doubled to open the inning. Howie Dassner's (.311 BA/2 HR/12 RBI) 2-run single gave Valmara all the runs they needed to win the series. Forest City got its final run in the 7th on a bases-loaded walk to Tony Benedetti (.250 BA/1 HR/5 RBI), cutting the lead to 3-2, but that was all she wrote for the Firebirds. Viper closer Michel Bourgeois (1-0/1.80 ERS/3 saves/7 games/15 IP) retired all 6 batters he faced in the 8th and 9th, wrapping up the RU Title and the spot in the Pro Cup Series. Valmara only managed 4 hits, but won, while Forest City got 7 hits.

Summerland made it tough for South Fork in game five. The Sunsets knotted the score 3-3 in the top of the 6th, but the Stallions' bats broke loose for 5 runs in the 6th and 7th frames to seal the series. South Fork won going away 8-3. Owen Frank (3-0/1.14 ERA) fired a complete game for his 3rd straight postseason victory. He allowed 11 hits, but only 3 runs, while whiffing 6 batters and walking 2. Frank was tough in the clutch. Both clubs had 11 hits apiece. J. Z. Levan (.310 BA/4 RBI) led the Stallions at bat with 2 hits and 2 RBIs. Silas Leeuwenhoek (.415 BA/1 HR/8 RBI) also had 2 doubles and 2 ribbies. Will Wilford (.286 BA/1 HR/8 RBI) added 2 hits and drove in a run. Davy Mannington (.323 BA/1 HR/6 RBI) and Gillis Featherstone (.344/3 RBI) chimed in with an RBI apiece. Hennie Hendriks (.308 BA/8 RBI), Bruce Quarterman (.351 BA/3 HR/6 RBI) and Norris Chance (.326 BA/1 HR/6 RBI) paced Summerland. Hendriks drove in a pair of runs, Quarterman one and Chance scored twice. Joren Vanderzee (2-2/2.40 ERA) started for the Sunsets and sustained the loss, tagged for 5 runs and 7 hits in 6 innings.

The 2089 IPA Pro Cup Series will get underway this Tuesday afternoon in Valmara at War Memorial Stadium. The Vipers were 93-61 in the regular season and will be the host team and have the homefield advantage. South Fork was 91-63 tis year.

[Eugene Church]

Sunday, October 23, 2089

SF STALLIONS SLIGHTLY FAVORED OVER DARKHORSE VALMARA VIPERS IN 89TH IPA PRO CUP SERIES
The big question reverberating around the Islands is whether or not the unsung, overlooked and unheralded Valmara Vipers can pull another upset and take the ultimate prize --- the revered Islandian Pro Cup Trophy? #8-ranked Valmara will now go up against #3-rated South Fork in the 89th edition of the IPA Pro Cup Series. Thus far in the postseason playoffs the Stallions have beaten #2 Summerland and #6 Oxford, while the Vipers have bested #1 Forest City and #4 Eastshore. So far on the surface, Valmara is looking good. However, South Fork has just whipped Summerland in five games. The Sunsets and Vipers are mirror images. Will this comparison hold up in reality? The baseball minds are leaning toward the Stallions because of their longball and offensive capabilities. Valmara can match them on the mound, but not at the plate. That will give sway to South Fork in the best-of-seven Pro Cup Series.

The diamond swamis have been impressed with South Fork's core lineup. Silas Leeuwenhoek (.415 BA/8 RBI), Rupert Kruger (.343 BA/4 RBI), Gillis Featherstone (.344 BA/3 RBI), Davy Mannington(.323 BA/6 RBI), Will Willard (.286 BA/8 RBI) and J.Z. Levan (.310 BA/6 RBI) have excelled in the playoffs. Should clean-up hitter Yank Yankovich (.194 BA/4 RBI) join the postseason party and perk up and hit like his 44 homers and 124 RBIs in the regular season, it will be easy for South Fork to handle Valmara. South Fork also possesses Davy Mannington, who hammered 41 out of the park and drove in 119 runs.

Poor Valmara can't compare to the offensive prowess of South Fork. The Vipers prime postseason bats are just ordinary. Their best playoff performers are Ivan Jurczyk (.318 BA/8 RBI) and Howie Dassner (.311 BA/12 RBI). The rest of the batting order was feeble. Valmara will need vast improvement at the plate to win the Pro Cup. During the regular season Dassner led the club with 69 ribbies. Tavio Ortega and Riki Miyamoto had 56 each and Bryan Tiller 53. Ortega and Miyamoto were best with 19 homers. Yankovich and Mannington almost outhomered the entire Valmara starting lineup. They hit 85 between them. The Vipers' starters only hit 87 total.

South Fork has 4 All-Stars, right fielder Yankovich, first sacker Mannington and Snooky Darling and Dobie Wilbur on the hill. Valmara only has pitcher Arjan Huntsman and shortstop Howie Dassner.

2089 IPA Pro Cup Series Outlook:
On the surface South Fork will win the Pro Cup Series in five or six games, but you have to give Valmara some credit, too. They have beaten a powerhouse team, too. Forest City, a most impressive and potent team, is right up there with the best in the IPA. The Vipers also beat a team very similar to South Fork, the Eastshore Cotton Kings. Will sneaky Valmara pull another upset? Nope! But they will scare South Fork. They could push them to a seven-game series. Also, they might just win in seven games.

Now back to reality -- South Fork in 6 games. Sorry, Valmara -- you might have the heart and sentiment with you -- but the Stallions have too many hosses.

[Eugene Church]

Wednesday, October 26, 2089

UNDERDOG VALMARA BASHES FAVORED SOUTH FORK IN PRO CUP OPENER

[Eugene Church]

Thursday, October 27, 2089

STALLIONS STOP VIPERS IN GAME 2 SHOOTOUT, EVEN PRO CUP FINALS

[Eugene Church]

Saturday, October 29, 2089

STALLIONS TAKE PRO CUP SERIES LEAD 2-1 WITH DRAMATIC 8TH-INNING RALLY