ISLANDIAN PRO ALLIANCE (RUTHLANDIA and TYCOBBIA BASEBALL UNIONS)

[Eugene Church]

Thursday, October 8, 2093

KING IS DEAD, VALMARA DETHRONES PRO CUP CHAMP FOREST CITY IN 6 GAMES
There will be no repeat champion in the Islandian Pro Alliance, the reigning king is dead and dethroned. The Valmara Vipers wiped out the Forest City Firebirds four games to two to take the RU First Round Series and advance to the RU Title Series against the Valka Blackhawks.

The Vipers finished off the Firebirds with some superlative pitching from Arjan Huntsman (1-1/2.53 ERA) and reliever Dwight Ricks, who combined for a 4-1 victory in the sixth game of the series. Hurtsman went the first 5 frames and held them to just one run on 3 hits. Ricks (0-0/0.00 ERA/2 saves/3 games/10 IP) was even better, not giving up a hit in the final 4 innings.

Valmara had a tough task with Forest City's ace Big Boy Walker (23-8/2.53 ERA) on the mound. The Blackhawks mustered 8 hits and 6 walks, paced by Kirk Himmel's (.200 BA/2 HR/2 RBI) 2 hits and 2-run homer and Yura Voronin (.174 BA/3 RBI) with 2 hits and an RBI. Walker (1-1/4.05 ERA) was tagged for all 4 runs in 7 innings.

"We played almost perfectly," Valmara manager told reporters at the press conference, "I couldn't have gotten better pitching or better hitting. That what it takes to beat a talented team like the Firebirds. Randy Snow has some fine ballplayers".

Forest City skipper Randy Snow was trying to win back-to-back IPA crowns. "It was looking good for us. We had the pitchers, the bats and the defense. It is mighty tough to repeat, but we felt good about it. It takes 12 good games to win a Pro Cup. We only had 2 good ones out of the first 6. Needless to say", he said, "That ain't gonna do it".

Valmara dominated the defending Pro Cup champion, outscoring Forest City 27-15 in the six games.

[Eugene Church]

Thursday, October 8, 2093

#6 VALMARA vs #7 VALKA FOR RU TITLE - #2 HARTSDALE vs #4 SUMMERLAND FOR TU TITLE
Two of the best teams made the Union Title Round, while two of the best teams were upset in the IPA First Round. Last year's Pro Cup champion Forest City was defeated by the #6-rated Valmara Vipers and #3 La Claire was toppled by #2 Hartsdale Hellcats. #4-ranked Summerland whipped #8 Ozarka and #7 Valka got the best of #5 Cold Creek. The stage is now set for the Union Title Series. Hartsdale will battle the Summerland Sunsets for the TU Title and Valmara will be challenged by Valka for the RU Title. Both series are best-of-seven and will get started tomorrow afternoon with the Hellcats opening on the road in Summerland and Valka hosting the Vipers.

All four clubs are raring to go with no clear-cut favorites. Both series are up for grabs. Valmara is coming off a splendid series where the Vipers put away powerful Forest City in 6 games and Hartsdale stood out by sweeping potent La Claire in four games. Oddsmakers are giving them the edge in the Union Series. They are most likely to be in the Pro Cup Series.

Valmara manager Andre Zajac will send Shura Azura (16-13/3.12 ERA) to the hill in the first game, while Valka skipper Olev Kotli has given the assignment to Jaan Veerpalu (20-8/2.42 ERA). Both have excelled so far in the playoffs. Hartsdale manager Mark Markis has Javon Harbin (25-3/3.00 ERA) set for the opener. Getting the call from Summerland skipper Jayson Hallstrom will be Paul Pegram (19-9/3.25 ERA). Harbin has done well in his two postseason starts, while Pegram has struggled.

Homefield advantage will go to the Valka Blackhawks and Summerland Sunsets in the Union Title Series.

[Eugene Church]

Saturday, October 10, 2093

BLACKHAWKS WIN SHOOTOUT IN RU, WHILE SUNSETS SHUT DOWN RED-HOT HELLCATS IN TU
In the Ruthlandian Union Title Series the Valka Blackhawks vaulted past the Valmara Vipers 9-8 at home with a bottom-of-the-9th game-winning 2-run homer by shortstop Kolya Baturin. In Tycobbian Union Title Series action Summerland hurler Paul Pegram aced the red-hot Hartsdale Hellcats 7-0, squelching them on just 5 hits in a complete game.

2093 Ruthlandian Union Title Series - Game 1

BLACKHAWK BATURIN BLAST BEATS VIPERS
Yes indeed, it was a thrilling 9-8 shootout in the opening game of the Ruthlandian Union Title Series at Cybertel Park in Valka. Both teams had several chances to win the seesaw classic. Valmara jumped ahead 4-0 in the top of the 2nd frame, then Valka tied it up in the bottom half. The Vipers went ahead again 5-4 in the 4th, only to have the Blackhawks regain the lead 6-5 in the 5th inning. Valmara took the lead for the third time in the game with 2 runs in the top of the 8th. They made it 8-6 in the 9th seemingly on the way to victory in the series opener, only to have Valka rise up and win in a dynamic 9th-inning rally. Bulldog Byers tripled in a run to cut the deficit to 8-7, then Kolya Baturin sent one soaring out of the park to make it 9-8 in favor of the Blackhawks. Valka cracked 14 hits, sparked by Baturin (.407 BA/2 HR/10 RBI) with 3 hits and 2 RBIs. Billy Joe Dwyer (.360 BA/2 RBI) went 3-5 and scored twice. Kaja Jaakson (.208 BA/4 RBI), Dooky Craig (.273 BA/4 RBI) and Adam Dobkins (.333 BA/1 HR/8 RBI) all provided 2 ribbies each.

Neither starter fared well. Shura Azarin (2-0/4.30 ERA) was shelled for 6 runs in 5 innings, while Jaan Veerpalu (1-0/1.29 ERA) was rapped for 5 runs in his 6 innings, but only one was earned. Miscues hurt him badly.

Valmara's offense kept them in the game. Ivan Jurczyk (.448 BA/1 HR/7 RBI) had 2 doubles and 3 RBIs and Kirk Himmel (.241 BA/2 HR/4 RBI) went 2 for 4 with 2 runs batted in, including a solo homer.

2093 Tycobbian Union Title Series - Game 1

SUNSETS PEGRAM PUZZLES HELLCATS IN OPENER
After struggling in his postseason debut against Ozarka, Paul Pegram (1-1/3.80 ERA) righted the ship and fired a 7-0 gem in the first game of the Tycobbian Union Title Series with the Hartsdale Hellcats. The 26-year-old right-hander restricted the rock 'em, sock 'em Hellcats to just 5 hits. Pegram whiffed 5 and walked only one. Shining at the plate for the Sunsets were third sacker Boogie Bonham (.435 BA/1 HR/8 RBI) with an RBI double, sac fly and 2-run swat, Pieter Van Dalen (.375 BA/5 RBI) with 2 hits and a run batted in and Norris Chance (.435 BA/1 RBI) scored 3 times. Losing pitcher Javon Harbin (1-1/3.15 ERA) took it on the chin, slammed for 5 runs and 7 hits in 5 innings. The only threats in the Hartsdale lineup were Delton Gunn (.333 BA) with 3 hits and Bill MacPherson (.389 BA/1 HR/5 RBI) with a pair.

[Eugene Church]

Sunday, October 11, 2093

2093 Ruthlandian Union Title Series - Game 2

BLACKHAWKS BEAT VIPERS AGAIN, UP 2-0 IN RU TITLE SERIES
Valka's Kolya Baturin was at it again. Yesterday's hero with a 9th-inning game-winning 2-run swat did even better with 2 roundtrippers and 5 RBIs, propelling the Blackhawks past Valmara 5-3 in the second game of the RU Title Series. Both homers and all the runs came off loser Steve Griffith (1-2/7.47 ERA). Juan Serna (2-0/1.42 ERA) and Eric Schumann teamed up to tame the Vipers, despite giving up 11 hits between them. Serna worked 5 innings, gave up 3 runs -- just one earned -- on 8 hits. Schumann (1-0/5.56 ERA/1 save/5 RA) fired 4 scoreless innings for the save. Serna got the win.

Third baseman Kirk Himmel (.294 BA/2 HR/4 RBI) paced Valmara at the plate with 3 hits, while Howie Dassner (.257 BA/1 HR/7 RBI), Yura Voronin (.194 BA/4 RBI) and Vinny Silvera (.167 BA/4 RBI) each drove in a run.

Baturin (.419 BA/4 HR/15 RBI) topped the Blackhawks with his 2 homers and 5 runs batted in. He has hit 4 out of the park in the postseason and driven in 15 runs.

Valmara is happy to be going back home to War Memorial Stadium, where they are 52-25 in the regular season and 3-0 in the playoffs. Valka is just barely over the .500 mark on the road in the regular season. The Blackhawks are 2-1 in this year's postseason when playing out of town. In the playoffs this year Valka is unbeaten in 4 games at home.

2093 Tycobbian Union Title Series - Game 2

HELLCAT MACPHERSON'S HIT IN 9TH GAMEWINNER OVER SUNSETS
Rock-solid pitching and timely hits paved the way for the Hartsdale Hellcats in the second game of the TU Title Series at Sunset Stadium in Summerland. Dandy DeBusshere and Tatum Bilbow provided the pitching and catcher Bill MacPherson socked the go-ahead 2-run single in the top of the 9th frame, giving the Hellcats a hard-earned 4-2 victory over the Summerland Sunsets. It was a big win for Hartsdale. They certainly did not want to head home with their heads down and behind 2-0 in the best-of-seven series. Debusshere (0-0/3.75 ERA/2 starts) started and tossed 6 innings, yielding 2 runs on 6 hits, while Bilbow (2-0/1.17 ERA/1 save/5 RA/8 IP) stood out with 3 scoreless innings for the win.

Summerland got a good start from Ruben Jans (2-0/2.18 ERA/3 starts/21 IP). He allowed 2 runs and 4 hits in his 7 frames. The defeat went to Gary Glanville (0-1/3.86 ERA/4 RA/5 IP). The Hellcats got to him for 2 runs and 3 hits in 2 innings.

Hartsdale outhit Summerland 8 to 7 in the game. Bill MacPherson sparked them with 2 ribbies. Dickie Fraisse (.294 BA/2 RBI) and Jorah Hladki (.111 BA/1 RBI) plated their other 2 scores.

Pitcher Ruben Jans (.111 BA/2 RBI) drilled a line-drive single in the 5th for both of the Summerland scores, which gave him the lead at the time 2-1.

After a day for travel, the series will resume at Pioneer Park in Hartsdale. The Hellcats play great at home with a regular season mark of 54-23. They are 2-0 in the postseason so far this year. The Sunsets are a good road team with a 47-30 record. In the playoffs this year they have posted a 2-1 mark.

[Eugene Church]

Tuesday, October 13, 2093

2093 Ruthlandian Union Title Series - Game 3

BLACKHAWKS BATTER VIPERS, UP 3-0 IN RU TITLE ROUND
Everything is coming up roses for the Valka Blackhawks in the Ruthlandian Union Title Series. The Blackhawks battered Valmara 8-2 on the Vipers homefield in game three for their third victory in a row. Valmara is in the almost untenable position to win four in a row to avert elimination from the playoffs. It is highly unlikely that the Vipers can pull it off. Winning hurler Ric Kenney (1-1/3.95 ERA) spun a solid game, holding the Vipers to 2 runs and 6 hits in 8 innings, while the Blackhawks boomed out 14 hits in the romp.

Dooky Craig (.345 BA/5 RBI) led the hit parade with 3 hits with Billy Joe Dwyer (.364 BA/3 RBI), Timon Holmsten (.412 BA/1 HR/7 RBI) and Ric Kenney (.400 BA/1 RBI) slapping 2 hits apiece. Kaja Jaakson (.182 BA/6 RBI) tripled in a pair of scores, Holmsten doubled in 2 runs and Kolya Baturin (.389 BA/5 HR/16 RBI) slammed his 5th postseason homer and drove in his 16th run. Kenney also drove in a run.

Valmara starter Arjan Huntsman (1-2/7.07 ERA) took the brunt of the Valka battering, torched for 8 runs in just 4 frames. This was the Vipers' first loss this postseason at War Memorial Stadium. They had been 4-0.

2093 Tycobbian Union Title Series - Game 3

S'LAND CLOBBERS H'DALE FOR 2-1 EDGE IN TU TITLE ROUND
What started off at Pioneer Park in Hartsdale as a tense pitching duel ended up a blowout in the first degree. Visiting Summerland erupted for 6 runs in the 6th inning, highlighted by Hennie Hendriks' grand slam, and went on to clobber the hometown Hellcats 9-3 to nab the lead in the best-of-seven Tycobbian Union Title Series two games to one. Not known for their offensive ferocity, the Sunsets shined brightly with 14 hits, paced by Hendriks (.214 BA/1 HR/7 RBI) with 3 for 5 and 4 runs batted in. Gerrit Maas (.314 BA/1 HR/6 RBI) chimed in with 2 base hits and 2 ribbies. Other contributors were Boogie Bonham (.387 BA/9 RBI), Rik De Graaf (.121 BA/2 RBI) and Adam Quade (.548 BA/10 RBI). They each delivered an RBI.

It began as a low-scoring affair for 5 runless frames between Summerland starter Joren Vorenzee (2-0/4.26 ERA) and Hartsdale starter Bennie Frey (1-1/4.22 ERA). Then the bubble burst when the Sunsets blistered Frey for 3 runs in the 6-run 6th. They tore up the Hellcat bullpen even worse. Vorenzee worked into the 8th with an 8-0 lead, but he needed help from Duke Snijder (1-0/3.18 ERA/1 save/5 RA/6 IP) and Bama Easterwood (0-0/0.00 ERA/4 RA/4 IP) to wrap up the game with 2 scoreless innings. Hartsdale was held to 7 hits in the game.

The series will continue at Pioneer Park in Hartsdale for the next two contests, then will switch to Summerland for the final two games, should they be necessary.

[Eugene Church]

Wednesday, October 14, 2093

2093 Ruthlandian Union Title Series - Game Four

VALMARA'S AZURIN STOPS 3-GAME SKID, VOIDS VALKA SWEEP
The vaunted Valmara strong pitching couldn't have come at a better time. In game four of the Ruthlandian Union Title Series southpaw Shura Azarin stopped a three-game playoff skid with a 2-0 shutout, voided the Valka Blackhawks series sweep and gave the Vipers a little bit more life. At least they will get to play one more game. Valka is still way ahead three games to one. Azurin (3-0/3.05 ERA) tossed 6 shutout innings, limiting the hard-hitting Blackhawks to 3 hits in his 6 innings with no walks and 5 Ks. Dwight Ricks (0-0/0.00 ERA/3 saves/6 RA/17 IP) closed it out for his 3rd postseason save with 3 scoreless innings. Runs were very hard to come by. Azurin and Valka starter Jaan Veerpalu (1-1/1.69 ERA) were locked up in a runless affair for the first 5 frames. In the last of the 6th, base hits by Ivan Jurczyk (.429 BA/2 HR/9 RBI) and Kirk Himmel (.268 BA/2 HR/4 RBI) placed runners on the corners. Howie Dassner (.238 BA/8 RBI) plated the game's first score when he drove in a run with a fielder's choice. Jeerpalu could have gotten out of the inning unscathed with a double play. Yura Voronin (.184 BA/5 RBI) followed with an RBI two-bagger to give the Vipers a 2-0 edge. Veerpalu was touched for 2 runs and 4 hits in 6 innings. He fanned 5 and walked none.

Game five will be also be at War Memorial Stadium in Valmara where the Vipers are 4-1 in the postseason.

2093 Tycobbian Union Title Series - Game Four

HARBIN AND HLADKI LEAD HELLCATS PAST SUNSETS, SERIES KNOTTED 2-ALL
The homefield advantage finally paid off for the Hartsdale Hellcats in game four of the TU Title Series. Jorah Hladki hammered a 3-run homer and Boyd Brewer provided 2 more RBIs and Javon Harbin's hurling finished off the Summerland Sunsets 5-2 at Pioneer Park. Harbin (2-2/2.86 ERA) lasted into the 9th, holding the Sunsets to 2 runs and 7 hits. Tatum Bilbow (2-0/3.72 ERA/2 saves/7 RA/10 IP) got the last 2 outs to preserve the victory. The series is knotted up at 2 wins apiece.

Hartsdale outhit Summerland 8 to 5. Hladki (.160 BA/1 HR/4 RBI) and Scottie Deutsche (.179 BA/1 HR/2 RBI) topped the Sunsets with 2 hits each, while Pieter Van Dalen (.297 BA/6 RBI) and Hennie Hendriks (.258 BA/1 HR/10 RBI) got the only ribbies for the Sunsets. Boogie Bonham (.429 BA/1 HR/9 RBI) collected 3 hits and Hendriks socked a pair for the Hellcats.

The Hellcats and Sunsets will continue the best-of-seven series with game five at Pioneer Park in Hartsdale. On their home diamond the Hellcats are 3-1 in the playoffs.

[Eugene Church]

Thursday, October 15, 2093

2093 Ruthlandian Union Title Series - Game 5

VALMARA STILL ALIVE, TRIMS VALKA LEAD TO 3-2
Down 3-0 to Valka in the Ruthlandian Union Title Series, the Valmara Vipers have been rejuvenated with two straight victories at home at War Memorial Stadium to cut the margin to three games to two in the best-of-seven series. Once again it was marvelous mound work by Steve Griffith and reliever Dwight Ricks that kept the Vipers alive in the postseason playoffs. Griffith (1-2/5.66 ERA) twirled 5 sparkling innings, setting the Blackhawks down on no runs and 4 hits. It was still scoreless when he departed. Ricks (1-0/0.43 ERA/3 saves/7 RA/21 IP) notched the win with 4 fine innings, only allowing one run on 2 hits. Mikey Fussell, who came into the game for injured left fielder Yura Voronin, drilled a game-winning base hit in the last of the 9th to decide the game 2-1 in favor of Valmara. After a day off for travel, the series will continue with game six in Valka at Blackhawk Stadium.

No one put a run on the scoreboard until the Vipers snapped the tie in home half of the 6th. Howie Dassner (.239 BA/1 HR/8 RBI) walked and move around to third base on Mikey Fussell's (.600 BA/1 RBI) single. Dassner scored the lead run on a hit by Vinny Silvera (.195/5 RBI). It remained 1-0 until Valka tied it up in the top of the 9th on Jaan Arro's (.000 BA) walk, a single by Dooky Craig (.297 BA/5 RBI) and a sac fly by Adam Dobkins (.333 BA/1 HR/9 RBI).

Valka got excellent work from starter Juan Serna (2-0/1.48 ERA/4 starts/24 IP). He only surrendered one run in his 6 innings, but he left trailing 1-0. However, Valmara pinned the defeat on Jackie Harrison (1-1/1.59 ERA/4 RA/6 IP), who came on in relief in the 8th frame.

The Vipers easily outhit the Blackhawks 13 to 6, but stranded 12 baserunners.

Valka lost one of its best batsmen shortstop Kolya Baturin (131 G/.286 BA/26 HR/81 RBI/89 R) with back trouble. He will miss the rest of the IPA playoffs. Baturin was injured in a collision running the bases. Felix Renninger (151 G/.217 BA/3 HR/40 RBI/60 R) will move over from third base to replace Baturin with Billy Joe Dryer (153 G/284/27 HR/89 RBI/92 R) taking over at third base. Dwyer is normally at first base, platooned with Raphael Paquet (125 G/.274 BA/18 HR/69 RBI/65 R). Baturin is batting .442 in the postseason with 5 homers and 16 RBIs. He will sorely missed by the Blackhawks.

2093 Tycobbian Union Title Series - Game 5

ROAD RAGE PUTS SUNSETS AHEAD 3-2 IN TU TITLE SERIES
Summerland's splendid mound corps rose to the occasion on the road sparking the Sunsets to a hard-earned 7-1 triumph in extra innings at Pioneer Park in Hartsdale. Summerland exploded for 6 runs in the decisive 12th inning on Marty Getchell's (.500 BA/1 HR/2 RBI) go-ahead 2-run roundtripper, Gerrit Maas' (.244 BA/1 HR/7 RBI) RBI fielder's choice, base hit by Boogie Bonham (.390 BA/1 HR/10 RBI) and a 2-run double by Adam Quade (.488 BA/2 HR/12 RBI). Ruben Jans (2-0/1.65 ERA/4 starts/27 IP) stood out with 7 strong innings, only allowing 3 hits and one unearned score. The Sunset bullpen took over and was peerless with 5 scoreless frames. Gary Glanville (1-1/2.35 ERA/5 RA/8 IP) got credit for the victory with 3 runless innings. Wes Warrick (0-0/3.00 ERA/3 RA/3 IP) put the finishing touches on the win, blanking the Hellcats in their last at bat. Losing pitcher Bomber McBee (1-1/6.23 ERA/5 RA/9 IP) was walloped for all 6 runs in the fatal 12th. Hartsdale starter Dandy DeBusshere (3-0/3.04 ERA/3 starts/19 IP) kept them in the game with 7 solid innings, yielding just one run and 5 hits with 7 Ks and a couple of bases on balls.

Summerland had the advantage in hits 10 to 6. Hartsdale left 13 baserunners on, while the Sunsets stranded 11.

The best-of-seven Tycobbian Union Title Series will resume after a day of travel in Summerland at Sunset Stadium.

[Eugene Church]

Saturday, October 17, 2093

VALKA AND SUMMERLAND PRO CUP BOUND, VALMARA AND HARTSDALE BITE THE DUST
The 93rd edition of the Islandian Pro Cup Series will be between the champion of the Ruthlandian Union, the Valka Blackhawks and the champion of the Tycobbian Union, the Summerland Sunsets. Neither club has ever won a Pro Cup. 7th-ranked Valka eliminated the 6th-rated Valmara Vipers in six games and #4 Summerland disposed of the #2 Hartsdale Hellcats in six games, too.

2093 Ruthlandian Union Title Series - Game 6

VALKA VICTOR OVER VIPERS IN 6 GAMES
Glad to be back in the friendly confines of Blackhawk Stadium after two consecutive defeats on the road in Valmara, Valka finally finished off the valiant Vipers 5-0 to nab the Ruthlandian Union championship and a spot in the Pro Cup Series. Valka won the series four games to two. The Blackhawks got sensational performances on the hill from Ric Kenney, Eric Schumann and Derron McCann. The Vipers were held to just two singles. After battling to a scoreless draw for 5 innings, the Blackhawk bats perked up and put away the Vipers. Billy Joe Dwyer's (.318 BA/1 HR/4 RBI) solo swat gave Valka the only run they needed, but just to be sure Timon Holmsten (.348 BA/1 HR/9 RBI) doubled in 2 insurance runs in the 7th. Bulldog Byers' (.268 BA/1 HR/7 RBI) sacrifice fly gave them a little more breathing room. Felix Renninger (.325 BA/1 HR/3 RBI) completed the scoring with an RBI single in the 8th.

Kenney didn't get the win, but he blanked the Vipers for 5 innings on just one hit. Winner Schumann (2-0/3.63 ERA/1 save/8 RA/17 IP) fired 3 frames, gave up just one hit and whiffed 4 batters. McCann worked a runless 9th to wrap up the game, the RU title and a spot in the Pro Cup Series. Yes indeed, the Blackhawks are starving for their first Pro Cup title. The famine has lasted over 9 decades.

Valmara starter Arjan Huntsman (1-2/5.21 ERA/4 starts/19 IP) did his best holding Valka to just 3 hits and no runs in the first five frames, but his bullpen did him in. Dwight Ricks (1-1/1.90 ERA/3 saves/8 RA/23 IP) was the losing hurler, clubbed for 4 runs in just 2 frames.

Winning skipper Olev Kotli was exuberant and excited, telling the reporters, "How about that? My Blackhawks are headed for the Pro Cup Finals and a chance to win our very first Pro Cup. Life is good today... yeah buddy, life is good today. I just hope we keep playing like we are playing".

"We beat a really fine team. We had to hit well and pitch well to beat the Vipers... Baturin, Dobkins, Craig, Dwyer, Byers and Holmsten provided the runs and the whole staff did it on the mound, led by Serna, Veerpalu and Kenney".

Valmara manager Andre Zajac said at the press conference, "Losing the first two games were crucial. We just couldn't come back from those losses".

Valka got tremendous mound work in the six games, holding Valmara to just 17 runs, while scoring 28 themselves.

Valka will be without shortstop Kolya Baturin in the Pro Cup Series. He was injured running the bases in game five of the series. Baturin batted .442 in the playoffs with 5 homers and 16 runs batted in. It will be tough playing without him.

2093 Tycobbian Union Title Series - Game 6

SUMMERLAND SETS SAIL TO THE PRO CUP SERIES
It was not easy. The Summerland Sunsets had to get past a determined bunch of Hartsdale Hellcats to get a shot at their first-ever Pro Cup Trophy. This may have been one of Hartsdale's best teams ever. The Sunsets just barely beat the Hellcats 2-1 in game six of the best-of-seven Tycobbian Union Title Series. Summerland prevailed four games to two. Starter Joren Vanderzee (3-0/3.38 ERA/3 starts/19 IP) stymied the heavy bats of Hartsdale in this critical game on just one run and 6 hits, while fanning 6 and walking 3. Closer Duke Snijder (1-0/1.80 ERA/2 saves/7 RA/10 IP) did his job very well with one-hit ball and no runs the last 3 frames. The Hellcats did not take advantage of all the opportunities they had. They left 12 runners on base. In all, Hartsdale had 7 hits and 6 bases on balls. Both Vanderzee and Snijder bent, but didn't break.

The Sunsets had the edge in hits, 9 to 7, paced by homers by Pieter Van Dalen (.304 BA/1 HR/7 RBI) and Boogie Bonham (.378 BA/2 HR/11 RBI), both solo shots back-to-back in the 4th frame off loser Frye.

Hartsdale also got strong pitching in game six. Loser Bennie Frye (0-2/4.02 ERA/3 starts/16 IP) allowed 2 runs and 5 hits in his 5 frames. Mitch Womack (1-0/6.00 ERA/1 save/5 RA/6 IP) tossed 2 scoreless innings and Javon Harbin (2-1/2.76 ERA/4 starts/5 games/29 IP), a starter working in relief, added another scoreless frame.

A joyful and hopeful Summerland skipper Jayson Hallstrom commented, "We beat a great team. It took outstanding pitching to get past the Hellcats. Can you believe they only scored 14 runs in 6 games. That's how we won the series. All seven hurlers pitched their hearts out for us to win this series. Special kudos to Jans in the starting rotation and to the bullpen, Snijder, Easterwood and Warrick".

"I also have to give a lot of credit to our hitters. In past playoffs we never seemed to hit well enough. We always had the pitching, but seemed to always came up short on offense. Not this year. Hendriks, Bonham, Quade, Van Dalen and Maas delivered when we needed it. I'm looking forward to the Pro Cup Series. My Sunsets can win it."

A very disappointed Mark Markis, manager of the Hellcats, speaking after the game, "Yes sir, this year's loss was just about the toughest I've experienced in my 32 years in Hartsdale. Last year was also a tough one losing game six 5-3 to Pro Cup champion Forest City after being ahead 3-0 in the early innings. This year just might be a tougher one to take because we had the team to win this year. I truly thought we were going to win the Pro Cup this year".

[Eugene Church]

Saturday, October 17, 2093

SUMMERLAND SLIGHTLY FAVORED OVER VALKA IN 2093 PRO CUP SERIES
Something has to give this year in the 2093 IPA Pro Cup Series. One of the teams will take home their very first Pro Cup Trophy. Neither Summerland, nor Valka have ever won the revered prize. The baseball aficionados and analysts originally favored Valka because of their solid offense and strong starting rotation with Veerpalu, Serna and Kenney, but recently Valka suffered two major injuries to shortstop Kolya Baturin and left fielder Timon Holmsten. These two vital players will miss the entire series. Thus the pundits have switched their support to the Summerland Sunsets, who are at full strength. Citing the Valka injuries, Summerland homefield advantage, along with better relief pitching and better defense, the Sunsets are now the Pro Cup favorite. Summerland's offense has been very good in the postseason this year -- another big plus for the Sunsets.

In the postseason both clubs have stood out with strong play. Valka beat the defending Pro Cup champion and this year's Pro Cup favorite Forest City in 6 games for the Ruthlandian Union Title, while Summerland disposed of highly touted Hartsdale in 6 games for the Tycobbian Union Title. The Hellcats were the second choice to win the IPA title this season. La Claire was rated the third and Summerland fourth in the Pro Cup Preview Poll.

The Pro Cup winner will be the team that can regularly put runs on the scoreboard. The team that hits will win the Pro Cup Trophy. Summerland's offensive standouts have been center field Amos Quade (.477 BA/2 HR/12 RBI/4 R), third baseman Boogie Bonham (.378 BA/2 Hr/11 RBI/11 R), left fielder Norris Chance (.333 BA/2 RBI/8 R), second baseman Pieter Van Dalen (.304 BA/1 HR/7 RBI/10 R), Hennie Hendriks (.263 BA/1 HR/8 RBI/5 R) and right fielder Gerrit Maas (.245 BA/1 HR/7 RBI/5 R). Heading up the Valka attack are second sacker Adam Dobkins (.350 BA/1 HR/9 RBI/4 R), third baseman Billy Joe Dwyer (.318 BA/1 HR/4 RBI/10 R), catcher Dooky Craig (.300 BA/5 RBI/5 R) and left fielder Bulldog Byers (.268 BA/1 HR/7 RBI?9 R). Right fielder Jose Vasque (.314 BA/5 HR/45 RBI/42 R) will replace Holmsten in the outfield. Felix Renninger will move from third to short to replace Baturin. He is a standout fielder, but a weak bat. Summerland may have the edge in run scoring, especially with the loss of Baturin (19-42/.442 BA/5 HR/16 RBI/8 R) and Holmsten (16-46/.348 BA/1 HR/9 RBI/10 R).

Valka pitching has sparkled in the postseason so far. They might have the edge over Summerland in starters, but the Sunsets may be superior in the bullpen. Jaan Veerpalu (1-1/1.69 ERA/4 starts/27 IP), Juan Serna (2-0/1.48 ERA/4 starts/24 IP) and Rick Kenney (1-1/2.89 ERA/3 starts/19 IP) all have been impressive, so has the bullpen. Eric Schuman (2-0/3.63 ERA/1 save/8 RA/17 IP) has been the postseason workhorse with strong help from Jackie Harrison (1.59 ERA/4 RA), Coy Chatwick (1-0/0.00 ERA/2 RA) and Derron McCann (0.00 ERA/2 RA).

Heading up the Summerland starting rotation are Joren Vorenzee (3-0/3.38 ERA/3 starts/19 IP) and Ruben Jans (2-0/1.65 ERA/4 starts/27 IP). Paul Pegram (1-2/4.28 ERA/4 starts/27 IP) has struggled in the playoffs. He will be a key item in the Pro Cup Series. Closer Duke Snijder (1-0/1.80 ERA/2 saves/7 RA/10 IP) will lead the Sunset bullpen with help from Gary Glanville (1-1/2.35 ERA/5 RA/8 IP), Bama Easterwood (1.80 ERA/5 RA/6 IP) and Wes Warrick (3.00 ERA/3 RA/3 IP).

Despite the key losses of Baturin and Holmsten, Valka has some good, capable and reliable bench players. The Blackhawks could still win the Pro Cup.

The Islandian baseball world is expecting Summerland to win a hard-fought and hotly-contested 7-game series.

2093 IPA Pro Cup Series Tale of the Tape

[Eugene Church]

Tuesday, October 20, 2093

2093 IPA Pro Cup Series - Game 1

B'HAWKS VEERPALU TOPS SUNSETS IN PRO CUP OPENER
The gods have been angry with the Valka Blackhawks recently, taking away two stalwart players, Kolya Baturin and Timon Holmsten, but they did smile on them by giving them rookie right-hander Jaan Veerpalu. When Veerpalu is on the hill, chances are you are going to get a good start and have a good chance of victory. That's how the opening game of the 2093 IPA Pro Cup Series played out at Sunset Stadium in Summerland. Veerpalu went all the way and fired a 5-hitter to defeat the Sunsets 3-1, striking out 8 of them and walking 3.

The game started off like nobody was going to win. Veerpalu and Summerland starter Paul Pegram were in top form and didn't allow a run for the first 5 innings. In the top of the 6th frame Billy Joe Dwyer (.354 BA/1 HR/4 RBI), Bulldog Byers (.261 BA/1 HR/7 RBI) and Raphael Paquet (.467 BA/1 RBI) loaded the bases with back-to-back singles with no outs. Dooky Craig (.296 BA/6 RBI) provided the game's first score when he walked. Reliever Duke Snijder came on and struck out the first batter, but Adam Dobkins (.333 BA/1 HR/10 RBI) plated the second run with a sacrifice fly and Felix Renninger (.326 BA/1 HR/4 RBI) singled in the third one.

Veerpalu (2-1/1.51 ERA) finally surrendered his first hits and only score in the bottom half of the 6th on doubles by pinch hitter Billy Trueblood (.333 BA) and Pieter Van Dalen (.300 BA/1 HR/8 RBI). But that was all y'all. No more scoring for Summerland. However, the Sunsets made Veerpalu sweat in the last of the 9th. They loaded the bases with 2 away, but Veerpalu retired pinch hitter Dave Dunphy on a weak popup to shortstop for the final out. Pegram (1-3/4.45 ERA) was pinned with the loss, giving up 3 runs and 5 hits in 5 innings.

The Blackhawks belted 10 hits, led by Raphael Paquet and Billy Joe Dwyer. Paquet was 4 for 5 and Dwyer 3 for 4. Summerland's Aaron Quade (.479 BA/2 HR/12 RBI) continued his red-hot postseason with 2 hits.

[Eugene Church]

Wednesday, October 21, 2093

2093 IPA Pro Cup Series - Game 2

SUNSETS NIP BLACKHAWKS ON ERROR, TIE SERIES 1-1
Both clubs got strong pitching outings in the second game of the IPA Pro Cup Series at Sunset Stadium in Summerand. However, it was defense that decided the contest. Pitcher Derron McCann made a rushed throw to first and threw it away, allowing Billy Trueblood to scamper from second base with the winning score. Summerland squeezed out a 3-2 victory in 10 innings to even up the best-of-seven series at one game each.

Ruben Jans for Summerland and Juan Serna for Valka battled to a 2-2 tie for 9 innings. Jans held the Blackhawks to 2 runs on 5 hits, while Serna permitted 2 runs on 7 hits. Serna was helped out by 4 double plays. Summerland closer Duke Snijder (2-0/1.50 ERA/2 saves/9 RA/10 IP) copped the win with a 1-2-3 9th frame. Derron McCann (0-1/0.00 ERA/3 RA/3 IP) was tagged with the defeat on an unearned run. His wild throw cost him the game.

Valka jumped out into the lead with a 2-run roundtripper from Raphael Paquet (.421 BA/1 HR/3 RBI) in the opening frame. Summerland pitching was flawless the rest of the game. The Sunsets put their first score on the board in the 4th on a solo swat by Pieter Van Dalen (.296 BA/2 HR/9 RBI) and knotted up the game in the 5th on back-to-back two-baggers by Lucien Legrand (.227 BA.4 RBI) and Rik De Graaf (.118 BA/3 RBI). Summerland collected 8 hits overall to just 5 for Valka.

The two teams will be heading to Valka for games three, four and five. Tuesday is a travel day. The Pro Cup Series will resume Wednesday afternoon at Blackhawk Stadium in Valka. The Blackhawks are 5-0 at home in the postseason, while Summerland is 4-2 on the road. Thus far Valka is 4-4 on the road. The Sunsets are 5-2 at home at Sunset Stadium.

[Eugene Church]

Friday, October 23, 2093

2093 IPA Pro Cup Series - Game 3

PIVOTAL ROAD WIN GIVE SUNSETS 2-1 EDGE OVER BLACKHAWKS
Summerland took advantage of wildness by Valka hurlers and the Blackhawks bullpen for a crucial road victory in the third game of the IPA Pro Cup Series. The Sunsets socked it to the Blackhawks 11-6 to take a two games to one lead in the best-of-seven series. Summerland regained the homefield advantage. They collected 13 bases on balls, 9 hits and a pair of homers, blowing the game wide open with 6 runs in the top of the 9th. Summerland also benefited from a pair of errors by the Blackhawks, resulting in 6 undeserved scores. 'Twas not a pleasant day for Valka and its hometown crowd.

Summerland was sparked at the plate by Pieter Van Dalen (.305 BA/3 HR/11 RBI), Rik De Graaf (.125 BA/1 HR/5 RBI), Aaron Quade (.418 BA/2 HR/14 RBI) and pinch hitter Dave Dunphy (.500 BA/2 RBI), all with 2 ribbies each. Van Dalen and De Graaf homered and Dunphy had a 2-run double. Gerrit Maas (.283 BA/1 HR/8 RBI) went 3 for 4, scored twice and drove in a score. Neither squad got good pitching. Joren Vanderzee (4-0/3.76 ERA) labored but logged his 4th postseason win. He worked into the 8th, gave up 4 runs on 7 hits and departed with a 6-4 lead. Plagued by poor control Rick Kenney (1-2/3.27 ERA/4 starts/22 IP) only lasted into the 4th frame, walked 6 and was tagged for 2 runs. His bullpen was hit hard by the Sunsets. Pacing the Blackhawks bats were Adam Dobkins (.306 BA/2 HR/13 RBI) with a 3-run blast and Bulldog Byers (.259 BA/2 HR/9 RBI) with a 2-run shot.

Game four and five are set again for Cybetel Park in Valka. This was the Blackhawks' first loss at home in the playoffs this season. They are 5-1 so far. Summerland continues to perform well on the road. They are 5-2.

[Eugene Church]

Saturday, October 23, 2093

SUMMERLAND'S PEGRAM PEERLESS, SHACKLES AND SHUTS OUT VALKA IN PRO CUP SERIES
Summerland's Paul Pegram has been off-and-on and up-and-down in this year's playoffs --- yeah buddy, he really was on yesterday at Cybertel Park in Valka in game four of the Pro Cup Series. Pegram hurled his second shutout, blanking the Valka Blackhawks 3-0 on just 3 hits, all singles. The 26-year-old right-hander improved his postseason mark to 2-3 and lowered his ERA to 3.48 ERA. Pegram fanned 4 and gave up 3 bases on balls. It was his 6th start. Overall he has worked 41 innings. Pegram has given up 5 postseason home runs. Longballs have been his burden. Gerrit Maas leadoff homer was all Pegram needed to give his club a huge three games to one lead in the best-of-seven series. One more victory and Summerland will score its very first Pro Cup Trophy.

Valka ace Jaan Veerpalu had a rocky start, allowing 3 runs in the first 4 frames, but then he settled down and match goose eggs with Pegram. Veerpalu (2-2/1.85 ERA/6 starts/44 IP) yielded 3 runs and 6 hits in 8 innings.

Gerrit Maas (.292 BA/2 HR/10 RBI) and Lucien Legrand (.255 BA/5 HR) had 2 hits apiece to top the Sunsets. Maas homered in the first frame. Pegram walked in the 3rd and was doubled in by Maas. In the 4th Legrand tripled and scored on De Graaf's (.136 BA/1 HR/6 RBI) base hit.

Summerland will be going for a three-game sweep on the road. Game five is set for Cybertel Park in Valka. Should the series go further, the Sunsets will get games six and seven at home at Sunset Stadium. Only a few times in the 93-year history of the Islandian Pro Alliance has a team come back from a 3-1 deficit in the postseason playoffs. It has happened just 6 times --- only twice in the Pro Cup Finals --- Far Mountain did it in 2011 and Kenwood in 2014.

Both clubs are setting pretty on the mound. Game five starters are Ruben Jans for the visiting Sunsets and Juan Serna for the homestanding Blackhawks. Both had super seasons. Jans was 18-11 with a 2.94 ERA, while Serna chalked up a 10-1 mark and an impressive 2.67 ERA. Both have stood out the playoffs, too. Jans is 2-0 in 5 starts with a superb 1.73 ERA in 36 innings pitched. Serna is also 2-0 in his 5 starts with a strong 1.62 ERA, while hurling 33 innings.

[Eugene Church]

Saturday, October 24, 2093

VALKA STILL ALIVE, CUTS SUMMERLAND LEAD TO 3-2
Yes indeed, it was a must win in game five of the IPA Pro Cup Series for the home team, the Valka Blackhawks. Rookie Juan Serna gritted out a 7-2 victory over the visiting Summerland Sunsets at Cybertel Field. Serna (3-0/1.51 ERA/6 starts/41 IP) benefited greatly from 5 twin killings to cut the Summerland advantage to three games to two. He gutted out 8 and one-third innings, walking 6 batters and giving up 8 hits, but holding the Sunsets to just 2 runs, only one earned. Eric Schuman got the last 2 outs in the 9th frame to put them away.

Valka lashed out 11 hits with Billy Joe Dwyer (400 BA/1 HR/5 RBI) leading the way with 4 hits. Kaja Jaakson (.164 BA/6 RI) and Raphael Paquet (.355 BA/1 HR/5 RBI) added 2 hits each. Paquet and Adam Dobkins (.291 BA/2 HR/15 RBI) drove in 2 runs apiece and Billy Joe Dwyer and Bulldog Byers (.226 BA/2 HR/10 RBI) provided an RBI each. Paquet doubled twice and Jaakson belted a triple. Garrit Maas (.294 BA/2 HR/12 RBI) tripled in all of Summerland's scores.

The losing pitcher was Ruben Jans (2-1/3.12 ERA/6 starts/40 IP). The Blackhawks banged him hard for 7 runs and 8 hits in just 4 innings.

The series will resume on the Summerland home turf, Sunset Stadium, for the rest of the games. The Sunsets are 5-2 at home in the playoffs, whie Valka is 4-4 playing out-of-town. Summerlans skipper Jayson Hallstrom will give the assignment to Rick Kenney (16-6/3.19 ERA). Valka manager Oleg Kotli has slated Joren Vanderzee (15-9/3.76 ERA) for the start. Kenney is 1-2 in 4 starts in the postseason with a 3.27 ERA and Vanderzee is 4-0 with a 3.76 ERA in 4 starts. He has prospered from the Sunsets' batting support. Vanderzee got credit for the 11-6 triumph by Summerland in game three. Kenney was roughed up badly in the defeat.

[Eugene Church]

Monday, October 26, 2093

2093 IPA Pro Cup Series - Game 6

FINALLY - SUMMERLAND IS IPA PRO CUP CHAMP
It took Summerland 92 seasons to finally win a Pro Cup Trophy. The Sunsets prevailed this year in 2093 by defeating the Valka Blackhawks four games to two in the Pro Cup Series. Summerland wrapped it up in game six at home, but they had to come back from a 5-3 deficit by scoring single runs in the 6th, 7th and 8th innings. The Sunsets finally subdued the Blackhawks 6-5 when pinch hitter Dave Dunphy (.500 BA/2 RBI) with two away and no one on base got a base hit in the bottom of the 8th frame and was doubled in by Gerrit Maas with the biggest hit of his career.

Summerland drew first blood in the opening inning when Boogie Bonham singled in Gerrit Maas with the first run of the game. Billy Joe Dwyer tied it up in the Valka 3rd with an RBI single, then Bulldog Byers blasted a 3-run homer boosting them into the lead 4-1. Summerland retaliated in the 3rd on an RBI single by Lucien Legrand and sac fly by Rik De Graaf, narrowing the Blackhawks lead to 4-3. Two scoreless frames followed until the top of the 6th when Jose Vasque made it 5-3 with a run-scoring hit that brought in Raphael Paquet. Not to be outdone the Sunsets came right back and made it 5-4 in the bottom half of the inning. Pinch hitter Billy Trublood plated Aaron Quade on a sacrifice fly ball. Summerland was blessed by good bullpen work from Duke Snijder and Gary Glanville. They blanked the Blackhawks the final 3 frames. Boogie Bonham boomed a big homer in the last of the 7th and deadlocked the score at 5-all, setting the stage for the sensational bottom of the 8th.

Duke Snijder (3-0/1.26 ERA/2 saves/11 RA/14 IP) notched the win with 2 innings of runless ball. Gary Glanville (1-1/1.64 ERA/1 save/8 RA/11 IP) finished off Valka with a perfect 1-2-3 top ot the 9th and logged the save. Eric Schuman (2-1/3.72 ERA/1 save/11 RA/19 IP) suffered the loss. It just wasn't his day. The Sunsets slammed him for 3 hits and the Pro Cup-winning score in the last of the 8th frame.

Summerland's offense stepped it up when they had to. The Sunsets socked 13 hits, led by Boogie Bonham (.353 BA/3 HR/14 RBI) with 3 hits, including his 3rd postseason homer. Four players cracked 2 hits apiece --- Gerrit Maas (.306 BA/2 HR/13RBI), Norris Chance (.273 BA/2 RBI), Lucien Legrand (.263 BA/6 RBI) and Hennie Hendriks (.237 BA/1 HR/8 RBI) with 2 two-baggers. Valka collected 9 hits, sparked by Bulldog Byers' (.227 BA/3 HR/13 RBI) 3-run rap, his 3rd playoff roundtripper. Billy Joe Dwyer (.386 BA/1 HR/6 RBI) and Jose Vasque (.207 BA/1 RBI) helped out with the other 2 ribbies.

Triumphant Summerland manager Jayson Hallstrom was beaming at the press conference, praising everybody in sight. "We won it primarily with our bats. Quade, Bonham, Maas and Van Dalen were our RBI guys. Even our pinch hitters were great, going 9 for 19 in the playoffs with 5 RBIs all coming at critical times. I can't say enough about Trueblood, Dunphy and Getchell. Ditto for the bullpen. Snijder, Glanville and Easterwood really did the job for us. And our starters always kept us in the game. It truly was a team effort. If we had hit like this in the previous years we made the playoffs, we might have 2 or 3 more Pro Cups".

Valka skipper Oleg Kotli echoed Hallstrom. "Their bullpen made the difference in the series. I was also impressed with the hitters, too. All were tough outs". Kotli added, "It's been a great season. But it is really heartbreaking to come this close to a Pro Cup Trophy and not get it." Sadly, the 92-year Pro Cup drought continues in Valka.

Kotli made no mention that he was missing two first stringers. We'll never know how it would have come out with shortstop Kolya Baturin (.286 BA/26 HR/81 RBI/89 R) and left fielder Timon Holmsten (.278 BA/14 HR/70 RBI/69 R) in the Blackhawk batting order. Prior to their season-ending injuries, Baturin was having a sensational postseason, batting a torrid .442 with 5 homers and 16 RBIs in just 10 games. Holmsten stood out with a .348 BA and 9 ribbies in 11 games.

[Eugene Church]

Tuesday, October 27, 2093

BONHAM EDGES SNIJDER FOR IPA PLAYOFF MVP
A modest, reliable and steady Summerland third baseman Boogie Bonham has been named the Islandian Pro Alliance Postseason Most Valuable Player for 2093. Bonham just barely beat out super closer Duke Snijder for this year's prestigious honor. However, Bonham was not just steady and consistent in the playoffs, he performed at the superstar level, leading the Summerland Sunsets to their very first Pro Cup Trophy. Two other players polled well in a very close ballot. Right fielder Gerrit Maas and center fielder Aaron Quade came in a close third and fourth in the voting.

Bonham hit a modest .277 in 136 games in the regular season with 11 homers and 64 RBIs, but he soared in the playoffs with a .353 BA in 17 games, going 24-68 with 3 HRs, 14 RBIs and 15 runs scored.

Snijder was fantastic in the regular season with a 19-10 mark in 96 games with 31 saves and 2.61 ERA. He didn't slow down in the postseason with a 3-0 record in 11 games with 2 saves, 14 IP and a 1.26 ERA. Both Bonham and Snijder were vital elements in the Sunsets' first Pro Cup victory.

So were Gerrit Maas, who batted .306 in 17 games with 22 hits in 72 ABs, 2 HRs, 13 RBIs and 9 runs and Aaron Quade, who excelled with a .400 BA, 2 HR/14 RBI and 7 runs in 17 games.
Quade was 26 for 65 at the plate.

Top-to-bottom the Summerland batting order did the job. Norris Chance, Pieter Van Dalen, Lucien Legrand, Rik De Graaf and Hennie Henriks also provided prime hits in the playoffs.

The Summerland offense may have been the key ingredient in the 2093 Pro Cup title run.

[Eugene Church]

Sunday, November 1, 2093

VOLUSIA CF BARCENAS AND BLUE LAKE LF MIXON HONORED WITH IPA GOLDEN BATS
At the age of 20, the Volusia center fielder Domingo Barcenas broke into the Islandian Pro Alliance with a big bang. He has been named the winner of the 2093 Ruthlandian Union Golden Bat Award. Blue Lake's star left fielder Marty Mixon was acclaimed this year's Tycobbian Union Golden Bat.

Barcenas, RU All-Star, had a .328 batting average and a .375 on-base percentage this year. In 150 games he piled up 188 hits, 42 doubles, 14 triples, 18 home runs, 101 RBIs, scored 95 runs scored and stole 9 bases. He finished 5th in batting average and RBIs. Barcenas led the Vigilantes to a fine season, winding up a close third and 3 and a half games back of the Forest City Firebirds in the RU West.

Second baseman Pokie Taggart (137 G/.321 BA/163 H/29 HR/100 RBI/101 R/19 SB) of the Taranto Tars finished second in voting, while RU All-Star second baseman Lenny Lang (150 G/.329 BA/189 H/25 HR/101 RBI/100 R) of the LaGrange Gators finished third. The Tars came in second to RU North champion Valmara, 5 GB. The Gators were in the third spot, winding up 7 games out in the pennant race.

Mixon, a TU All-Star, capped an impressive season for the Blue Lake Blue Caps by batting .341 in 154 games and paced the IPA with 205 hits. Mixon was 2nd in BA, losing by one point. He had 41 doubles, 9 triples, 13 homers, 84 ribbies and scored 92 runs. However, his Blue Caps wound up in 5th place, 21 games behind the TU North champion Hartsdale. No one came close to beating the Hellcats this year. They won in a runaway.

Cape Coral second sacker Barry Bondy came in second in the TU Golden Bat poll. In 141 games Bondy cracked 198 hits (2nd in IPA) for a .336 BA (4th) with 44 doubles, 9 triples, 16 homers, 98 RBIs and 107 runs (7th). The Hurricanes finished third, 19 GB behind TU South winner Summerland.

Following in third place in the Golden Bat balloting was Southport's talented center fielder Sam Smiley, who stood out with .319 BA and 196 hits (3rd in IPA) in 153 games. He topped the Tycobbian Union with 116 runs and the IPA with 17 triples. Smiley also had 36 doubles, 20 homers and drove in 89 runs with 13 SB. His Sun Sox ended up a distant second to division champ Summerland by 15 games. The Sunsets won the race in a rout.

[Eugene Church]

Monday, November 2, 2093

WHAT A RELIEF -- BOTH IPA GOLDEN ARMS WERE CLOSERS
For the first time in its 93-year history the Islandian Pro Alliance has given the coveted Golden Arm Awards to two relievers. Finally someone realized that the guys that come in late in the game when the game is on the line, can play an important part in the success of a team. It took great seasons by Dingo Ferrell and Duke Snijder for their clubs to be in the hunt for the pennant. Claxton's Dingo Ferrell was selected the best pitcher in the Ruthlandian Union, while Snijder was hailed as the top twirler in the Tycobbian Union.

In the Ruthlandian Union spotlight today is Dingo Ferrell of the Claxton Diamonds. The 23-year-old bullpen ace was presented the coveted Ruthlandian Union Golden Arm Award for 2093. He converted 36 saves with a 10-9 won-lost record and 2.58 ERA. He appeared in 91 games and struck out 81 in 143 innings. Teams batted .232 against Ferrell. He topped the entire IPA with 36 saves. The Diamonds ran second to the Valka Blackhawks in the RU South race, winding up 5 games back.

Big Boy Walker of the Forest City Firebirds finished second in best pitcher voting, while Jaan Veerpalu of the Valka Blackhawks finished third. Walker and Veerpalu were starters. Both of their teams won their divisions. Walker was 23-8 with a 2.53 ERA in 310 innings of work and 40 starts. Veerpalu wound up 20-8 with an impressive 2.42 ERA in 40 starts and 305 IP. Veerpalu led the RU in ERA, while Walker came in second.

The Tycobbian Union Golden Arm Award for 2093 went to Summerland Sunsets relief ace Duke Snijder. He had a dazzling season, making 96 relief appearances and nailing down 31 saves as he beat out all comers for the award. Snijder put up a season record of 19-10 and a solid 2.61 ERA. He struck out 96 in 135 innings, allowing 117 hits, 42 walks and a .234 average. Snijder sparked the Sunsets to the TU South title.

Javon Harbin of the Hartsdale Hellcats finished second in voting, while Geoff Tomczik of the Bay St. Clair Buccaneers finished third. Harbin paced the Hellcats to the TU North title with an IPA-best 25-3 mark and a 3.00 ERA. Tomczik toiled for the also-ran Buccaneers (74-80), who finished 5th and 18 GB behind division champ La Claire in the TU West. He was 18-14 in 311 innings with a fine 2.52 ERA. Teams only hit a woeful .210 against him.

[Eugene Church]

Tuesday, November 3, 2093

TOP IPA ROOKS' TROPHIES GO TO VOLUSIA'S BARCENAS AND CHICOPEE'S LEAPHORN
The IPA newcomers of the year have been chosen. The best rookies were Domingo Barcenas, center fielder for the Volusia Vigilantes and Joe Leaphorn, first sacker for the Chicopee Braves.

The 2093 Ruthlandian Union Rookie of the Year Award has gone to Volusia's Domingo Barcenas. In his debut season he hit .328 (5th), drove in 101 runs (5th) and scored 95 times, while playing in 150 games. The 20-year-old newcomer also had 42 doubles, 14 triples and 18 home runs. The V's finished a very close third in the RU West, 3 and a half games behind Forest City and Colfax.

Isaac Villard of the Fort Benton Cannons finished second in voting, while JW Harper of the Cold Creek Raccoons finished third. Villard batted .294 in 147 games with 33 doubles, 9 triples, 15 roundtrippers, 87 RBIs and scored 83 times. His Cannons contended for the RU West flag, but ended up in 4th place and 5 and a half games out. Cold Creek copped the RU East crown by 8 games over the Beechwood Blues. Left fielder JW Harper had a big part in it with a .273 BA in 145 games with 27 doubles, 14 triples, 21 homers, 86 RBI and 110 runs (2nd).

Joe Leaphorn, the rookie first baseman for the Chicopee Braves, assured himself of a place in Tycobbian Union history with a solid performance in the 2093 season. He now has a place reserved for him in the IPA league record book under "2093 Tycobbian Union Rookie of the Year."

The 20-year-old Chicopee newcomer took the trophy by hitting .317 in 142 games this season and finished with 154 hits, 15 home runs, 78 RBIs and 81 runs scored. Despite Leaphorn standout season, the Braves still stumbled in 4th at 77-77 and came in 15 games behind TU West winner La Claire.

Preacher Boyd of the Ozarka Naturals finished second in voting, while teammate Steve Shanford finished third. Boyd played left field for the Nats, hitting .306 in 143 games with 176 hits, 39 doubles, 16 triples (3rd) and 12 home runs. He batted in 58 runs and scored 110 times (3rd). Shanford played right field, played in 137 games with a .300 BA. 45 doubles (1st), 17 triples (1st), 12 HR/64 RBI/103 R/34 SB). Both contributed heavily to Ozarka's pennant-winning year in the Tycobbian East. They won it in a heated five-team battle, finally taking the title by 2 games over the East Point Panthers. Ozarka also fended off Tuckanarra, South Fork and High Mesa.

[Eugene Church]

Friday, November 6, 2093

IPA BEST MANAGER TROPHIES PRESENTED TO VALMARA'S ZAJAC AND HARTSDALE'S MARKIS
IPA skippers know they "are hired to be fired", but they take the jobs anyway. A couple of managers know that they probably will make it another season --- maybe? --- because they were named the 2093 Ruthlandian Union Manager of the Year and the 2093 Tycobbian Union Manager of the Year. The best RU skipper is Andre Zajac of the Valmara Vipers, while the top TU skipper is Mark Markis of the Hartsdale Hellcats.

The competition in the Ruthlandian Union was intense -- 5 managers got a lot of support -- but the honor went to Zajac, who led the Vipers to the RU North title, improving them from 80-74 and second place (27 GB) to 94-60 this season. They won by 5 games over Taranto. Vinnie Arcaro, the Tars skipper came in second in the voting. Taranto jumped from 72-82, 5th place (35 GB) to the runner-up spot with an 89-65 mark. Third in the tight vote was Olev Kotli, who sparked the Valka Blackhawks from 3rd place, 86-68 (1 GB) to the pennant in the RU South. His Blackhawks improved to 94-60 as they beat out Claxton (5 GB) and Grand City (6 GB). 4th in the best skipper balloting was Buzz Mauldin of the Cold Creek Raccoons. They moved from 74-80 (23 GB) to first place with a 91-63 mark. The Raccoons won the RU East by 8 games over the Beechwood Blues. Colfax rookie manager did well. He wound up 5th in the poll. His Black Sox leaped from 6th (22 GB) to a very close second spot. They almost beat out Pro Cup champion Forest City in the RU West. Colfax was beaten out in a single-game playoff, that's how close the Black Sox came to winning the pennant. They upped their season record from 73-81 to a dazzling 93-62.

There wasn't anything nearly as competitive in the Tycobbian Union. Only two skippers got votes, Mark Markis of the Hartsdale Hellcats and Jayson Hallstrom of the Summerland Sunsets. Either one deserved it. In a very, very close vote Markis was named the 2093 Tycobbian Union Manager of the Year. He took his Hellcats from 84-70 and third place in the TU North to 96-58 and ran away with the division flag by a whopping 17 games. Hallstrom dominated the TU South going from 95-59 and first place to another division crown and an ever better 99-55 mark. His Sunsets triumphed easily by 15 games. Hallstrom has won 6 straight pennants, while Markis has taken 3 in a row. This was the second time Markis has been honored as the best manager. He also won long ago in 2072. Both Markis and Hallstrom are retiring this year, thus avoiding the proverbial hatchett man. Markis has run Hartsdale since 2062. Hallstrom has handled Summerland since 2068. Hallstrom won the best manager award twice in his career (2088, 2090).