TYCOBBIAN UNION SEPTEMBER OUTLOOK
PRESEASON CHOICE HARTSDALE SLUMBERED EARLY, NOW SOARING HIGH IN TOP SPOT IN TU NORTH
It was a very slow start for the preseason favorite Hartsdale (23-25) in the Tycobbian North. But the Hellcats soon turned it around and by September first, they are in the top spot with a 2-game edge over rock-solid White River. Hartsdale really caught fire in July and August, putting up a sizzling 39-14 record to overtake the Rascals (30-22), who played very well, too. There are no other contenders in the TU North. It will be a photo finish between the Hellcats and the Rascals. Hartsdale will win it because the have the better attack. White River loses too many low-scoring games. They have the pitching to win, but not the bats.
SUNSETS REALLY SET IN TU SOUTH, HEADED FOR 4TH PENNANT IN A ROW --- AND JUST MAYBE --- THEIR FIRST-EVER PRO CUP TROPHY
Yes, indeed! Summerland is having a good time in the Tycobbian South. The Sunsets have won the division for the last three years in a row and they are a lead-pipe cinch to be headed for another one. Summerland cinched the pennant at the halfway mark, running up a 10-game margin over their biggest competitors, Southport and Arroyo Grande. Now the Sunsets are really set for September with an even bigger edge. Summerland is really set for the postseason playoffs. They will be one of the favorites to take the Pro Cup crown. The reason --- suddenly Summerland has a pretty darn good offense --- that was the culprit that cost them in the playoffs on recent years. In 2088 they fell in the Pro Cup Finals. In 2089 and 2090 the Sunsets lost to the eventual Pro Cup titlists in the TU Title Series. Yeah, buddy! This could be the Year of the Sunsets in the IPA. They won the pennant by a resounding 12 games last year and they just might do it again this year. It's all the way to the Pro Cup Trophy this year --- THEIR FIRST EVER!
SF STALLIONS RUNNING AWAY WITH TU EAST, SECOND STRAIGHT SEASON BY DOUBLE DIGITS
The South Fork Stallions are really on a roll. They won the 2088 TU East pennant by a comfortable 7 games, they won the 2089 pennant by 12 games and they are on track to do even better this year, soaring into September with a gaudy 17-game lead. In the preseason poll the baseball experts touted the Stallions as the odds-on favorite to win the TU title and a Pro Cup finalist along with the formidable Forest City Firebirds. Yes indeed, South Fork is better than ever with a good shot at the IPA Pro Cup Trophy. The 2091 postseason is shaping up as one of the best ever with likes of Forest City, South Fork, Summerland and La Claire.
PRO CUP CHAMP LA CLAIRE IN TIGHT BATTLE WITH ROLLING HILLS IN TU WEST
Who's the best in the Tycobbian West Division? Defending Pro Cup holder La Claire or perennial pennant-winning and Pro Cup-winning power Rolling Hills? The Racers have won 30 pennants and 10 Pro Cups. It's been almost 4 decades since they had a losing season (2054). Yeah, I know you don't win a pennant on tradition. It's what have you done lately --- mainly this season! It's been a seesaw battle between the Lynx and the Racers all season long. Both contenders left the rest of the division behind at midseason. Now it's just them heading for the homestretch. La Claire has been very consistent with no losing months. The Lynx have been 30-23 in July and August, while Rolling Hills has been 26-26. Here's the call --- in a photo finish --- La Claire wins by a nose! --- actually by 5 and a half lengths --- The Lynx have really fine pitching --- much better than the Racers. In addition, La Claire has enough offense to win a Pro Cup like they did last year --- the Lynx just might do it again this year. They are a good all-round ballclub.
