ISLANDIAN PRO ALLIANCE (RUTHLANDIA and TYCOBBIA BASEBALL UNIONS)

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Monday, September 10, 2001

Cameron RU Star of the Week
It was announced today that Sid Cameron was chosen the Ruthlandian Union Player of the Week Award. The Far Mountain center fielder wreaked havoc on opposing pitchers last week, pounding them for a .483 average (14-29) with 1 home run and 8 RBIs on his way to claiming the honor. In 2001 Cameron is batting .367 in 42 games with 1 home run and 24 RBIs. Cameron is a recent acquisition by the Redhawks. The 25-year-old outfielder joined the team on July 25.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Monday, September 10, 2001

Tycobbian Union - East Division

SF's Conner Fires 2-Hitter, Routs Hellcats 10-0
The top team in the Tycobbian Union East, the South Fork Stallions, demolished the Hartsdale Hellcats 10-0 as Ken Conner fired a 2-hit shutout. It was their 5th straight victory. Conner (15-8 2.63) struck out seven and gave up three walks in a superlative performance. The Stallions sizzled at the plate, too, rapping out 13 hits. Center fielder Ronnie Lee (.308) and first baseman Keith Burke (.288) smacked three hits apiece to lead the way. Right fielder Art Atkins (.313) cracked his 14th home run of the season and drove in four runs and third baseman Glenn Holliday (.284) had two RBIs. Hellcat starter Jackie Bond (6-6 3.82) was the loser, allowing five runs in less than three innings.

The Stallions (83-64) lowered their magic number to one. A South Fork win or a Ginza (80-67) loss will give the division championship to the Stallions. South Fork has a three-game edge with only three games to go. Hartsdale (66-81) is last in the TU East and is 17 games off the pace.

Ginza Gets by Cape Coral 2-1, Clinches Wild Card
Second place Ginza clinched a wild card slot today and is headed for the Elite 8 Series. The Ninjas also needed a win in the worst way to stay in the hunt for the TU East crown. Another loss would eliminate them from the division title chase. The Ninjas got another fine outing from Toshiharu Ito (17-8 2.74) to stay in the race with first place South Fork. Ito tossed a five-hitter to edge Cape Coral 2-1 at Ninja Stadium. He struck out six and walked four. Closer Ken Watkins (4-8 2.24) came on in the ninth and got credit for his 15th save, but surrendered two hits before finishing the Hurricanes off and stopped their winning string at four. Ito (.190) even drove in both of the Ginza runs with a triple in the fifth inning. 'Cane starter Jeff Salow (8-7 3.31) was strong, too, giving up only six hits and two runs, striking out five and allowing only two walks. Cape Coral outhit Ginza 7 to 6 in the game.

Ginza (80-67) trails South Fork (83-64) by three games with only three games to go in the regular season. The Stallions magic number is down to one. Cape Coral (73-74) is in third place in the division standings and can only make the playoffs by winning out the rest of the season and Blue Lake (76-70) losing all of their remaining games.

Montel Mows Down Nats, Luxora Wins 8-2
Lefthander Johnny Montel turned in a strong mound performance in an 8-2 decision over the Ozarka Naturals at Ellie Ewing Stadium. Montel (11-15 3.49) limited the Nats to eight hits, fanned four and gave up only one walk. Third baseman Rico Vina (.283) led the batters with 3-for-5, three RBIs and scored three times. Vina clubbed his 18th home run this year and right fielder Lacey Tompkins (.286) got number four. Center fielder Ronnie Patterson (.257) homered for Ozarka for their only runs. It was his 27th this season. Losing pitcher Luther Hatch (15-16 3.18) was coming off two straight shutouts, but faltered badly in this start. Hatch was knocked out in the second inning after yielding five runs.

The fifth place Zorros (69-78) climbed to within one game of fourth place Ozarka (70-77) with the win.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Monday, September 10, 2001

Tycobbian Union - West Division

Frogs Chop Magic Number to One in TU West
One more win will do it. The Fairfax Frogs chopped their magic number down to one with a 6-0 shutout over Blue Lake today at Harbor Stadium. One more win over the second place Blue Sox and the TU West title will go to Fairfax. Starter Kaz Hayagawa and relief specialist Takehide Takahashi teamed up to blank Blue Lake. Hayagawa (14-15 3.62) worked the first seven innings, allowed six hits, fanned seven and walked two for the victory, while Takahashi (11-6 1.37) held them to one hit over the final two frames. Leading the Frogs 11-hit attack were second baseman Cecil Parmenter (.337) with 3-for-4, left fielder Gator Davis (.270) had two RBIs, third baseman Stan Cobb (.303) connected for his 14th roundtripper and center fielder Billy Echevarria (.269) delivered two hits and scored twice. Blue Sox ace Jay Clay (15-7 3.21) suffered the loss, permitting five runs in four-plus innings.

Fairfax (79-68) is now three games in front of the runner-up Blue Sox (76-71) with only three to go. Blue Lake has a one-game edge over third place Bayview and Arlon in the battle for the last playoff position in the Tycobbian Union.

Lynx Derail Vikings 5-2, Orlando Wins It
It was a critical setback for the third place Bayview Vikings in their quest for a wild card spot in the Elite 8 Series. Kimo Orlando (7-10 3.24) derailed them 5-2, holding them to six hits in seven innings, allowing two runs with four Ks and no walks. Bayview's Jerry Harrison (14-12 3.67) took the loss, though none of the four runs he gave up was earned. The Viks committed three costly errors behind him. Harrison hurled seven innings and was tapped for seven hits, while fanning five and issuing one walk. Pacing the winners was third baseman Luis Marquez (.287) with two hits and two runs scored. Second baseman Darrell Boyce (.243), catcher Ronald Lynn (.257) and shortstop Dirk Lindahl (.274) chipped in an RBI apiece for La Claire. Center fielder Phil Kanaan (.297) and catcher Hank Bethel (.305) drove in the Vikings two runs.

Bayview (74-73) and Arlon (74-73) are tied for third in the standings and are two games back of second place Blue Lake (76-71) in the chase for the last playoff spot. Ginza (80-67) of the TU East clinched one of the two wild cards today. The La Claire Lynx (72-75) are fifth in the TU West Division and are 7 games out of first place with no playoff hopes.

Arlon Blanks Bucs 1-0, Detwiler's Double Wins It
Fourth place Arlon kept its bleak playoff hopes alive with a tense 1-0 triumph over the last place Bay St. Clair Buccaneers. Catcher Smoke Zakharov (.216) doubled with one away in the bottom of the eighth and was driven in by second baseman Karl Detwiler's (.298) double for the game-winning score. Connie Gavagan (7-7 2.12) notched the victory, but needed help from reliever Rod Kelley. Gavagan loaded the bases with one out in the ninth. Kelley pitched to one batter and got him to line into a double play to end the threat and the game. It was Kelley's 5th save of the season. The teams were all even with 7 hits each. Loser Duncan McFalls (10-8 3.30) pitched very well, allowing only one run and seven hits with five strikeouts and a walk.

Arlon's (74-73) win moved them into a third place tie with Bayview (74-73). Both the Champions and Vikings are 5 games in back of the Fairfax Frogs (79-68). The Buccaneers (66-81) are in last place in the TU West Division and 13 games behind. Arlon still has a remote chance for the last remaining wild card.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Monday, September 10, 2001

Ozarka's Braun Nabs TU Player of the Week Honors
The votes have been cast and counted and the winner of the Tycobbian Union Player of the Week has been chosen. It was presented earlier today to Teddy Braun for his red-hot week of hitting. The Ozarka center fielder took home the trophy by splurging with 15 hits in 31 at-bats for a .484 batting average, driving in 3 runs and scoring 8 times. So far this season Braun has 14 home runs and a .301 batting average.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Tuesday, September 11, 2001

Far Mountain, Marston and Ginza Clinch Elite 8 Berths
Three down and five to go. Three teams have clinched spots in the Elite 8 Playoff Series in the Islandian Pro Alliance. Two division winners and one wild card slot have been decided so far. Far Mountain won the Ruthlandian Union North and Marston claimed the Ruthlandian Union South, while the Ginza Ninjas took a wild card spot in the Tycobbian Union.

There are five more playoff positions left to be decided, two division winners and three wild cards. Division leaders South Fork of the TU East and Fairfax of the TU West are down to a magic number of one with three games left on the schedule. Teams in the running for the last wild cards are Forest City, Volusia, Valmara and Sugar Valley in the Ruthlandian Union and Blue Lake, Arlon, Bayview and Cape Coral in the Tycobbian Union.

The first round of the IPA playoffs is named the Elite 8, the second round is the Final Four and the championship series is the Islandian Pro Cup Series. Teams will play a best four-out-of-seven in each round of the Playoffs.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Tuesday, September 11, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - North Division

V's Stay Alive, Trim Redhawks 2-1
The second place Volusia Vigilantes took a huge step and stayed alive in the playoff race with a tight 2-1 triumph over the division-winning Far Mountain Redhawks. The V's are now a game in front of Sugar Valley and two games in front of Valmara for last wild card in the Ruthlandian Union with only two games to play. Raul Sandoval (18-15 3.15) won his third in a row, stopping the Redhawks on six hits and a run. Sandoval fanned 10, while walking only one in eight strong innings. Closer Ricky Moreno (4-5 1.97) nailed down his 26th save with a scoreless ninth inning. Shortstop Shane Wells (.368) scored both of the V's runs. He singled in the third, stole second and went to third on a single by Jojo Nunez (.265) and came in when first baseman Alejandro Salazar (.283) grounded into a double play. In the fifth Wells tripled and scored on Nunez's single. Far Mountain's only score came in the top of the eighth when right fielder Sid Cameron (.364) singled in shortstop Joey Cannizzaro (.330), who had doubled. John Luzzatti (19-9 3.30) pitched well enough to get his 20th win of the season, but went down to his 9th loss instead. Luzzatti held Volusia to two runs and seven hits in seven innings, when he left for a pinchhitter. The Vigilantes had the edge in hits 9 to 7.

Volusia (77-71) is the number two team in the RU North Division. The Vigilantes are vying for the final wild card with Sugar Valley (76-72) of the South Division and Valmara (75-73) of the North Division. Forest City (80-68) of the South Division captured the other RU wild card today.

Valmara Falls Again, A's Dim Playoff Hopes 4-3
Valmara continued its late-season swoon with its fourth loss in a row. Glasco portsider Jake Nyberg struck out nine and went the distance to dim Valmara's playoff hopes with the Athletics third straight victory. Nyberg (3-4 3.75) throttled the Vipers on eight hits in the 4-3 win at War Memorial Stadium in Valmara. The Athletics only got five hits off Jerry Yosarian and Danny Blauser. Yosarian (3-4 2.44) lost it, giving up four runs and four hits in seven innings, while Blauser (9-6 2.49) blanked the A's in the eighth and ninth. Second baseman Barry McCord (.299) hit a two-run homer in the fourth to put Glasco up 2-1. The A's took the lead for good with two runs in the seventh on catcher Scotty McPherson's RBI double and Nyberg's (.048) sacrifice fly. Valmara was led by shortstop Matt Mazurek (.274), who homered in the third for a 1-0 lead. The Vipers regained the lead in the fifth 3-2 when catcher Yoshi Motsuzuki (.306) and right fielder Jet Kazmarek (.317) swatted RBI singles.

Third place Valmara (75-73) will have to win its last two games of the season and hope that Volusia (77-71) loses its final two games just to tie them. They also have have Sugar Valley (76-72) of the South Division to contend with as well. A tie for the last wild card among multiple teams is possible in the Ruthlandian Union. Glasco (72-76) is now in fourth place and 10 games behind Far Mountain in the Ruthlandian Union North Division.

Elnora Buries Colfax 11-2, Peterson Homers Twice
Elnora's outstanding left fielder Quincy Peterson homered twice, drove in six runs and went over the 100 mark in RBIs today in the 11-2 runaway victory over the Colfax Blasters at State Fair Park. The big 6'6" southpaw Carl Costas (16-13 3.33) just breezed to his 5th consecutive win. He limited the Blasters to just four hits, struck out 11 and didn't give up a base on balls in a superb effort. Peterson (.303) went 3-for-5 and scored three times to lead the way for the All-Stars. He now has 28 roundtrippers this year and 102 RBIs. Right fielder Paul Giles (.284) hit his 30th homer for the season. Andy Haig (1-2 3.38) was the losing pitcher. He was blasted for five runs in four-plus innings. Colfax first baseman Dennis Cole (.322) gave them an early 2-0 lead in the fourth with his 38th home run.

With the loss, Colfax (71-77) sank to fifth place, 11 games behind first place Far Mountain (82-66), while Elnora (67-81) is in the basement and 15 games out.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Tuesday, September 11, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - South Division

'Jacks Playoff-Bound, Stop Waleska's Win Streak
The Forest City Lumberjacks are playoff-bound. They cooled off red-hot Waleska 7-5 today at Riverside Stadium to put a stop to their five-game winning streak to capture a wild card spot in the Elite 8 Series. The Lumberjacks jumped out to a 7-2 lead after five innings and then held off the Westerners. Waleska put a lot of runners on base with 15 hits to just 10 for the 'Jacks, but couldn't come through in the clutch. They stranded 11 baserunners. Herm Bahr (16-7 3.50) was the winning pitcher, despite permitting 13 hits and three walks in eight innings. Bahr bent, but he didn't break. He only gave up four earned runs. Timmy Brooks (5-6 2.00) got his 13th save, but he also struggled to close the game out. Brooks allowed two hits, a walk and a run in the ninth, before he finished the Westerners off. First baseman J. T. Edmonds (.302) hit his 21st homer for Forest City and drove in three runs in the game. Center fielder Ryan Morse (.340) added in two more RBIs and shortstop Pops Keller (.285) and third sacker Jesse Pearson (.239) chipped in one RBI each. Pacing the Westerners were center fielder Rick Vaughn (.300) with 4-4 and catcher Mac Wilkins (.229) with two hits and two runs batted in.

The Lumberjacks (80-68) are in second place in the Ruthlandian Union, 3 games behind the regular season winner, the Marston Nine (83-65).

Rattlers Stop Marston 5-1, Wild Card Possible
Third place Sugar Valley remained in the chase for a playoff spot with a 5-1 win over the pennant-winning Marston Nine. Righthander Harvey Hines (15-15 3.86) came through in the pinch with a strong performance. Hines went the route and gave up only one run on six hits for his 15th victory, Casey Ledbetter (15-14 3.55) copped the loss in his tune-up for the playoffs. Ledbetter didn't give up an earned run as the Rattlers hit him around for five hits and four runs in just three innings. Center fielder Freddie Vaux (.351) sparked Sugar Valley at bat with a double and a triple, while catcher Slingshot McFall (.268) and newcomer Frank Horak (.500) had two hits and an RBI apiece.

The Rattlers (76-72) will need some help from Far Mountain (82-66), the RU North Division winner, to grab the last playoff spot for the Elite 8 Series. Sugar Valley trails the Volusia Vigilantes (77-71) by a game in the wild card race with only two games to go.

Sunbirds Slip By Diamonds 2-1
Both Claxton manager Clem Rogers and Belair Beach skipper Marty Pedrosa used makeshift line-ups today, giving backups a chance to show their stuff. The Sunbird second stringers slipped by the Diamonds-in-the-Rough 2-1 as Dirk Garrett (5-8 3.77) tossed a fine complete-game victory. Garrett limited Claxton to just five hits and finished up with one walk and six Ks. Tetsunori Nagashima (15-12 4.29) went all the way and suffered a tough loss. He gave up 11 hits, but surrendered only two runs. Pinchhitter Phil Gravelli (.335) singled in third baseman Dom Corbelli (.287) with the winning run in the bottom of the ninth.

By winning, Belair Beach (68-80) gained sole possession of fifth place in the RU South Division. The Sunbirds are 15 games out of first place, while Claxton (67-81) slipped to last place, 16 games off the pace.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Tuesday, September 11, 2001

Tycobbian Union - East Division

SF Wins 6th Straight, Dumps Hellcats 5-2
TU East Division champions, the South Fork Stallions, notched their 6th straight win with a 5-2 victory over last place Hartsdale. It was the Hellcats fourth defeat in a row. Lefty Vince Bernini (12-6 2.48) shackled them on six hits, fanned six and gave up no walks. Stallion right fielder Kris Gervais (.237) drove in three runs with a pair of base hits, while second baseman Rick Tsoukalis (.280) had two hits, scored twice and batted in a run. South Fork ripped Tal Vaitkus (7-6 3.08) for five runs and ten hits in his seven innings, although he gave up only one earned run. Center fielder Dan Rogers (.292) slugged a two-run homer for the Hellcats only runs.

First place South Fork (84-64) is now 18 games up on the last place Hartsdale Hellcats (66-82).

No Playoffs for Cape Coral Despite Victory
Going into the late innings, third place Cape Coral trailed second place Ginza 5-0 at Ninja Stadium, but the Hurricanes rebounded with a five-run outburst in the top of the eighth to tie the game and send it into overtime, then won it 7-5 in the tenth. But to no avail, Cape Coral was eliminated today in the chase for the last wild card in the Tycobbian Union when Bayview won its game. Closer Tommy Archer (.250) doubled in the winning run in the tenth inning and third baseman Spook Estes (.259) added an insurance run with a single. It was Estes' third hit in the game. Cape Coral first baseman Royce Wooten (.297) and second baseman Howie Winters (.245) drove in two runs each. Archer (3-1 0.55) picked up the win with two scoreless frames. Kenny Nishimura (0-2 1.13) worked the tenth inning and allowed two unearned runs on two hits for the loss. Kojiro Matsumoto (19-11 3.00) was sailing along with a 5-0 lead in the eighth, but failed to hold it and get his 20th victory. He was touched for eight hits and picked up the loss. At bat Charlie Campbell (.291) laced four hits, scored two and batted in two for the Ninjas, including a solo homer, his 19th.

The third place Hurricanes (74-74) evened their season mark and are now 10 games behind South Fork (84-64). The playoff-bound Ginza Ninjas (80-68) are runner-up in the TU East and trail by 4 games. Cape Coral needed Bayview (75-73) of the TU West to lose today to stay in the fight for the last wild card playoff position.

Z's Swanson Whips Nats 3-2
In his first start of the season Sparky Swanson (1-0) of Luxora rose to the occasion and whipped Ozarka 3-2 for the Zorros third consecutive win. Swanson, a recent addition to the Zorros roster, struck out 10, walked four and allowed 8 hits for his first career win in the IPA. The Z's trailed 2-0 after six innings, but scored single runs in the last three innings for the victory. Closer Roberto Martinez (11-5 1.78) got out of a bases-loaded situation in the bottom of the ninth to seal the win for Swanson. It was his 12th save. Center fielder Tommy Fortunato (.266) doubled in shortstop Vince Cooper (.279) from second base with the winning run in the top of the ninth. Tony Didriksen (12-17 3.73) pitched a solid game, but lost his 9th straight decision. Didriksen went the route, gave up only two earned runs and eight hits. Cooper led the Luxora hitters in the game with three hits, including his 4th homer. First baseman Floyd Snow (.251) and second baseman Duane Starr (.270) both homered for Ozarka. It was Snow's 22nd and Starr's 15th roundtrippers.

The triumph put Luxora (70-78) and Ozarka (70-78) back into a tie for fourth in the TU East, 14 games behind the champions, South Fork (84-64). It was the Naturals third loss in a row.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Tuesday, September 11, 2001

Tycobbian Union - West Division

Orgeron Homers Twice, Blue Sox Beat Frogs 7-2
Blue Lake shortstop Cy Orgeron (.278) homered twice and Happy McManus held Fairfax to just one run in eight innings to beat the Frogs 7-2 and climb to within two games of first place in the TU West with just two games to play. Orgeron smashed his 11th and 12th home runs and drove in four runs to pace the Blue Sox to victory. McManus (5-2 2.45) fanned seven, walked three and allowed nine hits, but got the win. McManus left with the score 6-1 in his favor. Clint McPherson (5-5 4.35) gave up a pinchhit homer to Tuck Hawkins in the top of the ninth, but still managed to get out with no more damage. Losing pitcher Jackie Leslie (16-12 3.92) was trying to clinch the division title, but struggled even though he pitched the complete game. Blue Lake tagged him for seven runs on eight hits, but only three of them were earned. Fairfax committed four errors behind him.

Fairfax's (79-69) magic number is still at one. A Frog win or a Blue Sox loss will give Fairfax the division flag. Blue Lake (77-71) trails them by 2 games. The Blue Sox can get into the playoffs via a wild card with just one more victory or a Bayview (75-73) loss.

Viks Coleman Homers for 7-4 Win Over Lynx
Bayview's slugging first baseman Dwayne Coleman hit a lot of homers this season, but none sweeter than today in the bottom of the ninth. Coleman (.286) hammered his 45th of the year to beat La Claire 7-4 and keep the Vikings in the hunt for the last remaining wild card in the Tycobbian Union. Coleman snapped a 4-4 tie with a three-run homer. It also gave him the home run lead in the IPA. Monoto Kishata (7-11 3.62) was the victim of the game-winner. He gave up four runs in one-third of an inning. Jesus Carvajal (10-9 4.56) got credit for the win with a 1-2-3 ninth, striking out two. Center fielder Phil Kanaan (.298) had two hits and two RBIs for the winners, while second baseman Alan Hansen (.368) and Dean Howell (.280) had two hits each and scored twice. Lynx third baseman Luis Marquez (.289) topped them with two hits and two RBIs, including his 20th roundtripper this season. Left fielder Rich Hart (.269) chipped in three hits and scored twice. La Claire outhit the Vikings 11 to 10.

Bayview (75-73) has to win its last two games and Blue Lake (77-71) lose its final two games for them to tie the Blue Sox for the final wild card. Blue Lake is in second place in the Tycobbian Union West, 2 games behind Fairfax (79-69), while the Vikings are third and 4 games back.

No Wild Card for Champs, Bucs Shoot Them Down 3-1
The Bay St. Clair Buccaneers shot down any playoff chance for the Arlon Champions today with a 3-1 victory. The Bucs won on first baseman George Lyons' (.262) game-winning tenth-inning double off Jeff Nieman. Second baseman Tony Mann (.317) added an insurance RBI single. Nieman (10-8 1.51) took the loss. He allowed three hits and two runs in his one and two-thirds innings. Bay St. Clair closer Chris Van Arden (7-4 3.05) did his job by getting the last six outs in order. Mann topped the Buccaneer batters with 2-for-4 and two RBIs. Both ballclubs got good starts from Norm Gross (16-10 3.34) and Craig Smith (16-13 3.56). They battled to a 1-1 tie for eight innings and had the same stats with Gross going for the Bucs and giving up five hits and no earned runs and Smith doing the same for the Champs.

Arlon (74-74) is in fourth place in the TU West, 5 games off the pace. The Champions were eliminated from playoff consideration with today's defeat. Bay St. Clair (67-81) is in the cellar and 12 games behind.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Wednesday, September 12, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - North Division

Volusia Nips Redhawks 3-2 on Anderson's Hit
It was another nailbiter for Volusia, but the Vigilantes came through and pulled out a 3-2 triumph over Far Mountain at the Jailhouse. The victory kept the V's a game ahead of Sugar Valley of the South Division for the last wild card playoff spot with one game to go. In the last of the ninth, right fielder Lonnie Howard (.251) reached base on an infield error, stole second and rode home on Bennie Anderson's (.248) single to win it. Closer Ricky Moreno (5-5 1.91) had a lot of baserunners, but held the Redhawks scoreless over the final two innings. He gave up a hit and walked three batters, but survived it for the win. Mike McCabe (6-5 2.33) suffered the loss, giving up one run, one hit and two walks in one and one-third innings.

Volusia (78-71) is in the runner-up spot in the RU North, trailing the pennant-winning Far Mountain Redhawks (82-67) by 4 games. A victory tomorrow will send the V's to the Elite 8 playoffs.

Vipers Out of Playoffs, A's Win 5-2
The Glasco Athletics picked up their fourth straight triumph with a 5-2 decision over the fading Valmara Vipers, who went down to defeat for the sixth game in a row, costing them a playoff position. Jerry Smith (17-17 3.27) was the winning pitcher. He scattered ten hits and went the distance, allowing no earned runs. Smith outpitched Erich Ptacek (2-5 3.05), who lost his third consecutive game. Ptacek worked seven innings and was touched for four runs on seven hits.

Valmara (75-74) will finish third in the Ruthlandian Union North, but will not make the playoffs. The final wild card will go to Volusia (78-71) of the North Division or Sugar Valley (77-72) of the South Division. The Vigilantes have a game edge going into the last day of the regular season. Glasco (73-76) is fourth in the standings and is 9 games out.

Blasters Top All-Stars 6-3, LaForge Winner
The Colfax Blasters topped Elnora 6-3 with a three-run eighth inning, highlighted by second baseman Tucker Hill's two-run single. 19-year-old Jasper LaForge (2-2 2.31) sat down the All-Stars on seven hits and was backed up by a 10-hit attack, led by first baseman Dennis Cole's 39th home run. Second baseman Gil Foster (.346) went 2-for-4 and drove in two runs to pace Elnora. The All-Stars 19-year-old southpaw Kenny Kerr (3-4 2.39) got rough treatment from Colfax as he was battered for six runs in eight innings.

The fifth place Blasters (72-77) are 10 games out of first place, while Elnora (67-82) is last and 15 games behind in the RU North standings.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Wednesday, September 12, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - South Division

SV Stays in the Playoff Hunt, Rips Marston 7-2
Third place Sugar Valley stayed in the wild card hunt by ripping the RU North champs 7-2 at Legends Field today. Val Watford (4-1 2.87) struck out 9 and permitted 7 hits in chalking up the victory. The Rattlers racked up 14 hits and were led by center fielder Freddie Vaux (.353) and right fielder Tommy Sonnier (.270) with three hits each, including a home run. It was number 9 for Vaux and number 18 for Sonnier. Marston's best bat belonged to a pitcher, Vinnie Gardner (.333), who hit his first career homer. Otherwise the Nine was pretty much silent. Larry Blauer (0-2 3.93) was the loser and yielded seven runs in five-plus frames.

The Sugar Valley Rattlers (77-72) are third in the RU South, 6 games behind the top club, the Marston Nine (83-66). The Rattlers are a game back of the Volusia Vigilantes of the RU North in the battle for the last wild card in the Ruthlandian Union.

FC's Marsh Spins 1-Hitter, 'Jacks Rout Waleska 9-1
Manager Robbie Jackson gave most of the regulars the day off to rest up for the Elite 8 Playoffs. He also gave his frontline pitchers the day off and sent newcomer Johnny Marsh to the mound for his first start. And what a start it was - Marsh (1-0 0.86) got his first career IPA victory by beating Waleska 9-1 on a one-hitter. Wiz Taylor's (.278) RBI single in the third inning was the only hit he gave up. Marsh, a 27-year-old righthander, fanned four and walked two in going the distance. The 'Jacks attack was led by catcher Ronnie Herring (.254) with two hits and three RBIs and shortstop Nolan Ritter (.357) with two hits and two runs batted in. Center fielder Jason Dampier (.182) and right fielder Benny Davis (.278) contributed two hits each and scored twice. Taking the loss was Smokey Joe Carter (18-14 3.32), who surrendered seven runs on seven hits in just five innings.

Second place Forest City (81-68) cut Marston's (83-66) lead in the RU North to 2 games. Waleska (70-79) is in the fourth spot in the standings and trails by 13 games. Marston has already won the division title, while the Lumberjacks nabbed a wild card. Both clubs will participate in the Elite 8 Playoffs, seeking the IPA Cup, emblematic of the top baseball team in the Islands.

Sunbirds Edge Diamonds 4-3 behind Thompson
Lefty Carl Thompson was on top of this game as his Belair Beach Sunbirds edged Claxton 4-3 at Bayside Park. Thompson stopped them on just two hits and a run, while fanning seven and issuing three bases on balls in eight innings. He didn't give up an earned run. Lou Zanelli (8-9 3.61) pitched the ninth and was slammed for three hits and two runs, but he finally closed the door and held onto the win for Thompson. Shortstop Danny Church (.247) doubled and homered to drive in three runs for the Sunbirds. Third baseman Mike Janocko (.247) also had two hits and an RBI for the winners. Right fielder Dixie Baker (.292) made it close with a two-run homer in the ninth. It was his 38th this season. 19-year-old Ernie Garland (2-4 3.57) went the route and went down to defeat, permitting four runs and six hits.

Belair Beach (69-80) is the number five team in the RU South, 14 games behind the division champions, the Marston Nine (83-66). The Claxton Diamonds (67-82) are dead last and 16 games off the pace.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Wednesday, September 12, 2001

Tycobbian Union - East Division

Stallions Get 7th Straight Win, Edge Hellcats 2-1
The top club in the TU East again rested their regulars and still won its 7th game in a row. The South Fork Stallions edged Hartsdale 2-1 with some impressive pitching by starter Ken Olson (16-14 2.93), who stymied the Hellcats on six hits and one run in his eight innings. Bullpen ace Glenn Turnbull (7-5 2.66) came on in the ninth and closed out the victory. He struck out two batters and gave up no runs. After a walk, a sacrifice and a two-base error put Hartsdale ahead 1-0, the Stallions came back in the fourth with two runs and made them stand up the rest of the game. A bases-loaded single by left fielder Lyle Lindsay (.348) tied the score in the fifth. After a forceout at home, shortstop Bobby Riley (.249) grounded out and plated the winning run. Losing pitcher Phil Reed (16-11 3.14) deserved a better fate. He went the distance and only gave up two runs on seven hits, but failed to get good bat support.

With the win, the division champions, South Fork (85-64), increased its lead to 5 games over the second place Ginza Ninjas (80-69). Both ballclubs are playoff-bound. Hartsdale (66-83) is 19 games off the pace and is in the division basement. The Hellcats have dropped the last five games.

'Canes Win in 10, 6-5 Over Ginza
Tenth-inning RBI singles by center fielder James Middleton (.282) and left fielder Rob Kelly (.303) sparked Cape Coral to a 6-5 victory over Ginza at Ninja Stadium. The Hurricanes scored two in the top half of the inning to take a 6-4 lead and then held off the Ninjas rally in the bottom of the tenth. Reliever Scotty Lohmeyer (4-6 3.01) tossed four shutout innings for the win and the loss went to Vic Rousakis (16-16 4.13), who was slapped around for two runs and three hits in the tenth. Joey Martin (0-3 3.44) got his third save, but gave up one run, two hits and a walk before finishing off the Ninjas. Shortstop Kenny Hall (.224) collected his 7th homer for the Hurricanes and first baseman Mitsuru Takaki (.143) knocked his 4th for Ginza.

Second place Ginza is headed for the IPA playoffs and is now 5 games behind the TU East titlist, the South Fork Stallions (85-64). Cape Coral is in the third spot in the standings and 10 games out.

Zorros Extend Streak to 4 Games, Beat Nats 3-1
In Ozarka, the Luxora Zorros extended their winning streak to four games with a 3-1 triumph over the Naturals at Ellie Ewing Stadium. Eddie Hoffman (3-4 2.44) came on in relief of the injured Ken Callahan (16-12 3.31) in the second inning and fired six scoreless innings for the win. Hoffman struck out five and walked one. Andy Stevens (4-7 3.16) registered his second save of the season by getting the last five outs. Sid Hyder pitched well, but was done in by second baseman Paco Benitez's (.260) two-run homer in the fifth inning that snapped a 1-1 tie. Hyder (10-5 2.79) worked eight innings, allowed five hits, fanned six and gave up one walk. Center fielder Teddy Braun (.300) accounted for Ozarka's only run in the opening frame with his 15th roundtripper of the year.

Luxora (71-78) is fourth in the TU East standings and trails the top team, South Fork, by 14 games. Ozarka (70-79) is 15 games out of first and in fifth place. The Naturals have been defeated in the last four games.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Wednesday, September 12, 2001

Tycobbian Union - West Division

Blue Sox Win Epic Duel With Frogs 1-0 in 11
Second place Blue Lake won an epic duel 1-0 in eleven innings over the first place Fairfax Frogs in the rain at Harbor Stadium to shave their division lead to just a single game going into the final day of the regular season. Center fielder Donnie Frazier (.281) tripled in shortstop Cy Orgeron (.283) with the winning run in the bottom of the eleventh. Three Blue Sox hurlers held Fairfax to just four hits, while striking out 11 batters. Closer Paddy O'Rourke (2-0 1.80) pitched the last inning for the win. Bennie West (19-10 2.87) started and worked the first six and two-thirds innings, allowing two hits and fanning six. Neil Krogstad (5-7 3.16) followed West and pitched the next three and one-third innings, giving up one hit and striking out four. Frog pitchers also piled up 11 Ks. Takehide Takahashi (11-7 1.45) took the loss, giving up a walk and a triple that led to the winning run in the last of the eleventh. Robbie Meredith (15-9 2.92) worked five and one-third frames, allowed six hits, while fanning seven. Bobby Ray Trent (7-7 4.46) checked Blue Lake on two hits for the next three and two-thirds innings. The Blue Sox got 9 hits in the game. Orgeron was 3-for-4.

The regular season could end in a tie, if Blue Lake (78-71) wins tomorrow's game. Fairfax (79-70) is one game up in the Tycobbian West Division. The Blue Sox victory eliminated Bayview from playoff contention. Both the Frogs and Blue Lake will advance to the Elite 8 Series, one as the champion and one as the wild card.

Viks Wells Blanks Lynx 8-0 on 7-Hits
Righthander Frank Wells weaved his magic today at Downtown Plaza Stadium in Bayview, shutting out the La Claire Lynx 8-0 on a 7-hitter. Nonetheless, the Vikings were eliminated from playoff contention, when Blue Lake won today. Wells (13-11 3.53) fired his second shutout of the season, He walked no one and had two strikeouts. Bayview backed him up with a 12-hit barrage, led by right fielder Dean Howell (.286) with four hits, two RBIs and two runs scored. Left fielder Glenn Burns (.298) drove in two runs with a sacrifice fly and a two-run single and center fielder Phil Kanaan (.297) had a two-run homer, his 11th on the year. Alan Hansen (.369), the top hitter in the IPA, went 2-for-4, scored four times and batted in a run. Tony Nygaard (12-10 3.67), the top strikeout artist in the Tycobbian Union, went down to defeat. In a poor outing, he was pounded for five runs in two-plus innings.

The Vikings (76-73) are third in the TU West Division and are only three games behind first place Fairfax (79-70). La Claire (72-77) holds the fifth spot in the standings and is 7 games off the pace.

Champs Hold on for 5-4 Victory Over Buccaneers
Arlon bolted out to a 4-0 lead after two innings and increased it to 5-0 after six innings, then had to hold on to beat Bay St. Clair 5-4. Ace Howe (13-12 3.00) hurled seven good innings for the victory, permitting just two runs on seven hits. Howe exited with a 5-2 lead. Closer Jeff Nieman (10-8 1.49) struggled again and gave up two unearned runs in the eighth, but Tony Zaretti (0-0 3.10) saved it for Howe with a scoreless ninth. Zaretti fanned two in the inning to wrap it up. Catcher Smoke Zakharov (.223) went 3-3 with two RBIs and his 12th roundtripper. Howe (.190) also contributed with his bat, driving in two runs with a double. Adam Lundgren (9-7 3.18) was the losing pitcher. He was slammed for four runs in just two innings.

The fourth place Champions (75-74) are only 4 games in back of the TU West's top team, Fairfax (79-70). The Bay St. Clair Buccaneers (67-82) are sixth and last in the division, 12 games out.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Thursday, September 13, 2001

5 Teams Playoff-Bound, 3 Spots Left
The IPA Elite 8 playoffs are just around the corner. Five teams have already qualified for the first round playoffs. Two division winners, Far Mountain and Marston, and wild card Forest City will represent the Ruthlandian Union. The last slot will go to Volusia or Sugar Valley. The Vigilantes have a one-game edge in that race. All Volusia has to do to capture the playoff spot is to win their last game of the season. Both clubs will have to beat the division winners in the season finale. The V's will play Far Mountain at home, while the Rattlers will be on the road at Legends Field in Marston. If Volusia loses and Sugar Valley wins, a playoff game will have to be played between them to decide the second wild card team. Rghthander Pat Brown (3-5 3.31) will start for the Redhawks, while righthander Tommy Betanzos (3-2 2.15) will be on the mound for the V's. In the Sugar Valley-Marston matchup there will be two 20-game winners opposing one another. Ron Benson (23-11 2.97), a righty, starting for the Rattlers and Nick Page (20-13 3.00), a righthander, going for the Nine.

Over in the Tycobbian Union only two clubs have clinched so far. The South Fork Stallions have won the East Division title, while the Ginza Ninjas have nailed down a wild card spot. The last two playoff positions will go to the Fairfax Frogs and the Blue Lake Blue Sox, but they will have to battle to see who goes as the division champion and who goes as the second wild card. The first place Frogs have a one-game edge over the second place Blue Sox going into the last day of the regular season. They will tangle with one another at Harbor Stadium in Blue Lake with righthander Kaz Hayagawa (14-15 3.62) going for Fairfax and righthander Jay Clay (15-7 3.21) on the hill for the Blue Sox. If Fairfax prevails, no playoff will be necessary. If Blue Lake wins, the two clubs will have to play off to see who win the division crown.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Thursday, September 13, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - North Division

Volusia Loses, But Still Gets Wild Card
At the Jailhouse in Volusia, the Vigilantes failed to win on the last day of the regular season, but fate was good to them, they still got a wild card spot in the Elite 8 Series. The Sugar Valley Rattlers also lost to clear the way for Volusia. Far Mountain and the V's battled long and hard before the Redhawks won 4-3 in seventeen innings on an error, a walk and another error. The Vigilantes committed five errors in the game and gave up three unearned runs. Hummer Romig (2-3 4,14) held the V's to one hit and no runs over the last three innings to collar the win. Manny Seguin (3-2 3.13) suffered a tough setback, allowing one unearned run in three and two-thirds innings of good relief work. Volusia had the edge in hits over Far Mountain 13 to 12. Only one home run in the game, that belonged to Volusia left fielder Winky Rush (.285). It was a solo shot and his 13th roundtripper overall.

Volusia first baseman Alejandro Salazar (.285) tied the record with three doubles. He is the eighth player to accomplish that feat. The others are Donnie McCoy and Marty McCluskey, both of Claxton, Scoop McDonald of Ginza, Scooter Perez of Volusia, Jerry Keller of Arlon, Yoshihide Nishida of Waleska and Chris Deangelo of Marston.

Skipper Alex Groveland guided Far Mountain (83-67) to the RU North crown. The Redhawks won it by 5 games over runner-up Volusia (78-72). Both ballclubs will now head to the playoffs. The V's finished one game ahead of Sugar Valley (77-73) in the tight wild card race.

Valmara's Zalewski Wins 20th
Valmara's 34-year-old righthander Zarek Zalewski finished a fine season in style with his 20th win of the year. Zalewski (20-7) limited Glasco to just three hits in six innings to pick up a 9-1 victory. Gerry Wojcik (6-4 4.78) relieved him in the seventh and got his third save with three scoreless innings. The Viper bats had no trouble with A's pitching as they roughed them up for 12 hits, led by left fielder Louis Sharp (.318) with four RBIs, first baseman Yank Jankowski (.283) with three RBIs and center fielder Jan Szymanski (.261) with a pair of runs batted in. Jankowski hit his 13th homer of the season, the only one in the game. Losing pitcher Jesse Balfour (16-12 2.70) left after five innings trailing 3-0. He allowed three runs on seven hits, walked three and fanned seven.

The Vipers (76-74) under manager J. Samuel Jackson finished up the season in third place and came close to a playoff berth. A late-season 3-7 swoon cost them a wild card. Valmara finished 7 games behind first place Far Mountain (83-67). Glasco (73-77), skippered by McDuffie Hughes, ended the year in fourth place, 10 games off the pace.

Colfax Defeats Elnora 4-3 in Season Finale
The Colfax Blasters only got five hits, but they made them pay off in a 4-3 decision over last place Elnora. Catcher Jeff Cook (.240) clouted his 10th home run and first baseman Dennis Cole (.323) delivered two hits and an RBI to pave the way to victory. Flash Guidry (16-17 3.56) went the distance, struck out nine, walked two and scattered eight hits for the win. Tyrone Gray (9-18 4.46) took his fourth loss in a row, giving up three runs and three hits in six innings. Gray struck out eight batters, but was quite wild and walked seven. All-Star right fielder Paul Giles was 2-3 with his 31st homer. Giles drove in two runs and scored once. Center fielder Rusty Gilbert (.279) drilled three hits, scored a run and batted in a run.

Colfax (73-77) wrapped up the season in fourth place and tied with the Glasco Athletics (73-77), both of them 10 games behind in the pennant chase. Elnora (67-83) concluded the year in the RU North basement, 16 games off the pace.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Thursday, September 13, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - South Division

Marston Knocks Sugar Valley Out of Playoffs
For the second time in a week, two 20-game pitchers were pitted against one another. This time it was what was expected, a fine pitchers' duel. This time around Nick Pace got his IPA-leading seventh shutout, blanking Ron Benson and the Sugar Valley Rattlers 2-0 at Legends Field in Marston. Pace (21-13 2.90) quinched Sugar Valley's playoff aspirations with a five-hitter, fanning three and walking none. Benson (23-12 2.92) acquited himself well, yielding just five hits and one earned run in going the route. Benson had two walks and eight strikeouts. Third baseman Roland Thomas (.359) drove in both runs for the Nine. He got the first one in the first inning via a groundout and doubled in the second one in the third inning.

In 2001 thus far, Pace has tossed 291 innings in 38 starts, fanned 194 batters, walked 95 and put up a 2.90 ERA with 21 wins and 13 losses.

Manager Johnny Walters led the Marston Nine (84-66) to the Ruthlandian Union South championship. The Nine finished 3 games in front of second place Forest City (81-69). Both clubs are in the Elite 8 playoffs. Sugar Valley (77-73) tailed off to a 3-7 mark in the last days of the campaign and and missed the playoffs by just a game, ending up in third, 7 games behind.

Westerners Bomb Lumberjacks 11-4
At Riverside Stadium in Forest City the playoff-bound Lumberjacks were bombed 11-4 by Waleska. Left fielder Big Hoss Burkhalter (.297) rapped three hits, scored three runs and drove in four to spark the victory. Third baseman Yoshihide Nishida (.283) had a great day at plate, too. Nishida lashed three hits, score three times and had three RBIs. The 'Jacks had 15 hits in all to back up Devon Turner (3-3 3.86), who gave up a dozen hits in eight innings, but only four runs for the win. Left fielder Chuck Hill (.339) led Forest City with two hits and two RBIs, including his 36th roundtripper of the year.

The Forest City Lumberjacks (81-69), piloted by Robbie Jackson to a second place finish and a wild card slot, ended the season 3 games in back of the RU South flag winner, Marston (84-66). Waleska (71-79) closed the year in fourth, 13 games behind.

Diamonds Nose Out Sunbirds 3-2
Claxton's Alex Vanzetti went all the way to nose out Belair Beach at Bayside Park 3-2 today. Vanzetti (12-8 2.88) was touched for nine hits by the Sunbirds, but he held them to just two runs, none of which were earned. Vanzetti strucked out five and walked nobody in a fine performance. Right fielder Dan Molnar (.278) cracked a two-run homer to win it in the seventh inning. It was number 18 for him. Ray Watson (10-7 3.03) went seven innings in a losing effort. He allowed three runs, two earned, fanned three and issued three bases on balls.

Belair Beach (69-81) completed the season in fifth place, 15 games behind the division's top team, the Marston Nine (84-66). Claxton (68-82) ended the season in the cellar and 16 games out.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Thursday, September 13, 2001

Tycobbian Union - East Division

Stallions Win 8th in a Row
The pennant-winning South Fork Stallions closed out the regular season with 8 consecutive victories. The Stallions survived four homers by the last place Hartsdale Hellcats and rallied to win with two runs in the bottom of the ninth 5-4. Pinchhitter Ken Robbins tied the score at 4-all with a home run and third baseman Glenn Holliday (.283) singled in the game-winner. The Hellcats dropped their final six games of the season. Skipper Deroche "Lips" Leon saved his regular starters for the playoffs and pitched newcomer Robby Rosario (1-0 2.38) in the last game of the year. Rosario went the distance, but was tagged for four solo roundtrippers - but he got the win. Rosario fanned six and walked none for his first career IPA victory. He only gave up five hits in all. Hellcat third baseman Whiz Weaver (.289) hit his 27th home run, first baseman Mac Faulkner (.299) number 8, Catcher Jorge Rosado (.209) his second and right fielder Dan Rogers got his 13th. South Fork banged out ten hits to whip Hartsdale. Mitch Yassen (8-8 4.11) gave up all five runs in defeat. He lasted until one out in the ninth.

South Fork (86-64) compiled the best record in the IPA this season and finished 20 games ahead of last place Hartsdale (66-84).

Ginza Defeats Hurricanes 3-1
Playoff-bound Ginza used relievers to defeat Cape Coral 3-1 in the last game of the regular season. Reliever Buddy Hart started and went five and two-thirds innings, allowed eight hits, but only one run. Hart fanned five, walked none and departed with the score tied 1-1. Gerry Hersh (2-0 1.32) came on in relief and pitched one-hit ball over the last three and one-third innings for the victory. Mitsuru Takaki (.179) homered to tie the score at 1-1 in the fourth and singled in the eventual-winning run in the sixth. Right fielder Earl Conley (.261) added an insurance run in the seventh with a single. The loss was credited to Katsuyuki Nagashima (12-17 3.47), who pitched the entire game, gave up seven hits, fanned seven and walked four.

The Ginza Ninjas (81-69) were runner-up to the TU East Division winner, the South Fork Stallions (86-64), ending the season 5 games back, while Cape Coral (75-75) was in the third spot in the standings and 11 games out.

Z's Sweep 5-Game Series from Naturals
The Luxora Zorros closed out the regular season by sweeping the whole 5-game series from the Ozarka Naturals. Tito Tovares (7-10 1.92) lowered his already low ERA by shutting out Ozarka 7-0 on a six-hitter. It was his third shutout this season. Tovares fanned nine and gave up only one walk in another impressive outing. Tovares easily topped the IPA with his microscopic 1.92 ERA. The Zorros rapped 13 hits and were paced by catcher Edmundo Neves (.197), who went 3-for-4 with a pair of RBIs, and left fielder Pedro Vizquel (.260), who drove in two runs with his 5th home run. Yasuyuki Nakagawa (13-18 3.75) lost his third straight game, being shelled for four runs in just three innings.

Luxora (72-78) completed the season in fourth place, managed by Rodrigo Alejandro. The Zorros trailed first place South Fork (85-64) by 14 games, while Ozarka (70-80) under Joe Mac Carney finished up 16 games behind in fifth place.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Thursday, September 13, 2001

Tycobbian Union - West Division

Blue Sox Beat Frogs 2-1, Tied for First in TU West
Blue Lake finally caught Fairfax on the last day of the season with a dramatic 2-1 triumph at Harbor Stadium. Righthander Jay Clay (16-7 3.10) tossed a whale of a game, stopping the Frogs on five hits and going the distance. He outpitched Kaz Hayagawa (14-16 3.59), who suffered the loss, allowed both runs on seven hits, fanned five and issued only one base on balls. Fairfax took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the third when shortstop Warren Lee (.318) scored center fielder Billy Echevarria (.266) on a sacrifice fly. The Blue Sox retailiated with a run in the bottom of the inning. Right fielder Fred Collins (.289) led off with a triple and scored on Clay's (.193) sac fly. Collins singled with bases loaded in the fourth to drive in the winning run. Collins had three hits in the game.

Blue Lake (79-71) won its last three games to pull into a first place tie with Fairfax (79-71). They will determine the pennant winner tomorrow in a one-game playoff. Manager Cobb Tyson will send Happy McManus (5-2 2.45) to the hill for the Blue Sox and Harry Buckley will start Jackie Leslie (16-12 3.92). However, both ballclubs will be in the Elite 8 Series. The losing team will receive a wild card spot.

Lindahl's 3-Run HR Leads Lynx Past Vikings 4-2
Shortstop Dirk Lindahl led the La Claire Lynx past Bayview 4-2 with a three-run homer in the top of the ninth. Lindahl's 14th home run of the year erased the Vikings 2-1 lead and gave the win to La Claire. Winning pitcher Pat Daniels (13-11 3.56) tossed a complete game, giving up nine hits. Reliever Adrian Strom (7-5 4.84) was the losing pitcher as he surrendered the winning homer and three runs in his only inning.

Manager Walter Johanssen's Bayview Vikings (76-74) was the number three team in the TU West. They ended the year only 3 games behind Fairfax (79-71) and Blue Lake (79-71), who will play off tomorrow for the division pennant. However, both clubs will be in the Elite 8 Series, no matter who wins the regular season crown. The loser will get a wild card. La Claire (73-77) was managed by Rip Calkin to a fifth-place finish. The Lynx were 6 games behind in the standings.

Bucs Blast 4 HRs, Sink Champs 8-5
Bay St. Clair blasted four home runs and sank the Arlon Champions 8-5 at Derby Downs today. Third baseman Eddie Albrecht (.314) hit two solo shots, giving him 7 on the year. First baseman George Lyons (.261) swatted his 31st and shortstop Chuck Hankins (.307) notched his 17th. Kenny Metcalf (9-5 4.30) registered the victory, but struggled in the late innings. Metcalf gave up five runs in eight-plus innings, only six hits, but walked five, while fanning seven. Gary Robinson (6-10 4.30) came in and got the final two outs for him. Arlon third baseman Nicky Sweet (.245) had two hits and drove in two runs. Sweet slammed his 5th roundtripper this year. Second baseman Karl Detwiler (.299) slugged two doubles and batted in a pair of runs. Starter Burnell Bradford (2-4 3.82) took the loss, surrendering six runs in four innings.

It was a fourth-place finish for Arlon (75-75) and skipper Gary Louis. The Champions were just 4 games behind the TU West co-leaders, Blue Lake (79-71) and Fairfax (79-71), who will now meet in a one-game playoff to decide the pennant winner. The loser will represent the division in the Elite 8 Series, too. Bay St. Clair (68-82) rounded out the year in last place, 11 games off the pace.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Friday, September 14, 2001

Frogs Win TU West, Edge Blue Sox on Leslie's HR
The Fairfax Frogs are the champions of the Tycobbian Union West. In a one-game playoff at Harbor Stadium in Blue Lake they edged the Blue Sox 3-2 on a three-run homer by pitcher Jackie Leslie. What a game for Leslie. Not only did he pitch his heart out for eight innings, Leslie (17-12 3.87) delivered the game-winning hit in the seventh inning. Until then, Happy McManus (5-3 2.56) had shut Fairfax out 1-0. It was Leslie's (.258) third homer of the season. Leslie gave up only two runs and five hits in the game, but needed help in the ninth. He got it from spot starter Ted Ellison (0-2 3.44), who gave up a two-out single, but no more. Ellison retired pinchhitter Paul Ray (.259) on an infield popup to capture the game and division title. Blue Lake drew first blood in the opening frame. Left fielder Doyle Osborne (.343) beat out a bunt single to begins the game, went to second on a walk, stole third and came across on second baseman Ken Bennett's (.287) sacrifice fly. Trailing 3-1 in the seventh, they scored again when right fielder Fred Collins (.288) singled, stole second and raced in on catcher Curly Harris' (.241) RBI single.

With the win the Frogs (80-71) finished one game up on the Blue Sox (79-72) in the final standings. The playoff defeat put a stop to Blue Lake's 8-game winning string. Now both teams are headed to the IPA Elite 8 Series. The top 8 teams will vie for the Islandian Pro Cup, symbolic of the best professional baseball team in Islandia.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Saturday, September 15, 2001

Elite 8 Series Begin Today
For the true baseball fan, playoff baseball is the ultimate experience. The once-in-a-lifetime chance of winning the Islandian Pro Cup Series. Every player is under intense pressure now. Players might come through in the clutch or fail to rise to the challenge. Managers will be analyzed, second-guessed and third-guessed by observers across the Islands, all in the span of a nine-inning match-up or the best-four-out-of-seven series. The best and the luckiest ones will be there to hoist the championship trophy up to the deafening roar of the fans.

It all starts today at a ballpark near you with the Elite Eight Series and these clashes: In the Ruthlandian Union Volusia will be playing at Marston and Forest City travels to Far Mountain, while in the Tycobbian Union it will be South Fork entertaining Blue Lake and Ginza on the road in Fairfax. All series will be the best-four-out-of-seven.