ISLANDIAN PRO ALLIANCE (RUTHLANDIA and TYCOBBIA BASEBALL UNIONS) - Page 90

Eugene Church · 06-29-2010, 02:30 PM

The Islandian Times

Thursday, September 27, 2012

2012 Ruthlandian Union Pro Cup Final 4 Series - Game 3

FM Redhawks Blow Away Sligo Rovers Again!
For the third day in a row the Far Mountain Redhawks have run roughshod over the Sligo Rovers in the Ruthlandian Union Final 4 Series. The defending Pro Cup champions crushed the Rovers 11-3 at Sligo's Silver Mountain Park. Far Mountain swept Cold Creek in first round action and just might well do the same thing to Sligo. The Redhawks have won 7 consecutive playoff games. They broke open a 5-3 game with a 4-run sixth. Just about everybody in the batting order contributed in the 17-hit attack. Leading the assault were 2B James Rhodes (.333) with 4 hits and 2 RBIs, 3B Duane Parsons (.200) with 2 hits and 2 RBIs, LF Phil Stewart (.385) with 3 hits and 3 runs and CF Xavier Sosa (.455) with 3 hits and 3 runs scored. Stewart had the game's only home run. 20-year-old rookie Woody Crawford (2-0 2.00) hurled a good game, holding talented Sligo to 8 hits and 3 runs to win his second straight postseason start. The Redhawks backed him with 4 double plays. Veteran Colin McGrath (1-1 3.38) was the losing pitcher. McGrath was pounded for 9 runs and 12 hits in his 5+ frames. 3 more errors by the Rover defense did not help his cause and led to 5 unearned runs. Sligo has committed 8 errors so far in the 3 games.

Many are surprised by the sensational play of Far Mountain. Manager Alex Groveland lost his number two starter and last year's Pro Cup MVP Boomerang Hines (22-14) in the last week of the season with a torn rotator. No one expected rookie Woody Crawford to take his place in the rotation as well as he has done. The baseball experts were divided over who was the best team in this series. Sligo won 95 games this season, just one game less than Far Mountain. The Rovers were expected to give the Redhawks quite a tussle. Quite a few analysts thought Sligo was the better-balanced team and with the loss of Hines would have the edge in the playoffs. So far it hasn't happened. Far Mountain has dominated both Cold Creek and now the Sligo Rovers.

Eugene Church · 06-29-2010, 02:47 PM

The Islandian Times

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Around the Towns in the IPA

OZARKA NATURALS

Owner: J. R. Ewing
GM/Manager: Joe Mac Carney

Ozarka, a Silver Mountains resort town of 73,000, is located in south central Tycobbia and near the Caledonia River, which flows southward through Hillsboro, then westward and comes to an end at Turon on the southwest coast. Nestled among scenic forests and outdoor hot springs, Ozarka is host to tourists who come for snow skiing during the winter and boating, swimming, fishing, camping, hiking and hunting the rest of the year. Big time developers have made this a mecca for the rich and famous with luxury hotels and nightclubs that attend to every possible need: hot spring spas and bathhouses, superstar entertainers, magnificent golf courses, gourmet food, art galleries and gift shops. Ozarka is a retirement center, too.

It is also home to the Ozarka Naturals. J. R. Ewing’s father, Jock Ewing, got tired of the incessant sibling quarrels over the operation of the family-owned Waleska Westerners in the Ruthlandian Amateur Association, so he bought the battling brothers and club vice-presidents, J. R. and Bobby, their own teams in the IPA. Bobby owns the South Fork Stallions and J. R. has Ozarka, where he is a prime real estate developer. Bobby named his brand new stadium after his dad. Not to be outdone, J. R. named his brand new stadium after his mom, Miss Ellie. So the sibling rivalry continues on and off the field. Ellie Ewing Stadium is one of the few parks in baseball that still has a live organ player at each game (Marston is the other), which adds a nice nostalgic touch, especially during the seventh-inning stretch. And at the concessions stands is a succulent gourmet buffet fit for the rich and famous. You will also find all of the traditional baseball fare at a Naturals game.

J. R. Ewing spares no expense when it comes to impressing people and paying his ballplayers. He likes to get his way. He even got the all-time winningest manager in company league history to come out of retirement and take over his team. Joe Mac Carney is now the GM and Manager of the Naturals. And he is very well paid, too.

Ellie Ewing Stadium

Capacity: 11,750

Dimensions:
LF Line 350
LF 370
LCF 390
CF 375
RCF 390
RF 370
RF Line 350

Eugene Church · 06-29-2010, 02:49 PM

Ellie Ewing Stadium

Eugene Church · 06-29-2010, 03:24 PM

The Islandian Times

Thursday, September 27, 2012

2012 Tycobbian Union Pro Cup Final 4 Series - Game 3

Gautier 2-1 Winner, Nats Lead 'Canes 2-1 in Final 4
Ozarka manager Joe Mac Carney went to an unlikely source for a starting pitcher in game 3 of the TU Final 4. He went to long reliever and spot starter Rene Gautier, who only made 5 starts among his 48 appearances this year. Gautier was 5-5 on the season with a 3.99 ERA. Last year in the Pro Cup Finals Carney went to Gautier in a crucial game and he was bombed - but not this year - the 32-year-old southpaw responded with the game of his life - a 2-1 victory over Cape Coral that gave the Naturals a 2-1 edge in the best-of-seven series. In a magnificent outing Gautier limited the Hurricanes to just one run and 2 hits over 7 and a third innings, struck out 9 and walked 3. Luther Hatch and Philip Britt nailed down the game by blanking Cape Coral the rest of the game. Loser Adam Lundgren (0-1 2.40) also pitched a whale of a game, surrendering only two runs and four hits in seven strong innings.

In the top of the fourth, the Hurricanes scored first on a homer by CF Derek Ryckman (.281), who got his 5th postseason home run. The Nats finally got something going in the last of the sixth against Lundgren. CF Paul Noah (.258) led off with a base on balls, advanced to second on a bunt, then came across on 2B Gil Lantz's (.353) RBI single. Lantz went to second on the throw home and was driven in by LF Vic Weinstein's (.303) line-drive single. Ozarka got only 5 hits in the game, while Cape Coral was held to just 3.

Eugene Church · 06-29-2010, 09:33 PM

The Islandian Times

Friday, September 28, 2012

2012 Ruthlandian Union Pro Cup Final 4 Series - Game 4

Rovers End Redhawks 7-Game Streak, Win Game 4
Somebody finally put a stop to the Far Mountain 7-game winning streak. 22-game winner Vinnie Rastelli was the man that did it. Rastelli scattered 9 hits over 8 and two-thirds innings to whip the Redhawks 5-3. He had to outpitch Far Mountain's ace Robby Kelly to snap the string and keep the Sligo Rovers alive the RU Final 4. Once more victory by the Redhawks and the season is over for Eddie Keys' crew. The Rovers needed a mild miracle and got it from Rastelli.

Rastelli is only 20 years old and in his third season in the IPA, but he performed like a battle-tested veteran today. Rastelli (2-2 2.56) walked no one and whiffed 9. He carried a 5-1 lead and a 5-hitter into the ninth when Sligo made him sweat a little. LF Phil Stewart led off the inning with a bunt single. Rastelli got the next two batters out, but then gave up a 2-run homer to C Otis Ott (.334) to narrow the score to 5-3. It was his 3rd playoff roundtripper. 1B Fran Grzanka (.200) and RF Julian Zavala (.419) followed with back-to-back singles. At that point Keys made a move and brought in his closer Larry Ciaccio, who got the final out of the game for his 3rd postseason save. Robby Kelly (3-1 2.65) lost his first playoff game this season. He wasn't as sharp as usual, giving up 4 runs on 6 hits in 7 innings. Kelly departed with the score 4-1 in favor of Sligo.

Eugene Church · 06-29-2010, 10:04 PM

The Islandian Times

Friday, September 28, 2012

2012 Tycobbian Union Pro Cup Final 4 Series - Game 4

Roberts Beats Burg 2-1, Ozarka Close To Winning Series
The Ozarka Naturals, who came very close to winning the Pro Cup last year, could very well be headed back again. The Nats got a great performance from Eddie Roberts and clutch hitting by Paul Noah to beat favored Cape Coral 2-1 in game 4 of the TU Final 4. Ozarka has a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven and needs only one more win to eliminate the Hurricanes. Roberts (2-0 1.74) stopped the 'Canes on one run and 5 hits in 8 innings to outpitch Cody Burg, the all-time career winner in the IPA. Roberts walked one and fanned 7 in a superlative effort. Manager Huggy Miller brought in his closer Luther Hatch to finish up for Roberts. Hatch pitched a perfect 1-2-3 ninth for the save. Burg (2-1 1.32) had nothing to be ashamed of. He went the distance, gave up only 5 hits and had 9 Ks and a walk.

Ozarka drew first blood in the first frame. LF Vic Weinstein (.297) singled and came around on SS Nathan Ferrell's (.229) two-out double. Back-to-back doubles by CF Derek Ryckman (.278) and 3B Bobby Josker (.310) evened it up at 1-all in the bottom of the fourth. Nats CF Paul Noah (.265) delivered the crucial two-out single to drive in the winning run in the seventh.

Eugene Church · 06-30-2010, 09:53 PM

The Islandian Times

Saturday, September 29, 2012

2012 Ruthlandian Union Pro Cup Final 4 Series - Game 5

FM Redbirds Shell-Shock Sligo, Headed For Pro Cup Finals Again
It's not too often that the defending Pro Cup champions make it back for a repeat appearance, but this year the fantastic Far Mountain Redhawks will get a shot at their second title in a row. They dumped Sligo 8-4 to takes the RU Final 4 in 5 games. If anybody was going to beat the Redhawks, the Rovers were given the best chance at knocking them off - but it didn't happen. Sligo was greatly outclassed.

Game 5 heroes were CF Xavier Sosa (.439), who hammered 2 homers and drove in 3 runs, RF Julian Zuvala (.400) with a 3-run double and Wayne Baxley (3-0 1.67) won his third straight postseason game. Baxley allowed four runs on nine hits to eliminate the Rovers. Far Mountain led from the beginning with a 3-run first inning. Sligo rallied for 2 in the bottom of the frame, but the Redhawks put them away with 5 more in the sixth to make it 8-2. Far Mountain outhit the Rovers 12-9. Dix Edenborough (2-2 4.26) took the loss as he was battered for 8 runs in 5-plus innings. 3B Eddy Lamar led Sligo with a two-run homer. Zuvala has driven in 12 runs in the postseason for the Redhawks, while Sosa has 3 home runs and 10 RBIs.

Manager Alex Groveland's Redhawks now awaits the winner of the Tycobbian Union Final 4 between the Ozarka Naturals and Cape Coral Hurricanes. Going into today's game Ozarka was on the verge of winning that series with a 3-1 edge in games. If the Nats win, it will be the second year in a row for them in the Pro Cup Finals. Last year Far Mountain made a stirring comeback from a 3 games to 1 deficit to take the Island crown.

Eugene Church · 06-30-2010, 10:46 PM

The Islandian Times

Saturday, September 29, 2012

2012 Tycobbian Union Pro Cup Final 4 Series - Game 5

History Repeats, Ozarka-Far Mountain Pro Cup Bound
The Ozarka Naturals wrapped up the Tycobbian Union Final 4 Series at home at Ellie Ewing Stadium with a seesaw 7-6 verdict over the Cape Coral Hurricanes. The Nats won 4 of the 5 games and a chance to return to the Pro Cup Finals and redeem themselves for last year's stunning loss to the Far Mountain Redhawks. The Naturals blew a 3-1 in the series. This will be the first time in IPA history that the same teams have played for the Pro Cup in two successive seasons.

The Hurricanes shot out to a 3-0 lead in the second on pitcher Nasty Naymick's (.083) home run and added another run in the third on CF Derek Ryckman's (.325) double and 2B Lonnie Moon's (.286) single. Ozarka chopped it to 4-2 when 3B Todd Chadwick (.326) went deep. SS Flipper Bird (.231) doubled, stole third and came in to score when C Todd Pepper threw it into left field. That put the 'Canes up 5-2. At that point the Ozarka bats got serious. CF Paul Noah (.263) tied the score with a 3-run blast in the bottom of the fourth frame. The Nats went ahead to stay in the fifth on 2B Gil Lantz's (.326) RBI double and 1B Al Wesner's (.216) RBI single. That gave them a 7-5 lead. Cape Coral made a serious challenge in the top of the eight. A two-out bases-loaded walk to Derek Ryckman cut the lead to 7-6. However reliever Tyrus Yokum retired 3B Bobby Josker (.265) to end the threat.

Yokum pitched a scoreless ninth to send the Nats to the Pro Cup Finals for the second season in a row. Philip Britt (2-0 3.24) got credit for the win. He worked the fifth, sixth, seventh and into the eighth, permitting only one run and 3 hits in 3 and a third innings. Manager Joe Mac Carney used 6 pitchers to subdue the Hurricanes. Naymick (3-1 2.32) sustained the loss, his first of the postseason. Ozarka smacked him hard for 7 runs in 5-plus innings. SS Flipper Bird went 4-5 in defeat. Cape Coral had 14 hits, but left 11 runners on base. The Naturals had 9 hits with Chadwick, Lantz and Wesner getting 2 apiece.

Eugene Church · 07-01-2010, 04:08 PM

The Islandian Times

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Redhawks Favored In Pro Cup Series
History has repeated itself, at least in the IPA. For the second year in a row it will be the Far Mountain Redhawks doing battle against the Ozarka Naturals for Island professional baseball supremacy. This is the first time in the league's history this has happened. The Pro Cup Series begins tomorrow afternoon at Sky High Stadium in Far Mountain. Last year in an epic struggle the Redhawks had to win the last three games to capture the title. Most of the baseball experts have put the defending champs in the favorite's role, although Ozarka has a lot of supporters as well. The two clubs are fairly even in most categories. They both hit well for average and power and play good defense. The difference is in the pitching, where Far Mountain has the edge. Alex Groveland's Redhawk rotation compiled a strong 2.88 team ERA (1st), while Joe Mac Carney's Nats posted a 3.69 mark (16th). One huge thing in Ozarka's favor is that Far Mountain will not have 22-game winner and last year's Pro Cup MVP Boomerang Hines. He was lost in September with rotator cup issue. That could be the equalizer.

Groveland will use Robby Kelly (18-8 3.19), Wayne Baxley (13-7 3.14) and rookie Woody Crawford (10-6 3.19) as his starting threesome with Erich Dumont (2-7 3.11) as his closer. Baxley is 3-0 with a 1.67 ERA in the postseason this year. Kelly is 3-1 with a 3.15 ERA and Crawford is 2-0 with a 2.00 ERA.

Carney's starters will be Eddie Roberts (18-8 2.94), Emile Leduc (18-11 3.63) and Rene Gautier (5-5 3.99). Roberts is unbeaten in the playoffs with a 2-0 mark and a 1.74 ERA. Leduc is 1-1 with a 2.70 ERA and Gautier is 1-0 in one start with a 1.13 ERA. Gautier was inserted into the rotation when Billy Krsnich (12-16 3.77) was in effective in first round games with 7.82 ERA.

Both managers break into big smiles when they talk about their hitters and they both are loaded with them. Far Mountain is led by SS Don Nichols (.302/17/99/97), C Otis Ott (.306/21/96/68), 3B Duane Parsons (.283/19/88/106), LF Phil Stewart (.306/7/62/91) and CF Xavier Sosa (.275/20/58/107). Ozarka's top batters are 3B Todd Chadwich (.320/22/95/122), LF Vic Weinstein (.325/16/86/116), SS Nathan Ferrell (.301/19/85/75), C Todd Pepper (.315/11/71/87) and 2B Gil Lantz (.314/19/65/81). Last year hitting decided the outcome. The forecast is more of the same this season. However, both skippers, Groveland and Carney, think the pitchers will make or break each club.

Eugene Church · 07-01-2010, 04:33 PM

The Islandian Times

Monday, October 1, 2012

2012 IPA Pro Cup Finals - Game 1

Ozarka Outscores Far Mountain 10-7 In Pro Cup Opener
The Ozarka Naturals and the Far Mountain Redhawks took up where they left off last year with another thrilling slugfest in this year's Pro Cup opening game at Sky High Stadium in Far Mountain. The Nats rallied from a 6-5 deficit with 5-late inning scores to overwhelm the Redhawks 10-7. They blasted 4 out of the park and collected a dozen hits. LF Vic Weinstein (.289) smashed 2 homers and 1B Al Wesner (.238) and PH Rick McLeod (.200) each got one to lead the winners. A 3-run eighth and a 2-run ninth sparked the victory. Far Mountain tried hard to stay in the game with 13 hits and led 6-5 after 7 innings. Redhawk CF Xavier Sosa (.457) had 3 hits, including his 4th playoff roundtripper.

Neither starter was effective. Ozarka's Eddie Roberts (3-0 2.61) was ripped for 12 hits and 6 runs in 7 innings, but got the win anyway. Closer Luther Hatch (1-1 1.80) pitched the last two innings for the save and gave up a run in the ninth. Robby Kelly (3-0 3.15) was a little better for Far Mountain as he was touched for 5 runs in 6 innings and departed with the score tied at 5-5. Erich Dumont (0-1) got the loss as he was slammed for 3 runs in the decisive 8th.

Eugene Church · 07-01-2010, 04:40 PM

The Islandian Times

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

2012 IPA Pro Cup Finals - Game 2

Baxley and Zavala Spark FM Redhawks To 7-2 Win, Pro Cup Even At 1-1
Powerful Far Mountain got back on track with some good pitching and timely hitting to trim Ozarka 7-2 in game 2 of the 2012 Pro Cup Series. Wayne Baxley (4-0 1.75) hurled another strong game to even up the best-of-seven series at one game each. He stopped the hard-hitting Naturals on 2 runs and 6 hits to win his 4th consecutive postseason game. RF Julian Zavala (.372) continued to blister pitchers in the playoffs as he walloped a grand slam homer and batted in 5 runs to give him 17 RBIs in the postseason. Zavala was the main reason Emile Leduc (1-2 3.95) went down to defeat. Leduc was shellacked for 5 runs in just two innings and surrendered Zavala's grand slam.

Eugene Church · 07-01-2010, 04:58 PM

The Islandian Times

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

2012 IPA Pro Cup Finals - Game 3

FM Leads Pro Cup, Redhawks Edge Nats 6-5 In Game 3
Game 3 in the Pro Cup Series was a back-and-forth thriller at Ellie Ewing Stadium in Ozarka. Defending Pro Cup champs, the Far Mountain Redhawks, parlayed crucial hits with good relief pitching to best the Ozarka Naturals 6-5 and nudge ahead 2 games to 1 in the series. Redhawk SS Don Nichols tied the score 5-5 with a lead-off homer in the top of the seventh. With two outs and nobody on, CF Xavier Sosa doubled and scored the game-winning run on a single by 1B Fran Grzanka. Nats starter Rene Gautier (1-1 4.30) had a rough outing as was rapped for 6 runs and 11 hits in his 6-plus innings, while reliever Jesse Hughes (1-0 4.50) claimed the win. Hughes allowed a run in two innings. Erich Dumont and Hummer Romig held Ozarka scoreless over the last two innings to protect the victory. FM starter rookie Woody Crawford was wild with 8 walks in 5 innings. He was tapped for 4 runs and 5 hits. Crawford left trailing 4-3.

The Redhawks leaped ahead in the first on C Otis Ott's 3-run shot. Ozarka came back in the last of the first with 2 runs on SS Nathan Ferrell's (.176) roundtripper. The Naturals tied it 3-3 in the fourth when C Todd Pepper (.224) doubled, move over to third on a sacrifice and scored on 3B Todd Chadwick's (.305) ground-out. Nats LF Vic Weinstein (.302) led off the fifth with double and after 3 walks by Crawford was forced in for a 4-3 lead. FM rebounded to even it a 4-all in the sixth on a Sosa (.434) double and an RBI single by Grzanka. Chadwick manufactured the go-ahead run for Ozarka in the bottom of the frame when he walked, was bunted to second, stole third and came in to score on a ground-out by Weinstein. That make it 5-4 in favor of the Nats.

Far Mountain lashed 14 hits and was led by Grzanka (.261) with 4-5 and 2 RBIs, Ott (.347) with 2-5 and 3 RBIs and Nichols (.417) with 3-5. Ozarka only had 7 hits and were paced by RF Chris Hughes (.280) and 1B Al Wesner (.265) with a pair of hits each.

Eugene Church · 07-01-2010, 07:05 PM

The Islandian Times

Thursday, October 4, 2012

2012 IPA Pro Cup Finals - Game 4

FM Slips By Ozarka 5-4 In 10 Innings, Up 3-1 In Pro Cup
It was another tense tussle between Far Mountain and Ozarka in the Pro Cup Series. The Redhawks slipped by the Nats 5-4 in 10 innings to take a big three games to one bulge in the best-of-seven series. One more Far Mountain triumph and it will give the Redhawks their second straight Pro Cup trophy. No team in IPA history has won two Pro Cups in back-to-back years.

It was another hard-fought affair highlighted by a gritty performance by winning pitcher Robby Kelly, who worked 9 innings. Kelly (4-1 3.31) allowed 4 runs and 11 hits, struck out 4 and issued 2 walks, but still beat the Naturals with the help of closer Erich Dumont. Dumont retired the side in order in the last of the tenth to seal the verdict for Kelly. Eddie Roberts (3-0 3.00) started for Ozarka and in a shaky outing tossed 7 innings, gave up 4 runs and 7 hits with 7 Ks and 5 walks.

Far Mountain pounced on Roberts for a 4-0 lead in the top of the third, highlighted by 3B Duane Parsons' (.245) 3-run double and C Otis Ott's (.365) RBI hit. Ozarka got single runs in the fourth and sixth frames on RBI doubles by C Todd Pepper (.226) and RF Chris Hughes (.296). Kelly was cruising along and apparently on his way to victory when he was jolted by back-to-back blasts by LF Vic Weinstein (.310) and SS Nathan Ferrell (.196), which tied the score at 4-4 and sent it to overtime. A walk and balk and a double won the game in the tenth. With two away and nobody on base, CF Xavier Sosa (.418) worked a walk, went to second on a balk by reliever Philip Britt and rode home on Phil Stewart's (.365) game-winning two-bagger. Britt (2-1 3.52) worked one inning and shouldered the loss.

Parsons and Ott were the top bats for Far Mountain with 3 hits and 2 hits repectively. The Redhawks were outhit by the Naturals 11-9. Ozarka's Weinstein, Ferrell and Hughes all had 2 hits and an RBI.

Eugene Church · 07-02-2010, 12:22 PM

The Islandian Times

Friday, October 5, 2012

2012 IPA Pro Cup Finals - Game 5

FM Redhawks Back-To-Back Pro Cup Champs
The Far Mountain Redhawks roared through the IPA Pro Cup playoffs to cop their second straight Island championship. They disposed of the Ozarka Naturals in 5 games, outlasting them 14-9 in the finale. The Redhawks boast a devastating line-up chocked full of talented bats that averaged over 7 runs a game in the postseason. Manager Alex Groveland had good pitching, too. His staff put up a fine 3.14 ERA and had an overall 12-2 record.

The decisive factor in the series was hitting. Far Mountain's explosive offense was just too much for Ozarka to overcome. In the finale they unloaded 4 homers - the Nats got none. The Redhawks bombed Emile Leduc for 7 runs in the first 4 innings, but Ozarka miraculously rallied with 4 in the fifth and took the lead 9-8 with 5 more runs in the sixth. However, Far Mountain came right back and regained the lead 10-9 in the top of the seventh on 1B Fran Grzanka's (.278) sac fly and PH Phil Alston's (.222) single, then disposed of the Naturals with a 4-run outburst in the top of the ninth to haul in the IPA Pro Cup trophy for the unprecedented second year in a row. No team had ever done that before in the league's 12-year existence.

Far Mountain mauled Ozarka pitching for 18 hits. CF Xavier Sosa (.450) had a marvelous game with 4 hits, including 2 home runs, double and a single. Sosa drove in 3 and scored 4 times. LF Phil Stewart (.351) and 2B Phil Alston also had 3 RBIs each. SS Don Nichols (.379) and Alston chipped in 2 more circuit blasts and C Otis Ott (.394) collected 3 hits and scored 3 times. RF Julian Zavala (.351) smacked 3 hits and batted in a pair of runs, giving him 19 RBIs in the playoffs. Sosa had 6 roundtrippers and 14 runs batted in.

The Nats got 5 gifted runs from the poor Redhawk defense to stay in the game. Far Mountain committed 4 errors, but its powerful bats overcame them. Ozarka got 11 hits, but didn't get any homers. Manager Alex Groveland got excellent relief work. After starter Wayne Baxley gave up 9 runs in 5-plus frames, 4 relievers blanked the Naturals over the next 3 and two-third innings. Jesse Hughes (2-0 4.15) notched the win by getting the final out in the sixth. Hummer Romig (0-0 5.40), Erich Dumont (0-1 7.36) and Milos Annensky (0-0 0.00) each worked an inning and held the Nats hitless.

For the series Far Mountain hit for a .312 batting average with 8 home runs and 37 runs. Ozarka batted .276 with 7 homers and 27 runs scored. Pitching was not the strong point of either team. The Redhawk staff registered a 4.69 ERA in the Pro Cup Finals, while the Naturals had an atrocious 7.43 ERA.

Alex Groveland told reporters, "Obviously our club had an outstanding postseason with the bats... and it was extraordinary in the Pro Cup Series. We got pretty fair pitching considering how well the Nats handle the bats. They are a tough club to beat... they never give up."

Ozarka skipper Joe Mac Carney said, "We just got beat by a tremendous offensive team that came into the series with their bats blazing and they got even better. We did our best to stay with them, but came up second-best for the second straight season. I'm disappointed we didn't win, but we still had a hell of of season. We're going to go out and get us some pitchers and come back next year and win it all."

Eugene Church · 07-03-2010, 06:12 PM

The Islandian Times

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Redhawks Sosa Named Pro Cup MVP
It was the year of the hitter in the 2012 IPA Pro Cup Series. This year's Most Valuable Player Award went to Far Mountain's fine center field Xavier Sosa, who led the Redhawks to their second straight Island championship. Sosa pounded postseason pitching for a .450 batting average with 7 doubles and 6 home runs. Sosa scored 20 runs and batted in 14. Last year he came in second in the voting to pitching teammate Boomerang Hines.

Right fielder Julian Zavala finished second in the vote. He led Far Mountain with 19 RBIs. Zavala batted .351 with 3 doubles, 1 triple and 3 homers. The third spot in the MVP balloting went to catcher Otis Ott of the Redhawks, who hit .393 with 4 roundtrippers, 12 runs batted in and 13 runs scored. Pitcher Wayne Baxley wound up in the fourth spot in the selection process. Baxley was 4-0 with 4 complete games in the playoffs. SS Don Nichols was fifth as he batted .379 with 4 home runs, 11 RBIs and 10 runs. Robby Kelly was the sixth choice with a 4-1 mark and a 3.31 ERA, followed by left-fielder Phil Stewart, who was seventh in the poll. Stewart batted .351, scored 15 times, had 9 RBIs and went deep once.

Eugene Church · 07-05-2010, 03:34 PM

The Islandian Times

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Groveland Acclaimed Best Manager In RU
The baseball pollsters finally got around to giving one of the most successful managers in the IPA a long-awaited award. BNN has selected Far Mountain's fine skipper Alex Groveland as the Ruthlandian Union Manager of the Year. Groveland has won four pennants and two Pro Cups, but has never received any awards for it. Traditionally the award has gone to the most-improved team's manager each year. Groveland got it this year for posting the best record in the IPA with a 96-58 mark.

Belair Beach's Marty Pedroza and Cold Creek's T. Kelly Holmes ran second and third to Groveland, but finished well back in the voting. Pedroza guided the Sunbirds to their third pennant with an 89-65 record, while Holmes piloted the Catamounts from 5th place in 2011 to the RU East division crown this season with a 79-75 mark. It was the second time Cold Creek had taken the pennant. Colfax's Clem Rogers has won the Manager of the Year trophy twice, in 2009 and 2010.

Eugene Church · 07-05-2010, 03:55 PM

The Islandian Times

Monday, October 8, 2012

Hawks Rise Nets Carlson TU Top Skipper Award
The Tycobbian Union Manager of the Year Award was pretty clear-cut. Hub Carlson led the North Hills Hawks from last place to first place this season and was an easy choice. Carlson's Hawks posted an 89-65 record, which was much improved over last year's 72-82 mark. It was the first time Carlson was honored with the top manager trophy. Second choice Gary Louis turned his Arlon Champions into a division winner after winding up sixth in 2012. His champs rose from sixth to first place with a much-improved 82-73 record. Huggy Miller of Cape Coral was the number three votegetter. He spurred his Hurricanes to a 90-64 record and edged out powerful Turon for the TU South flag. Fourth in the balloting was Summerland's Will Hackett, who lifted the Sunsets from sixth to third in the RU South race this season. The Sunsets were 80-74 for the year. Gary Louis of Arlon has copped the most managerial awards. He won in 2006 and 2008.

dj_morton · 07-05-2010, 04:36 PM

Wow. The longevity of this dynasty amazes me!! Good job man.

Eugene Church · 07-07-2010, 12:56 PM

Thank you for the nice words.

Thank you for looking in.

Eugene Church · 07-07-2010, 01:17 PM

The Islandian Times

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

RU Gold Bat Goes To Luzzati
What a way to finish off the year -- being honored with the 2012 Golden Bat Award in the Ruthlandian Union. It had already been a very special season for Claxton's Mike Luzzatti, but today's announcement really put the icing on his cake. All season long Mike Luzzatti gave opposing pitchers fits by hitting .332 as he collected 186 hits, 20 doubles, 1 triple, 40 home runs, 124 RBIs and scored 116 runs in a marvelous season. This was the second time Luzzatti had won the much-coveted trophy. He also won it in 2008. The Diamonds star first baseman played in all 154 games. He tied Valka's Kurt Jankauskas for the RU home run led with 40 and finished in the top 5 in batting, RBIs and runs scored. The 28-year-old Luzzatti is a 7-year IPA vet and has a .319 career batting average. Amazingly he has not missed a game in the last six seasons. Luzzati played in 144 games in his rookie season.

Valka's slugger Kurt Jankauskas was second in the BNN poll. The 23-year-old Blackhawk left fielder had a great season with 40 roundtrippers, 114 RBIs, 32 doubles, 10 triples and 34 stolen bases. Jankauskas batted .303 and appeared in 145 games. Hal Stevenson, Sugar Valley's superb catcher, was third in the voting. He is 28 years old with 9 years experience in the IPA. Not only can Stevenson hit, he also picked up a Golden Glove this season. For the year he hit at a .293 clip with 39 home runs, 123 RBIs and scored 94 runs, while catching 134 games.

Jesse Goodwin Named TU's Best Hitter
Jesse Goodwin of the East Point Panthers proved that talent plus dedication can help you to reach the highest levels of competition. Hard work, long hours and a tireless resolve paid off for him today in the form of the Tycobbian Union Golden Bat Award. Goodwin hit for a .333 average while collecting 203 hits, 32 doubles, 5 triples, 50 home runs, 138 RBIs and scoring 114 times. The talented Panther second sacker is 37 years of age and still going strong. Goodwin was the IPA leader in homers and topped the TU in hits and runs batted in. He sports a .298 average over his 8-year career. This was his first Golden Bat Award.

Turon's rookie first baseman Clyde Kingsford had a colossal season with 39 doubles, 2 triples and 38 homers, while batting .330 with 127 RBIs and scoring 99 runs. Kingsford was the runner-up to Goodwin for the Gold Bat honor. He is 26 and played in 148 games in his first year in the IPA. The third spot in the BNN poll went to Denton City's star third baseman Jay Petit, who hit .316, rapped 31 out of the park, drove in 106 and scored 101 times.

06-29-2010, 02:30 PM	#1781
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,868	The Islandian Times Thursday, September 27, 2012 2012 Ruthlandian Union Pro Cup Final 4 Series - Game 3 FM Redhawks Blow Away Sligo Rovers Again! For the third day in a row the Far Mountain Redhawks have run roughshod over the Sligo Rovers in the Ruthlandian Union Final 4 Series. The defending Pro Cup champions crushed the Rovers 11-3 at Sligo's Silver Mountain Park. Far Mountain swept Cold Creek in first round action and just might well do the same thing to Sligo. The Redhawks have won 7 consecutive playoff games. They broke open a 5-3 game with a 4-run sixth. Just about everybody in the batting order contributed in the 17-hit attack. Leading the assault were 2B James Rhodes (.333) with 4 hits and 2 RBIs, 3B Duane Parsons (.200) with 2 hits and 2 RBIs, LF Phil Stewart (.385) with 3 hits and 3 runs and CF Xavier Sosa (.455) with 3 hits and 3 runs scored. Stewart had the game's only home run. 20-year-old rookie Woody Crawford (2-0 2.00) hurled a good game, holding talented Sligo to 8 hits and 3 runs to win his second straight postseason start. The Redhawks backed him with 4 double plays. Veteran Colin McGrath (1-1 3.38) was the losing pitcher. McGrath was pounded for 9 runs and 12 hits in his 5+ frames. 3 more errors by the Rover defense did not help his cause and led to 5 unearned runs. Sligo has committed 8 errors so far in the 3 games. Many are surprised by the sensational play of Far Mountain. Manager Alex Groveland lost his number two starter and last year's Pro Cup MVP Boomerang Hines (22-14) in the last week of the season with a torn rotator. No one expected rookie Woody Crawford to take his place in the rotation as well as he has done. The baseball experts were divided over who was the best team in this series. Sligo won 95 games this season, just one game less than Far Mountain. The Rovers were expected to give the Redhawks quite a tussle. Quite a few analysts thought Sligo was the better-balanced team and with the loss of Hines would have the edge in the playoffs. So far it hasn't happened. Far Mountain has dominated both Cold Creek and now the Sligo Rovers. Last edited by Eugene Church; 06-29-2010 at 02:41 PM.

06-29-2010, 02:49 PM	#1783
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,868	Ellie Ewing Stadium Attached Images

06-29-2010, 03:24 PM	#1784
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,868	The Islandian Times Thursday, September 27, 2012 2012 Tycobbian Union Pro Cup Final 4 Series - Game 3 Gautier 2-1 Winner, Nats Lead 'Canes 2-1 in Final 4 Ozarka manager Joe Mac Carney went to an unlikely source for a starting pitcher in game 3 of the TU Final 4. He went to long reliever and spot starter Rene Gautier, who only made 5 starts among his 48 appearances this year. Gautier was 5-5 on the season with a 3.99 ERA. Last year in the Pro Cup Finals Carney went to Gautier in a crucial game and he was bombed - but not this year - the 32-year-old southpaw responded with the game of his life - a 2-1 victory over Cape Coral that gave the Naturals a 2-1 edge in the best-of-seven series. In a magnificent outing Gautier limited the Hurricanes to just one run and 2 hits over 7 and a third innings, struck out 9 and walked 3. Luther Hatch and Philip Britt nailed down the game by blanking Cape Coral the rest of the game. Loser Adam Lundgren (0-1 2.40) also pitched a whale of a game, surrendering only two runs and four hits in seven strong innings. In the top of the fourth, the Hurricanes scored first on a homer by CF Derek Ryckman (.281), who got his 5th postseason home run. The Nats finally got something going in the last of the sixth against Lundgren. CF Paul Noah (.258) led off with a base on balls, advanced to second on a bunt, then came across on 2B Gil Lantz's (.353) RBI single. Lantz went to second on the throw home and was driven in by LF Vic Weinstein's (.303) line-drive single. Ozarka got only 5 hits in the game, while Cape Coral was held to just 3. Last edited by Eugene Church; 06-29-2010 at 03:27 PM.

06-30-2010, 09:53 PM	#1787
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,868	The Islandian Times Saturday, September 29, 2012 2012 Ruthlandian Union Pro Cup Final 4 Series - Game 5 FM Redbirds Shell-Shock Sligo, Headed For Pro Cup Finals Again It's not too often that the defending Pro Cup champions make it back for a repeat appearance, but this year the fantastic Far Mountain Redhawks will get a shot at their second title in a row. They dumped Sligo 8-4 to takes the RU Final 4 in 5 games. If anybody was going to beat the Redhawks, the Rovers were given the best chance at knocking them off - but it didn't happen. Sligo was greatly outclassed. Game 5 heroes were CF Xavier Sosa (.439), who hammered 2 homers and drove in 3 runs, RF Julian Zuvala (.400) with a 3-run double and Wayne Baxley (3-0 1.67) won his third straight postseason game. Baxley allowed four runs on nine hits to eliminate the Rovers. Far Mountain led from the beginning with a 3-run first inning. Sligo rallied for 2 in the bottom of the frame, but the Redhawks put them away with 5 more in the sixth to make it 8-2. Far Mountain outhit the Rovers 12-9. Dix Edenborough (2-2 4.26) took the loss as he was battered for 8 runs in 5-plus innings. 3B Eddy Lamar led Sligo with a two-run homer. Zuvala has driven in 12 runs in the postseason for the Redhawks, while Sosa has 3 home runs and 10 RBIs. Manager Alex Groveland's Redhawks now awaits the winner of the Tycobbian Union Final 4 between the Ozarka Naturals and Cape Coral Hurricanes. Going into today's game Ozarka was on the verge of winning that series with a 3-1 edge in games. If the Nats win, it will be the second year in a row for them in the Pro Cup Finals. Last year Far Mountain made a stirring comeback from a 3 games to 1 deficit to take the Island crown. Last edited by Eugene Church; 06-30-2010 at 09:59 PM.

06-30-2010, 10:46 PM	#1788
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,868	The Islandian Times Saturday, September 29, 2012 2012 Tycobbian Union Pro Cup Final 4 Series - Game 5 History Repeats, Ozarka-Far Mountain Pro Cup Bound The Ozarka Naturals wrapped up the Tycobbian Union Final 4 Series at home at Ellie Ewing Stadium with a seesaw 7-6 verdict over the Cape Coral Hurricanes. The Nats won 4 of the 5 games and a chance to return to the Pro Cup Finals and redeem themselves for last year's stunning loss to the Far Mountain Redhawks. The Naturals blew a 3-1 in the series. This will be the first time in IPA history that the same teams have played for the Pro Cup in two successive seasons. The Hurricanes shot out to a 3-0 lead in the second on pitcher Nasty Naymick's (.083) home run and added another run in the third on CF Derek Ryckman's (.325) double and 2B Lonnie Moon's (.286) single. Ozarka chopped it to 4-2 when 3B Todd Chadwick (.326) went deep. SS Flipper Bird (.231) doubled, stole third and came in to score when C Todd Pepper threw it into left field. That put the 'Canes up 5-2. At that point the Ozarka bats got serious. CF Paul Noah (.263) tied the score with a 3-run blast in the bottom of the fourth frame. The Nats went ahead to stay in the fifth on 2B Gil Lantz's (.326) RBI double and 1B Al Wesner's (.216) RBI single. That gave them a 7-5 lead. Cape Coral made a serious challenge in the top of the eight. A two-out bases-loaded walk to Derek Ryckman cut the lead to 7-6. However reliever Tyrus Yokum retired 3B Bobby Josker (.265) to end the threat. Yokum pitched a scoreless ninth to send the Nats to the Pro Cup Finals for the second season in a row. Philip Britt (2-0 3.24) got credit for the win. He worked the fifth, sixth, seventh and into the eighth, permitting only one run and 3 hits in 3 and a third innings. Manager Joe Mac Carney used 6 pitchers to subdue the Hurricanes. Naymick (3-1 2.32) sustained the loss, his first of the postseason. Ozarka smacked him hard for 7 runs in 5-plus innings. SS Flipper Bird went 4-5 in defeat. Cape Coral had 14 hits, but left 11 runners on base. The Naturals had 9 hits with Chadwick, Lantz and Wesner getting 2 apiece. Last edited by Eugene Church; 06-30-2010 at 10:51 PM.

06-29-2010, 02:47 PM	#1782
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,868	The Islandian Times Thursday, September 27, 2012 Around the Towns in the IPA OZARKA NATURALS Owner: J. R. Ewing GM/Manager: Joe Mac Carney Ozarka, a Silver Mountains resort town of 73,000, is located in south central Tycobbia and near the Caledonia River, which flows southward through Hillsboro, then westward and comes to an end at Turon on the southwest coast. Nestled among scenic forests and outdoor hot springs, Ozarka is host to tourists who come for snow skiing during the winter and boating, swimming, fishing, camping, hiking and hunting the rest of the year. Big time developers have made this a mecca for the rich and famous with luxury hotels and nightclubs that attend to every possible need: hot spring spas and bathhouses, superstar entertainers, magnificent golf courses, gourmet food, art galleries and gift shops. Ozarka is a retirement center, too. It is also home to the Ozarka Naturals. J. R. Ewing’s father, Jock Ewing, got tired of the incessant sibling quarrels over the operation of the family-owned Waleska Westerners in the Ruthlandian Amateur Association, so he bought the battling brothers and club vice-presidents, J. R. and Bobby, their own teams in the IPA. Bobby owns the South Fork Stallions and J. R. has Ozarka, where he is a prime real estate developer. Bobby named his brand new stadium after his dad. Not to be outdone, J. R. named his brand new stadium after his mom, Miss Ellie. So the sibling rivalry continues on and off the field. Ellie Ewing Stadium is one of the few parks in baseball that still has a live organ player at each game (Marston is the other), which adds a nice nostalgic touch, especially during the seventh-inning stretch. And at the concessions stands is a succulent gourmet buffet fit for the rich and famous. You will also find all of the traditional baseball fare at a Naturals game. J. R. Ewing spares no expense when it comes to impressing people and paying his ballplayers. He likes to get his way. He even got the all-time winningest manager in company league history to come out of retirement and take over his team. Joe Mac Carney is now the GM and Manager of the Naturals. And he is very well paid, too. Ellie Ewing Stadium Capacity: 11,750 Dimensions: LF Line 350 LF 370 LCF 390 CF 375 RCF 390 RF 370 RF Line 350

06-29-2010, 09:33 PM	#1785
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,868	The Islandian Times Friday, September 28, 2012 2012 Ruthlandian Union Pro Cup Final 4 Series - Game 4 Rovers End Redhawks 7-Game Streak, Win Game 4 Somebody finally put a stop to the Far Mountain 7-game winning streak. 22-game winner Vinnie Rastelli was the man that did it. Rastelli scattered 9 hits over 8 and two-thirds innings to whip the Redhawks 5-3. He had to outpitch Far Mountain's ace Robby Kelly to snap the string and keep the Sligo Rovers alive the RU Final 4. Once more victory by the Redhawks and the season is over for Eddie Keys' crew. The Rovers needed a mild miracle and got it from Rastelli. Rastelli is only 20 years old and in his third season in the IPA, but he performed like a battle-tested veteran today. Rastelli (2-2 2.56) walked no one and whiffed 9. He carried a 5-1 lead and a 5-hitter into the ninth when Sligo made him sweat a little. LF Phil Stewart led off the inning with a bunt single. Rastelli got the next two batters out, but then gave up a 2-run homer to C Otis Ott (.334) to narrow the score to 5-3. It was his 3rd playoff roundtripper. 1B Fran Grzanka (.200) and RF Julian Zavala (.419) followed with back-to-back singles. At that point Keys made a move and brought in his closer Larry Ciaccio, who got the final out of the game for his 3rd postseason save. Robby Kelly (3-1 2.65) lost his first playoff game this season. He wasn't as sharp as usual, giving up 4 runs on 6 hits in 7 innings. Kelly departed with the score 4-1 in favor of Sligo.

06-29-2010, 10:04 PM	#1786
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,868	The Islandian Times Friday, September 28, 2012 2012 Tycobbian Union Pro Cup Final 4 Series - Game 4 Roberts Beats Burg 2-1, Ozarka Close To Winning Series The Ozarka Naturals, who came very close to winning the Pro Cup last year, could very well be headed back again. The Nats got a great performance from Eddie Roberts and clutch hitting by Paul Noah to beat favored Cape Coral 2-1 in game 4 of the TU Final 4. Ozarka has a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven and needs only one more win to eliminate the Hurricanes. Roberts (2-0 1.74) stopped the 'Canes on one run and 5 hits in 8 innings to outpitch Cody Burg, the all-time career winner in the IPA. Roberts walked one and fanned 7 in a superlative effort. Manager Huggy Miller brought in his closer Luther Hatch to finish up for Roberts. Hatch pitched a perfect 1-2-3 ninth for the save. Burg (2-1 1.32) had nothing to be ashamed of. He went the distance, gave up only 5 hits and had 9 Ks and a walk. Ozarka drew first blood in the first frame. LF Vic Weinstein (.297) singled and came around on SS Nathan Ferrell's (.229) two-out double. Back-to-back doubles by CF Derek Ryckman (.278) and 3B Bobby Josker (.310) evened it up at 1-all in the bottom of the fourth. Nats CF Paul Noah (.265) delivered the crucial two-out single to drive in the winning run in the seventh.

07-01-2010, 04:08 PM	#1789
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,868	The Islandian Times Sunday, September 30, 2012 Redhawks Favored In Pro Cup Series History has repeated itself, at least in the IPA. For the second year in a row it will be the Far Mountain Redhawks doing battle against the Ozarka Naturals for Island professional baseball supremacy. This is the first time in the league's history this has happened. The Pro Cup Series begins tomorrow afternoon at Sky High Stadium in Far Mountain. Last year in an epic struggle the Redhawks had to win the last three games to capture the title. Most of the baseball experts have put the defending champs in the favorite's role, although Ozarka has a lot of supporters as well. The two clubs are fairly even in most categories. They both hit well for average and power and play good defense. The difference is in the pitching, where Far Mountain has the edge. Alex Groveland's Redhawk rotation compiled a strong 2.88 team ERA (1st), while Joe Mac Carney's Nats posted a 3.69 mark (16th). One huge thing in Ozarka's favor is that Far Mountain will not have 22-game winner and last year's Pro Cup MVP Boomerang Hines. He was lost in September with rotator cup issue. That could be the equalizer. Groveland will use Robby Kelly (18-8 3.19), Wayne Baxley (13-7 3.14) and rookie Woody Crawford (10-6 3.19) as his starting threesome with Erich Dumont (2-7 3.11) as his closer. Baxley is 3-0 with a 1.67 ERA in the postseason this year. Kelly is 3-1 with a 3.15 ERA and Crawford is 2-0 with a 2.00 ERA. Carney's starters will be Eddie Roberts (18-8 2.94), Emile Leduc (18-11 3.63) and Rene Gautier (5-5 3.99). Roberts is unbeaten in the playoffs with a 2-0 mark and a 1.74 ERA. Leduc is 1-1 with a 2.70 ERA and Gautier is 1-0 in one start with a 1.13 ERA. Gautier was inserted into the rotation when Billy Krsnich (12-16 3.77) was in effective in first round games with 7.82 ERA. Both managers break into big smiles when they talk about their hitters and they both are loaded with them. Far Mountain is led by SS Don Nichols (.302/17/99/97), C Otis Ott (.306/21/96/68), 3B Duane Parsons (.283/19/88/106), LF Phil Stewart (.306/7/62/91) and CF Xavier Sosa (.275/20/58/107). Ozarka's top batters are 3B Todd Chadwich (.320/22/95/122), LF Vic Weinstein (.325/16/86/116), SS Nathan Ferrell (.301/19/85/75), C Todd Pepper (.315/11/71/87) and 2B Gil Lantz (.314/19/65/81). Last year hitting decided the outcome. The forecast is more of the same this season. However, both skippers, Groveland and Carney, think the pitchers will make or break each club. Last edited by Eugene Church; 03-19-2022 at 11:25 AM.

07-01-2010, 04:33 PM	#1790
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,868	The Islandian Times Monday, October 1, 2012 2012 IPA Pro Cup Finals - Game 1 Ozarka Outscores Far Mountain 10-7 In Pro Cup Opener The Ozarka Naturals and the Far Mountain Redhawks took up where they left off last year with another thrilling slugfest in this year's Pro Cup opening game at Sky High Stadium in Far Mountain. The Nats rallied from a 6-5 deficit with 5-late inning scores to overwhelm the Redhawks 10-7. They blasted 4 out of the park and collected a dozen hits. LF Vic Weinstein (.289) smashed 2 homers and 1B Al Wesner (.238) and PH Rick McLeod (.200) each got one to lead the winners. A 3-run eighth and a 2-run ninth sparked the victory. Far Mountain tried hard to stay in the game with 13 hits and led 6-5 after 7 innings. Redhawk CF Xavier Sosa (.457) had 3 hits, including his 4th playoff roundtripper. Neither starter was effective. Ozarka's Eddie Roberts (3-0 2.61) was ripped for 12 hits and 6 runs in 7 innings, but got the win anyway. Closer Luther Hatch (1-1 1.80) pitched the last two innings for the save and gave up a run in the ninth. Robby Kelly (3-0 3.15) was a little better for Far Mountain as he was touched for 5 runs in 6 innings and departed with the score tied at 5-5. Erich Dumont (0-1) got the loss as he was slammed for 3 runs in the decisive 8th. Last edited by Eugene Church; 03-19-2022 at 11:26 AM.

07-01-2010, 04:40 PM	#1791
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,868	The Islandian Times Tuesday, October 2, 2012 2012 IPA Pro Cup Finals - Game 2 Baxley and Zavala Spark FM Redhawks To 7-2 Win, Pro Cup Even At 1-1 Powerful Far Mountain got back on track with some good pitching and timely hitting to trim Ozarka 7-2 in game 2 of the 2012 Pro Cup Series. Wayne Baxley (4-0 1.75) hurled another strong game to even up the best-of-seven series at one game each. He stopped the hard-hitting Naturals on 2 runs and 6 hits to win his 4th consecutive postseason game. RF Julian Zavala (.372) continued to blister pitchers in the playoffs as he walloped a grand slam homer and batted in 5 runs to give him 17 RBIs in the postseason. Zavala was the main reason Emile Leduc (1-2 3.95) went down to defeat. Leduc was shellacked for 5 runs in just two innings and surrendered Zavala's grand slam. Last edited by Eugene Church; 03-19-2022 at 11:26 AM.

07-01-2010, 04:58 PM	#1792
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,868	The Islandian Times Wednesday, October 3, 2012 2012 IPA Pro Cup Finals - Game 3 FM Leads Pro Cup, Redhawks Edge Nats 6-5 In Game 3 Game 3 in the Pro Cup Series was a back-and-forth thriller at Ellie Ewing Stadium in Ozarka. Defending Pro Cup champs, the Far Mountain Redhawks, parlayed crucial hits with good relief pitching to best the Ozarka Naturals 6-5 and nudge ahead 2 games to 1 in the series. Redhawk SS Don Nichols tied the score 5-5 with a lead-off homer in the top of the seventh. With two outs and nobody on, CF Xavier Sosa doubled and scored the game-winning run on a single by 1B Fran Grzanka. Nats starter Rene Gautier (1-1 4.30) had a rough outing as was rapped for 6 runs and 11 hits in his 6-plus innings, while reliever Jesse Hughes (1-0 4.50) claimed the win. Hughes allowed a run in two innings. Erich Dumont and Hummer Romig held Ozarka scoreless over the last two innings to protect the victory. FM starter rookie Woody Crawford was wild with 8 walks in 5 innings. He was tapped for 4 runs and 5 hits. Crawford left trailing 4-3. The Redhawks leaped ahead in the first on C Otis Ott's 3-run shot. Ozarka came back in the last of the first with 2 runs on SS Nathan Ferrell's (.176) roundtripper. The Naturals tied it 3-3 in the fourth when C Todd Pepper (.224) doubled, move over to third on a sacrifice and scored on 3B Todd Chadwick's (.305) ground-out. Nats LF Vic Weinstein (.302) led off the fifth with double and after 3 walks by Crawford was forced in for a 4-3 lead. FM rebounded to even it a 4-all in the sixth on a Sosa (.434) double and an RBI single by Grzanka. Chadwick manufactured the go-ahead run for Ozarka in the bottom of the frame when he walked, was bunted to second, stole third and came in to score on a ground-out by Weinstein. That make it 5-4 in favor of the Nats. Far Mountain lashed 14 hits and was led by Grzanka (.261) with 4-5 and 2 RBIs, Ott (.347) with 2-5 and 3 RBIs and Nichols (.417) with 3-5. Ozarka only had 7 hits and were paced by RF Chris Hughes (.280) and 1B Al Wesner (.265) with a pair of hits each. Last edited by Eugene Church; 03-19-2022 at 11:27 AM.

07-01-2010, 07:05 PM	#1793
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,868	The Islandian Times Thursday, October 4, 2012 2012 IPA Pro Cup Finals - Game 4 FM Slips By Ozarka 5-4 In 10 Innings, Up 3-1 In Pro Cup It was another tense tussle between Far Mountain and Ozarka in the Pro Cup Series. The Redhawks slipped by the Nats 5-4 in 10 innings to take a big three games to one bulge in the best-of-seven series. One more Far Mountain triumph and it will give the Redhawks their second straight Pro Cup trophy. No team in IPA history has won two Pro Cups in back-to-back years. It was another hard-fought affair highlighted by a gritty performance by winning pitcher Robby Kelly, who worked 9 innings. Kelly (4-1 3.31) allowed 4 runs and 11 hits, struck out 4 and issued 2 walks, but still beat the Naturals with the help of closer Erich Dumont. Dumont retired the side in order in the last of the tenth to seal the verdict for Kelly. Eddie Roberts (3-0 3.00) started for Ozarka and in a shaky outing tossed 7 innings, gave up 4 runs and 7 hits with 7 Ks and 5 walks. Far Mountain pounced on Roberts for a 4-0 lead in the top of the third, highlighted by 3B Duane Parsons' (.245) 3-run double and C Otis Ott's (.365) RBI hit. Ozarka got single runs in the fourth and sixth frames on RBI doubles by C Todd Pepper (.226) and RF Chris Hughes (.296). Kelly was cruising along and apparently on his way to victory when he was jolted by back-to-back blasts by LF Vic Weinstein (.310) and SS Nathan Ferrell (.196), which tied the score at 4-4 and sent it to overtime. A walk and balk and a double won the game in the tenth. With two away and nobody on base, CF Xavier Sosa (.418) worked a walk, went to second on a balk by reliever Philip Britt and rode home on Phil Stewart's (.365) game-winning two-bagger. Britt (2-1 3.52) worked one inning and shouldered the loss. Parsons and Ott were the top bats for Far Mountain with 3 hits and 2 hits repectively. The Redhawks were outhit by the Naturals 11-9. Ozarka's Weinstein, Ferrell and Hughes all had 2 hits and an RBI. Last edited by Eugene Church; 03-19-2022 at 11:27 AM.

07-02-2010, 12:22 PM	#1794
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,868	The Islandian Times Friday, October 5, 2012 2012 IPA Pro Cup Finals - Game 5 FM Redhawks Back-To-Back Pro Cup Champs The Far Mountain Redhawks roared through the IPA Pro Cup playoffs to cop their second straight Island championship. They disposed of the Ozarka Naturals in 5 games, outlasting them 14-9 in the finale. The Redhawks boast a devastating line-up chocked full of talented bats that averaged over 7 runs a game in the postseason. Manager Alex Groveland had good pitching, too. His staff put up a fine 3.14 ERA and had an overall 12-2 record. The decisive factor in the series was hitting. Far Mountain's explosive offense was just too much for Ozarka to overcome. In the finale they unloaded 4 homers - the Nats got none. The Redhawks bombed Emile Leduc for 7 runs in the first 4 innings, but Ozarka miraculously rallied with 4 in the fifth and took the lead 9-8 with 5 more runs in the sixth. However, Far Mountain came right back and regained the lead 10-9 in the top of the seventh on 1B Fran Grzanka's (.278) sac fly and PH Phil Alston's (.222) single, then disposed of the Naturals with a 4-run outburst in the top of the ninth to haul in the IPA Pro Cup trophy for the unprecedented second year in a row. No team had ever done that before in the league's 12-year existence. Far Mountain mauled Ozarka pitching for 18 hits. CF Xavier Sosa (.450) had a marvelous game with 4 hits, including 2 home runs, double and a single. Sosa drove in 3 and scored 4 times. LF Phil Stewart (.351) and 2B Phil Alston also had 3 RBIs each. SS Don Nichols (.379) and Alston chipped in 2 more circuit blasts and C Otis Ott (.394) collected 3 hits and scored 3 times. RF Julian Zavala (.351) smacked 3 hits and batted in a pair of runs, giving him 19 RBIs in the playoffs. Sosa had 6 roundtrippers and 14 runs batted in. The Nats got 5 gifted runs from the poor Redhawk defense to stay in the game. Far Mountain committed 4 errors, but its powerful bats overcame them. Ozarka got 11 hits, but didn't get any homers. Manager Alex Groveland got excellent relief work. After starter Wayne Baxley gave up 9 runs in 5-plus frames, 4 relievers blanked the Naturals over the next 3 and two-third innings. Jesse Hughes (2-0 4.15) notched the win by getting the final out in the sixth. Hummer Romig (0-0 5.40), Erich Dumont (0-1 7.36) and Milos Annensky (0-0 0.00) each worked an inning and held the Nats hitless. For the series Far Mountain hit for a .312 batting average with 8 home runs and 37 runs. Ozarka batted .276 with 7 homers and 27 runs scored. Pitching was not the strong point of either team. The Redhawk staff registered a 4.69 ERA in the Pro Cup Finals, while the Naturals had an atrocious 7.43 ERA. Alex Groveland told reporters, "Obviously our club had an outstanding postseason with the bats... and it was extraordinary in the Pro Cup Series. We got pretty fair pitching considering how well the Nats handle the bats. They are a tough club to beat... they never give up." Ozarka skipper Joe Mac Carney said, "We just got beat by a tremendous offensive team that came into the series with their bats blazing and they got even better. We did our best to stay with them, but came up second-best for the second straight season. I'm disappointed we didn't win, but we still had a hell of of season. We're going to go out and get us some pitchers and come back next year and win it all." Last edited by Eugene Church; 03-19-2022 at 11:27 AM.

07-03-2010, 06:12 PM	#1795
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,868	The Islandian Times Saturday, October 6, 2012 Redhawks Sosa Named Pro Cup MVP It was the year of the hitter in the 2012 IPA Pro Cup Series. This year's Most Valuable Player Award went to Far Mountain's fine center field Xavier Sosa, who led the Redhawks to their second straight Island championship. Sosa pounded postseason pitching for a .450 batting average with 7 doubles and 6 home runs. Sosa scored 20 runs and batted in 14. Last year he came in second in the voting to pitching teammate Boomerang Hines. Right fielder Julian Zavala finished second in the vote. He led Far Mountain with 19 RBIs. Zavala batted .351 with 3 doubles, 1 triple and 3 homers. The third spot in the MVP balloting went to catcher Otis Ott of the Redhawks, who hit .393 with 4 roundtrippers, 12 runs batted in and 13 runs scored. Pitcher Wayne Baxley wound up in the fourth spot in the selection process. Baxley was 4-0 with 4 complete games in the playoffs. SS Don Nichols was fifth as he batted .379 with 4 home runs, 11 RBIs and 10 runs. Robby Kelly was the sixth choice with a 4-1 mark and a 3.31 ERA, followed by left-fielder Phil Stewart, who was seventh in the poll. Stewart batted .351, scored 15 times, had 9 RBIs and went deep once. Last edited by Eugene Church; 03-19-2022 at 11:28 AM.

07-05-2010, 03:34 PM	#1796
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,868	The Islandian Times Sunday, October 7, 2012 Groveland Acclaimed Best Manager In RU The baseball pollsters finally got around to giving one of the most successful managers in the IPA a long-awaited award. BNN has selected Far Mountain's fine skipper Alex Groveland as the Ruthlandian Union Manager of the Year. Groveland has won four pennants and two Pro Cups, but has never received any awards for it. Traditionally the award has gone to the most-improved team's manager each year. Groveland got it this year for posting the best record in the IPA with a 96-58 mark. Belair Beach's Marty Pedroza and Cold Creek's T. Kelly Holmes ran second and third to Groveland, but finished well back in the voting. Pedroza guided the Sunbirds to their third pennant with an 89-65 record, while Holmes piloted the Catamounts from 5th place in 2011 to the RU East division crown this season with a 79-75 mark. It was the second time Cold Creek had taken the pennant. Colfax's Clem Rogers has won the Manager of the Year trophy twice, in 2009 and 2010.

07-05-2010, 03:55 PM	#1797
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,868	The Islandian Times Monday, October 8, 2012 Hawks Rise Nets Carlson TU Top Skipper Award The Tycobbian Union Manager of the Year Award was pretty clear-cut. Hub Carlson led the North Hills Hawks from last place to first place this season and was an easy choice. Carlson's Hawks posted an 89-65 record, which was much improved over last year's 72-82 mark. It was the first time Carlson was honored with the top manager trophy. Second choice Gary Louis turned his Arlon Champions into a division winner after winding up sixth in 2012. His champs rose from sixth to first place with a much-improved 82-73 record. Huggy Miller of Cape Coral was the number three votegetter. He spurred his Hurricanes to a 90-64 record and edged out powerful Turon for the TU South flag. Fourth in the balloting was Summerland's Will Hackett, who lifted the Sunsets from sixth to third in the RU South race this season. The Sunsets were 80-74 for the year. Gary Louis of Arlon has copped the most managerial awards. He won in 2006 and 2008.

07-05-2010, 04:36 PM	#1798
dj_morton Banned Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Morehead City, NC/Barksdale AFB, LA Posts: 174	Wow. The longevity of this dynasty amazes me!! Good job man.

07-07-2010, 12:56 PM	#1799
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,868	Thank you for the nice words. Thank you for looking in. Last edited by Eugene Church; 08-01-2010 at 05:31 PM.

07-07-2010, 01:17 PM	#1800
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 35,868	The Islandian Times Tuesday, October 9, 2012 RU Gold Bat Goes To Luzzati What a way to finish off the year -- being honored with the 2012 Golden Bat Award in the Ruthlandian Union. It had already been a very special season for Claxton's Mike Luzzatti, but today's announcement really put the icing on his cake. All season long Mike Luzzatti gave opposing pitchers fits by hitting .332 as he collected 186 hits, 20 doubles, 1 triple, 40 home runs, 124 RBIs and scored 116 runs in a marvelous season. This was the second time Luzzatti had won the much-coveted trophy. He also won it in 2008. The Diamonds star first baseman played in all 154 games. He tied Valka's Kurt Jankauskas for the RU home run led with 40 and finished in the top 5 in batting, RBIs and runs scored. The 28-year-old Luzzatti is a 7-year IPA vet and has a .319 career batting average. Amazingly he has not missed a game in the last six seasons. Luzzati played in 144 games in his rookie season. Valka's slugger Kurt Jankauskas was second in the BNN poll. The 23-year-old Blackhawk left fielder had a great season with 40 roundtrippers, 114 RBIs, 32 doubles, 10 triples and 34 stolen bases. Jankauskas batted .303 and appeared in 145 games. Hal Stevenson, Sugar Valley's superb catcher, was third in the voting. He is 28 years old with 9 years experience in the IPA. Not only can Stevenson hit, he also picked up a Golden Glove this season. For the year he hit at a .293 clip with 39 home runs, 123 RBIs and scored 94 runs, while catching 134 games. Jesse Goodwin Named TU's Best Hitter Jesse Goodwin of the East Point Panthers proved that talent plus dedication can help you to reach the highest levels of competition. Hard work, long hours and a tireless resolve paid off for him today in the form of the Tycobbian Union Golden Bat Award. Goodwin hit for a .333 average while collecting 203 hits, 32 doubles, 5 triples, 50 home runs, 138 RBIs and scoring 114 times. The talented Panther second sacker is 37 years of age and still going strong. Goodwin was the IPA leader in homers and topped the TU in hits and runs batted in. He sports a .298 average over his 8-year career. This was his first Golden Bat Award. Turon's rookie first baseman Clyde Kingsford had a colossal season with 39 doubles, 2 triples and 38 homers, while batting .330 with 127 RBIs and scoring 99 runs. Kingsford was the runner-up to Goodwin for the Gold Bat honor. He is 26 and played in 148 games in his first year in the IPA. The third spot in the BNN poll went to Denton City's star third baseman Jay Petit, who hit .316, rapped 31 out of the park, drove in 106 and scored 101 times. Last edited by Eugene Church; 07-07-2010 at 01:49 PM.