ISLANDIAN PRO ALLIANCE (RUTHLANDIA and TYCOBBIA BASEBALL UNIONS)

[EMSoccerCoach]

Originally Posted by Markus Heinsohn

Well done Eugene

Wow...the Boss Man comes in...that's when your dynasty has hit the big time.

You've certainly earned it, EC. Your dedication is phenomenal.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Monday, June 11, 2001

Tycobbian Union - West Division

Frogs Win 4th Straight, Beat Champs 6-3
The Fairfax Frogs seem to be almost unbeatable. They just won their fourth in a row, a 6-3 decision over Arlon at the Frog Pond. Johnny Schluessler and three relievers combined for the victory. Scotty Marshall (1-0 6.75) got credit for the win for coming in and getting a key strikeout in the seventh inning. The Frogs were trailing 3-2 at the time, but came back in the bottom of the inning to score three times with pinchhitter Vince Cooper (.190) delivering a clutch two-run double to pave the way for the win. Gerry Fisher (3-1 3.66) worked a scoreless eight and Takehide Takahashi (4-1 1.69) nailed down the verdict with a perfect ninth for this 8th save. Craig Smith (6-5 3.21) took the loss, permitting five runs - only one earned - in his six-plus innings. Rightfielder Gregg Vincent (.322) had a double and a triple and drove in his 61st run, tops in the IPA.

Fairfax (38-15) is unchallenged in the TU West race and has a monstrous 10-game lead over second place Bayview (29-26).

Bayview Battles Back, Beats Blue Sox in 12
The Bayview Vikings battled back to beat Blue Lake 4-3 in 12 innings at home at Downtown Plaza Stadium. The Viks almost lost it in the tenth inning, but came back to tie it up after the Blue Sox had taken a 3-2 lead, then won it in the twelfth on first baseman Dwayne Coleman's (.303) RBI double. Mike Jardoin (3-3 6.39) pitched a scoreless inning for the victory, while Pete Henry (2-6 4,78) got hung with the loss in his first inning of relief. Six Bayview batters had two hits each in the 14-hit attack, while Blue Lake collected 11 hits and were paced by left fielder Greg Boone (.307) and third baseman Timmy Smith (.317) with three hits apiece. Both starting hurlers pitched well. Jay Clay (4-2 2.77) worked nine innings for the Blue Sox, struck out five and walked two and gave up eight hits. Jesus Carvajal (6-2 3.20) fired nine innings, fanned ten, walked one and surrendered eight hits as well. The exited with a 2-2 tie.

Bayview (29-26) is in the second spot in the division standings, while Blue Lake (23-30) is in fifth place, 15 games off the pace.

La Claire Tames Bucs 6-2, Smith Wins
Jerrry Smith of La Claire finessed his way to a six-hit 6-2 victory over the Bay St. Clair Buccaneers. Smith (7-6 3.61), a crafty righthander, kept the Bucs off-balanced with an assortment of junkballs. He struck out two and walked two in a very good outing. And his teammates backed him up with 17 hits, too. Everybody in the lineup got at least one hit, including Smith, who had two. Left fielder Rich Hart (.279) and second baseman Darrell Boyce (.258) each rapped three hits and first baseman Luis Marquez (.317) got the game's only roundtripper. Buccaneer first baseman Maury Smith (.364) went 2-for-3 and doubled in his team's only two runs. Ben Crowley (3-5 4.70) had a nightmare start and gave up five runs and 13 hits and left in the fourth inning down 5-2.

The Lynx evened their season record to 27-27 and are in third place, 11.5 games out of first and 1.5 games out of second place. Bay St. Clair (20-35) is in the throes of a dismal year and is 19 games behind.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Monday, June 11, 2001

Coleman Voted Top Tycobbian Player
Bayview's first baseman, 34-year-old Dwayne Coleman is this week's Star of the Week in the Tycobbian Union. The towering 6'8" Coleman lashed out a .435 batting average this past week to capture the honor. He had 10 hits, 3 homers and 9 RBIs.

Coleman is hitting .301 for the season with 21 roundtrippers, 56 RBIs and has scored 44 times for the second place Vikings.

He is running second to Fairfax's right fielder Greg Vincent in home runs and RBIs. Vincent leads with 23 homers and 61 RBIs.

Sunbirds Swift Ruthlandian Player of the Week
The Ruthlandian Union has selected 24-year-old Nicky Swift of the Belair Beach Sunbirds the Player of the Week.

The slugging right fielder hit .462 (12-26) this past week, collected 13 RBIs, scored 9 runs and hit 4 homers.

Thus far this season Swift had batted .339 with 20 home runs and 48 RBIs. He leads the RU in homers and is ranked in fourth in RBIs. Belair Beach is currently in third place in the RU South Division, six games off the pace.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Tuesday, June 12, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - North Division

Darby-McCain Combine to Blank Redhawks 7-0
Glasco pitchers Bill Darby and Ernie McCain teamed up and blanked the first place Far Mountain Redhawks 7-0 on four hits. Darby (3-1 3.05) allowed only four singles in his seven innings of work. He fanned five and walked three before going out for a pinchhitter in the six-run seventh inning. McCain got the last six outs and struck out four batters. The losing pitcher was Sonny Elliott (6-5 3.18), who paved the way for his own downfall by dropping a pop fly in the seventh that opened the flood gates. That error led to five unearned runs. The Athletics walloped 15 hits and were sparked by second baseman Barry McCord (.297) with three hits. Four other A's had a pair of hits with left fielder Ox Beauvais (.350) and pinchhitter Lee McDougall (.235) driving in two runs apiece.

It was Glasco's (27-25) fourth consecutive triumph and Far Mountain's (33-22) second defeat in a row. The A's are in a third place tie with Valmara (28-26) in the RU North standings and are 4.5 games behind the first place Redhawks.

Vipers Top Blasters 6-5
Mr. Clutch came through again for Valmara. Center fielder Jan Szymanski snapped a 4-4 tie when he singled in two runs through a drawn-in infield in the top of the ninth. That made it 6-4 and the third place Vipers managed to hang on to beat the second place Colfax Blasters 6-5. Closer Danny Blauser (5-1 1.79) notched the victory despite giving up first baseman Dennis Cole's (.309) 15th homer in the last of the ninth. Walt Sellers (1-4 2.31) was bushwhacked by Valmara for four hits and two runs in the decisive inning and took the loss. The Vipers offense chalked up 14 hits and were led by Szymanski (.257) with two hits and three RBIs, running his total 49 RBIs this season, 4th best in the Ruthlandian Union. Left fielder Louis Sharp (.365) went 3-for-5 and raised his league-leading batting average to .365. Right fielder Jet Kazmarek (.290) also had three hits and stole his 26th base of the year, tops in the league. First baseman Matt Mazurek (.244) homered for the Vipers. The Blasters had nine hits and were paced by shortstop Josh Jackson (.297) with two hits and 2 RBIs.

Valmara (28-26) remained tied with the Glasco Athletics (27-25) for third place, 4.5 games off the pace. Colfax (29-25) is in the runner-up spot and 3.5 games behind front-running Far Mountain (33-22).

V's Deal All-Stars 7th Loss in a Row, 8-5
Strong hitting and adequate pitching paid dividends for Voluisa today in a game at Elnora. The Vigilantes slammed out 14 hits in the 8-5 victory and dealt the homestanding All-Stars a seventh straight loss. Left fielder Jesus Arroyo (.249) went 3-for-4 and batted in two runs and right fielder Lonnie Howard (.248) was 2-for-5 and drove in a pair of scores. Johnny Szwak (4-1 4.60) was the winning pitcher, although he allowed five runs and nine hits, but struck out ten. He departed with the score 8-5 in the eighth. Closer Ricky Moreno (3-1 2.08) finished Elnora off by getting the final five outs. It was his Ruthlandian Union-leading 8th save. Shortstop Johnny Zumwalt (.296) had two hits and two RBIs for the All-Stars, while left fielder Quincy Peterson and first baseman Will Jackson (.222) each homered. Starter Sean Sykes (6-5 4.98) was tagged with the loss, yielding seven runs in six-plus innings.

Volusia (26-29) is in the fifth spot in the division, seven games off the pace. Elnora (20-36) is in the cellar, 13.5 games back.

[No Pepper]

Good to see that Coleman is getting honors in Bay View for his hitting and that the Vikes are in second place. Eugene, in your opinion, who is the unsung hero for the Vikings so far this year?

[Eugene Church]

Originally Posted by EMSoccerCoach

Wow...the Boss Man comes in...that's when your dynasty has hit the big time.

You've certainly earned it, EC. Your dedication is phenomenal.

When you are retired and have a great game to play, you can be dedicated.

[Eugene Church]

Originally Posted by No Pepper

Good to see that Coleman is getting honors in Bay View for his hitting and that the Vikes are in second place. Eugene, in your opinion, who is the unsung hero for the Vikings so far this year?

Although second baseman Alan Hansen is having a great season, his name doesn't get the press first baseman Doug Coleman, center fielder Phil Kanaan, left fielder Glen Burns and pitcher Jesus Carvajal have gotten so far.

Hansen is hitting a quiet .356 from the lead-off spot with a .467 OBP and 19 SBs in 24 attempts, tops in the Tycobbian Union. He is second in the league with 45 runs scored, has walked 44 times with 15 doubles, 2 homers and 22 RBIs. He has played in 53 of Bayview's 55 games.

Hansen is an outstanding second baseman with a .996 FA. He is only 22 years old.

Hansen is third in batting average behind Eric Richter (.366), a very good catcher for the Luxora Zorros and Maury Smith (.364), a fine first baseman for Bay St. Clair.

[Eugene Church]

Coming up soon, I will do a summary of each ball club. listing the positives and negatives of the season so far.

That will be at the two-month mark of the season, about 10 days away in league time. It will be done around June 20th.

I will also give the top five in each stat category.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Tuesday, June 12, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - South Division

Marston's Pace Stops Lumberjacks 4-1
First place Marston evened the series between the two frontrunners in the RU South with a 4-1 victory over second place Forest City. Nick Pace (8-5 3.30) won his third staight game and pitched his third straight complete game. He gave up 10 hits, but was stingy with the runs. Pace struck out six and had perfect control, walking none. The Nine got all four of their runs in the seventh inning and snapped a scoreless tie. Second baseman Ken Green (.360) went 3-4 and drove in a run, while pitcher Pace (.118) doubled in two runs. The other run came across via a wild pitch. Vinny Edelman (4-4 3.20) suffered the loss, gave up all the runs on seven hits, fanned seven in eight innings and walked only one. Left fielder Chuck Hill (.353) had two hits and accounted for the 'Jack only run.

Marston (32-21) expanded its lead over Forest City (29-26) to four games.

Rattlers Jump to 3rd Spot in Division
Playing the in the friendly confines of Farmers Memorial Park, Sugar Valley rattled the walls with three home runs to power past Belair Beach 7-5 today and move ahead of them into third place in the RU South standings. It was the third straight victory for Sugar Valley and Belair Beach's third consecutive defeat. Third sacker Jorge Vargas (.340) hit a grand slammer with catcher Shotgun McFall (.359) and right fielder Karl Dietz (.237) each banging a solo homer to spark the Rattlers. Catcher Denny Everhart (.235) led the Sunbirds at bat with a perfect 4-for-4 day with three RBIs. Both Everhart and third baseman Mike Janocko (.273) smashed one out of the park. Belair Beach had the most hits, 13-10, but still dropped the game. Harvey Hines (4-4 4.60) went into the seventh and chalked up the win with help from closer Gregg Neal. Hines permitted 13 hits and all five runs. Neal (4-3 2.15) retired all five batters he faced for his 6th save. Newcomer Sandy Kozicz (0-1 9.00) had inauspicious debut and caught the loss. He was slugged around for six runs and eight hits in six innings.

Sugar Valley (26-27) is now third in the division and trails by six games. Belair Beach (26-29) is fifth and seven games behind the Marston Nine (32-21).

Waleska Wallops Claxton 13-6
The Waleska Westerners went on a hitting rampage and slammed last place Claxton 13-6 at Westerner Field to slip ahead of Belair Beach into fourth place. Waleska cracked 15 hits with three players getting three hits each: first baseman Freddie Shelton (.305), center fielder Rick Vaughn (.275) and catcher Jody Hill (.207). Hill had a three-run clout and left fielder Big Hoss Burkhalter (.293) also drove in three runs. Starter Gary Hill (5-3 4.67) got credit for the win, but gave up a dozen hits and six runs in seven innings of work. Jack Wagner (2-0 4.94) tossed two runless innings in relief of Hill. Loser Pat Castellani (4-3 5.24) showered early after allowing eight runs in three-plus innings.

With the win Waleska (26-28) leaped into fourth place, a half-game up on fifth place Belair Beach (26-29). The Claxton Diamonds (24-32) are dead last and 9.5 games out of first place.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Tuesday, June 12, 2001

Tycobbian Union - East Division

CC Wins 5th Straight, Beats Nats 5-4
The third place Cape Coral Hurricanes are creating quite a storm in the TU East race. Manager Huggy Miller's club has won five games in a row, while first place Ozarka has lost three straight and seen its lead drop to a half-game. The Hurricanes held on today to whip the Naturals 5-4. They took a 5-2 edge into the ninth and almost didn't survive. Miller had to call on one of his starters to get the last out. And Katsuyuki Nagashima (2-5 2.7) did his job and got his first save and left runners on first and third at game's end. Wally Robinson (8-3 2.98) garnered his 8th victory, but struggled in the ninth. He allowed four runs and six hits, struck out seven and walked four. Right fielder Danny Mullins (.321) and catcher Rick Clark (.347) paced the 'Canes with two hits each. Clark had a two-run homer and Mullins had a solo shot. Losing pitcher Yasuyuki Nakagawa (6-5 2.61) was roughed up by Cape Coral for five runs and was knocked out in the sixth.

Ozarka (29-25) is having trouble on the road and needs to get back home soon. The Naturals are 20-9 at Ellie Ewing Stadium, but 9-15 out of town. Cape Coral (28-26) is now only one game out of first. Ginza (29-26) is now in the runner-up spot and only a half-game behind.

Ninjas Nip Stallions 2-1 Behind Rousakis
Two of the better teams in the TU East had two of the better pitchers on the mound today at Ninja Stadium in Ginza. And as expected, it was a well-pitched game. Ginza's Vic Rousakis (7-5 3.15) outhurled South Fork's Flint Battle (7-5 2.66) and came out the winner 2-1. Now the Ninjas are only a half-game out of first place. Rousakis struck out nine and held the Stallions to just five hits and one run, while Battle went seven innings, gave up just two runs on five hits and fanned five. Three back-to-back singles gave Ginza its first run in the bottom of the fifth. Third baseman Toshiro Nomura (.308) drove it in. South Fork first baseman Glenn Holiday (.222) tied the score in the top of the seventh with a solo homer, his 9th of the year. The Ninjas won the game in the last of the seventh when first baseman Kenshin Yamamoto (.305) led off with a double, moved to third on a ground out, then scored on left fielder Ronnie Graf's (.267) grounder to short.

Second place Ginza improved its record to 29-26 and trail the division-leading Ozarka Naturals by a scant half-game. South Fork (27-28) is in fourth place, just 2.5 games off the pace. Cape Coral is third, only one game behind.

Hellcats Zap Zorros 10-7
It was a hitter's holiday at De la Vega Stadium in Luxora. The hometown Zorros and the visiting Hartsdale Hellcats wore out the pitchers to the tune of 32 hits and 17 runs. By the time the bats had cooled off Hartsdale outscored Luxora 10-7 and climbed up to fifth place, but only four games out of first in the tightly-bunch Tycobbian Union East. The Hellcats hammered out 18 hits and were topped by catcher Kevin Haynie (.434) with 4-5 and four RBIs and third baseman Whiz Weaver (.301) with 3-4, four runs and three RBIs. Weaver had two doubles and a triple. Leading the Z's at bat were second baseman Paco Benitez (.246) and first baseman Paul Hallenbeck (.332), who both drove in a pair of runs. Luxora totaled 14 hits with five players getting two apiece. Danny Griffin (5-7 3.38) was the winning pitcher, but he saw his ERA soar after being shelled for a dozen hits in seven innings and giving up six runs. Keith Callahan (5-6 3.13) had his poorest outing of the year and copped the loss. He was tagged for five runs and nine hits in three-plus innings.

Hartsdale (25-29) is now out of the cellar and in fifth place, one percentage point ahead of sixth place Luxora (24-28). Both are only four games from first. It wouldn't take much for them to go from worst to first.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Tuesday, June 12, 2001

Tycobbian Union - West Division

Frogs Thump Champions 7-1
The first place Fairfax Frogs made it look easy again, winning for the fifth time in a row. They belted Arlon 7-1 at the Frog Pond behind the impressive pitching of lefty Jackie Leslie (10-2 3.35), who notched his 10th victory, tops in the IPA, and a solid 11-hit offense. Leslie fanned nine, walked three and gave up only seven hits for his 8th consecutive win. Hitting-wise left fielder Gator Davis (.307) cracked two homers and batted in five runs. The defeat went to Ray Hunt (5-6 3.27), who exited in the three-run eighth after permitting six runs and ten hits. It was Arlon's third straight defeat.

Fairfax (39-15) is in first place in the RU West Division, while Arlon (25-30) is in fourth place, 14.5 games behind the leader.

Viks Win, Wells Blanks Blue Sox 6-0
Second place Bayview continued to roll with its third consecutive win by blanking Blue Lake 6-0. Frank Wells (5-3 3.56) tossed a fine seven-hitter, fanned five and gave up three bases on balls. He beat new signee Junior Zell (0-1 9.00), who lasted only three frames in his first start and surrendered three runs and six hits. The Vikings backed up Wells with a 10-hit attack, paced by left fielder Glenn Burns (.318) with three hits and a pair of RBIs and second baseman Alan Hansen (.360) with 2-3 and three runs scored.

Bayview (30-26) is ten games out and in the second spot in the division. Blue Lake (23-31) suffered its third straight defeat and is in fifth place.

Lynx Edge Bucs 1-0, Nygaard Fires 2-Hitter
Tony Nygaard fired a brilliant two-hit shutout and beat Bay St. Clair 1-0 at Capitol Park Stadium in La Claire. Nygaard (2-3 3.12) had ten strikeouts and two walks in a sensational performance. A bases-loaded walked to shortstop Dirk Lindahl (.290) in the second frame was the only run of the game. Sean Lawrence (2-6 4.22) sustained the tough loss, allowing only four hits in seven innings, but he walked six and that cost him. He struck out five. It was the Lynx's fifth victory in a row and gave the Bucs their third straight loss.

"I feel good physically," Nygaard told BNN after the game. "Everything's comfortable. You should pitch well when that's the case."

It was anything but comfortable for Bay St. Clair.

"Nygaard used his change-up very well, very effectively," the opposing manager said. "He threw it in hitter's counts."

This year in 6 starts, Nygaard has recorded 2 wins and absorbed 3 losses. He has pitched 66.1 innings, allowed 50 hits, struck out 71 and has a 3.12 ERA.

There were only six hits in the game, four by La Claire and two by the Buccaneers. That tied the IPA mark, currently held by six other clubs. On May 1 Waleska (4) and Belair Beach (2) only had six hits, on May 8 Blue Lake (4) and Arlon (2) tied it, and May 12 Glasco and Colfax equaled it.

La Claire (28-27) is in third place and trails Fairfax (39-15) by 11.5 games. Bay St. Clair (20-36) is last in the division and 20 games out.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Wednesday, June 13, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - North Division

A's Romp Over Redhawks 12-5 for 4th Straight Win
Second place Glasco romped over first place Far Mountain 12-5 for its fourth straight victory. The Athletics blasted 15 hits in sending the Redhawks to a third consecutive defeat. Left fielder Ox Beauvais (.356), first baseman Francisco Robles (.281) and shortstop Kyle Ballentine (.277) all had three hits to lead the A's cause. Ballentine had the only homer in the game. Jesse Balfour (5-5 3.26) pitched well, striking out ten and holding Far Mountain to four runs before tiring and departing in the eighth. The loser was John Luzzatti (3-3 3.14), who was ripped hard for six runs -- three earned -- and left in the third inning. Catcher Dave Davis (.357) went 2-for-4 with a two-run double to pace the Redhawks.

Glasco (28-25) is red-hot and is now within 3.5 games of the RU North lead. Far Mountain (33-23) heads the division.

Zalewski Downs Colfax Blasters 6-2
It's a virtual three-way tie for second place in the RU North race with only a percentage point separating second place Glasco from the third place teams, Valmara and Colfax. The Vipers, with their tough lefthander Zarek Zalewski (7-3 1.79) on the hill, zipped by the Blasters 6-2. Zalewski hurled seven strong innings, surrendered six hits and one unearned run, while fanning five and walking only one. He has the best ERA in the IPA. Closer Danny Blauser (5-1 1.88) finished the game and allowed one run in two innings. Flash Guidry (6-5 2.78) left after seven frames trailing 5-1 and got credit for the defeat. Both clubs notched 8 hits each.

Glasco (28-25) is now the runner-up to first place Far Mountain (33-23) with Colfax (29-26) and Valmara (29-26) right on their shirttails. All of them are 3.5 games out.

Elnora's Gray Throws Shutout
Elnora righthander Tyrone Gray (3-5 3.79) pitched a whale of a ballgame in blanking Volusia 2-0 at State Fair Park. He limited them to seven base hits, struck out nine and issued only one base on balls. It was Gray's second shutout this season. Left fielder Quincy Peterson (.291) was the difference as he jacked a two-run roundtripper in the sixth inning for the game's only scores. It was homer number 7 this season for Peterson. Lefty Lenny Collins (3-3 3.03) suffered a tough loss as he fanned nine All-Stars and went the distance, giving up 11 hits and walking four.

Volusia (26-30) is fifth in the standings and seven games in back of the leading Redhawks (33-23), while Elnora 21-36) is deep in the basement.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Wednesday, June 13, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - South Division

Redhawks Even Marston Series 9-3
Shoddy defense played a part in the Far Mountain 9-3 rout of the Marston Nine. The Redhawks picked up six unearned runs on three errors and evened the series at one game apiece between the top two ballclubs in the RU South. On the mound southpaw Herm Bahr (6-4 3.18) went the distance, struck out 11 batters and limited the Nine to just four hits. He gave up three runs in the second inning, but no more. A six-run third put the Lumberjacks over the top and pretty much decided the game. Second baseman Jesse Wolf (.311) led Forest City. He hit his 15th home run, had three hits, scored twice and drove home three runs, Third baseman Jesse Pearson (.306) also chipped in two RBIs. Ed Vogler (3-3 3.75) had an off day and took the loss, giving up seven runs in two-plus frames, but only one was earned. He fanned five and walked three before calling it a day. First baseman Chuck Barrett (.282) hit a two-run homer for the Nine.

First place Marston's (32-22) lead has been cut to three games. Forest City (3-26) is in second place.

Sunbirds Fly By Rattlers 7-2 with 5 HRs
Five roundtrippers and a good performance from starter Ken Frey spurred Belair Beach to an easy 7-2 victory over Sugar Valley. Left fielder Nicky Swift (.347) launched two out of the park and drove in three runs. He leads the Ruthlandian Union with 22 homers. First baseman Phil Gravelli (.333) also hit two homers and drove in a pair of runs. The fifth was came off the bat of right fielder Matty McDermott (.355). Frey (4-3 3.42) registered the win, surrendering ten hits, but only two runs, whiffed eight hitters and walked no one. Tony Michelet (4-7 4.71) was the losing pitcher. The Sunbirds attacked Michelet (4-7 4.71) for five runs, three earned, and set him down in defeat. Both clubs swatted ten hits each.

Belair Beach (27-29) is in third place, just one percentage point up on fourth place Sugar Valley (26-28). Fifth place Waleska (26-29) is in the mix, too. The Westerners trail by 6.5 games.

Diamonds Power by Westerners 5-4
At Waleska, the Claxton Diamonds powered their way passed the Westerners 6-5 with two home runs. Sparking the Diamonds 12-hit attack was first baseman Marty McCluskey (.300) with 3-for-4, three RBIs , including a double and a homer. Center fielder Wayne Wilson (.270) had three hits and an RBI, including a roundtripper, right fielder Dixie Baker (.335) two hits and an RBI and left fielder Winky Rush (.283) with two hits, two runs and an RBI. Waleska countered with 13 hits and were paced by third baseman Ernie Fletcher (.239) with three hits, two runs and two RBIs, right fielder Rick Vaughn (.287) with three hits and second sacker (.265) with two hits and two runs. Dennis Scott (5-5 4.05) labored, but picked up the win. He allowed four runs and nine hits in seven innings of work. Saving it for him was Earl Weber (4-1 2.51), who surrendered a run and four hits in the last two innings. It was his 4th save of the season. Marv Chancellor (3-8 5.74) lost another one in a disappointing performance, permitting five runs in seven innings.

Claxton (25-32) is in last place , 8.5 games off the pace of Marston (32-22). With the defeat Waleska (26-29) dropped to fifth place in the RU South Division. the Westerners are 6.5 games behind.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Wednesday, June 13, 2001

Tycobbian Union - East Division

Ninjas Nab First Place, Edge SF 3-2 in 11 Innings
At home at Ninja Stadium, Ginza edged the South Fork Stallions 3-2 in 11 innings to slip ahead of Cape Coral and Ozarka in the extremely tight TU East Division. Center fielder Takashi Fujimoto's sacrfice fly scored shortstop Shinjiro Aoki (.283) from third with the winning run. Aoki got a lead-off walk from loser Billy Joe Gordon (0-4 3.06), stole second and advanced to third on a ground out. Skipper Huroto Uchiyama got a superb pitching effort out of Toshiharu Ito (3-1 1.93), who worked all 11 innings, permitting eight hits and only one earned run. The crafty righthander walked four walks and had eight Ks. Fujimoto (.267) went 3-for-4 and drove in all three runs. Third baseman Glenn Holliday (.231) had three hits for the Stallions, one of them his 10th home run. Manager Lips DeRoche of the Stallions also got some very good pitching from his starter Booger Burchfield (3-4 3.27). He left with the score 2-2 after eight innings and gave up six hits and no earned runs. In the hitting departmen South Fork outhit Ginza 8-7.

Ginza (30-26) moved a half-game ahead of both Ozarka (29-26) and Cape Coral (29-26) in the division, while the Stallions (27-29) fell three games back of the pack and fourth place.

'Canes on a 6-Game Roll, Tie Nats for 2nd Place
The Cape Coral Hurricanes have won six games in succession. Ozarka was beaten 5-3 on left fielder Rod Kelly's (.332) two-run clout in the eighth inning, his 12th of the season. It was the Naturals fourth consecutive loss and put them in a tie for second place with the Hurricanes in the TU East race. Katsuyuki Nagashima (3-5 2.76) picked up the win despite giving up three home runs. The big portsider limited Ozarka to six hits, fanned seven batters and walked two and went all the way. There were five roundtrippers in the game. Besides Kelly's game-winner for Cape Coral, third baseman Roberto Betencourt (.206) went deep, while third baseman Doug Cunningham (.245), first baseman Floyd Snow (.242) and left fielder Ronnie Patterson (.264) drilled solo homers for the Nats. Tony Didriksen (5-5 3.38) tossed seven-plus innings and was tagged for five runs, only three of them earned, struck out three and issued a walk. The Hurricanes has 8 hits to 6 for Ozarka.

Both Ozarka and Cape Coral have identical 29-26 mark for the season and are tied for the runner-up spot in the division. They trail the new leader, the Ginza Ninjas (30-26) by a half-game.

Hartsdale Hammers Luxora 12-3
From top to bottom in the Tycobbian Union East Division only 4.5 games separate the teams in the closest race in the Islandian Pro Alliance. Fifth place Hartsdale is just 3.5 games out of first after notching its third straight triumph. The Hellcats hammered the last place Luxora Zorros for 18 hits in routing them 12-3. Glenn Mann (6-7 2.85) breezed to the win, surrendering three runs on nine hits, striking out five and issuing only one walk. Leading the list of Hartsdale hitters were right fielder Mel Poe (.243) with three hits and three RBIs, shortstop Terry Bellino (.352) with two hits, two RBIs and two runs, center fielder Grag Reynolds (.253) was 2-6 , scored three times and had an RBI, and second baseman Whiz Weaver (.308) had two hits and two RBIs. Poe and Reynolds both slugged their 7th home runs. Catching the loss was starter Johnny Montel (4-7 3.73). The Hellcats tore into him for seven runs in the first two innings and never looked back.

Hartsdale is 26-29 on the year and Luxora is 24-29.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Wednesday, June 13, 2001

Tycobbian Union - West Division

Champs Edge Frogs 2-1, First Loss for Meredith
It took a lot to give Robby Meredith his first loss of the season. It took a strong start from Arlon lefthander Wally Fitzgerald and a fine finish by closer Jeff Nieman to come away with a 2-1 victory at the Frog Pond. The Champions snapped Fairfax's five-game win string and ended their own three-game loss streak. Fitzgerald (3-1 1.75) went eight innings, allowed only one and eight hits, fanned six and walked just one. Third baseman Stan Cobb's fourth inning homer was the only run he gave up. Jeff Nieman came in in the ninth and closed it out with two strikeouts and no runs. Meredith (8-1) struck out nine, but walked four in suffering his first loss. He allowed nine hits and both runs. Catcher Kelly Fox (.303) went 3-for-4 and singled in two runs in the seventh to win the game. Cobb (.361) led the Frogs with 3-for-3.

First place Fairfax (39-16) is 13.5 games in front of fourth place Arlon (26-30).

Bayview Beats Blue Sox with 9th Inning Rally
Second place Bayview came back from a 4-1 deficit in the ninth to rally by Blue Lake 5-4 and send them to a fourth consecutive defeat. They had managed only three hits off Bennie West up to that point. Shortstop Scooter Richards rode home on left fielder Greg Boone's throwing error. Pinchhitter Daniel Wolfe singled to left to tie it up 4-4, but Boone threw it away trying to get Richards at home and cost the Blue Sox the game. Adrian Strom (6-3 3.86) was the winning pitcher as he tossed two scoreless innings. The loss went to West (6-6 2.49), who allowed seven hits in all, fanned six and walked three. Blue Lake shortstop Cy Orgeron (.245) has the only home run in the game. Richards (.257) had two hits for the Vikings and first baseman Dwayne Coleman (.302) scored twice. Hits-wise it was 9-8 in favor of Blue Lake.

Bayview (31-26) has won the last four games and is in the runner-up spot in the TU West, nine games in back of Fairfax (39-16), while Blue Lake (23-32) is in fifth, 16 games out.

Bucs Gross 4-Hits Lynx, Wins 4-1
"I wish I had several more like Norm Gross," Bay St. Clair manager Guy Rondre told BNN in his slight French accent. "We wouldn't be in last place, I gar-on-tee.".

Gross (7-5 3.16), a short, stubby lefty, stopped La Claire's winning streak at five games and beat the Lynx 4-1 on four hits. He struck out seven and walked four. The Buccaneers backed up his strong pitching with 13 hits and were led by shortstop Chuck Hankins (.335) with 2-for-5 and two RBIs. He hit his 5th home run in the third inning, making it 2-1 and drove in another one in the eighth on a fielder's choice. The only run the Lynx got came in the first frame and it was unearned. Nailed with the loss was Frank Lamoreaux (4-4 3.36), who went the distance.

Bay St. Clair (21-36) broke a three-game losing streak, but is still last, 19 games out. La Claire (28-28) is in the third spot in the division and is 11.5 game behind the front-running Fairfax Frogs (39-16).

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Thursday, June 14, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - North Division

FM Snaps 3-Game Losing Streak, Tops A's 9-7
First place Far Mountain got on the right track and snapped its three-game losing streak by outslugging Glasco 9-7 at Athletics Field. Redhawks third baseman Johnny Strickland (.278) and catcher Dave Davis (.373) supplied the lumber to halt the A's win streak at four. Strickland homered and doubled and plated four runs, while Davis went 5-for-5, scored four and drove in two runs. It was Strickland's 10th home run and Davis' 6th on the year. Athletics first baseman Francisco Robles (.288) had two hits and four RBIs and right fielder Jose Valenzuela (.322) two hits and an RBI. They both hit roundtrippers. The expected pitching duel between Charles Darby and Stan Lamoreaux never materialized. Lamoreaux (4-1 3.71) won it but gave seven runs and was KO'ed in the ninth. Doc Rutledge (6-1 2.34) got the last three outs and his 7th save. Darby (8-4 2.10) lost it for Glasco, being shelled for seven runs in eight innings, but only two were earned. The A's almost came back. They were down 9-3 going into the ninth. But Rutledge shut the door.

The Redhawks (34-23) lead the Ruthlandian Union North Division and are 4.5 games up on third place Glasco (28-26). The Athletics are one percentage point in front of Valmara (29-27).

Blasters Back In 2nd Place, Bop Vipers 7-1
Lefthander Harry Manning hurled Colfax back into second place in the RU North with a 7-1 triumph over the Valmara Vipers at Mountain View Stadium. Manning (8-4 3.27) picked up his 8th victory with a six-hitter. Todd Turner (5-4 4.08) got chased in the fifth after allowing five runs and suffered the loss. The Blasters lived up to their name today with 14 hits and were triggered by second baseman Tucker Hill (.356) with 4-for-5 and three runs, first baseman Dennis Cole (.323) with 2-for-4 and two RBIs and third baseman Russ Farrell (.282) with two RBIs.

The Vipers got the bad news today that shortstop Mike Ellefsen will be out the rest of the season and part of the next with a torn hamstring. He injured it sliding in yesterday's game. Ellefsen is hitting .312 with 8 homers, 23 RBIs and 23 runs scored this season. Manager J. Jackson Samuel said three players would vie for the position: Matt Muzurek (.236), Scotty Peterson (.256) and new signee, 35-year-old Cazzie Karunas.

Colfax (30-26) is now 3.5 games behind the division leader, Far Mountain (34-23). Valmara (29-27) is now fourth and 4.5 games out of first.

V's Vault Past All-Stars 10-3 with 3 HRs
Three home runs and Raul Sandoval made it easy for the Volusia Vigilantes to vault past Elnora 10-3. Center fielder Jesus Arroyo (.253) ripped two roundtrippers and powered in four runs, while right fielder Dan Rogers (.269) had a two-run salvo in the V's 10-hit assault. Sandoval (6-6 2.70) was strong and steady as usual and pitched his 8th complete game, permitting eight hits with five Ks and three BBs. Sandoval (.178) even singled in two runs. Loser John Tinker (3-8 4.87), just restored to the starting rotation by manager Zoggy White, was treated roughly by Volusia, being pelted for six runs in less than two innings.

Center fielder Rusty Gilbert of the Elnora All-Stars was injured while trying to make a catch in the first inning and will miss about a week. Gilbert was hitting .281 with 4 homers, 16 RBIs and 18 runs in 39 games. 25-year-old outfielder Sammy Marlaire has been signed to replace him on the roster.

The Vigilantes (27-30) are fifth in the standings, seven games out, while Elnora (21-37) has the worst record in the IPA and are laboring deep in the cellar, 13.5 games behind.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Thursday, June 14, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - South Division

Rattlers Benson Sets New IPA K Mark
It was a recording-setting day for Sugar Valley's Ron Benson. He set a new IPA mark by striking out 15 Belair Beach Sunbirds. He just cruised through their lineup taming them 5-0 on just four singles. Benson (8-6 2.57) walked not one single batter in an outstanding mound performance. His teammates gave him good support with an 11-hit attack, headed by third baseman Jorge Vargas (.354), who had three hits, and second baseman Rudi Oliver (.340) with a two-run homer.

"Ron was very efficient and he hit his spots," his manager Gibby Bobkins said. "He stayed down in the zone and stayed away from the middle of the plate."

Taking the loss was Terry Christian (1-3 4.84), who gave up four runs and nine hits in seven innings.

The previous record for strikeouts in a nine-inning game was held by Flash Guidry of the Colfax Blasters. He fanned 14 Glasco A's in an 8-1 victory on May 12. La Claire's Tony Nygaard also rung up 15 Blue Lake Blue Sox on May 31, but it took him 11 innings to do it.

In 14 starts this season Benson has crafted a 8-6 record with a 2.57 ERA.

Sugar Valley (27-28) is in the third spot in the division, six games off the pace. Belair Beach (27-30) is fourth and trails first place Marston (33-22) by seven games.

Marston Mauls Lumberjacks 7-1, Azard Winner
The Marston Nine busted open a close game with a four-run ninth to whip Forest City 7-1 and even the series at two games apiece. Paul Azard (6-2 2.52), a slender 6'5" southpaw, fired a fine game, limiting the Lumberjacks to six hits. He struck out three and had no walks. Glenn Moore (6-3 2.32) was the loser. He yielded seven hits and three runs in eight innings, leaving with the score 3-1. Moore fanned eight and issued only one walk. Shortstop Lennie Torricelli (.278) cleared the bases in the ninth with a double to lead the Nine with three RBIs. He had two hits and scored twice. Center fielder Tommy Reinhold (.303) homered in the first for Marston. Left fielder Chuck Hill (.347) hit his 17th homer for Forest City's only score. Marston outhit the 'Jacks 11 to 6.

First place Marston (33-22) moved four games in front of second place Forest City (30-27) in the Ruthlandian Union South race.

Nakashima Spins 1-0 Shutout Over Westerners
At Westerner Field in Waleska the Claxton Diamonds got a sparkling performance from Tetsunori Nakashima, who shut out the hometown Westerner 1-0. Nakashima (8-4 4.23) notched his 8th win and finished up the game with five strikeouts and only two walks. He allowed nine hits in the game. Right fielder Dixie Baker saved the game with a diving catch to end the game in the bottom of the ninth with the bases loaded. Rusty Kraft almost matched Nakashima, but gave up an RBI single in the fifth to left fielder Winky Rush (.288) to score second baseman Donny McCoy (.354) with the only run of the game. Kraft (3-6 4.07) lost it, giving up ten hits, while striking out five and walking two. Claxton totaled 11 hits to Waleska's 9. Both teams stranded a lot of baserunners. The Diamonds left 11 on base, while Waleska left 10.

Waleska (26-30) is just barely holding on the fifth place, a game ahead of Claxton (26-32). The Westerners are 7.5 games out of first and the Diamonds trail by 8.5 games.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Thursday, June 14, 2001

Tycobbian Union - East Division

Nats Back on Top, Nudge CC 4-3
Ozarka is back on top of the TU East Division after they curtailed Cape Coral's winning steak at six games with a 4-3 triumph. At the same time the Naturals snapped a four-game losing spell. Ozarka slipped a half-game ahead of Ginza, when the Ninjas fell to South Fork today. Giant righthander Donnie Stone (4-3 3.69) rose to the occasion and checked the Hurricanes on three runs and seven hits before he tired in the ninth. He walked two batters with two outs and needed closer Alex DiMaggio (6-2 1.78) to get the last out. DiMaggio chalked up his 3rd save. Cape Coral starter Owen Pruitt (4-4 3.93) was breezing along with a 3-1 lead heading into the eighth. Ozarka erupted for three runs to go up 4-3 on third baseman Doug Cunningham's (.250) RBI single and shortstop Gil Lantz's (.229) two-run game-winning blast. Reliever Scotty Lohmeyer (2-3 3.00) served up the decisive home run and absorbed the loss. Lantz and Cunningham topped the Nats with two RBIs each. Cunningham hit his 16th homer and catcher Rick Clark (.341) cracked a two-run roundtripper for the 'Canes. Center fielder Teddy Braun (.300) went 3-5 to lead Ozarka, while shortstop Bobo Hatfield (.285) was 3-4 and first baseman Rodger Wooten (.299) was 2-4 for Cape Coral.

Ozarka regained first place with a 30-26 mark and are a half-game in front of second place Ginza (30-27). The Sunbirds slipped to third (29-27), but only one game off the pace

Stallions Gallop Past Ginza 5-2
At Ninja Stadium in Ginza, the South Fork Stallions dealt the Ninjas a severe loss 5-2 as Jerry Harrison went the distance. Harrison shut them down on seven singles to win for the 6th time this season and knocked them out of first place. The crafty lefthander struck out three and walked only one in a solid outing. Suffering the defeat was Ginza's fine diminutive 5'7" righthander Kojiro Matsumoto (8-2 3.32). He allowed four runs on six hits over six innings, only two earned. The Ninjas committed three errors. Matsumoto fanned five and issued one base on balls. South Fork third baseman Glenn Holliday walloped a three-run homer in the third inning, the first allowed by Matsumoto this year. Catcher Darryl Burnett and first baseman Rod Reed (.184) drove in the other two scores. The Ninjas shortstop Shinjiro Aoki (.291) paced them with three hits.

Ginza (30-27) is now a half-game behind Ozarka (30-26) in the battle for the TU East lead. South Fork (28-29) is not far behind in fourth place, trailing by only 2.5 games.

Zorros Zonk Hellcats 9-4
Manager Alejandro Rodrigo's Luxora Zorros broke out the bats to put an end to a 4-game slump and zonked Hartsdale 9-4. That also stopped the Hellcats win skein at three games. Third baseman Roberto Vina (.279) led the way with 2-3 and three RBIs, including his 7th homer. First baseman Paul Hallenbeck (.330) collected his 9th home run and batted in two runs and catcher Eric Richter (.365) was 3-5 with an RBI and scored twice. Z's second baseman Paco Benitez (.254) added three hits and scored two runs. Hartsdale center fielder Greg Reynolds (.257) knocked in two runs with two hits. Reynolds hit his 8th roundtripper. In the game Luxora had 14 hits and the Hellcats 11. Registering the win was starter Francisco Fernandes (5-5 3.42). He worked the first seven frames and yielded all four runs on nine hits with four strikeouts and a walk. Andy Stevens (2-2 3.20) closed it out with two runless innings.

Despite the defeat Hartsdale (26-30) held on to fifth place by a percentage point. Luxora (25-29) is in last place. Both clubs are only four games out.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Thursday, June 14, 2001

Tycobbian Union - West Division

Champs Gig Frogs Two Days in a Row
At the Frog Pond, the Arlon Champions won for the second straight day, dropping the Fairfax Frogs 4-2. First baseman Brad Ray (.327) led the way with two hits and three RBIs to knock off the first place Frogs. Skipper Gary Louis' mound staff did their job, too. Ace Howe started and went into the seventh and was taken out when there were two rain delays. Howe (4-5 2.84) got the victory, permitted eight hits and two runs with seven Ks and four walks. Relievers Sean Dudek (1-4 5.24) retired his two batters in the seventh and Rod Kelley (2-2 4.09) wrapped up the game with a scoreless eighth and ninth, yielding a hit and fanning one. It was Kelley's 2nd save. Fairfax's lefty Jimmy Dalton (6-4 4.26) took the loss, going into the ninth, surrendering eleven hits and all four runs. The Champs had the edge in hits 11-9 over the Frogs.

Fairfax (39-17) is still uncontested in the TU West Division. Arlon (27-30) is in fourth place, 12.5 games behind the Frogs.

Vikings Bomb Blue Sox 9-4, 5th Straight Win
The Bayview Vikings bombed Blue Lake 9-4 for their fifth win in succession and the Blue Sox fifth loss in a row. The Viks smacked 13 hits and ran up a 9-0 lead in the first four frames. First baseman Dwayne Coleman (.305) went 2-for-5 and drove in three runs to take over the RBI lead with 63 in the Tycobbian Union. Coleman also collected his 22nd home run, placing him second to Greg Vincent of Fairfax, who has 23. Vincent is now number two in RBIs with 62. Blue Sox second sacker Ken Bennett (.260) did the most damage with a three-run homer, number 8 this season for him. Paul Hood (3-2 3.00) went the route, holding Blue Lake to four runs and six hits with seven strikeouts and three walks. Derek Manetti (3-4 5.45) in his second start this year caught the loss by allowing six runs in two-plus innings. The Blue Sox played it loose in the field and committed three errors, costing them four runs and the ballgame.

Bayview (32-26) is the number two team in the division, eight games in back of Fairfax (39-17). Blue Lake (23-33) is fifth in the standings, 16 games behind.

Lindahl's 3-Run Smash Wins for Lynx
La Claire Lynx shortstop Dirk Lindahl boomed a dramatic three-run homer in the last of the ninth to send Bay St. Clair to a sudden 8-6 defeat at Capitol Park Stadium. Manager Rip Calkin's Lynx rallied from 5-2 and 6-4 deficits to garner the win with a four-run ninth off losing pitcher Johnny Nikolsky (3-4 5.10) and gave the victory to Nick Baumgartner (3-5 3.88), who retired the Buccaneers in order in the top of the inning. Lindahl (.293) was 2-for-5 for the winners and scored twice, while catcher Dennis Weiss (.269) was 2-for-4 with two runs batted in. Weiss also homered, his 7th of the year. Bay St. Clair outgunned them 14 to 13, but still came up short in the run department. Shortstop Chuck Hankins (.343) had three hits and scored twice, third baseman Bubba Tate (.350) had three hits and center fielder Nickie Friedrich (.299) drove in a pair of runs with a double.

The Lynx (29-28) moved over the .500 mark and are in third in the TU West, 10.5 behind, while the Buccaneers (21-37) are still deep in the cellar, 19 games out.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Friday, June 15, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - North Division

A's Down Redhawks Again, McFalls Beats Them 9-1
Glasco did it again. For the fourth time in five games they have beaten the first place Far Mountain Redhawks. And now the A's are in second place. This time it was righthander Duncas McFalls (3-0 2.63) turning in a strong effort and stopping them 9-1. McFalls had plenty of help, too. The Athletics pounded out 15 hits, while the Redhawks got 9. Left fielder Ox Beauvais (.362) hit his 12th homer, doubled and drove in two runs, going 3-for-4 and scored twice. Catcher Nick O'Neil (.281) had two hits and two RBIs. Four other A's collected two hits each and every regular had at least one hit. The IPA's leading hitter Dave Davis, catcher for Far Mountain, went 3-for-4 and ran his average up to .380. It was a long day for Vic Vaux (5-4 3.49), starter for the Redhawks. He was tagged with the loss after surrendering six runs in five-plus innings. Trailing 1-0, Glasco put up three runs in the fifth, sixth and eighth to waylay Far Mountain.

Second place Glasco (29-26) cut Far Mountain's (34-24) margin to 3.5 games over the A's in the RU North Division. The Athletics are a skimpy one percentage point ahead of Valmara and Colfax, who have the same 30-27 record.

Vipers Tie Blasters for Third Place
At Colfax, the Valmara Vipers snapped a 3-all game with single runs in the seventh and ninth to edge the Blasters 5-3 and move into a tie with them for third place in the RU North race. Both clubs are one percentage point behind Glasco, which eased by them into the second spot in the standings. First baseman Yank Jankowski's (.290) 3rd homer of the season won it in the seventh. Right fielder Jet Kazmarek (.288) singled in an insurance run in the ninth. Gerry Bart (4-5 5.33) was the winning pitcher, teaming with Valmara's bullpen ace, Danny Blauser for the win. Bart worked seven innings, gave up three runs and seven hits, while Blauser (5-1 1.82) got his 4th save with two shutout innings. Southpaw Robbie Smith (2-4 3.19) went the route for Colfax, allowed five runs, three earned, nine hits, fanned five and walked three. First baseman Dennis Cole (.321) powered his 17th home run for the Blasters, who had 8 hits. Cole leads the Ruthlandian Union with 54 RBIs and is second in homers and runs . He has scored 49 times.

Colfax and Valmara have identical 30-27 records this year. Today Glasco (29-26) moved up to second with a victory over Far Mountain. All three clubs are 3.5 games in back of the first place Redhawks.

All-Stars Crush Vigilantes and Kivett 12-6
Elnora had their work cut out for them. They were facing unbeaten Kit Kivett, who had won all five of his games and went the distance in each one of them. He came into the game with a microscopic 1.73 ERA. Well... Surprise! Surprise! The All-Stars sent him home early, battering him for 12 hits and five runs in four-plus innings. Kivett (5-1 2.03) left trailing 5-2 and got his first loss this season. First baseman Will Jackson (.227) led the charge with two hits and five RBIs, including a grand slam. New center fielder Sammy Marlaire (.299) had a homer in his first game for Elnora. Second baseman Gil Foster (.341) went 3-4 and scored three times. Pinchhitter Harry Wight (.225) chipped in with a three-run double. All total, the All-Stars ravaged four Vigilante pitchers for 16 hits. Volusia got 12 off of Pat Savoie and Alonso Herrera. Savoie (1-0 1.57) hurled a very effective seven innings in his first start of the season. He stopped Volusia on two runs and seven hits, fanned nine and walked only one. Herrera (0-2 8.04) was ripped for four runs and five hits over the last two frames.

Elnora (22-37) is in last place, 12.5 games off the pace. The Vigilantes (27-31) are in fifth place, seven games out.