ISLANDIAN PRO ALLIANCE (RUTHLANDIA and TYCOBBIA BASEBALL UNIONS)

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Friday, June 1, 2001

IPA Announces Outstanding Stars of the Month

Ruthlandian Union Announces May's Best Batter
Snap, crackle and pop!! In May, Nicky Swift snapped up the Ruthlandian Union Batter of the Month trophy by cracking 40 hits and popping 12 home runs.
For the month he hit a solid .364 with 27 RBIs and 27 runs scored. The Belair Beach left fielder also picked up 25 walks to compile a .489 on-base percentage.
Thus far this year Swift is batting .326 with 15 home runs, 31 RBIs and 32 runs scored.

Vincent Top Hitter in TU in May
In May, Gregg Vincent was the toughest out in the Tycobbian Union and that is the prime reason he was voted the Batter of the Month.
The Fairfax right fielder rapped out 45 hits in 133 at-bats for a .338 batting average, hit 15 home runs, drove in 39 runs and scored 27 times.
Presently Vincent is batting .316 and has collected 21 home runs, 54 RBIs, .332 OBP and scored 35 runs. He leads all players in the IPA in homers and RBIs.

Marston Starter Wins May's Pitcher Award
May's premier pitcher was Casey Ledbetter of the Marston Nine. He pulverized Ruthlandian Union hitters all month long and picked up the Pitcher of the Month award. The Nine star hurler notched 5 wins and 1 loss to take the honor.
The Marston star added 48 strikeouts in 61 innings to his season totals and compiled a 2.20 ERA. Other clubs hit .228 against him.
This season Ledbetter has compiled a 7-1 record with a 2.96 ERA in 10 starts.

Tycobbian Union #1 Hurler is Meredith
An outstanding 6-0 record in May earned Robby Meredith the Pitcher of the Month Award in the Tycobbian Union. When his name was penciled in to start on the Fairfax lineup card, it meant trouble for opposing teams.
In 59 innings of work, Meredith limited opposing batters to 48 base hits and a .219 batting average. He notched 37 strikeouts, issued 10 walks and had a 1.83 ERA.
In 10 starts this season Meredith has recorded a 6-0 record and a 2.54 ERA.

May's Premier RU Rookie Named
Royce Benson was acclaimed the Ruthlandian Union Rookie of the Month for his fine play in May.
The 22-year-old Far Mountain first baseman hit .316, swatted 2 home runs and drove in 11 runs. He also tagged 43 hits, scored 24 runs and picked up 9 walks for a .356 on-base percentage.
This season Benson has delivered 58 hits in 176 at-bats for a .330 average with 2 home runs. He is getting on base at a .367 clip and his totals also include 14 RBIs and 29 runs scored. This year Benson has played in 42 games.

Hartsdale's Weaver TU Rookie of Month
Hartsdale's Whiz Weaver collected 32 hits to snare the Tycobbian Union Rookie of the Month for May.
He batted .308 with 7 home runs, 16 RBIs and 14 runs scored.
The 19-year-old is barely old enough to shave, but he could definitely contend for Rookie of the Year, if he keeps up this pace.
This season Weaver is hitting at a .299 pace with 8 home runs, 24 RBIs and has scored 18 times.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Saturday, June 1, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - North Division

Sandoval Shuts Out FM, Ends 7-Game Win Streak
The scoreboard had nothing but zeros when Alex Luna stepped up to the plate to lead off in the bottom of the tenth. Luna (.265) put a quick end to the scoreless battle between first place Far Mountain and last place Volusia. The Vigilante center fielder powered Mike McCabe's pitch over the fence in right center to win it with a walk-off homer 1-0 and put an end to the Redhawks seven-game winning string. His homer broke up a magnificent pitching duel between Raul Sandoval and Stan Lamoreaux. Sandoval (5-4 2.27) went all ten innings and blanked Far Mountain on six hits with 11 strikeouts and only two walks. Lamoreaux (2-1 1.84) stayed until the ninth, allowed five hits and fanned 9 and left after walking a batter with one out. McCabe (3-2 1.34) got the last two outs in the inning and was pinned with the loss in the next frame.

Sandoval told BNN reporters, "I had my good stuff and it went where I wanted it to go."

To date this year in 11 starts, Sandova has crafted a 5-4 mark with an outstanding 2.27 ERA.

The Redhawks (27-18) are in the top spot in the RU North with a one-game edge over second place Colfax (24-18). Volusia (19-26) lifted itself up out of last place and moved into the fifth spot. The Vigilantes are a game in front of Elnora (18-27).

Blasters Blast All-Stars 10-2, Only One Game Out
Manager Clem Rogers needed a win in the worst way and he got it from his ace, Flash Guidry. Colfax blasted the Elnora All-Stars 10-2 behind an 11-hit barrage and Guidry's strong mound performance and moved to within a game of first place Far Mountain in the RU north race. Guidry (6-3 2.71) checked the All-Stars on 8 hits, struck out 9 and walked 2. At bat it was first baseman Dennis Cole (.292) with five RBIs and three hits, including his 12th roundtripper this season. Center fielder Tatsuya Susaki (.269) went 3-for-3 and drove in a pair of runs. Loser John Tinker (3-7 5.03) was hit hard by the Blasters and surrendered four runs and five hits in three innings.

Colfax (25-18) trails Far Mountain (27-18) by only one game now, while Elnora (18-27) plunged to last place in the division.

A's Over Vipers in 12 Innings
A big five-run twelfth propelled the Glasco Athletics to 10-6 victory over Valmara at War Memorial Stadium. The A's teed off on reliever Danny Rutigliano (0-1 6.40) for all of the runs -- only three of them earned. They have now won three games in a row, while the Vipers are a five-game skid. Glasco belted out 18 hits to back up Charles Darby (7-3 2.11), who went the entire 12 innings, setting a new mark for most innings pitched. Darby permitted 10 hits, fanned 8 and issued 4 walks. Ken Olson of South Fork held the old mark, when he went 11.2 innings in a 2-1 loss to the Luxora Zorros on April 21, opening day in the IPA. The A's attack was paced by third baseman Rick Adkins (.218) with three RBIs, shortstop Kyle Ballentine (.288) with two RBIs and first baseman Zach Byorvik chipped in another pair of RBIs. Valmara's Steve Kaminski (.425) led the Vipers 10-hit offense with three runs scored and three hits. Glasco tied another record in the game with three triples. On May 4 Belair Beach had three against Waleska. There were four triples in this game with Valmara having one. This set a new IPA mark, formerly held by Belair Beach (3) and Waleska (0) in the same May 4 game.

The Athletics (22-20) are third in the standings, 3.5 games off the pace of Far Mountain (27-18). Valmara (21-25) continues to struggle and is 6.5 games in the rear.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Saturday, June 1, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - South Division

Marston Outslugs SV 9-7, Rattlers Set Loss Record
Two of the main contenders in the RU South opened up a series in Marston at Legends Field as the homestanding Nine outscored Sugar Valley 9-7. Both clubs have potent offenses and showed it today as they got 11 hits apiece. First place Marston was led by first baseman Johnny Berthold (.278), who hammered his 13th homer and drove in three runs, center fielder Tommy Reinhold (.299) with three hits and two RBIs and right fielder Chris Deangelo (.288) with a pair of RBIs. Pacing the fourth place Rattlers were left fielder Cy Bartz (.286) with 3-for-4 and two RBIs and third baseman Jorge Vargas (.333) with 2-for-4 and an RBI. Bartz hit his 3rd homer and Vargas slammed his 8th. Second baseman Rudi Oliver (.358) tripled in two runs. It was a dismal day for the pitchers. Marston starter Casey Ledbetter was looking for his 8th win and got it, but he was shelled for six runs and departed in the seventh with a 7-6 lead. Closer Milt Wilson (2-3 3.46) gave up a run in the eighth, but pitched a strong ninth, setting Sugar Valley down in order for his 3rd save. Rattler Nickie Lynn (1-2 5.21) making his first start of the season didn't fare well and was tagged with the loss, giving up seven runs and 10 hits before being relieved in the sixth. Even Gregg Neal (4-2 2.05), the Rattlers outstanding closer had problems and was ripped for the eventual winning runs in the two-run seventh.

Sugar Valley (21-22) fought hard, but still lost its seventh in a row and dropped below the .500 mark. The Rattlers are fourth, 3.5 games behind Marston, which improved to 25-19 on the year and is in the top spot in the RU South standings. Sugar Valley broke the loss record that was set at six by Bay St. Clair on April 29.

'Jacks Takes 7th Straight Victory
Forest City won its seven straight victory and luck had nothing to do with it. Righthander Glenn Moore (5-1 2.10) hurled a strong game, holding Waleska to just six hits in the 4-1 game at Riverside Stadium in the capitol city. He fanned five, walked three and gave up no earned runs. The Lumberjacks jumped on Smokey Joe Carter (6-5 3.10) for four runs in the first frame and were never headed. Carter was gone after two innings and suffered the loss. Right fielder Bennie Davis (.251) topped Forest City with three hits and two RBIs, including his 10th roundtripper. Second sacker Jesse Wolf (.301) singled in the other two scores.

The Lumberjacks (24-21) are in the second spot in the RU South Division, only 1.5 games behind Marston (25-19). The Westerners (22-23) fell below .500 and are in third place.

Diamonds Nip Sunbirds 4-3 for 5th in a Row
Last place Claxton has won its last five outings and Belair Beach has fallen in its last five. The Diamonds nipped the Sunbirds 4-3 behind a complete game by Dennis Scott. Claxton took an early 4-0 lead after three innings against starter and loser Ken Frey (1-3 4.17) and then held on as Belair Beach mounted a comeback with two in the fourth and one in the eighth. Right fielder Dixie Baker (.333) continued to deliver in the clutch with a three-run homer, his 15th this season. He has 39 RBIs all total. Second baseman Donny McCoy (.374) got the other RBI. Left fielder Nickie Swift (.327) jacked his 16th to account for a pair of runs and right fielder Matty McDermott (.326) doubled in the other one for the Sunbirds. Swift and Baker are running 1-2 in the RU home run race. Scott (3-4 3.78) allowed nine hits, struck out seven and walked only two in a fine performance. Lyndon Yarbrough (0-1 5.70) and Stan Mosley (2-2 5.01) stood out in relief roles for Belair Beach as they combined to shut out Claxton over the final six frames.

Claxton (20-25) is in the division basement, but they are not playing like a last place club. The Sunbirds (21-23) are in the fifth spot in the RU South, but only four games off the pace.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Saturday, June 1, 2001

Tycobbian Union - East Division

Nats Take Series Opener from Zorros 7-5
They were outhit 10-6 but that didn't matter to the first place Ozarka Naturals, they still won the game 7-5 in the opener of a five-game series with third place Luxora. The Zorros have now lost the last eight games, a new IPA record. All the scoring was done early in the game and was over by the fifth inning. Right fielder Denny Little (.194) and third baseman Doug Cunningham (.239) led the Ozarka attack. Little belted a three-run homer and Cunningham hit a two-run double. For the Zorros left fielder Tom Fortunato (.289) and shortstop Kris Baker (.246) both had two-run doubles. Both clubs got outstanding pitching the remainder of the game. Alec DiMaggio (5-2 1.86) got his 2nd save with three scoreless innings in relief of winning pitcher Donnie Young. Young was battered for ten hits and five runs in six innings. Catching the loss was Francisco Fernandes (4-4 3.53), who gave up seven runs and four hits in three innings. Three walks really hurt him and aided in the Ozarka victory.

The Nats (25-19) lead the TU East Division, while Luxora (21-21) is trying to hold on to third, three games out of first.

Ninjas Nudge CC 5-4, Slip into 2nd Place
Ginza's left fielder Ronnie Graf saved the day when he cut down a runner in the ninth at home plate to end the game and gave the Ninjas a 5-4 triumph over the Cape Coral Hurricanes. The Ninjas are now all alone in second place in the TU East. Buddy Hart (2-3 4.56) was the winner with help from closer Ken Watkins (3-1 2.05), who saved his fifth game this season. Hart permitted three runs and six hits, suffered control problems in the seventh and needed relief. Watkins had to survive a rough ninth, when the Hurricanes closed the gap to one run. Both clubs had nine hits apiece. Cape Coral's Danny Mullins (.268) and shortstop Bobo Hatfield had two-run homers and shortstop Shinjiro Aoki (.289) topped Ginza with 3 base hits.

Ginza (23-21) is now in the second spot in the race and trails first place Ozarka (25-19) by two games. Cape Coral (21-22) dipped below the .500 mark and is in fourth place.

Stallions Win 5th Straight, Escape Cellar
South Fork made Hartsdale its fifth victim in a row and climbed ahead of them into fifth place. The Stallions squeezed by the Hellcats 5-4 on the strength of a pair of two-run homers by first baseman Alex Kesler (.219) and left fielder Mac Stewart (.259). For Hartsdale second baseman Francisco Abreu (.282) hit a two-run smash and drove in three runs in all. It was his 13th home run. Catcher Nick Griffin (.220) had a solo salvo. Glenn Turnbull (3-1 2.66) notched his first save this year in relief of starter Jerry Harrison (4-3 3.48), who got the win. Harrison allowed four runs and eight innings in seven-plus innings. The loser was Jim Sears (2-5 3.66), who worked six innings and yielded three runs and five hits.

The South Fork Stallions (21-24) are in the fifth spot in the standings, while Hartsdale (20-24) tumbled into the cellar.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Saturday, June 1, 2001

Tycobbian Union - West Division

5-Run Rally Wins It for Frogs
A big 5-run rally in the eighth inning by the first place Fairfax Frogs carried them to a 7-6 win over Blue Lake and snapped their three-game winning skein. The big blow of the game was pinchhitter Ernie Hutchinson's base-clearing double that put the Frogs up 7-5. The Blue Sox outhit them 16 to 12, but Fairfax was more productive and took their third in a row. Shortstop Scoop Estes (.278) and first baseman Jeff Vretsos (.077) delivered two-run singles for the winners. Blue Lake was headed by third baseman Timmy Smith (.305) with 4-for-5, three runs scored and two RBIs. Center fielder Donnie Frazier chipped in two hits and two RBIs. Gerry Fisher (3-1 4.02) gained the victory with a scoreless seventh. Closer Takehide Takahashi (4-1 2.03) was shaky, but got his 4th save. He was tapped for five hits and a run in the last two innings. Reliever Derek Manetti (3-2 4.01) suffered the loss as he gave up the last two Frog runs in the eighth.

First place Fairfax (29-14) is way ahead of everybody in the TU West, while Blue Lake (20-24) is 9.5 games behind them in fifth.

Lynx Pound Bayview 10-6
There were plenty of hits in the La Claire bats today at Downtown Plaza Stadium in Bayview as they put a halt to a three-game skid. The Lynx lashed 14 of them in the 10-6 victory over the Vikings, sparked by left fielder Rich Hart's (.277) four RBIs and three hits, including his 11th home run and a double. Catcher Dennis Weiss (.299) also homered and knocked in three runs. On the mound Pat Daniels (4-2 4.09) did a decent job and got the win. He allowed four runs and six hits before heading to the showers in the eighth with the score 6-4 in his favor. Nick Pilsner (1-3 5.31), normally a starter, came in and was treated badly by Bayview. They got two runs and four hits off him before he could close them out with his first save. Starter Fred Snow (2-2 4.83) was bashed around by the Lynx and took the loss as they tagged him for six runs and eight hits before he left in the sixth. A four-run sixth and ninth by La Claire put away the Vikings.

The La Claire Lynx (22-23) are in the third spot in the standings and are nine games off the pace. It was Bayview's (24-21) third successive defeat. The Viks are six games out and in the runner-up position.

Merrill's HR in 9th Wins It
It was a tight 1-1 duel until Matt Merrill stepped up to the plate with one out in the bottom of the ninth and put it out of the park for Arlon's fifth straight victory. The Arlon left fielder's three-run homer off loser Adam Lundgren (0-1 4.03) sent Bay St. Clair down to its fifth consecutive defeat by the score of 4-1. Lundgren only pitched to four batters. The winner was Jeff Nieman (5-0 1.53), who held the Buccaneers to a single hit in three innings of work. Merrill (.305) had three hits and three RBIs, while shortstop Bama Hartley (.291) contributed three hits as well. For Merrill it was his 9th roundtripper this season. First baseman Maury Smith (.367) smacked three hits for the Bucs and drove in the only run with a double. Both clubs got strong efforts from their starters. Norm Gross (5-4 3.38) checked Bay St. Clair on seven hits and one run in eight innings, while the Champs newcomer, Woody Fitzgerald (1-0 1.20) in only his second start, allowed only one run and six hits in six innings.

The win moved Arlon (21-23) into fourth in the TU West Division, 8.5 games out of the top spot. Bay St. Clair (17-28) is in last place.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Sunday, June 3, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - North Division

Blasters Take Over First in RU North
In the first game of a twinbill, the Colfax Blasters beat Elnora 4-1 for their third straight victory and took over the top spot in the RU North Division from the Far Mountain Redhawks by three percentage points. Harry Manning and closer Walt Sellers combined to send the All-Stars to a third consecutive defeat despite giving up 14 hits. Manning (6-4 3.44), bent, but didn't break, surrendering 11 hits in seven innings, but only one run. Manning struck out six and walked none. Sellers (1-1 1.65) took over in the eighth, permitted three hits, but no runs and got his 5th save. Tyrone Gray (2-3 3.14) was touched for all of the Blasters runs. Gray gave up ten hits and four runs in six-plus innings, finishing up with seven Ks and a walk. Center fielder Ronnie Wright (.321) and catcher Howie Peterson (.221) drove in runs in the sixth to put Colfax ahead for good and in the seventh left fielder Blinky Brandon (.302) added a two-run homer.

Elnora manager Zoggy White told reporters, "In all of my experience as a player and a manager, I don't remember a team getting 14 hits and scoring only one run."

Colfax improved to 26-18, while cellar-dwelling Elnora dropped to 18-28.

All-Stars Split, Blasters Fall to 2nd Place
In the nightcap stylish Elnora southpaw Carl Costas hurled a four-hitter to beat Colfax 5-3 at Mountain View Stadium and put an end to a three-game skid. At the same time the All-Stars ended the Blasters winning string at three and knocked them out of first place with the split. Costas (3-6 3.36) has pitched better than his record shows and would have shutout Colfax except for first baseman Dennis Cole's (.291) three-run homer in the fourth inning, his 13th this season. That gave the Blasters a 3-2 lead until Elnora rallied for three runs in the seventh. The 24-year-old Costas fanned three and walked two in a fine complete-game effort. Elnora smacked 14 hits and were led by center fielder Rusty Gilbert (.303) and shortstop Johnny Zumwalt (.311), who each had three hits in the game. Gilbert scored twice and hit his 3rd homer. It was rocky going for Robbie Smith (1-2 2.83) in his first start this year. He has pitched very well in middle relief, but the All-Stars ripped him for five runs and 13 hits in just six-plus innings.

Colfax (26-19) fell a half-game behind Far Mountain (27-19) in the battle for the top spot in the RU North. Elnora (19-28) is in the division basement 8.5 games behind the Redhawks.

V's Clip Redhawks 2-1, Kivett Winner
Kit Kivett of the Volusia Vigilantes has only been on the roster for about 10 days, but he is making his name known very quickly in RU North circles. Kivett (3-0 1.38) won his third straight start and knocked the Far Mountain Redhawks temporarily out of first place in the division with a narrow 2-1 triumph. The Redhawks reclaimed it when Colfax lost the nightcap to Elnora. In a sharp performance Kivett held them to six hits and one run, but needed help from the V's fine closer Ricky Moreno (3-1 2.42) in the ninth. He relieved Kivett when he walked the lead-off batter. Moreno promptly retired the next three batters to get his 6th save. Doubles by right fielder Tommy Sonnier (.295) and second baseman Shirai Kobayashi (.292) got Far Mountain the lead in the second inning. Volusia tied it in the fourth on shortstop Scooter Perez's (.352) triple and an RBI ground out by left fielder Jesus Arroyo (.252). They teamed up again in the sixth for the winning run. Perez doubled, was sacrificed to third and scored when Arroyo grounded out. Vic Vaux (4-2 3.08) lost a tough one. He only gave up two run in six innings.

Far Mountain (27-19) fell to second place behind Colfax in the RU North standings, while Volusia (20-26) is in the fifth spot. The Redhawks are in virtual tie with the Colfax Blasters (25-18).

Valmara Crushed A's 13-7
The Valmara bats really rattled the boards as the Vipers pounded 19 hits in a 13-7 victory over the Glasco Athletics. Valmara broke a five-game losing streak and put a halt to Glasco's three-game win string. Right fielder Jet Kazmarek (.269) went 4-for-5 with four RBIs, four runs and three stolen bases, center fielder Jan Szymanski (.248) was also 4-for-5 with four RBIs and catcher Yoshi Motsuzuki (.305) had a perfect day, going 5-for-5, including his 5th home run, set an IPA mark for runs with five and drove in a pair of runs. The A's did some fine hitting, too, with 13 hits. The two clubs came within one of the most hits in a game with 32. Second baseman Barry McCord (.283) had two hits, a double and a homer, and four RBIs to pace Glasco. Left fielder Ox Beauvais (.365) went 3-for-4 and got his 10th roundtripper. Gerry Bart picked up the win for the Vipers, but lasted only until the seventh. He was tagged for six runs and nine hits before departing. Closer Danny Blauser (3-1 1.99) finished for him and gave up one run and four hits over the last two-plus innings. Loser Ernie McCain (2-5 3.88) departed in the fourth after being shelled for six runs and nine hits.

Kazmarek leads the IPA with 21 stolen bases. His three stolen bases tied the single-game record, currently held by Gerald Davis of Far Mountain, Lonnie Howard of Elnora and Paco Benitez of Ozarka.

Glasco (22-21) is in third place in the division, 3.5 games behind Far Mountain (27-19). Valmara (22-23) is fourth and trails by 4.5 games.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Sunday, June 3, 2001

Tycobbian Union - East Division

Z's Pierce Stops Losses at 8 Games
In Ozarka, 22-year-old Chris Pierce of the Luxora Zorros stopped the first place Naturals 6-1 on seven hits and also put a stop to his club's recording-setting losing streak at 8 games. Pierce (5-2 2.66), a righty, tossed a strong game with seven Ks and only one walk. He outpitched Luther Hatch (6-4 3.30), who had a tough outing, yielding six runs and six hits before exiting in the sixth. Right fielder Pedro Vizquel (.306) paced the Z's with two doubles and two RBIs. Second baseman Paco Benitez (.276) and first baseman Paul Hallenbeck (.318) chipped in three hits apiece. The Nats rightfielder Denny Little (.197) put up their only run with his 3rd homer of the season.

Hurricanes Stun Ninjas in 9th 8-7
In Cape Coral in the first game of a doubleheader, the Hurricanes stunned the Ginza Ninjas 8-7 with a four-run rally in the ninth, highlighted by first baseman Rodger Wooten's two-run walk-off homer. Going into the last inning Ginza's Kojiro Matsumoto (6-1 3.74) had things well in hand with a 7-4 lead and 11 strikeouts, but closer Ken Watkins (3-2 2.73) couldn't stop the 'Canes and lost it. Doug Lyons (2-2 6.03) chalked up the win with three perfect innings of relief, retiring all nine batters he faced. Right fielder Danny Mullins (.304), shortstop Bobo Hatfield (.273) and left fielder Earl Giles (.250) all drove in two runs for Cape Coral. The Ninjas were sparked by catcher Katsuya Noguchi (.354) with three hits, a double, triple and home run, and 4 RBIs. He also scored three times.

Ninjas Win Nightcap 4-2 Over CC
Ginza gained a split in the twinbill with Cape Coral, winning 4-2 in the nightcap. Kazuhiru Nakayama (5-6 2.60) went the distance, allowed seven hits, fanned six and walked three. Left fielder Ronnie Graf belted a three-run double in the fourth inning to lead the Ninjas. First baseman Rodger Wooten (.301) got another ninth-inning homer, but it didn't win the game this time around. It was his 12th of the year. Kaz Hayagawa went six innings and got the loss. Ginza got to him for four runs and six hits in six innings.

'Cats Reed Ends South Fork Streak at 5
Hartsdale's Phil Reed put the clamps on South Fork hitters and put an end to the Stallions win streak at five. In the 5-2 victory Reed (5-1 2.59) limited them to just four hits, while striking out five and walking two. 19-year-old second baseman Whiz Weaver (.308) had a pair of hits and two RBIs to pace the Hellcats. Center fielder Greg Reynolds (.240) and left fielder Jay Luna (.277) both cracked two hits and scored twice in the Hartsdale 9-hit attack. Ken Olson (3-5 3.36) netted the loss, but pitched well, permitting three runs, only two earned, and six hits in seven innings. He fanned five and walked one.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Sunday, June 3, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - South Division

Pace Fans 13 Rattlers, SV Loses 8th in a Row
Nick Pace, a big 6'5" righthander for Marston, was in all his glory today as he fanned 13 Spring Valley Rattlers in a 3-2 victory, giving them a record-setting eight consecutive defeats. The Nine are in first place in the RU South and have won three in a row. Pace (6-5 3.90) yielded six hits in a route-going performance and issued only one free pass. First baseman Johnny Berthold (.277) hit his 14th roundtripper to cut the Rattler lead to 2-1 in the fourth. The Nine took the lead 3-2 in the fifth on center fielder Tommy Reinhold's (.304) two-run single and then rode Pace's arm to victory. Third baseman Jorge Vargas (.346) had three hits for Sugar Valley, including his 9th home run, and scored both runs. Paul Haines (0-3 4.20) was the starter and loser, surrendering five hits and all three runs in seven good innings. He whiffed six and walked three.

Lumberjacks Bushwhack Westerners for 8th Straight
Righthander Gene Stuart had it when he needed it in the Forest City 5-2 triumph over Waleska at Riverside Park. It was the Lumberjacks eighth win in succession, just one short of the IPA record. The Westerners outhit the 'Jacks 10-6, but couldn't come through when they had to. Stuart (5-2 3.90) had five strikeouts and a walk in a gritty outing. Gary Hill (4-2 4.14) got hung with the loss as he was tagged for five runs - only three earned - and all six hits by the time he departed in the sixth. Hill set down seven on strikes and walked none. First baseman Johnny Mack Butler (.273) hit a two-run homer for Forest City and shortstop Jesse Pearson (.282) slap a solo shot. Shortstop Errol Eichhorn (.258) put one in the stands for Waleska.

Forest City is second in the RU South race, 1.5 games back of the top team, the Marston Nine.

Sunbirds Stop Diamonds 5-Game Streak in Opener
In the opener of a doubleheader, the Claxton Diamonds five-game win skein came to a halt at the hands of Belair Beach, who were in the throes of a five-game losing stretch. The Sunbirds came back from a 4-2 third-inning deficit and nipped them 5-4 at Avalon Stadium. In the top of the ninth, right fielder Matty McDermott (.328) beat out an infield hit to plate the winning run. Terry Christian (1-1 4.50) collected the victory. He went eight innings, gave up seven hits and four runs with eight strikeouts. Closer Lou Zanelli (5-2 2.25) notched his 6th save with a scoreless bottom of the ninth. Belair Beach rapped out 14 hits and were led by second baseman Rick Sullivan (.280) with 3-for-5 and two runs scored and first baseman Phil Gravelli (.327) with 2-for-4 and two RBIs. Reliever Alex Vanzetti (2-1 2.49) came on in the ninth and sustained the loss. Claxton managed eight hits off of Sunbird pitching.

Sunbirds Sweep Claxton 5-1 Behind Thompson
Belair Beach came into the twinbill today on a long five-game losing streak and came out of it with a sweep of the Claxton Diamonds. The Sunbirds took the second game with their ace on the mound. Carl Thompson (7-3 1.45), a rock-solid southpaw, held the Diamonds to just five hits, while fanning seven and walking only two. It was Thompson 7th win of the season. Left fielder Nicky Swift (.335) provided the firepower with two hits and three RBIs. The losing pitcher was starter Zach Nuxhall (2-5 4.91), who was KO'd in the fifth after surrendering five runs and seven hits.

Belair Beach is now third in the RU South standings, 3.5 games behind the leader, the Marston Nine.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Sunday, June 3, 2001

Tycobbian Union - West Division

Frogs Take Close One From Blue Sox 4-2
The TU West leader, the Fairfax Frogs, scored early with three runs in the third and then held on to whip Blue Lake 4-2 at Harbor Stadium. The red-hot Frogs notched their fourth consecutive win. Ancient Johnny Schleussler (3-4 4.01) tossed a fine game, holding the Blue Sox to eight hits and two runs over eight innings. The 40-year-old righthander gave up a lead-off single in the ninth, so manager Harry Buckley called in Mel Murray (3-3 4.54) and he closed it out with no more damage for his first save. First baseman Ernie Hutchinson (.294) was 2-for-4 with two RBIs to lead the Frogs at bat. He got some help from shortstop Warren Lee (.288), who was 3-for 4 and an RBI and center fielder Billy Echevarria (.258) with the other RBI. Jay Clay (4-3 2.65) was tacked with the loss as Fairfax collected nine hits and all four runs off him in seven innings.

The Frogs have an eight-game lead over runner-up Bayview in the Tycobbian Union West.

LC Lynx Outpowers Viks 6-3
Three homers were too much for Bayview to overcome as the La Claire Lynx edged within a half-game of second place with a 6-4 victory. First baseman Al Tisak (.151) and shortstop Dirk Lindahl (.263) hit solo shots, while catcher Dennis Weiss (.298) KO'd the Vikings with a three-run homer in the sixth to make the score 4-3. Jerry Smith (6-5 3.96) gave up a lot hits, 11 in all, but only surrendered three earned runs. Smith powder-puffed his way to his 6th win. Loser Charley Andrews (5-4 4.91) allowed the three home runs, five runs and seven hits in six innings of work. Bayview shortstop Shorty Richards (.253) drove in two runs in defeat and had two hits.

Bayview is in second place in the TU West, eight games in back of first place Fairfax, who is running away with the division. The Lynx are third, 8.5 games out.

Champs Slip Past Buccaneers 5-4 in Opener
In the first game of two at Shoreline Park in Bay St. Clair, fourth place Arlon slipped past the Bucs 5-4, paced by home runs by third baseman Archie Berry (.250) and shortstop Bama Hartley (.288). Berry had three hits and two RBIs to lead the Champs. Jim Davis (1-0 5.74) corraled the win by going into the seventh and holding Bay St. Clair to three runs. Rod Kelley registered the save, his first of the season, although he allowed a run and two hits in his two-plus innings. The longball did Gary Robinson in again - he has given up 13 this year. Arlon pummeled him for five runs and nine hits in six innings. Both ballclubs socked 11 hits each, with Bucs center fielder Nicky Friedrich (.310) going 3-for-4 and driving in a pair of runs. First baseman Maury Smith (.376), who is the top hitter in the Tyrobbian Union, rapped three hits and scored three times.

Champs Take Two from Bucs for 7th in a Row
Back-to-back homers in the twelfth enabled Arlon to take both ends of the twinbill from last place Bay St. Clair, making it seven wins in a row for them. Second baseman Karl Detwiler (.304) slammed a three-run clout off losing pitcher Ken Kazak (0-2 5.24) and shortstop Bama Hartley (.289) followed it with another one to make the score 7-3. Rod Kelley (2-1 3.46) notched the win in two innings of relief, although he did allow the Buccaneers to tie it 3-3 with an unearned run in the last of the eleventh. All total, the Champs hammered four homers on the day with Detwiler getting two of them. He tied the game in the eleventh with a solo shot. First baseman George Lyons (.236) had the other one, also a one-run blast in the second inning. The twin defeats gave the Bucs seven successive losses, a new IPA record. Second baseman Tony Mann (.335) and left fielder Charley Moon (.268) homered for Bay St. Clair and third baseman Bobby Tracy (.320) banged out four hits. Detwiler had four RBIs and three hits in the game. The starting pitchers for both clubs excelled with the Bucs Ben Crowley (2-4 4.32) hurling a very sharp nine innings, holding Bay St. Clair to six hits and only two runs and Craig Smith (6-3 3.10) allowing two runs and eight hits over his seven innings. Crowley walked no one and struck out nine, while Smith had five Ks and no walks.

Earlier in the year Bay St. Clair suffered six consecutive defeat to establish the IPA record.

The sweep put Arlon in a tie for the third spot in the TU West Division with the La Claire Lynx.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Monday, June 4, 2001

Bayview's Kanaan TU Player of the Week

Phil Kanaan captured all the headlines last week and today he added to his booty with the Tycobbian Union Player of the Week trophy.

The Bayview Vikings center fielder hammered league hurlers for 19 hits in 34 at-bats, a .559 average and 2 home runs. He also collected 11 RBIs and 8 runs scored.

A look at his season totals shows Kanaan with 6 home runs, .353 BA, .401 OBP, 27 RBIs and 31 runs scored.

Berthold of Marston Wins RU Award

Johnny Berthold of the Marston Nine had a fantastic week and today was voted the Player of the Week by the Ruthlandian Union.

For the week Berthold batted .476 (10-21) with 4 home runs and 11 RBIs.

Berthold is currently batting .277 with 14 home runs and 40 RBIs.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Monday, June 4, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - North Division

Blasters Rip All-Stars 7-4
At Mountain View Stadium in Colfax, the Blasters pounced on Elnora for a 7-0 lead after five and came away with a 7-4 decision. Light-hitting shortstop Tommy Stanley (.200) slammed two homers, scored three times and drove in four runs to pace Colfax's 11-hit offense. The top hitter for the All-Stars was center fielder Rusty Gilbert (.309) with 2-for-5 and a three-run homer. Southpaw Alex Castille (7-3 3.47) got credit for the victory, going seven innings and giving up four runs and eight hits with four Ks and two BBs. Reliever Pat Langlais (0-2 3.44) picked the his 5th save with two innings of work. He allowed no runs and four hits with two strikeouts. Elnora starter Sean Sykes (6-3 4.17) sustained the loss, being tagged for seven runs and nine hits, although only three were earned. He departed in the fifth frame.

Colfax (27-19) is a half-game in front of second place Far Mountain (27-20) in the RU North Division. Elnora (19-29) is last, nine games out.

Vigilantes Win 4th Straight, Edge FM 4-3
In Volusia, the Vigilantes rode the strong right arm of Johnny Szwak to triumph 4-3 in ten innings over the second place Far Mountain Redhawks. Szwak (2-1 3.23) set down 13 batters on strikes and tossed a complete game as he checked Far Mountain on seven hits and gave up five free passes. Szwak even scored the winning run by leading off with a single, was moved to second on a sacrifice bunt, advanced to third on a ground out, then came home on Alex Luna's line drive single to right. Sonny Elliott (6-4 2.97) also went the route, permitting only six hits, fanned five and walked four in defeat.

The Redhawks (27-20) suffered their fourth successive loss. Volusia (21-26) is fifth in the division and is 6.5 games out.

A's Romp over Vipers 9-3
In Valmara, Glasco tore up the homestanding Vipers 9-3 at War Memorial Stadium. The Athletics laced 15 hits in the game and were led by second baseman Barry McCord (.292) with 3-for-5, three RBIs and two runs and left fielder Ox Beauvais (.366) with 2-for-5, two runs and two RBIs, including his 11th homer. Beauvais is leading the Ruthlandian Union with a .364 batting average. Also contributing were center fielder Chet Reynolds (.308) with 3-for-5, including a double, two runs and an RBI and shortstop Kyle Ballentine (.294) was 3-for-4 with an RBI. Portsider Bill Darby (2-0 2.20) went all the way for the win. He scattered ten hits effectively, struck out five and walked three. Valmara had many chances to cash in, but failed to do it. Second baseman Scott Kaminski (.409) was one of the few that did any damage. He unloaded a home run in the eighth. Paul Schoenfeld (3-5 4.98) was the losing pitcher. Glasco ripped him for six runs and nine hits by the time he went to the showers in the sixth.

The A's (23-21) are in the third spot in the division standings, three games behind Colfax (27-19), while Valmara (22-24) is fourth, five games out.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Monday, June 4, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - South Division

Nine Nips Sugar Valley 6-5 in Record Loss
At Legends Field in Marston, the Nine let Sugar Valley come back and tie it up with two runs in the top of the ninth, but pulled it out in the bottom half to nip the Rattlers 6-5 and sent them to their ninth loss in a row, a new IPA record. Center fielder Tommy Reinhold (.302) doubled off losing pitcher Ron Benson to lead off the inning, was bunted to third by left fielder Ronnie Lee (.438) and scored on third baseman Roland Thomas' (.321) line single to left. Benson (6-5 2.81) was pressed into service by manager Gibson Bobkins. He is a normal starter and this was his first relief appearance this season. Closer Ken Bagby (2-2 2.93) got lucky -- he blew the save in the top of the ninth, but got the win. Second baseman Ken Green (.358) sparked the Nine with two hits, three RBIs and two runs, including his 6th roundtripper. First baseman Ken Arnold (.268) belted his 5th for the Rattlers, a two-run shot.

First place Marston (27-19) has won its last four and is two games in front of second place Forest City (25-22). Sugar Valley (21-24) fell to fifth place in the standings, 5.5 games out.

Westerners Stop 'Jacks Win String at 8
It had been quite awhile since second place Forest City tasted defeat. It finally came to an end after eight consecutive victories. The Lumberjacks ran into some strong pitching by Waleska starter Marv Chancellor and reliever Andre Marsiske, who combined to hold them to just four hits. The two clubs battled to a 2-2 draw after six innings and then the Westerners erupted for five runs in the seventh and eighth to take a 7-2 win. Key hits in the game were homers by right fielder Charley Williamson (.278) and left fielder Big Hoss Burkhalter (.313) and Freddie Shelton's (.313) pinch-hit 2-run single in the seventh to send Waleska up 4-2. They were never headed after that. Willamson cracked a two-run shot in the second to give them an early 2-0 margin, but J. T. Edmonds (.219) deadlocked it with a two-run double in the fourth. Burkhalter unloaded his 12th blast of the year in the eighth. It was good for two runs, his 44th and 45th RBIs, tops in the Ruthlandian Union. Chancellor (3-6 5.65) gained the victory with six very good innings. He allowed just four hits, fanned two and walked two. Marsiske (3-1 2.67) pitched three perfect innings for his fourth save. Loser Vinny Edelman (3-3 3.20) had a bad outing, yielding six runs and six hits in seven innings.


Forest City (25-22) dropped to 2.5 games behind the first place Marston Nine (27-19). Waleska (23-24) is fourth and trail by 4.5 games.

Diamonds Slip by Sunbirds 4-3
At Avalon Stadium in Claxton, the Diamonds took a close 4-3 decision from the Belair Beach Sunbirds. Pinchhitter Arnie Kruger (.226) plated left fielder Winky Rush (.272) with the winning run in the last of the eighth with a sacrifice fly. Pat Castellani (4-2 4.57) registered the win with an eight-inning outing. He spread out ten hits, fanned seven and allowed two bases on balls. Closer Earl Weber (3-1 2.59) tossed a perfect ninth for his 3rd save. Getting the loss was Troy Wilson (3-5 3.86). He lasted until the start of the eighth, permitted four runs on seven hits, walked five and whiffed three. The last walk was his downfall, it was the eventual winning run. Only one home run in the game. That went to Sunbird left fielder Nicky Swift (.333), who banged his TU-leading 17th roundtripper. Belair Beach outhit Claxton 10-8. Right fielder Matty McDermott (.339) collected 3-for-5 for the Sunbirds. Third baseman Keith Olsen (.315), right fielder Dixie Baker (.327) and Rush (.272) each drove in a run to pace the Diamonds.

Claxton (21-27) is seven games out of first and in the RU South cellar, while Belair Beach (23-24) is tied with Waleska (23-24) for the third spot in the standings.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Monday, June 4, 2001

Tycobbian Union - East Division

Z's Squeeze by Nats 2-1, Take Over Second Place
At Ellie Ewing Stadium in Ozarka, the Naturals were stifled by young Keith Callahan 2-1 on a six-hitter. In a strong performance, Callahan (5-4 2.60), a 20-year-old righthander for the second place Luxora Zorros, had eight strikeouts and no walks to stop the first place Nats. Center fielder Rickey Alfonso (.258) hit a bases-loaded single to drive in two runs in the eighth to win it for the Z's. Yasuyuki Nakagawa (6-3 2.03) was as stingy as ever with runs, but took the loss. He gave up 10 hits, fanned five and walked two, but just didn't get the run support. Left fielder Ronnie Patterson (.260) accounted for the Nats lone score with his 9th roundtripper in the bottom of the sixth.

The Z's (23-21) climbed to within a game of first place Ozarka (25-21) with only their second win in the last ten games. Luxora jumped ahead of third place Ginza (24-23) by a half-game in the very tight TU East race.

Hurricanes Lash Ninjas 6-3
At Seaside Stadium in Cape Coral, the Hurricanes lashed out 15 base hits and got past the Ginza Ninjas 6-3. Left fielder Rod Kelly and right fielder Danny Mullins each had two hits and two-run homers to lead Cape Coral to victory. Both homers came during the four-run eighth inning off losing pitcher Alec Sasek (1-1 5.30). Hurricane starter Wally Robinson (7-3 2.73) hurled a solid game and was removed with one out in the eighth with the score 2-2. Robinson only gave up 4 hits, fanned seven and walked three. The victory went to closer Scotty Lohmeyer (1-2 3.66), but he had to survive a tough ninth with two hits and two walks. Lohmeyer got out of the inning with only one run scored against him. Catcher Kotsuya Noguchi (.360) rapped a solo homer in the seventh to tie the score. It was his 3rd this year. Ninja starting pitcher Vic Rousakis was lifted after six innings for a pinchhitter. He allowed eight hits, struck out six and walked two.

With the defeat, Ginza (24-23) fell to third place in the TU East, a half-game behind Luxora (23-21). The top team in the division is Ozarka (25-21).

'Cats Rally for 4-3 Win over Stallions
At Jock Ewing Stadium in South Fork, Hartsdale rallied to tie the game at 3-all in the ninth and then won it 4-3 in the eleventh on second baseman Terry Bellino's (.362) triple and first baseman Walt Long's (.259) RBI single. Reliever Adam Falkenbach (1-1 3.54) captured the win with three sparkling innings. He yielded only one hit and no runs. South Fork closer Glenn Turnbull (3-2 3.04) failed to hold a 3-2 lead in the ninth for starter Flint Battle (6-4 2.73) and notched the loss. Turnbull surrendered two runs and four hits in three innings of work. Battle hurled a sharp eight innings, holding the Hellcats to six hits and two runs. Bellino also had a double and scored twice to pace Hartsdale, along with catcher Kevin Haynie (.364) and left fielder Jay Luna (.279). They had a pair of hits each. Second baseman Bob Jones (.306) led the Stallions at bat with three hits, two runs and two RBIs, including his first homer of the season.

In the tightest division in the Islandian Pro Alliance, fifth place Hartsdale (22-24) is now only three games behind leading Ozarka (25-21). South Fork (21-26) is back in the basement in the TU East, 4.5 games out.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Monday, June 4, 2001

Tycobbian Union - West Division

Fairfax 5-3 Winner over Blue Lake
In Blue Lake, Fairfax busted open a 2-2 tie with a pair of runs in the eighth frame on the way to a 5-3 triumph over the Blue Sox. The Frogs have now won five in a row and Blue Lake has dropped its last three contests. Left fielder Gator Brown's (.309) double and catcher Marv McCoy's (.351) single knocked in the go-ahead runs. Picking up the victory was Mel Murray (4-3 4.43) with a scoreless seventh. Gerry Fisher (3-1 4.08) allowed a run in the eighth, but closed out the save, his first of the season. The loser was Clint McPherson (0-2 4.15), who pitched into the eighth, gave up four runs and ten hits. Shortstop Warren Lee (.291) was 2-for-5 with two runs and first baseman Ernie Hutchinson (.304) had three hits and scored twice for the winning Frogs. Hutchinson hit a double and a triple. For the Blue Sox right fielder Fred Collins (.247) and second baseman Ken Bennett (.234) had solo home runs.

Fairfax (32-14) has the best record in the IPA and holds the number one position in the TU West. Blue Lake (20-26) is in the fifth spot in the standings.

Lynx Sink Bayview 4-3
For six innings the La Claire Lynx were shut out by Bayview's Jesus Carvajal on just two hits, but their bats came ablaze with two runs in the seventh and two more in the ninth to salvage a close 4-3 decision. Third baseman Kenny Hall (.241) tied it with a two-run shot and pinchhitter Artie Scott (.170) slammed the game-winner, also a two-run homer. Closer Monoto Kishata (2-3 3.47) worked the last three innings for the win. Kishata allowed a run on two hits and struck out two. Carvajal (5-2 3.38) absorbed his second loss of the year. The tall, skinny 6'10" lefty gave up seven hits, four runs, fanned six and walked three.

La Claire (24-23) has won three games in succession, while Bayview (24-24) has lost its last five games. The Lynx are in second place, but 8.5 games behind Fairfax (32-14). The Vikings trail by nine games.

Champs Win 8th Straight, Bucs Lose 8th
In a game played at Shoreline Park in Bay St. Clair, Arlon nosed out the Buccaneers 4-3 for its 8th straight victory on center fielder Jerry Keller's (.332) two-run triple in the seventh inning. Bay St. Clair had the most hits 11 to 8, but came out on the short end of the scoreboard for the record 8th straight time. Righthander Ray Hunt (5-5 2.87) got the Bucs out when he had to and registered the win in a complete-game effort. Keller drove in three runs to spark the Champions with left fielder Kris Gervais (.274) connecting for two hits, including a solo homer. Sean Lawrence (2-4) was the loser, giving up four runs and eight hits with seven Ks and four bases on balls. Shortstop Chuck Hankins (.336) and second sacker Tony Mann (.342) slapped out three hits each to pace the Bucs.

The win moved Arlon (24-23) into a tie for the runner-up spot in the TU West Division. Bay St. Clair (17-31) is in last place.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Tuesday, June 5, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - North Division

Redhawks Back on Top in RU North
At the Jailhouse in Volusia, the Far Mountain Redhawks needed a win to take over the top spot in the RU North Division from Colfax -- and they got it! -- a resounding 8-0 romp over the Vigilantes. Far Mountain is now a half-game in front of the Blasters in the pennant chase. Manager Alex Groveland got an outstanding effort from his little righthander John Luzzatti, who spun a five-hit shutout. The 35-year-old Luzzatti (3-2 3.10) gave up a walk and whiffed four batters. He even singled in two runs. The Redhawks jumped in front with six runs in the second inning off loser Hank Massey (2-8 4.91) and never looked back. Shortstop Joey Cannizzaro and left fielder Gerald Davis led the charge. Cannizzaro (.343) had three hits, scored twice and had two RBIs, while Davis (.262) went 2-for-5, drove in one and scored once.

"John Luzzatti is really a good pitcher when he throws strikes early in the count," said his manager.

"I went right after each hitter, trying to get ahead in the count," said Luzzatti. "I wanted them to swing the bats and keep my pitch count down. It worked. I felt strong the whole game, even in the last two innings."

In season stats Luzzatti shows a 3-2 record in 11 games, 69.2 innings, 41 strikeouts and a 3.10 ERA.

Far Mountain (28-20) broke a three-game skid to get back into first place. It was fifth place Volusia's (21-27) first loss in three games.

Elnora Dumps Colfax 6-1, Blasters Fall to Second
Elnora manager Zoggy White got double duty out of pitcher Troy Hudson in the 6-1 win over Colfax. Hudson limited the potent Blasters to just one run and eight hits and went 2-for-2 and doubled in two runs. The defeat cost Colfax the top spot in the RU North. Hudson did have some help. Second baseman Greg Foster (.343) hit his 7th home run, center fielder Rusty Gilbert (.313) had two doubles and first baseman Will Jackson (.222) drove in a pair of runs. New Colfax acquistion, rookie right fielder Wiley Reese (.571) had three hits in his second game with the team. The Blaster starter Flash Guidry (6-4 2.96) didn't fare very well as the All-Stars hit him around for four runs and six hits in five innings. Guidry was the losing pitcher.

Colfax (27-20) falls to the runner-up position in the RU North, while Elnora (20-29) remains in last place. The Blasters dipped a half-game back of Far Mountain (28-20).

Balfour Outduels Zalewski 2-0
For six innings there was nothing but goose eggs on the scoreboard at War Memorial Stadium in Valmara. Jesse Balfour of the Glasco Athletics and Zeke Zalewsk of the Vipers were really going at it in an old-fashioned pitchers' duel. Then one swing of the bat in the seventh by the A's third baseman Rick Adkins (.228) finally gave the lonely scoreboard operator something to do. Adkins parked one over the center field fence to make it 2-0 in favor of Glasco and Balfour made it stand up. The southpaw cruised throught the final three innings to collect the win. Balfour fired a four-hitter, fanned eight and walked only one in a strong performance. Valmara's Zalewski (6-3 1.77), who is second in the Ruthlandian Union with a 1.77 ERA, only allowed three hits and one earned run with six strikeouts and a walk. Atkins homer was the first one off of Zalewski this season.

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

Thus far this season Balfour has posted a 4-4 record, started 11 games, struck out 58 batters in 69.2 innings and compiled an excellent 2.84 ERA.

Third place Glasco (24-21) now trails first place Far Mountain by 2.5 games. Valmara (22-25) is in the fourth spot in the division standings and rests 5.5 games out.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Tuesday, June 5, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - South Division

SV Finally Wins, Trounces Marston 12-6
The longest losing steak in the Islandian Pro Alliance came to a halt today in Marston. The Sugar Valley Rattlers trounced the Nine 12-6 to snap their nine-game slid. And they did it with a vengeance by lashing 16 hits. Everybody in the line-up including the pitcher got at least one base hit. Catcher Shotgun McFall (.370) led the club with three hits and two RBIs. Shortstop Flipper Bird (.242), third baseman Jorge Vargas (.345) and left fielder Cy Bartz (.281) all laced a pair of hits and drove in two runs. Right fielder Nick Price (.500) went 2-for-3 and scored three times. Vargas had the only Rattler homer, his 10th. Although it wasn't an artistic success, Tony Michelet (4-5 4.66) went the distance and allowed eight hits, Marston second baseman Ken Green (.358) slammed his 7th home run of the season and batted in three runs, while catcher Eddie Allen (.280) hit his 4th. Right fielder Chris Deangelo (.296) delivered two hits and two RBIs for the Nine. Loser Paul Azard (5-2 2.90) only lasted three innings and surrendered four runs and five hits.

Rattler skipper Gibby Bobkins told reporters, "Maybe that will get the monkey off our backs and we can get back to playing like we did earlier in the season. Heck, we are only 4.5 games out. We still have over a 100 games to go and I think we will be in the playoffs at the end."

Bay St. Clair held the old record of consecutive-game losses. They dropped six games in a row in early April and also lost six straight May 10-14.

Sugar Valley (22-24) tumbled from first to fifth during the losing streak. Marston (27-20) is on top of the RU South.

Lumberjacks Bahr-ly Beat Westerners 4-1
In Forest City, the Lumberjacks toppled Waleska 4-1 on an impressive mound performance by the slender lefty Herm Bahr and home runs by second baseman Jesse Wolf and third baseman Ricky Mitchell. Bahr (5-3 2.81) garnered his third straight win with a six-hitter, eight Ks and just one walk. The Lumberjacks only got six hits, but made the most of them. Wolf (.297) hit his 14th roundtripper and Mitchell (.196) slugged his 8th. Rusty Kraft (3-5 4.67) hurled a complete game in defeat, allowing only six hits.

Forest City (26-22) gained a game on first place Marston (27-20) and is now just 1.5 games behind them. Waleska (23-25) is in fourth place.

Sunbirds Drub Diamonds 9-2
In Claxton, it was no contest between visiting Belair Beach and the hometown Diamonds. It was all Belair Beach as they trounced them 9-2, hitting three homers in the process. The Ruthlandian Union home run leader, left fielder Nicky Swift (.341), pounded two more, giving him 19 on the year, and shortstop Danny Church (.283) cracked his 5th. Swift powered in five runs, giving him 44 RBIs this year, second to Big Hoss Burkhalter of Waleska, who has 45.. The Sunbirds got good pitching, too. 20-year-old Ken Frey (2-3 3.81) crafted the win, keeping Claxton hitters off-balanced and guessing throughout the game. They got nine hits, but not when runners were in scoring position. Dennis Scott (3-5 4.20) suffered the defeat, permitting five runs on six hits in four innings.

Belair Beach (24-24) improved to the .500 mark and is in third place in the division, 3.5 games out of first. Claxton (21-28) is last, seven games behind.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Tuesday, June 5, 2001

Tyrobbian Union - East Division

Nats Didriksen Blanks Luxora
Sometimes even Tony Didriksen of Ozarka isn't sure which pitcher will show up when he takes the mound.
"I've been good sometimes and bad sometimes," he said.
This time he made the Luxora Zorros look bad 4-0. Didriksen tossed a 4-hit shutout against them, totaling five strikeouts and only giving up one walk. It was his second shutout of the season.
Luxora gifted the Naturals with three unearned runs in the third and that was all they needed. Ozarka only got six hits and were led by left fielder Ronnie Patterson (.259), shortstop Gil Lantz (.230) and Didriksen (.250), all with one run batted in. Johnny Montel (4-4 3.47) fell victim to the shoddy support and allowed four runs and four hits in his five innings.

Ozarka manager Joe Mac Carney told BNN, "It was a good win after two losses. It keep us in first place. I just hope our pitchers keep doing the job. We sure could use a little more hitting."

Alejandro Rodrigo, skipper for the Zorros, said after the game, "I feel good about my team. We came in here and have split four games with the first place team so far. We just didn't hit today. When you don't hit, you don't win. But give Didriksen credit. He was in command today. He went in-and-out with the best of them...good movement, too."

In 2001 thus far, Didriksen has tossed 80.2 innings in 12 starts, fanned 48 batters, walked 20 and put up a 3.35 ERA with 5 wins and 4 losses.

The Naturals (26-21) are still atop the TU East standings. Third place Luxora (23-22) trails by two games.

Ninja Ito Tosses 4-Hit Shutout Against Hurricanes
The Cape Coral Hurricanes were almost helpless today in their 3-0 loss to Ginza hurler Toshiharu Ito. He kept them confused the entire ballgame and spun a 4-hit shutout. The victory enabled the Ninjas to pass Luxora and move up to second place in the TU East Division and only two games out of the lead.

His manager, Huroko Uchiyama, humbly acknowledged in the clubhouse, "It looks like I should have moved him out of the bullpen sooner." This was Ito's first start after 14 relief appearances.
Pacing the Ninjas to victory were shortstop Shinjiro Aoki (.290), who went 3-for-5 and scored twice, second baseman Scooter McDonald (.303) with three hits, and first baseman Kenshin Yamamoto (.288) with two RBIs. Katsuyuki Nagashima (1-5 2.84) hurled a creditable game. He allowed 10 hits, but only three runs in eight innings, fanned five and walked just one. First baseman Rodger Wooten (.314) was the Hurricanes only serious threat at the plate with three hits in four tries.

The Cape Coral manager, Huggy Miller, said in the postgame interview, "Tip your hat to Ito. He kept us off balance all night."

Ito said, "It just happened to be one of those games where even when I made mistakes, they either fouled them off or someone would make a fine defensive play. It was just one of those games that things went my way." He had no walks and 8 strikeouts in a strong performance.

His record this year is 2-and-1 with 1 save and a 1.95 ERA. Ito has given up 24 hits in 32.1 innings with 35 strikeouts.

Ginza (25-23) is now in second place in the division, while Cape Coral (23-24) is in the fourth spot, three games off the pace.

Stallions Race by Hellcats 7-3
At Jock Ewing Stadium, the South Fork Stallions raced by Hartsdale 7-3. Leading the Stallions 11-hit attack were left fielder Gene Woodruff (.283) with a three-run homer and second baseman Bob Jones (.323) with a perfect 4-for-4 day, three runs and two RBIs. Booger Burchfield (3-4 3.99) went five-plus innings for the win, yielding three runs, none earned, and four hits. South Fork manager Lips Leon got a strong relief job from Kyle Moss (0-1 4.59), who blanked the Hellcats over the final three innings for his first save. Hartsdale was held in check most of the day and got only six hits. Glenn Mann (5-6 2.91) was the loser as he was shelled for four runs and nine hits in six innings.

The Stallions (22-26) are in the TU East cellar, but now within a half-game of the fifth place Hellcats (22-26). South Fork is 4.5 games behind first place Ozarka (26-21).

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Tuesday, June 5, 2001

Tyrobbian Union - West Division

Meredith Wins 7th, Frogs Batter Blue Lake 7-2
All he does is win games. Robby Meredith of the first place Fairfax Frogs is nothing fancy. He gives up hits, but is hard to score on. Meredith (7-0 2.56) register his 7th victory of the season with a 7-2 triumph over the Blue Lake Blue Sox at Harbor Stadium for their sixth in a row. He allowed ten hits, but was tough in the clutch. Meredith fanned four and issued only one walk. He has yet to lose a game this year. The Frogs backed him up with nine hits, six of them two-baggers. Third baseman Stan Cobb (.354) top the batters with three RBIs. First baseman Ernie Hutchinson (.312) had three hits, two RBIs and scored twice. Fairfax tagged Bennie West (5-5 2.37) with the defeat. He gave up six runs - only three earned - in three-plus innings in one of his poorest outing this season. The Blue Sox have now lost all four games of this series.

The Frogs continue to roll with a sizzling 33-14 record. Blue Lake (20-27) is fifth in the TU West Division, a distant 13 games behind.

Viks Victors in 12 Innings Over Lynx
Walter Johanssen, skipper of the Bayview Vikings, got brilliant bullpen work today as his club ended its five-game spiral with twelve-inning 4-3 win over the La Claire Lynx, ending their win streak at three. The win enabled the Vikings to take over second place in the TU West. The Bayview heroes were relievers Buzzy Lewis and Paul Hood, who retired the last 15 batters in a row, and shortstop Shorty Richards (.264), who tripled and scored the game-winning run on pinchhitter Ed O'Neal's short fly to left field. Closer Lewis (1-2 3.41) held La Claire without a run over the last four innings for the victory. Monoto Kishata (2-4 3.54) suffered the loss, surrendering two runs and seven hits in four-plus frames. The Vikings outhit the Lynx 11-8. The two starters pitched well. Frank Lamoreaux (4-2 2.72) went the first seven and yielded only two runs on four hits. Only one run was earned. Frank Wells (4-3 3.97) started for Bayview and worked seven innings, allowing three runs and eight hits.

Bayview (25-24) is number two in the division and a half-game in front of both Arlon (24-24) and La Claire (24-24). Fairfax (33-14) is 9 games ahead of the Vikings.

Bucs Stop Champs 8-Game Win String
Arlon has played standout baseball for the last eight games and they won them all. But today at Shoreline Park in Bay St. Clair, the best team was the Bucs, who smacked the Champions 7-1 and stopped them one short of the IPA mark for most consecutive wins. Give credit to Norm Gross, who rarely throws a bad ballgame. Gross (6-4 3.13) throttled red-hot Arlon on six hits with a variety of junkballs and also snapped Bay St. Clair's losing string at a record eight. He rarely gave them a good look and left 11 men on base. The Buccaneers gave him plenty of run support with three homers. Third baseman Bubba Tate (.360) jacked a three-run shot, and left fielder Charlie Moon (.266) and right fielder Andy Pettorini (.286) hoisted solo salvos. Woody Fitzgerald (1-1 2.84) was the loser, giving up two of the homers, four runs and three hits in four innings before hitting the showers.

Arlon (24-24) is 9.5 games behind the top team, the Fairfax Frogs (33-14). Bay St. Clair (18-31) is down in the division dungeon, 16 games out.

[Eugene Church]

I have a project I have to spend a lot of time on in the next two weeks.

Will pick up the league at that time.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Wednesday, June 6, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - North Division

FM's Lamoreaux Vanquishes V's 6-2
At Silver River Stadium in Volusia, Far Mountain's tall and skinny righthander Stan Lamoreaux took down the Vigilantes 6-2 on eight hits. Lamoreaux (3-1 1.88) won his third in four decisions and numbered six strikeouts and four walks. The only runs he gave up came on center fielder Alex Luna's (.259) two-run homer in the sixth. The Redhawks had 12 hits and were led by third baseman Johnny Strickland's (.264) two hits and two RBIs, left fielder Gerald Davis (.266) with two hits, two runs and an RBI and Royce Benson (.320) with three hits, including a triple, one run and one run batted in. Raul Sandoval (5-5 2.50) was pinned with the loss. The V's crafty southpaw was belted for four runs and seven hits in three innings. Sandoval blanked Far Mountain 1-0 in the first game of the series.

Far Mountain (29-20) is in first place in the RU North Division, while Volusia (21-28) is fifth, eight games behind the Redhawks.

Colfax Rips Elnora 8-2
In Colfax, the second place Blasters teed off on last place Elnora pitching for 14 hits and an easy 8-2 triumph to stay within a half-game of first place Far Mountain. First sacker Dennis Cole (.301) smacked two doubles among his four hits and had two RBIs to pace the Blasters. Cole is second in the Ruthlandian Union with 44 RBIs, tied with Nicky Swift of Belair Beach. Big Hoss Burkhalter of Waleska is on top with 45. Second baseman Tucker Hill (.341) had a triple in his three hits and scored three times. Shortstop Wayne O'Reilly (.215) and catcher Howie Peterson (.220) drove in a pair of runs each. Harry Manning (7-4 3.36) chalked up his seventh win of the campaign and allowed seven hits and two runs in seven innings, While Tyrone Gray (2-4 3.54) was dealt the defeat. Gray was ripped for thirteen hits and seven runs in six-plus innings.

Colfax (28-20) is in the runner-up spot in the divison and is only one-half game out of first. Elnora (20-30) is in last place.

Vipers O'Reilly's 13th Inning HR Beats Glasco 4-3
Manager J. Jackson Samuel got strong pitching and clutch hitting as his Valmara Vipers took a 13-inning clash with Glasco 4-3 on third baseman Rickey O'Reilly's walk-off homer. Todd Turner tossed the first nine and permitted three runs and five hits and was followed by the Vipers outstanding closer Danny Blauser (4-1 1.79), who allowed only one hit and fanned six in four innings for the victory. In his only inning, the A's Jeremiah McDonald (1-2 3.45) retired the first two batters and then served up O'Reilly's roundtripper and sustained the loss. O'Reilly (.280) and center fielder Jan Szymanski (.257) each had three hits in the game for the winners. Szymanski drove in two runs to give him 41 on the season.

The Glasco Athletics (24-22) are third in the RU North standings, 3.5 games in back of Far Mountain (29-20) and Valmara (23-25) is 5.5 games behind in the fourth spot.