ISLANDIAN PRO ALLIANCE (RUTHLANDIA and TYCOBBIA BASEBALL UNIONS)

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Sunday, May 27, 2001

Tycobbian Union - West Division

Frogs Flog Champions 9-5 in Opener
Harry Buckley's first place Fairfax Frogs ripped off their 6th straight victory by pounding Arlon 9-5 in the first game of a doubleheader at Derby Downs. Gregg Vincent and Company bombarded the Champs with 16 hits to make life easy for pitcher Johnny Schluessler. Right fielder Vincent (.316) walloped his 20th home run and drove in three to give him 47 RBIs. Both figures are the IPA's best. Schluessler (2-3 3.83) breezed to his 2nd win of the season, allowed nine hits, fanned five and walked four. Craig Smith (5-3 3.61) was pinned with the loss. He was shelled for five runs in the first and didn't make it out of the inning.

Fairfax Takes Two from Arlon
What a game for Jackie Leslie. He tossed a 4-hitter, won his 7th game, had two RBIs and three hits, including a home run. He just about did it all in the Fairfax 7-1 win over Arlon. The first place Frogs took both games of the twinbill and now have chalked up seven wins in a row. In game two they punched out 18 hits off three Champ hurlers, led at the plate by Leslie (.276), center fielder Billy Echevarria (.288) and first baseman Earl Hutchinson (.287), all with three hits apiece. Leslie (7-2 3.75) only problem was too many walks. He issued eight, while striking out five. Arlon starter Ray Hunt (4-5 2.74) was knocked out in the four-run third and sustained the loss, his club's fourth in succession. He gave up five runs and eight hits overall.

Fairfax (25-13) is sitting on top of the TU East Division and Arlon (16-22) is in the fifth spot, nine games out of first.

Viks Crush Lynx 10-2 in Opening Game
The Bayview Vikings crushed La Claire 10-2 for their third consecutive triumph in the first of two at Capitol Park Stadium. The Viks lashed 17 hits on the way to an easy win by Jesus Carvajal, who stopped the Lynx on seven hits. Carvajal (4-1 3.70) totaled six Ks and allowed only one base on balls. Topping the Bayview batters were shortstop Shorty Richards (.255) and first baseman Dwayne Coleman (.302) with two hits each, with a home run, three RBIs and two runs scored. Coleman has 16 roundtrippers for the season and Richards has hit 5. Center fielder Phil Kanaan (.325) added four hits to the Viks total. Tony Nygaard (1-1 4.15) went out early and caught the loss. He pitched only two innings and was tagged hard for five hits and five runs.

LC Splits Bill with Bayview, Wins Nightcap 5-3
The La Claire Lynx got some heavy hitting from Rob Hart and a solidly-pitched outing from Jerry Smith to whip Bayview 5-3 and gained a split of the doublebill. It was first loss in three games for Bayview and it snapped La Claire's four-game losing string. Left fielder Hart (.273) unloaded a pair of home runs, numbers 9 and 10, and drove in all five runs, while Smith (5-4 4.27) shut out the Vikings until the eighth, when they tallied three times. Smith weathered the storm and scattered eight hits in the game with seven strikeouts and walked only one. Bayview had 8 hits, while the Lynx only got 6. Frank Wells (4-2 3.48) was the losing pitcher. La Claire got to him for five runs in seven innings, but only three were earned. The Vikings first baseman Dwayne Coleman (.303) got another home run in the second contest, his 17th this year. Coleman also ran his RBI total up to 42. Both stats are second in the IPA, topped only by Gregg Vincent of Fairfax, who has 20 homers and 48 RBIs.

Bayview (22-18) is in the division's runner-up position and is four games back of first place Fairfax (25-13) in the TU West. The Lynx (20-19) occupy the third spot and are 5.5 games our of first.

Blue Sox Open Twinbill with 6-1 Victory
Big 6'5" Jay Clay was really humming in his 6-1 win over Bay St. Clair in the opening game of the doubleheader at Shoreline Park. Clay (3-2 2.57) struck out seven, walked nobody and stopped them on just four hits. Center fielder Donnie Frazier (.336) and Fred Taranto (.321) provided the power with home runs. Frazier's was a grand slammer, his 8th this season, and Taranto hit a solo shot, his 5th so far. The Bucs first baseman Maury Smith (.352) accounted for the only run off Clay, home run number 5 on the year. The Blue Sox rapped out 12 hits off of Ben Crowley (2-4 4.84) in six innings as he gave up six runs for the loss.

Bucs Whip Sox 5-4, Clubs Divide D'Header
It has been a rocky season for Ted Jorgerson of the Bay St. Clair Buccaneers, but not today. He brought his "A" stuff to the game and walked off the mound with a complete-game 5-3 victory. Jorgerson (2-4 5.37) held Blue Lake to seven hits, while fanning four and issuing only one base on balls. Catcher Ernie Lewis (.214) plated two runs with a single in the third inning and left fielder Charley Moon (.308) walloped a three-run roundtripper in the fourth. All of the runs were given up by loser Clint McPherson (0-1 4.70) in less than four innings of work. The Buccaneers numbered 9 hits to Blue Lake's 7.

With split in the twinbill, Blue Lake (17-21) climbed up into fourth place in the standings, moving just ahead of Arlon (16-22) by a game. Bay St. Clair (16-23) is in the TU West Division cellar, 9.5 games behind the division leader. The Bucs are only a half-game out of fifth.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Monday, May 28, 2001

Around the Towns in the IPA

Bay St. Clair Buccaneers

Owner: Louis "Sugar Lips" Charles

GM/Manager: Guy Rondre (pronounced "Gee Ron-dray")

Bay St. Clair is a major port, tourist destination and petroleum and railroad center, located in southwestern Tycobbia on its namesake, Bay St. Clair, a great natural harbor. It is a town of 117,000 resting on the Appian River, which empties into the Kelnyck Ocean. The town was established in the 1850s by a group of American abolitionists from the North and the South, who saw the coming Civil War. They wanted to set up a country free from slavery and religious intolerance.

Offshore oil rigs in the Southern Sea provide a great boost to the local economy and a thriving petroleum business. Noxxe Oil Corporation is one of the nation's biggest and its home office is in Bay St. Clair.

Breathtakingly beautiful white beaches and luxurious hotels dot the coastline. Bay St. Clair has a multicultural heritage with French and Creole backgrounds. It is known for great music, exquisite cuisine and good times. Bon Temps ("Good Times" in French) is a lenten carnival, famous for parades, costumed balls and frivolity. Jazz funerals are a noted part of the town's culture.

Another important annual event and tourist lure is the Bay St. Clair Jazz and Music Heritage Foundation's "Jazzfest". This is ten days of jazz, blues, gospel and rock greats.

Bay St. Clair is also home of the Buccaneers baseball team of the Islandian Pro Alliance. The Bucs are in the Tycobbian Union's West Division. They are owned by jazz immortal, Louis "Sugar Lips" Charles. This Creole singer and trumpeteer loves his baseball just about as much as his music. He was one of the league creators along with Jock Ewing, Rob Jackson and John Banson.

The club plays at Shoreline Stadium, which looks out on the beautiful white beaches and blue-watered bay. A brass band, often led by "Sugar Lips", entertains the fans at all Buccaneers' games. At the seventh inning stretch, the band plays "When the Bucs Go Marching In". And when the opposing teams have to go to the bullpen for a relief pitcher, the band welcomes him with a funeral dirge, a sad and mournful song. When the game is decided in favor of the Bucs, they begin playing a lively Dixieland victory tune and parade around the stadium.

Concessions are great with wonderful Creole soul food, gumbo (seafood soup), red beans and rice, jambalaya (seafood casserole), hot beignets (pronounced "ben-yays"), hot out-of-the-grease doughnuts, covered in powdered sugar, cafe au lait (chicory coffee with hot milk), pecan pralines (candy), snowballs, topped with sweet condensed milk, and the traditional hamburgers and hot dogs.

Bay St. Clair's GM and Manager is hometown boy, Guy Rondre, a fine southpaw in his industrial league days. He was known for a great fastball and was nickname "Lightning".

Shoreline Stadium (1940)

Capacity: 11,900

Dimensions:
LF Line 332
LF 360
LCF 388
CF 400
RCF 381
RF 350
RF Line 325

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Monday, May 28, 2001

Around the Towns in the IPA

Bayview Vikings

Owner: Brent Steiner (Steiner Shipbuilding)

GM/Manager: Walter Johanssen

Bayview , a town of 105,000 on the western coast of Tycobbia. It is located on the White River, which emanates near White River in the Appian Mountains, runs southward to Mahaska in the western plains, then empties into Bay St. Clair. Bayview was established and inhabited by people of Scandanavian descent. Its primary industries are shipping, shipbuilding and fishing. It is a modern and prosperous town, filled with modest skyscrapers and has an energetic and well-educated workforce, which in recent years has drawn many service-oriented businesses. In the last few years the downtown area has been renovated and modernized by these service companies.

Part of these renovations included Downtown Plaza Stadium, a splendid new baseball facility for the homestanding Bayview Vikings, who play in the Tycobbian Union's West Division. It is the largest stadium capacity-wise in the Islands. Owner Brent Steiner made sure of that when he had it built in 1993. However, the stadium is a bandbox with the shortest fences in the Islandian Pro Alliance. Lack of real estate in the downtown area caused this to be. In the spirit of a town on the move, Bayviewers are treated to a real spectacle at every Viking game with plenty of promotions, contests, lucky scorecards and lucky ticket drawings. After every game there are music concerts, featuring well-known artists and bands. Many young fans attend Viking games just for this and are turned into good baseball fans by it.

There is something special for all ages at a Bayview game. Their fans are big eaters and a trip to the concession stand is really something special. It is a smorgasboard of Scandinavian delicacies...salmon, meatballs, braised red cabbage, pickled herring, Svensk Skinke (swedish ham). And you can finish it off with flavorful traditional desserts like aebelskiver (pancake balls with powdered sugar and jam) or ris al mande (rice pudding...it is traditional to put an almond in the pudding and the person who gets it is the next one to get married). At Viking games, when you get an almond in your pudding, you get an official Bayview Viking baseball cap and jersey, which to many is a much better deal than getting married. Hot dogs, hamburgers, cokes and beer are also available.

The Vikings are owned by Brent Steiner, a very successful shipbuilder. He really loves his team and sometimes seems to spend more time building them than he does building ships. His GM and Manager is longtime great industrial league pitcher, Walter Johanssen, who was an outstanding righthanded pitcher. He was one the best ever in the company leagues.

Downtown Plaza Stadium (1993)

Capacity: 15,111

Dimensions:

LF Line 310
LF 335
LCF 365
CF 380
RCF 365
RF 335
RF Line 310

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Monday, May 28, 2001

Star of the Week Named in TU

Eric Richter of the Luxora Zorros had an award-winning week and today was voted the Player of the Week by the Tycobbian Union.

For the week the 35-year-old catcher batted .591 (13-22) with 1 home run and 10 RBIs.

Thus far in 2001, Richter is batting .377 with 2 home runs, 23 RBIs and 15 runs scored.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Monday, May 28, 2001

Ruthlandian Union Player of the Week Awarded

This week's recipient of the Ruthlandian Union Player of the Week Award is left fielder Chuck Hill of the Forest City Lumberjacks.

Hill showed great patience at the plate, collecting 14 hits in 31 at-bats as he compiled a .452 average, 3 home runs, 7 RBIs and 8 runs scored.

Hill is hitting at a .364 clip this season. His stats show 13 home runs, 38 RBIs and 30 runs scored. He has played 38 games for the Lumberjacks.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Monday, May 28, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - North Division

Vipers Outslug Blasters 12-9
Pitching was at a premium today at War Memorial Stadium in Valmara. Both clubs used five pitchers and didn't have anything left in the bullpen but starters. And when it was all over, the Vipers outslugged first place Colfax 12-9. Catcher Yoshi Motsuzuki (.280) led the way with a single, a 3-run homer and 4 RBIs with help from left fielder Louis Sharp (.358), right fielder Jet Kazmarek (.253) and center fielder Jan Szymanski (.255), all with two RBIs each. Spearheading the Blasters was center fielder Ronnie Wright (.297), who racked up four hits and 4 RBIs, including two doubles and a home run. Left fielder Blinky Brandon (.310) drove in a pair of runs. Closer Danny Blauser (3-0 1.43) saved the day for Valmara and got his 3rd save, enduring a difficult four innings, giving up five hits and three runs with five strikeouts and a walk. Starter Greg Forrest (4-2 5.27) suffered the loss and was KO'd in the second inning after surrendering six runs and five hits. The Vipers led 10-5 after four and Colfax chopped it down to 10-9 in the seventh. Valmara finished them off by tacking two more runs to the lead in the bottom of the inning.

Third place Valmara (21-18) captured three of the five-game series and narrowed the Colfax (22-16) lead over them in the RU North to 1.5 games.

Redhawks Win 3rd Straight Over V's
Far Mountain won a close one for its third straight win over Volusia and is now only a few percentage points out of first place in the RU North. The lead swapped hands several times, but the second place Redhawks finally subdued the last place Volusia Vigilantes 8-7 at Sky High Stadium. A walk, two-base error on a sac bunt and shortstop Joey Cannizzaro's sacrifice fly netted the winning score in the last of the eighth. Reliever Mike McCabe (3-1 1.23) got credit for the victory with three innings of work. He allowed five hits and one run. With the tying run on first, closer Doc Rutledge (4-1 2.63) got the final two outs for his fifth save of the season. The loss went to Ricky Moreno (3-1 2.95). He came on the eighth with the score tied 7-7. The Redhawks outhit the V's 12-10 and were sparked by third baseman Johnny Strickland (.248) with three RBIs and Cannizzaro (.340) with two. Right fielder Dan Rogers (.253) had three hits and first baseman Alejandro Salazar (.250) two to pace Volusia.

Far Mountain (23-17) has won nine of the last ten games and is in second place in the standings and Volusia (16-24) is in last place. The Redhawks are almost even with the first place Colfax Blasters (22-16). Only a few percentage points separate them.

Glasco Grabs 7-5 Win from Elnora
The Glasco A's got two-run homers from shortstop Kyle Ballentine (.268) and third baseman Rick Atkins (.222) as they defeated Elnora 7-5 at Athletics Field. Starter Jesse Balfour (3-4 3.62) wasn't around at the end, but got credit for the victory. He worked the first six innings, allowed seven hits and four runs and departed with a 7-4 lead. Arnie McFalls (2-4 4.96) pitched a perfect ninth for his first save. John Tinker (3-6 4.92) was charged with the loss.

The Glasco Athletics (19-18) are in the fourth spot in the standings and trail Colfax by 2.5 games, while Elnora (16-24) is in a last place tie with Volusia (16-24).

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Monday, May 28, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - South Division

Marston Back on Top, Beats Diamonds 5-3
A big 6'5" portsider put the Marston Nine back on top of the RU South Division. Paul Azard (4-1 2.05) stymied Claxton on five hits and beat them 5-3 at Avalon Stadium today. Azard had six Ks and two walks and went the route. Catcher Eddie Allen (.269) went 3-for-4 and batted in two runs to spark the Nine, along with second baseman Ken Green (.364), who cracked a two-run game-winning roundtripper off loser Phil Britt in the top of the eighth. Britt worked the last two innings and was tagged for two runs and three hits.

Marston (22-17) took the top spot in the division away from the Sugar Valley Rattlers (21-17) by a half-game. Belair Beach is only one game off the lead in third place. Claxton (15-25) is in the basement.

Sunbirds Burn Rattlers 6-2, SV Falls to 2nd
The tight RU South race just got tighter -- Belair Beach bumped off Sugar Valley 6-2 and now is only a half-game behind them and a game behind the new division leader, Marston. Southpaw Troy Wilson (3-4 3.63) quelled them on five hits, struck out seven and walked four for the win. Right fielder Matty McDermott (.322) clouted a three-run homer for the game-winning hit in the fifth and broke the 2-2 tie. It was homer number 6 for McDermott. Ron Benson (6-3 2.49) was looking for his seventh victory, but registered a loss instead. Benson was hit hard for five runs and seven hits and was taken out in the fifth.

By virtue of losing, the Rattlers (21-17) are now in the number two position in the division, while Belair Beach (21-18) is third.

'Jacks Bahr Tosses 2-Hitter
Herm Bahr (4-3 3.30) twirled a strong game as he limited Waleska to just two hits in today's game. Forest City belted the Westerners 6-1 at Westerner Field, paced by left fielder Chuck Hill (.370) with two RBIs, giving him 40 for the year, third best in the IPA. Right fielder Benny Davis (.244) added two more RBIs and first baseman Johnny Mack Butler (.271) hit a solo homer. Rusty Kraft (3-4 4.76) went the distance and was the losing pitcher. The Lumberjacks swatted nine hits off of him. In a poor performance Kraft numbered four strikeouts and issued four bases on balls. First baseman Freddie Shelton (.304) and Kraft (.111) got the only two hits off Bahr. Shelton homered in the second and Kraft singled in the third.

Waleska (20-20) is in fourth place in the division and Forest City (19-21) is fifth. The Westerners trail Marston by 2.5 games, while the Lumberjacks are 3.5 games behind.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Monday, May 28, 2001

Tycobbiian Union - East Division

Ninjas Beat Luxora Again, 3 in a Row
Luxora will be glad to see Ginza leave town. The Zorros lost again to them to make it three losses in a row. This time the Ninjas got by them 6-3 with a 14-hit attack, headed by left fielder Ronnie Graf (.262) with two hits and two RBIs, shortstop Shinjiro Aoki (.273) with two hits and two RBIs and right fielder Charlie Campbell (.310) with three hits and an RBI. The winning pitcher was Vic Rousakis (4-5 3.90), who tossed seven inning, allowed six hits and three runs with six strikeouts and two bases on balls. Ken Watkins (3-1 2.05) nailed down his 4th save with two scoreless frames. The defeat went to Johnny Montel (4-4 3.13). He gave up five runs and 11 hits in seven innings. Second baseman Paco Benitez (.268) homered and scored twice for the Zorros.

Luxora (21-16) is now just a few percentage points ahead of second place Ozarka (22-17) in the TU East race. Ginza (20-19) is on the move and is now in third place, two games off the pace.

Ozarka Slips by Hurricanes 3-2 in 11
It just wasn't Scotty Lohmeyer's day -- he gifted the Ozarka Naturals with two wild pitches in the eleventh inning and gave them a 3-2 victory over Cape Coral. It was Ozarka's third successive win over the Hurricanes. The Nats pitching was outstanding with starter Ted Didriksen going eight innings, striking out eight, walking none. He left with the score tied at 2-all. Then closer Alec DiMaggio (4-2 2.22) took the reins and blanked the Hurricanes on one hit over the last three innings. Rod Kelly (.328) drove in the 'Canes runs with his 9th homer of the season. Lohmeyer (0-2 3.71) got the loss in relief of Wally Robinson (7-2 2.29), who worked nine strong innings, permitted only four hits and one earned run. He fanned eight, walked three and exited with the scored tied. Ozarka was outhit 9-6, but won the game.

The Naturals (22-17) are now just a few percentage points out of first place in the TU East, right on the tail of Luxora (21-16). Cape Coral (19-19) is in fourth place in the division standings.

Hellcats Mann Defeats SF 4-2
All was quiet and peaceful today at Pioneer Park in Hartsdale. The two glorious gladiators, Zim Donner and Duroche "Lips" Leon, were suspended for two games by the IPA commissioner John Banford. He told the press, "The league will not tolerate fighting in any form, especially from managers, who should be role models for their players to emulate."

Neither benched skipper had much to say to reporters.
Lips' only comment was "No comment."
Donner said, "The commissioner did the right thing. I have no problem with the suspension."

Meanwhile on the field, Hellcat hurler, Glenn Mann (4-5 2.90) checked South Fork on seven hits on the way to a 4-2 victory. Mann registered six strikeouts and had three walks in a solid effort. The Hellcats had only four hits in the game and had to scratch for all of their runs. Third baseman Whiz Weaver (.284) had a two-run double, second baseman Francisco Abreu (.261) an RBI ground out and center fielder Greg Reynolds (.232) a home run. Stallion starter Booger Burchfield (1-4 4.01) deserved a better fate. He allowed only two earned runs and four hits in six innings of work. SF's third baseman Glenn Holliday (.227) delivered a sacrifice fly and Bobby Riley an RBI single for their only scores.

Hartsdale (18-21) is in fifth place in the TU East Division and South Fork (16-24) is last.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Monday, May 28, 2001

Tycobbiian Union - West Division

Meredith Still Unbeaten, Frogs Win 8th Straight
The first place Fairfax Frogs are within one game of tying the IPA record for the most consecutive wins. The Frogs have now won eight in a row. The latest victim is the Arlon Champions, who were defeated 5-2 today at Derby Downs. Fairfax swept the five-game series. 24-year-old righthander Robby Meredith tossed a 4-hitter to gain his 6th straight win. Meredith (6-0 2.54) fanned six and allowed no walks in a fine performance. Arlon's Ace Howe (3-5 2.87) received the loss as he gave up three runs on four hits, but only one of the runs was earned. He held a 2-1 lead going into the inning, but he hurt his arm and had to be removed from the game. Bat leaders for the Frogs were right fielder Greg Vincent (.315) with a two-run homer, his 21st of the year and third baseman Stan Cobb (.366) with a pair of doubles and two runs scored. For the Champs, Smoke Zakharov (.198) hammered a solo homer and shortstop Archie Berry (.242) hit a run-scoring double.

In the clubhouse after the game, manager Gary Louis told the press that pitcher Ace Howe was injured in the game and will be out about two weeks.

La Claire holds the record most the most wins in a row with nine.

Fairfax (26-13) is the top club in the TU West and Arlon (16-23) is in the fifth spot in the division standings. The Champs have lost the last five games.

Bayview Bombs La Claire in the 12th
Bayview's center fielder Phil Kanaan and first baseman Dwayne Coleman carried the Vikings past La Claire 10-7 in twelve innings. Kanaan (.341) led the hit parade with 5-for-6, including a three-run blast in the last inning. Kanaan (.341) powered in five runs, while Coleman (.301) chipped in three RBIs. The Lynx socked 14 hits to 12 for Bayview and were led by center fielder Lucky Collins (.287) with three hits, three runs and two RBIs, third sacker Luis Marquez (.311) with 4 hits and an RBI and left fielder Rich Hart (.268), who batted in a pair of scores. Charlie Andrews (5-3 5.06) fired five innings in relief for the win. He surrendered two runs and six hits. The defeat went to Tony Nygaard (1-2 4.73), who was battered for four runs in the twelfth.

The Vikings (23-18) are in the runner-up spot in the division, four games off the pace of leading Fairfax. La Claire (20-20) fell to the .500 mark and is in third place, 6.5 games behind.

BSC's Lawrence Blanks Blue Sox 6-0
Skipper Guy Rondre's Bay St. Clair Buccaneers were very impressive on the hill and at bat today and easily beat Blue Lake 6-0 at Shoreline Park. They bashed out a dozen base hits and Sean Lawrence (2-3 3.94) shackled the Blue Sox on just three hits, while fanning seven. Three Bucs had two hits apiece -- third baseman Bobby Tracy (.300), center fielder Nickie Friedrich (.298) and right fielder Skeeter Hall (.200) -- and one had a perfect day with 3-for-3 -- first baseman Maury Smith (.362). Losing pitcher Bennie West (5-4 2.37) was torched for six runs and ten hits and knocked out of the box in the eighth.

With the win Bay St. Clair (17-23) picked up ground on Blue Lake (17-22) in the battle for last place. The Buccaneers are last and the Blue Sox are only a half-game in front of them.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Tuesday, May 29, 2001

Bad News For Arlon, Howe Injured

Arlon fans held their breath as Ace Howe left yesterday's Frogs-Champions contest with an injury. After the game, the team's medical staff said that the 29-year-old starting pitcher had suffered a damaged meniscus while throwing a pitch. It's estimated that he will be out 2 weeks.

This season Howe has 3 wins and 4 losses and a 2.75 ERA. He has been manager Guy Rondre's best pitcher and will be sorely missed.

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Tuesday, May 29, 2001

Around the Towns in the IPA

BLUE LAKE BLUE SOX

Owners: Chance Franklin, Tink Joseph, Ev Johnson
GM/Manager: Cobb Tyson

Blue Lake is a lovely, modern university town on the western edge of its namesake, Blue Lake. Located in the central part of Tycobbia, Blue Lake has about 82,000 residents. Tycobbia State University is the biggest employer in the city. People graduate, but never seem to leave. Blue Lake is a very liberal town in politics and lifestyle. Residents are outdoor and sailing enthusiasts and concerned environmentalists. Only bicycles and pedestrians are permitted downtown.

Blue Lake also has a thriving bicycle and sailboat industry. Saddida and Ekin athletic shoe companies are headquartered here. Computer and hi-tech companies are centered here as well. Fine arts flower in abundance as the symphony, theatre, ballet, art galleries and museums can be enjoyed by the intellectual elite.

It is also the home of the Blue Lake Blue Sox of the Islandian Pro Alliance and they play in the Tycobbian Union's West Division. The club is owned and operated by a three former university athletes. The University loves its sports and support even their former greats. The University owns the baseball stadium and shares Harbor Stadium with the Blue Sox.

Harbor Stadium has a gorgeous view of the downtown skyline across Blue Lake Harbor. There is a festive college atmosphere at Blue Sox games with lots of college cheers led by the Blue Sox cheerleaders, the “Sox-it-to-‘em Girls". One of the fans’ favorite cheers is when they chant, “Sox it to ‘em ... Sox it to ‘em” to spur the Sox to victory. During the seventh inning stretch everyone stands and sings the university’s alma mater, followed by “Take me out to the ballgame”. At the concessions booths you will find the traditional soft drinks, peanuts, crackerjacks, hamburgers and hot dogs, but also gourmet expresso, cappuccino and latte coffees, and fine esoteric foods like quiche and tofu. Attending a Blue Sox game is truly a unique sporting experience.

Three former TSU baseball players, the famous double play combination during their boola boola days at the university, Chance Franklin, Tink Johnson and Ev Johnson, own and operate the team together. The field manager and GM is one of the all-time greats in company league baseball, Cobb Tyson. He was a tremendous hitter and very fine outfielder, known for his fiery and intense competitive play.

Harbor Stadium (1965)

Capacity: 11,743

Dimensions:
LF Line 320
LF 350
LCF 408
CF 398
RCF 400
RF 365
RF Line 330

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Tuesday, May 29, 2001

Around the Towns in the IPA

Fairfax Frogs

Owner: Frog Fashions

GM/Manager: Harry Buckley

Fairfax is a dynamic town of 107,000 on the northshore of beautiful Blue Lake in Central Tycobbia and at the mouth of the Rio Lobo. It is an important river and railway distribution hub for timber and wood products from North Hills and Hartsdale to the north and agricultural products from Mahaska to the west, which is brought by rail and the Appian River. Timber and manufactured goods from Luxora are shipped on the Rio Lobo.

Because of its proximity to the lake, it a tourist haven with hotels lining the peaceful blue waters, which provide sailing , swimming, skiing, fishing and other boating activities and a thriving recreational shipbuilding industry.

Fairfax is also the home of the popular and quite prosperous Frog Fashions, makers of fine men and women's fashions, including bathing suits and swimwear. The Frog logo is featured on all of the company's wearing apparel and is known throughout the Islands.

Frog Fashions is also the owner of the Fairfax Frogs, who play in the Islandian Pro Alliance. The ballclub is a member of the Tycobbian Union's West Division. Fairfax plays its games at the Frog Pond, one of the newest stadiums in the IPA. It is a beautiful, state-of-the-art stadium with a panoramic view of the downtown area over the outfield walls and was built just in time for the 2001 inaugural season.

It is a tradition from industrial and company league days for the Frog fanatics to cheer and urge their team on to victory with this rally chant, led by the team mascot, Jeremiah the Bullfrog:

"Who let the Frogs out?..ribbit...ribbit...ribbit...ribbit.
Who let the Frogs out?..ribbit...ribbit...ribbit...ribbit.
Who let the Frogs out?..ribbit...ribbit...ribbit...ribbit."

Jeremiah the Bullfrog, also leads the fans in singing "Take Me Out to the Frog Pond" during the seventh inning stretch. A Fairfax victory is always celebrated with a rousing chorus of "Joy to the World" when the last out of the game is made.

At the concession booths, the fans can savor ballpark regulars like hot dogs, hamburgers, beer, soft drinks, peanuts and crackerjacks. In addition, refreshing daiquiries of all flavors and concoctions are available.

Harry Buckley is the GM and Manager of the Fairfax Frogs. He is a former company league second baseman and manager. Buckley was a fine hitter and fielder and also stood out as a manager.

The Frog Pond (2001)

Capacity: 11,700

Dimensions:
LF Line 340
LF 375
LCF 400
CF 422
RCF 400
RF 375
RF Line 340

[Eugene Church]

I think I have covered all of the towns in the IPA.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Tuesday, May 29, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - North Division

Colfax Cops 11-Inning Win Over Elnora 7-6
First place Colfax fought back in the late innings and finally overcame Elnora 7-6 in eleven innings. They trailed 3-0 after six. Right fielder Pat Lott homered off losing pitcher Bennie Bechtold (0-1 1.80) to win the game. Alex Castille (3-1 3.21) came in and pitched a scoreless inning to save it for Jim Dreyer (1-0 3.91), who got the victory. The Blasters had 14 hits and were led by second baseman Tucker Hill (.341) and third baseman Russ Farrell (.302) with three hits apiece. The All-Stars tagged 10 hits and were paced by shortstop Johnny Zumwalt (.288) with three hits. Manager Clem Rogers of Colfax used six pitchers and had to bring Castille, a starter, to finish the game.

Colfax (23-16) is in first place in the RU North Division, while Elnora (16-25) is in last place. The Blasters are just a few percentage points up on second place Far Mountain (24-17).

Redhawks Streaking Again, Win 4th
Far Mountain is at it again -- streaking along with its fourth win in a row. The Redhawks nipped the Valmara Vipers 4-3 at Sky High Stadium. Far Mountain capped it off with two runs in the seventh on shortstop Joey Cannizzaro's (.353) RBI single and first baseman Royce Benson's (.320) RBI double to make the score 4-2. Pinchhitter Cliff Cherry (.258) hit a sac fly to cut it to 4-3, but closer Doc Rutledge got a double play ball to end the game. It was Rutledge's 6th save. The victory went to starter Stan Lamoreaux (2-1 2.57), who tossed seven innings and allowed two runs and seven hits. Todd Turner (4-3 4.66) took the loss for the Vipers. He gave up all four runs on eight hits and left in the seventh. Center fielder Jan Szymanski (.255) drove in two runs for Valmara.

Far Mountain (24-17 is in second place, just a few points out of first. Valmara (21-19) is in the third spot in the standings, 2.5 games behind leading Colfax (23-16).

V's Edge A's 4-3
Shortstop Scooter Perez (.360) of the Volusia Vigilantes ripped a roundtripper in the seventh to beat Glasco 4-3 at the Jailhouse and put a stop to a three-game losing streak. Bullpen ace, Ricky Moreno (3-1 2.66) picked up his 5th save with a scoreless eighth and ninth, while Charles Darby (6-3 1.96) went the distance in defeat for the Athletics. Darby allowed 11 hits, fanned three and walked one. Ike Moore (1-0 9.00) notched the win, but was not effective in his inning. He surrendered a run, a hit and two walks. Three Vigilante hurlers allowed eight hits overall. Starter Raul Sandoval (4-4 2.58) had another quality outing, yielding six hits and two runs in six innings before he tired.

Glasco (19-19) is in fourth place in the RU North race, 3.5 games behind first place Colfax. Volusia (17-24) is fifth.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Tuesday, May 29, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - South Division

Marston Slips by Westerners 4-3
The number one team in the RU South, Marston, walloped 14 hits, but had a tough time putting away Waleska 4-3 at Legends Field. The Nine finally did it when left fielder Ronnie Horn (.299) delivered a walk-off single in the ninth. Horn had two hits and two RBIs today to lead Marston. Shortstop Lenny Torricelli (.273) and first sacker Johnny Berthold (.258) each had two hits and a run batted in. The top hitter for the Westerners was third baseman Yoshihide Nishida (.270) with a double and two RBIs. Ken Bagby (1-1 2.28) got the last five outs in relief of Casey Ledbetter and registered the victory, while Andrei Marsiske (2-1 3.63) was dealt the loss. Ledbetter (7-1 2.96) pitched into the eighth and gave up three runs on five hits and fanned six. Smokey Joe Carter (6-4 2.76) left after eight with a 3-3 tie, although he surrendered a dozen hits.

Three straight triumphs improved Marston to 23-17 on the season and Waleska (20-21) dipped below the .500 mark and are tied with Forest City (20-21) for the fourth spot in the division.

FC's Moore Blitzes SV 7-0 on 5-Hits
The Forest City Lumberjacks got a strong performance from Glenn Moore and won their third in a row. The fine righthander restricted the Rattlers to just five hits in the easy 7-0 triumph at Farmers Memorial Stadium in Sugar Valley and gave them their third straight defeat. Moore (4-1 2.51) had six Ks and issued just one base on balls. He was backed up by 11 hits and four home runs. First baseman J. T. Edmonds (.210) smacked two of them and batted in two runs. Center fielder Ryan Morse (.370) hit a two-run homer and left fielder Chuck Hill (.367) had a solo salvo. Chalking up the defeat was Paul Haines (0-2 4.50), who wilted in the seventh and eighth and was hammered for six runs and nine hits.

In the postgame comments, the Sugar Valley skipper said, "He had the changeup working. You knew it was coming and you still grounded out -- and then he threw it even slower."

The Forest City hurler had 6 strikeouts, gave up 1 walk and surrendered 5 hits in his complete game effort.

Moore told reporters after the game, "To be successful in this league, you have to keep the ball down. If you don't, they'll make you pay."

Currently Moore has a record of 4-1 with 32 strikeouts and 10 walks in 46.2 innings and a 2.51 ERA.

Sugar Valley (21-18) is now third in the RU South race, 1.5 games off the pace of the leader, Marston (23-17). Forest City (20-21) is in a fourth place tie with Waleska and trails by three games.

Diamonds Win 7-6 Over Sunbirds in 15th
Last place Claxton outlasted third place Belair Beach 7-6 in fifteen innings at Bayside Park. The Diamonds won it when second baseman Donnie McCoy (.370) doubled with one out, moved over to third on third baseman Keith Olsen's (.308) single and was brought home by right fielder Dixie Baker's (.319) deep fly to right. Closer Earl Weber (2-1 2.70) picked up the victory with seven strong innings. He permitted five hits and one run, fanned six and gave up no walks. Skipper Stacy Engel used only two pitchers, while his Belair Beach counterpart, Marty Pedrosa used five. Ray Watson (0-1 4.35) pitched very well, but lost it, worked five-plus innings and gave up only three hits and one run.

Claxton had 15 hits, while the Sunbirds totaled 13. Baker shined for the Diamonds at bat with 3-for-6 and 3 RBIs. He also scored three runs and belted his 12th homer. Left fielder Winky Rush (.268) drove in 3 runs with a homer, McCoy went 4-for-7 and Olsen 3-for-7. Belair Beach's right fielder Matty McDermott (.321) stood out with two hits and three RBIs, including his 7th roundtripper. First baseman Phil Gravelli (.344) and shortstop Danny Church went 3-for-6 in defeat.

Belair Beach (21-19) missed a chance to move up to second place with the loss. They are third and two games behind the leader, Marston. Claxton (16-25) is way behind in last place in the division, 7.5 games out.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Tuesday, May 29, 2001

Tycobbian Union - East Division

Nats Rebound in 10th, Now in First Place
The Ozarka Naturals have taken over first place from Luxora by a game in the TU East race. They did it with a stirring ten-inning 7-6 victory over the fifth place Hartsdale Hellcats on the road. It was Ozarka's fourth consecutive win. First baseman Floyd Snow (.270) was the hero with a solo homer to decide it. It was Snow's 8th of the season. Alec DiMaggio (5-2) notched the win by getting the last five outs. Adam Falkenbach (0-1 4.11) sustained the loss, yielding two hits and a run in two-plus innings. Ozarka had 12 hits to Hartsdale's 10 with Nats third baseman Doug Cunningham (.247) hitting his 14th roundtripper and driving in two runs. Starring for the 'Cats were first baseman Todd Seals (.224) with 3-for-4 with 3 RBIs and right fielder Mel Poe (.211) with two hits and two RBIs. Both Seals and Poe hit homers. Third sacker Whiz Weaver (.297) collected three hits in four tries and scored three runs.

Ozarka improved to 23-17 this year and Hartsdale dropped to 18-22.

Stallions Harrison Knocks Zorros Out of Top Spot
South Fork's Jerry Harrison extended Luxora's losing streak to four with a 4-3 victory. Harrison (3-3 3.27) scattered eight hits and went the distance, struck out six and walked none in a fine effort and knocked the Zorros into the second spot in the division. Shortstop Bobby Riley (.271) had a two-run triple to spark the Stallions 9-hit attack. Lefty Francisco Fernandes (4-3) sustained the loss in a poor outing. South Fork raked him for all nine hits and all of the runs in just four innings of work.

Luxora (21-17) is now in second place in the TU East Division, a game behind Ozarka (23-17), while the South Fork Stallions are 17-24 and in the cellar.

4th Straight for Ninjas, Nip Hurricanes 9-8
Ginza captured its fourth straight victory, but almost gave it away. Cape Coral rallied from five runs down in the top of the ninth to tie the game at 8-8. Then the Hurricanes gave it away on an error in the tenth and lost 9-8, Third baseman Kaz Ojima (.325) led off the inning with his fourth hit of the game and moved to second on a grounder, then scored the winning run, when reliever Katsuyuki Nagashima (1-4 2.95) committed a two-base throwing error. Toshiharu Ito (1-1 3.32) was the winner with no runs allowed in one-plus innings. Ojima got his first homer of the season. a three-run shot in the third inning. He also scored three times in an standout performance.

Cape Coral suffered its fourth successive defeat and fell below .500.

The Ninjas (21-19) are in third place in the standings and Cape Coral (19-20) is fourth. Ginza is two games behind first place Ozarka (23-17).

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Tuesday, May 29, 2001

Tycobbian Union - West Division

Frogs Tie IPA Record with 9th Straight Win
The Fairfax Frogs topped Bayview 5-2 in the series opener between the two best clubs in the TU West. It was a record-tying ninth consecutive win for the Frogs and ties La Claire's IPA mark set early in the season. Fairfax assaulted Viking starter Fred Snow for five runs in the third after Bayview had gone ahead 2-0 in the top of the inning. Leading the way for the Frogs in the inning were second baseman Greg Inman (.275) with a two-run double, shortstop Warren Lee (.268) with an RBI single and first baseman Earl Hutchinson (.290) with a two-run homer. Southpaw Jimmy Dalton (4-3 3.44) stopped hard-hitting Bayview on three hits and two runs over seven innings. Dalton got the victory with help from closer Takehide Takahashi (3-1 1.90), who got his 3rd save with a scoreless two innings. Snow (2-1 4.04) was the loser. Fairfax collected 10 hits in the game, while the Viks got a total of 5.

The Frogs (27-13) leaped ahead of runner-up Bayview (23-19) by five games in the Tycobbian Union West.

LC Rallies to Beat Blue Sox 6-5
Better late than never, La Claire waited until the top of the ninth to come alive, when they erupted for a five-run rally and beat the stunned Blue Lake Blue Sox 6-5 to end a long four-game losing string. Highlighting the comeback were left fielder Rich Hart (.273) with a two-run double, giving him 39 RBIs for the season, and a two-run single by second baseman Darrell Boyce (.239), all off losing pitcher Russ Courtney (1-2 4.97). The win went to Andy Murray (2-0 4.29) with two innings of relief. He allowed three hits and one run. Closer Monoto Kishata (1-2 3.20) worked a scoreless ninth for his 7th save. Blue Lake was paced by second baseman Ken Bennett (.228) with 2-for-4 and 3 RBIs and third baseman Timmy Smith (.294) with 3-for-5.

La Claire (21-20) is in the third spot in the standings, 6.5 games behind. Blue Lake (17-23) dropped its third game in a row and is in fourth place.

Champs Fitzgerald Wins Debut 4-1
Things have been going bad for Arlon and manager Gary Louis. They were in last place. They have just lost the last five games. They have just lost their best pitcher, Ace Lowe. So today an untried pitcher gets to take Lowe's place in the rotation and this is his first start. Nothing to do but hope for the best. Right? Well, the best happened. Wally Fitzgerald took the mound and took control -- the 6'3" 25-year-old portsider proceeded to beat Bay St. Clair 4-1 and snap the five-game losing streak. In his debut, Fitzgerald (1-0 1.00) pitched a complete game, allowed 8 hits, fanned three and walked two. The only run the newcomer gave up was a homer to left fielder Charlie Moon (.300) in the eighth. He outpitched losing pitcher Nick Gross (5-4 3.75), who surrendered three runs -- two earned -- and four hits in six innings. And top it all, the Champions climbed out of the basement and into fourth place.

Speaking to the press after the game, Fitzgerald told them, "I just tried to do what I do best....hit my spots. I'm not overpowering, but do have good movement and good control. That can get you a long way in baseball."

Guy Rondre, skipper for the Buccaneers, commented, "He showed fine poise for his first start. Fitzgerald knows how to pitch."

Arlon (17-23) moved into a tie with Blue Lake (17-23) for fourth place in the TU West. Bay St. Clair (17-24) fell to last place in the division.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Wednesday, May 30, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - North Division

FM Massacres Valmara 16-3
From start to finish, it was no contest -- the first place Far Mountain Redhawks unleashed 20 hits and massacred third place Valmara 16-3 for their fifth straight win. Catcher Dave Davis (.357) rapped five hits in six at-bats and drove in six runs, third baseman Johnny Strickland (.260) was 3-for-5 with five RBIs and center fielder Hawk Gallagher (.291) went 3-for-5, scored three and knocked in a pair. Strickland had a grand slam in the first inning and Davis hit a three-run blast in the fourth. Vic Vaux (4-1 3.08) sailed through the Vipers line-up, holding them to seven hits en route to a complete game victory. Vaux fanned four and walked two. Starter Gerry Bart (1-4 5.44) caught the loss, being shellacked for four runs and three hits in just one inning.

The Redhawks (25-17) expanded the RU North lead to a game on Colfax (23-17) and Valmara dips to 21-20, 3.5 games out.

All-Stars Upend Colfax 5-3
Cellar-dwelling Elnora put an end to its three-game losing streak with a 5-3 victory over first place Colfax at State Fair Park. Carl Costas and John Tinker combined to extend the Blasters losing skein to three games. Costas (2-6 3.41) picked up the win by working the first six innings, allowing five hits and three runs. He was shaky on his control and issued five walks, but fanned six. Tinker (3-6 4.66) came on in the seventh and garnered his first save with three scoreless frames.

Manager Clem Rogers' mound staff is depleted, so Harry Manning went the distance out of necessity. "I would have had to use my next two starters, if he hadn't given us the innings," said Rogers. "I think we'll be OK tomorrow." Manning (5-4 3.68) didn't fare well, though. The All-Stars peppered him for nine hits and five runs and sent him down to defeat. Both ballclubs had 9 hits with Elnora led by left fielder Quincy Peterson with a pair of hits and two RBIs. Right fielder Art Atkins (.359), first baseman Rick Tsoukalis (.229) and center fielder Harry Wright (.216) had the other RBIs. Topping Colfax were second baseman Tucker Hill (.348) with 3-for-5, center fielder Ronnie Wright (.310) drove in two runs and third baseman Russ Farrell (.300) batted in one.

Elnora (17-25) is last in the RU North Division. Colfax (23-17) is in second place, a game off the pace.


Volusia Squeaks by Glasco 2-1
Manager Alfonso Feliz of the Volusia Vigilantes may have found himself a solid starter in newcomer Kit Kivett, who joined the club last week. In just his second starting assignment Kivett (2-0 1.50) held Glasco at bay 2-1 at Silver River Stadium. It was his second straight complete game as he restricted the A's to five hits, struck out seven and walked three. Kivitt outhurled Ernie McCain (2-4 3.18), who pitched well, allowing six hits and two runs in seven innings. Left fielder Lonnie Howard (.220) tripled in the fifth and came in on right fielder Dan Rogers' (.248) ground out. The V's tallied another one in the sixth, when center fielder Alex Luna (.262) beat out a bunt single, moved to second on hit by first baseman Alejandro Salazar (.256), stoled third and came across to score on a ground out by third baseman Bennie Anderson (.248). Glasco's only run came in the top of the ninth. First baseman Francisco Robles (.276) tripled with two outs and scored on a wild pitch. Kivett put an end to the rally when the next hitter flied out to left.

The Athletics (19-20) are in the fourth spot in the RU North standings, while Volusia (18-24) moved out of the celler to fifth place, one game up on last place Elnora (17-25).

[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Tuesday, May 30, 2001

Davis Has Hot Hand, Bangs 5 Hits

Far Mountain catcher Dave Davis really lit up the Valmara Vipers with a 5-hit barrage today at Sky High Stadium -- a performance that sparked the Redhawks to a 16-3 triumph.

He shrugged off the performance after the game and said, "Sometimes the ball finds outfielders, today the ball found some holes."

Davis singled in the 1st, hit an RBI double in the 2nd, hit a three-run home run off C. Kowalczyk in the 4th, singled in the 6th, hit a two-run single in the 7th and grounded out in the 8th.

In the 2001 season Davis is hitting .357 with 5 home runs.

[Eugene Church]

Islandian Pro Alliance

Wednesday, May 30, 2001

Ruthlandian Union - South Division

Westerners Surge Late Past Nine
Waleska finally came alive with the bats late in the contest and surged past first place Marston 4-3 at Legends Field. With the win, Waleska snapped a three-game losing string and put an end to Marston's three-game winning streak. The Nine's starter Nick Pace blanked the Westerners for six innings, but weakened in the seventh and gave up a pair of run cut the margin to 3-2. Waleska won it in the ninth with first baseman Freddie Shelton's (.297) 8th homer of the year, a two-run clout off loser Kenny Bagby (1-2 2.77). Andrei Marsiske (3-1 3.20) notched the victory with three scoreless innings of relief. First sacker Johnny Berthold (.265) poled his 10th home run for Marston and had two hits and two RBIs. Berthold has driven in 33 runs this season.

Marston manager Johnny Walters got some bad news. His starting shortstop Lennie Torricelli (.274) sprained an ankle running the bases in today's game and will be out about a week.

Marston (23-18) will hold on to the top spot in the RU South despite the loss. Waleska (21-21) will remain in fourth place and tied with Forest City (21-21).

Lumberjacks Take 4th in a Row
Sugar Valley continued its downward spiral by losing for a fourth straight time. This time it was at the hands of Forest City, who spanked them 10-3. The Lumberjacks slapped out 11 hits off three Rattler pitchers in picking up their fourth win in a row. First baseman J. T. Edmonds (.227) slammed another homer, giving him three in two days and drove in four runs. Third baseman Ricky Mitchell chipped in two hits and two RBIs. Catcher Matt Stinson doubled in two more scores for Forest City. All Sugar Valley could get off Gene Stuart (4-2 4.13) was three solo homers. One each by third baseman Jorge Vargas (.331), right fielder Karl Dietz (.248) and recent signee, shortstop Blair Allison (.500), who was playing his first game. Stuart gave up seven hits in all, struck out seven and walked two. The defeat went to starter Harvey Hines (3-4 3.92), who allowed seven runs and seven hits in just five innings.

Forest City (21-21) is now at the .500 mark, good enough for fourth place, along with Waleska (21-21). The Rattlers (21-19) are second and 2.5 games behind first place Marston (23-18).

Claxton's Nagashima Wins 7th
Two of the IPA's better twirlers opposed one another today at Bayside Park in Belair Beach. It was Tetsunori Nakashima against Carl Thompson. Both were going for their 7th win of the campaign. The final scored was 4-3 in favor of Claxton. Nakashima (7-3 3.95) survived 10 hits, fanned four and walked just one to claim the victory for the Diamonds. Thompson (6-3) toiled eight innings, surrendered seven hits and three runs, while striking out six and issuing four bases on balls. Both ballclubs generated 10 hits each. The eventual winning run came across the plate in the top of the ninth, when first baseman Marty McClusky (.265) hit into a double play with the bases loaded. Apparently second string third baseman Connie Derr thought there was one out, instead there were none. He should have gone for the force at home. Shortstop Danny Church (.299) paced the Sunbirds at bat with a 4-for-4 day. Regular third baseman Mike Janocko (.310) hit his 4th roundtripper in the third inning and collected two hits in two at-bats, before departing in the eighth for a pinchrunner.

Belair Beach (21-20) is still third in the RU South standings, just a half-game in front of Waleska (21-21) and Forest City (21-21). Claxton (17-25) is still holding up the bottom.