PLAYOFF EDITION
Click here to view PDF version of “Champs Chatterâ€, the official Newsletter of the ISF XII Men’s World Championship – Day 8- July 24, 2009.
Text version after the jump.
The playoff matchups for the ISF XII World Men’s Softball Championship are set. Today is going to be a day to remember. Last night’s estimated crowd of 7200 people was entertained by two great games, even though they had no real playoff implications. Imagine what it is going to be like with an even bigger crowd and games with everything on the line.
C1 1:00PM Japan VS Argentina BVI
C2 3:30PM Venezuela VS Great Britain BVI
C3 6:30PM New Zealand VS Australia BVI
C4 8:30PM Canada VS USA BVI
FINAL POOL STANDINGS
POOL A PLAYED WON LOST FOR AGAINST
NEW ZEALAND 7 7 0 81 5
UNITED STATES 7 6 1 39 31
JAPAN 7 4 3 44 27
GREAT BRITAIN 7 3 4 28 39
PHILIPPINES 7 3 4 23 36
DENMARK 7 3 4 19 49
MEXICO 7 1 6 31 54
BOTSWANA 7 1 6 16 40
POOL B PLAYED WON LOST FOR AGAINST
CANADA 7 7 0 55 14
AUSTRALIA 7 6 1 57 12
VENEZUELA 7 5 2 64 16
ARGENTINA 7 4 3 34 35
CZECH REPUBLIC 7 3 4 33 36
PUERTO RICO 7 2 5 38 57
SOUTH AFRICA 7 1 6 22 60
INDONESIA 7 0 7 2 76
Great Danes solid play eliminates Philippines
It has been an up-and-down week for Denmark, frequently on the short end of games they expected to lose, and sometimes playing the way Coach Dave Paetkau had preached. For the Danes final game of the round robin, the players produced a defensive gem, and plated two runs in the 6th inning to shut out the Philippines. The loss ruined the Filipinos aspirations for a playoff spot, while providing Denmark a positive outlook. Coach Paetkau hinted at disappointment as the objective was to win four games and qualify for playoffs. ‘‘We lost the games we expected to lose, but didn’t do the job in all the other games. We have a young team and only six have previous ISF experience. When we followed our game plan, we enjoyed success, but sometimes we strayed. Sunday’s loss to Great Britain was a disappointment.’’ The Brits won that key game and qualified – Denmark will miss the playoffs.
Denmark (3-4) and Philippines (3-4) both miss the playoff round, reflecting on how an extra base hit at some point would have rewarded the teams with a 4th win to move up in the standings. Farewell to both teams and thanks for you participation in the ISF Championship.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Philippines 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 1
Denmark 0 0 0 0 0 2 x 2 6 0
WP: Jesper Panduro LP: Rogelio Rojas
Czech Republic extends Indonesia frustration
The Czech Republic ended its week as expected – with a win. Indonesia also got what was expected – which was not a win. A glimmer of hope presented itself in the T1 when the Far East squad scored a run to take its first lead of the week. Lead-off batter 3B Muhammed Supatra opened the game with a hit and scored moments late, much to the delight of the crowd pulling for the under-dog. The Czechs responded quickly, with two of their own in B1, and enhanced the lead with three more in B2, finally winning 8-1. The Czech offensive was led by OF Zdenek Materanka who enjoyed a perfect 3 for 3 at the plate, while two hits were collected by DH David ÙMertl, OF Jiri Nezebeda, and 2B Vaclav Svoboda. In a losing cause, 2B Rizka Ramdhani had 2 hits for Indonesia. Indonesia failed to find a pitcher who could tame opponent’s bats, and offensively, the Indonesian bats were no match for the Pool ‘B’ pitchers.
During the week, both teams’ goals were probably not fully met, as the Czechs (3-4) were anticipating a role in the playoffs. Indonesia (0-7), while garnering game-condition experience, came up short in displaying threats in the batter’s box or appropriate world-level competence from the mound. The Host Committee congratulates both teams on their competitive spirit, and thanks them for making the round-robin an exciting component of the tournament.
1 2 3 4 5 R H E
Indonesia 1 0 0 0 0 1 5 0
Czech 2 3 0 3 x 8 12 3
WP: Ales Jetmar LP: Jajat Kusumanegara
USA mauls Mexico
With both teams fate already decided, and United States and Mexico headed in opposite directions in the standings, the game’s outcome was of little significance. The US of Eh! had clinched 2nd spot in Pool ‘A’ and Mexico, who struggled to enter Canada for the tournament, found that the challenges and misfortunes continued on the diamond. Both teams accepted generous doses of base-on-balls in the first three innings, with home runs by Mexican SS Mario Perez (a pair of single-run automatics) and US OF Chase Turner – a three run shot to the Boston Pizza tent in right field, lit up the scoreboard. The final accounting was Mexico with five and US double at 11.
Mexico (1-6) never hit its stride and while many individual player performances were credible, the team could only muster a win against Botswana. USA (6-1), after a disastrous opening night, wove a patch-work of a half-dozen wins, to qualify for a double-life opportunity in the playoffs. The second life will be needed if the red, white and blue aspire to a medal of any color. Mexico will remember this as a week of circumstance and off-the-field challenges, but the fans and the host committee are appreciative of its national team’s contribution to the success of the event.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
United States 2 0 5 1 0 2 1 11 10 0
Mexico 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 5 6 2
WP: Tyrone McKinney LP: Panfilo Valdez
Botswana breaks out bullying the Brits
In retrospect, Botswana winning its first game, dumping Great Britain 5-1, should not be that much of a surprise. The singing, dancing, happy-go-lucky squad from the southern climes of Africa had played two excellent mid-week games in losing twice – 2-1 to USA and 7-5 to Philippines. Great Britain, meanwhile, had completed a trio of highly competitive, tense, dramatic and significant games. Britain’s playoff position was assured notwithstanding the out-come of this game. An upset should have been easy to predict. Botswana was charitable, providing Brits with an early 1-0 lead. At the plate, Botswanian batters were tenacious, and notched seven hits in scoring runs in the middle innings. Much to the delight of an appreciative crowd that empathized with the Botswanian woes during the week, the boys in light blue scrambled their way to a 5-1 lead. Strong pitching performances by Witness Garrogwe and Tony Moyo, each with five strikeouts, tamed the British bats on three hits, and would not relinquish the lead. Great Britain (3-4) qualifies for the playoff round on the tie-breaker ‘runs-against’ policy, but will have to re-group for its date today with Venezuela. Botswana (1-6) will continue their melodic strains en route to the airport, with fond memories of Day #7 at the World Championship. Thanks, Botswana for bringing a huge dose of sportsmanship and much joy to Saskatoon
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Great Britain 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 2
Botswana 0 0 1 1 3 0 x 5 7 2
WP: Witness Gaarogwe LP: Mark Elson
Kirkpatrick ‘pitcher perfect’ in blanking Argentina
As a prelude to the playoffs, Australia emphatically displayed the gap between the top seed contenders and the lower seed pretenders. Aussie P Andrew Kirkpatrick hurled a perfect five-innings, painting a masterpiece on the corners of the plate, facing the minimum 15 batters. With bats that seemed to explode onto the ball, and youthful speed on the base-paths, Australia pounded eight hits and scored eight runs in the third inning, annihilating Argentina 8-0 in the mercy-shortened tune-up in preparation for the championship round.
1 2 3 4 5 R H E
Argentina 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Australia 0 0 8 0 x 8 8 0
WP: Andrew Kirkpatrick LP: Jose Guerrinieri
Venezuela vanquishes South Africa
Venezuela, a below the radar squad in Pool B, notched its 5th win with a convincing 10-1 win over South Africa. With a solid starting nine offensively, it was infielders Arturo Acacio, Jean Melendez, John Zambrano and OF Edwin Linares with two hits each, while P Larry Escalona limited the South Africans to 3 hits, setting down 13 by strikeouts. The only blip on Venezuela’s dance card for the week may be attributed to the opening night jitters, when they were shutout 7-0 by Australia. Over the last six days, Venezuela has performed exceptionally well, notching five wins and suffering a heart-breaking 5-4 loss to Canada. Conjecture is that the oil capital of South America may be the long-shot contender that fans feel may be hiding in the bushes. Venezuela (5-2) continues with single life in the playoffs, while the host committee bids adieu and thanks South African (1-6) for its participation in the 2009 World Championship.
1 2 3 4 5 R H E
South Africa 0 0 0 0 1 1 3 1
Venezuela 3 3 1 3 x 10 12 0
WP: Larry Escalona LP: Monte Sadler
Mayson’s dominant debut for Canada paralyzes Puerto Rico
Canada’s starter P Derek Mayson’s view from the mound will be forever etched in his memories of Saskatoon. Fans were scarcely comfortable in their bleacher seats when Puerto Rican RF Antonio Rivera powered a Mayson fastball over the centre field fence. Quickly, Canada was down a run. An inning later Canada’s veteran DH Colin Abbott evened the game with a smooth-swing missile launch over the right field fence. Moments later, following a walk by 3B Craig Crawford, C Sean O’Brien hit a scorcher just inside the third base line. Crawford, with speed of a thoroughbred, rounded third. The throw from LF hit Crawford in the back as he approached the plate, and Canada was up by one. Mayson was effective in retiring ten batters in a row after the opening dinger, while his mates provided a cushion, scoring half a dozen runs in the next two innings on six hits. In B5, a snazzy Puerto Rican double play, sandwiched between hits from OF Dale Levy and 1B Rob Giesbrecht couldn’t prevent the ‘mercy run’ from scoring. Canada wins 8-1, on the strengths of two-hit nights by Abbott, Levy and Giesbrecht. Mayson faced 18 batters, allowing three hits, walking none and striking out eight while his mates played error-less ball behind him.
1 2 3 4 5 R H E
Puerto Rico 1 0 0 0 0 1 3 3
Canada 0 2 3 2 1 8 9 0
WP: Derek Mayson LP: Leonardo Roman
Nothing new – New Zealand jacks Japan
Displaying patience at the plate, New Zealand batters outfoxed Japan starting P Tatsuya Hamaguchi. The liassez-faire attitude in the batter’s box resulted in five base-on-balls walks (four of whom scored) from a careful Hamaguchi who refused to groove a pitch. With bases loaded in T1, 3B Brad Rona worked the count to full, and Hamaguchi’s delivery straight down Broadway resulted in a ferocious laser shot off the glove of 3B Masateru Matsuoka, scoring a pair. Japan responded in B1 on hits by SS Masakazu Tsukamoto and 1B Yasumitsu Harada to score one. In T2, consecutive walks to OF Daniel Milne and OF Thomas Makea set the table for SS Nathan Nukunuku who responded with a timely hit. 1B Jarrad Martin’s solid hit plated two and the Black Sox led 5-1 after two battings.
NZ P Jeremy Manley was effective, limiting Japan to a pair of hits and walks in innings 2-3-4 with team-mates providing solid defense, especially with a 2nd-inning-ending 1-4-3 double play.
In B5, back to back base hits by OF Hiroshi Tshimura and Tsukamoto (bunt) threatened, but a nifty infield grab by 1B Martin and a catch in foul territory by LF Daniel Milne snuffed out the rally. In B6, DP Kenji Nakamura greeted reliever Marty Grant with a HR, and Japan put two more on base before a running gaffe contributed to ending the rally. In B7, with Black Sox P Heinie Shannon in to close out the game, the top of Japan’s order put the ball in play with three consecutive batters, scoring once before Shannon got a check-swing strike-out. The inning ended quickly with a line shot to 3B Rona who doubled the Japanese runner of the bag. Entertaining game and perhaps the Black Sox are NOT invincible.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
New Zealand 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 5 6 1
Japan 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 3 11 0
WP: Jeremy Manley LP: Tatsuya Hamaguchi
Three†Wise or not so Wise†Men
pick the playoffs
Mark Loehndorf- editor Champ’s Chatter
John Thompson – editor Diamond Dirt
Al Doran – webmaster – Al’s Fastball
1:00 PM – JAPAN VS ARGENTINA
Coming into the championship I would easily had predicted Japan. However because of the inconsistencies from both teams throughout the last 7 days this is going to be a real battle. Both teams will be looking to rebound from losses yesterday to two of the real contenders. Japan looked so much better as they gave New Zealand all they could handle Japan has spread out the pitching duties using 6 different throwers in the preliminary round. I expect Argentina to rely on Lucas Mata to get them through this game. He been less than impressive to this point and show no signs of turning things around. This was a tough one but the Japan I saw last night looks ready to contend. Mark takes Japan 6 – 2
While Japan is not renowned for slugging, the batters possess keen sets of eyes at the plate, notably OF Hiraku Yokoyama, OF Yohei Ono and 2B Masakazu Tsukamoto. Pitching is deep (six of ‘em), competent and inter-changeable on the mound. Argentina appears to have left consistency of quality performance south of the border. If ace P Lucas Mata can deliver to his potential the game will be close – anything less will result in Japanese dominance. John’s Prediction – the rising sun will see the break of day on Saturday as Japan’s execution of fundamentals, strategy and sound defense will be the downfall of an inconsistent Argentina.
Al Doran picks Japan It is unanimous (watch out Las Vegas)
3:30 PM – VENEZUELA VS GREAT BRITAIN
This will be the end of the Cinderella story coming from Great Britain. James Darby and company will not be able to handle the Venezuelan bats whose team batting average is more than 50 points better. In spite of the presence of flame thrower Darby the British ERA is more than a run higher per game that of Venezuela. Venezuela is a legitimate medal contender and a Great Britain win would be a huge upset. It is not going happen. Mark takes Venezuela 7 Great Britain 2
Following an opening night disappointing 7-0 pasting by Australia, Venezuela has competed professionally and with near perfection in posting five wins. The narrow one-run loss to Canada prevented acquisition of a double-life and hence the battle to a medal will be up-hill. Today, they will be favored when facing Great Britain, the come-from-behind crew who were gamers to the last at bat in most outings. Venezuela’s strength lies in its batting line-up, with Rafael Flores (tournament BAvg (.800) leader after 6 days, along with Carlos Ojeda and Joe Vilchez spanking the ball with regularity and power. For Great Britain, lead-off 2B Brandon Horn is a tough out, while P James Darby is a two-way threat and C Kevin Stockford has been contributing timely hits. John’s Prediction – Great Britain’s fairy-tale endings will be no more, and Venezuela will advance to the next round
Al takes Venezuela All the same again, this is too easy
6:30 – NEW ZEALAND VS AUSTRALIA
The 6:30 game renews a fierce rivalry, the traditional powerhouse New Zealand takes on what some believe to be the next real powerhouse, the young Australians. The question here is, can the Steelers dynamic duo of Adam Folkard and Andrew Kirkpatrick keep down those Haka powered bats of the Black Sox, who will be seeing quality pitching for the first time in this tournament. I say no, it just doesn’t matter who is pitching. New Zealand will score runs and lots of them. The Aussie bats are very good but so is the Black Sox pitching. How can you go against a team whose batting average is more than 100 points above their opponent’s and has given up less than half as many earned runs. Mark says New Zealand 5 Australia 3
If you sleep with an elephant, be careful. The Black Sox, if provoked are relentless. While this play-off game is far from a ‘friendly’, the Aussie Steelers are advised to be quietly competent. Aussie strength comes from both sides of the mound – righty Adam Folkard and lefty Andrew Kirkpatrick, both who had displays of brilliance this week. Dissecting the Black Sox line-up to determine any ‘weak spot’ is an exercise in futility. There aren’t any. John’s Prediction – In a golden match-up of rivals from ‘down under’, it’s strong offence vs. solid defense and pitching. The New Zealand juggernaut will be tamed, but not extinguished. NZ
Al picks Australia – he is all by himself on this one (maybe he knows something we don’t know)
8:30 – CANADA VS UNITED STATES
These two rivals have been battling it out since the first world championship. USA have won 5 World Championships and Canada 3. This American group is not like the old days when in the 70’s their lineup featured world famous Ty Stofflet in the circle or in the 80’s when they were led by legendary hitter Brian Rothrock. The top American pitcher Paul Koert is a Canadian castoff. The Americans have not looked great at the plate against good pitching. Canada has it all, very good pitching and very good hitting and has had little trouble with the Americans in recent years. Canada’s pool may have been tougher than that of the US and yet they still have a team batting average advantage of more than a hundred points and half the ERA. The Americans will play with pride and a lot of heart and thus will keep this close, but I have got to go with Canada. Mark says Canada 4 USA 1
Canada has been focused, disciplined and players have fulfilled their responsibilities almost flawlessly. More of the same is required, and expected, from whoever toes the rubber, steps into the batters box or fields a batted ball. The team has depth at all positions, possesses good chemistry and will not disappoint. USA has provided opportunities to its opponents, but has somehow scrambled to win games in a variety of ways. The good, bad and ugly performances have resulted in an excellent record, but they will require their ‘A’ game to stay in this one. Southpaw Paul Koert can be effective against a lefty line-up. John’s Prediction – Canada’s heart, soul and home field crowd, not to mention depth in their line-up, will prevail. US of Eh! Lack of depth will contribute to loss today and tomorrow before Canada plays again.
Al takes Canada – Are the wise men being too nationalistic is this heart over mind???
HITTING LEADERS AP AB H 2B 3B HR W K OB% Sac SB R RBI SA BA
Brad Rona New Zealand 25 17 10 3 0 1 8 2 76 0 3 11 7 941 588
Rhys Casley New Zealand 17 13 7 1 0 0 4 2 65 0 2 3 5 615 538
Eduardo Galarza Puerto Rico 18 17 9 0 0 5 1 3 56 0 0 7 8 1412 529
Masakazu Tsukamoto Japan 21 17 9 0 0 0 3 2 67 0 2 4 1 529 529
Travis Wilson New Zealand 24 19 10 0 0 4 5 1 63 0 0 9 10 1158 526
Nick Shailes Australia 20 16 8 2 1 1 3 1 70 0 3 9 6 938 500
Bruno Motroni Argentina 15 14 7 3 0 2 1 2 53 0 0 4 5 1143 500
Hiraku Yokoyama Japan 23 18 9 1 2 0 2 5 55 3 1 6 4 778 500
Thomas Makea New Zealand 22 14 7 2 0 3 5 2 71 1 0 11 10 1286 500
Brandon Horn Great Britain 24 22 11 0 2 0 2 3 67 0 1 7 1 682 500
Jorge Aranzamendi Puerto Rico 21 21 10 1 1 1 0 2 52 0 0 5 2 762 476
Frederik Terkelsen Denmark 23 19 9 2 0 2 3 1 61 0 1 7 4 895 474
Keith Mackintosh Canada 16 15 7 0 0 1 0 1 47 1 0 2 7 667 467
PITCHING LEADERS IP Bat P H W K R ER Wins ERA BK
Andrew Kirkpatrick Australia 12.0 47 164 1 6 20 4 0 2 0.00 0
Jeremy Manley New Zealand 15.0 61 226 9 8 18 1 1 3 0.47 0
Larry Escalona Venezuela 10.0 36 164 3 3 23 1 1 2 0.70 0
Travis Price United States 16.0 65 249 12 2 20 3 3 2 1.31 0
Adam Folkard Australia 22.7 82 325 9 4 41 6 5 3 1.54 1
Lucas Mata Argentina 13.7 52 187 10 0 23 4 3 2 1.54 0
Heinie Shannon New Zealand 12.0 42 161 6 0 20 3 3 2 1.75 0
Todd Martin Canada 14.7 61 224 11 6 18 5 4 3 1.91 2
James Darby Great Britain 24.0 102 377 17 9 34 9 8 2 2.33 0
Leo Barredo Philippines 13.7 59 204 18 2 12 6 5 1 2.56 0
Lubomir Vrbensky Czech 23.7 103 383 26 4 33 15 10 1 2.96 0