Click here to view PDF version of “Champs Chatter”, the official Newsletter of the ISF XII Men’s World Championship – Day 7 – July 23, 2009.

Here is a short overview of today’s playoff implications for Pool A by Champs Chatter editor, John Thompson:

If the favorites prevail, that is Great Britain beats Botswana, Philippines beat Denmark and Japan loses to New Zealand then a three way tie win ensue. With runs against in the games amongst them, being the tiebreaking criteria, Japan will finish third and Great Britain fourth. What we have here is a glorious opportunity for winless Botswana to play spoilers and push the Brits out of the championship. If they beat Denmark at 11:30 you can bet on the Philippines’ players marching over to Gordie Park to cheer on Botswana at 3:00.

As for Pool B, he says it in one sentence:

It would take an Argentinean upset over Australia to mix things up.

Editor’s note: (Otherwise, it’s Canada, Australia, Venezuela and Argentina, in that order)

Text version after the jump.

We are getting closer to the playoffs and anticipation is in the air. Today’s games will determine the final match up. The placings in Pool B are all but set with Canada first, Australia second Venezuela third and Argentina fourth. It would take an Argentinean upset over Australia to mix things up. It will most likely be a New Zealand vs. Australia contest in one quarter final and Canada vs. the U.S. in the other. Much is on the line in the games featuring the three teams fighting for the last spot on Pool A. If the favorites prevail, that is Great Britain beats Botswana, Philippines beat Denmark and Japan loses to New Zealand then a three way tie win ensue. With runs against in the games amongst them, being the tiebreaking criteria, Japan will finish third and Great Britain fourth. What we have here is a glorious opportunity for winless Botswana to play spoilers and push the Brits out of the championship. If they beat Denmark at 11:30 you can bet on the Philippines’ players marching over to Gordie Park to cheer on Botswana at 3:00.

POOL STANDINGS
POOL A PLAYED WON LOST FOR AGAINST
NEW ZEALAND 6 6 0 76 2
UNITED STATES 6 5 1 28 26
JAPAN 6 4 2 41 22
GREAT BRITAIN 6 3 3 27 34
PHILIPPINES 6 3 3 23 34
DENMARK 6 2 4 17 49
MEXICO 6 1 5 26 43
BOTSWANA 6 0 6 11 39

POOL B PLAYED WON LOST FOR AGAINST
CANADA 6 6 0 47 13
AUSTRALIA 6 5 1 49 12
VENEZUELA 6 4 2 55 16
ARGENTINA 6 4 2 34 27
CZECH REPUBLIC 6 2 4 25 35
PUERTO RICO 6 2 4 37 49
SOUTH AFRICA 6 1 5 22 50
INDONESIA 6 0 6 1 68

One big question still remains, can anyone challenge New Zealand? Although they are not likely to challenge the World Championship records of 142 runs scored or the record of only 2 runs allowed. Their average winning margin is over 12 runs per game and there appears o be no letting up.

How About Those Volunteers

Most fans have not really thought about just what it takes to put on a championship event like this one. To put it in a few words, it takes lots of energy and lots and lots of hard work. You may notice the umpires, grounds crew and game announcers, but what about the security people that clean the stands after midnight and when that is done, stay up all night patrolling around the park until the park workers arrive at 8:00. You may have noticed the great shapes the diamonds are in but you may not have seen the work being done on the practice diamonds around BVI, including grooming, watering as well as delivering drinking water and cups. You will look at the scoreboard to keep up with the games, but you don’t see the countless hours of work being done in the stats room where game results and statistics are being recorded and uploaded to the website. You may hear the promos being delivered by the announcers but you don’t see the work being done to make them up, or in gathering the sponsors that are mentioned.

Sometime throughout this event, I hope you chose to go to the refreshment area behind the home run fence at BVI. When there, look around at the people with volunteer tags that are working hard doing things like selling the tokens, serving the beer or food, picking up garbage, recycling cans and patrolling the area to keep things secure. When you arrive you can usually find a parking spot but I bet didn’t see the water truck dumping calcium chloride on the gravel to keep the dust down or the person putting down the lines to keep the vehicles organized. Many of you saw Dean Holoien put a ball through the plexi-glass behind home plate but didn’t get a chance to see our major sponsor’s crew from Rite Way Fencing who arrived early in the morning to make sure it was fixed for the first game on Tuesday. When you enter the park you may give a casual glance or nod to the ticket takers, program seller or ushers, without realizing the countless numbers of them who took holidays just so they could make you feel welcome at this event. The ISF XII World Softball Championship is proud to say that the more than 425 volunteers are here to serve you. As you look around the stadium and watch the amazing softball, please realize that this event would not happen without them. Saskatoon truly is the volunteer capital of Canada and softball volunteers lead the way.

Your browser may not support display of this image. Your browser may not support display of this image. Philippines – The Blu Boys Playing to Inspire A New Generation

Philippines – The Blu Boys, composed of young and inexperienced players will carry the country’s colors in the 2009 World Men’s Softball Championship The team is made up of Apolonio Rosales, Orlando Binarao, Jasper Cabrera, Manolito Binarao, Oscar Bradshaw, Isidro Abello, Darius Bacarisas, Ben Maravilles, Emerson Atilano, Anthony Santos, Roger Roxas and Vic Enriquez – all members of the RP team that finished second to Japan in the last Asian championship. Marlon Pagkaliwagan, Leo Barredo and Jorge Marquez, three newcomers in international play, complete a five-man pitching rotation along with Roxas and Enriquez, according to head coach Zacky Bacarisas. Six players Rosales, Orlando Binarao, Manolito Binarao, Jasper Cabrera, Darius Bacarisas and Roxas – were also in the Blu Boys’ roster that ended up ninth in the world tourney four years ago in New Zealand. The Blu Boys, according to Amateur Softball Association Philippines President Jean Henri Lhuillier have been training in earnest since qualifying for the world tilt two years ago. “The Blu Boys are prepared and ready for the task assigned to them,” Lhuillier said.

Just like in basketball and boxing, the Philippines Men’s Softball team is hoping to inspire more Filipinos to patronize and support a less popular sport in softball. “We have the best softball players in the country today and we chose them according to their stats,” said head coach Isaac Bacarisas. Bacarisas who is coaching in his first world championship said the field will not be easy but is confident the Blu Boys have improved on their speed and power hitting. More importantly, he said the Blu Boys are hoping to generate more support from Filipinos with their latest World Series stint. “I know that Filipinos are fond of boxing and basketball but I hope that they can see that softball is a sport that Filipinos can also excel in,” said Bacarisas, noting that a Philippine team rarely qualifies in the World Series. Bacarisas, himself a former softball player, said that if softball gets its fair share of media coverage, a lot of young Filipinos will be inspired to take up the sport.

Botswana outhits Philippines, but still lose

It’s a tough day at the park when your team finally out-hits an opponent, but the frustrating outcome is just another loss in the standings. Botswana pitchers Kagiso Mogale and Romeo Tshelametsi were effective, limiting the Filipinos to six hits, three by lead-off Apolonia Rosales, while the Botswana offence hit double figures (10). For Botswana, Molemi Matshediso, with 2 RBI, and Lesego Gaotimane each had a pair of hits, but with four defensive errors to offset the pitching performance, Botswana succumbed to its 6th consecutive loss. Filipino pitching was shared by Rogelio Rojas and Marlon Pagkaliwagan. Philippines (3-3) still has playoff hopes alive and can control their own destiny when it meets Denmark (2-4) in the early bird 11:30 match-up at Gordie Howe Park, while Botswana (0-6) can challenge and motivate itself for an upset win over Great Britain (3-3).
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Philippines 0 0 4 2 0 0 1 7 6 1
Botswana 0 1 0 2 1 1 0 5 10 4

WP: Rogelio Rojas LP: Kagiso Mogale

Australia scores early in quick win over Czechs

Australia and the Czech Republic played “Pete Rose” hustle ball in a seven inning game that was done in 80 minutes – the fastest of the week. The Steelers got all the runs they needed with 4 in B1, and used P Adam Folkard’s 2 hit – 12 strikeout performance to all but guarantee second spot. Czech P Lubomir Vrbensky settled down after the first inning, allowing only 2 more hits, but the damage had already been inflicted by the Steelers’ bats. Aussie 2B Nick Shailes capitalized on a pair of base hits for 2 RBI, while Czech 1B Jaroslav Mikulec also stroked two hits. Australia (5-1) will close out its round robin schedule with a key match-up with Argentina (4-2) who has found its groove and with a win could conceivably be part of a log-jam for second seeding in Pool “B”. Czech Republic (2-4) will miss the playoffs, but could finish on a winning note in its game with Indonesia (0-6).
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Czech 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 3
Australia 4 0 0 1 0 0 x 5 6 0

WP: Adam Folkard LP: Lubomir Vrbensky

Indonesia celebrates despite lop-sided loss to Argentina

Trailing 15-0 in the last inning of a game in the 6th round of the World Championships, with your team not yet scoring a run in any of the previous five games, could be frustrating for the most dedicated ball player. And so it was for the optimistic athletes who pull on the jerseys for Indonesia. However, the frustration was instantly eliminated when OF Danika Sarotama tripled in the CF gap. There was joy in Mudville as the Indonesian bench became animated and down-right ecstatic moments later when Sarotama scampered across home plate following a passed ball. The final score was Argentina 15 and Indonesia 1 but varying degrees of success were achieved. Sure – seven Argentineans had multi-hit games to fatten their averages, but the late inning heroic of Danika, with his key hit of the game, will be discussed many times on the long flight home.

Argentina (4-2) will draw no more slam-dunk opponents as it faces Australia (5-1) in the final day of round robin play in jostling for playoff positions, while Indonesia (0-6), with renewed confidence, will try to duplicate the good feeling that comes from scoring a run when it tangles with the Czech Republic (2-4) in both teams’ final matches of the week.
1 2 3 4 5 R H E
Argentina 1 7 5 1 1 15 18 0
Indonesia 0 0 0 0 1 1 3 3

WP: Maximiliano Montero LP: Teuku

Japan rallies to dismantle Denmark

The house of the rising sun was more than hospitable and neighborly in the early going, as Japan spotted Denmark a 6-3 lead after three stanzas. Sensing a loss that it could ill afford in it’s quest for a playoff position, Japan responded with a 4-run T4 to take a lead it would not relinquish. A six-run T7 led to Denmark being doubled 14-7, as seven pitchers toed the rubber in a game that featured 22 hits, 4 walks and a total pitch count of 244. C Yohei Ono and 3B Masatera Matsuoka had three hits for Japan while OF Frederik Terkelsen continues to be a Great Dane with a pair. Denmark (2-4) will miss the playoff round, but can snuff out Philippines (3-3) playoff potential when the teams clash in the 11:30 opener today. Japan (4-2) is in the hunt for the #2 Pool “A” seeding but requires a “pitcher perfect” performance against New Zealand (6-0) in the 8:30 finale game of the round robin.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Japan 0 3 0 4 1 0 6 14 16 2
Denmark 1 5 0 0 0 0 1 7 6 1

WP: Kunihiko Iida LP: Kim Hansen

Martin magnificent as Canada sidelines South Africa

With an estimated crowd of 3,800 in the stands, Canada P Todd Martin was superb in tossing a tidy one-hitter while his team-mates played long-ball with three home runs amongst its twelve hit salvo. Martin, who coughed up free pass walks in the T1 and T4 did not allow a base hit until two out in the B5. South African OF Gert Van Der Walt singled, but in a desperate, and ultimately futile attempt to reach 2B, he was cut down on a superb throw from LF Rob Giesbrecht to 2B Ian Fehrman. Canucks offence surfaced in B2 when 1B Derek Mayson, RF Dale Levy, 3B Craig Crawford, C Sean O’Brien and Giesbrecht provided five consecutive hits to score three. In the B5, with a potential mercy ending to the game, Canada exploded with automatics by SS Kevin Schellenberg, Fehrman, and Mayson. O’Brien’s second single scored Levy who previously singled. Levy was perfect 3×3 at the plate, preferring shots up the middle to the long bomb, while Crawford and O’Brien each collected two hits. Martin tossed 75 pitches while keeping the ball low for three ground ball outs, one fly-ball and 10 strikeouts. Canada (6-0) can complete a perfect round-robin week with a close-out win over Puerto Rico (2-4) tonight at 6:30, while South Africa (1-5) has potential to serve in a spoiler’s role against Venezuela (4-2).
1 2 3 4 5 R H E
South Africa 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Canada 0 3 0 0 4 7 11 0

WP: Todd Martin LP: Tidima Kekana

Venezuela plunders Puerto Rico

It was open season on the Spanish Main as Venezuela’s cannons thundered and the tiny island of Puerto Rico succumbed 13-2 to the South American giant. Venezuela plated a half dozen in the B1 and the outcome was quickly decided. Any thoughts of a caramba comeback were not to be as Venezuela pitchers John Garcia and Larry Escalona combined for an tightly controlled three-hitter. Only eight timely hits were needed to score the baker’s dozen, with C Luiger Pinto knocking in five RBI, while 1B Joe Vilchez had four. Puerto Rico 3B Eduard Galargo had 2 safeties. Venezuela (4-2) is assured a playoff spot and plays South Africa (1-5) while Puerto Rico (2-4) concludes its week against undefeated Canada (6-0).
1 2 3 4 5 R H E
Puerto Rico 2 0 0 0 0 2 3 1
Venezuela 6 3 1 3 X 13 8 0

WP: John Garcia LP: German Diaz

New Zealand depth displayed in manhandling Mexico

New Zealand started sluggishly, scoring only a single run in T1, but regained its legendary offensive prowess with multiple runs in all following innings for another abbreviated five-inning 13-1 mercy. Twin battery-mates P Heinie Shannon and C Pat Shannon collaborated effectively, limiting Mexico to 17 batters, including 10 strike-outs. In B4, the goose-egg was shattered as Mexican 2B Mario Perez, owner of the sole Mexican hit to that point, launched one deep over the fence behind CF Thomas Makea. Makea, of haka leadership fame, had his own three-run automatic in the T2. 3B Brad Rona displayed patience at the plate, coaxing four consecutive base-on-balls, scoring three times. For future reference, opposing pitchers take note that Kiwis 1B Jarrad Martin and SS Nathan Nukunuku were a combined 0 for 5 however, arriving from the Blacks bench, replacements SS Roman Gabriel (double off the fence) and 1B Stephen Ratu (HR over the fence) confirmed the depth of the Black Sox arsenal. New Zealand (6-0) can run the table with a win over Japan (4-2) in this evening’s 8:30 night-cap, while Mexico (1-5) despite its record, can cause grief for its northern neighbor USA (5-1).
1 2 3 4 5 R H E
New Zealand 1 4 3 3 2 13 11 0
Mexico 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 0

WP: Heinie Shannon LP: Oscar Martinez

US snatches second in nipping Brits

In an adrenalin-pumped atmosphere, the Americans and Brits, each with winning streaks, faced off in last night’s main event feature, a game that had significant importance to each nine’s playoff position. In a marathon (just under 3 hours) match, lengthy but with an abundance of dramatics, Britain’s attempt at another fairy-tale ending, fell one hit short, as USA narrowly hung on winning 7-6.

In T1, Britain’s lead-off hitter 2B Brandon Horn opened, as usual, with a hit, matched by OF Pat Morgan, and followed closely by a walk to 3B James Chalmers. Less than five minutes into the game, Britain had the bases drunk with none out. Undaunted, USA P Paul Koert, a crafty lefty, set clean-up hitter C Kevin Stockford down on strikes. A double play was required. DP James Darby flew out to deep centre field, with Horn scoring. To complete the play, CF Adam Lalonde’s bionic arm easily launched a softball missile to 3B Matt Palazzo, tagging Morgan who tried to advance the 60’. Brits up 1-0. In B1, LF Kyle Magnusson singled and tied the game on 1B Chris Delarwelle’s double. After one – tied a run apiece. In T2, Britain again loaded the bases, but a pair of Koert Ks stemmed the tide. In B2 British starter P Richard Haldane coughed up a triple to OF Chase Turner, who in turn was chased home on a Don Garvey single. A hit by OF Steve Pinocchio and walk to Palazzo again loaded the bases, but Koert got a K to end the inning. In T3, Chalmers lead-off single was eventually plated following an error and two sacrifice flies. In B3, USA scored an unearned pair, following an error. A nifty rundown and throw to home plate to tag Pinocchio ended the inning. In B4, Palazzo’s 2-run automatic extended the lead to 6-2. The Brits, renowned for a stiff upper lip when facing adversity, refused to buckle. In previous games, late-inning deficits had been erased with never-say-die attitude. In T6, four Brit hits scored three and the US was back-pedaling. In relief, Brit James Darby assumed mound control, but walks C Frank DeGroat, who advances on a OF Adam Lalonde sac bunt, and takes 3B on OF Chase Turner’s deep fly ball. Darby Ks Pinocchio to shut the door. T7 – SS Scott Sunley, with his first hit of the game, provided an aura of optimism, but reliever Travis Price snuffed the rally.

USA (5-1) has now clawed its way into a guaranteed 2nd seed in Pool A, and finish the round robin with Mexico (1-5) while Great Britain (3-3), with an anticipated win over Botswana (0-6) will likely move into playoff contention, requiring a tie-breaker to determine its future.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Great Britain 1 0 1 0 1 3 0 6 11 3
United States 1 1 2 2 1 0 x 7 8 2

WP: Paul Koert LP: Richard Haldane

PREDICTIONS FOR TODAY (Thursday July 23)

WINNERS IN UPPERCASE BOLD (Record to date 41-7)

11:30 am PHILIPPINES vs. Denmark 1:00 pm CZECH REPUBLIC vs. Indonesia

1:30 pm UNITED STATES vs. Mexico 3:00 pm GREAT BRITAIN vs. Botswana

3:30 pm AUSTRALIA vs. Argentina 5:30 pm VENEZUELA vs. South Africa

6:30 pm Puerto Rico vs. CANADA 8:30 pm Japan vs. NEW ZEALAND
HITTING AP AB H 2B 3B HR W K OB% Sac SB R RBI SA BA
Rafael Flores Venezuela 10 10 8 1 0 3 0 1 80 0 0 5 8 1800 800
Brad Rona New Zealand 21 13 8 3 0 1 8 1 81 0 3 11 5 1077 615
Travis Wilson New Zealand 20 17 10 0 0 4 3 1 65 0 0 8 10 1294 588
T Homas Makea New Zealand 18 12 7 2 0 3 3 1 76 1 0 9 10 1500 583
Rhys Casley New Zealand 14 11 6 1 0 0 3 2 64 0 2 3 5 636 545
Eduardo Galarza Puerto Rico 16 15 8 0 0 5 1 3 56 0 0 7 8 1533 533
Frederik Terkelsen Denmark 20 17 9 2 0 2 2 1 65 0 1 7 4 1000 529
Jorge Aranzamendi Puerto Rico 19 19 10 1 1 1 0 2 53 0 0 5 2 842 526

7 OTHERS TIED AT .500
PITCHING IP Bat P H W K R ER Wins ERA
Andrew Kirkpatrick Australia 7.0 32 115 1 6 11 4 0 1 0.00
Kenji Nakamura Japan 7.7 26 101 2 2 10 0 0 0 0.00
Jeremy Manley New Zealand 10.0 39 143 3 6 14 0 0 2 0.00
Marty Grant New Zealand 7.0 22 105 0 2 8 0 0 2 0.00
Travis Price United States 11.0 45 181 8 1 15 1 1 2 0.64
Trevor Ethier Canada 7.0 25 100 4 0 12 1 1 2 1.00
Dean Holoien Canada 7.0 25 88 4 0 10 1 1 1 1.00

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