The little “Blues” defeated Czech Rep 9-0 to finish the tournament with a record of 5-0.

by FIBS Writing Staff

The 15U Italian National Baseball Team staved off a late rally by the Czech Republic, beating the hosts 9-8 to capture the 2011 Confederation of European Baseball Cadet title.

With the tying run on third base in the final inning, Italy got the final two outs of the Championship by getting back-to-back strikeouts to halt the late charge  and secure the shaky victory.

The Czech Republic outhit their Italian counterparts 11-6.

The win against the Team Czech followed an 8-3 victory earlier in the day over the Netherland in the semifinals.

Final Standings
1.      Italy
2.      Czech Republic
3.      Germany
4.      Netherlands
5.      Russia
6.      Sweden
7.      Austria
8.      Bulgaria

Complete Results, Box scores and Stats

Photo courtesy of FIBS

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President Riccardo Fraccari issues Statement to emphasize Importance of Women’s Baseball

The President of the International Baseball Federation, Riccardo Fraccari, issued the following statement leading up to the July 30th IBAF Executive Meeting that will take place in Panama City:

“As has been well publicized in the media after the decision of the Olympic Council of Asia to accept softball onto the Asian Games’ program as a discipline of baseball, there have been some recent developments and discussions with regards to our colleagues from the International Softball Federation (ISF). Of course, this important theme will need to be expanded upon in Panama and at the eventual Congress later this year, although currently, it is safe to say that there is a general consensus among IBAF’s constituents to work with the ISF to solidify the 2020 Olympic Reinstatement Campaign, especially after the OCA announcement. At this point, I would like, however, to bring attention to and underline the IBAF’s commitment to women’s baseball, which seems to have been overshadowed in all of this.

“First off, I would like to clarify that any eventual single candidature between baseball and softball for the 2020 Olympics will not undermine IBAF’s plans to sustain and develop women’s baseball. There is no doubt that women’s baseball will have to play an important role if our sport is to become truly universal. Thankfully, Women’s Baseball within the framework of the IBAF is well-positioned for growth, and as a result, the IBAF remains devoted as ever in developing baseball among female athletes of all ages.

“The IBAF International Events Calendar will be one of the most important agenda items analyzed in Panama City. I can confirm that new projects are being examined, including the realization of a Women’s World Junior Baseball Championship. I do not want to go into too much detail during the conception phases, but it’s worth noting that there have been dialogues about organizing continental championships in order to further stimulate growth and meet the needs of all our athletes. The Toronto 2015 Pan-Am Games Local Organizing Committee is developing a sound proposal for Women’s Baseball to be put onto that program in Toronto, and we will be paying close attention to the decision on this important matter.

“Looking into the 2012 Women’s Baseball World Cup, Baseball Canada has been awarded the rights to host this event, as this competition returns to Edmonton, the city where this event was born back in 2004. Obviously, without looking past this event, I would like to simply point out that there have already been overtures to host the 2014 Women’s Baseball World Cup, so the IBAF will need to take this into consideration as events are mapped out over the long-term.

“Regarding non-IBAF sanctioned Women’s Baseball events, the IBAF commissioned the creation of the Phoenix Cup “Defender” Trophy, which was donated to our colleagues at the Hong Kong Baseball Association in an effort to help build a tradition. This trophy was first put into play this year, and in 2012, the tradition of defending the trophy can begin.

“So this is no doubt an exciting time for women’s baseball and for women in sport in general, and the IBAF is intent on providing as many opportunities as possible to all the athletes in the international sports community and especially within our international baseball family.”

Courtesy IBAF.org

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News from Seoul, Korea: Vietnam Finishes First in Pony Baseball for Southeast Asia
Pony Baseball Asia-Pacific Zone U-12 Baseball Championships in Seoul, Korea (July 17-21, 2011)

Vietnam Finishes 5th Overall in U-12 Pony Baseball Asia Pacific Zone Baseball Tournament in Seoul, South Korea and Wins Over Philippines in U-12 Southeast Asia Championship Game

• Vietnam 10, Philippines 1 (Southeast Asia Championship)
• Vietnam 14, Indonesia 3 (Pool Play)

Seoul, South Korea, 23 July 2011 — Vietnam had its best finish ever in the Pony Baseball Asia Pacific Zone Baseball U-12 Championships (this was for the “Bronco” Division for 11 and 12 year old players) when its team composed of 7th and 8th grade boys from the capitol city of Hanoi finished 5th among 9 team in the 2011 Pony Baseball U-12 Asia Pacific Zone Baseball Championships at Tancheon Stadium in Seoul, Korea, held from 17-21 July 2011. The tournament was won by Taiwan, who will represent the Asia Pacific Zone in the Pony Baseball World Series in Monterey, California in August, 2011. Importantly, Vietnam won a special playoff game to determine the Pony Baseball U-12 Champion of Southeast Asia, in which it handily defeated the Philippines National Pony baseball team by a score of 10-1. Pony Baseball, founded in 1951, is one of the oldest youth baseball organizations in the world, with more than 500,000 youngsters playing baseball in its leagues around the world (see www.pony.org).

Vietnam finished the Seoul tournament with a 2-2 record with wins over Indonesia by a 14-3 score and the win over the Philippines. Vietnam finished behind teams from traditional Asian baseball powers Taiwan, Japan, and two teams from Korea, but finished ahead of Philippines, Russia, Hong Kong and Indonesia. The wins over Philippines and Indonesia are significant and show the quick rise of Vietnam to potentially becoming a Asian baseball power in the future. This was Vietnam’s first win over Philippines in youth baseball after losing three games in a row dating back to 2009 – Philippines had won all three previous meeting by mercy rules. Although Vietnamese children have only played baseball for three years, Philippines has been playing baseball for more than 60 years, and is traditionally known as the top Southeast Asia country in baseball (one gold medal and one silver medal in the Southeast Asia Games), while Indonesia has played for more than 20 years and has twice earned the Bronze medal in the Southeast Asia Games. It is a great accomplishment for the Vietnamese youngsters from the Hanoi Youth Baseball Club who have now achieved the rank of top U-12 Pony baseball team in Southeast Asia even though there is no baseball field in Hanoi for practice or games, and the team has no pitcher’s mound for practicing. In April, 2011, Vietnam’s team defeated the Seattle Klouters, a team of all-star Little League and Pony baseball players from Seattle by a score of 6-2 in a friendly game in Hanoi, and also won the 2011 Vietnam Open Baseball Classic in January 2011, defeating teams from Indonesia, and teams of American and Japanese children studying in Hanoi.

In the game against Indonesia held in Seoul, Korea on 20 July 2011, Vietnam jumped to an early 5-0 lead in the first inning, en route to a lopsided 14-3 win. The game was called after 4 ½ inning due to mercy rules because Vietnam lead by more than 10 runs. In that game, Vietnam team captain right fielder Nhu Ngoc “Rabbit” Quoc Thinh, an 8th grader at Nguyen Truong To Middle School, blasted a 240-foot solo home run over the left field fence in the second inning. Vietnam then broke the game open by scoring 8 runs in the third inning.

Vietnam was lead by Quoc Thinh, who hit one home run, one triple and three doubles in the four-day tournament, who went 3-3 and scored 3 runs in the win vs Philippines, and third baseman / Pitcher Ben Nguyen Treutler (8th grade, Doan Thi Diem Middle School), who scored three runs and stole 7 bases versus Indonesia. Ben batted .667 for the tournament on 6-9 hitting, stole 15 bases, scored 7 runs, and had 5 RBI’s in the tournament, with a .727 OBP.

Pitcher Yuki Kijima, an 8th grader at the Japan School of Hanoi, was the winning pitcher for Vietnam in their wins over Indonesia and Philippines, pitching a complete game gem versus Indonesia, allowing just three hits, while striking out 5 Indonesian batters. Ben Nguyen Treutler also pitched well for Vietnam, closing the victory over the Philippines team with two innings of relief by retiring 6 consecutive batters, including striking out four consecutive batters at one point. Yuki and Ben baffled the Indonesia and Philippines hitters with a variety of pitches. Reliever Nguyen Tuan Anh (8th Grade, Doan Thi Diem Middle School) also was perfect in relief for Vietnam during the tournament, including retiring three consecutive batters from Japan.

2B / Catcher Lam Nguyen Khai Hoan (8th grade, Doan Thi Diem Middle School) had an excellent tournament highlighted by slugging a 250-foot home run over the fence in a friendly game versus traditional Korean school league power Hui Mang Dae Middle School that was played on an off day, and throwing out a runner at 2nd base in the game against Philippines.

Centerfielder Nguyen Tong Hai (7th grade, SIS Middle School) also provided several timely RBI’s for the Vietnam team, and stole 9 bases, after getting on base seven consecutive times after the first game. Vietnam Shortstop Nguyen Kha Duy (7th grade, SIS Middle School) and first baseman Tran Trung Hieu (7th grade, Doan Thi Diem Middle School) played well on defense for Vietnam in the tournament, as did utility player Nguyen Tuan Anh and catcher Kentaro Yamada (8th grade, Japan School of Hanoi) and utility player Nguyen Tuan Anh. Kentaro threw out a runner at second against Indonesia, and provided an RBI in each of Vietnam’s victories. In the game vs Korea, Tuan Anh made several stellar plays at third base, including corraling in a long pop fly that drifted approximately 50 feet out in foul territory toward left field.

Yuki and Kentaro from the Japan School Pony Blue J’s complemented the Vietnamese players on the team well, and made strong contributions in this first ever combined Vietnamese and Japanese team from Vietnam.

Duy, Hoan and first baseman Trung Hieu gained applause and roars of appreciation from the home Korean crowd by turning an excellent 6-4-3 double play early in the opening game of the tournament against South Korea. Vietnam played well against South Korea, down just 7-1 in the 4th inning, before losing 13-1 after emptying its bench in the last inning. Duy also played well in left field vs Korea, catching three fly balls.

Other members of the Vietnam team included: Chu Bao Khanh, Pham Huy Hung and Hoang Nhat Quang, all studying in 8th grade at Doan Thi Diem Middle School, as well as Phan Duc Tri (7th grade, SIS Middle School), who caught a fly ball in centerfield to end the game vs the Philippines, and Nguyen Duc Huy (7th grade, Giang Vo Middle School). The speedy Hung came in off the bench as a designated pinch runner, stealing four bases in the tournament. The coaches of the Vietnam team included Tieu Viet Loc (head coach) and assistant coaches Dang Quyet Chien, Pham Ngoc Phu and Danny Meltzer.

Vietnam employed coach Tieu Viet Loc’s aggressive running game to swipe 28 bases vs Indonesia, and 15 stolen bases vs Philippines.

Hanoi Youth Baseball Club (HYBC) founder Tom Treutler commented: “Vietnam’s success in this tournament shows how far Vietnam baseball has come, and demonstrates the talent and commitment of the kids here. Even though we have only been playing for three years and do not have a baseball field, we topped Philippines and Indonesia, where they have been playing baseball for 60 and 20 years, respectively. Our kids really worked hard for the last few years, so they deserved these wins – the kids and our coaches never gave up, even after being mercy ruled nearly every game for two years straight and losing 34 games in a row at one point. Our coaches set a goal when we started our program three years ago, and that was to be the best in Southeast Asia, and we accomplished that in this tournament, so, I’m happy for these kids and our coaches. The Vietnamese children are very talented in baseball. For example, team captain Nhu Ngoc Quoc Thinh is a former standout youth ping-pong player who has applied his natural athletic ability to baseball, and has discovered his own talent and passion for baseball.” Treutler, who is Vietnam Pony Baseball Country Director and Little League District Administrator added, “2012 will be the biggest year for baseball in Vietnam, as the Hanoi Youth Baseball Club will host the Little League U-14 championships and the Pony Baseball U-12 Championships in Nha Trang or Hanoi. These tournaments will bring 20 top-notch baseball teams to Vietnam, and the winners will advance to World Series tournaments in the United States.” HYBC is licensed by, and operates under the authority of the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Hanoi Sports Federation.

HYBC currently has 70 players playing on teams for children aged 8 – 15 years of old, and practices in the My Dinh National Sports Complex in Hanoi. 15-year old fireball pitcher Nguyen Viet Anh from HYBC from the club will play high school baseball in the United States this year.

Pictured below: Team Captain RF Nhu Ngoc Quoc Thinh, showing off his souvenier home run ball (240 foot HR vs Indonesia), and No. 25 Third Baseman / Pitcher Ben Nguyen Treutler (.667 BA, 15 SB and 7 runs scored in tournament).

Link to Seoul Pony Tournament Pictures

Link to Video of Quoc Thinh’s Home Run vs Indonesia

- Nguyen Ngoc Thuy, Chairwoman – HYBC, tel.: +84 98 809 8688; nguyenngocthuy@hotmail.com)

Thanks to Tom Treutler for pointing this out to us.

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By Bruce Baskin

Pablo Ortega has been one of the top pitchers in Mexico for years: Not a guy who’ll blow batters away with speed or filthy breaking pitches, but a pitcher who genuinely “pitches” and relies on fooling batters. Sunday, he had the potent Veracruz lineup (including sluggers Jorge Guzman and Victor Diaz) entirely fooled, save for one patient batter.

The crafty 34-year-old righty registered the first no-hitter of the season as the Quintana Roo Tigres defeated the Aguilas, 10-0, beofre 4,270 fans in Veracruz’ Parque Universitario Beto Avila. And it was almost as efficient a no-no as you’ll ever see, as Ortega retired the first 25 hitters he faced until issuing a walk to Leo Rodriguez with one out in the bottom of the ninth before setting down the last two batters he faced. With the win, the former Tampa Bay farmhand improved to 10-3 on the season and lowered his ERA to 3.29 in the hitter-friendly Mexican League. As if the Tigres needed any more reason to celebrate, the win clinched the LMB South title for the Cancun side, who lead Campeche by 4.5 games with four left to play until the postseason.

Besides throwing the eighth no-hitter in the Tigres’ 57-year history (and the first since 2004), Ortega’s gem capped a year of vindication. After winning 36 of 49 decisions between 2007 and 2009, the Nuevo Laredo native suffered a horrible 2010 campaign, going 2-6 with an 8.24 ERA and causing some to wonder if he’d finally run out of gas after 113 wins over 14 professional seasons.

Instead, it would appear that Pablo Ortega still has a Tigre in his tank.

Bruce Baskin is the Editor/Producer at the BASEBALL MEXICO website.

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By Bruce Baskin

After losing out to Pittsburgh in the Luis Heredia Sweepstakes last year, the Toronto Blue Jays don’t want to let another young Mexican pitching prospect slip through their fingers. Even though they reportedly offered more money than the Pirates, Heredia’s lifelong friendship with Pittsburgh scout Jesus “Chino” Valdez was likely a deciding in his signing with the Buccos last year…that and a $3 million signing bonus (much of which went to the Veracruz Aguilas, the Mexican League team that owned the rights to Heredia).

This time, Toronto may have landed a different well-regarded 16-year-old Sinaloa pitcher in Roberto Osuna, who said he was ready to sign with the Jays (who will likely offer Heredia-like money). Unlike Heredia, who had zero professional experience before reporting to the Pirates training complex in Florida last fall, the 6’0” 198-pound Osuna (who hits the mid-90’s on the radar gun) made 13 appearances in the Mexican League this season. Although he got roughed up more than once, the nephew of former MLB pitcher Antonio Osuna pitched reasonably well most of the time, going 19.2 innings for an 0-1 record and a 5.49 ERA, not a bad number for a hitter’s league like the LMB, striking out 12 and walking 10 for Mexico City. No doubt the Diablos will get their cut no matter who signs Osuna.

The right-handed Osuna, who is ranked fourth by Baseball America’s Ben Badler on a list of international prospects, reportedly is leaning toward Toronto over four other teams and has already made an appearance at the Jays complex in Florida.

Bruce Baskin is the Editor/Producer at the BASEBALL MEXICO website.

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By Reuben Terrado

Manila recorded history becoming the first team in Baseball Philippines to win three straight titles after sweeping the Series 8 championship by defeating Cebu, 10-4, in Game 2 Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

Game 1 winning pitcher Jon Jon Robles made his presence felt on offense with three RBIs en route to their third crown in the league organized by Community Sports Inc. and sponsored by Pepsi, Gatorade and Rawlings.

Robles pushed the go-ahead run in the fourth inning before advancing two runners home in a pivotal five-run seventh that broke the game wide open for the Sharks.

Coach Jhoel Palanog said that the “dynasty” of the Harbour Centre-backed franchise was not possible without the commitment and sacrifice by the team.

“We assumed from Day 1 that we are going to the finals. There were struggles during practice and even with the finances but the commitment was there to make history,” said Palanog.

Saxon Omandac was named the Series 8 Finals Most Valuable Player for his consistent hitting in the two games of the finals for Manila but pitching and defense was also a key for Sharks after allowing 15 hits in two games.

“Cebu’s bench is really deep in terms of hitting. They are known for that so I entrusted the game plan of the pitchers to them and it worked,” Palanog said.

The league is also backed by Harbour Centre, The Heritage Park, Emperador Distillers, Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Victory Liner and Clark Development Corp.

The game started two hours late due to a rain delay but that situation had little effect on the Sharks, who took the lead for good when Robles pushed Edward Landicho home on a bases-loaded sacrifice fly.

Dark clouds also came into play but that didn’t stop the Sharks from padding their lead as Jennald Pareja and Robles hit two-run singles in the tail end of the five-run scoring binge in the seventh.

Manila scored two runs in the second before an RBI hit by Marvin Malig in the next frame made it 3-0 but an RBI hit by Jonash Ponce and a two-run single by starting pitcher Edmer Del Socorro tied the game up at the bottom of the third.

But Del Socorro issued a single to Landicho and walking Pareja and Christian Galedo to load the bases setting up Robles’ sac fly in the fourth.

The league is also supported by Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Amateur Baseball Association, Philippine Umpires Association and dzSR Sports Radio 918.

For details, log on to www.baseballphilippines.com and www.facebook.com/baseballphilippines.

Courtesy BaseballPhilippines.com

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By Jonas Terrado

First baseman Miggy Corcuera not only led the Cebu Dolphins back to the finals but also won the league’s most prestigious individual honor.

The first baseman, dubbed as ‘Big Daddy’ for his burly appearance and power swing, was named as Baseball Philippines Series 8?s Most Valuable Player prior to the second game of the league’s championship series.

In perhaps the best campaign of his BP career, Corcuera batted .360 with three home runs and 11 RBIs as Cebu returned to the finals for the fifth time in history before bowing to the Manila Sharks in their best-of-three series.

Corcuera, an entrepreneurship graduate at San Beda, led the league in both categories to win the Most Home Run and Most RBI awards.

Cebu was glad to have the Corcuera regain his timely contributions on offense after the Dolphins struggled in Series 7 despite entering the semifinals.

He is the first Dolphin to win the award since current teammate Joseph Orillana won the honors in Series 4.

Orillana, a two-time MVP, was named as the Best Pitcher of Series 8 after posting three victories, striking out 25 batters and had an ERA of 1.01.

Speedy centerfielder Jonash Ponce returned from a devastating knee injury in Series 7 to win the Most Stolen Bases award. Ponce had seven stolen bases during the elims.

Taguig third baseman Denver Largo was the league’s Best Hitter after posting a .428 batting average and had a slugging percentage of .485.

Champion coach Jhoel Palanog was again named Best Manager after steering the Manila Sharks to an 8-2 record in the elims while Ricky Bernabe, who called the balls and strikes in the title-clinching Game 2, was the Best Umpire of the tourney.

Courtesy BaseballPhilippines.com

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This was from August of last year, but it was so good it demands being shown again.

In a game between the Yokohama Bay Stars and the Hiroshima Carp, centerfielder Masato Akamatsu made an amazing catch to rob Bay Stars hitter Shuichi Murata of a home run.

Is this the greatest catch ever? I’d like to hear your thoughts on what might be better.

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By Bruce Baskin

Although first-round matchups haven’t been finalized, four teams have clinched berths in the 2011 Mexican League Northern Zone playoffs. Mexico City, which qualified for the postseason in mid-July, remains on top of the LMB North standings at 59-40, three-and-a-half games ahead of 44-43 Reynosa, four games up on 54-43 Monterrey, and eight games in front of 51-48 Puebla. Laguna and Saltillo are tied for fifth at 43-57, 8.5 games behind the Pericos with seven games remaining on the schedule, while Monclova brings up the rear at 42-59. The elimination of the Saraperos means there will be a new Liga champion this summer.

Things aren’t quite as well-defined in the LMB South, although three teams have assured themselves of playing into August. Quintana Roo has led the division for weeks, and the Tigres are 58-40, 4.5 games ahead of 52-43 Campeche. Veracruz is six games back at 52-46 while Oaxaca holds fourth with a 50-46 mark. Tabasco is barely clinging onto hope with a 47-53 mark, five games out of fourth, but Minatitlan (43-56) and Yucatan (40-58) are getting ready to break out the golf clubs.

The regular season will end July 28, with the playoffs set to start two days later.

Bruce Baskin is the Editor/Producer at the BASEBALL MEXICO website.

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By Bruce Baskin

Ryan Mulhern certainly made the most of his six weeks in Mexico. After arriving in Saltillo on June 3, the outfielder proceeded to tear the cover off the baseball, battering Mexican League pitching to the tune of a .366 average with 13 homers and 46 RBIs in 36 games. That was enough to gain the notice of Japan’s Seibu Lions of the Pacific League. Seibu and Mulhern were able to come to terms and the Burbank, California native made his way to the Far East on July 18.

Mulhern was drafted by Tampa Bay out of high school in 2000 and again by St. Louis after two years at the University of Southern Alabama in 2002 before being picked and signed by Cleveland in 2003. The 6’2” Mulhern spent six years in the Indians organization before going to Pittsburgh’s farm system in 2008. His best season was in 2005, when he hit .315 and blasted 32 homers splitting the year with Kinston in the Carolina League and Akron of the Eastern League, winning the Lou Boudreau Award as the Tribe’s top minor leaguer. He spent two years with Lancaster in the Atlantic League before coming to Saltillo last month. Mulhern has hit 131 homers over nine minor league seasons.

Puro Beisbol quoted Mulhern as saying, “I’m very thankful for the opportunity that Sergio (Saraperos president Sergio Ley) offered me to play in Japan…I’m also thankful to the people of Saltillo for all the support and affection they’ve given me during this time. I hope to return to the Saraperos because it’s a great team with great people.”

Bruce Baskin is the Editor/Producer at the BASEBALL MEXICO website.

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By Reuben Terrado

The Manila Sharks, a team who on their quest to win their third straight championship and had only one loss in 10 elimination round matches, were expected to cruise to the finals against the Taguig Patriots, a team who is entering the semifinals for the first time since Series 4.

Surprisingly though, last July 16, the Sharks had to work hard for another trip to the finals.

Behind their defense that have been a hallmark of the team, the Sharks beat the Patriots with a close 2-0 decision at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium to advance to the finals of the Baseball Philippines Series 8.

The Sharks got an unexpected stiff challenge as the Patriots kept it close. In the end, Taguig could not score behind the defense of Manila.

On the offensive end, Marvin Malig blasted two RBIs on run-scoring hits in the first and eighth inning, enough for the Sharks to take the win.

But the difference of the game Manila stranding eight runners on base to stave off Taguig’s run-scoring bids all game.

Manila starting pitcher Charlie Labrador and reliever Jon Jon Robles allowed a total of five hits preventing the Patriots from putting runs on the board.

“We had a hard time with Taguig’s defense and we haven’t played for almost a month. But we will always depend on pitching and defense and that is what the team showed,” said Manila coach Jhoel Palanog.

The loss spoiled Taguig starting pitcher Justin Payongayong’s complete game as he allowed seven hits but failed to get the run support from his teammates.

Jennald Pareja forced a lead-off walk and reached second on a groundout by Nino Tator before crossing home plate when Malig blasted a single to left center field.

Malig hit a bloop single to shallow left field in the eighth inning to also score Pareja after he singled and advanced to third base on a single by Christian Galedo.

Taguig looked poise to tie the game in the second inning when Ka’Sulhay Argel reached third base with one out but failed to cross home plate on a base running blunder before Labrador got back to his pitching resolve to end the inning.

Alfredo Olivarez also reached third base in the fourth inning with no outs but Labrador got out of the jam putting out the next three batters to strand Olivarez.

Courtesy BaseballPhilippines.com

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By Reuben Terrado

The Cebu Dolphins are heading back to the Baseball Philippines finals after dispatching the Batangas Bulls, 9-2, last July 16 in the Series 8 semifinals at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

The Dolphins amassed 15 hits in a rout of the shorthanded Bulls to return to the finals after a one-series absence.

After losing to Manila in the finals of Series 6, Cebu missed the Series 7 title series after getting eliminated by Batangas in the semifinals.

With the win, Cebu will be facing Manila again on July 23 to start off the best-of-three championship series at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

Cebu starter Joseph Orillana allowed five hits in an eight-inning shutout against a Batangas team without its top slugger Vio Roxas, who is coaching a Philippine little league team abroad.

Jonash Ponce and Miggy Corcuera, meanwhile, blasted big hits in the second and sixth innings respectively to put the game away from the Bulls.

Orillana singled and Joannard Pareja earned a walk before Ponce blasted a 2-1 pitch by Batangas starter Vladymir Eguia to deep center field to clear the bases.

Richard Gamble made it 3-0 in the fifth inning after he singled to score Corcuera, who doubled to put himself in scoring position.

The Dolphins made a big splurge with four runs at the next half highlighted by Corcuera’s blast of the second pitch of reliever Romeo Jasmin for a two-run double to score Lorenzo Ubungen and Edmer Del Socorro. Pareja scored on an earlier at-bat on a steal by Ubungen while Corcuera, who crossed home plate on an error for a 7-0 lead.

Adding two more runs to the game is Del Socorro as he doubled in the seventh in the seventh on a double to score Orillana and Nico Uichico for the insurance runs.

Carlo Banzon and Justin Zialcita finally provided runs for the Bulls in the eighth inning but that was not enough to start a big comeback as Del Socorro came in relief of Orillana in the ninth inning and struck out two batters to end the game.

Courtesy BaseballPhilippines.com

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SOUTH KOREA – After struggling for the first few month of the season and being injured, the Samsung Lions have released former major leaguer Ryan Garko.

Garko hit .243 in 58 games with 28 RBI. Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of Garko’s season was the power numbers. He hit only 1 home run and 8 doubles.

The Lions have replaced Garko with Doug Mathis. He has spent time in the major leagues with the Texas Rangers going 3-3 in 45 games including 6 starts. In the MLB his ERA is 4.84. He has also spent time in the minors compiling a 39-44 record with a 4.12 ERA.

Mathis spent some time in 2010 with Texas but spent the 2011 season in AAA.

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AUSTRIA – The Vienna Wanderers moved into sole possession of the top spot in the Austrian Baseball League with a pair of one-run wins last Saturday over the RiCo Highlanders.

Vienna (14-3) took the first game of a doubleheader, 8-7, before stretching its winning streak to five games with a 3-2 triumph in the second encounter against the last-place Highlanders (2-14).

The Schwechat Blue Bats (10-12) kept their playoff hopes alive with a twinbill sweep over the SU Kufstein Vikings (5-13), while the Schwarz Tigers (13-8) regrouped after a 3-2 upset loss to the Stock City Cubs (6-14) to salvage a split with a 4-2 victory in the second game.

The final ABL matchup on the slate last weekend saw the Attnang-Puchheim Athletics (15-4) split two games with the Vienna Metrostars. The reigning Austrian champion won the first game 8-5 before the Metrostars (10-7) came charging back to take the twinbill finale, 11-4.

AUSTRIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE
1. Vienna Wanderers (14-3)
2. Attnang-Puchheim A’s (15-4)
3. Schwaz Tigers (13-8)
4. Vienna Metrostars (10-7)
5. Schwechat Blue Bats (10-12)
6. Stock City Cubs (6-14)
7. SU Kufstein Vikings (5-13)
8. RiCo Highlanders (2-14)

Marvin Moore is a freelance international baseball writer who coached in Europe for six years. He currently teaches baseball to Filipino Kids at the Future Stars Baseball School.

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GERMANY – The Solingen Alligators disposed of the Pulheim Gophers in a pair of lopsided German League wins this past Sunday to extend its North Division winning streak to eight games.

Solingen (17-5), which trails the Paderborn Untouchables by four games, cruised to an easy 10-1 win in the first game. The Alligators finished off the sweep with a 16-4 spanking in the second contest.

The Untouchables (22-2) slipped past the still-improving Dortmund Wanderers 11-10 in the front end of a twinbill. However, the Wanderers (12-12) pulled off a 3-2 upset in the second meeting to salvage a split.

NORTH DIVISION STANDINGS
1. Paderborn Untouchables (22-2)
2. Solingen Alligators (17-5)
3. Bonn Capitals (17-7)
4. Dortmund Wanderers (12-12)
5. HSV Stealers (10-14)
6. Dohren Wild Farmers (9-17)
7. Pulheim Gophers (7-19)
8. Berlin Sluggers (4-22)

The Bonn Capitals (17-7) had to settle for a doubleheader split with the Dohren Wild Farmers (9-17), while the Berlin Sluggers (4-22) knocked off the HSV Stealers (10-14) before getting trounced in the second game, 16-0.

SOUTH: REGENSBURG SWEEPS GAUTING
The Buchbinder Legionaere continue to pace the South Division after a pair of wins against the Gauting Indians. The reigning German champion routed the Indians 13-3 on Saturday to improve its season record to 16-3. Regensburg staged a late rally to complete the series sweep with a 5-4 win over the Indians (3-16) the following day.

The Heidenheim Heidekoepfe (15-5) captured a pair of unimpressive wins over the last-place Bad Homburg Hornets (3-16), and the Mainz Athletics (12-10) won two key games against the Haar Disciples (11-11).

SOUTH DIVISION STANDINGS
1. Buchbinder Legionaere (17-3)
2. Heidenheim Heidekoepfe (15-5)
3. Mainz Athletics (12-10)
4. Haar Disciples (11-11)
5. Mannheim Tornados (10-10)
6. Gauting Indians (3-16)
7. Bad Homburg Hornets (3-16)

Marvin Moore is a freelance international baseball writer who coached in Europe for six years. He currently teaches baseball to Filipino Kids at the Future Stars Baseball School.

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FRANCE – The Rouen Huskies used a six-run fifth to beat the Savigny Lions 6-4 Sunday to win the 2011 Challenge de France. The Huskies (5-0) went unbeaten in the tourney while outscoring opposing teams by a 48-11 margin.

Jordan Crystal stroked a two-run single and Rickey Thomas doubled home a pair of scores to help Rouen win the tournament for the fourth time. Crystal (.409/1-0/0.00) was tabbed as the MVP while teammate Joris Bert (.632/7 RBIs)was named the Best Batter.

2011 CHALLENGE DE FRANCE
1. Rouen Huskies (5-0)
2. Savigny Lions (4-1)
3. Montpellier Barracudas (3-2)
4. Senart Templiers (2-3)
5. Pessac Panthers (1-2)
5. Paris Universitie Club (1-2)
7. Montigny Cougars (0-3)
7. STB Toulouse (0-3)

Owen Ozanich (2-0/2.38), who earned Best Pitcher honors, scattered four runs and five hits over six-plus innings to collect the win. Anthony Piquet tallied the final eight outs to notch the save and clinch the tournament championship.

MONTPELLIER OUST SENART FOR THIRD-PLACE
The Montpellier Barracudas built a six-run lead and coasted to a 6-2 win over the Senart Templiers in a battle for third-place. Leadoff man Gregory Cros (.263/5 RBIs) went 2-for-2 with two walks, three runs scored, two RBIs and a pair of stolen bases. Laurent Andrades (1-0/1.50) worked six frames of one-run ball to earn the win.

2011 CHALLENGE DE FRANCE RESULTS:

Sunday, July 17th
Rouen Huskies 6, Savigny Lions 4

Saturday, July 16th
Savigny Lions 5, Templiers Senart 4
Rouen Huskies 3, Montpellier Barracudas 1

Friday, July 15th
Templiers Senart 5, Stade Toulousain 1
Montpellier Barracudas 10, Montigny Cougars 7
Pessac Panthers 13, Stade Toulousain 2
Paris UC 19, Montigny Cougars 4
Savigny Lions 13, Montpellier Barracudas 9
Rouen Huskies 6, Templiers Senart 5 (10)

Thursday, July 14th
Rouen Huskies 15, Stade Toulousain 0
Savigny Lions 7, Montigny Cougars 2
Templiers Senart 12, Pessac Panthers 9
Montpellier Barracudas 20, Paris UC 2
Rouen Huskies 18, Pessac Panthers 1
Savigny Lions 7, Paris UC 2

Marvin Moore is a freelance international baseball writer who coached in Europe for six years. He currently teaches baseball to Filipino Kids at the Future Stars Baseball School.

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SPAIN – The curtain closed on the 2011 Spanish League season last weekend with FC Barcelona cementing its first title since 1958 with two wins against San Inazio Bilbao. The league in Spain plays a 36-game regular season but does not have a playoff format.

Barcelona (33-3), which will eliminate several sports including baseball starting next year, claimed a 7-2 win on Saturday before completing the two-game sweep a day later with a 2-1 triumph over sixth-place San Inazio (15-21).

Sant Boi (26-10) captured second-place with a pair of road wins over the Tenerife Marlins PC (24-12). The 2010 Spanish champion picked up a 9-7 victory in Sunday’s twinbill opener, and sewed up the runnerup spot with a 5-4 win in the season finale.

CB Viladecans (24-12) knocked off the Valencia Astros (24-12) twice to finish in a three-way tie for third-place. Viladecans claimed wins of 3-2 and 4-2 to end the season with eight consecutive victories.

The Vigo Halcones (13-23) finished in seventh-place with two lopsided wins (19-3 and 18-8) over the last-place Sevilla Red Sox (1-35), while eight-place Baseball Navarra ended the season with two wins, 11-1 and 12-2, against ninth-place C.D. Pamplona (8-28).

SPANISH LEAGUE FINAL STANDINGS
01. FC Barcelona (33-3)
02. Sant Boi (26-10)
03. Tenerife Marlins PC (24-12)
03. Astros Valencia (24-12)
03. CB Viladecans (24-12)
06. San Inazio Bilbao (15-21)
07. Vigo Halcones (13-23)
08. Baseball Navarra (12-24)
09. CD Pamplona (8-28)
10. Sevilla Red Sox (1-35)

Marvin Moore is a freelance international baseball writer who coached in Europe for six years. He currently teaches baseball to Filipino Kids at the Future Stars Baseball School.

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SWITZERLAND – The Zurich Barracudas remained in the playoff hunt with a 4-3 win over the Embrach Mustangs Saturday in the back end of a Swiss Baseball League doubleheader.

The Barracudas (9-12) rebounded from a narrow 6-5 loss in the first game to salvage a twinbill split and stay in contention for the final playoff spot. The Zurich Challengers (9-11), Sissach Frogs (10-13) and the Luzern Eagles (8-13) are also vying for the last postseason berth.

The third-place Mustangs (14-9) have all but wrapped up a playoff spot as has the Therwil Flyers (19-2) and the Bern Cardinals (18-4). The Flyers and Eagles were rained out on Sunday, as well as the matchup pitting the Cardinals against the Challengers.

SWISS LEAGUE STANDINGS
1. Therwil Flyers (19-2)
2. Bern Cardinals (18-4)
3. Embrach Mustangs (14-9)
4. Zurich Challengers (9-11)
5. Sissach Frogs (10-13)
6. Zurich Barracudas (9-12)
7. Luzern Eagles (8-13)
8. Zurich Lions (0-23)

Marvin Moore is a freelance international baseball writer who coached in Europe for six years. He currently teaches baseball to Filipino Kids at the Future Stars Baseball School.

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THE NETHERLANDS – Wet weather continued to play havoc in the Dutch Major League last weekend with just two games actually getting played.

UVV (15-15) moved to .500 with a 7-5 win against Mr. Cocker HCAW (8-23). The Utrecht club trails the Vaessen Pioniers by 3 1/2 games for the final playoff spot.

The Pioniers (19-12) moved within one-game of third-place Corendon Kinheim (20-11) with a 5-0 shutout victory. Vaessen has won three consecutive games and is only four games back of frontrunner DOOR Neptunus (23-7).

DUTCH LEAGUE STANDINGS
1. DOOR Neptunus (23-7)
2. L&D Amsterdam Pirates (22-7)
3. Corendon Kinheim (20-11)
4. Vaessen Pioniers (19-12)
5. UVV (15-15)
6. Sparta/Feyenoord (12-18)
7. Mr. Cocker HCAW (8-23)
8. ADO (2-28)

Marvin Moore is a freelance international baseball writer who coached in Europe for six years. He currently teaches baseball to Filipino Kids at the Future Stars Baseball School.

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CZECH REPUBLIC – The top four teams in the Czech Baseball League all celebrated sweeps this past weekend as the playoff picture became alot clearer.

Kotlarka Prague (22-6) continued its surprising march towards the regular season crown with a pair of wins (8-3 and 6-1) over last-place NAVISYS Hrosi Brno (5-22). Riding a three-game winning streak, Kotlarka boasts the league’s second ranked offense and pitching unit.

16-time defending league champion AVG Draci Brno (19-6) stopped Skokani Olomouc (6-20) twice, 11-3 and 8-3, to remain a solid bet to claim an unprecedented 17th straight national title. Draci has scored a league-high 233 runs while limiting opposing hitters to a league-low 91 scores in 25 games.

A tussle between Technika Brno and a surging Eagles Prague squad is shaping up for the final two playoff spots. Technika (15-10) struggled but managed to deal the Arrows Ostrava (12-14) a pair of playoff-killing losses (9-4 and 5-4), while the Eagles (16-12) took two, 1-0 and 12-7, against Express Brno (11-16).

CZECH LEAGUE STANDINGS
1. Kotlarka Prague (22-6)
2. AVG Draci Brno (19-6)
3. Technika Brno (15-10)
4. Eagles Prague (16-12)
5. Arrows Ostrava (12-14)
6. Express Brno (11-16)
7. Skokani Olomouc (6-20)
8. NAVISYS Hrosi Brno (5-22)

Marvin Moore is a freelance international baseball writer who coached in Europe for six years. He currently teaches baseball to Filipino Kids at the Future Stars Baseball School.

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ITALY – Unipol Bologna used a pair of six-run outbursts to beat Montepaschi Grosseto 12-3 Saturday and finish off a three-game sweep in the Italian Baseball League. Bologna trails T&A San Marino by one game with six game remaining in the regular season.

Bologna (26-10) roughed up Grosseto starter Ricardo De Santis (6-5/3.93) for six runs in the opening frame. Livinston Santaniello capped the frame with a two-run double, and Daniele Malengo’s (pictured) three-run triple highlighted a six-run fourth to put the game out of reach early.

Fabio Betto (8-0/2.49) scattered three runs over five effective innings to remain unbeaten in 11 starts. Relievers Barth Morreale and Mark Langone both worked a pair of scoreless frames.

SAN MARINO STOPS SURGING PARMA
San Marino (27-9) remained alone in the top spot and avoided a sweep with a 13-3 win over red-hot Cariparma Parma (24-12). Wuillians Vasquez (.343/7 HR) continued to sizzle at the plate with a 3-for-3 night and a two-run shot. Infielders Giovanni Pantaleoni (.241/4 HR) and Francesco Imperiali (.271/4 HR) drove in three scores apiece for an offense that was limited to just a pair of runs in the first two games.

Tiago Da Silva (6-1/2.76) tossed two-run ball over five frames to earn the decision and snap Parma’s nine-game winning streak. Roberto Corradini (6-3/3.36) was tagged with the loss.

NETTUNO WIDENS LEAD OVER RIMINI
Giuseppe Mazzanti (.265/3 HR) delivered a clutch two-out, two-run single in the 10th to help Danesi Nettuno edge Telemarket Rimini 10-9 in the rubber match between a pair of squads fighting for the final playoff spot. Kelly Ramos (.237/3 HR) homered and added three RBIs for the winning road squad.

Carlos Richetti (3-4/5.80) picked up the win despite allowing a run in a lone inning of work. Rimini reliever Tommaso Cherubini (0-2/2.00) was dealt the setback.

KNIGHTS POUND NOVARA AGAIN
Danilo Sanchez (.258/6 HR) highlighted a game-deciding six-run fourth with a bases-clearing double as De Angelis Godo Knights routed Novara United 13-3 in the rubber match of two teams mired in the IBL cellar.

Matteo Galeotti (1-8/7.89) notched his first win of the season for Godo. Alejandro Morese (0-10/7.49) was charged with the loss.

ITALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE STANDINGS
1. T&A San Marino (27-9)
2. Unipol Bologna (26-10)
3. Cariparma Parma (24-12)
4. Danesi Caffe Nettuno (21-15)
5. Telemarket Rimini (19-17)
6. Montepaschi Grosseto (17-19)
7. De Angelis Godo Knights (7-29)
Novara Baseball United (3-33)

Marvin Moore is a freelance international baseball writer who coached in Europe for six years. He currently teaches baseball to Filipino Kids at the Future Stars Baseball School.

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The two top executives of the Caribbean Baseball Confederation revealed last Tuesday that the entity is preparing to discuss a project that would facilitate the annual participation of two special guests to the Caribbean Series. President, Juan Francisco Puello and Ronaldo Peralta, CEO of the Caribbean Baseball Confederation spoke on ESPN Dominican Radio about the situation in the Venezuelan winter league and the Caribbean Series in 2012. During the interview, Puello and Peralta stated the plan will be presented to the winter leagues of Mexico, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Venezuela at the next ordinary meeting on July 27.

Peralta then offered details of the plan, which if approved would be implemented in the 2013 edition, scheduled to be held in Hermosillo, Mexico. The 2012 Caribbean Series will be held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Peralta said, “The plan would open the doors to special guests without having to be members of the Caribbean Confederation.” Two teams from Cuba, Colombia, Nicaragua or Panama, will be the first candidates to receive direct invitations. Peralta did not confirm it, but Cuba and Colombia are the two countries most likely to clash within two years with the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Venezuela in the new stadium in Hermosillo.

Peralta said, “We have to be careful with projects of this nature. Both Colombia and Nicaragua are passive members of theConfederation, but need to consolidate its administrative, management and sports structures” and also said, “TheCaribbean Series is the ultimate event of professional baseball in Latin America and has proven quality.” Puello stated that the July 27th meetings will focus on discussing the important aspects of the organization of Santo Domingo 2012, “We are studying proposals for a new format that includes a change in the schedule of games. We have the best intentions and in July we will discuss the proposals”. A competition format to eliminate ties and other obstacles facing the Caribbean Series will also be addressed.

Courtesy TeamRenteria.com

Jose Jerez is a Latin Correspondent for BaseballdeWorld

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THE NETHERLANDS – Jason Halman drove in three runs and Corendon Kinheim used a pair of big innings to beat the L&D Amsterdam Pirates 10-8 Sunday in the rubber match of a Dutch Major League three-game set.

Kinheim (21-9) roughed up Amsterdam starter Ben Grover for five scores in the opening frame. Halman singled home the first run before Rene Cremer stole home to make it a two-run lead. Bryan Englehardt’s double plated another score, and Rafael Jozefa singled home a run before crossing the plate on an error to cap the early uprising.

The Pirates (21-8) got back into the contest with a four-run third highlighted by a two-run single off the bat of Bas Nooij. However, the home team answered back with four scores an inning later as Halman drove in a pair of runs to give Kinheim the lead for good.

Steven van Groningen (1-0) earned his first win of the season, and Nick Stuifbergen picked up his fifth save with two scoreless relief frames.

DOOR Neptunus (23-7) moved back into the top spot with a sweep over Mr. Cocker HCAW (8-22), while the Vaessen Pioniers (18-12) rebounded from a series-opening loss to deal Sparta/Feyenoord (12-18) a pair of demoralizing setbacks.

In the lone other matchup on the slate, UVV (14-15) kept its faint postseason hopes alive with a trio of wins against last-place ADO (2-28).

DUTCH MAJOR LEAGUE

Marvin Moore is a freelance international baseball writer who coached in Europe for six years. He currently teaches baseball to Filipino Kids at the Future Stars Baseball School.

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SWITZERLAND – The Bern Cardinals continued their late season surge with a pair of victories over the Luzern Eagles Sunday in the Swiss League.

Bern (18-4), which has put together a 10-game winning streak, rolled to a 10-1 win in the first game. The Cardinals struggled but prevailed in the twinbill finale, 5-3.

The league-leading Therwil Flyers (19-2) knocked off the Embrach Rainbows 2-1 in a low-scoring affair. The second game was cancelled due to rain.

Hide Oshima worked five innings of one-run ball to notch the win, while veteran righty Stefan Koller threw a trio of scoreless relief frames before closer Adrian Kaufmann tallied the final three outs to preserve the win.

In the lone other matchup on the slate, the Sissach Frogs stopped the winless Zurich Lions 10-5.

SWISS BASEBALL LEAGUE

Marvin Moore is a freelance international baseball writer who coached in Europe for six years. He currently teaches baseball to Filipino Kids at the Future Stars Baseball School.

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