The Mannheim Tornados and the Tubingen Hawks were rained out over the weekend, but the Regensburg Legionaere remained undefeated with a weekend sweep of the Bad Homburg Hornets. The Mainz Athletics kept pace with the division leaders winning both of their games with the Stuttgart Reds.

Bad Homburg Hornets 5, Regensburg Legionaere 6
Bad Homburg Hornets 1, Regensburg Legionaere 6

In Game 1, the Legionaere used a bottom of the ninth rally to score two runs and walk off with the win 6-5 over the Hornets.

Boris Bokai came on to run for Christoph Zirzlmeier (1-for-1) who led off the bottom of the ninth with a single. After a sacrifice and a bunt single moved Bokai to third, he would score on a wild pitch from Hornets starter Kyle Waddell. Then Matt Vance came through with a single to drive in the winning run.

Waddell pitched well going eight innings allowing six runs (three earned) but took the loss for Bad Homburg.

Jonathan Eisenhuth picked up the win pitching an inning in relief.

Both teams committed four errors apiece as both teams gave up three unearned runs.

Elliot Glynn had a big day for the Hornets going for 4-for-5 scoring a run.

Regensburg came back on Sunday to earn the sweep with a 6-1 win. Justin Kuehn pitched great going seven scoreless innings allowing just two hits while striking out nine. He improved his ERA to 0.64 while picking up his first win of the season.

Matt Vance scored a pair of runs going 2-for-2 with a pair of walks and a double. Christopher Howard (1-for-4) and Maik Ehmcke (1-for-3) both hit two-run home runs for Regensburg.

Fabian Fermin Hernandez hit a solo home run for Bad Homburg.

In other league action:

Joshua Peterson went a combined 5-for-9 for the Haar Disciples including a home run in both games. He drove in seven runs and scored four in the two game set.

Michael Stephan hit three home runs in the two game set going 4-for-9 on the weekend. He drove in five runs and scored four for Haar.

Simon Guhring homered in both games for Heidenheim going a combined 4-for-11 with five RBI.

Robert Gruber went 4-for-6 in Game 1 for Heidenheim homering and driving in four runs.

Peter Dankerl also homered in Game 1 for Heidenheim going 2-for-4. Teammate Jack McOwen had a great weekend as well going 7-for-10 in the two games driving in five runs and scoring five more.

Matti Emery homered for the Reds in Game 1 going 1-for-4 in the loss to Mainz.

Chris Beck homered in Game 2 for the Reds driving in three and scoring twice.

Nicolas Weichert had a nice weekend as well for the Athletics. He went a combined 5-for-10 scoring three times over the two games.

Germany South Division Scores:

Bad Homburg Hornets 5, Regensburg Legionaere 6
Bad Homburg Hornets 1, Regensburg Legionaere 6

Heidemheim Heidekopfe 16, Haar Disciples 8
Heidemheim Heidekopfe 6, Haar Disciples 10

Mainz Athletics 12, Stuttgart Reds 7
Mainz Athletics 7, Stuttgart Reds 5

Tubingen Hawks @ Mannheim Tornados Rained Out

Germany South Division Standings:

1. Regensburg Legionaere 8-0
2. Mainz Athletics 6-0
3. Haar Disciples 3-1
4. Heidenheim Heidekopfe 2-2
5. Stuttgart Reds 2-6
6. Mannheim Tornados 1-5
7. Tubingen Hawks 0-2
8. Bad Homburg Hornets 0-6

The Solingen Alligators stayed undefeated in the North Division with a weekend sweep of the Cologne Cardinals. The Bonn Capitals fell two games back with a loss to the HSV Stealers. Paderborn got back in the mix of the division with two huge wins over Berlin.

Cologne Cardinals 1, Solingen Alligators 11 (7)
Cologne Cardinals 0, Solingen Alligators 3

Game 1 saw an offensive barrage from the Alligators led by Markus Stryczek who went 3-for-3 scoring three runs. Tanner Leighton went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in the bottom of the fourth inning.

Andre Hughes won again improving to 3-0 on the year. He tossed a complete , seven-inning, one-run game allowing just five hits.

Game 2 was a bit more of a pitching duel. The Alligators starter Nick Renault pitched a complete game shutout allowing just three hits. He needed 121 pitches to earn his third straight win while striking out 12.

Cardinals starter Alex Rivers pitched well, but lost. He tossed seven innings allowing just three runs on seven hits while striking out 10.

Tanner Leighton drove in another run in Game 2 going 2-for-3. Dominik Wulf drove in the other two runs with a single.

Mika Kehls picked up two of the three hits for Cologne singling twice.

In other league action:

Bradley Roper-Hubbert had a big weekend for the Bonn Capitals going a combined 6-for-9 (including a 4-for-4), homering, and driving in four runs.

Roper-Hubbert’s teammate Philipp Spade hit a grand slam in Game 1.

Mirko Oliczewsky had a huge weekend for the HSV Stealers. He went a combined 4-for-6 hitting a home run in each game.

The Paderborn Untouchables scored 46 games in their two games and had a lot of batters with huge days including:

• Robert Herrmann went 8-for-11 (including a 6-for-7/4 RBI/5 Runs game).
• Sascha Brockmeyer went 6-for-10 (including a 5-for-6/5 RBI/5 Runs game).
• Matt Martin homered in Game 2 driving in three runs and scoring four runs.
• Bjorn Schonlau also homered in Game 2 with a grand slam and scoring three.

Dominic Milo went a combined 4-for-9 for the Dohren Wild Farmers while driving in a pair of runs.

German North Division Scores:

Saturday, May 4th
Cologne Cardinals 1, Solingen Alligators 11 (7)
Cologne Cardinals 0, Solingen Alligators 3

Bonn Capitals 17, HSV Stealers 4 (7)
Bonn Capitals 3, HSV Stealers 6

Sunday, May 5th
Paderborn Untouchables 29, Berlin Sluggers 7 (7)
Paderborn Untouchables 17, Berlin Sluggers 0 (7)

Dohren Wild Farmers 8, Dortmund Wanderers 5
Dohren Wild Farmers 6, Dortmund Wanderers 5

German North Division Standings:

1. Solingen Alligators 8-0
2. Bonn Capitals 5-1
3. Paderborn Untouchables 4-4
3. Dohren Wild Farmers 4-4
5. HSV Stealers 3-3
6. Cologne Cardinals 2-6
7. Dortmund Wanderers 1-5
7. Berlin Sluggers 1-5

The Challenge de France kicks off tomorrow, Friday May 9. The four-day tournament features all of the French Division I clubs along with the French 18U National Team.

The teams are broken down into two groups and will play a modified double elimination tournament. The groups are:

• Group A: Rouen Huskies, Stade Toulousain, Savigny Lions, France U18
• Group B: Paris UC, Templiers Senart, Montpellier Barracudas, Beaucaire Chevaliers

You can also find more information on the tournament’s Facebook Page.

The first full weekend of the Austrian Baseball League is in the books with two teams leading the way after a weekend sweep.  The Dornbirn Indians took care of the Attnang Athletics in a pair of games, while the Stockerau Cubs downed the defending champion Vienna Wanderers in a pair of games.

Attnang Athletics 0, Dornbirn Indians 2
Attnang Athletics 2, Dornbirn Indians 7

The Indians got a great start out of Paul Astl who tossed seven innings of three-hit, no-run ball. He struck out nine en route to the win for the Indians. Franz Haisjackl picked up the save tossing two scoreless innings to finish the game.

Walter Strasser pitched well for the Athletics but got no offensive support. He pitched six innings allowing just two runs (one earned) on four hits while striking out 10.

Both teams collected just five hits apiece. The Athletics Raphael Mayr (2-for-4) was the only hitter on either team with more than one hit.

Game 2 featured a bit more offense and another Indians win.

Danny Hall Jr. pitched well for Dornbirn giving up just two unearned runs in six innings to pick up the win. Again, Franz Haisjackl picked up the save tossing three scoreless innings of relief.

John Dobkowski took the loss for the Athletics pitching seven innings allowing six runs on 12 hits.

Joachim Frick (1-for-3) homered and drove in a pair of runs for the Indians. Patrick Steinkellner set the table for the Indians in the lead off spot going 3-for-5. Devery Van de Keere also homered and went 3-for-4 in the win.

Lukas Scheicher was the only Athletics hitter with more than one hit going 2-for-5 with a double.

In other league action:

Andrew Oberthaler went 3-for-9 with a home run and three RBI in a pair of games for the Vienna Wanderers.

Max Scholdan hit a solo home run for the Wanderers.

Arian Quirantes had a huge weekend for the Stockerau Cubs. In the two games he went 5-for-8 with a home run in each game.

Derek Bettinson had a huge second game for the Cubs hitting a home run and going 4-for-5.

Mark Brunnthaler picked up two wins in relief for the Cubs tossing five innings giving up just one run.

Lutz Rauch went 4-for-8 for the Vienna Metrostars over the weekend.

Wayne Ough scored four runs and went 3-for-7 for the Diving Ducks.

Claus Seiser went 3-for-5 in the first game for the Diving Ducks. He finished the weekend 4-for-9.

ABL Scores:

Attnang Athletics 0, Dornbirn Indians 2
Attnang Athletics 2, Dornbirn Indians 7

Vienna Wanderers 6, Stockerau Cubs 7 (11)
Vienna Wanderers 6, Stockerau Cubs 7

Diving Ducks 8, Vienna Metrostars 7
Diving Ducks 3, Vienna Metrostars 4

ABL Standings:

1. Dornbirn Indians 2-0
1. Stockerau Cubs 2-0
3. Diving Ducks 2-2
4. Vienna Metrostars 1-1
5. Vienna Wanderers 1-3
6. Attnang Athletics 0-2

The Dutch Major League finished up week four this past week, and the race for first is already heating up. DOOR Neptunus is leading the league, but only a game and a half separates the top three teams.

The three top teams in the league (DOOR Neptunus, Corendon Kinheim, and L&D Amsterdam) all swept their previous series.

DOOR Neptunus 11, Vaessen Pioniers 3
DOOR Neptunus 13, Vaessen Pioniers 12
Vaessen Pioniers 4, DOOR Neptunus 7

The league leading DOOR Neptunus started the weekend series off right with a big 11-3 win behind the strong pitching of Diegomar Markwell. He tossed 5.2 innings giving up just two unearned runs.

Dwayne Kemp had a big day at the plate. He went 1-for-5 but that one hit was a big three-run home run in the third inning. He would drive in five runs in the game.

Game 2 was a little closer with both teams having big innings. It was a back and forth battle between the teams as the Pioniers jumped out on top with three runs in the bottom of the first only to see DOOR come back with four of its own in the top of the second.

Seven different DOOR batters drove in runs in the game. Adrian Anthony (1-for-2) and Shaldimir Daantji (2-for-3) both drove in three runs apiece.

Mark-Jan Moorman homered for the Pioniers. He collected a pair of hits and drove in five runs.

Game 3 saw Tim Roodenburg pick up the win for DOOR tossing five innings giving up just three runs. He struggled with his control walking six Pioniers, throwing two wild pitches, and hitting a batter. Berry van Driel picked up the save pitching the ninth inning.

Kevin Minor took the loss pitching 4.1 innings giving up seven runs on six hits.

Raily Legito (3-for-4) homered for DOOR in the bottom of the first driving in two and giving the team an early 2-0 lead.

In other action:

Ivan Granados tossed a complete game win for Mr. Cocker HCAW giving up just two runs while striking out nine.

Linoy Croes went 5-for-13 and drove in six runs in the weekend series for Mr. Cocker HCAW.

Elton Koeiman pitched well in a loss for Mampaey the Hawks. He tossed a complete game (eight innings) giving up eleven hits but just two runs (one earned).

Jesse Aussems went a combined 7-for-14 for L&D Amsterdam including a two-run home run.

Kenny Berkenbosch went 6-for-10 over the weekend for L&D Amsterdam including a pair of 3-for-4 games.

Dutch Major League Scores:

DOOR Neptunus 11, Vaessen Pioniers 3
DOOR Neptunus 13, Vaessen Pioniers 12
Vaessen Pioniers 4, DOOR Neptunus 7

Ado Lakers 2, Mr. Cocker HCAW 14
Ado Lakers 2, Mr. Cocker HCAW 6
Mr. Cocker HCAW 12, Ado Lakers 6

Corendon Kinheim 6, UVV 2
Corendon Kinheim 13, UVV 0
UVV 2, Corendon Kinheim 5

L&D Amsterdam 8, Mampaey the Hawks 2
L&D Amsterdam 12, Mampaey the Hawks 2
Mampaey the Hawks 1, L&D Amsterdam 2

Dutch Major League Standings:

1. DOOR Neptunus 11-1

2. Corendon Kinheim 10-1

3. L&D Amsterdam 9-2

4. UVV 7-5

5. Vaessan Pioniers 3-9

6. Mampaey the Hawks 3-9

7. Mr. Cocker HCAW 3-9

8. Ado Lakers 1-11

The Tenerife Marlins kept pace with league leader CB Barcelona over the weekend with a pair of wins over El Llano BC. The Marlins have the most wins in the league with 11, but have one more loss than Barcelona at the moment having played two more games. The two league leaders will meet at the end of May.

Tenerife Marlins 2, El Llano 0

Tenerife Marlins 7, El Llano 3

Both starting pitchers in Game 1 went the distance and pitched well. Jesus Leon (W, 3-0) needed just 95 pitches to toss nine shutout innings for the Marlins. He gave up six hits and struck out 11 for the win to improve stay perfect on the year.

El Llano starter Yasiel Pino (L, 2-2) pitched equally as well but took the loss giving up two runs on seven hits over nine innings of work. He struck out 11 in the loss dropping to 2-2 on the year. Pino has the only two victories for the team so far this year.

The Marlins got a run in the top of the first inning. Hansel Suris (1-for-4) led off the game with a single. He advanced to second on a wild pitch, to third on a single, and then scored on the second wild pitch of the game by Pino.

They would get the final run in the game in the top of the sixth. Jacobo Jose Garrido (2-for-4) doubled to lead off the inning. He scored when the next hitter Yancarlo Franco (1-for-4) singled through the right side of the infield.

Game 2 featured a little more offense, but the Marlins came out on top again. Richard Montiel had a big game going 2-for-4 with 3 RBI. He doubled to left in the first inning driving home the first run of the game and then drove in two more with a single to left in the top of the fourth inning.

Luis Miguel Munoz pitched in with a pair of RBI as well going 3-for-4 with a double in the win.

Cristian Remedios (W, 2-2)  tossed six innings giving up three runs (two earned) while striking out nine to even his record at 2-2. Danny Morales pitched the final three innings for his second save of the year.

Vito Abbattista (L, 0-2) dropped his second decision giving up four runs (three earned) on nine hits in 3.2 innings of work.

In other action:

Oscar David Angulo went a combined 6-for-9 with five RBI in two games for CB Barcelona.

Angulo’s teammate’s Angel Aguado went 5-for-10 and Pau Sancho went 6-for-11 in the two games this past weekend as CB Barcelona swept CB Vilamoura.

Sant Boi picked up a pair of wins over Pamplona aided by a nice start from Zael Honora who tossed seven shutout innings allowing just four hits in a shortened run-ruled game.

Luis Alberto Burgos homered and drove in three runs in a game for Sant Boi this weekend.

Daniel Matias also tossed a nice game for Sant Boi going nine innings giving up one earned on five hits improving to 4-1 on the year.

Kelvin Feliz hit a two-run home run for San Inazio Bilbao leading them to a 3-0 win over the Valencia Astros.

Jose Vidal Romero tossed eight shutout innings for San Inazio Bilbao giving up just two hits and striking out 15 to improve to 2-2 on the year.

Scores:

Tenerife Marlins 2, El Llano 0
Tenerife Marlins 7, El Llano 3

CB Barcelona 9, CB Vilamoura 2
CB Barcelona 10, CB Vilamoura 5

CD Pamplona 0, CBS Sant Boi 12
CD Pamplona 1, CBS Sant Boi 7

Valencia Astros 0, San Inazio Bilbao 3
Valencia Astros 1, San Inazio Bilbao 2

Baseball Navarra had the weekend off

Spanish Division de Honor Standings:

1. CB Barcelona 10-2
2. Tenerife Marlins 11-3
3. CBS Sant Boi 7-5
4. San Inazio Bilbao 7-5
5. CB Vilamoura 6-6
6. Baseball Navarra 5-7
7. Valencia Astros 4-8
8. CD Pamplona 4-8
9. El Llano BC 2-12

The 10th Annual Challenge de France is nearly upon us. The tournament featuring all seven of the Division I clubs, along with the French National 18U club, will be played in Paris from May 9th to the 12th.

The old round robin format has been replaced with a modified double elimination. Winners of the two pools will advance to the championship with the winner of that getting a ticket to the European Cup.

We will try to bring you daily coverage of the tournament, so stay tuned for more information.

Week Five is in the books for the French Division I League as Rouen stays on top of the league with two huge wins over the weekend. The Senart Templiers fell a game back as they split their weekend set.

Results Week 5:

Paris UC 12, Stade Toulouse 3
Paris UC 11, Stade Toulouse 1

Senart Templiers 0, Montpellier Barracudas 1
Senart Templiers 5, Montpellier Barracudas 1

France Academy 3, Rouen Huskies 13
France Academy 1, Rouen Huskies 22

Savigny Lions 0, Beaucaire Chevaliers 7
Savigny Lions 5, Beaucaire Chevaliers 10

French Division I Standings:

1. Rouen Huskies 9-1
2. Senart Templiers 8-2
3. Montpellier Barracudas 7-3
4. Beaucaire Chevaliers 3-5
4. Paris UC 3-5
6. Stade Toulouse 3-7
6. Savigny Lions 3-7
8. France Academy 2-8

The Italian Baseball League finished up week four of the season with every match up of the weekend ending in a sweep. T&A San Marino, Unipol Bologna, Telemarket Rimini, Nettuno, and Palfinger Reggio Emilia all won this past weekend.

The two wins by San Marino kept them two games behind league leader Unipol Bologna who, after a sweep of Grosseto, remains undefeated.

Parma Baseball 3, T&A San Marino 11

T&A San Marino 6, Parma Baseball 1

Game 1 saw a couple starting pitchers pitch well but not factor into the decision. The game was close until San Marino broke it open in the eighth inning with seven runs.

It all started with Francesco Imperiali (2-for-4) reacing on a throwing error. He was followed up by Mattia Reginato (2-for-5) who drove him in by driving a ball over the left field wall for a two-run home run. It all went downhill from there for Parma. Marcos Tabata (1.1 IP/7 runs/4 earned) would give up six more hits in the inning, including a pair of doubles, that led to five more runs for San Marino.

Jim Magrane of T&A San Marino tossed five innings giving up just two runs on two hits, but didn’t get the win as he left with the game tied 2-2. Christopher Cooper picked up the win with 2.1 innings of relief.

Jose Sanchez pitched well for Parma. He went six innings giving up just two runs on four hits while striking out six. He too left with the score tied 2-2 and didn’t factor into the decision. Mihai Burlea took the loss pitching just a third of an inning giving up two unearned runs on one hit.

Carlos Duran had a big day for San Marino going 3-for-5, scoring two runs, and driving in four. He led off the second inning with a solo home run.

Game 2 saw T&A San Marino get a dominate performance out of starter Tiago Da Silva who tossed six shutout innings allowing just one hit. He improved his ERA on the year to 0.69 while picking up the win.

He was given run support one again by Carlos Duran and Mattia Reginato who both went 3-for-4 in the game scoring two runs each. All of Duran’s hits were doubles.

Nicolas Giovanelli took the loss for Parma pitching 5.1 innings allowing four runs on eight hits. Stefano Desimoni tripled going 2-for-4 for Parma.

In other action:

Jack Santora had a big weekend going a combined 7-for-10 in two games for Rimini. He drove in five runs and stole two bases.

Santora’s teammate Roberto Corradini tossed seven shutout innings allowing just two hits winning Game 2 of the weekend set. He struck out nine.

Riccardo De Santis tossed six shutout innings for Nettuno in a win over the Godo Knights. He gave up just four hits and struck out seven.

Alessandro Grimaudo homered for Nettuno in a 9-1 win.

Raul Rivero pitched five shutout innings allowing just one hit and striking out 11 in a win for Bologna over Grossetto.

Erik Epifano went a combined 5-for-12 in the double header homering and scoring four times for Palfinger Reggio Emilia.

Epifano’s teammates Luca Gregorini (5-for-6/4 RBI) and Paul Macaluso (1-for-4/4RBI) both hit three-run home runs in an 18-8 win.

Italian Baseball League Results:

Parma Baseball 3, T&A San Marino 11
T&A San Marino 6, Parma Baseball 1

Telemarket Rimini 8, New Black Panthers 5
Telemarket Rimini 8, New Black Panthers 0

Nettuno 9, Godo Knights 1
Nettuno 3, Godo Knights 1

Toshiba Mastiff Grosseto 1, Unipol Bologna 12 (7)
Toshiba Mastiff Grosseto 1, Unipol Bologna 3

Palfinger Reggio Emilia 18, Baseball Novara 8
Palfinger Reggio Emilia 7, Baseball Novara 4 (11)

Italian Baseball League Standings:

1. Unipol Bologna 8-0
2. Telemarket Rimini 6-2
2. T&A San Marino 6-2
4. Nettuno 5-3
5. 2. Parma Baseball 3-3
5. Palfinger Reggio Emilia 3-3
7. Toshiba Mastiff Grosseto 3-5
8. Godo Knights 1-5
9. New Black Panthers 1-5
10. Novara Baseball 0-8

The Austrian Baseball League kicked off this past weekend with a two-game series between the Vienna Wanderers and the Vienna Neustadt Diving Ducks.

Game 1 saw a complete game from Wanderers starter Feliz Zimmerle as he led them to a 6-4 win. Zimmerle held off a 9th inning comeback attempt by the Ducks to hold on for the win as the defending champions started the season off on the right foot.

Game 2 was a little more interesting. The Ducks won on the field 5-1, but would wind up losing the game officially 9-0.

The reigning MVP Ryan Kroko helped lead the Ducks to the win along with Wayne Ough. Kroko went seven innings allowing just two runs (one earned) while striking out five. Ough pitched the final two innings to earn the save.

Joseph Wilson took the loss tossing six innings.

However, the Ducks used three foreign players to which the Wanderers filed a protest. A day later, the league awarded the Wanderers the win after upholding their protest.

So, instead of splitting the series like they did on the field, the Wanderers start the season 2-0 while the Diving Ducks start 0-2.

The Spanish Division de Honor is in full swing already as they are a few weeks away from the halfway point of the season already. CB Barcelona still leads the league, but not far behind them are the Tenerife Marlins.

The weekend series between CB Barcelona and CBS Sant Boi was rained out. All other games took place as CB Vilamoura had the week off.

San Inazio Bilbao 23, El Llano BC 0 (5)

San Inazio Bilboa 10, El Llano BC 0 (8)

San Inazio got the sticks going early and often this weekend as they won by a combined score of 33 to 0 over El Llano.

In Game 1, San Inazio pounded out 25 hits scoring in four of the five innings played while limiting El Llano to just two hits. Jose Vidal Romero (W, 1-2) picked up the win going four innings allowing just one hit.

Every single hitter for San Inazio got at least one hit. Domingo Morillo and Jose Morales both went 5-for-5 in the game. Morillo drove in three runs and scored three, and Morales drove in five runs while scoring twice.

Game 2 wasn’t much better for El Llano as they only picked up a total of four hits in the game.

Juan Jose Lopez (W, 3-1) picked up the win for San Inazio pitching six innings allowing just three hits and striking out eight. Vito Abbattista (L, 0-1) took the loss going 7.1 innings giving up ten runs on 17 hits.

Jose Morales once again led the offense going 4-for-5 with three runs scored and knocking in a pair as well.

In other action:

Leslie Nacar pitched a complete game win for the Tenerife Marlins. Nacar gave up just one run on five hits while striking out 14.

Richard Montiel went a combined 5-for-8, hitting three doubles, and driving in two runs in each of the Marlins games this weekend.

Miguel Vargas pitched a complete game three hitter for the Valencia Astros. He gave up just one run and struck out 13 in the win.

Blake Ochoa homered going 2-for-4 while scoring three runs and driving in two for the Astros in Game 2 of their weekend series with Pamplona.

Spanish Division de Honor Results:

San Inazio Bilbao 23, El Llano BC 0 (5)
San Inazio Bilboa 10, El Llano BC 0 (8)

Baseball Navarra 1, Tenerife Marlins 5
Baseball Navarra 4, Tenerife Marlins 9

Valencia Astros 2, CD Pamplona 1
Valencia Astros 8, CD Pamplona 0

Current Standings:

1. CB Barcelona 6-2
2. Tenerife Marlins PC 7-3
3. CBS Sant Boi 5-3
4. CB Vilamoura 6-4
5. Valencia Astros 4-4
6. San Inazio Bilboa 5-5
7. Baseball Navarra 5-7
8. CD Pamplona 4-6
9. El Llano BC 2-10

The Solingen Alligators continued their hot hand this past weekend as the pitching staff tossed a pair of shutouts to help keep pace with the Bonn Capitals in first place. All but one series was a sweep this weekend as we saw a few great pitching performances and a couple great hitting days as well.

HSV Stealers 0, Solingen Alligators 8
HSV Stealers 0, Solingen Alligators 7

In Game 1, Andre Hughes tossed a complete game six-hit shutout for Solingen giving them a 3-0 record on the season. It took Hughes 111 pitches (74 were strikes) to dispose of the Stealers hitters for his second win of the season.

Hughes was aided offensively by Tanner Leighton who went 3-for-4 on the day driving in a pair of runs for the Alligators. Robin Drache doubled and drove in a run going 2-for-5 in the first game of the twin bill.

Iwan Galkin pitched well for HSV going four shutout innings. Brent Buffa came on in relief of Galkin and gave up eight runs over four innings taking the loss.

It was more of the same in Game 2 as Nick Renault struck out 12 and gave up just five hits shutting out the Stealers for a second straight time.

Dominik Wulf (2-for-5) doubled and drove in a run. Florian Gotze (2-for-2) tripled and drove in a run to help the Alligators stay perfect on the year.

In other North Division action:

Bradley Roper-Hubbert homered and went a combined 4-for-8 for the Bonn Capitals. He also drove in four runs in Game 2.

Andrew Jones went 3-for-4, scored three runs, and hit a solo home run for the Berlin Sluggers in Game 1 of their weekend series. His teammate Jeffrey Wolburg drove in five runs going 2-for-5 with a home run in the same game.

Dominic Milo doubled and went 3-for-5 driving in a run for the Dohren Wild Farmers in a win against Berlin. His teammate Joey Zrinzo pitched a complete game shutout while striking out 14 in Game 2 of the series with Berlin.

North Division Scores:

Saturday April 27, 2013:
HSV Stealers 0, Solingen Alligators 8
HSV Stealers 0, Solingen Alligators 7
Bonn Capitals 8, Paderborn Untouchables 3
Bonn Capitals 8, Paderborn Untouchables 1
Berlin Sluggers 9, Dohren Wild Farmers 15
Berlin Sluggers 0, Dohren Wild Farmers 9

Sunday April 28, 2013:
Dortmund Wanderers 5, Cologne Cardinals 7
Dortmund Wanderers 4, Cologne Cardinals 2

North Division Standings:

1. Bonn Capitals 4-0
1. Solingen Alligators 4-0
2. Cologne Cardinals 2-2
2. Dohren Wild Farmres 2-2
2. Paderborn Untouchables 2-2
3. Berlin Sluggers 1-3
3. Dortmund Wanderers 1-3
4. HSV Stealers 0-2

The third weekend of the German Baseball League finished up this past Sunday. Several teams stayed perfect on the season as both the Mainz Athletics and the Buchbinder Legionaere improved to 4-0 on the season in the South Division. The Haar Disciples opened up its season with a sweep as well to start off 2-0 on the season.

Mannheim Tornados 5, Buchbinder Legionaere 21

Mannheim Tornados 0, Buchbinder Legionaere 4

Game 1 of the series was closer than the final score indicates. Heading into the bottom of the sixth inning the score was just 9-5, but the Legionaere broke out in the sixth scoring 12 runs in the inning.

Christoph Zirzlmeier had a huge game going 3-for-4 with five RBI including a grand slam home run. Christopher Howard (2-for-4) and Matt Vance (1-for-5) both drove in three runs apiece, while Maik Ehmcke (3-for-3) scored four runs.

Mike Bolsenbroek picked up the win tossing five innings giving up just two runs on four hits while striking out eight. Tim Biegel took the loss for Mannheim going five innings giving up nine runs on nine hits. Max Lehnert really struggled going just 0.2 innings giving up eight runs on three hits and walking four.

Game 2 was pitched a bit better on both sides of the field. Boris Bokai tossed five shutout innings giving up just two hits and striking out seven to earn the victory. Matthew Kemp took the loss going five innings giving up four runs (two earned).

Philipp Howard (2-for-4/2RBI) and Christoph Zirzlmeier (2-for-3/1 RBI) led the way offensively for the Legionaere.

In other South Division action:

Joshua Peterson went a combined 3-for-6 homering in both games to help Haar take a pair of games from the Bad Homburg Hornets.

Sascha Lutz went 5-for-5 driving in six runs in a game for the Stuttgart Reds. His teammate Matti Emery hit a grand slam and drove in five in the same game as the Reds defeated Heidenheim 20-4.

Christian Decher pitched seven shutout innings giving up just two hits and striking out ten en route to a win for the Mainz Athletics over the Teubingen Hawks.

South Division Scores:

Friday April 26, 2013:
Mannheim Tornados 5, Buchbinder Legionaere 21
Stuttgart Reds 20, Heidenheim Heidekoepfe 4

Saturday April 27, 2013:
Mannheim Tornados 0, Buchbinder Legionaere 4
Stuttgart Reds 1, Heidenheim Heidekoepfe 5
Bad Homburg Hornets 6, Haar Disciples 7
Bad Homburg Hornets 4, Haar Disciples 5

Sunday April 28, 2013:
Teubingen Hawks 0, Mainz Athletics 7
Teubingen Hawks 2, Mainz Athletics 6

South Division Standings:

1. Buchbinder Legionaere 4-0

1. Mainz Athletics 4-0

2. Haar Disciples 2-0

3. Heidenheim Heidekoepfe 1-1

4. Stuttgart Reds 1-3

4. Bad Homburg Hornets 0-2

4. Mannheim Tornados 0-4

4. Teubingen Hawks 0-2

Donald Lutz will become the first German to make it to the Big Leagues out of the MLB Europe academy when he makes his Major League Debut sometime in the next day or two. He got the call yesterday, but is still waiting to be assigned to the big league club.

Lutz, welcomed by the Cincinnati Reds on Twitter today, will soon make his Major League debut.

Welcome to The Show, @braunerhulk. twitter.com/Reds/status/32…

— Reds (@Reds) April 29, 2013

Lutz was born in the United States, but at the age of one left for Germany where he grew up. Lutz played for Germany in last year’s WBC Qualifier that took place in Regensburg, Geramny. During the Qualifier, Lutz played first base and hit .308 during the four games.

He is rated at the best power hitter in the Reds organization by Baseball America, and is a Top 20 prospect. He was signed in 2007 as a free agent, and progressed through the Reds organization ever since.

In 2012, Lutz split most of his time between High-A and Double-A ball where he combined to hit 22 home runs while posting a .269/.336/.517 line. He has struggled a bit so far this year hitting just .211, but he has hit five home runs in 21 games.

I had the chance to see Lutz play with the Double-A Pensacola Blue Wahoos earlier this season. During that game Lutz went 1-for-3 with one of the hardest hit home runs I’ve ever seen. He hit a low line drive over the right-field fence that might have knocked it down had it been a little lower.

Lutz has not been activated as of the time of this post, but it looks like it could happen tonight corresponding with Chris Heisey’s injured hamstring that will probably land him on the 15-day DL.

We wish him luck whenever he gets his chance. I know he has the support of an entire country behind him.

Press Release Pecos League

The White Sands Pupfish professional baseball team from New Mexico looking for a German player for the 2013 season. The Pupfish play in the Pecos League of Professional Baseball Clubs to play every day from July 14-28th May The Pupfish play in Alamogordo New Mexico, the German Air Force Center Tatical players have professional experience in Germany and need to move up 18 to 25 years old and in the attempt, in their baseball career. Applicable send an e-mail to Pupfish@pecosleague.com

The Italian Baseball League finished up Week 3 this past weekend as Unipol Bologna took a two game set from Telemarket Rimini. Two of the match ups were canceled due to bad weather, but the rest of the action was heated. Toshiba Mastiff Grosseto swept Novara while Nettuno and San Marino split their series.

Toshiba Mastiff Grosseto 4, Novara Baseball 3
Toshiba Mastiff Grosseto 11, Novara Baseball 1 (8)

Alessandro Ularetti pitched eight strong innings giving up just three runs (two earned) for Grosseto but didn’t factor into the decision. Grosseto needed a run in the bottom of the ninth to pull out the win in Game 1. Moreno Funzione picked up the win pitching the ninth inning.

Antonio Giovannini came up with a big hit in the bottom of the ninth inning driving in the winning run with a single.

Angel Calero pitched five shutout innings for Novara giving way to relief in the sixth. Franklin Torres pitched the final 3.2 innings giving up four runs (one earned) taking the loss.

The defense let Novara down in Game 1 giving up four errors, but it was the wild pitching that let them down in Game 2.

The Novara pitching staff gave up nine walks, hit five batters, and uncorked two wild pitches leading to eleven runs in a lopsided loss to Grosseto. Starter Mario Di Taddeo took the loss lasting only 1.1 innings giving up four runs (three earned) without giving up a hit. He did walk four and hit two.

On the other side of the field, Grosseto starter Angel Marquez picked up the win tossing six innings allowing just one run on three hits while striking out eight.

Nettuno 4, T&A San Marino 1

Nettuno 1, T&A San Marino 7

Andrea Pizziconi picked up the win in Game 1 for Neptunno tossing five innings giving up just one run on five hits. Antonio Romero pitched two innings to earn the save. He struck out five and didn’t allow a hit.

Jim Magrane pitched well for San Marino going six innings allowing just two runs (one earned) on seven hits but took the loss.

Vinicio Sparagna had a good game at the plate going 3-for-3 with a RBI for Nettuno.

T&A San Marino used a five-run seventh inning to take Game 2 behind three home runs.

Jairo Ramos had a great day at the plate going 2-for-5 including a grand slam home run in the fifth inning. Wuillians Vasquez (1-for-4) and Joseph Mazzuca (2-for-5) both homered as well for San Marino.

Tiago Da Silva pitched eight great innings to earn the win. Da Silva gave up one run on three hits while striking out nine. Leonardo D’Amico picked up the save pitching the ninth inning.

Riccardo De Santis took the loss tossing just 6.1 innings allowing three runs on six hits.

Telemarket Rimini 3, Unipol Bologna 11

Telemarket Rimini 1, Unipol Bologna 5

Unipol Bologna pounded Rimini pitching for 12 hits in Game 1. Juan Carlos Infante went 3-for-5 scoring three runs, stole a base, and hit a two-run home run. Luca Bischeri added another three RBI going 2-for-3 on the day.

Victor Moreno picked up the win for Bologna pitching 5.2 innings giving up three runs on four hits striking out seven along the way. Raul Rivero pitched the final 3.1 innings to earn the save.

Andrew Baldwin took the loss for Rimini giving up three runs (two earned) in 4.1 innings. The Rimini pitching staff struggled with control throughout the game walking nine and hitting one batter.

Alexander Romero (2-for-3) homered in the loss for Rimini.

Unipol Bologna came back with another victory in Game 2 behind a solid start from Matteo D’Angelo who went 4.2 innings allowing just one unearned run. Junior Oberto picked up the win in relief tossing 1.1 innings striking out two and not allowing a hit. Carlos Richetti picked up the save with two hitless innings of relief.

Roberto Corradini took the loss for Rimini tossing 5.2 innings giving up two runs on seven hits.

Alessandro Vaglio (2-for-4) driving in three runs while Infante added another pair of hits in the game.

Italian Baseball League Standings:

1. Unipol Bologna 6-0
2. Parma Baseball 3-1
3. Telemarket Rimini 4-2
4. T&A San Marino 4-2
5. Nettuno 3-3
6. Toshiba Mastiff Grosseto 3-3
7. Palfinger Reggio Emilia 1-3
8. Godo Knights 1-3
9. New Black Panthers 1-3
10. Novara Baseball 0-6

Week four is in the books for the French Division I league. This past weekend the Toulouse Tigers gave the Rouen Huskies their first loss of the year which put them in a tie for first place with the Templiers Senart.

Results Week 4:

Toulouse Academy – Templiers Senart – 3-11 and 0-8

Rouen Huskies – Toulouse Tigers – 4-5 and 5-1

Beaucaire Chevaliers – Montpellier Barracudas- 3-9 and 2-4

Savigny Lions – Paris UC – 4-9 and 11-3

French Division I Standings:

1. Rouen Huskies 7-1
2. Templiers Senart 7-1
3. Montpellier Barracudas 6-2
4. Savigny Lions 3-5
5. State Toulousain 3-5
6. Toulouse Academy 2-6
7. Beaucaire Chevaliers 1-5
8. Paris UC 1-5

In the Spanish Division de Honor, CB Barcelona won a rematch of the finals last year as they swept the Valencia Astros. All other match ups ended up in splits over the weekend.

CB Barcelona 4, Valencia Astros 0

Game 1 saw Barcelona get a win after a strong outing from Ricardo Hernandez (W, 3-1) who tossed eight shutout innings striking out 11 giving up six hits. Oscar Angulo had a huge game at the plate going 4-for-4 with a pair of doubles.

Miguel Angel Vargas (L, 0-1) took the loss for the Astros going seven innings giving up four runs (three earned) on eight hits.

CB Barcelona 5, Valencia Astros 2

Game 2 saw a huge comeback by Barcelona as they scored five runs in the top of the ninth inning to earn the victory. The big blow came from Pau Sancho with a 2-run home run.

Jorge Balboa had a good start for Barcelona striking out 12 in 6.1 innings allowing just one hit. He gave up two runs. Jonathan Garcia (W, 1-0) picked up the win in relief tossing 2.2 innings of hitless relief.

Mikel Bosch (L, 1-1) took the loss pitching an inning of relief giving up three runs (one earned).

Results:

Baseball Navarra 14, El Llano BC 2
Baseball Navarra 0, El Llano BC 3

CB Vilamoura 0, Tenerife Marlins PC 3
CB Vilamoura 16, Tenerife Marlins PC 3

San Inazio Bilbao 2, CD Pamplona 3
San Inazio Bilbao 7, CD Pamplona 2

Standings:

1. CB Barcelona 6-2
2. CBS Sant Boi 5-3
3. Tenerife Marlins PC 5-3
4. CB Vilamoura 6-4
5. Baseball Navarra 5-5
6. CD Pamplona 4-4
7. San Inazio Bilbao 3-5
8. Valencia Astros 2-4
9. El Llano BC 2-8

By Dave Burns

With the start of the Austrian baseball league just around the corner, many people are waiting in anticipation as to how things are going to unfold this year. With some big changes to the league this year, things are going to be quite different.

First of all, the ABL decreased from 8 teams to 6. In my 8 years of ABL experience, this was a good move since typically the bottom two teams are competing at a different level and the season goes way to long.

Second, they increased the number of imports permitted on the field from one to two. I also agree with this change as it will only raise the level of play even more while still leaving plenty of opportunities for Austrians to play ball.

With that being said, a lot of teams have beefed up their rosters in anticipation for what appears to be a dogfight. In this year more than any, it appears that it is anyone’s title to win.

With that being said, I will go out on a limb and make some predictions, something that I am not very good at doing and with all these changes, a difficult task to say the least.

Attnang Athletics

After an early exit in the 2012 postseason, some changes may be welcome in Attnang. Although some changes apparently are going to hurt the Athletics, I believe change for this club is maybe what it needs.

This change is going from an almost automatic playoff spot the past five seasons to the underdog who many will predict will be in a fight to stay in the ABL come the end of the season. This is largely due to the retirement of Johnny Kashuba and the year pause of Harold Pointner, two of the club’s top infielders and a huge offensive threat in Kashuba.

Also moving on is a highly skilled and youthful Markus Effedinger (work related), a player who many had hoped to be the future of the Athletics. To top it off Martin Rabengruber is out for most of the season with a knee injury. With these changes, the A’s will be looking to their young players this year to carry some of the load as the old guys like myself and Gruber will take a step back.

New are pitcher/coach John Dobkowski, add Richard Bermudez from the Vikings to the list along with Andre Gruber coming out of retirement and you may ask why I believe the Athletics are the underdog?!?

Well that is because you haven’t heard what some of the other clubs are up to yet.

The Athletics pitching depth will be the big question mark for the A’s success. The Athletics cannot rely on Walter Strasser to continue to shut down teams game-after-game for 9 innings each appearance. And with a limited number of arms to back him up in that first game, the Athletics will have a tough time sweeping doubleheaders like they used to.

Stockerau Cubs

Unlike the Athletics, the Cubs do not have many changes that I am aware of. David Whigham is the import pitcher replacing Seth Blevins. Whigham has been playing Indy ball for 6 years now and brings with him a ton of experience. Arian Quirantes will continue to give the cubs the big bat and if they can continue to play small ball like they did against us last year, behind the strong Austrian pitching of Mark Brunnthaler and Michael Schneider, these Cubs can give any ABL team a run for their money.

The Cubs were third in the league last year in hitting, a statistic that will probably drop as Seth Blevins was a good hitting pitcher. On the mound I expect the Cubs to improve with the addition of Whigham however, I believe their pitching depth may be an issue.

They will need to win a number of close games to find success deep into the season.

Wr. Neustadt Divings Ducks

Wow. This team is hungry is all I have to say. After getting destroyed by them in the playoffs last season, I am able to confidently say that this team comes to play.

The Ducks have undergone some big changes coming into the 2013 season. Changes that I think can only help the them….. a lot. To the dismay of most opposing batters, last year’s top pitcher Ryan Kroko is back. However, as if that wasn’t enough, the Ducks went and added stud Australian pitcher Wayne Ough who spent the last season tearing up the Czech Elite League. At 34, Ough still has game and not only on the mound. Ough hit .430 in the Czech Republic last year and posted a .262 era.

Oh wait, I am not done. The Ducks decided to add an Australian catcher by the name of Jake Turcato just to make things more interesting. Lastly, bringing it all together is new import coach Ryan Myers.

I heard rumors they lost a couple of players in Julio Diaz and Jason Wall. If that is the case they more than made up for it. With ringleader Clemens Cichocki on the mound in game one, you can start placing your bets that the Ducks will see themselves in a familiar place come September.

Last year the Ducks finished 5th in batting but did not show that at all in the playoffs. With the addition of Ough and Turcato, I expect them to be in the top three. Pitching wise they finished fourth, a statistic that I think they will improve on this year, especially when considering the way Cichocki ended last season. When it comes to their Austrian pitching depth, I believe they fall a bit short here and this could be their only problem if Cichocki can’t pick up where he left off.

Dornbirn Indians

The Dornbirn Indians last year finished 7th in both era and batting average, despite having American pitcher coach Danny Hall, Canadian Devery van deKeere (one of the top hitters) and catcher / Canadian Matt Patrick on the roster. Hard to understand but summed up by the fact that there is not a lot of depth on the bench.

In the offseason that problem was solved by the folding of the Schwarz Tigers which led to the acquisition of Paul Astl and Franz Haisjackl, the Tigers top two Austrian pitchers and batsmen. With the return of the aforementioned foreign players (two of which play as Austrians), I expect the Indians to improve on their 2012 5th place finish by at least two notches. Throw Joachim Frick into that line up and you can expect a lot of early departures from opposing starting pitchers. With Hall and van deKeere both able to chuck, and the addition of the Tigers top boys, I don’t see any weaknesses in this team. I have them jockeying to have their name engraved on the trophy at the end of 2013.

Vienna Metrostars

The Vienna Metrostars held the best record at the end of the 2012 regular season. Like the Athletics, they had a disappointing finish as they were knocked out in the first round of the playoffs by their home park rivals and eventual champions the Vienna Wanderers. Departing is Jeff Tezak and Ross Husky. Replacing Tezak is outfielder Will Owens. However the Mets are welcoming back JT Hilliard, Marcel Ceska and Elias Niel back from injuries.

Full with some of Austria’s best talent, this team has proven year after year that they are a hitting machine with a ton of pitching depth. Their pitchers aren’t going to come in and blow you away for 9 innings necessarily, but they are clever and consistent. With coach Tim Patrick quick to throw in a new arm when he sees the need, opposing hitters find themselves constantly adjusting to new pitching styles and speeds throughout the 18 innings. The question will be, will the Mets hit the import pitching well enough to support their Austrian pitching staff?

As usual, I expect this team to be standing when the dust settles at the end of the regular season, gearing up for the final four. However, more than ever, this is far from a guarantee like it has been in past years.

Vienna Wanderers

I almost forgot, we still haven’t gotten to last years cinderella team and champions, the Vienna Wanderers. The 2012 Wanderers are the prime example of why change is sometimes good in sports, even if it appears like change for the worse on paper. Last year everyone counted the Wanderers out before a pitch was even thrown. They had lost some key veteran players, Cichocki being one of them, and everyone had them pegged as bottom two. As far as I remember, that is the way it seemed it was going to play out after the first 6 games when the Wanderers found themselves near the bottom.

But something changed. Something lit a fire under them that was impossible to extinguish. The Wanderers got hot at the right time and with the addition of Andrew Overthaler into their lineup late in the season, this club went on a terror and never looked back.

Coming into 2013, they made no changes that I am aware of. Hiro Sakanashi will continue to work his magic and get the most out of his players and they will continue to have fun while playing baseball. That was what I personally noticed with this club, they were having fun and had good team chemistry.

Joe Wilson is back and is a big bat and a solid presence on the mound. He finished the season super hot and you can look to him to pick up where he left off. Felix Zimmerle, yet to hit is prime and already one of the top Austrian pitchers, will start most Austrian ends of the doubleheader with veteran Johannes Godler backing him up.

The only question is how the Wanderers will stack up in the import game with the talented import pitching throughout the ABL this year. Will Wilson, the ageless ChristianTomsich and Sakanshi be able to carry the load on the mound? My guess is yes.

Summary

I am pretty sure that there will be a couple more changes made and some info that I am not aware of but nevertheless, here is my vague prediction:

I believe the two Vienna clubs, the Ducks and Indians will be battling it out in the end. However, you can’t count the Athletics and Cubs out and I would not be surprised to see any team win it this year. That is as far as I am going to go with a prediction. On paper these four clubs look the best but we all know come playoffs anything can happen and a lot rides on injuries and who is hot and who is not.

All I know, is I can’t wait to see what happens!

If any of you clubs want to add one more import before the deadline, there are plenty of talented players still looking for homes at:

www.internationalbaseballcommunity.com

The Dutch Major League is fully underway as all eight teams have two full weekends of play in hand. So far DOOR Neptunus and Corendon Kinheim are leading the way with 5-1 records. UVV sits in third place just a game out at 4-2 and three teams are tied at 3-3.

This past weekend saw Mr. Cocker HCAW stay winless losing a three game series to Vaessen Pioniers.

Mr. Cocker HCAW 4, Vaessen Pioniers 13
Mr. Cocker HCAW 1, Vaessen Pioniers 7
Vaessen Pioniers 3, Mr. Cocker HCAW 1

Game 1 saw the Pioniers go on a hitting barrage pounding out 20 total hits including seven for extra bases. Kevin Dirksen had a big day driving in three runs going 3-for-5 with a home run and a double. Five batters for Vaessen had three hits in the game and only one starter went hitless.

Philip Ortez added a pair of hits including a 3-run home run in the third inning. Linoy Croes added a solo home run for Mr. Cocker HCAW in the loss.

Sander Helmendach lasted only 2.2 innings taking the loss. Mika de Lincel pitched five innings allowing three runs to pick up the win for the Pioniers.

Game 2 saw a solid pitching performance from the Pioniers Josh Rickards who tossed seven innings allowing one run and striking out 10 to earn the win. The Pioniers pitching staff limited Mr. Cocker HCAW to just five hits in the game. Ivan Granados took the loss not pitching too bad in five innings of work.

Philip Ortez drove in another two runs with a double.

Game 3 was the closest of all as both teams got solid starts from their pitchers. Kevin Minor went six innings allowing just one run on five hits to pick up the win for Vaessen. Kaj Timmermans gave up only two hits over 5.1 innings but walked five and gave up three runs (two earned) taking the loss.

Both Dirksen and Ortez drove in runs for the Pioniers in the win.

UVV 6, DOOR Neptunus 0
UVV 2, DOOR Neptunus 3
DOOR Neptunus 6, UVV 4

Both teams headed into their weekend series at 3-0, but WBC star Diegomar Markwell didn’t have a good outing as he gave up six runs on seven hits in just five innings taking the loss for the Neptunus. He was out pitched by Jurjen van Zijl who tossed 6.2 scoreless innings giving up just one hit and striking out seven to earn the win for UVV.

UVV used a four run second inning to get out on top early and it all came with two outs in the inning. Daan Cornelissen singled with one out and was joined on the base paths an out later when Markwell walked both Joris van Ballegooy and Andy Raaf. The next batter, Norbert Jongerius, doubled to left field clearing the bases and putting UVV up 3-0. He would later score on a single by Dennis Ribbens.

UVV would add two more in the third inning and that was all that was need for the win.

Game 2 was a bit tighter as both starters pitched well limiting the scoring. Orlando Yntema pitched five inning for DOOR allowing just two runs while striking out eight. He would not factor into the decision as Jorian van Acker would pick up the win in relief.

Ian Delamarre pitched 5.2 innings giving up just a single run for UVV, but didn’t get the win. Jeremyh Angela took the loss for UVV giving up two runs in an inning of relief.

Game 3 was another close one that DOOR would come out on top of again. Aided by two errors, Neptunus scored six runs off of UVV starter Chris Mezger, but only two were earned. Mezger pitched 6.1 innings striking out seven but took the loss.

Jorian van Acker got the win in relief of starter Tim Roodenburg. Acker pitched two shutout innings. Berry van Driel picked up the save even though he gave up a run in the ninth.

Ado Lakers 8, Mampaey the Hawks 9
Ado Lakers 8, Mampaey the Hawks 9 (10)
Mampaey the Hawks 4, Ado Lakers 2

The Ado Lakers dropped a three game series to Mampaey the Hawks over the weekend losing three close games. Game 1 saw a late inning comeback by the Lakers fall just short. Fielding was an issue as the teams combined for nine errors. That spelled the doom for Lakers starter Ricky Voorn who took the loss tossing just one inning giving up four hits and allowing five unearned runs.

The Lakers would give up two more unearned runs late in the game and that would be the difference.

Kevin van Veen started and picked up the win for the Hawks as he pitched five innings allowing just three runs (two earned).

Shurendell Borgschot set the tone for the Hawks batting lead off and picking up a pair of doubles, a walk, a stolen base, and scoring three runs. Steven Wharwood picked up a pair of RBI going 2-for-4 on the day.

Rodney Michel homered for the Lakers in the loss.

Game 2 saw the Hawks win by the same score but this time they needed and extra frame to do it. Again fielding was critical in the game as both teams committed three errors.

Lakers starter Wimsley van Heyningen lasted just 3.1 innings giving up six runs on four hits and seven walks. Martijn Riphagen pitched well in relief lasting 5.1 innings allowing just one unearned run. However, a meltdown in the tenth inning gave Ludwin Obispo the loss after giving up two unearned runs.

Rodney Michel had a big day at the plate for Ado going 3-for-5 and driving in three runs in the loss.

Shurendell Borgschot had another big day setting the table for the Hawks. He went 2-for-3, drove in two runs, scored three runs, and stole two bases. Kevin Noordzij picked up the win in relief tossing 1.2 innings.

Game 3 saw the Hawks over come five errors to pick up the series sweep behind a strong performance from starter Elton Koeiman who tossed a complete game giving up just two runs (one earned) on six hits.

Timo van Ancum pitched well but took the loss for the Lakers.

Berry van Donselaar had a good day at the plate for the Hawks going 3-for-4 with a double and two RBI.

L&D Amsterdam Pirates 6, Corendon Kinheim 3
L&D Amsterdam Pirates 4, Corendon Kinheim 7
Corendon Kinheim 11, L&D Amsterdam Pirates 8

Fielding errors plagued Kinheim in Game 1 as they gave up four unearned runs. Starter David Bergman tossed 5.2 innings giving up five runs (2 earned) to take the loss. Pirates starter Rob Cordemans got the win pitching six innings allowing just two unearned runs. Jurrian Koks picked up the save.

Rashid Gerard drove in a pair of runs and Jesse Aussems, Percey Isenia, and Koen Nooij added two hits apiece for the Pirates in the win.

Corendon Kinheim came back in Game 2 with a solid pitching performance from Steven van Groningen who gave up just two runs in six innings picking up the win.

Kevin Heijstek tossed seven innings allowing just four runs (two earned) taking the loss for Amsterdam.

Ramiro Balentina had a good day at the plate for Kinheim going 3-for-4 driving in a pair of runs.

Neither starter in Game 3 fared well. Both failed to make it through the fourth inning as the bats finally came alive in the series.

Dirk van’t Klooster drove in three runs going 3-for-5 with a triple. The 3, 4, 5, and 6 hitters for Kinheim all drove in two runs apiece including Quintin de Cuba who hit a lead off home run in the third inning.

Jos de Jong went 3-for-5 in the loss for the Pirates scoring two runs and hitting a double.

Standings:

1. DOOR Neptunus 5-1
2. Corendon Kinheim 5-1
3. UVV 4-2
4. L&D Amsterdam 3-3
5. Vaessan Pioniers 3-3
6. Mampaey the Hawks 3-3
7. Ado Lakers 1-5
8. Mr. Cocker HCAW 0-6

Former MLB Umpire and current MLB Umpire Supervisor Larry Young among instructors

From July 10 to 14, 2013 the International Baseball Federation (IBAF) will hold an Umpire Camp in Barcelona, Spain. It will be hosted at the “Carlos Perez de Rozas” Baseball Field. Registration for the IBAF Umpire Camp 2013 is open until April 27.

Similar to last year’s IBAF Umpire Camp in Tirrenia, Italy, the camp is organized with the aim of providing all Umpires with the opportunity to learn and further develop proper mechanics and what is needed to work a game at a top international level.

The list of instructors is headlined by Larry Young (USA), a former Umpire in Major League Baseball and current MLB Umpire supervisor. He also was in charge of all Umpires at the recent 2013 World Baseball Classic. Other instructors will be Gustavo Rodriguez (USA, chair of IBAF Umpire Commission), Marco Screti (ITA, member of IBAF Umpire Commission) and Michael Ulloa (ESP, Umpire at the WBC and WBC Qualifiers).

Registration fee for the IBAF Umpire Camp will be 300 Euros, which will also include accommodation in a double room at GRAN HOTEL REY DON JAIME in Castelldefels/Barcelona. As mentioned above registration closes on April 27. Interested Umpires are asked to fill out the form and submit it via email to Anna Di Luca (anna.diluca@ibaf.org) at the IBAF Office.

Umpires that successfully complete the training program will be certified as IBAF Umpires.

The certification allows an opportunity to work future IBAF events. However, it does not guarantee an IBAF assignment.

Press Release IBAF.org

Marks Milestone toward Olympic Games Inclusion

New Olympic Campaign Logo, Theme, Social Media Platforms “PlayBall2020.com” and Vision to Give Every Boy & Girl Chance to Play Ball also Launched.

Join the PlayBall2020 Lineup on Facebook and show your support!

Press Release from World Baseball Softball Confederation

TOKYO – Baseball and softball players, supporters, and fans worldwide – from professional leagues to local clubs and junior teams – have come out ‘Swinging For The Fences’ and pitching for the Olympic Games, following the launch of a global campaign to get baseball and softball back into the Games

The campaign was launched in Tokyo, one of the global power centres for the two sports. It followed an historic vote by international baseball and softball federation leaders and delegates worldwide  – from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, including China, India, Iraq, Russia, Brunei, Nigeria, Ghana, Pakistan, Fiji, South Africa and many other nations – to ratify a landmark constitution that unites the International Baseball Federation (IBAF) and International Softball Federation (ISF) as a single new international sporting federation, known as the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC).

NEW WORLD BASEBALL SOFTBALL BODY BORN

The birth of the world’s newest international sporting federation is a milestone in the campaign to rejoin the Olympic Games sports program after being delisted in 2005.

“This is an historic day”, said IBAF president and WBSC co-president, Riccardo Fraccari. “We have brought a new level of worldwide unity and determination to our quest to return to the Games.  The 65 million currently playing baseball and softball around the world now have a single federation to rally behind.”

President Fraccari said the international baseball community was “honoured and humbled” to have the opportunity to rejoin the Olympic Games in 2020,  and thanked the IOC for guidance and trust provided in forming the new federation, which he said would “provide greater support and resources for the athletes and help to develop the sports”.

Fraccari continued: “We are on a great journey to return our global sport to the Olympic stage. We’ve been listening and learning from the Olympic Family and the IOC to understand what it takes to be included as a sport at the Olympic Games.”

“This is in the best interests of the athletes and putting the welfare of the athletes and the future of sport first, and inspiring young athletes to stand on the highest podium that an athlete can aspire to—the Olympic Games,” he said.

“We have reached a milestone in our journey to put baseball and softball back in the Olympic Games, and today I am proud to announce that the full membership of the International Baseball Federation voted to ratify the new Constitution of the World Baseball Softball Confederation.”

WBSC SHARED VISION TO REACH YOUTH

The WBSC also outlined its unique vision for the campaign. “Our vision is to give every boy and girl in the world a chance to play baseball and softball and to inspire them to take up the sport through the Olympic Games,” said ISF President and WBSC co-President, Don Porter.

“Baseball-softball is a game that anyone, anywhere can play.  There are no barriers to participation.  If you’ve got a bat and ball you can play, regardless of age, gender, social, cultural or economic stature.

“Baseball and softball help to empower women and provide pathways for women and young girls to experience and participate in sport in all cultures,” said Porter.

NEW CAMPAIGN SLOGAN, WEBSITE AND LOGO

The WBSC also revealed the theme for its Olympic Games campaign, “Swing for the Fences,” heralding a global call-to-action for baseball and softball players, supporters and teams to rally behind the Olympic Games bid.

A new website for the campaign was revealed: PlayBall2020.com. Social media platforms to engage and enable baseball and softball communities worldwide were also unveiled to highlight the massive following the sports have and to share the passion to rejoin the Olympic Games.

The WBSC’s new logo for the campaign was also unveiled. It symbolizes the unique appeal that has made baseball and softball among the world’s most watched, followed and commercially successful sporting brands and experiences.

The new federation and Olympic Games inclusion campaign, has the support of players worldwide, and was launched by two of Japans softball stars, Yukiko Ueno, who pitched the Japanese team to the Gold Medal at the Beijing Olympic Games, and Nana Okamura, a new rising star who pitched Japan to victory in U16 ISF Softball World Cup and became the youngest player ever on Japan’s national team.

ATHLETE AND PROFESSIONAL LEAGUE SUPPORT OF 2020 OLYMPIC CAMPAIGN

The WBSC’s Olympic Games campaign is also supported by professional baseball and softball leagues around the word, including Nippon Professional Baseball, Major League Baseball in the United States, Korean Baseball Organization, the Chinese Professional Baseball Leagues, and numerous league partners in Latin America, Australia and Europe, who are united in their desire to participate in the Olympic Games.

“I am sure that all of my counterparts in the professional leagues share our enthusiasm for Olympic baseball and softball,“ said Nippon Professional Baseball Commissioner and former Japan US Ambassador, Ryozo Kato, who said in an emotional address to the Congress, telling delegates that baseball had helped Japan to recover and grow after the devastation of the second world war, and was a catalyst for peace, uniting nations and people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Worldwide respected Japan baseball legend, Sadaharu Oh, also made a strong personal appeal for support to get baseball back into the Olympic Games, while the President of the Japanese Olympic Committee and IOC member, Tsunekazu Takeda, said he would like to see the excitement and joy of baseball experienced by people all over the world, especially among young people.

Press release Horbach Battle at the Castle Tournament

The BATC Cavaliers, one of the teams of the Horbach Battle at the Castle tournament, proudly present Kevin Roovers as their manager.

“Kevin Roovers is obviously a talented youth coach with lots of Dutch Major League experience to pass over to the kids. It didn’t takes us long to add Kevin to the managers corps when word got out that he would be interested in leading a team of youngsters during the tournament week” said the tournament management. “We are confident about his ability to teach youth players fundamentals but also to enjoy playing the game”.

Kevin Roovers pitched six seasons for HCAW in the Dutch Major League before returning to Oosterhout Twins in 2012, the place where he started playing baseball as a kid.

The Horbach Battle at the Castle toernooi is an initiative of Stichting ontwikkeling Jeugdhonkbal Zuidwest Nederland to develop youth baseball in the south of The Netherlands and will be held this year between july 8 – 13 in Oosterhout. The tournament aims to be the greatest U13 tournament in Europe.

Talented players born after may 1st of 2000 can register at www.batcbaseball.eu

The Buchbinder Legionaere will host a spring tournament against a pair of other German League teams in final preparations for the 2013 season. The two teams that will join the Legionaere at Armin-Wolf Arena will be the Solingen Alligators and the Heidenheim Heidekoepfe.

In addition to the three games between the three German League teams will be a Futures Game between the first and second teams for the Buchbinder Legionaere. The games will be held April 5-7 in Regensburg.

Spring Tournament Schedule:

April 5, 18:00 Buchbinder Legionaere vs Hedenheim Heidekoepfe

April 6, 13:00 Solingen Alligators vs Hedenheim Heidekoepfe

April 6, 18:00 Buchbinder Legionaere vs Solingen Alligators

April 7, 13:00 Buchbinder Legionaere I vs II