8th Inning Rally Powers Wildcards Past Blues

'Cards survive late scare to remain undefeated.

On the strength of a timely 5-run mercy inning, the Wildcards came away with an 11-8 come-from-behind victory over the Down Home Blues on Sunday night. The win marks the first time the Wildcards have won their season opener against their competitive rivals.

The Blues rallied in the top of the 8th to break a tie and pull ahead 8-6. At that point, the hometown crowd were in shock. As tension filled the air, players and fans thought that the undefeated streak would come to an abrupt end.






Blues outfielder John Lu swings at a pitch as part of an 8th inning rally against the Wildcards.








But as they showed last week against the Warriors, the team found a way to dig deep and do what needed to be done. After scoring just one run in the previous four innings, they exploded for five in the eighth to take an 11-8 lead, one they would not relinquish.

"It shows the character of this team." said captain Voodoo Redoblado. "We find ways to win. Even when it looks like we're down and out, everybody on this team finds another level, and people start stepping up."

Although six Wildcards went hitless in this game, the team got big contributions from players who stepped up. Blue San Luis and Voodoo Redoblado were both 2-for-3, both hitting timely doubles and triples. Unknown Laurendeau continued her torrid hitting streak, going 3-for-4, including a triple in the bottom of the 6th. And in her second straight start, Ice ?ueen Reyes was sensational, giving up just four runs over seven innings. She contributed with the bat as well, and may have become the fourth Wildcard this season to hit a homerun, had the 5-run mercy rule not stopped her at third base in the bottom of the eighth.





Unknown Laurendeau settles in at first base after one of three hits on the day. Firstbase fielder/coach Nocks Sunga observes the play at the plate.







Despite the positivity, the atmosphere in the Wildcards locker room wasn't as jubilant as one may expect. Several teammates thought that, for the second straight game, they got complacent. One of those teammates happens to be the team leader in batting average, r3z Salehoun (2-for-3, 1 SAC).

"I think we got way too comfortable. We didn't take them as seriously as we should've and we nearly lost because of it. Hopefully we don't make the same mistake again."









r3z Salehoun gets comfortable as the attractive Blues third basegirl smiles in his presence.






Voodoo Redoblado acknowledged that the bats went AWOL temporarily, but nonetheless, was happy with the win. "Yeah, I don't know why we went into that mid-game slump. I'm not sure if we took them lightly. But at the end of the day, a win is a win, and I'll take it."

NOTES: Sinbad Sinclair was a late scratch for this game, citing a lower body injury. Co-captain El Saviour Bulos is now 1 for his last 8 plate appearances. Hollywood Fernando failed to achieve a hit from the left side for the first time this season. Franchise Fernando has now gone three games without an extra base hit, his longest streak ever.
On an unrelated note, I apologize for the lateness of this article. My source within the team lost his laptop and retrieving pictures and data were difficult. The stats will not be updated until full data is recovered. I apologize again for the inconvinience, but I'm working at rectifying the problem as you read this.

Revisiting a Rivalry

The Wildcards look to get back on a winning note this Sunday when they renew their rivalry with the Down Home Blues.

The Wildcards and Blues have always shared a highly-spirited and competitive rivalry. Games have been, for the most part, highly entertaining and evenly-matched. This week's game is looking to be no different.

"We match up well against them." according to Kiddo Wong. "They don't hit for too much power, but they have the ability to string together hits to produce runs." She asserts that the Wildcards will need to be wary of the Blues philosophy of "swiss cheese", referencing their strategy of hitting towards holes and gaps. "With our defence this year, I definitely think our fielders are up to the task."







Chokolate Saks, Sinbad Sinclair, and Franchise Fernando have been solid, and will be counted on to fill in the gaps against the Blues on Sunday.







This represents a particularly interesting test for the Wildcards. Thanks in large part to aggressive shifts, their defence has been nothing short of spectacular. The Wildcards "triangle" and "umbrella" shifts have shown a willingness to jump on hits that have reached the outfield. Outfielder Sixty Chan credits scouting of opponents.

"There's definitely been some behind the scenes scouting of hitters. It helps us to improve our defence from year to year."








Bubba Nisperos (left), r3z Salehoun (right), and Sixty Chan (not pictured) are three components of the Wildcards aggressive "triangle" outfield.







All-time, the Wildcards are 2-2 against the Blues. Traditionally, the Blues take the opening game and the 'Cards would later respond with a victory of their own.

"That's usually how it goes, but I think this year could be different." according to relief pitcher/outfielder El Saviour Bulos. "In previous seasons, it would take a couple of games for everyone to get their mindsets where they needed to be. But this season, having not lost a game everyone's feeling confident, having fun, and believing in one another."

Will the Wildcards get back on a winning note? Or will swiss cheese have them singing a losing note? Whatever happens, outfielder r3z Salehoun has an "alternative" suggestion.

Warriors and Wildcards fight to a draw

With all the makings of a classic, the most talked about game of the season lacked one element - a decisive winner.



It was being billed as "The Battle of the Offensive Juggernauts". And when all was said and done, the two biggest offences in the league shut each other down in a tightly-contested 11-11 draw before a capacity crowd at TD Waterhouse West Field.

After the game, Captain Voodoo Redoblado was proud of the team. "I know it's just a tie, but man we earned it. We fought hard all the way through. The victory would've been nice, but (expletive), I'll take it."

What was also deemed to be a battle for first place in the league ironically dropped both teams out of the top spot. Coupled with the tie and their own victory against the Paddington Bears, the Colts are now in sole possession of first overall.

With neither defence showing gaps or flaws, both teams had to dig deep for runs and get contributions from every player. And they did. Jeanette "Bubba" Nisperos continued her RBI and run streak, cashing in El Saviour Bulos and scoring on Nocks Sunga's 2-run double as part of a four-run 2nd inning. Melody "Geebs" Chong scored Voodoo Redoblado on a clutch RBI single with two out in the top of the 4th when the Warriors had pulled to within one. She contributed with the glove as well, making a spectacular catch in the 3rd, a play in which several teammates jokingly said they thought her arm would come off.

"It looked like it was going over my head, but I knew it was low enough for me to get it."







Melody "Geebs" Chong collects herself after the "9th inning scare."







SS Alistair "Sinbad" Sinclair was 2-for-3 on the night, including a single he was reluctant to take.



In her return performance, Ice ?ueen Reyes delievered a sensational outing, including some extremely clutch pitching. In the bottom of the 9th with one out and the bases loaded, the Ice ?ueen got one of the Warriors heavy hitters to fly out in the infield. The batter was clearly looking to go yard over a drawn-in outfield. She got the following batter to fly out to LF Sixty Chan to preserve the tie. It was a clutch performance that will surely go down in Wildcards history as "the 9th inning scare".

"He was having trouble picking up my high pitches, so I kept serving them up."





The Ice ?ueen had a solid outing last night in her return from injury.






Though the Ice ?ueen sounded relatively relaxed, catcher Ada "Kiddo" Wong admits that the stressful situation got to her.

"Wow, I couldn't believe it. I think I ran out of piss in that inning. I couldn't believe it all came down to that, and was in further disbelief when we actually got out of it."

Sixty Chan came through with big plays both at the plate and in the field when the 'Cards needed it. With the leadoff batter at first and the Warriors threatening, he made a diving catch to hold the runner at first base. The runner would go on to be stranded that inning. Sixty Chan was also 2-for-3 with an RBI. However, in true anti-Franchise fashion, he downplayed the significance of his plays.

"It was a team effort. Everybody contributed. It's not just one player that wins or loses it for the team."

Despite the positive sentiments, some Wildcards couldn't help but feel that the game had gotten away from them. With a 6-0 lead through two innings, the Wildcards would be outscored 11-5 through the remaining seven.

According to Chokolate Saks (3-for-4, 1HR, 3 RBIs), it slipped away. "We let that one go, it was our game. They (the Warriors) are not as scary as people make them out to be, we could've beaten them for sure."

Blue San Luis (2-for-3, 1 RBI) agreed with those sentiments, citing an offence that disappeared down the stretch. "We fizzled out towards the end. We got out to a good jump and then they shut us down." Despite that, he believes that earning a draw with the powerhouse Warriors has earned them respect in the league.

"Even though we didn't win, I'm sure other teams know who we are now, and what we're all about. Other teams are gonna be gunning for us."

Another positive that came out of the tie was that nobody left the game with injury, though there were some scares. A liner to the mound looked like it had hit off Ice ?ueen's foot before shooting high into the Sunday night sky. She later revealed that it had gone off the pitching rubber. Nocks Sunga felt soreness on a double-play attempt in the bottom of the 7th.

"I stretched out for a throw from the Franchise, and felt a sharp pain in my side. But I'll be OK."

But like a true Wildcard, he played through the pain. As did the Franchise.

However, what was officially documented as a pulled left hamstring mysteriously evolved into a self-proclaimed broken leg.



NOTES: "Hollywood" Fernando singled from the left-side in the top of the 5th, but couldn't produce from the right side. El Saviour Bulos pitched two innings of relief and ended his hitless streak, going 1-for-2 including a leadoff walk in the top of the 4th. The Wildcards return home to face the Down Home Blues next Sunday.

Battle of the Offensive Juggernauts

All eyes will be squarely focused on TD Waterhouse West Field at 8:30pm this Sunday, as the powerhouse Warriors host the suddenly surging Wildcards in a key matchup of undefeated teams.

That the Wildcards are even mentioned in the same sentence as “key matchup” and “Warriors” speaks volumes of their progress. Last season, this game would’ve been billed as nothing but a tune-up for the Warriors. For the Wildcards, a chance at another “moral victory”, code for “a loss with our heads held high”.

But in their third season, the Wildcards are winning. And they’re winning convincingly. Based on run differentials, the Wildcards are second in the league, a +30 to the Warriors’ +40.

“We have an incredible lineup this year.” noted team captain Voodoo Redoblado. “Our off-season acquisitions have added much needed speed, strength and determination, rounding out an already solid core.”





Captain "Voodoo" Redoblado and co-captain "El Saviour" Bulos lead a spirited practice at the Wildcards training facility in preparation for Sunday.







Infielder Bryan “Blue” San Luis could be credited with balancing the batting order. Though it sounds like a difficult process, he asserts that the players’ abilities wrote the lineup themselves.

“Creating a balanced line up is a challenge for every team. Fortunately, this year's team is loaded with offensive weapons. The key has been identifying the various types of hitters on the team and their respective style. Once you determine what they bring to the plate, the lineup pretty much makes itself.”

Ice ?ueen Reyes was enthusiastic in discussing this Sunday’s game. She also ended weeks of injury speculation by revealing the mysterious ailment to be a sore back. It kept her out of last week's game against Dem Bums.

“I’m pretty stoked about our upcoming game against the Warriors. My back has been bothering me a bit lately. It won’t be 100% for Sunday, but I’m confident enough to go back on the mound."

The ‘Cards acknowledge that the Warriors top the league in offensive production with 58 runs scored, but appear unfazed.

“There’s no denying their ability: they’re a force to be reckoned with on offence. But that’s where it ends. Our defence is the best in the league, bar none.”

Outfielder Brian “Sixty” Chan agrees. “The Warriors have been piling in the runs, but that’s because they haven’t faced a defence like ours yet.”





The Franchise may be looking to incorporate his TKD skills to bolster an already solid infield core.







In addition to the off-season acquisitions who have solidified the field, the Ice ?ueen credits communication between teammates. “I try to communicate with the rest of the team, especially the outfielders when I notice the stance of the batter. I honestly don't worry as much when we're defending because we have such a great defensive team. We just really need to focus on our hitting, aiming for those holes and communicating with each other.”

While many believe that this Sunday’s game will be a high-octane shoot-out, “Sixty” Chan believes that it will come down to defence.

“I predict that both teams will buck the (offensive) trend, and it’ll be a low scoring affair.”

Given the statistics, Chan may have a point. The Warriors top the league in defence, having only surrendered 18 runs this season. In second place – the Wildcards with 19.

Whether you think offence or defence will dominate, this is the most talked about matchup heading into Week 4. Forget the MLB All-Star Game folks; THIS, is the summer classic.

NOTES: The Wildcards are 1-1 lifetime at TD Waterhouse West Field, a game they won 9-7 in their inaugural season. The ‘Cards turned three double-plays in that game, including an inning-ending DP with the bases-loaded in the bottom of the 8th. These teams won’t meet again until the end of the regular season.

Cast Off the Crutch

Will the 'Cards charge or limp into Sunday?

On the heels of two of the most impressive victories in team history, the Wildcards are feeling pretty damn good about themselves. Morale has never been higher, team unity has never been more solid; all is well in the house that the Franchise (supposedly) built.

Despite the optimism, one may suggest that there is reason for concern. The injury bug has hit the Wildcards in the past couple of weeks. So much so that the infirmary is considering taking numbers.

Heading into last week's game against Dem Bums, the 'Cards had two injuries: ace starter Erika "Ice ?ueen" Reyes was out with an injury that team officials still refuse to speculate on. In her place for the game was surrogate starter Andrew "El Saviour" Bulos. Though he completed the game, he looked like a wreck - sporting a tensor band on his right knee and a wrist protector on his right hand. Team officials were clear with the media that he had been experiencing problems with his knee, but the wrist protector drew a collective "WTF??" from fans and media alike.

Although his pitching wasn't affected, his bat was. El Saviour was 0 for 4 on the night.


The Ice ?ueen and El Saviour are just two of many Wildcards to have sustained injury this season.

"Nah, I'm fine. I hurt the hand working out that morning. I'm ready to go for Sunday. It's not even an issue."

When asked about his knee, all El Saviour would comment on is that he has begun rehabbing it on his own.

"I've just started to do some light jogging, slowly increasing the workload. If I'm in the outfield this Sunday, I expect to be running hard. Those guys (the Warriors) hit all over the outfield. It'll be key that the ball get in as quickly as possible to limit extra bases."

Captain Voodoo Redoblado gave a terse "No comment." when asked on the status of the Ice ?ueen for Sunday. And that's just the pitchers.

First baseman Al "Hollywood" Fernando, enjoying his best offensive season ever, is also questionable for this Sunday after taking a hard hit to the head.

"It hurt like hell the following day. But I'm feeling a lot better now. I should be good to go."

And what of his brother, The Franchise, who also left last Sunday's game with a lower body injury?

"No comment. None of your damn business!"

When reminded that missing a game could cost him an endorsement deal, the Franchise was quick on the rescindment.

"Oh it's cool. I think I could play. Besides, if I don't play, this team is screwed. We all know how important I am to this team. MY TEAM."


The Franchise insists both he and Hollywood are thumbs up and ready to go for Sunday.

Despite the ailments, the Wildcards are clearly on cloud nine and willing to play through the hurt to keep the win streak going. The one injury that they are surely safe from for the time being would be a bruised ego.

New Team, Old Foes, New Results

Both offence and defence were clicking as the revamped Wildcards defeated Dem Bums 23 – 12 in the second game of their young season. The victory comes two weeks after defeating another old rival with whom they had previously gone winless against, Who’s Up.

With starting pitcher Erika Reyes on the DL, relief pitcher Andrew Bulos was given the starting assignment. He finished with 9 runs against, 2 walks and 3 strikeouts.

“I felt good. I was confident in hitting my spots, and when I made mistakes in location, I didn’t worry because I’ve got strong D covering my back.”

Newcomer Fiel “Unknown” Laurendeau played her first full game with the Wildcards, a spectacular rookie performance in which she went 2-for-5, including a huge 3-run HR in the bottom of the 4^th.

“(The pitcher) gave me a pitch that I could hit. I saw them playing shallow and knew that I could put it over their outfielders, so I did.”

The HR certainly made the Bums outfielders more aware of her hitting, but Unknown still came through with an RBI single in the top of the 7^th just when the Bums were beginning to rally. Steve "Chokolate" Saks hit a 2-run HR earlier in the inning, helping to stop any momentum the Bums were building.

"Ideally I'd like to clear the fence, but I'll take it. And it didn't help that afterwards I had to run for our lazy pitcher who decided to take the day off in terms of baserunning!"

Always noteworthy, the Franchise went 2-for-3 with two singles and three RBI’s. Despite the stats, the Franchise insists he could do better.

“Man, I played like balls. We’re lucky we won this game without me hitting a homerun or doing any spectacular stuff. Usually that’s the only way we win, when I do something.”

More importantly, he left the game in the bottom of the 5^th with a lower body injury. His status for this Sunday’s game with the Warriors is questionable.

“I hope it’ll be alright.”

Brother Al “Hollywood” Fernando also left the game in the top of the 6^th on a freak collision at 1B. Attempting to dig a ball, he fell into the path of the charging baserunner.

“It hurt pretty bad. To be honest I don’t remember what happened. But I think I'll be OK.”

The potential injury comes with Hollywood hitting his best ever. Fans were skeptical when the team announced that he would try batting from the left-side. But he has demonstrated that the move wasn’t just for fun.

“I feel more comfortable on the left. I have more power, and I’m not just hitting it in the same spot everytime. Plus I like standing on the right side, quickly switching left, and seeing the fielders scramble to adjust.”

The next assignment is the juggernaut Warriors, who are tied with the Wildcards record-wise, but lead the league based on run differentials.

“It’s going to be a tough matchup for sure.” stated Bryan “Blue” San Luis after the Bums win. “They’ve got an overpowering offence. The winner will be the team who outguns their opponent.”

Despite the task ahead, team captain Arn “Voodoo” Redoblado believes his team is more than up to it. “Last season I would’ve told everyone ‘Bring extra butt padding, because we’re about to get our asses kicked.’ But from top to bottom, our lineup this season is one of the best in this league, if not the best.”

NOTES: “Hollywood” Fernando is convocating today; a huge congratulations to him. Captain Voodoo and his wife Ada “Kiddo” Wong are currently tied for the team lead in singles. Brian “Sixty” Chan originally wasn’t credited for his sacrifice fly in the 1^st inning that scored “Chokolate” Saks. He has since been credited with the RBI (damn scorekeepers!). He is also leading the team in triples.