ISML 2017: Inuyasha Shocks World, Wins Divine Crown



ISML 2017: Inuyasha Shocks World, Wins Divine Crown

By Jo-Ryan SalazarThe Bedlam On Baltic AvenueNovember 30, 2017

Inuyasha scored the Upset of the Round on Match Day 3 of the 2017 International Saimoe League Postseason, defeating Nagito Komaeda 1556-1424 to win the Divine Crown. In the Female Division Tiara Round of 16, Illyasviel von Einzbern won the closest race of the round, a 1868-1838 nailbiter over Kurumi Tokisaki, while Emilia cruised past Nao Tomori 2277-1361. In the Male Division Scepter Round of 16, Hachiman Hikigaya routed Koyomi Araragi 2262-1202 while Kiritsugu Emiya defeated Souma Yukihira 1816-1520. Consolation action say Utaha Kasumigaoka dismiss Jibril 1866-1619 and Shiro Emiya whip past Yato 1816-1521.

In Fall Seasonal action, Nayuta Kani thumped Chain Sumeragi 2042-883, Maika Sakuranomiya rumbled past Rindou Kobayashi 1838-1019, Schwi Dola took down Nana Ebina 1719-1526, Miyaki Shirakawa trounced Sonoko Nogi 1851-845, Kirie Motoba cruised past Chito 1798-1134 and Chise Hatori blew past Sami 1508-951.

Yuuri eased past Minoa Asagaya 1521-999, Kaho Hinata leveled Akiho Kousaka 1699-1099, Kino defeated Moriko Morioka 1309-1069, Mio Natsume whipped past Chisato Mizusawa 1470-1129, Yuzu dominated Ena Komiya 1613-897 and Diamond rocked Phosphophyllite 1442-882. In Exhibition action, Kyou and Ryou Fuijibayashi prevailed over Momo Velia and Lala Satalin Deviluke 1626-1579.

Match Day 4 of the 2017 International Saimoe League Postseason is scheduled for December 1, 2017. Vote for your favorite characters at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.

FFXIV: The Misadventures of Kahori Harukawa in Breaking Brick Mountains!

#FFXIV #Stormblood

BoBA ISML 2017 Predictions: Postseason Match Day 3

ARENA 01: Tokisaki Kurumi [[Illyasviel Von Einzbern]]
by >=300
Over/Under: 4000
Over

ARENA 02: [[Emilia]] Tomori Nao
by <=700
Over/Under: 4000
Over

ARENA 03: [[Hikigaya Hachiman]] Araragi Koyomi
by >=700
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 04: [[Emiya Kiritsugu]] Yukihira Sōma
by <=400
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 05: [[Kasumigaoka Utaha]] Jibril
by >=300
Over/Under: 3800
Over

ARENA 06: [[Emiya Shirō]] Yato
by <=700
Over/Under: 3700
Under

ARENA 07: [[Kani Nayuta]] Chain Sumeragi
by <=1000
Over/Under: 3500
Over

ARENA 08: [[Sakuranomiya Maika]] Kobayashi Rindō
by <=1000
Over/Under: 3500
Over

ARENA 09: Schwi Dola [[Ebina Nana]]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 3500
Over

ARENA 10: [[Shirakawa Miyako]] Nogi Sonoko
by <=1000
Over/Under: 3500
Over

ARENA 11: Chito [[Motoba Kirie]]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 3500
Over

ARENA 12: [[Hatori Chise]] Sami
by <=1000
Over/Under: 3500
Over

ARENA 13: [[Yūri]] Asagaya Minoa
by <=1000
Over/Under: 3500
Over

ARENA 14: [[Hinata Kaho]] Kōsaka Akiho
by <=1000
Over/Under: 3500
Over

ARENA 15: Kino [[Morioka Moriko]]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 3500
Over

ARENA 16: [[Natsume Mio]] Mizusawa Chisato
by <=1000
Over/Under: 3500
Over

ARENA 17: [[Yuzu]] Komiya Ena
by <=1000
Over/Under: 3500
Over

ARENA 18: Diamond [[Phosphophyllite]]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 3500
Over

DIVINE CIRCLET FINAL
ARENA 19: Inuyasha [[Komaeda Nagito]]
by >=400
Over/Under: 3700
Under

ARENA 20: [[Fujibayashi Ryō & Fujibayashi Kyō]] Nana Aster Deviluke & Momo Belia Deviluke
by >=200
Over/Under: 3400
Over


Vote ID: 575eb166-a38b-4c34-9dd4-c291f96ea3e3

ISML 2017: Taiga Aisaka Locked In As Tiara Dark Horse

ISML 2017: Taiga Aisaka Locked In As Tiara Dark Horse

By Jo-Ryan Salazar
The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue
November 28, 2017

Taiga Aisaka, for all her years of service to International Saimoe League, has taken a bold step in being a dark horse contender for the ISML Tiara and in turn become the next Saimoe Prime Minister of Japan, succeeding Shana, whose tenure has taken place in a tumultuous year for the West.

Aisaka roared past Megumin, 2295-1379, in the Upset of the Round on Match Day 2 of the 2017 International Saimoe League Postseason. In the other Round of 16 match, a more favored contender in Mashiro Shiina contiunued her form with a 2234-1399 rout of Rikka Takanashi. Meanwhile, in the Scepter Round of 16, Gilgamesh made a bit for Dark Horse contention with a 1782-1550 win over Saitama. In the other matchup, Yuzuru Otonashi scored the closest victory of the round, a 1651-1649 thriller over Karma Akabane. In consolation action, Saber slashed past Shino Asada 1946-1471 and Ryuuji Takasu roared past Arched 1689-1529 in a rare sweep for the Toradora! ticket.

The highlight of the round belonged to the Fall Diadem bracket. In Fall Diadem action, Nayuta Kani thumped Lykos 2301-575, Maika Sakuranomiya eased past Chika Takami 1718-1145, Schwi Dola, a relative of Stephanie Dola, dismantled Cardia Beckford 1923-728, Miyako Shirakawa hammered Evangeline A.K. McDowell 1909-779, Chito cruised past Ryouka Niwa 1491-885 and Chise Hatori defeated Mayu Shimada 1417-1008.

Yuuri won a 1329-1285 barnburner over Chiemi Honda, Kaho Hinata delivered a 1575-982 statement win over Yuri Miyata, Marie prevailed over kino 1163-1130, Mio Natsume defeated Mimori Tougou 1334-1147, Yuzu rolled past Kotoko Watatsumugi 1511-891 and Diamond dominated Gina 1778-545.

In Divine Circlet action, Inuyasha thrashed Atsushi Nakajima 1942-895 and Nagito Komaeda whipped past Rei Kiriyama 1585-1053.

Match Day 3 of the 2017 International Saimoe League Postseason is scheduled for November 29, 2017. Vote for your favorite candidates at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.

BoBA ISML 2017 Predictions: Postseason Match Day 2

ARENA 01: [[Shiina Mashiro]] Takanashi Rikka
by >=600
Over/Under: 4500
Over

ARENA 02: [[Megumin]] Aisaka Taiga
by >=700
Over/Under: 4500
Over

ARENA 03: [[Saitama]] Gilgamesh
by <=600
Over/Under: 5000
Under

ARENA 04: Otonashi Yuzuru [[Akabane Karma]]
by >=700
Over/Under: 5000
Under

ARENA 05: [[Saber]] Asada Shino
by >=300
Over/Under: 5000
Under

ARENA 06: [[Archer]] Takasu Ryūji
by >=500
Over/Under: 5000
Under

ARENA 07: [[Kani Nayuta]] Lykos
by >=300
Over/Under: 4700
Under

ARENA 08: [[Sakuranomiya Maika]] Takami Chika
by >=1000
Over/Under: 4700
Under

ARENA 09: Schwi Dola [[Cardia Beckford]]
by >=300
Over/Under: 4700
Under

ARENA 10: [[Shirakawa Miyako]] Evangeline A.K. McDowell
by >=300
Over/Under: 4700
Under

ARENA 11: [[Chito]] Niwa Ryōka
by >=300
Over/Under: 4700
Under

ARENA 12: [[Hatori Chise]] Shimada Mayu
by >=300
Over/Under: 4700
Under

ARENA 13: Yuuri [[Honda Chiemi]]
by >=300
Over/Under: 4700
Under

ARENA 14: [[Hinata Kaho]] Miyata Yuri
by >=1100
Over/Under: 4800
Under

ARENA 15: Kino [[Marie]]
by >=300
Over/Under: 4700
Under

ARENA 16: [[Natsume Mio]] Tōgō Mimori (Washio Sumi)
by >=300
Over/Under: 4700
Under

ARENA 17: [[Yuzu]] Watatsumugi Kotoko
by >=300
Over/Under: 4700
Under

ARENA 18: [[Diamond]] Gina
by >=300
Over/Under: 4700
Under

ARENA 19: Inuyasha [[Nakajima Atsushi]]
by >=300
Over/Under: 4000
Over

ARENA 20: [[Komaeda Nagito]] Kiriyama Rei
by >=300
Over/Under: 4000
Under

Vote ID: e845b921-8509-4b87-ada8-b50d6fc9f81a

Toronto Argonauts: 2017 Grey Cup Champions



OTTAWA — Cassius Vaughn tied the game on a late 109-yard fumble return touchdown while Ricky Ray did the rest, leading the Toronto Argonauts to a stunning come-from-behind win in the 105th Grey Cup presented by Shaw.

Shania Twain rocked a sold out crowd of 36,154 at Ottawa’s TD Place at halftime, but in the end it was the underdog Argos stealing the thunder, erasing a late-game deficit and winning 27-24 thanks to a play that won’t soon be forgotten.

With the Stampeders up a touchdown and inside the Argo 10, Kamar Jorden fumbled the football and Vaughn returned it the distance, tying the game and leading to one of the most dramatic late-game turnarounds in CFL history.

Lirim Hajrullahu kicked the go-ahead points with 0:49 remaining, then, with the Stamps threatening, Matt Black hauled in the game-clinching interception in the end zone.

Ray threw for 297 yards and a touchdown on 19-of-32 passing, becoming the all-time leader in Grey Cup wins for a starting quarterback with four.

DeVier Posey was named the game’s Most Valuable Player after catching seven passes for 175 yards and a touchdown, including a Grey Cup record 100-yard catch-and-run in the second quarter.

Bo Levi Mitchell had an efficient game for the Stamps, completing 33 of 45 passes for 373 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Running back Jerome Messam was named Most Valuable Canadian for the Stamps, scoring once each through the air and on the ground while adding 62 rushing yards on 12 carries.

The ball-handlers struggled to adapt to the slippery conditions their first time out on the field. The first passing attempt of the game by Mitchell slipped right through the hands of Marquay McDaniel, which was a sign of things to come, while on the next play Cleyon Laing made the Stamps pay with the game’s first sack.

Rob Maver‘s ensuing punt was mishandled by Armanti Edwards, but the Argos were able to avoid catastrophe by recovering the fumble and then punting after just two offensive plays.

It was midway through the first quarter when the Stamps’ offence finally got moving. DaVaris Daniels made an acrobatic grab over the middle to give the drive life, while the game would see its first big play on the game’s first gamble by Head Coach Dave Dickenson.

After a misstep saw Mitchell tackled in the backfield on second down, the Stamps went for third-and-three and off a play-action fake to Messam, Jorden caught the swing pass and beat the corner to the sideline, running 33 yards for the game’s first score.

The Stamps missed the two-point try after Mitchell’s pass struck the upright, but opened up a 6-0 lead nonetheless.

While the Argo offence struggled through the first quarter, lightning struck on the opening play of quarter No. 2. On second down, Ray dropped back and found Posey in single coverage, with the second-year burner going 100 yards on the game’s most electrifying play.

Posey’s touchdown was the longest in Grey Cup history, while Hajrullahu’s extra point missed the uprights, leaving the game six-apiece.

After two long scoring plays, the Stampeders answered with a methodical drive. Mitchell picked up two quick first downs with completions to Daniels and McDaniel, then it was time for the power running game.

Messam’s 15-yard gain put the Stamps deep inside scoring range before Rob Cote‘s 13-yard catch-and-run moved the sticks on second-and-three. On the very next play, the Stamps’ bell cow back in Messam powered his way towards the goal line and was able to stretch for the score, capping an eight-play, 70-yard drive.

Mitchell and Daniels connected on the two-point conversion, putting the Stamps back in the driver’s seat 14-6.

Calgary’s first mistake of the came soon after. The long snap to Maver went over the punter’s head, forcing him to retreat for the loose ball and safely kick it out of the back of the end zone.

The weather continued to get the best of both offences throughout the rest of the second quarter, with a game-changing play coming in half’s final moment. Rory Kohlert had the ball punched from his grasp, yet was able to out-race two Argos to the football to get the ball back and avoid a big play the other way.

That resulted in an eventual 39-yard field goal by Rene Paredes on the half’s last play, extending the Stamps’ lead to 17-8 at the half and marking a potential massive swing.

With the snowfall receding, the Argos’ offence came out of the gate with a jump in its step in the third. A little misdirection led to a 27-yard pickup by Declan Cross on first down, moving the Argos past their own 45 and into Calgary territory for the first time in the game.

Ray went to Posey twice more after that, including for a 27-yard pickup down to the Calgary two-yard-line. That set up a second-down touchdown plunge by Wilder and a two-point conversion from Cross, giving the Argos a quick eight points and cutting their deficit to 17-16.

Wilder’s first touchdown of the game capped off a nine-play, 74-yard drive over the span of 4:31.

The Stampeders’ offence picked up the momentum from there. Mitchell completed passes to Daniels, McDaniel and Juwan Brescacin to move into Argos territory, while a pass interference challenge by Dickenson was successful, moving the Stamps down to the Argo five.

One play later, Messam caught a swing pass from Mitchell and kept his balance along with his feet in bounds, scoring his second touchdown of the game to extend Calgary’s lead to eight points.

The 24-16 score carried into the fourth quarter, with the yards harder to come by against either of these two stingy defences.

In the fourth, a close call came for the Stampeders when Roy Finch mishandled Hajrullahu’s punt. Llevi Noel couldn’t pick it up while a scrum ensued, but the Stamps were able to recover at their own 25 with 8:30 remaining.

That proved to be a key play in the game, because on the very next play Mitchell found Marken Michel with a step on Argos corner Akwasi Owusu-Ansah for a 50-yard gain. A pass interference penalty moved the Stamps even closer, while Daniels’ 10th catch of the game converted another first down at the Argo eight.

Next came the play that would define the 105th Grey Cup. After catching a swing pass, Jorden looked for extra yards but had the ball knocked from his grasp. There to pick it up was Vaughn, who scooped up the fumble, eluded a defender along the sideline and sprinted 110 yards for the longest defensive touchdown in CFL history.

Ray rolled away from pressure and found Cross for the two-point conversion, tying the game at 24 apiece in a stunning turn of events.

The Stamps went two-and-out while a connection with Posey in space got the Argos across the 50. On an ensuing second down, Ray stayed in a rhythm, finding S.J. Green for a 10-yard pickup and another first down.

Another completion to Posey, the receiver’s sixth of the game, eventually set up a 32-yard field goal by Hajrullahu, putting the Argos ahead for the first time in the game, 27-24 with 0:49 remaining.

However, the Stampeders were not done there. After wearing the goat horns previously, Jorden found some redemption, getting open and making an acrobatic grab at the Argo 30.

Two plays later, however, on second-and-five, Mitchell went for the home run but was intercepted by Matt Black in the end zone, clinching a dramatic victory for the Argos.

Daniels had 11 catches for 113 yards to lead the Stamps, while Jorden hauled in six passes for 117 yards and a touchdown.

Argos dynamic running back Wilder was limited, at least outside of his touchdown, managing 13 yards on nine carries along with 18 receiving yards on two catches.

The Stampeders doubled the Argos in first downs, 24-12, while racking up 401 net yards to Toronto’s 299.

Yet at the end of the day, a clean pocket for Ray, who was sacked only once in the game, helped the Argos’ offence move the ball when it needed to, taking advantage of the two-score swing caused by Vaughn’s touchdown. The drive that set up Hajrullah’s field goal was the 43rd game-winning drive of Ray’s illustrious career.

Meanwhile, the eight-point deficit the Argos erased was the fourth-largest in the fourth quarter in Grey Cup history.

For Calgary, it’s a bitter defeat for the second straight season. Last year marked the single greatest upset in CFL history, when the 15-2-1 Stamps were taken down 39-33 in overtime by the 8-9-1 REDBLACKS.

While the Argos won the East with a 9-9 record, however, that’s not indicative of their play of late. With Sunday’s win, Trestman’s team has now won seven of its last nine games.

The victory caps off an impressive turnaround season for Trestman and Jim Popp, who took over late in the off-season and led the Boatmen from a five-win season to a Grey Cup Championship.

ISML 2017: The Home Stretch Begins

ISML 2017: The Home Stretch Begins

By Jo-Ryan Salazar
The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue
November 26, 2017

Match Day 1 of the 2017 International Saimoe League Postseason is in the books, and the race for the Tiara and Scepter begins to come to a head. In the Female Division, Rem routed Kurisu Makise 2889-1656 while Megumi Katou defeated Shiro 2343-2108. In the Male Division, Korosensei crushed Rintarou Okabe 2857-1590 and Nagisa Shiota prevailed over Levi 2195-2119.

In Fall Seasonal action, Chain Sumeragi cruised past Lykos 1820-1264, Rindou Kobayashi defeated Chika Takami 1847-1647, heavyweight Nana Ebina hamnmered Cardia Beckford 2766-968, Sonoko Nogi won the Upset of the Round, a 1664-1450 scalp of Evangeline A.K. McDowell, Kirie Motoba cruised past Ryouka Niwa 2727-869 and Sami won a 1499-1442 barnburner over Mayu Shimada.

Minoa Asagaya won the closest race of the round, a 1562-1521 thriller over Chiemi Honda, Akiho Kousaka drubbed Yuri Miyata 2154-1159, Moriko Morioka defeated Marie 1562-1414, Chisato Mizusawa eased past Mimori Togou 1867-1579, Ena Komiya whipped past Kotoko QWatatsumugi 1883-1146 and Phosphophyllite, another favorite to win the Fall Diadem, annihilated Gina 2538-677.

In Exhibition action, Hanayo Koizumi dominated Iori Minase 2184-1414 and Keroberos routed Luna 2522-1080.

Match Day 2 of the 2017 International Saimoe League Postseason is scheduled for November 27, 2017. Vote for your favorite characters at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.

BoBA ISML 2017 Predictions: Postseason Match Day 1

ARENA 01: [[Rem]] Makise Kurisu
by >=700
Over/Under: 3200
Over

ARENA 02: [[Katō Megumi]] Shiro
by <=500
Over/Under: 3200
Over

ARENA 03: [[Korosensei]] Okabe Rintarō
by >=400
Over/Under: 3100
Under

ARENA 04: [[Shiota Nagisa]] Levi
by <=600
Over/Under: 3100
Under

ARENA 05: Lykos [[Chain Sumeragi]]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2800
Under

ARENA 06: [[Kobayashi Rindō]] Takami Chika
by >=300
Over/Under: 2800
Under

ARENA 07: [[Ebina Nana]] Cardia Beckford
by >=400
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 08: Nogi Sonoko [[Evangeline A.K. McDowell]]
by >=800
Over/Under: 3000
Under

ARENA 09: [[Motoba Kirie]] Niwa Ryōka
by <=600
Over/Under: 2400
Over

ARENA 10: Sami [[Shimada Mayu]]
by >=200
Over/Under: 2600
Under

ARENA 11: [[Asagaya Minoa]] Honda Chiemi
by >=300
Over/Under: 2600
Over

ARENA 12: [[Kōsaka Akiho]] Miyata Yuri
by <=400
Over/Under: 2700
Over

ARENA 13: [[Morioka Moriko]] Marie
by >=300
Over/Under: 2800
Under

ARENA 14: [[Tōgō Mimori (Washio Sumi)]] Mizusawa Chisato
by >=600
Over/Under: 2800
Over

ARENA 15: [[Komiya Ena]] Watatsumugi Kotoko
by <=900
Over/Under: 2400
Over

ARENA 16: [[Phosphophyllite]] Gina
by <=500
Over/Under: 2600
Under

ARENA 17: Koizumi Hanayo [[Minase Iori]]
by <=300
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 18: Keroberos [[Luna]]
by >=200
Over/Under: 3000
Over


Vote ID: 61697605-fbf7-4ed1-8c7c-ff2ab5e9ec3a

ISML 2017 : Mashiro Shiina Gets Over Hump, Wins Diamond Necklace

ISML 2017 : Mashiro Shiina Gets Over Hump, Wins Diamond Necklace
Darkhorse Touma Kamijou Surprises, Wins Diamond Pendant

By Jo-Ryan Salazar
The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue
November 22, 2017

After voting hours were extended, and after a long, extensive count, Mashiro Shiina finally got over the hump and won the 2017 International Saimoe League Diamond Necklace, defeating Kurumi Tokisaki 2811-2220. Illyasviel von Einzbern was third with 1233 votes. Rounding out the order following Match Day 6 of the 2017 ISML Diamond Period were Yukino Yukinoshita (839), Shiro (676), Taiga Aisaka (496), Megumin (444) and Kurisu Makise (380).

A relative dark horse at 25-1, Touma Kamijou won the Diamond Pendant with a 2317-2157 win over Taki Tachibana. Saitama was third with 1406 votes. Rounding out the order were Kiritsugu Emiya (829), Kazuma Satou (650), Karma Akabane (576), Edward Elric (475) and Yuzuru Otonashi (413).

In the Summer Diadem semifinals, Suzune Horikita earned the Upset of the Round with a 2440-2004 scalp of Honami Ichinose, while Karen Tendou dismissed Mordred 2417-2322. In Touhou Project action, Flandre Scarlet sailed past Sanae Kochiya 2147-1883, Marisa Kirisame smashed Kasen Ibaraki 2268-1793, Sakuya Izayoi won the closest race of the round, a 2015-2013 nailbiter over Alice Margatroid and Patchouli Knowledge thumped Yukari Yakumo 2369-1743. Finally, in a special exhibition of sisters, Kyou and Ryou Fujibayashi defeated Tsukasa and Kagami Hiiragi 2431-2261.

Match Day 1 of the 2017 International Saimoe League postseason is scheduled for November 24, 2017. Vote for your favorite characters at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate. And be sure to keep it here on The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue for continuing coverage of the International Saimoe League, the world's premier anime character competition. 

BoBA ISML 2017 Predictions: Diamond Match Day 6

ARENA 01: [[1 - Shiina Mashiro]] [[2 - Tokisaki Kurumi]] [[3 - Yukinoshita Yukino]] [[4 - Megumin]] [[5 - Makise Kurisu]] [[6 - Shiro]] [[7 - Illyasviel Von Einzbern]] [[8 - Aisaka Taiga]]
by >=200
Over/Under: 30000
Over

ARENA 02: [[1 - Satō Kazuma]] [[2 - Saitama]] [[3 - Akabane Karma]] [[4 - Kamijō Tōma]] [[5 - Edward Elric]] [[6 - Otonashi Yuzuru]] [[7 - Emiya Kiritsugu]] [[8 - Tachibana Taki]]
by <=200
Over/Under: 30000
Under

ISML Summer Diadem Semifinals
ARENA 03: [[Ichinose Honami]] Horikita Suzune
by >=100
Over/Under: 24000
Over

ARENA 04: Mordred [[Tendō Karen]]
by <=240
Over/Under: 23000
Over

ARENA 05: Kochiya Sanae [[Flandre Scarlet]]
by <=230
Over/Under: 20000
Under

ARENA 06: [[Kirisame Marisa]] Ibaraki Kasen
by >=500
Over/Under: 20000
Over

ARENA 07: Alice Margatroid [[Izayoi Sakuya]]
by >=260
Over/Under: 19000
Over

ARENA 08: Yakumo Yukari [[Patchouli Knowledge]]
by >=230
Over/Under: 23000
Under

ARENA 09: Maribel Hearn [[Remilia Scarlet]]
by <=600
Over/Under: 24000
Under

ARENA 10: [[Fujibayashi Kyō & Fujibayashi Ryō]] Hiiragi Kagami & Hiiragi Tsukasa
by <=500
Over/Under: 19000
Over

Vote ID: 4e413060-7723-4447-8712-87c415a94398

ISML 2017: Chino Kafuu Finishes Round Robin Strong

ISML 2017: Chino Kafuu Finishes Round Robin Strong

By Jo-Ryan Salazar
The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue
November 9, 2017

Match Day 5 of the 2017 International Saimoe League Diamond Period is history. In the Female Division, Rikka Takanashi rolled past Yui Yuigahama 2111-1471, Rem routed Yukino Yukihoshita 2166-1537, Shiro defeated Utaha Kasumigaoka 1841-1688, Taiga Aisaka roared past Iroha Isshiki 1912-1488, Asuna Yuuki slashed past Megumi Katou 2230-1607 and Rin Tosaka thumped Shino Asada 2257-1343.

Illyasviel von Einzbern dismissed Kuroyukihima 1937-1445, Mashiro Shiina exploded past Megumin 1995-1610, Nao Tomori trounced Jibril 1741-1517, Chino Kafuu scored the closest race of the round and the Upset of the Round, a 1746-1744 thriller over Mitsuha Miyamizu, Kurumi Tokisaki won a 1962-1847 barnburner over Emilia and Kurisu Makise defeated Saber 1960-1637.

In the Male Division, Yato won a 1509-1471 nailbiter over Rintarou Okabe, Hachiman Hikigaya defeated Nagisa Shiota 1900-1427, Touma Kamijou broke Gintoki Sakata 1686-1425, Levi dominated Saika Totsuka 1810-1341, Korosensei routed Yuzuru Otonashi 2031-1312 and Gilgamesh prevailed over Shirou Emiya 1503-1480.

Koyomi Araragi defeated Yuuta Togashi 1504-1408, Saitama punched Archer 1753-1552, Souma Yukihira eased past Edward Elric 1592-1465, Karma Akabane roared past Ryuuji Takasu 1599-1446, Kazuma Satou defeated Taki Tachibana 1662-1608 and Kiritsugu Emiya took down Felix Argyle 1708=1445.

In Summer Seasonal Quarterfinal action, Honami Ichinose routed Yoshiki Hanabatake 1934-1046, Suzune Horikita won a 1666-1636 snoozer over Jeanne d'Arc, Mordred defeated Aguri 1743-1320 and Karen Tendou prevailed over Sayaka Sumino 1497-1311.

In Touhou Project action, Remilia Scarlet hammered Seija Kijin 1518-756, Cirno stormed past Mystia Lorelei 1396-880, Reisen Udongein Inaba blasted Kaguya Houraisan 1240-936 and Fujiwara no Mokou defeated Youmu Konpaku 1233-919.

Match Day 6 of the 2017 International Saimoe Diamond Period is the Necklace Match and was scheduled for Nov. 13, 2017 but is subject to change. Vote for your favorite characters at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.

BoBA ISML Diamond Necklace Odds
Shiina Mashiro EVEN
Tokisaki Kurumi 2-1
Yukinoshita Yukino 4-1
Megumin 10-1
Makise Kurisu 20-1
Shiro 25-1
Illyasviel von Einzbern 40-1
Aisaka Taiga 50-1

BoBA ISML Diamond Pendant Odds
Satou Kazuma EVEN
Saitama 4-1
Akabane Karma 10-1
Kamijou Touma 25-1
Edward Elric 30-1
Otonashi Yuzuru 50-1
Emiya Kiritsugu 60-1
Tachibana Taki 70-1

BoBA ISML 2017 Predictions: Diamond Match Day 5

ARENA 01: Yuigahama Yui [[Takanashi Rikka]]
by >=200
Over/Under: 3100
Over

ARENA 02: [[Rem]] Yukinoshita Yukino
by >=200
Over/Under: 3100
Over

ARENA 03: Kasumigaoka Utaha [[Shiro]]
by >=200
Over/Under: 3100
Over

ARENA 04: Isshiki Iroha [[Aisaka Taiga]]
by >=200
Over/Under: 3100
Over

ARENA 05: [[Yūki Asuna]] Katō Megumi
by >=200
Over/Under: 3100
Over

ARENA 06: Asada Shino [[Tōsaka Rin]]
by >=200
Over/Under: 3100
Over

ARENA 07: Kuroyukihime [[Illyasviel Von Einzbern]]
by >=200
Over/Under: 3100
Over

ARENA 08: [[Shiina Mashiro]] Megumin
by >=200
Over/Under: 3100
Over

ARENA 09: Jibril [[Tomori Nao]]
by >=200
Over/Under: 3100
Over

ARENA 10: Kafū Chino [[Miyamizu Mitsuha]]
by >=200
Over/Under: 3100
Over

ARENA 11: Tokisaki Kurumi [[Emilia]]
by >=200
Over/Under: 3100
Over

ARENA 12: Makise Kurisu [[Saber]]
by >=200
Over/Under: 3100
Over

ARENA 13: [[Okabe Rintarō]] Yato
by <=200
Over/Under: 3100
Over

ARENA 14: [[Hikigaya Hachiman]] Shiota Nagisa
by >=300
Over/Under: 3100
Under

ARENA 15: [[Kamijō Tōma]] Sakata Gintoki
by >=300
Over/Under: 3100
Under

ARENA 16: Totsuka Saika [[Levi]]
by >=300
Over/Under: 3100
Under

ARENA 17: [[Korosensei]] Otonashi Yuzuru
by >=300
Over/Under: 3100
Under

ARENA 18: Gilgamesh [[Emiya Shirō]]
by >=300
Over/Under: 3100
Under

ARENA 19: [[Araragi Koyomi]] Togashi Yūta
by >=300
Over/Under: 3100
Under

ARENA 20: [[Saitama]] Archer
by >=300
Over/Under: 3100
Under

ARENA 21: [[Edward Elric]] Yukihira Sōma
by >=300
Over/Under: 3100
Under

ARENA 22: Takasu Ryūji [[Akabane Karma]]
by >=300
Over/Under: 3100
Under

ARENA 23: Tachibana Taki [[Satō Kazuma]]
by >=300
Over/Under: 3100
Under

ARENA 24: Felix Argyle [[Emiya Kiritsugu]]
by >=300
Over/Under: 3100
Under

ARENA 25: [[Ichinose Honami]] Hanabatake Yoshiko
by >=300
Over/Under: 3100
Under

ARENA 26: Horikita Suzune [[Jeanne d'Arc]]
by >=300
Over/Under: 3100
Under

ARENA 27: [[Mordred]] Aguri
by >=300
Over/Under: 3100
Under

ARENA 28: [[Tendō Karen]] Sumino Sayaka
by >=300
Over/Under: 3100
Under

ARENA 29: [[Remilia Scarlet]] Kijin Seija
by >=300
Over/Under: 3100
Under

ARENA 30: [[Cirno]] Mystia Lorelei
by >=300
Over/Under: 3100
Under

ARENA 31: [[Reisen Udongein Inaba]] Houraisan Kaguya
by >=300
Over/Under: 3100
Under

ARENA 32: Konpaku Youmu [[Fujiwara no Mokou]]
by >=300
Over/Under: 3100
Under

ISML 2017: It's All About Form

ISML 2017: It's All About Form

By Jo-Ryan Salazar
The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue
November 8, 2017

Most of the action on Match Day 4 of the 2017 International Saimoe League Diamond Period took place in the Summer Seasonal bracket. However, in the tournament proper, there were very few scalps in the Female and Male Divisions.

In the Female Division, Rem routed Shiro 1728-1287, Yukino Yukinoshita thumped Yui Yuigahama 1746-987, Rikka Takanashi won the Upset of the Round, a 1770-1390 scalp over Utaha Kasumigaoka, Asuna Yuuki slashed past Rin Tosaka 1964-1410, Megumi Katou whipped past Iroha Isshiki 1871-1035 and Taiga Aisaka roared past Shino Asada 1742-1383.

Mashiro Shiina drubbed Nao Tomori 1930-1135, Megumin exploded past Kuroyukihime 1881-1086, Illyasviel von Einzbern dismantled Jibril 1715-1316, Kurumi Tokisaki shot down Saber 1653-1436, Emilia dominated Chino Kafuu 1896-1180 and Kurisu Makise tore apart Mitsuha Miyamizu 1676-1421.

In the Male Division, Hachiman Hikigaya routed Gintoki Sakata 1702-981, Nagisa Shiota won the closest race of the round, a 1347-1337 thriller over Rintarou Okabe, Touma Kamijou broke Yato 1536-1132, Korosensei defeated Shirou Emiya 1657-1204, Yuzuru Otonashi gunned down Saika Totsuka 1482-1079 and Levi stormed past Gilgamesh 1579-1199.

Souma Yukihira punched Saitama 1413-1301, Koyomi Araragi prevailed over Archer 1355-1281, Edward Elric ran down Yuuta Togashi 1432-1164, Taki Tachibana prevailed over Kiritsugu Emiya 1448-1381, Kazuma Satou eased past Ryuuji Takasu 1450-1104 and Karma Akabane whipped past Felix Argyle 1405-1193.

In Summer Seasonal action, Honami Ichinose defeated Momiji Mochizuki 1445-1026, Yoshiko Hanabatake prevailed over Ai Enma 1202-1152, Suzune Horikita stormed past Mayoi Hachikuji 1627-1083, Jeanne d'Arc crushed Chiani Hoshinomori 1682-952, Mordred impaled Ange 1524-972, Aguri won a 1158-1106 barnburner over Princess, the favored Karen Tendou overpowered Ririna Sanada 1491-765 and Sayaka Sumino thrashed Yuki Minagawa 1260-995.

Match Day 5 of the 2017 International Saimoe League Diamond Period is the last round robin day of the regular season, scheduled for Nov. 8, 2017. Vote for your favorite characters at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.

BoBA ISML 2017 Predictions: Diamond Match Day 4

ARENA 01: [[Rem]] Shiro
by <=1000
Over/Under: 4000
Over

ARENA 02: Yuigahama Yui [[Yukinoshita Yukino]]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 4000
Over

ARENA 03: Takanashi Rikka [[Kasumigaoka Utaha]]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 4000
Over

ARENA 04: [[Yūki Asuna]] Tōsaka Rin
by <=1000
Over/Under: 4000
Over

ARENA 05: Isshiki Iroha [[Katō Megumi]]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 4000
Over

ARENA 06: [[Aisaka Taiga]] Asada Shino
by <=1000
Over/Under: 4000
Over

ARENA 07: [[Shiina Mashiro]] Tomori Nao
by <=1000
Over/Under: 4000
Over

ARENA 08: Kuroyukihime [[Megumin]]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 4000
Over

ARENA 09: [[Illyasviel Von Einzbern]] Jibril
by <=1000
Over/Under: 4000
Over

ARENA 10: Tokisaki Kurumi [[Saber]]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 4000
Over

ARENA 11: Kafū Chino [[Emilia]]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 4000
Over

ARENA 12: Miyamizu Mitsuha [[Makise Kurisu]]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 4000
Over

ARENA 13: [[Hikigaya Hachiman]] Sakata Gintoki
by <=800
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 14: Okabe Rintarō [[Shiota Nagisa]]
by <=800
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 15: Yato [[Kamijō Tōma]]
by <=800
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 16: [[Korosensei]] Emiya Shirō
by <=800
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 17: Totsuka Saika [[Otonashi Yuzuru]]
by <=800
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 18: [[Levi]] Gilgamesh
by <=800
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 19: [[Saitama]] Yukihira Sōma
by <=800
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 20: Araragi Koyomi [[Archer]]
by <=800
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 21: [[Togashi Yūta]] Edward Elric
by <=800
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 22: Tachibana Taki [[Emiya Kiritsugu]]
by <=800
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 23: Takasu Ryūji [[Satō Kazuma]]
by <=800
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 24: [[Akabane Karma]] Felix Argyle
by <=800
Over/Under: 4000
Under

ARENA 25: Ichinose Honami [[Mochizuki Momiji]]
by >=200
Over/Under: 2300
Over

ARENA 26: Hanabatake Yoshiko [[Enma Ai]]
by >=200
Over/Under: 2300
Over

ARENA 27: [[Horikita Suzune]] Hachikuji Mayoi
by >=200
Over/Under: 2300
Over

ARENA 28: [[Jeanne d'Arc]] Hoshinomori Chiaki
by >=200
Over/Under: 2300
Over

ARENA 29: [[Mordred]] Ange
by >=200
Over/Under: 2300
Over

ARENA 30: Aguri [[Princess]]
by >=200
Over/Under: 2300
Over

ARENA 31: [[Tendō Karen]] Sanada Ririna
by >=200
Over/Under: 2300
Over

ARENA 32: [[Sumino Sayaka]] Minagawa Yuki
by >=200
Over/Under: 2300
Over

ISML 2017: Yukino With A Great Escape, Souma With A Scalp

ISML 2017: Yukino With A Great Escape, Souma With A Scalp

By Jo-Ryan Salazar
The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue
November 5, 2017

Match Day 3 of the 2017 International Saimoe League Diamond Period is history. In the Female Division, Yukino Yukinoshita prewvailed over Shiro 1629-1604, Utaha Kasumigaoka won a 1513-1494 barnburner over Yui Yuigahama, Rem routed Rikka Takanashi 2004-1348, Megumi Katou won the closest race of the round, a 1702-1685 thriller over Rin Tosaka, Shino Asada defeated Iroha Isshiki 1582-1516 and Asuna Yuuki slashed past Taiga Aisaka 2348-1173.

Megumi exploded past Nao Tomori 1757-1451, Jibril flew past Kuroyukihime in a 1454-1429 barnburner, Mashiro Shiina whipped past Illyasviel von Einzbern 1960-1427, Emilia hammered Saber 1838-1564, Kurisu Makise defeated Chino Kafuu 1579-1519 and Kurumi Tokisaki blasted Mitsuha Miyamizu 2126-1338.

In the Male Division, Nagisa Shiota defeated Gintoki Sakata 1640-1278, Touma Kamijou broke Rintarou Okabe 1537-1219, Hachiman Hikigaya routed Yato 1799-1110, Yuzuru Otonashi prevailed over Shirou Emiya 1385-1347, Gilgamesh defeated Saika Totsuka 1537-1296 and Korosensei stormed past Levi 1765-1332.

Souma Yukihira scored the Upset of the Round, a 1472-1454 scalp of Archer, Edward Elric defeated Koyomi Araragi 1287-1232, Saitama punched Yuuta Togashi 1612-1177, Kazuma Satou eased past Kiritsugu Emiya 1530-1387, Ryuuji Takasu roared past Felix Argyle 1421-1228 and Karma Akabane steered past Taki Tachibana 1574-1430.

In Summer Seasonal action, Sayaka Sumino defeated Ririna Sanada 1408-949 and Suzune Horikita cruised past Nozomi Momijidani 1839-891.

In Touhou Project action, Kasen Ibaraki defeated Aya Shameimaru 1031-912, Alice Margatroid leveled Kogasa Tatara 1213-702, Sakuya Izayoi rolled past Hata no Kokoro 1198-909, Yukari Yakumo routed Byakuren Hijiri 1354-699, Patchouli Knowledge crushed Keine Kamishirasawa 1274-713 and Maribel Hearn whipped past Tenshi Hinanawi 1052-881.

Match Day 4 of the 2017 International Saimoe League Diamond Period is scheduled for Nov. 6, 2017. Vote for your favorite characters at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.

ISML 2017: Picks for Fall 2017 Seasonal

Meguro Megumi @ Two Car
Miyata Yuri @ Two Car
Sakuranomiya Maika @ Blend S
Komiya Ena @ Just Because!
Natsume Mio @ Just Because!
Katayama Minami @ Wake Up, Girls!
Kani Nayuta @ Imōto sae Ireba Ii.
Shirakawa Miyako @ Imōto sae Ireba Ii.

BoBA ISML 2017 Predictions: Diamond Match Day 3

ARENA 01: Shiro [[Yukinoshita Yukino]]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 3400
Over

ARENA 02: [[Kasumigaoka Utaha]] Yuigahama Yui
by <=1000
Over/Under: 3400
Over

ARENA 03: Takanashi Rikka [[Rem]]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 3400
Over

ARENA 04: Tōsaka Rin [[Katō Megumi]]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 3400
Over

ARENA 05: Asada Shino [[Isshiki Iroha]]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 3400
Over

ARENA 06: Aisaka Taiga [[Yūki Asuna]]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 3400
Over

ARENA 07: [[Tomori Nao]] Megumin
by <=1000
Over/Under: 3400
Over

ARENA 08: [[Jibril]] Kuroyukihime
by <=1000
Over/Under: 3400
Over

ARENA 09: Illyasviel Von Einzbern [[Shiina Mashiro]]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 3400
Over

ARENA 10: Saber [[Emilia]]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 3400
Over

ARENA 11: Makise Kurisu [[Kafū Chino]]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 3400
Over

ARENA 12: Miyamizu Mitsuha [[Tokisaki Kurumi]]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 3400
Over

ARENA 13: Sakata Gintoki [[Shiota Nagisa]]
by >=200
Over/Under: 3400
Under

ARENA 14: [[Kamijō Tōma]] Okabe Rintarō
by >=200
Over/Under: 3400
Under

ARENA 15: Yato [[Hikigaya Hachiman]]
by >=200
Over/Under: 3400
Under

ARENA 16: [[Emiya Shirō]] Otonashi Yuzuru
by >=200
Over/Under: 3400
Under

ARENA 17: Gilgamesh [[Totsuka Saika]]
by >=200
Over/Under: 3400
Under

ARENA 18: Levi [[Korosensei]]
by >=200
Over/Under: 3400
Under

ARENA 19: Yukihira Sōma [[Archer]]
by >=200
Over/Under: 3400
Under

ARENA 20: [[Edward Elric]] Araragi Koyomi
by >=200
Over/Under: 3400
Under

ARENA 21: Togashi Yūta [[Saitama]]
by >=200
Over/Under: 3400
Under

ARENA 22: Emiya Kiritsugu [[Satō Kazuma]]
by >=200
Over/Under: 3400
Under

ARENA 23: Felix Argyle [[Takasu Ryūji]]
by >=200
Over/Under: 3400
Under

ARENA 24: Akabane Karma [[Tachibana Taki]]
by >=200
Over/Under: 3400
Under

ARENA 25: [[Sumino Sayaka]] Sanada Ririna
by >=300
Over/Under: 2400
Over

ARENA 26: [[Horikita Suzune]] Momijidani Nozomi
by >=300
Over/Under: 2400
Over

ARENA 27: Ibaraki Kasen [[Shameimaru Aya]]
by >=300
Over/Under: 2400
Over

ARENA 28: [[Alice Margatroid]] Tatara Kogasa
by >=300
Over/Under: 2400
Over

ARENA 29: [[Izayoi Sakuya]] Hata no Kokoro
by >=300
Over/Under: 2400
Over

ARENA 30: [[Yakumo Yukari]] Hijiri Byakuren
by >=300
Over/Under: 2400
Over

ARENA 31: [[Patchouli Knowledge]] Kamishirasawa Keine
by >=300
Over/Under: 2400
Over

ARENA 32: [[Hinanawi Tenshi]] Maribel Hearn
by >=300
Over/Under: 2400
Over

ISML 2017: Chino Kafuu Scalps Saber, Megumi Cuts It Close Against Taiga



ISML 2017: Chino Kafuu Scalps Saber, Megumi Cuts It Close Against Taiga

By Jo-Ryan Salazar
The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue
November 3, 2017

Match Day 2 of the 2017 International Saimoe League Diamond Period is history. In the Female Division, Shiro hammered Yui Yuigahama 2159-1297, Rem rolled past Utaha Kasumigaoka 1920-1787, Yukino Yukinoshita routed Rikka Takanashi 2195-1402, Rin Tosaka cruised past Iroha Isshiki 1870-1470, Asuna Yuuki slashed past Shino Asada 2364-1155 and Megumi Katou won the closest race of the round, a 1713-1707 thriller over Taiga Aisaka.

Nao Tomori prevailed over Kuroyukihime 1819-1404, Mashiro Shiina slammed Jibril 2048-1382, Illyasviel von Einzbern won a 1663-1649 nailbiter over Megumin, Chino Kafuu won the Upset of the Round, a 1683-1651 scalp of Saber, Kurumi Tokisaki shot down Kurisu Makise 1966-1645 and Emilia burned Mitsuha Miyamizu 2261-1349.



In Male Division action, Rintarou Okabe prevaiiled over Gintoki Sakata 1518-1430, Hachiman Hikigaya routed Touma Kamijou 1916-1275, Nagisa Shiota won a 1504-1482 barnburner over Yato, Shirou Emiya defeated Saika Totsuka in a 1502-1476 classic, Korosensei stormed past Gilgamesjh 2012-1275 and Levi defeated Yuzuru Otonashi 1641-1520.

Souma Yukihira whipped past Koyomi Araragi 1504-1412, Saitama punched Edward Elric 1574-1386, Archer dominated Yuuta Togashi 1625-1494, Kiritsugu Emiya prevailed over Ryuuji Takasu 1554-1502, Taki Tachibana trounched Felix Argyle 1809-1319 and Kazuma Satou leveled Karma Akabane 1731-1378.

In Summer Seasonal action, Yuki MInagawa defeated Yumeko Jabami 1524-1102, Mordred slasyed Hikayu Hoshikawa 1757-1014, Ai Enma took down Ange 1444-1175, Honami Ichinose rolled past Mayoi Hachikuji 1641-1315, Jeanne d'Arc thumped Momiji Mochizuyki 1829-1205, Aguri cruised past Misaki Takasaki 1480-1020, Chiaki Hoshinomori defeated Chizuru Takano 1329-1153 and Princess prevailed over Jun Gotou 1394-1137.

Match Day 3 of the 2017 International Saimoe League is scheduled for November 3, 2017. Vote for your favorite characters at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.

Houston Astros: 2017 World Series Champions



LOS ANGELES -- The Astros, just four years removed from the low point in their unprecedented rebuilding project, capped their remarkable turnaround with a franchise-defining victory, beating the Dodgers, 5-1, in Game 7 of the World Series on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium to win their first championship.

Houston, which pulled out heart-stopping wins in Games 2 and 5, took some drama out of Game 7 when it built an early 5-0 lead, capped by George Springer's two-run homer off an ineffective Yu Darvish in the second. The Astros kept the Dodgers at bay with a steady stream of relievers to finish piecing together the biggest 27 outs in franchise history, including Charlie Morton inducing a grounder to second baseman Jose Altuve for the game's final out.

"I got the last out for the Houston Astros becoming World champions," said Altuve. "It was a ground ball to me. I threw to first, and I think this is the happiest moment in my life in baseball."
Houston joined the 1985 Royals as the only teams to win two seven-game series in the same postseason.

The franchise that began play in the National League in 1962 -- and endured numerous playoff heartbreaks -- won its first World Series just four years removed from losing a franchise-record 111 games during an ambitious rebuilding project that netted several key contributors on this year's 101-win team.

"We had some rough years, but we stuck to our plan," said Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow. "I want to thank ownership for supporting us the whole way and giving us the freedom to go out and get this group of players. We did it. We knew we had a plan that could get us here, and we got it. World championship."

After missing the postseason last year, the Astros stormed to their first American League West division title before knocking off the Red Sox in the AL Division Series and Yankees in the AL Championship Series, in which they rallied from a 3-2 series deficit. Beating the Dodgers, who won an MLB-best 104 games, in a hard-fought Fall Classic brought the city of Houston its first major sports title in 22 years.

"This is one of the best World Series of all time, and it's because of these players," said Astros manager A.J. Hinch. "These players ... never stopped, they never quit and they're always going to be called champions."

Three pitches into the game and Darvish was in trouble, as Series MVP Springer doubled into the left-field corner. A fourth pitch and Darvish trailed, as first baseman Cody Bellinger fielded Alex Bregman's bouncer in the hole and threw it behind a covering Darvish and into the Astros' dugout, putting Bregman at second. Bregman stole third on a slider in the dirt to Jose Altuve and then scored on Altuve's groundout.

Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. helped himself with the bat in the second inning. Brian McCann worked back from 0-2 to walk leading off, was doubled to third by Marwin Gonzalez and, with one out, McCullers bounced slowly enough to second base to allow McCann to score. Springer followed by crushing a 3-2 pitch, becoming the first player to homer in four consecutive games of the same World Series, to make it 5-0.

"This is a dream come true," said Springer. "It's an honor [to win Series MVP]. But you know what? It's about the Houston Astros tonight and our city and our fans. We're coming home a champion, Houston."

Darvish didn't survive the second inning for the second time in this World Series. The Astros tagged him for five runs (four earned) and three hits in 1 2/3 innings.

The Dodgers, appearing in the World Series for the first time since beating Oakland in 1988, used starters Clayton Kershaw (four scoreless innings) and Alex Wood (two scoreless innings) in relief and closer Kenley Jansen in the seventh inning trailing by four runs. The Dodgers' offense went 1-for-13 with runners in scoring position.

Clayton Kershaw throws four shutout innings in relief, striking out four and allowing only two hits

Escape artists: McCullers only lasted 2 1/3 innings, but he worked his way out of jams in the first and second innings. McCullers pitched around a leadoff double and a couple of hit-by-pitches to strand the bases loaded in the first, then escaped a two-on, one-out jam in the second with a double-play liner by Chris Taylor. McCullers allowed three hits, but hit a World Series-record four batters.

"I don't think you can put it into words what it means to the people of Houston," said McCullers. "We wear [the Houston Strong] patch and we wore it proudly. The people in Houston are never far from our minds. We know they're at Minute Maid watching, they're going crazy for us. … They deserve this as much as we do, man, and we're going to party hard."
Springer's biggest dinger: Springer changed the dynamic and tone of the game with his two-run homer off Darvish, which gave Houston a 5-0 lead. Springer belted five home runs in the World Series, and he set records for extra-base hits (eight) and total bases (29) in the Fall Classic.

SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS
With neither starter getting the win, this is the first seven-game series (out of 39) in Fall Classic history in which starting pitchers recorded just two wins (Kershaw in Game 1 and McCullers in Game 3). As recently as 2011, we saw a seven-game series in which starters got three wins, and that has happened five other times (2002, 1979, '75, '72, '47).

Brian McTaggart has covered the Astros since 2004, and for MLB.com since 2009. Follow @brianmctaggart on Twitter and listen to his podcast.

Ken Gurnick has covered the Dodgers for MLB.com since 2001.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

BoBA ISML 2017 Predictions: Diamond Match Day 2

ARENA 01: [[Shiro]] Yuigahama Yui
by <=900
Over/Under: 2600
Over

ARENA 02: Kasumigaoka Utaha [[Rem]]
by <=900
Over/Under: 2600
Over

ARENA 03: [[Yukinoshita Yukino]] Takanashi Rikka
by <=900
Over/Under: 2600
Over

ARENA 04: [[Tōsaka Rin]] Isshiki Iroha
by <=900
Over/Under: 2600
Over

ARENA 05: Asada Shino [[Yūki Asuna]]
by <=900
Over/Under: 2600
Over

ARENA 06: [[Katō Megumi]] Aisaka Taiga
by <=900
Over/Under: 2600
Over

ARENA 07: [[Tomori Nao]] Kuroyukihime
by <=900
Over/Under: 2600
Over

ARENA 08: Jibril [[Shiina Mashiro]]
by <=900
Over/Under: 2600
Over

ARENA 09: [[Megumin]] Illyasviel Von Einzbern
by <=900
Over/Under: 2600
Over

ARENA 10: [[Saber]] Kafū Chino
by <=900
Over/Under: 2600
Over

ARENA 11: Makise Kurisu [[Tokisaki Kurumi]]
by <=900
Over/Under: 2600
Over

ARENA 12: [[Emilia]] Miyamizu Mitsuha
by <=900
Over/Under: 2600
Over

ARENA 13: [[Sakata Gintoki]] Okabe Rintarō
by <=900
Over/Under: 2600
Over

ARENA 14: Kamijō Tōma [[Hikigaya Hachiman]]
by <=900
Over/Under: 2600
Over

ARENA 15: [[Shiota Nagisa]] Yato
by <=900
Over/Under: 2600
Over

ARENA 16: Emiya Shirō [[Totsuka Saika]]
by >=400
Over/Under: 3000
Under

ARENA 17: Gilgamesh [[Korosensei]]
by >=400
Over/Under: 3000
Under

ARENA 18: Otonashi Yuzuru [[Levi]]
by >=400
Over/Under: 3000
Under

ARENA 19: [[Yukihira Sōma]] Araragi Koyomi
by >=400
Over/Under: 3000
Under

ARENA 20: [[Edward Elric]] Saitama
by >=400
Over/Under: 3000
Under

ARENA 21: [[Archer]] Togashi Yūta
by >=400
Over/Under: 3000
Under

ARENA 22: Emiya Kiritsugu [[Takasu Ryūji]]
by >=400
Over/Under: 3000
Under

ARENA 23: Felix Argyle [[Tachibana Taki]]
by >=400
Over/Under: 3000
Under

ARENA 24: [[Satō Kazuma]] Akabane Karma
by >=400
Over/Under: 3000
Under

ARENA 25: Jabami Yumeko [[Minagawa Yuki]]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2000
Over

ARENA 26: [[Mordred]] Hoshikawa Hikayu
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2000
Over

ARENA 27: [[Ange]] Enma Ai
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2000
Over

ARENA 28: Ichinose Honami [[Hachikuji Mayoi]]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2000
Over

ARENA 29: Jeanne D'arc [[Mochizuki Momiji]]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2000
Over

ARENA 30: [[Aguri]] Takasaki Misaki
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2000
Over

ARENA 31: [[Hoshinomori Chiaki]] Takano Chizuru
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2000
Over

ARENA 32: Princess [[Gotō Jun]]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2000
Over