BoBA ISML 2016 Predictions: Diamond Match Day 4

ARENA 01: [Tōsaka Rin] Jibril
by >=100
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 02: [Asada Shino] Yui-nyan
by >=100
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 03: Yuigahama Yui [Yukinoshita Yukino]
by >=100
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 04: Kafū Chino [Eucliwood Hellscythe]
by >=100
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 05: [Shana] Yūki Asuna
by <=100
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 06: Nakano Azusa [Sakura Chiyo]
by >=100
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 07: [Tokisaki Kurumi] Aoyama Nanami
by >=100
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 08: Nibutani Shinka [Isla]
by <=100
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 09: Kamijō Tōma [Archer]
by <=100
Over/Under: 2400
Over

ARENA 10: Gilgamesh [Akabane Karma]
by >=100
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 11: [Takasu Ryūji] Kyon
by >=100
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 12: Emiya Shirō [Shiota Nagisa]
by >=100
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 13: [Sora] Edward Elric
by >=100
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 14: Itsuka Shidō [Shiba Tatsuya]
by >=100
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 15: [Araragi Koyomi] Sakamaki Izayoi
by >=100
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 16: [Satomi Rentarō] Iskandar
by <=100
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 17: [Suzukaze Aoba] Kirigiri Kyōko
by <=600
Over/Under: 2400
Over

ARENA 18: Hoshino Yumemi [Tenkawa Maihime]
by >=300
Over/Under: 2400
Over


Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters: 2016 Japan Series Champions


HIROSHIMA – A pitcher getting it done on the mound and at the plate helped the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters bring home a championship, just like everyone expected.

Not many had reliever Anthony Bass as said pitcher. What third baseman Brandon Laird did, that was pretty much business as usual.

The Fighters broke open a tense contest in the eighth inning, with a bases-loaded walk drawn by Sho Nakata, an RBI single by Bass and a grand slam courtesy of slugger Laird, and returned to the NPB summit with a 10-4 win over the Hiroshima Carp in Game 6 of the Japan Series on Saturday night at Mazda Stadium.

“We were on a mission this year” said Laird, who was named Japan Series MVP. “We had a long season, went through our ups and downs, but we overcame them. Look at us now, we’re Nippon champions, it feels great.”

The Fighters won their first Japan Series title since 2006, rebounding to win four straight games after dropping the first two in Hiroshima.

“We never got down even after losing the first two games of the series,” said manager Hideki Kuriyama. “We were able to win all three games at home and the momentum was with us when we came back to Hiroshima.”

Bass threw two scoreless innings to earn the win in relief. He struck out three and walked a batter. Bass finished the series with a 3-0 record, 0.00 ERA and eight strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings.

“I feel like I did my job, so I was happy with that,” Bass said. “More important is winning the championship. That’s why I signed here in Japan. I wanted to be part of a championship.”

The Fighters are champions for the third time in franchise history, also winning in 1962 and 2006. Their win continues the dominance of the Pacific League in the Japanese Fall Classic. Since 2003, PL teams have won 11 of the past 14 Japan Series titles. Nippon Ham accounted for the only losses in 2007, 2009 and 2012.

The Fighters got it right this time. Wrapping things up in Hiroshima was the cherry on top, as Nippon Ham entered the game just 2-11 on the road in the Japan Series since 2006.

“Definitely feel like we’re on top of the world right now,” Bass said. “Everyone put a lot of hard work in all season long, leading up to this. We faced a good team in the Carp. It wasn’t an easy series by any means. But we found a way to win, and it feels great.”



They won without calling on Shohei Otani again. Otani, who many thought would make another appearance in the series, either at the plate or on the mound, didn’t play Saturday. He was on deck in the eighth, but was called back to the dugout after Nakata drew his bases-loaded walk.

The Fighters would’ve likely started Otani in Game 7 had they lost. The team would’ve faced an emotional scene Sunday against retiring Carp hero Hiroki Kuroda. The veteran pitcher had mostly held Nippon Ham in check before leaving Game 3 with an injury.

“We faced Kuroda after we took the consecutive losses (in Games 1 and 2), but I was thinking that our players would’ve gone in the game on pure spirit,” said Kuriyama. “In a way, we took advantage of Kuroda’s energy. I really respect him. Maybe he wanted to pitch one more game, but if we were to play one more game, I’m not sure we could’ve won, so forgive me for that.

“I really don’t feel like we’ve actually done it. I need to sit back and reflect on it. But more than the Japan Series title, one of our goals was for the fans to have fun with each game.”

Laird’s grand slam was his third home run of the series. The Nippon Ham infielder, who had a tiebreaking two-run homer in the eighth inning that helped win Game 4, drove in seven runs during the Japan Series.

“I was just looking to have a good at-bat, just try to get a pitch I could hit,” Laird said of Saturday’s grand slam. “To get a big hit like that was unbelievable.”

He dedicated his performance to his grandfather.

“I’m just trying to do my best each and every day,” he said. “I’m playing for my grandfather right now, and I know he’s looking down proud. So thank you, grandpa.”

Laird gave his trademark sushi pose after the game and was joined during the award ceremony by Bass, Nakata and Haruki Nishikawa, who earned outstanding player honors. The Carp’s Brad Eldred was given the Fighting Spirit Award as the best player from the losing team.

Nippon Ham did all its damage in the eighth with two outs. Nishikawa, Takuya Nakashima and Hiromi Oka each singled to load the bases against Carp reliever Jay Jackson with the score knotted at 4-4.

Jackson walked Nakata to force in the tiebreaking run. Bass then hit for himself and delivered a single to center that tacked on another run.

“He walked the previous guy, so I was taking a strike and then looking for the fastball,” Bass said. “I haven’t swung in a long time, so I was just trying to start as early as I could. He left a fastball over the plate, and I just hit it.”

Bass pumped his fist wildly in celebration when he reached first base.

“I don’t know what came over me there in the eighth inning,” Bass said. “But it’s been fun. It’s a long season, and that’s why we work.”

Otani, who was 6-for-16 with four doubles during the series, was on deck during Nakata’s at-bat with Bass’ spot due up. But Bass said the plan was for him to hit for himself.

“The plan was, I was hitting 100 percent,” Bass said. “It was kind of like a fake out, I think.”

Laird then connected on a 135-kph slider to put the game away. His home run in Game 4 was also off Jackson, who was charged with the loss on Saturday.

The Carp, who won the Central League pennant for the first time since 1991, were trying to win their first Japan Series title since 1984.

Staff writer Kaz Nagatsuka contributed to this report.

See You Next Week, Azusa Pacific!



GLENDORA >> Azusa Pacific University began Saturday in search of a championship. The Cougars may have earned a bit more at Citrus College.

They also made a pretty big statement for inclusion in next month’s NCAA Division II playoffs.

Andrew Elffers threw for 321 yards and four touchdowns and the Cougars forced four turnovers en route to a 44-7 victory over Central Washington to clinch their third Great Northwest Athletic Conference football title in four seasons.

Weston Carr also had nine receptions for 189 yards and four touchdowns for APU (8-1, 7-0), ranked No. 15 in NCAA Division II and No. 6 in Super Region Three. The Cougars, who equaled a Division II record with three interception returns for touchdowns last week, had three picks on Saturday to raise their season total to 21, which ranks near the top of Division II.

Central Washington, ranked No. 7 in the region, slipped to 5-3 and 4-2.

“It’s just great to get the title,” APU coach Victor Santa Cruz said. “We work hard to get every championship that’s possible. To be able to celebrate our third title in four years says a lot to what the coaches do, the school and the effort our kids give, not just this season, but all the way back to January. Our kids have had vision. They made the sacrifices and I’m just glad they get the fruit (from that commitment).”

APU pretty much clinched the title during the first two quarters, scoring on five of its first eight possessions for a 31-0 lead at halftime.

The game turned following consecutive Central Washington turnovers during the middle of the first quarter. APU, which took a 3-0 lead on its first drive with a 30-yard field goal by Jamie Cacciatore, used both miscues to extend the advantage to 17-0.

C.J. Broussard, who had both interceptions in the first half, returned the first inside the Wildcat’s 20 before Elffers tossed 12 yards to Carr for a 10-0 lead at 4:39.

“We knew it was going to be a battle,” Broussard said. “We knew we had to do what we do. (Tonight) was just the product of hard work and great coaching.”

Elffers, after the Cougars recovered a Central Washington fumble on the kickoff on the Wildcats’ 23, followed with a 10-yard pass to Brandon Jackson to setup Aaron Baltazar’s 1-yard run for a 17-0 lead at 2:39.

Elffers then capped the scoring in the first half with second-quarter touchdown passes of 27 yards to Carr and 12 to Ethan Zeidler for a 31-0 advantage.

He made it 37-0 with a 23-yard pass to Carr in the third quarter. Carr had a 45-yard TD reception from Chad Jeffries in the fourth quarter.

“Passing-wise, we knew we had to come out aggressive,” Carr said. “We knew we had to be perfect on the outside, and really just execute the whole game.”


ISML 2016: "I Can Move Mountains, I Can Work A Miracle!"

ISML 2016: "I Can Move Mountains, I Can Work A Miracle!"

By Jo-Ryan Salazar
The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue
October 29, 2016


With Halloween around the corner, an instrumental loop of Fall Out Boy's "Uma Thurman" was being played in the Kurisu Makise camp after Makise delivered a 1413-1281 Upset of the Round win over Shiro. The result was reported to be nothing short of miraculous, hence the song being belted out at Kurisu's job in Tokyo working alongside Rintarou Okabe.

The song was also playing in other camps as well, but Makise's proved to be most noteworthy. Match Day 3 of the 2016 International Saimoe League Diamond Period is in the books. In other Female Division results, Kuroyukihime flew past Maki Nishikino 1331-1184, Nao Tomori leveled Illyasviel von Einzbern 1411-1284, Megumi Katou won a 1348-1274 nailbiter over Rikka Takanashi, Mashiro Shiina routed Ayase Aragaki 1649-987, Shinobu Oshino rolled past Marika Tachibana 1382-1126, Saber slashed past Iroha Isshiki 1415-1320 and Komachi Hikigaya defeated Rize Tedeza 1350-1189.

In the Male Division, favorite Hachiman Hikigaya routed Saitama 1578-943, Tomoya Okazaki defeated Sorata Kanda 1243-1116, Yuzuru Otonashi prevailed over Okabe 1309-1214, Yato won a 1175-1146 barnburner over Yuuta Togashi, Korosensei whipped past Souma Yukihira 1189-1048, Seiya Kanie won the closest race of the round, a 1191-1170 thriller over Saika Totsuka, Kiritsugu Emiya took down Yuu Otosaka 1279-1167 and Keima Katsuragi thumped Ayumu Aikawa 1168-961.

In Summer Diadem action, Crusch Karsten defeated Kotori Kanbe 1277-1085 and Hifumi Takimoto obliterated Tsumugi Inuzuka 1496-588.

Match Day 4 of the 2016 International Saimoe League Diamond Period is scheduled for October 31, 2016. Vote for your favorite candidates at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.

BoBA ISML 2016 Predictions: Diamond Match Day 3

ARENA 01: [Shiro] Makise Kurisu
by <=1000
Over/Under: 3000
Under

ARENA 02: [Kuroyukihime] Nishikino Maki
by <=1000
Over/Under: 3000
Under

ARENA 03: [Tomori Nao] Illyasviel von Einzbern
by <=1000
Over/Under: 3000
Under

ARENA 04: Takanashi Rikka [Katō Megumi]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 3000
Under

ARENA 05: Aragaki Ayase [Shiina Mashiro]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 3000
Under

ARENA 06: [Oshino Shinobu] Tachibana Marika
by <=1000
Over/Under: 3000
Under

ARENA 07: Isshiki Iroha [Saber]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 3000
Under

ARENA 08: [Hikigaya Komachi] Tedeza Rize
by <=1000
Over/Under: 3000
Under

ARENA 09: [Hikigaya Hachiman] Saitama
by >=200
Over/Under: 2400
Over

ARENA 10: Kanda Sorata [Okazaki Tomoya]
by >=200
Over/Under: 2400
Over

ARENA 11: [Otonashi Yuzuru] Okabe Rintarō
by >=200
Over/Under: 2400
Over

ARENA 12: [Yato] Togashi Yūta
by >=200
Over/Under: 2400
Over

ARENA 13: [Yukihira Sōma] Korosensei
by >=200
Over/Under: 2400
Over

ARENA 14: [Kanie Seiya] Totsuka Saika
by >=200
Over/Under: 2400
Over

ARENA 15: Otosaka Yū [Emiya Kiritsugu]
by >=200
Over/Under: 2400
Over

ARENA 16: Aikawa Ayumu [Katsuragi Keima]
by >=200
Over/Under: 2400
Over

ARENA 17: [Kanbe Kotori] Crusch Karsten
by >=400
Over/Under: 2400
Over

ARENA 18: Inuzuka Tsumugi [Takimoto Hifumi]
by >=600
Over/Under: 2500
Over


ISML 2016: Chiaki Nanami Shocks You Watanabe In Diamond 2

ISML 2016: Chiaki Nanami Shocks You Watanabe In Diamond 2

By Jo-Ryan Salazar
The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue
October 28, 2016

Match Day 2 of the 2016 International Saimoe League Diamond Period is in the books. In the Female Division, Rin Tosaka rolled Shino Asada 1642-1199, Jibril defeated Yui-nyan 1432-1341, Yui Yuigahama won the closest race of the round, a 1396-1366 nailbiter over Chino Kafuu, Yukino Yukinoshita prevailed over Eucliwood Hellscythe 1496-1313, Shana torched Azusa Nakano 1649-1199, Asuna Yuuki whipped past Chiyo Sakura 1487-1388, Kurumi Tokisaki shot down Shinka Nibutani 1744-1973 and Nanami Aoyama throttled Isla 1438-1272.

In the Male Division, Touma Kamijou broke Gilgamesh 1429-1155, Archer dominated Karma Akabane 1464-1051, Ryuuji Takasu roared past Shirou Emiya 1423-1128, Kyon won a 1255-1221 barnburner over Nagisa Shiota, Sora slammed Shidou Itsuka 1749-8000, Edward Elric pumped Tatsuya Shiba 1323-1130, Koyomi Araragi defeated Rentarou Satomi 1385-1051 and Izayoi Sakamaki cruised past Iskandar 1361-1092.

In Summer Diadem action, Mizuki Usami routed Naho Takamiya 1597-545 and Chiaki Nanami delivered the Upset of the Round, a 1221-1083 scalp of You Watanabe.

Match Day 3 of the 2016 International Saimoe League Diamond Period is scheduled for October 28, 2016. Vote for your favorite candidates at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.

BoBA ISML 2016 Predictions: Diamond Match Day 2

ARENA 01: [Tōsaka Rin] Asada Shino
by >=150
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 02: [Jibril] Yui-nyan
by >=150
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 03: [Yuigahama Yui] Kafū Chino
by >=150
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 04: [Yukinoshita Yukino] Eucliwood Hellscythe
by >=150
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 05: [Shana] Nakano Azusa
by >=150
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 06: [Yūki Asuna] Sakura Chiyo
by >=150
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 07: [Tokisaki Kurumi] Nibutani Shinka
by >=150
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 08: [Aoyama Nanami] Isla
by >=150
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 09: [Kamijō Tōma] Gilgamesh
by <=800
Over/Under: 2800
Under

ARENA 10: [Archer] Akabane Karma
by <=800
Over/Under: 2800
Under

ARENA 11: [Takasu Ryūji] Emiya Shirō
by <=800
Over/Under: 2800
Under

ARENA 12: Kyon [Shiota Nagisa]
by <=800
Over/Under: 2800
Under

ARENA 13: [Sora] Itsuka Shidō
by <=800
Over/Under: 2800
Under

ARENA 14: [Edward Elric] Shiba Tatsuya
by <=800
Over/Under: 2800
Under

ARENA 15: [Araragi Koyomi] Satomi Rentarō
by <=800
Over/Under: 2800
Under

ARENA 16: [Sakamaki Izayoi] Iskandar
by <=800
Over/Under: 2800
Under

ARENA 17: [Usami Mizuki] Takamiya Naho
by <=500
Over/Under: 2600
Under

ARENA 18: Nanami Chiaki [Watanabe Yō]
by >=400
Over/Under: 2400
Over


ISML 2016: Home Stretch Begins With Diamond 1

ISML 2016: Home Stretch Begins With Diamond 1

By Jo-Ryan Salazar
The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue
October 25, 2016

Match Day 1 of the 2016 International Saimoe League Diamond Period is in the books. In the Female Division, Shiro defeated Kuroyukihime 1534-1289, Kurisu Makise prevailed over Maki Nishikino 1599-1250, Nao Tomori rolled past Rikka Takanashi 154-1352, Illyasviel von Einzbern got past Megumi Katou 1508-1426, Ayase Aragaki won the closest victory of the round, a 1389-1381 thriller over Shinobu Oshino, Mashiro Shiina routed Marika Tachibana 1956-868, Iroha Isshiki defeated Komachi Hikigaya 1430-1098 and Saber slashed past Rize Tedeza 1759-1147.

In the Male Division, Hachiman Hikigaya routed Sorata Kanda 1718-899, Saitama punched Tomoya Okazaki 1395-1214, Yuzuru Otonashi thumped Yato 1462-1092, Rintarou Okabe defeated Yuuta Togashi 1395-1203, Souma Yukihira whipped past Seiya Kanie 1301-1104, Korosensei took down Saika Totsuka 1386-1194, Yuu Otosaka burned Ayumu Aikawa 1348-1080 and Kiritsugu Emiya delivered the Upset of the Round, a 1375-1176 scalp of Keima Katsuragi.

In Summer Diadem action, Yumemi Hoshino defeated Riko Sakurauchi 1250-975 and Maihime Tenkawa romped past Chizuru Hishiro 1109-1030.

Match Day 2 of the 2016 International Saimoe League Diamond Period is scheduled for Oct. 26, 2016. Vote for your favorite candidates at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.

A Few Days About Town

#sliceoflife

Azusa Nakano in Azusa Pacific? Why not?

Wait A Minute, This Isn't Azusa Community College!



Back in the day, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and the University of California at Davis flew the flag for college football in California at the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II level. Cal Poly did win a national championship at that level, back in 1980, so they have reached the pinnacle before. UC Davis came close, finishing runners-up with Ken O'Brien leading the way and in their last few years under Bob Biggs, they made the semifinals only to lose to Bloomsburg.



Nowadays, there are just two teams representing the great football-rich state of California at the Division II level. There's the old standby, the Lumberjacks of Humboldt State, the pride of Northern California. And then...there's Azusa Pacific University, the Cougars, under the tutelage of a former Hawaii Rainbow Warrior in Victor Santa Cruz, soon to be the winningest head coach at the school and the longest-tenured coach at the school, an inter-denominational Christian institution.



Before APU went D2, they were dominating the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, the NAIA. They, along with now fellow-D2 side Simon Fraser, were the most complete athletics program at that level and they currently have the most Director's Cup at eight. That is a mark that will not be eclipsed for quite some time. The success of Azusa Pacific at the NAIA level meant that they needed to move up to be competitive and bring in better quality recruits. It was Santa Cruz that led the Cougar football program to Division II. Prior to Santa Cruz's arrival, Azusa Pacific won a national championship in 1998.



In the NAIA, due to their location, the Cougars punched above their weight for years, facing teams from the NCAA and NAIA and inflicting some impressive victories over powerhouse teams. Recently, they have stabilized in form as an affiliate emmber of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference, or GNAC, winning conference titles in 2013 and 2014.

Azusa Pacific also won the NCCAA National Championship in 2013, called the Victory Bowl. The NCCAA stands for National Christian College Athletic Association. During that time, APU was ineligible to qualify for the postseason in spite of winning their conference due to their transition process. 2013 was the last year of APU's three-year transition period and they were completely out of place in that game because they were too good for the Panthers. It was men against boys. (As of this writing, Greenville are 2-6 this season.)

That goes back to my addressing of the talent level of this Azusa Pacific team. It's comparable to any solid junior college side. Think Mount San Antonio, but at a four-year level. Indeed, some transfer on this team are from nearby Mt. SAC, who slammed my Long Beach City College Vikings a few days ago, so there are some good programs in the Foothill Valley. Most players are from California, with a few good ones coming out of state.



And one reason why Azusa Pacific is great at football is their home stadium. Citrus College is next door, in the city of Glendora. Citrus Stadium is a 10,000 seat venue used by the Citrus Owls, who are a junior college side, and Azusa Pacific jointly. So scheduling games has to be agreed on by both institutions. Thus, if Citrus is playing at the stadium, Azusa in on the road, and vice versa. But there are some cases where both teams play at the same stadium on the same day. For example, on the weekend of Oct. 15, Citrus played during the day and Azusa Pacific played during the night. The Owls lost to Antelope Valley, the Cougars thrashed Humboldt State. It's, literally, a match made in heaven...relatively speaking.

And they have a solid assistant coach in Jackie Slater. A Hall of Famer, Matthew's dad, the father of a New England Patriot who's been a Pro Bowler like his Dad, an LA Ram to the core...his presence is worth the price of admission...which is $12. Combined with a Metro Day Pass and municipal bus fare, that's about $21 for transportation and admission and with pregame meal...$30. So it's a good deal.

And another thing: Azusa Pacific's record, currently 7-1 with a 6-0 conference record, is miles better than USC, or UCLA, or a whole lot of other local colleges in the area. Compare that to the big schools. USC, 4-3, cheapest tickets at $45. UCLA, 3-5, cheapest tickets, $33. Why should anyone pay more to see a below-average major college football team that won't play in the Rose Bowl and might not even go bowling, when they can instead that the Gold Line to APU/Citrus College Station, walk through APU's East Campus, the expansive Citrus College parking lot, and watch decent quality football from a side that know how to maintain good form and could be making the playoffs?

Remember, this is essentially Mt. SAC as a Division II team, based on the quality of players, based on the makeup, the coaching staff, and the desire to embrace the overall experience that one can get at Azusa Pacific. That is a good deal. A bargain. The best deal in town. Their logo might look similar to Air Force's block logo, but block logo identities these days seem to hold their own. Just ask Notre Dame.



One day, APU will get so good, and earn so much in the payout and donations and money flowing in from their support networks, that they will be competing with an old football rival in the University of San Diego in sports other than football in the West Coast Conference. I mean, that's the logical choice, because most of the member schools are from California and are Christian schools. Plus, there is the romantic oppotunity to face BYU on a constant basis. How about that.

Of course, this might mean that Citrus Stadium will have to be renovated and revamped to be up to NCAA Division I FCS standards, and it might be a cost-prohibitive move. But with all of their athletic successes and their brand being promoted on the up and up, I can't see why APU can't get big enough to play football in the Pioneer Football League with San Diego while play in the West Coast Conference in other sports. That rivalry is going to become an annual game and it should be a highly touted match with a lot of postseason implications, local pride and so on.

For the time being, Azusa Pacific University should enjoy settling down in NCAA Division II and shouldn't rush moving up to Division I. Stability and consistency in terms of winning form must take priority first. I am confident that when I head to the campus on Nov. 5 (contingent on tickets being available on Nov. 4, the day my card recharges), I will be enlightened by the quality of football from Azusa Pacific. By this point, unless the Wildcats of Central Washington (who also won a national title as an NAIA school back in 1995) have something to say about is this weekend, the Cougars are preparing for the playoffs as conference champions and I will enjoy the Wolves of Western Oregon receiving a heartfellt lesson in how to play proper football by the book.



I was in Azusa months ago, riding the Metro Gold Line to the city via the then-new Foothill Extension for the very first time, filming the entire ride from Downtown Los Angeles to APU/Citrus College both ways, uploaded it to YouTube, following it up with a first-time ride to Santa Monica on the Expo Line, soon to be the western portion of the revamped Gold Line. Now, I get to ride this same Gold Line, soon to be the north extension of the Blue Line to Long Beach for real, this time with a purpose. It may be one bus and three trains now, but in a few years, it will only be one bus and one train to get to an Azusa Pacific Cougars football game. (They're better than the other similarly-colored Cougar football team too, as of this writing. Slightly.)

But, yep, as much as I like to tout junior college football in the Golden State...this is NOT Azusa Community College.

BoBA ISML 2016 Predictions: Diamond Match Day 1

ARENA 01: Shiro [Kuroyukihime]
by >=100
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 02: [Makise Kurisu] Nishikino Maki
by >=100
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 03: [Tomori Nao] Takanashi Rikka
by >=100
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 04: [Illyasviel von Einzbern] Katō Megumi
by >=100
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 05: [Aragaki Ayase] Oshino Shinobu
by >=100
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 06: [Shiina Mashiro] Tachibana Marika
by >=100
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 07: [Isshiki Iroha] Hikigaya Komachi
by >=100
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 08: [Saber] Tedeza Rize
by >=100
Over/Under: 2500
Over

ARENA 09: [Hikigaya Hachiman] Kanda Sorata
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2800
Under

ARENA 10: [Saitama] Okazaki Tomoya
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2800
Under

ARENA 11: [Otonashi Yuzuru] Yato
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2800
Under

ARENA 12: [Okabe Rintarō] Togashi Yūta
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2800
Under

ARENA 13: [Yukihira Sōma] Kanie Seiya
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2800
Under

ARENA 14: [Korosensei] Totsuka Saika
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2800
Under

ARENA 15: Otosaka Yū [Aikawa Ayumu]
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2800
Under

ARENA 16: [Katsuragi Keima] Emiya Kiritsugu
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2800
Under

ARENA 17: Hoshino Yumemi [Sakurauchi Riko]
by >=300
Over/Under: 2400
Over

ARENA 18: [Tenkawa Maihime] Hishiro Chizuru
by >=300
Over/Under: 2400
Over

ISML 2016: Emerald And Ruby Prizes Won By Big Names


ISML 2016: Emerald And Ruby Prizes Won By Big Names

By Jo-Ryan Salazar
The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue
October 18, 2016

The Necklace Matches for the 2016 International Saimoe League Emerald and Ruby Periods are history. First off, Rin Tosaka, listed by the Bedlam as a 2-1 second choice, has won the Emerald Necklace with 701 votes (17.83%). Kurumi Tokisaki was second with 689 votes (17.53%) while Shiro was third with 550 votes (13.99%). Rounding out the order were Nanami Aoyama (540 votes, 13.74%), Illyasviel von Einzbern (472 votes, 12.01%), Ayase Aragaki (357 votes, 9.08%), Komachi Hikigaya (353 votes, 8.98%) and Jibril (269 votes, 6.84%).



Favored Yuzuru Otonashi won the Emerald Pendant with 664 votes (17.46%). Touma Kamijou and Saitama were in a tie for second with 571 votes (15.02%). Rounding out the order were Izayoi Sakamakiu (429 votes, 11.28%), Souma Yukihira and Gilgamesh in a tie for fifth (417 votes, 10.97%), Edward Elric (410 votes, 10.78%), and Yato (323 (323 votes, 8.5%).



Listed as a 10-1 longshot, Saber delivered the Upset of thr Round, winning the Ruby Necklace with 762 votes (19.31%). Favorite Kurisu Makise finished second with 686 votes (17.38%) while Asuna Yuuki finished third (544 votes, 13.78%). Rounding out the order were Chino Kafuu (526 votes, 13.33%), Yui Yuigahama (492 votes, 12.47%), Iroha Isshiki (375 votes, 9.5%), Isala (348 votes, 8.82%) and Shino Asada (214 votes, 5.42%).



Another favorite, Archer, won the Ruby Pendant with 641 votes (17.02%). Rintarou Okabe was second with 552 votes (14.65%) while Nagisa Shiota was third with 474 votes (12.58%). Rounting out the order in a closely contested race were Keima Katsuragi (465 votes, 12.34%), Kyon (12.26%), Yuu Otosaka (460 votes, 12.21%), Ryuuji Takasu (357 votes, 9.48%) and Iskandar (9.45%).

Mikoto Misaka, projected to finish second in the Tournament of Champions seeding, will go into the showcase event as the top seed with 877 votes (22.47%), beating No. 2 seed Kanade Tachibana, who earned 867 votes (22.21%) in the closest race of the round. In a surprise similar to Saitama's performance, Eru Chitanda, the incumbent Saimoe Prime Minister whose term will conclude after this season as current ISML Heavenly Tiara holder, will be the No. 3 seed with 580 votes (14.86%). Ruri Gokou will be the No. 4 seed with 428 votes (10.97%), Kotori Itsuka will be the No. 5 seed (380 votes, 9.74%), Mio Akiyama will be the No. 6 seed (342 votes, 8.76%), Fate Testarossa will be the No. 7 seed (224 votes, 5.74%) and Himagiku Katsura will be the No. 8 seed (205 votes, 5.25%).

Riki Naoe won the lone exhibition of the round, finishing first with 516 votes (15.8%), defeating Gray Fullbuster and Hiroomi Nase, who both finished in a tie for second with 475 votes (14.54%). Rounding out the order were Guts (442 votes, 13.53%), Alibaba Saluja (414 votes, 12.68%), Kurou Yatogami (410 votes, 12.55%), Kurapika (356 votes, 10.9%), and Rin Matsuoka (178 votes, 5.45%).

The race for the Tiara is winding down here in the 2016 International Saimoe League. Up next is the ISML Diamond Period, and match day 1 is scheduled for Monday, October 24, 2016. Vote for your favorites at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate. And be sure to keep it right here on The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue for continuing coverage of the International Saimoe League, the world's premier anime character competition.

MLS Decision Day 2016


With 2016 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs spots, Supporters’ Shield honors and the Golden Boot scoring title on the line, MLS has announced coverage details for Sunday's Decision Day action.
Broadcast partners ESPN and FS1 have selected two of the most compelling games to bring to a national audience as all 20 clubs, playing intraconference matches, kick off the final day of regular-season action simultaneously at 4 pm ET.

In addition to live game coverage, each broadcast will feature live look-ins and match analysis of all 10 matchups. Decision Day will air in more than 170 countries.
ESPN and ESPN Deportes will air the Seattle Sounders vs. Real Salt Lake match, as the two teams battle to secure a place among the three remaining Western Conference playoff spots. A tie may not be enough for these two, but both teams control their own destiny and are “in with a win.”

Airing parallel to the ESPN and ESPN Deportes game broadcast, ESPN2’s “MLS Decision Day Whiparound” studio show will provide two hours of unprecedented Decision Day coverage, bringing fans every goal, save and key moment from around the final day of action.
FS1 and FOX Deportes will showcase the LA Galaxy vs. FC Dallas game live from StubHub Center, as Dallas look to capture the top seed in the playoffs alongside Supporters’ Shield honors.

In Canada, TSN will air the Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Portland Timbers game that will decide if the reigning MLS Cup champs can climb above the red line and secure a spot in the postseason to defend their title. TSN4 and RDS will carry Toronto FC vs. Chicago Fire.
The remaining Decision Day matchups will be available through regional broadcasts and on MLS LIVE. MLS LIVE will offer a special one-day pass, providing 24 hours of access for a special rate of $7.99. Standard MLS LIVE blackout rules apply.

MLSsoccer.com will again provide expert analysis during the “MLS Matchday Live – Decision Day Pregame” show, preparing fans for the most exciting day of the season. Digital coverage begins at 3 pm ET on the MLS Facebook pageMLS YouTube channel, and broadcast partner platforms ESPN3, FoxSportsGo, TSNGO, skysports.comSky Sports Facebook page, the Sky Sports App for Smartphones and the FOX Sports Africa Facebook page.
Following the final whistle, the “MLS Matchday Live – Decision Day Postgame” show will return to the same digital platforms (with the exception of Sky Sports properties) to analyze the action, debate the playoffs contenders and look ahead to the 2016 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.

Featured guests will include MLS coaching legend and former Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid and former Whitecaps manager Martin Rennie.
Fans following the action on social media can join the conversation on Instagram and Twitter using the #DecisionDay hashtag. Visit the Standings page for live standings, updated every 30 seconds throughout Decision Day.

PLAYOFF FORMAT:
  • The top six teams in each conference will qualify for the playoffs and be seeded 1-6 in their respective conferences.
  • The No. 3 and No. 4 seeds in each conference will host the No. 6 and No. 5 seeds in a single-elimination knockout game. The No. 1 and No. 2 seeds will get a bye to the Conference Semifinals. The lower-seeded winners of each knockout game will face the No. 1 seed in their respective conferences. The higher-seeded winners from the knockout games will face the No. 2 seed in the conferences.
  • The four Conference Semifinals will be decided by a a two-game aggregate series, with the lower seed hosting the 1st leg and the higher seed hosting the 2nd leg.


    • If the aggregate score is tied after 180 minutes of play, the away goals tiebreaker rule will apply so as to be consistent with CONCACAF and FIFA practice.
    • If the series remains tied, two 15-minute extra time periods will be played in their entirety, followed by penalty kicks, if necessary.
    • The away goals tiebreaker will not apply to extra time in the 2nd leg of any two-legged playoff series.

  • The two Conference Championships will be decided by a two-game aggregate series, with the lower seed hosting the first leg and the higher seed hosting the second leg.
  • The same tiebreakers will apply in the Conference Championships as in the Conference Semifinals.
  • If the score is tied after 90 minutes of play, two 15-minute extra time periods will be played in their entirety, followed by kicks from the penalty mark, if necessary.
  • MLS Cup will be a single championship match hosted by the finalist with the most regular season points. If the two finalists have the same number of regular season points, the tiebreakers for MLS Cup Playoff qualification will be applied to determine the host team.
TEAM-STANDINGS TIE-BREAKING PROCEDURES
The team awarded the highest position in the MLS standings will be the team with the greatest number of points (3 points for a win, 1 point for a tie, 0 points for a loss). In the event that two teams finish the regular season with an equal number of points, the following system will be used to break the tie:
  1. Total number of wins
  2. Goal Differential (GD)
  3. Goals For (GF)
  4. Fewest Disciplinary Points
  5. Away Goals Differential
  6. Away Goal For
  7. Home Goals Differential
  8. Home Goal For
  9. Coin Toss (tie of 2 clubs) or Drawing of Lots (tie of 3 or more clubs)

BoBA ISML 2016 Predictions: Emerald/Ruby Necklace Match

ARENA 01: Aoyama Nanami Shiro Tokisaki Kurumi Jibril Illyasviel von Einzbern [Aragaki Ayase] Tōsaka Rin Hikigaya Komachi
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2700
Over

ARENA 02: [Makise Kurisu] Isshiki Iroha Yuigahama Yui Yūki Asuna Saber Kafū Chino Asada Shino Isla
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2700
Over

ARENA 03: Fate Testarossa Katsura Hinagiku Akiyama Mio Misaka Mikoto [Tachibana Kanade (Angel)] Gokō Ruri (Kuroneko) Itsuka Kotori Chitanda Eru
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2700
Over

ARENA 04: Guts Gray Fullbuster Matsuoka Rin Kurapika Yatogami Kurō Nase Hiroomi [Naoe Riki] Alibaba Saluja
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2700
Under

ARENA 05: Yukihira Sōma Sakamaki Izayoi [Otonashi Yuzuru] Edward Elric Kamijō Tōma Saitama Yato Gilgamesh
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2700
Over

ARENA 06: Kyon Takasu Ryūji Okabe Rintarō [Archer] Katsuragi Keima Otosaka Yū Iskandar Shiota Nagisa
by <=1000
Over/Under: 2700
Over

Canada Trip 2016

Here I Am

Here is a gallery from my travels to Canada. A little bit more time and money would have seen me check out a few more parts of the Lower Mainland. Good first time out. Will look forward to checking out Canada when the weather is a little bit better.

ISML 2016: Aoba Slams Colette To Make Her Case Known For Next Year



ISML 2016: Aoba Slams Colette To Make Her Case Known For Next Year

By JR Salazar
The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue
October, 15, 2016

Aoba Suzukaze is a moekko built for the International Saimoe League. She took a bold step forward in destroying Colette 1689-623 in Summer Diadem action. While Kyouko Kirigiri also got the work done in a 1413-974 pounding of Shizuru Nakatsu, Suzukaze is capable of not only going deep in her tournament, but also in the regular season next year, granted that she qualifies through the nomination process.



Meanwhile, in the ISML 2016 Ruby Period, Match Day 6 is in the books, and in the Female Division, Isla defeated Chitoge Kirisaki 1391-1233, Kurisu Makise drubbed Mitsuki Nase 1604-1103, Yui Yuigahama hammered Honoka Kousaka 1633-1033, Shino Asada stormed past Nico 1506-1181, Shana torched Isuzu Sento 1657-1128, Kuroyukihime flew past Holo 1440-1282, Saber slashed past Kaori Miyazono 1636-1103 and Azusa Nakano romped past Kurousagi 1481-1189.

In the Male Division, Koyomi Araragi routed Shintarou Kisaragi 1538-639, Seiya Kanie defeated Shuu Ouma 1306-989, Ryuuji Takasu roared past Umetarou Nozaki 1464-911, Karma Akabane whipped past Ainz Ooai Gown 1279-957, Archer dominated Izaya Orihara 1489-913, Tomoya Okazaki scored the closest victory of the round, a 1213-1115 thriller over Roy Mustang, Yuu Otosaka defeated Kraft Lawrence 1353-1021 and Iskandar prevailed over Taihei Douma 1265-1150.

Emerald Necklace Odds
Ayase Aragaki EVEN
Rin Tosaka 2-1
Kurumi Tokisaki 3-1
Shiro 6-1
Jibril 10-1
Illyasviel von Einzbern 20-1
Nanami Aoyama 25-1
Komachi Hikigaya 50-1

Emerald Pendant Odds
Yuzuru Otonashi EVEN
Izayoi Sakamaki 3-1
Touma Kamijou 6-1
Edward Elric 10-1
Gilgamesh 25-1
Souma Yukihira 30-1
Yato 50-1
Saitama 100-1

Ruby Necklace Odds
Kurisu Makise EVEN
Yui Yuigahama 3-1
Iroha Isshiki 5-1
Asuna Yuuki 7-1
Saber 10-1
Isla 30-1
Shino Asada 40-1
Chino Kafuu 50-1

Ruby Pendant Odds
Archer EVEN
Keima Katsuragi 2-1
Ryuuji Takasu 3-1
Kyon 7-1
Yuu Otosaka 10-1
Rintarou Okabe 15-1
Nagisa Shiota 40-1
Iskanda 50-1

Predicted Tournament of Champions Seeding Order
1. Kanade Tachibana
2. Mikoto Misaka
3. Ruri Gokou
4. Eru Chitanda
5. Mio Akiyama
6. Kotori Itsuka
7. Hinagiku Katsura
8. Fate Testarossa

The Necklace matches for the International Saimoe League 2016 Emerald and Ruby Periods are scheduled for October 17, 2016. Vote for your favorite candidates at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.

Ruby Day 6 Standings

Female Group 1

RankNamePointsWinsLosesDrawsVFVAVDCVPGroup
1Tomori Nao9.00003004667355711107.91751
2Nishikino Maki6.754621039104057-1476.95731
3Momo Belia Deviluke4.730112038194205-3866.67301
4Nagato Yuki2.609503037504327-5776.42881

Female Group 2

RankNamePointsWinsLosesDrawsVFVAVDCVPGroup
1Makise Kurisu9.00003004804371610887.95542
2Isla6.8326210432939294007.10512
3Kirisaki Chitoge4.688312040454246-2016.28592
4Nase Mitsuki2.192903034544741-12876.21652

Female Group 3

RankNamePointsWinsLosesDrawsVFVAVDCVPGroup
1Isshiki Iroha9.0000300439438155797.44523
2Kafū Chino6.9885210436335967677.58013
3Akemi Homura4.634012038384337-4996.63643
4Doma Umaru2.440403035834430-8476.30643

Female Group 4

RankNamePointsWinsLosesDrawsVFVAVDCVPGroup
1Yuigahama Yui9.00003005024348615388.18704
2Asada Shino6.8517210458039066747.30504
3Yazawa Nico4.383812036244345-7215.86504
4Kōsaka Honoka2.063203032064697-14915.69264

Female Group 5

RankNamePointsWinsLosesDrawsVFVAVDCVPGroup
1Shiina Mashiro9.00003004817336714509.15705
2Eucliwood Hellscythe6.699121038094217-4086.61435
3Onodera Kosaki4.625112037744312-5386.92495
4Konjiki no Yami2.652403037294233-5046.57325

Female Group 6

RankNamePointsWinsLosesDrawsVFVAVDCVPGroup
1Shana9.00003005034355914758.42616
2Kuroyukihime6.7457210435340952587.39816
3Holo4.587412038984589-6916.52366
4Sento Isuzu2.383203037134755-10426.63296

Female Group 7

RankNamePointsWinsLosesDrawsVFVAVDCVPGroup
1Yūki Asuna9.00003004907337815297.91767
2Tedeza Rize6.690021038904139-2496.67877
3Stephanie Dola4.703212039484135-1876.50497
4Onodera Haru2.304703034434536-10935.90347

Female Group 8

RankNamePointsWinsLosesDrawsVFVAVDCVPGroup
1Saber9.00003005001371212897.97158
2Nakano Azusa6.8060210442240923307.47948
3Kurousagi4.550112038904467-5777.00318
4Miyazono Kaori2.346903036274669-10425.98518

Male Group 1

RankNamePointsWinsLosesDrawsVFVAVDCVPGroup
1Hikigaya Hachiman9.00003005539219533449.29001
2Aikawa Ayumu6.450421034283842-4145.68861
3Genos4.250512029014355-14545.19501
4Yagami Light2.115703028944370-14765.68331

Male Group 2

RankNamePointsWinsLosesDrawsVFVAVDCVPGroup
1Araragi Koyomi9.00003004620275118697.97442
2Kanie Seiya6.7164210398031578236.87122
3Ōma Shū4.414512033143793-4795.54982
4Kisaragi Shintarō1.537403022124425-22134.92882

Male Group 3

RankNamePointsWinsLosesDrawsVFVAVDCVPGroup
1Kyon9.00003004504271217927.16243
2Shiba Tatsuya6.7582210370931665436.22563
3Kanbara Akihito4.274812029443849-9055.42923
4Kazehaya Kamito2.011603025784008-14305.03243

Male Group 4

RankNamePointsWinsLosesDrawsVFVAVDCVPGroup
1Takasu Ryūji9.00003004477313713407.63224
2Akabane Karma6.8168210388335023816.78964
3Nozaki Umetarō4.408212033174029-7125.89784
4Ainz Ooal Gown2.296303031444153-10095.42534

Male Group 5

RankNamePointsWinsLosesDrawsVFVAVDCVPGroup
1Okabe Rintarō9.00003004742281819246.76845
2Kanda Sorata6.7754210400234505527.12065
3Levi4.411812033373888-5516.16665
4Edogawa Conan1.801003026384563-19254.77195

Male Group 6

RankNamePointsWinsLosesDrawsVFVAVDCVPGroup
1Archer9.00003004644311415307.86686
2Okazaki Tomoya6.694221036963746-505.88036
3Roy Mustang4.620112035493776-2275.93936
4Orihara Izaya2.112703029524205-12535.42366

Male Group 7

RankNamePointsWinsLosesDrawsVFVAVDCVPGroup
1Katsuragi Keima9.00003004095271713787.06967
2Shiota Nagisa6.8536210380130787237.12147
3Kazami Yūji4.276712028643703-8394.97317
4Natsu Dragneel2.066603026933955-12624.82817

Male Group 8

RankNamePointsWinsLosesDrawsVFVAVDCVPGroup
1Otosaka Yū9.0000300415934017587.22088
2Iskandar6.9481210383136811505.96748
3Kraft Lawrence4.676812034383806-3685.53328
4Doma Taihei2.613703034173957-5405.73688