Mar 2, 2018, 01:55 AM
Hello again! Tommy aka AbruptFury, coach of the Toronto Maple Leafeons, here! We are just over halfway through the main season of the National Battling Assocation. And for the first time ever, I've hit the top of the leaderboard in a draft league. I'm so ecstatic! My team has been doing very well for me. Even Sylveon, who has been used mostly as a defensive pivot, has gotten itself 8 kills. I've been looking at a top cut calculator with the interest of seeing which coaches still have a chance, or how many matches I can afford to lose. Unfortunately, Sabastian of the San Jose Sharpedos has been eliminated from all contention with 6 loses. You can afford to lose 5 I believe, but it would come down to differential at that point. You could not afford to lose anymore than that. Assuming Sabastian doesn't make anymore transactions, there are some big threats that I won't have to deal with again. So that's pretty sweet.
This week, I face Ryan aka Gingerxpug. I've fought him before in this league. I ended up winning that encounter. He has some really weird threats that I don't have a whole lot of experience against in league, like Mega Pidgeot and Ditto. He has the great wall in Chansey too. Big offensive threats. It's an interesting team for sure. But I will do my best to keep my streak going and the wins coming.
My Team : Kyurem-B, Scizor, Sylveon, Vaporeon, Salazzle(Z), Zoroark, Electivire(Z), Dhelmise, Donphan, Mesprit(Z), Sawk
Gingerxpug (Mesa Magcargos): M-Pidgeot, Thundurus-I, Chansey, Golisopod(Z), Gardevoir(Z), Druddigon, Gourgeist, Infernape(Z), Ditto, Lanturn, Gengar
![[Image: kyurem-black.gif]](http://play.pokemonshowdown.com/sprites/xyani/kyurem-black.gif)
Bane (Kyurem-Black) @ Leftovers
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 56 HP / 48 Atk / 164 SpA / 240 Spe
Rash Nature
- Ice Beam
- Fusion Bolt
- Earth Power
- Substitute
Kyurem-B proves to be a huge threat for my opponent. Ice Beam deals with such threats as Mega Pidgeot, Thundurus-I, Gourgeist, and Druddigon. Earth Power beats Infernape, Lanturn, and Gengar. Fusion Bolt does good damage to Golisopod, and hits Chansey about as hard as I can manage with Kyurem while being able to take down the main threats I'm looking to. Fun fact, Fusion Bolt combined with the Teravolt ability means that there is nothing that can absorb the hit. Ryan is lacking a Ground type on his team. Substitute will help with Kyurem's movepool and lack of speed so that it can just throw off hits. Leftovers gets Kyurem it's health back from Substitutes and perhaps hazards damage.
Offensive Calcs:
Defensive Calcs:
![[Image: sawk.gif]](http://play.pokemonshowdown.com/sprites/xyani/sawk.gif)
ItzDaddy (Sawk) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 40 HP / 252 Atk / 216 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Close Combat
- Stone Edge
- Knock Off
- Poison Jab
It's finally happening! The last Pokemon that I drafted originally, is coming to a battle. Close Combat does a massive amount of damage to Chansey, but can also help break Lanturn and Druddigon since I'm not running Earthquake or Ice Punch on it. Stone Edge is for Mega Pidgeot, Thundurus-I and Golisopod. Knock Off hits the Gourgeist and Gengar, as well as removes items from stuff like Eviolite Chansey and Choice Scarf Ditto. And Poison Jab is purely for the Gardevoir. It gets the KO most of the time on Gardevoir if Gardevoir switches in on Stealth Rock. The Choice Scarf helps Sawk get the edge on Pokemon like Mega Pidgeot, and Pokemon without a Choice Scarf like Gourgeist-Small, Infernape, Thundurus-I. However, I did make Sawk fast enough to outspeed the Gardevoir with a Choice Scarf.
Offensive Calcs:
![[Image: scizor.gif]](http://play.pokemonshowdown.com/sprites/xyani/scizor.gif)
Dr Claw (Scizor) @ Silk Scarf
Ability: Technician
EVs: 168 HP / 216 Atk / 4 Def / 120 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Bullet Punch
- Bug Bite
- Quick Attack
Similar to the Natural Gift set I made for Scizor weeks prior, the intention of this one is to help check certain Pokemon that give this one some trouble. Infernape and Thundurus-I have an easy time resisting Scizor's dual STAB options. But with a +2 Technician boosted Quick Attack, they are threatened by a chance to OHKO. Bullet Punch deals with a Choice Scarf Gardevoir threat. And Bug Bite does a massive amount of damage to multiple Pokemon after a Swords Dance. All I have to do with this set is try my best to get chip on certain Pokemon with Stealth Rock or other attacks, and make sure Scizor does not take a Knock Off. That way, it keeps the damage output for Quick Attack to pick off the faster threats before they can cause me trouble. Infernape has access to set up moves in Nasty Plot and Swords Dance. And Thundurus-I threatens a double dance (2 boosting moves like Nasty Plot and Agility) and a Nasty Plot set. Bug Bite can also remove berries, which could be helpful.
Offensive Calcs:
Defensive Calcs:
![[Image: vaporeon.gif]](http://play.pokemonshowdown.com/sprites/xyani/vaporeon.gif)
Ariel (Vaporeon) @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 16 Def / 240 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Wish
- Protect
- Heal Bell
I actually changed this set as I was writing the summary for Vaporeon. I took Nasty Plot Infernape into consideration. I can't let it get the free set up on me. Otherwise, it WILL sweep through my team. A Scald from Vaporeon will put Infernape into KO range for Quick Attack, or Bullet Punch even. Wish and Protect is pretty standard. I don't think I need to explain it. Heal Bell will be very useful against Chansey. It loves to paralyze and poison things with Thunder Wave and Toxic, respectively. This set takes a Fightinium Z Focus Bast and Grassium Z Grass Knot from Infernape. And it can even take a +2 Fightinium Z most of the time. Unfortunately, this means that I can't take on Choice Band and Life Orb Infernape quite as easily, but another Pokemon of mine can take a hit pretty well from it.
Offensive Calcs:
Defensive Calcs:
![[Image: electivire.gif]](http://play.pokemonshowdown.com/sprites/xyani/electivire.gif)
Spark Plug (Electivire) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Motor Drive
EVs: 200 HP / 72 Atk / 236 Spe
Lonely Nature
- Discharge
- Ice Punch
- Cross Chop
- Earthquake
The set's main purpose is meant to dish out damage and take hits too. I know I find myself using the same sets a lot, but I think this one works well in a lot of circumstances due to the way my draft team is by default. It stops something like Thundurus-I and Mega Pidgeot from running train through me. And to be fair, something Thundurus is just so hard to prep for, that you might as well run Assault Vest Electric type until people start getting wise and slapping on Hidden Power Ground onto their special attacking Electric powerhouses. So Discharge is there to help me chip down Pokemon like Mega Pidgeot and Golisopod. And remember, I mentioned that the only thing that is immune to Electric on Ryan's team is Volt Absorb Lanturn. But that doesn't really do much back to Electivire. And I have Earthquake for that thing. Earthquake also hits Infernape and Gengar. Ice Punch is good against Gourgeist and Druddigon. And of course Cross Chop is for the Chansey. I hate that big pink blob. The reason I went for Lonely nature over Naive was because this is an Assault Vest. Didn't really want to take away from Electivire's bulk.
Offensive Calcs:
Defensive Calcs:
![[Image: donphan.gif]](http://play.pokemonshowdown.com/sprites/xyani/donphan.gif)
Dumbo (Donphan) @ Leftovers
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 248 HP / 4 Atk / 40 Def / 72 SpD / 144 Spe
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Ice Shard
- Rapid Spin
Here is my Stealth Rock setter and hazard removal for the match. I did not want to leave myself to open to a Thundurus sweep. It really is a tough Pokemon. Earthquake hits Lanturn, Gengar, and Infernape for some good damage. Even Gardevoir doesn't take it too well. Ice Shard can pick off a weakened foe, but it's main intent was to help take down the Thundurus before it destroys me with a Nasty Plot up. Just a big bulky tank, with some offensive presence. Nothing to see here...
Offensive Calcs:
Defensive Calcs:
Here is the battle link: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/battl...ague-39049
Week 7: Toronto Maple Leafeons (AbruptFury) vs. Mesa Magcargos (Gingerxpug)
Team that Ryan brought: M-Pidgeot, Ditto, Thundurus-I, Golisopod, Gardevoir, Druddigon
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Good game to you, @GingerxPug. I know you weren't too confident about your chances going in since you kind of threw your team together last minute, but I think you still posed a threat. Like you said after the battle, First Impression or Knock Off would've taken out the Kyurem and made things a little easier on your Thundurus and/or other pokes. Or it would've closed the differential at least, which is definitely true. Figuring out that the Golisopod was Choice Band did help make the match easier, since I knew you had to switch after you used it. That thing certainly did some damage though, I must say. I thought without it's item, Vaporeon would survive the second hit. I did get a little bit shaken up after I lost my defensive backbone.
I'm so glad that my heat set put in some work! I didn't take out what I was hoping to with it, but I know it would've been able to have done the job. It just would've been really satisying watching an Infernape or Thundurus-I go down to a Scizor. Don't you agree? My Pokemon are all looking to be serving their purpose on the team, even if they haven't become that useful until this point. Or haven't stood out as much as the top mons on my team. I think they all have a job they can do. I can't see myself making many more changes leading up to playoffs. But it's hard to say when there are so many good mons on the market.
My opponent for the hype week that is week 8 unfortunately dropped due to personal issues with balancing school, life, and Pokemon. I can't really blame him for choosing the formers. I wish him luck in his future, and hope that he might join us for another season of draft league should his schedule start to open up more.
I decided to give the kills to Sylveon and Kyurem-Black, since they are two of my best offensive MVPs. sorry, Electivire
I will see you all for week 9, where I will be taking on Bruno. He is a fellow Canadian, and a one-time playoffs qualifier in the PFA/NBA in his debut season. The last time we battled, he ended up beating me. And he was the only game loss that the near-undefeated Orlando Magikarp took. So yeah, he's pretty good. I'm hoping that I can take a game off of him this time and cement myself at the top of the leaderboard going into the playoffs. Stay tuned.
This week, I face Ryan aka Gingerxpug. I've fought him before in this league. I ended up winning that encounter. He has some really weird threats that I don't have a whole lot of experience against in league, like Mega Pidgeot and Ditto. He has the great wall in Chansey too. Big offensive threats. It's an interesting team for sure. But I will do my best to keep my streak going and the wins coming.
The Team Line-ups
My Team : Kyurem-B, Scizor, Sylveon, Vaporeon, Salazzle(Z), Zoroark, Electivire(Z), Dhelmise, Donphan, Mesprit(Z), Sawk
Gingerxpug (Mesa Magcargos): M-Pidgeot, Thundurus-I, Chansey, Golisopod(Z), Gardevoir(Z), Druddigon, Gourgeist, Infernape(Z), Ditto, Lanturn, Gengar
The Game Plan
Bane (Kyurem-Black) @ Leftovers
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 56 HP / 48 Atk / 164 SpA / 240 Spe
Rash Nature
- Ice Beam
- Fusion Bolt
- Earth Power
- Substitute
Kyurem-B proves to be a huge threat for my opponent. Ice Beam deals with such threats as Mega Pidgeot, Thundurus-I, Gourgeist, and Druddigon. Earth Power beats Infernape, Lanturn, and Gengar. Fusion Bolt does good damage to Golisopod, and hits Chansey about as hard as I can manage with Kyurem while being able to take down the main threats I'm looking to. Fun fact, Fusion Bolt combined with the Teravolt ability means that there is nothing that can absorb the hit. Ryan is lacking a Ground type on his team. Substitute will help with Kyurem's movepool and lack of speed so that it can just throw off hits. Leftovers gets Kyurem it's health back from Substitutes and perhaps hazards damage.
Offensive Calcs:
- Outspeeds Timid max speed Gardevoir by 1 point.
- 164+ SpA Teravolt Kyurem-Black Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 72 SpD Lanturn: 218-258 (55.7 - 65.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
- 164+ SpA Teravolt Kyurem-Black Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Pidgeot-Mega: 342-404 (111.4 - 131.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
- 164+ SpA Teravolt Kyurem-Black Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Thundurus: 342-404 (114.3 - 135.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
- 48 Atk Teravolt Kyurem-Black Fusion Bolt vs. 252 HP / 172+ Def Golisopod: 132-156 (37.2 - 44%) -- 100% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
- 164+ SpA Teravolt Kyurem-Black Earth Power vs. 40 HP / 208+ SpD Lanturn: 170-202 (42.3 - 50.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
- 164+ SpA Teravolt Kyurem-Black Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 104 SpD Gourgeist-Large: 320-378 (90.3 - 106.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
- 164+ SpA Teravolt Kyurem-Black Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Gourgeist: 362-428 (108.3 - 128.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
- 48 Atk Teravolt Kyurem-Black Fusion Bolt vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Gardevoir: 167-197 (60.2 - 71.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
- 164+ SpA Teravolt Kyurem-Black Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Infernape: 282-332 (96.2 - 113.3%) -- 75% chance to OHKO
- 164+ SpA Teravolt Kyurem-Black Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Druddigon: 312-368 (87.1 - 102.7%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
Defensive Calcs:
- Substitute doesn't break to a Chansey Seismic Toss.
- 252+ SpA Choice Specs Lanturn Volt Switch vs. 56 HP / 0 SpD Kyurem-Black: 72-85 (17.7 - 20.9%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery
- 252 SpA Thundurus Focus Blast vs. 56 HP / 0- SpD Kyurem-Black: 310-366 (76.5 - 90.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
- 252 SpA Gardevoir Moonblast vs. 56 HP / 0- SpD Kyurem-Black: 368-434 (90.8 - 107.1%) -- 43.8% chance to OHKO after Leftovers recovery
- 168 Atk Life Orb Infernape Mach Punch vs. 56 HP / 0 Def Kyurem-Black: 135-164 (33.3 - 40.4%) -- 32.5% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
ItzDaddy (Sawk) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 40 HP / 252 Atk / 216 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Close Combat
- Stone Edge
- Knock Off
- Poison Jab
It's finally happening! The last Pokemon that I drafted originally, is coming to a battle. Close Combat does a massive amount of damage to Chansey, but can also help break Lanturn and Druddigon since I'm not running Earthquake or Ice Punch on it. Stone Edge is for Mega Pidgeot, Thundurus-I and Golisopod. Knock Off hits the Gourgeist and Gengar, as well as removes items from stuff like Eviolite Chansey and Choice Scarf Ditto. And Poison Jab is purely for the Gardevoir. It gets the KO most of the time on Gardevoir if Gardevoir switches in on Stealth Rock. The Choice Scarf helps Sawk get the edge on Pokemon like Mega Pidgeot, and Pokemon without a Choice Scarf like Gourgeist-Small, Infernape, Thundurus-I. However, I did make Sawk fast enough to outspeed the Gardevoir with a Choice Scarf.
Offensive Calcs:
- Outspeeds Timid max speed Scarf Gardevoir.
- 252 Atk Sawk Poison Jab vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Gardevoir: 240-284 (86.6 - 102.5%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
- 252 Atk Sawk Stone Edge vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Pidgeot-Mega: 254-300 (82.7 - 97.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
- 252 Atk Sawk Stone Edge vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Thundurus: 282-334 (94.3 - 111.7%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO
- 252 Atk Sawk Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Gengar: 312-368 (119 - 140.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
- 252 Atk Sawk Close Combat vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Chansey: 506-596 (71.9 - 84.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
- 252 Atk Sawk Close Combat vs. 40 HP / 0 Def Sawk: 243-286 (80.7 - 95%) -- guaranteed 2HKO | For Ditto.
- 252 Atk Sawk Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Lanturn: 294-346 (64.7 - 76.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
- 252 Atk Sawk Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 172+ Def Golisopod: 128-152 (36.1 - 42.9%) -- 96.4% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
- 252 Atk Sawk Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Gourgeist: 174-206 (52 - 61.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
- 252 Atk Sawk Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 88+ Def Gourgeist-Large: 146-174 (41.2 - 49.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
Dr Claw (Scizor) @ Silk Scarf
Ability: Technician
EVs: 168 HP / 216 Atk / 4 Def / 120 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Bullet Punch
- Bug Bite
- Quick Attack
Similar to the Natural Gift set I made for Scizor weeks prior, the intention of this one is to help check certain Pokemon that give this one some trouble. Infernape and Thundurus-I have an easy time resisting Scizor's dual STAB options. But with a +2 Technician boosted Quick Attack, they are threatened by a chance to OHKO. Bullet Punch deals with a Choice Scarf Gardevoir threat. And Bug Bite does a massive amount of damage to multiple Pokemon after a Swords Dance. All I have to do with this set is try my best to get chip on certain Pokemon with Stealth Rock or other attacks, and make sure Scizor does not take a Knock Off. That way, it keeps the damage output for Quick Attack to pick off the faster threats before they can cause me trouble. Infernape has access to set up moves in Nasty Plot and Swords Dance. And Thundurus-I threatens a double dance (2 boosting moves like Nasty Plot and Agility) and a Nasty Plot set. Bug Bite can also remove berries, which could be helpful.
Offensive Calcs:
- Outspeeds max speed Druddigon without boosting nature by 1 point.
- +2 216+ Atk Silk Scarf Technician Scizor Quick Attack vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Infernape: 222-262 (75.7 - 89.4%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
- 216+ Atk Technician Scizor Bullet Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Gardevoir: 300-354 (108.3 - 127.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
- +2 216+ Atk Silk Scarf Technician Scizor Quick Attack vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Thundurus: 225-265 (75.2 - 88.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
- +2 216+ Atk Technician Scizor Bullet Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Pidgeot-Mega: 252-297 (82 - 96.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
- +2 216+ Atk Technician Scizor Bug Bite vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Druddigon: 244-288 (68.1 - 80.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
- +2 216+ Atk Technician Scizor Bug Bite vs. 252 HP / 0+ Def Druddigon: 313-370 (87.4 - 103.3%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
- +2 216+ Atk Technician Scizor Bug Bite vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Lanturn: 486-573 (107 - 126.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
- +2 216+ Atk Technician Scizor Bug Bite vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Chansey: 418-493 (59.4 - 70.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
- +2 216+ Atk Technician Scizor Bullet Punch vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Gengar: 318-375 (121.3 - 143.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Defensive Calcs:
- 4 Atk Mold Breaker Druddigon Fire Punch vs. 168 HP / 4 Def Scizor: 252-300 (78 - 92.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
- 0 SpA Chansey Flamethrower vs. 168 HP / 0 SpD Scizor: 140-168 (43.3 - 52%) -- 10.5% chance to 2HKO
Ariel (Vaporeon) @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 16 Def / 240 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Wish
- Protect
- Heal Bell
I actually changed this set as I was writing the summary for Vaporeon. I took Nasty Plot Infernape into consideration. I can't let it get the free set up on me. Otherwise, it WILL sweep through my team. A Scald from Vaporeon will put Infernape into KO range for Quick Attack, or Bullet Punch even. Wish and Protect is pretty standard. I don't think I need to explain it. Heal Bell will be very useful against Chansey. It loves to paralyze and poison things with Thunder Wave and Toxic, respectively. This set takes a Fightinium Z Focus Bast and Grassium Z Grass Knot from Infernape. And it can even take a +2 Fightinium Z most of the time. Unfortunately, this means that I can't take on Choice Band and Life Orb Infernape quite as easily, but another Pokemon of mine can take a hit pretty well from it.
Offensive Calcs:
- 4 SpA Vaporeon Scald vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Infernape: 252-296 (86 - 101%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
- 4 SpA Vaporeon Scald vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Thundurus: 112-133 (37.4 - 44.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
- 4 SpA Vaporeon Scald vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Gengar: 118-141 (45 - 53.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
Defensive Calcs:
- 252 Atk Life Orb Infernape Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 16 Def Vaporeon: 321-380 (69.1 - 81.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
- 252 SpA Life Orb Thundurus Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 240+ SpD Vaporeon: 283-335 (60.9 - 72.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
- 252+ Atk Choice Band Golisopod Leech Life vs. 252 HP / 16 Def Vaporeon: 309-364 (66.5 - 78.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
- 252 Atk Life Orb Sheer Force Druddigon Thunder Punch vs. 252 HP / 16 Def Vaporeon: 387-458 (83.4 - 98.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
- 252 SpA Gardevoir Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 240+ SpD Vaporeon: 146-172 (31.4 - 37%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
- 252 SpA Pidgeot-Mega Hurricane vs. 252 HP / 240+ SpD Vaporeon: 139-165 (29.9 - 35.5%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
- 252 SpA Life Orb Gengar Sludge Wave vs. 252 HP / 240+ SpD Vaporeon: 153-181 (32.9 - 39%) -- 8.1% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
- 252 SpA Infernape Bloom Doom (160 BP) vs. 252 HP / 240+ SpD Vaporeon: 226-266 (48.7 - 57.3%) -- 44.9% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
- +2 252 SpA Infernape All-Out Pummeling (190 BP) vs. 252 HP / 240+ SpD Vaporeon: 399-471 (85.9 - 101.5%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO after Leftovers recovery
Spark Plug (Electivire) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Motor Drive
EVs: 200 HP / 72 Atk / 236 Spe
Lonely Nature
- Discharge
- Ice Punch
- Cross Chop
- Earthquake
The set's main purpose is meant to dish out damage and take hits too. I know I find myself using the same sets a lot, but I think this one works well in a lot of circumstances due to the way my draft team is by default. It stops something like Thundurus-I and Mega Pidgeot from running train through me. And to be fair, something Thundurus is just so hard to prep for, that you might as well run Assault Vest Electric type until people start getting wise and slapping on Hidden Power Ground onto their special attacking Electric powerhouses. So Discharge is there to help me chip down Pokemon like Mega Pidgeot and Golisopod. And remember, I mentioned that the only thing that is immune to Electric on Ryan's team is Volt Absorb Lanturn. But that doesn't really do much back to Electivire. And I have Earthquake for that thing. Earthquake also hits Infernape and Gengar. Ice Punch is good against Gourgeist and Druddigon. And of course Cross Chop is for the Chansey. I hate that big pink blob. The reason I went for Lonely nature over Naive was because this is an Assault Vest. Didn't really want to take away from Electivire's bulk.
Offensive Calcs:
- Outspeeds Timid max speed Gardevoir by 1 point.
- 72+ Atk Electivire Cross Chop vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Chansey: 266-314 (37.8 - 44.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
- 72+ Atk Electivire Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Gardevoir: 141-167 (50.9 - 60.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
- 72+ Atk Electivire Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Lanturn: 310-366 (68.2 - 80.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
- 72+ Atk Electivire Ice Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Pidgeot-Mega: 180-214 (58.6 - 69.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
- 72+ Atk Electivire Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Infernape: 264-312 (90.1 - 106.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
- 72+ Atk Electivire Earthquake vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Gengar: 304-358 (116 - 136.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
- 0 SpA Electivire Discharge vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Golisopod: 180-212 (61.8 - 72.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
- 72+ Atk Electivire Ice Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Thundurus: 202-238 (67.5 - 79.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
- 72+ Atk Electivire Ice Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Druddigon: 116-138 (32.4 - 38.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock
Defensive Calcs:
- 252 SpA Life Orb Thundurus Focus Blast vs. 200 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Electivire: 126-149 (36.9 - 43.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock
- 252 Atk Choice Band Infernape Mach Punch vs. 200 HP / 0- Def Electivire: 130-154 (38.1 - 45.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
- 252+ Atk Choice Band Golisopod Leech Life vs. 200 HP / 0- Def Electivire: 322-381 (94.4 - 111.7%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO | Can't take that. Good thing I have Vaporeon.
Dumbo (Donphan) @ Leftovers
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 248 HP / 4 Atk / 40 Def / 72 SpD / 144 Spe
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Ice Shard
- Rapid Spin
Here is my Stealth Rock setter and hazard removal for the match. I did not want to leave myself to open to a Thundurus sweep. It really is a tough Pokemon. Earthquake hits Lanturn, Gengar, and Infernape for some good damage. Even Gardevoir doesn't take it too well. Ice Shard can pick off a weakened foe, but it's main intent was to help take down the Thundurus before it destroys me with a Nasty Plot up. Just a big bulky tank, with some offensive presence. Nothing to see here...
Offensive Calcs:
- Outspeeds 4 Speed EV Lanturn by 1 point.
4 Atk Donphan Earthquake vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Gengar: 384-452 (146.5 - 172.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
4 Atk Donphan Ice Shard vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Pidgeot-Mega: 82-98 (26.7 - 31.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
4 Atk Donphan Ice Shard vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Thundurus: 90-108 (30.1 - 36.1%) -- 40% chance to 3HKO
4 Atk Donphan Ice Shard vs. 44 HP / 0 Def Gourgeist: 58-70 (20.5 - 24.8%) -- guaranteed 5HKO
4 Atk Donphan Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Lanturn: 390-462 (99.7 - 118.1%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO
4 Atk Donphan Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Lanturn: 390-462 (85.9 - 101.7%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
Defensive Calcs:
- 252 SpA Life Orb Gengar Shadow Ball vs. 248 HP / 72 SpD Donphan: 231-273 (60.3 - 71.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Life Orb Infernape Flare Blitz vs. 248 HP / 40+ Def Donphan: 165-195 (43 - 50.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Life Orb Druddigon Dragon Claw vs. 248 HP / 40+ Def Donphan: 133-157 (34.7 - 40.9%) -- 66.3% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Lanturn Scald vs. 248 HP / 72 SpD Donphan: 186-222 (48.5 - 57.9%) -- 54.3% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
The Aftermath
Here is the battle link: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/battl...ague-39049
Week 7: Toronto Maple Leafeons (AbruptFury) vs. Mesa Magcargos (Gingerxpug)
Team that Ryan brought: M-Pidgeot, Ditto, Thundurus-I, Golisopod, Gardevoir, Druddigon
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Match Summary and Explanations
- Since Kyurem-Black looked so good against Ryan, I decided to lead it. I figured he might go with Druddigon to set up his Stealth Rock; but instead, he sent out his Golisopod.
- I knew I could take any one hit and wanted to scout the set, since my switch-ins might get punished. I had also considered that he might just set up Spikes. I went for Substitute, as Golisopod lays into Kyurem with a powerful First Impression. I still have enough HP to get the Substitute up though, which is very good for me.
- Because his Golisopod hit so hard, I knew it had to be Choice Band. So I knew it couldn't attack again, since First Impression works similarly to Fake Out.
- I went for Ice Beam and hit the incoming Gardevoir with a critical hit.
- Gardevoir throws off a Moonblast and breaks my Substitute as Kyurem finishes it off with another Ice Beam. First blood goes to Kyurem-B. Pidgeot enters the battle.
- Since my Electivire has the Assault Vest, I know that it can tank anything from the Mega Pidgeot. So that's what I do, and I tank the Hurricane very well. However, Electivire is left with a confusion.
- I didn't want Electivire to beat itself down. I needed it to check the Thundurus-I. So I sent in my specially bulky Vaporeon to take another hit, but he switches into Druddigon.
- I knew that this would be the time that he would set up the Stealth Rock if he had it, so I switched my Pokemon yet again. This time, for Donphan. He does indeed set up his Stealth Rock.
- I went for my own Stealth Rock as he sent in Ditto.
- Ditto is able to remove my rocks since my Donphan also has the Rapid Spin, and I do the same to his.
- Since Ditto's PP for each move it copies when it Transforms is 5, I could easily stall him out of Rapid Spin and would inevitably get up my Stealth Rock. So that is what I do. But Ryan knows this as well, and brings back in the Golisopod.
- Ryan reads into my Vaporeon switch and goes for the Knock Off. It does a ton of damage. This is where I wish I had gone with a max defensive bulk Vaporeon again.
- A second hit from Golisopod is able to take down my Vaporeon, but not until after I go for Wish. I send out my Electivire to avenge it's fallen comrade.
- I went for Discharge as it was my way of hitting the Golisopod, but he switches into Druddigon to take the attack. Electivire is returned to max health.
- Ryan and I made the same sequence of plays where he sets up his rocks while I switch into Donphan, and Donphan sets up it's rocks as he switches to Ditto.
- This time, Ryan does not remove my rocks, but instead opts for his Mega Pidgeot, as I decided to switch into my Kyurem on what I was expecting to be the Rapid Spin. That way, I could get back some health through it's Leftovers as Ditto would be forced to switch while my side of the field was free of hazards.
- Made the safe play of going back into my Electivire on yet another Hurricane. This time, no confusion.
- Ryan switches out the Mega Pidgeot into Druddigon. I knew this was coming, so I went for Ice Punch and got some good damage off onto Druddigon.
- Unfortunately, Electivire took a good amount of chip from the combination of Rough Skin and Rocky Helmet.
- I didn't want to take anymore damage onto Electivire, so that I could still possibly bring it in on Thundurus. I switched out Electivire for Sawk knowing that it could take a hit, and easily get the KO back. Against anything really since it was a Choice Scarf set.
- I locked myself into Stone Edge feeling like that was the best move I could use against whatever he wanted to risk, but he just sacs the Druddigon. Sawk gets it's first kill of the season! Now, my entire team has at least one kill on every mon. I'm so proud! Ditto comes in and transforms into Sawk.
- I decided to go into Donphan to take the Close Combat or whatever else might KO my Sawk at the range it was at. It's a 3HKO.
- He expected the Earthquake and switches into Golisopod. But that's fine, I needed damage on it anyway. And it was indeed racking up thanks to the Stealth Rock.
- At this point, I pretty much knew I had to sac a mon. Kyurem-B, while having great coverage against his team, felt like the weakest link in my end game. So I sent it out and it actually survived the Choice Band Liquidation.
- I went for Fusion Bolt and caught the Thundurus-I with some big damage.
- Since Thundurus isn't a Z mon, Donphan didn't have much to fear when it came to being OHKO'd. I sent it out and it took a Dark Pulse decently well.
- Unless Ryan wanted to fodder it off later or try to remove the Stealth Rock with Ditto again, Thundurus would fall if it had to come in again. He just decides to let it go down to my Donphan's Ice Shard. Donphan nabs itself a kill. In comes Ditto. And this is actually what I was hoping for.
- At this point, everything is weakened and I wanted Ditto to face-off against my Donphan again. With good bulk on my Scizor, I knew it could take hits easily from my own 4 Attack EV Donphan. Yet another year that I trolled Ditto with my own team make-up.
- I send in my Scizor as Ditto locks itself into Rapid Spin.
- Free Swords Dance for me. Ryan brings in his Golisopod.
- He switches back into Ditto to try and take the Scizor on, but it's too late. Boosted Technician Bug Bite takes out the Ditto from half health. One kill for Scizor. Here comes Mega Pidgeot.
- Mega Pidgeot gets taken out of the sky by a Bullet Punch. Two kills for Scizor. Last mon standing is Golisopod.
- Scizor, being naturally faster than Golisopod, has no problem outspeeding and finishing it off with a Bug Bite. Scizor took out half of Ryan's team and won the game for the Toronto Maple Leafeons! We are now 6-1. We have won half of our regular season matches!
In Conclusion
Good game to you, @GingerxPug. I know you weren't too confident about your chances going in since you kind of threw your team together last minute, but I think you still posed a threat. Like you said after the battle, First Impression or Knock Off would've taken out the Kyurem and made things a little easier on your Thundurus and/or other pokes. Or it would've closed the differential at least, which is definitely true. Figuring out that the Golisopod was Choice Band did help make the match easier, since I knew you had to switch after you used it. That thing certainly did some damage though, I must say. I thought without it's item, Vaporeon would survive the second hit. I did get a little bit shaken up after I lost my defensive backbone.
I'm so glad that my heat set put in some work! I didn't take out what I was hoping to with it, but I know it would've been able to have done the job. It just would've been really satisying watching an Infernape or Thundurus-I go down to a Scizor. Don't you agree? My Pokemon are all looking to be serving their purpose on the team, even if they haven't become that useful until this point. Or haven't stood out as much as the top mons on my team. I think they all have a job they can do. I can't see myself making many more changes leading up to playoffs. But it's hard to say when there are so many good mons on the market.
Hey! What About Week 8?
My opponent for the hype week that is week 8 unfortunately dropped due to personal issues with balancing school, life, and Pokemon. I can't really blame him for choosing the formers. I wish him luck in his future, and hope that he might join us for another season of draft league should his schedule start to open up more.
I decided to give the kills to Sylveon and Kyurem-Black, since they are two of my best offensive MVPs. sorry, Electivire
I will see you all for week 9, where I will be taking on Bruno. He is a fellow Canadian, and a one-time playoffs qualifier in the PFA/NBA in his debut season. The last time we battled, he ended up beating me. And he was the only game loss that the near-undefeated Orlando Magikarp took. So yeah, he's pretty good. I'm hoping that I can take a game off of him this time and cement myself at the top of the leaderboard going into the playoffs. Stay tuned.
