Palm Springs, Calif. – The California Winter League opened its 16th season Thursday with some thrilling matches at Palm Springs Stadium.
BLUE SOX: 2 – TEAM CHINA: 1
The Blue Sox took the first game of the 2025 CWL season in a low-scoring duel with Team China, 2-1. China got up early to a 1-0 lead thanks to an RBI single from Li Yuyang, scoring a leadoff walk issued by Blue Sox starter Clayton Warner. Team China’s three-pitcher crew combined for 15 strikeouts, including six straight from starter Suo Xudi. No runs plated until the bottom of the sixth, when a timely go-ahead two-RBI single from catcher Allen Goodwin. Aoi Nakaza closed the door in the next frame for a Blue Sox victory, despite having half as many hits on the day as their opponent.
POWER: 11 – GRIZZLY: 6
The Palm Springs Power used an eight run sixth inning to come from behind and beat the Alberta Grizzly 11-6 on Opening Day. Each team scored a pair of runs in the first inning, including the first homerun of the 2025 CWL season by Assaf Lowengart to lead off the bottom of the first inning. The Grizzly took the lead with a run on an RBI single by Matthew Fabian in the third and then added three more runs in the fourth inning to take a 6-3 lead. That lead held until the sixth inning when the Power sent twelve men to the plate, scoring eight runs to flip the score and take an 11-6 lead. David Reckers (1-0) picked up the win for the Power after working a scoreless sixth, while Daniel Clark (0-1) took the loss.
A’s: 11 – BOMBERS: 4
The Canada A’s took a decisive 11-4 win over the British Columbia Bombers.The A’s took charge early over the Bombers, having scored in the first four innings of the contest. The bottom of the A’s lineup did a majority of the heavy lifting, turning out three runs in both the second and third inning that propelled their momentum, despite an early active Bombers offense that cooled off after the fourth inning. The A’s batted through their lineup in the sixth, prompting the Bombers to give position-player-turned-pitcher Mandala Bertino a mound opportunity, where he faced only four batters and escaped unscathed.
CHILL: 3 – TEAM CHINA: 4
Team China walked off the Palm Springs Chill in the final game of day one, winning 4-3 in the bottom of the seventh inning. Both China and the Chill saw solid performances from their starters who threw three innings each with Wang Xiang hurling three shutout innings and Ryan Schroeder allowing just one run over three. China took the first lead in the bottom of the third with Yang Jin scoring. The Chill went on to score and eventually broke the tie with a two run sixth inning thanks to a pair of China miscues. Jarrett Burney reached on a dropped third strike and scored on a throwing error. Ethan Martini singled and scored that inning as well, sending China into the seventh down one. Du Nan and Zhou Dong both reached to start the inning for China and Zhang Ming Xin was the hero. The first baseman drove a double to right centerfield and a throwing error allowed both runs to score, winning the game 4-2. Zhou Jie was the winning pitcher and Johansel Gomez took the loss.
Join us this Friday for Canada Day where all Canadian residents get in for just $5!
Saturday January 25th is Rancho Mirage Day at Palm Springs Stadium! All residents of Rancho Mirage will receive free admission, a hotdog, and soft drink. There will also be a special giveaway for the first 200 Rancho Mirage residents that arrive.
Fans can also tune in on the California Winter League YouTube to watch every 2025 stadium game live.
The California Winter League is the longest running professional showcase league of its kind. Since its inaugural season in 2010, the CWL has seen over 850 of its players sign professional contracts. Each year, it is the premier destination for free agent baseball players who are looking to be scouted and signed.
Stay up-to-date with the California Winter League at californiawinterleague.com or by following the CWL on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Palm Springs Stadium is located at 1901 E Baristo Road in Palm Springs.
For more information, visit californiawinterleague.com or call (760) 778-4487.
