CALIFORNIA WINTER LEAGUE IGNITES 2026 SEASON WITH ACTION-PACKED OPENING DAY
Palm Springs, Calif. – The 2026 California Winter League (CWL) officially roared to life on Thursday, January 22nd, as players from around the globe descended upon the historic Palm Springs Stadium to launch a new season of elite professional showcase baseball. The day featured a full four-game slate of high-stakes competition, marking the debut of the league’s landmark broadcast partnership with the Bally’s Sports Live App.
The CWL started off on Thursday with a matchup between the reigning champion Washington Blue Sox and the Paul Noce led Canada A’s which held the league’s second best record in 2025. From the first pitch, the Blue Sox proved that they are ready to defend the title. Ben Des Rosiers started on the mound for Washington while Noce turned to Atsushi Kataoka. Des Rosiers was impressive, allowing just one hit over four one run innings, striking out seven A’s. Kataoka got hit hard, being taken out after the first, and the Blue Sox did not let up for the next six innings. The Blue Sox had impressive performances up and down the lineup with returning players, Parker Depasquale and AJ Karosas reaching base a combined six times and scoring five of the Blue Sox 16 runs. Kataoka was given the loss and Des Rosier took home his first win as the Blue Sox took home their first win of the season 16-2 over the A’s. Next up the Blue Sox take on the Grizzly on Friday at 10 a.m. and the A’s will play the Power at 12:30 on Saturday with both games at Palm Springs Stadium.
The second game of the day saw the Palm Springs Power collect three outs in sudden death to earn a win over the British Columbia Bombers after the score was tied at 4-4 through seven innings. The Power jumped out to an early lead and notched four runs in the second inning. Center fielder Tommy Barth’s double to second base poured three runs in. Shortstop Emilio Barrera, third baseman Grayson Moeller both singled. Sawyer Stidham and Jason Leon were hit by pitches. The Bombers fought back with runs in the first, second, and third innings. A solo home run from Will Cell tied the game 4-4. In sudden death, Power pitcher Cade Flaherty collected three outs to give Palm Springs a win.
The second auxiliary field game of the day featured two new managers in the CWL. Kyle Gaedelle and the Oregon Lumberjacks took on Gary Templeton Jr.’s Palm Springs Chill with Gaedelle taking the first round of this matchup 9-4. It was a rough first inning for both teams as Justin Charles who started for the Chill and Garrett Deyoung for the Jacks each allowed three runs in the first while both pitchers became more efficient as the game went, Oregon continued a steady offensive output after the long first. The Lumberjacks scored in five of the six offensive innings they played, with all but one of their starters reaching base. Deyoung finished four solid innings with four runs, three of which were earned and was credited with the win while Charles received the loss. The Chill will get a chance at their first win on Friday at 12:30 p.m. at Palm Springs Stadium when they face the British Columbia Bombers. Oregon gets a day off before a rematch with the Chill at the stadium on Saturday at 10:00 a.m.
The Manitoba North Stars stormed back for a 7-6 win in sudden death on the first day of the 2026 season. Outfielder Cam Suto scored the winning run during sudden death. The day did not start smoothly for the North Stars, as the Grizzly jumped out to a 6-0 lead. In the first inning, Joseph Eichelberger had an RBI single. In the third inning, Evan Tondera and Alec Gonzalez had scored after a double and a single, respectively. Down 6-0 after six, Manitoba used a six-run inning to tie the game. Kota Takeuchi ripped a three-run double to left field to help the cause. In sudden death, Nathan Lai delivered his fourth hit for the North Stars to bring in Cam Suto and win the game. Alberta starter Kyle Moore started the game and went 5.2 innings without giving up a run. The North Stars wins put their record at 1-0, while Alberta’s loss dropped the team to 0-1.
The CWL will be back in action at Palm Springs Stadium this Friday with Canada Day, where all Canadian residents get in the ballpark for just $5!
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Fans can also catch every 2026 stadium game live on the Bally Sports Live App, ensuring supporters can follow the action from anywhere.
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 950 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.
