Palm Springs, Calif. – The Washington Blue Sox and Alberta Grizzly rode their offense to wins on Division Championship Saturday at the California Winter League (CWL). The Blue Sox and Grizzly will play for the championship on Sunday.
In the American Division, the No. 1 Washington Blue Sox defeated the No. 2 Oregon Lumberjacks 7-4 to extend their win streak to 14 games. In the International Division, the No. 2 Alberta Grizzly overwhelmed the No. 1 British Columbia Bombers for an upset 9-4 win.
American Division Championship
No. 2 Oregon Lumberjacks @ No. 1 Washington Blue Sox
The Lumberjacks opened the scoring in the top of the first with a Nickelas Atkins RBI single. The Blue Sox answered right back with three runs in the second on hits from Nick Gonzalez, Jeffrey Morton and Taylor Maldonado. Washington scored four more runs in the fifth inning with three hits and three walks. Diante Jackson totaled an RBI single. Blue Sox’s starting pitcher Roger Motley III twirled 6.2 innings with six strikeouts to earn the victory. The Lumberjacks battled back in the seventh inning, scoring two runs on a walk and a Noah Arreloa double. The game-tying run reached base but Blue Sox pitcher David Reckers secured the win with a bases-loaded game-ending strikeout. Gonzalez led the way for the Blue Sox with two hits. Washington’s 7-4 win is their 14th straight victory after starting the season with two losses.
International Division Championship
No. 2 Alberta Grizzly @ No. 1 British Columbia Bombers
The Alberta Grizzly pounded the British Columbia Bombers early and cruised to a 9-4 victory. After chipping across a run in the second inning the Grizzly batted around and then some in the third frame for eight runs on nine hits. Adam Green started the inning with a base hit, Clayton Loranger doubled and a Ben Gbur double knocked both runners home. The hit parade continued through the lineup with the Grizzly sending 13 batters to the plate. Brendan Knoll set the tone on the hill for the Grizzly working a no-hitter into the fifth inning. He finished his outing allowing just one hit with no earned runs allowed and five strikeouts. The Bombers scored four runs in the sixth, the key hit on a bases clearing Evan Lorey triple. Alberta’s Remy Heckman pitched the final three outs from the mound in the seventh to send the Grizzly to the championship. Gbur finished the day with a team best three hits and three RBI.
The American Division champs Washington Blue Sox face the International Division champs Alberta Grizzly for the California Winter League championship on Sunday at Noon from Palm Springs Stadium. Tickets will be available for purchase at the stadium box office starting at 11:30 AM.
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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.
Fans can buy tickets every gameday at the stadium box office. Palm Springs Stadium is located at 1901 E Baristo Road in Palm Springs. Fans can also tune in on the California Winter League YouTube to watch every 2024 stadium game live.
For more information, visit californiawinterleague.com or call (760) 778-4487.
