(Disclosure: Rose Law Group represents BLW.)
By Brett Caladie | BLW Blogs
The inaugural Big League Wiffle regular season has officially wrapped up, and it could not have ended with much more drama. Playoff spots, playoff seeding, and plenty of pride were all on the line during the final week of the season. Every game had something at stake, and by the end of the night, the six teams competing for the first ever BLW summer season championship were finally decided.
The day opened with the Atlanta Ballers taking on the Las Vegas Scorpions. Atlanta needed a win to keep its playoff hopes alive, while Las Vegas was looking to improve its position in the standings. It turned into a classic pitchers duel between Sawyer Behen and the Ballers’ number one overall draft pick, Cael Foreman. Foreman has been one of the most consistent pitchers in the league all season, and once again gave Atlanta every chance to win. Unfortunately for the Ballers, one swing was all it took as Konner Jaso launched a solo home run that proved to be the difference. Behen made the lead stand up, giving the Scorpions a hard fought 1-0 victory while ending Atlanta’s playoff hopes.
The next game featured the Chicago Bats and Arizona Saguaros with both teams entering the day at 1 and 3. It was simple. Win and stay alive. Lose and your season is over. Chicago came out swinging and put together one of its best offensive performances of the season while Keaton Kimmel was outstanding on the mound. The Bats picked up a huge win to keep their playoff hopes alive while Arizona’s season came to an end.
The ESPN Plus slate kicked off with the Dallas Pandas facing the Atlanta Ballers. Atlanta was playing for pride while Dallas needed a win to keep its postseason hopes alive. The Pandas offense continued to stay hot behind Luke Rose, who might be the hottest hitter in the league. Ben Dulin added a late home run to help seal the game, and Jaxson Blum turned in a strong outing on the mound as Dallas earned a crucial victory.
Next up was the New York Green Apples taking on the Arizona Saguaros. Arizona was looking to finish the season on a high note, while New York had its eyes set on improving its playoff seeding. Fans were treated to an outstanding pitchers duel as James Kline made his debut on the mound for the Green Apples and looked right at home. Brice Clark was just as impressive for Arizona, keeping the game close throughout. The game eventually went into extra innings where New York finally broke through to secure another important win.
The second to last game of the night may have been the biggest one of the entire regular season as the Chicago Bats and Dallas Pandas battled with both teams fighting for a playoff spot. Ryan O’Rear delivered the biggest swing of the game with a three run home run that helped lift Chicago to victory and officially punched the Bats’ ticket to the postseason. Even with the loss, Dallas had done enough throughout the season to earn a playoff spot and clinch their way into the postseason.
The regular season wrapped up with a battle for the number two seed between the Las Vegas Scorpions and New York Green Apples. With a first round bye on the line, both teams had plenty to play for. Will Smithey was excellent on the mound for New York and also drove in a run at the plate. Gus Skibbe came through with a big RBI triple that helped give the Green Apples the lead as New York secured the win and locked up the number two seed heading into the playoffs.
