If Wednesday night is any indication, the first inaugural WPBL season will be a good one.
Despite falling behind 6-2 after three innings, largely due to a grand slam off the bat of San Francisco’s Amanda Gianelloni, the Los Angeles Queens rallied back thanks to a 15-hit performance to beat the top-seeded Firebells 7-6.
Queens DH-turned-pitcher Jamie Mackay earned the win, entering the game in the second inning and only giving up two runs on four hits with five strikeouts and one walk in 5.2 innings. At the plate, L.A. was led by shortstop Cailtin Eynon, who went 3-for-3 with two RBIs and a run scored, as well as Ashton Lansdell, who hit an RBI double to score Mo’ne Davis to tie the game in the sixth inning. Enyon’s sac fly later in the sixth ended up being the game winner.
Game 2 will hit the field at Robin Roberts Stadium tonight in Springfield, Ill.
For any fans lucky enough to attend in person, the first 250 people through the gates will receive a WPBL Championship bucket hat. Before the game on Wednesday, WPBL commissioner Justine Seigal unveiled the WPBL Championship Cup, which is forged in history and symbolism.