Los Angeles Queens Faced Off Against the New York Heights During WPBL’s Inaugural Game
It started off as a rainy affair. However, the first professional women’s baseball game in 70 years still brought some action-packed heat! The Los Angeles Queens faced off against the New York Heights during the WPBL’s inaugural game on August 1.
The Women’s Professional Baseball League’s first matchup of the season took place in Springfield, Illinois. At the historic Robin Roberts Stadium before a sold out crowd. The WPBL confirmed that the entire season will be played at Robin Roberts including the playoffs later this month.
Nonetheless, after the rain delay finally ended at long last, the Queens and Heights took to the field. A very nice touch is that the first pitch was thrown out by ninety-nine-year-old baseball pioneer Maybelle Blair. Blair is former pitcher for the 1948 Peoria Redwings in the historic All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.
However, what went on during the game? Well, in the first inning, Mo’ne Davis shone bright from the very start. Los Angeles’ first round pick had the honor of being the FIRST batter in the inaugural season and WPBL inaugural game. After taking a strike, Davis on the second pitch made it to first. Third baseman Ashton Lansdell worked a walk then Maggie Foxx knocks one deep into the outfield allowing Davis and Lansdell to trot home. The Queens take an early lead 2-0.
In the bottom of the first, the Heights immediately got to work to mount a comeback. Short stop Valerie Perez, right fielder Natsuki Yonetani and catcher Denae Benites took first, second and third. Thanks to back-to-back-to-back hits. Then the Heights SOARED. Designated hitter Kylee Lahners blasts one to centerfield, it looks like it will get out but falls JUST shy of homer territory inside the back fence. But this still allows some damage to be done. The Heights tie up the game, 2-2.
But New York is not done. A hit from center fielder Jaida Lee and sac-fly from third baseman Madison Willan allows the Heights to take a quick 2-4 lead. New York tacks on one more run (2-5) with another sac fly from left fielder Diana Ibarra. Los Angeles would finally stop the bleeding turning a double play to end the inning.
Los Angeles Queens Faced Off Against the New York Heights During WPBL’s Inaugural Game
Yes, all that action was just the first inning! But plenty more is still on the way. In the second, New York continues to go to new Heights. Yonetani hits a double then teammate Benites knocks her in with a double of her own. It is now 2-6.
New York keeps their scoring carousel going. Kylee Lahners blasts another one deep to right field bringing Benites home. The Heights lead 2-7.
Los Angeles had some spurts of life. However, nothing like in the first inning. That is till the top of the fourth. The Queens work two back-to-back walks with no outs. Then second baseman Amira Honduras smokes one to centerfield. Two runs score. The Queens are coming back, it’s 4-7.
But the Heights would continue to apply the pressure. And make some additional history. New York catcher Denae Benites hits the first home run in WPBL history! She obliterates one right to centerfield. It is now 4-8.
Heights Versus Queens Inaugural WPBL Game
But hold up. Stop every single press. Los Angeles says hold our hotdogs and beer. They score two runs in the sixth and then with their backs up against the wall they do the unthinkable. Down to their last out in the top of the seventh, the LA Queens tack on 4 MORE RUNS!
The Heights are unable to answer back in the bottom of the seventh. Therefore, the Los Angeles Queens win the first game in the history of the WPBL. What a game and what a start to this league and season!
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