LA Queens have secured their spot in the inaugural 2026 WPBL Championship series after a thrilling 15-11 victory over the New York Heights in a decisive Game 3 on Monday. The Queens’ captain, Ashton Lansdell, led the charge with a standout performance, hitting both a home run and a double, and driving in four runs to propel her team forward.
The contest began with both leaders setting an aggressive tone. Lansdell opened the scoring with a three-run homer, only for New York’s captain, Denae Benites, to respond immediately with a two-run shot of her own in the first inning, signaling a high-scoring affair.
LA then seized momentum in the third inning, igniting a pivotal rally. Caitlin Eynon kicked off the frame with a solo home run to center field. Following that, Isabella Villareal doubled in a run before Ayuri Shimano etched her name in league history by hitting the first postseason grand slam ever recorded in the WPBL. This sequence established a commanding seven-run lead for the Queens.
New York Heights Fight Back to Level the Score
The Heights, however, showed resilience and refused to surrender. They chipped away at the deficit during the third and fourth innings and then unleashed a potent five-run outburst in the fifth. This rally was highlighted by Kylee Lahners, who delivered a crucial three-run homer that tied the game and reignited New York’s hopes.
As the scoreline deadlocked, Queens’ manager Eric Young made a strategic move by bringing in starter Ayami Sato from the bullpen. Sato responded impressively by retiring the side in order, stabilizing the game for LA at a critical juncture.
LA Queens Extend Lead to Seal WPBL Semifinal Victory
The decisive moments came in the sixth inning when the Queens capitalized on four unearned runs, aided by a combination of four walks, to pull away from the Heights. This offensive surge proved insurmountable, allowing LA to clinch the series and punch their ticket to the championship round.