The New York Heights kept their WPBL championship hopes alive by securing a 9-7 victory over the LA Queens in Game 2 of their semifinal series on Saturday. This crucial win evened the best-of-three matchup at 1-1 after the Queens dominated the opening game with a 10-3 triumph.
Facing elimination, the Heights mounted a determined comeback, setting the stage for a decisive Game 3 that will determine who advances to the 2026 WPBL championship series.
New York Battles LA in Win-or-Go-Home WPBL Playoff Game
New York’s offensive surge was sparked by co-home run leader Denae Benites, whose two-run homer in the third inning gave the Heights an early lead. Claire O’Sullivan also contributed significantly with an RBI double in the first inning and maintained a consistent threat throughout the game. Meanwhile, Natsuki Yonetani kept the pressure on LA’s defense with back-to-back hits, fueling New York’s momentum.
Despite falling behind, the Queens fought back fiercely. Pinch hitter Ayuri Shimano delivered a two-RBI single in the fifth inning that narrowed the gap, and Sarah Edwards extended her impressive hitting streak to 11 games, keeping Los Angeles within striking distance as the contest progressed.
The tension peaked in the ninth inning when O’Sullivan and Keira Izumi hit consecutive home runs off closer Meggie Meidlinger, effectively sealing the victory for the Heights and forcing the series into a winner-take-all game.
The upcoming Game 3, scheduled for Monday at 7:30 PM ET and broadcast live on ESPN+, will decide which team advances to challenge the San Francisco Firebells for the WPBL title.