Two totally different games were played in the German Finals this weekend at the Weyersberg Ballpark in Solingen. The Solingen Alligators won game one 2-1 in 12 innings thanks to a leadoff walk-off home run in the bottom of the third extra frame by Tanner Leighton.
Philip Schulz had scored the run for Heidenheim in the fifth; Markus Stryczek tied the contest two innings later following a lengthy rain delay. Luke Sommer and Harry Glynne were locked into a pitcher’s duel.
Observers spoke about one of the best games in the history of the German Baseball-Bundesliga following the contest due to the quality of pitching and defense in combination with the high intensity.
On Sunday the Heidekoepfe dominated a 9-0 shutout. Tyler Lockwood and Johannes Krumm, who had served the pitch to Leighton the day before, kept the Alligators to three hits and four walks. Only Moritz Buttgereit was able to get past first base. James McOwen led the offense of Heidenheim with five hits, four RBI and a bases clearing triple.
Games three and four will be played next weekend in Heidenheim.
Photo by Gregor Eisenhuth