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The Stuttgart Reds have clinched the playoffs in the German Baseball-Bundesliga for the first time in team history. They celebrated 4-3 and 6-3 wins on the road against the Mannheim Tornados on Saturday to secure a spot in the quarterfinals. Jonathan Wagner, who had transferred from Mannheim to Stuttgart last winter, hit a pair of home runs in the doubleheader, including a decisive tie-breaking shot in the ninth inning of game one.
Meanwhile the Haar Disciples are in the pole position to take the fourth spot in the south following 13-12 and 24-0 wins over the Tubingen Hawks. They will square off with the Tornados at home in Munich next weekend. Game one was a thrilling back and forth affair, which was decided by a bases loaded walk in the tenth. Game two was highlighted by the cycle of Joey Dyche, who drove in eight.
In the north the Solingen Alligators secured first place with 16-4 and 4-3 wins over the Untouchables Paderborn. Tanner Leighton had five hits in game one. Daniel Sanchez scored twice in game two. The last game day of the regular season will be played next weekend. The quarterfinals start on July 19.