2017 Epic Bombers Win Inaugural 17+ Weekday Title in Southern Wisconsin

Epic Bombers 7, Madison Rockers 5

‘Kalnajs Leads the Way on the Hill’

The Epic Bombers, led by Aaron Heerhold in their 10th season of existence, brought home their second league championship, winning the inaugural MABL of Southern Wisconsin 17+ Weeknight crown with a 7-5 victory over their rival, Madison Rockers.

The Bombers jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the top of the first with a one-out walk to Josh McDearmon and singles by the next two hitters, which loaded the bases for Bombers veteran Ian Smith who cleared them with an opposite field triple. Seth Braddock and German Lopez each added RBI singles to wrap up the five-run frame.

With their opponent immediately on their heels and reeling, the Bombers turned to staff ace Kon Kalnajs who struck out 11 and gave up two earned runs in the complete game victory. On the season, Kalnajs finished with over a strikeout per inning (highlighted by a 5-inning, 14-strikeout performance in one appearance) and was a key part of the championship run.

The Bombers wrapped their championship season at 9-3. The team received solid offensive efforts from several guys with six players finishing the season batting over .300. Ben Walgenbach led the team with an astounding .526 average and eight RBI and Yuki Kawahara was close behind hitting .522 with four triples and eight steals. Kawahara led the league in triples and steals and was second in runs with 14.