2021 Team USA Dethrones Marlins in Championship Series Sweep at Antelope Valley (CA) MABL

Antelope Valley (CA) MABL

Team USA 18, Marlins 17 (Game two in championship series sweep)

Submitted by Bryce Kirsch

Team USA pulled through the hottest season, while sometimes playing in 110+ degree weather. With 12 men on the roster, we worked hard together to stay healthy and hydrated. Every team played well this year and made it a difficult path to get to playoffs.

I want to acknowledge our starting pitcher Hunter Wheeler along with his catcher Brandon Carbonel (our only catcher) for starting every game and going above and beyond to help the team pull through, keeping morale up, and being true team players.

To defeat the Marlins after a 6-year run is a major accomplishment and we have much respect for them. The championship game was a doubleheader. The first game was a nail-biter, with us winning in the bottom of the 10th inning, 3-2. The second game was a back-and-forth battle, with us winning once again in 10 innings, 18-17. As you can see, we had our work cut out for us.

We want to thank the league for letting us play through pandemic restrictions and keeping everything safe for the coaches, umpires, and players throughout the year.