2025 35+

San Diego Knights 4, Sacramento Rays 1

‘Knights Surpass 600 Wins All-Time on the Way to 2025 35+ Championship’

Submitted by Britton Scheibe, manager

Coming into this tournament the Knights all-time record stood at 597-233-9, only three wins away from 600 all-time. After losing a tight game in the opener 3-2, the team rallied for five victories in a row with win #600 coming in the quarterfinals with a 4-0 victory over the Minnesota Skeeters. Benn Bruff tossed the complete game shutout in 1 hour and 50 minutes.

In the championship game, the Knights faced the Sacramento Rays whom they had defeated 10-0 in pool play. But on this Monday, it was cold and windy and runs were going to be at a premium.

The Knights opened the scoring in the bottom of the second. After Nick Nunez was hit by a pitch loading the bases with two outs, manager Britton Scheibe hit the first pitch over the right fielder for a 3-RBI double. Lee Stoops drove in a run in the third to give the Knights a 4-0 lead.

The Knight’s starting pitcher was 55-year-old John Wagner. Notorious for starting and winning championship games, this was no different. Wagner kept the Rays bats at bay and held a 4-1 lead going into the ninth. With the tying run at the plate, Wagner got the last batter to fly out to right to end it.

Also of note, Tommy Hays went 3-4, Sean Moran was 2-4, and Kevin Loudat was 2-3. Wagner pitched a complete game, surrendering no earned runs.

The pitching staff had a 0.69 ERA over the six games and the Knights outscored their opponents, 46-9.

The title game was win #602 overall, and the 26^th All-Time championship for the Knights!