2026 Coyotes Dominate Sea Donkeys for ‘Back to Back’ 18+ Titles in Twin Cities MABL
Twin Cities MABL, 18+ Division
Coyotes 14, Sea Donkeys 5
Submitted by Hans Heggerness, manager
For the second consecutive season, the Coyotes captured the TCMABL 18+ League Championship, defeating the Minneapolis Sea Donkeys 14-5 on August 23 at Rich Vanderlaan Field at Alimagnet Park. The victory gave the Coyotes their seventh 18+ League Championship in franchise history, cementing another championship season for one of the most successful clubs in the TCMABL.
The 2026 title also marked the Coyotes’ seventh championship and their sixth in the last 10 years. The Coyotes went back-to-back following their 7-0 victory over the Sea Donkeys in the 2025 championship game.
The Yotes entered the postseason after another dominant regular season, finishing 17-5 and tied for the best record in the 18+ National Division. Cottage Grove scored 128 runs while allowing just 58, finishing with a +70 run differential and going 9-1 at home in the regular season.
Once the playoffs arrived, the Coyotes once again showed why they belong at the top of the league.
A Balanced Offensive Attack…The Coyotes offense was led by a combination of veteran leadership, emerging stars, and a lineup that consistently put pressure on opposing pitching.
Jason Eddy led the way statistically, batting .477 in 65 at-bats (4 HR, 6 2B, 31 H, 25 RBI) and establishing himself as one of the most dangerous hitters in the league. Charlie Bartholomew was right behind him, hitting .431 in 72 at-bats (31 H, 2 2B, 14 R), while catcher Dylan Giglio continued his development into one of the league’s premier young players, hitting .385 in 65 at-bats (25 H, 16 R, 20 SB).
Other strong offense contributors include veterans Austin Jerylo, who hit .357 (.512 OBP, 10 H, 10 BB) and Matt Ruben finished at .333 (18 H, 14 R, 3 2B). Veteran shortstop Hans Heggernes battled back from a broken knee in week one and contributed a .326 average (15 H, 9 R), while Tony Mueller hit .322 (19 H, 1 HR, 1 3B, 5 2B, 18 RBI), Adam Olson (.314 AVG, 11 H, 3 2B) and Spencer Scott (.283 AVG, 1 3B, 6 2B, 14 SB).
Chris Fleming (.468 OBP), Mike Lippert (.381 OBP), Adam DeVore (.276 OBP), Michael Hietpas (.364 OBP) and David Eddy (.300 AVG), rounded out the team’s top statistical hitters. The Yotes’ only rookie in 2026 proved to be a perfect fit; infielder Brad Goulet hit .338 with 1 HR, 4 2B, and 19 RBI.
The depth of the Coyotes lineup once again proved to be one of the team’s biggest strengths. Up and down the order, the Yotes had players capable of reaching base, moving runners, delivering big hits and changing the game with their speed.
Another Dominant Season on the Mound…The Coyotes pitching staff was every bit as impressive as the offense.
Matt Grill led the pitching staff, finishing 6-0 with a 0.54 ERA and 35 strikeouts. Grill’s ability to consistently limit opposing offenses gave the Yotes a reliable weapon every time he took the mound.
Playoff MVP Austin Jerylo was nearly as dominant, finishing 6-1 with a 1.46 ERA and 20 strikeouts. Jason Eddy posted a 3-1 record with a 2.15 ERA and 32 strikeouts, while Alex Kreiling added a 3-2 record with a 3.39 ERA and 24 strikeouts.
Together, the staff helped Cottage Grove hold opponents to just 58 runs over 22 regular-season games, an average of only 2.6 runs per game.
It was another season in which the Coyotes could beat teams with their bats, their gloves or their pitching — and usually all three.
The Road to Back-to-Back Championships…After finishing 17-5 and earning a first-round playoff bye, the Coyotes opened their postseason on August 16 against the Stillwater Saints. Matt Grill picked up the Win going eight innings, allowing 2 ER and striking out 5. Next up were the Twin Cities Giants.
Division Championship — Coyotes 1, Giants 0…Matt Grill toed the rubber again and outpitched Giants ace Noah Danner in what was a pitcher’s duel from start to finish.
Cottage Grove managed to scratch across the only run of the game while the Coyotes pitching staff and defense did the rest. The Yotes shut out the Giants 1-0, punching their ticket to the TCMABL Championship Game for the second consecutive season.
With the win, the Coyotes advanced to a championship rematch against the Minneapolis Sea Donkeys.
Championship Game — Coyotes 14, Sea Donkeys 5…For the second year in a row, the TCMABL championship came down to the Coyotes and Sea Donkeys.
And once again, Cottage Grove came out on top.
The Sea Donkeys entered the championship game after another outstanding regular season, finishing 19-3 and leading the 18+ American Division. Their offense had been one of the league’s most productive all season, scoring 212 runs, while their pitching staff had also been among the league’s best.
With the championship on the line, Austin Jerlyo dominated on the mound (9 IP, CG), and the Coyotes’ offense proved too much.
Cottage Grove erupted for 14 runs, pulling away from Minneapolis and ultimately securing a 14-5 victory.
The win was especially significant given the history between these two clubs. The Sea Donkeys had defeated the Coyotes in the 2024 championship game, while Cottage Grove responded by beating the Donks in the 2025 championship game.
One year later, the rivalry produced another championship showdown — and another Coyotes celebration.
The final out sent the Yotes popping champagne as they celebrated their seventh TCMABL 18+ championship and second straight league title.
And the Yotes aren’t done adding to them…