With only three losses the entire season and six straight wins to finish their campaign, the Washington Blue Sox dominated their way to a second straight California Winter League (CWL) title by beating the British Columbia Bombers 14-3 on Sunday.
With a beautiful, party cloudy forecast over Palm Springs Stadium, the Blue Sox crushed 14 hits on the way to a big win over the Canadian division’s Bombers. Washington’s offense dropped four runs in the second inning and the third inning. Shortstop Bubba Thompson totaled six RBI, and cleared the bases in the third inning with a double. Former Grinnell standout Ethan Crawford had two hits for Washington and finished with three RBI. Overall, two hitters in the Blue Sox lineup had six at-bats and three hitters had five at-bats, marking a long day for the Bombers’ pitching staff.
In a nine inning game that lasted three hours and six minutes, Washington (16-3) reliever AJ Moreno showed out as one of the best pitchers on the mound. In a win, Moreno completed four innings for the Blue Sox, allowing just two runs to cross. The Bombers (10-9) used several arms, but starter and former North Star Jordan Riley allowed six runs, a team high. Former A’s reliever Dominick Castillo pitched three innings for the Bombers, a game high for the pitching staff.
The Bombers put together a slight two-run rally in the sixth inning when Jack Halloran reached on an error and brought home shortstop Mason Baronian. After a sac fly off the bat of Jeffrey Reseigh, Shane Skelly was put out by the Blue Sox defense when trying to advance to second, foreshadowing a worsening margin against the Bombers. The Blue Sox added two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, then scored two runs in the seventh inning and one run in the eighth inning.
The 2026 CWL season concludes after a thrilling three weeks in the Coachella Valley. As of February 15, over 30 players have been signed to independent baseball leagues and teams across the country. The Frontier League, Pioneer League, USPBL, American Association, Atlantic League and more are interested and have signed players from this year’s CWL talent pool. Stay up to date with future signings from this season and all offseason news on californiawinterleague.com and on the league’s Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
–
Fans can also catch every 2026 stadium game live on the Bally Sports Live App, ensuring supporters can follow the action from anywhere.
The California Winter League is the longest running professional showcase league of its kind. Since its inaugural season in 2010, the CWL has seen over 950 of its players sign professional contracts. Each year, it is the premier destination for free agent baseball players who are looking to be scouted and signed.
Stay up-to-date with the California Winter League at californiawinterleague.com or by following the CWL on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Palm Springs Stadium is located at 1901 E Baristo Road in Palm Springs.
For more information, visit californiawinterleague.com or call (760) 778-4487.
