POWER Clinch Top Seed in Playoffs

PALM SPRINGS, CA–The POWER (31-3 overall, 15-1 conference) hit the road for Monday’s match up against the L.A. Thrashers at Agoura High School, defeating the Thrashers 2-0 in Game 1, and 8-6 in Game 2.

The second game of this road series clinched the POWER the top seed in the Southern California Collegiate Baseball League (SCCBL) championship and gave them their 18^th win in a row, surpassing the old record set in 2006.  The SCCBL championship will be played June 26-28, in a best of three series.  The first game and third game (if necessary) will be hosted at Palm Springs Stadium at 7:05 p.m.

POWER Clinch Top Seed in SCCBL Playoffs

At this pace, if the POWER continue to win, the goals set forth at the beginning of the season will soon be accomplished:  “To win a conference championship and win 40 games,” said Andrew Starke, President and General Manager of the POWER.  The last time the POWER won the SCCBL was in 2009, and they have never had 40+ wins during their eight year existence.

After a 1-2 start, the first time in franchise history their record was below .500, the POWER have put together stellar performances and compiled 30 wins and only one loss, pounding the opponents virtually every game.

When asked what mindset changed after the surprising start, Starke replied, “The coaches had a better understanding of the players that they had, and the addition of several new players also helped.  The big turning point is when Sean Flannigan hit a homerun to take the lead on the road after losing to the same team the night before.”

The loss Starke is referring to came on June 22^nd, when the Pirates dealt the POWER a heart breaking loss, which was their only conference loss so far this season.  Flannigan had two home runs in the doubleheader June 23^rd, propelling the POWER in two decisive wins against the Azusa Pirates.

According to Perfect Game USA, the POWER are ranked 18^th among the top summer collegiate teams in the nation.  Among the Top 25 include four teams from the Cape Cod League, and two other teams from the state of California.

“It’s very rewarding for the organization to be recognized nationally, and I look forward to move up in the rankings for the rest of the season,” Starke said.

The POWER extended their franchise best 18 games in a row to 19 as they defeated the San Diego Waves 15-5 Tuesday night and look to prolong it to 20 games in Wednesday’s matchup versus the Arroyo Seco Saints from the Pasadena area.

In the (SCCBL), the top two teams in conference play will face off for the championship.  The So Cal Athletics (11-7) and the L.A. Thrashers (8-8) are both contending for the final playoff spot.  The So Cal Athletics only need one more win or a L.A. Thrashers loss to clinch the second seed.  With few conference games left to play, it will be interesting to see who will play the Palm Springs POWER for the SCCBL title.