American Dreams vs Swingdome
This Wildcard showdown wasn’t just another playoff matchup — it was the latest installment of what one might call a “tie-valry”. Both teams traded blows, both had moments of dominance, and yet again the outcome feels less like a verdict and more like a cliffhanger.
Game 1: The Forfeit
The series technically opened with a Swingdome win by forfeit, as scheduling complications left the Dreams unable to field their full roster at game time, as per the rules. It gave the Dome an automatic 1–0 lead in the series — but also added to the tension surrounding the matchup. Both sides entered the next game knowing they had something to prove on the field.
Game 2: Dreams’ Statement Win (Dreams 14, Dome 5)
Once play began, the Dreams made sure the storyline wasn’t about forfeits. They came out swinging, pounding out 15 hits and 14 runs behind a complete game from Jeff Hanschmann. Hanschmann struck out 9 while also homering twice and driving in 5 runs. Captain Jeremy Salvo added 5 RBIs, Zak Kosher went deep, and Cory Smith collected 5 hits as the Dreams steadily pulled away.
Swingdome managed a 5-run rally late, but the Dreams had already put the game out of reach. It was a resounding reminder that this rivalry is always about more than just records.
Game 3: Dome Answers Back (Dome 9, Dreams 0)
With their season on the line, Swingdome flipped the script in Game 3. Jimmy Froio delivered a complete-game shutout, scattering 6 hits and striking out 6, while keeping the Dreams offense completely off the board.
The Dome’s defense backed him up — Steve McGinley recorded six ground-ball putouts that helped smother any potential rally. At the plate, McGinley added 4 RBIs, while Alex Hatch homered and Will Wilson crossed the plate three times.
The play of the game, though, might have been a near-miss: Cory Smith launched a Hail Mary throw from the outfield as Froio tagged up from third. The ball skipped past the cutoff, bounced off the dirt, and ricocheted perfectly into Froio’s knee just as he stepped across home. We’re sure it’s exactly where Cory was aiming.
Series MVP: Jimmy Froio
By unanimous captain’s vote, the Series MVP goes to the captain, Jimmy Froio. His complete-game shutout in Game 3 slammed the door on the Dreams. His combination of mound control, timely hitting, and leadership allowed Swingdome to advance to the next round.
The “Tie-valry”: Another Tie in a Rivalry of Ties
On paper, Swingdome advances with the series win. But this felt like a dead heat. The Dreams dominated Game 2 by nine runs; the Dome dominated Game 3 by nine runs. Even the point differential was tied when the dust settled.
The clubs managed by Froio and Salvo have been splitting results year after year — leaving us wondering who truly has the edge. Maybe 2026, with full rosters on both sides, will finally deliver the definitive answer.
Salute to Salvo and his Dreams
Captain Jeremy Salvo led his squad with grit and determination all year, keeping the stars and stripes flying even through the toughest stretches. The Dreams can finally put this season to bed, but they do so knowing they gave everything on the field. We thank Salvo and his team for playing, managing, and representing with pride — and we’re already excited to see them wake up ready for next season.
100% Real Juice vs Sheryl Crows
The first playoff matchup of 2025 brought us everything you’d hope for in October (aka mid-August) Wiffleball — drama, big swings, clutch pitching, and two teams that know how to leave it all on the field.
The #3 seed Juice claimed the series in two games over the #6 seed Crows, but the results don’t tell the whole story. This was a battle, especially in Game 1, where every pitch felt like the season was hanging in the balance.
Game 1: The Walk-Off Thriller (Juice 7, Crows 6)
The Crows came out swinging, landing a sharp punch in the 1st with the help of a Drew Helgren 3-run homer. Another three-run rally in the 4th, with runs batted in from Harry Page-Salisbury, John Turpin and Evan Gray. They had Juice on the ropes, leading 6–5 heading into the late innings.
Aaron Hunter pitched the full six for the Juice, striking out 12 while working around 10 Crows walks. On the other side, Connor Donovan battled for 5+ innings and kept his team in the fight, but Juice’s relentless lineup ultimately found the last blow.
Because the Juice had Epo Olivares — and he wasn’t leaving Cowen Park quietly. Already 3-for-3 on the day, Olivares put the Juice in striking distance with a towering three-run homer in the 4th, then capped it off with the series’ biggest at-bat: a walk-off walk in the 6th that gave the Juice a 7–6 victory.
Game 2: Juice Pulls Away (Juice 14, Crows 4)
Game 2 looked like a blowout on paper, but the Crows stayed scrappy — highlighted by Connor Donovan’s home run in the 3rd. That and a Page-Salisbury triple helped cut the deficit to 9–4. For a moment, it felt like déjà vu: the Crows hanging around, the Juice being pushed.
But 100% Real Juice showed why they’re a veteran playoff team. They exploded late with a five-run 5th inning, punctuated by Chris Balph’s 3-for-4, 5 RBI performance, and they never looked back. Adam Brickett tossed a complete game, striking out 8 and closing the door on any late comeback hopes.
Series MVP: Epo Olivares
Epo went 5-for-8 with 6 RBIs, 2 walks, and a home run, including the walk-off AB in Game 1 that sealed the series momentum. He even flashed a leathery palm in the field, making a highlight-reel leaping grab at second base. When the Juice needed a hero, Epo delivered.
A big “CAW CAW” to Eric and his murder
The Sheryl Crows might have fallen in two games, but they showed why they’re one of the league’s most respected clubs. Their defense was sharp as always, their bats created timely rallies, and they never made things easy. This is a team built on fundamentals and fight, and they once again reminded the league that they’ll always be a threat to make noise in October (aka mid-August). Caw caw!
