Los Angeles Queens Face New York Heights in WPBL Playoff Series at Robin Roberts Stadium

The Women’s Professional Baseball League (WPBL) will begin its postseason on September 9, 2026, with a best‑of‑three series between the Los Angeles Queens and the New York Heights. The first game is scheduled for September 10 at 6:00 p.m. CT, followed by a return game in Los Angeles on September 11 and a potential decisive game in Springfield, Illinois, on September 13. The series will determine which team advances to the WPBL Championship Series.

The WPBL is the fifth American professional women’s baseball league. It was founded in 2024 by Justine Siegal and Keith Stein and began play on August 1, 2026, with four teams representing Boston, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. All games are played at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, a neutral venue, and are broadcast nationally on ESPN Select and internationally on YouTube. Each game lasts seven innings, teams roster 15–17 players, and batters use aluminum bats.

Both teams finished the regular season with identical 8‑7 records. The New York Heights earned the second seed, while the Los Angeles Queens finished third. The Heights’ regular‑season performance included a 32‑run run‑scoring stretch in their final two games, securing the No. 2 seed. The Queens’ season was highlighted by a strong bullpen and a balanced lineup.

Key players for the Queens include pitcher Meggie Meidlinger, who has pitched 12 innings with four earned runs and two strikeouts. Outfielder Ashton Lansdell has hit four home runs. Samaria Benítez is on a nine‑game hitting streak, and Caitlyn Eynon consistently hits where fielders are not positioned.

The Heights’ lineup features Denae Benítez, who has hit 11 home runs in the season, including five in the first four games and eight by mid‑season. Leadoff hitter Natsuki Yonetani is noted for her consistency. Val Perez has posted a 5‑8 record with seven RBI in her last two games and is regarded as one of the league’s best shortstops. Madison Willan has a 3‑3 record with one strikeout in 23 at‑bats.

On the mound, the Queens’ left‑handed depth is provided by Claire Eccles. The Heights’ pitching includes Emi Saiki, who delivered five innings of no‑hit ball in her last outing against San Francisco, and Jaida Lee, who leads the league with 23 strikeouts and is expected to return from an ankle injury.

The series format is a best‑of‑three. If the teams split the first two games, a third game will be played in Springfield to decide who moves on to the WPBL Championship Series. The championship will begin on September 16 and could extend to a fifth game if necessary.

The matchup is expected to be highly competitive, with both teams possessing strong pitching staffs and potent offenses. Fans can watch the games live on ESPN Select or stream them on YouTube. The outcome of this series will set the stage for the final showdown of the inaugural WPBL season.

As the postseason begins, the Queens and Heights will battle for a place in the championship, with the winner earning a chance to claim the first WPBL title in league history.