� CMBL CHAMPIONSHIP – GAME ONE PREVIEW �
The #2 Northern Lights (15–2) and the #3 Cape Fear River Ducks (14–5) are ready to battle for the Carolina Men’s Baseball League title.
� Sunday, August 17th
� 12:00 PM
� Trask MS
The Northern Lights joined the CMBL in 2021 and have been a powerhouse from the jump. Led by manager Troy Morse, the Lights won the title in '21 and played in the championship round in both '22 and '24. This team features a trifecta of stud pitching with Zack Licursi, Brian Herman, and Kevin Mintz. The Lights also don't have a weak spot in their lineup. They're likely to bat 15 on Sunday, and all 15 are capable of changing the game with one big swing.
Northern Lights Playoff Path:
Def. #7 Cardinals 21–3
Def. #5 Flytraps 5–0
Def. #4 Eels 7–1
They’ve won 14 straight games, with their last loss coming to the Ducks (5–1) on March 16. This team has looked unstoppable. Can they add another title to pair with their 2021 triumph?
The Cape Fear River Ducks were established before this spring as two previous teams merged, intending to create another league contender. They did that and more, storming to a 10-4 regular season record and putting the rest of the league on notice. The Ducks feature one of the most feared lineups in the league with guys like Chris Roan, Mike Barker, Ryan Dougherty, Ryan Perkins, and Casey Shoonmaker. They also boast one of the league's best defenses.
River Ducks Playoff Path:
Lost to #5 Flytraps 9–12
Def. #8 Brew Crew 17–4
Def. #1 WarDogs 16–4 (Regular Season Champs)
Def. #5 Flytraps 13–3 (played in 3 of last 4 championships)
Def. #4 Eels 11–7 (Back-to-back champs)
They’ve taken down all the other perennial title contenders. Can they finish the job against the final CMBL Boss?
Season Series: Split 1–1
Ducks won 5–1
Lights won 13–8
The Stakes:
If the Northern Lights win: They are the 2025 CMBL Champions. �
If the River Ducks win: We go to a winner-take-all Game Two on Sunday, August 24th.
Momentum, history, and the championship are all on the line. Will the Lights complete their dominant run, or will the Ducks force one last showdown?
Come join us at Trask Middle School this Sunday!
Also check out other Sports events in Skippers Corner.
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