In a back-and-forth contest on May 20, Palo Alto Wealth Advisors (PAWA) held off Bike Connection to win the 2023 Palo Alto City Championship by a score of 11-10.

PAWA jumped out to a 7-3 lead after three innings, but Bike Connection clawed back to take a 8-7 lead after five innings. Walks to the first two PAWA batters in the top of the sixth opened the door, and PAWA scored four runs to take a 11-8 lead. PAWA’s big blow was a 2-RBI single by Connor Blair.

They had three outs left, and Bike Connection was not about to go down easily. With the bases loaded and two out in the last inning, Bike Connection’s Brady Pen knocked in two runs, bringing Bike Connection to within one. With runners on second and third, PAWA’s Blair snuck a fastball by the Bike Connection’s last batter, and the celebration was on for PAWA.

PAWA had 13 hits in a balanced attack. Nate Signorello-Katz blasted a home run and Blair had two hits and three RBIs. Liam Murphy was 3 for 3 for Bike Connection; Pen and Erik Lo each had two hits and two RBIs.

Bike Connection beat PAWA the day before–PAWA’s only loss in the tournament–to force the winner-take-all game on the 20th. PAWA spoiled Bike Connection’s run through the losers’ bracket and ended their four-game win streak.

Congratulations to PAWA for a great season and to Bike Connection for battling to the end. Congratulations and thanks to all who played in the 2023 spring season.

See a detailed game summary here.