Los Angeles Queens Capture First WPBL Victory in Historic 10-8 Comeback Over New York Heights

On August 1, 2026, the Women’s Professional Baseball League kicked off its first season with a thrilling 10‑8 win for the Los Angeles Queens over the New York Heights at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, Illinois. In a seven‑inning duel, the Queens clawed back from a four‑run deficit by the end of the fifth inning, then poured in six runs in the final two innings to seal the victory.

Mo’ne Davis, the Queens’ center fielder, stole the spotlight by scoring the league’s first run in the top of the first, when pitcher‑outfielder Maggie Foxx delivered a hit that drove her in. Davis, who once pitched a shutout in the 2014 Little League World Series, finished with two hits and two runs for the Queens.

Michelle Roche powered the Queens’ offense, going 2‑for‑4 with two RBIs and two runs scored, while Amira Hondras matched her 2‑for‑4 line and drove in four runs. New York’s Kylee Lahners posted a flawless 2‑for‑2 line and added three RBIs.

New York’s catcher, Denae Benites, etched her name in history by blasting the first home run in WPBL play. A four‑time member of the USA Baseball Women’s National Team, Benites sent a ball into dead center during the bottom of the fourth inning. She finished the game 4‑for‑4, driving in three runs and racking up two RBIs.

The Queens’ comeback ignited in the top of the seventh, when a four‑run burst tied the score. The following half‑inning produced a two‑run rally, propelling Los Angeles into the lead and securing the final margin of victory.

The WPBL represents the first professional women’s baseball league in the United States since the All‑American Girls Professional Baseball League folded in 1954. Founded in 2024 by Justine Siegal and Keith Stein, the league aims to give college and amateur players a professional platform. The inaugural season features four teams—Boston Hunters, Los Angeles Queens, New York Heights, and San Francisco Firebells—each with 15 players. All games are held at the neutral Robin Roberts Stadium, and the regular season consists of 15 games per club, wrapping up on September 6.

League officials said the neutral venue was selected to ensure fairness and to showcase the sport to a national audience. The WPBL plans to broadcast its games on a national network, aligning with its goal of expanding visibility for women’s baseball.

The Queens’ triumph marks a watershed moment for the league and for women’s sports across California and beyond. Their success highlights a deepening talent pool and growing interest in women’s professional baseball.

Play will resume on Sunday with the season opener featuring the San Francisco Firebells and Boston Hunters. The league’s schedule—complete with dates, times, and matchups—is available on the WPBL website and through affiliated sports networks.

Early games of the inaugural season have already attracted attention from fans, former players, and national media. By blending high‑level competition with historic milestones—such as Benites’ first home run and Davis’ first run—the WPBL is poised to reshape the landscape of women’s professional sports in the United States.

As the season unfolds, the league will continue to monitor player performance, team standings, and fan engagement, offering a comprehensive snapshot of the growth of women’s professional baseball.

The WPBL’s opening game set a benchmark for competitive play and historic achievements, providing a new platform for female athletes to showcase their skills on a national stage.