Grinders Claim the Fall Championship Title
Game Recap

Grinders Claim the Fall Championship Title

Aug 18, 2026BATL Staff
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The Grand Rapids Grinders capped an undefeated run through the playoffs with a dominant 8–2 victory over the West Side Warriors in the 12U Baseball championship game at Riverside Park on Saturday evening.

Pitcher Marcus Webb was lights-out from the first inning, striking out eight batters over five innings while allowing just one earned run. Webb's fastball was consistently clocked in the upper range for his age group, and his curveball kept Warriors hitters off-balance all night.

Offensively, the Grinders were led by shortstop Tyler Harrington, who went 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs. First baseman Caleb Nguyen added a two-run home run in the fourth inning that effectively put the game out of reach.

Head coach Mike Harrington praised his team's composure under pressure. 'These kids have worked incredibly hard all season. They never panicked, never got too high or too low. That mental toughness is what separates champions.'

The Warriors put up a fight in the sixth inning, scoring a run and loading the bases, but relief pitcher Ethan Kowalski induced a ground ball double play to end the threat. The Grinders finished the season with a 14–1 record, their best in franchise history.