2022 National Champions

Game 2 of the 2022 PGF Nationals Championships at Deanna Manning Stadium in Irvine, Calif. matched two strong 12U Premier teams: Lady Magic–Muñoz, led by Ernie Muñoz, versus Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2027, headed by Frederick Alford. The Lady Magic came out on fire and didn’t let up ’til the final out, scoring four runs in the 1st, two more in the 3rd, and five in the top of the 7th to beat the Bolts 11–0.

The Bolts came in via the Winner’s Bracket at 6–0, while the Lady Magic had lost Thursday to the CF Stars and had to win six games on Saturday—from sun-up to sundown—just to reach the championship game. Yet in the high 80-degree Orange County heat, the Lady Magic looked sharper than ever with decisive defense and strong offense.

Leadoff hitter Caelyn Campos bunted her way on to spark the 1st inning. A walk to Niayli “Yelli” Calvo and a hit-by-pitch to Catalina Medina loaded the bases before Kate McCartney drilled a triple down the right field line to make it 3–0. Taylor “TJ” Jennings singled to plate McCartney for the fourth run.

The pitching was nearly perfect: Cat Medina went three innings allowing just one walk, and Kam Brannon closed out the win with four innings, giving up only a two-out single in the bottom of the 7th—the lone hit the Magic pitching staff surrendered all game. Credit catcher Regan Wise, who caught all 49 innings across Saturday and Sunday.

Offensively, Kate McCartney led the attack going 2-for-4 with four RBIs and three runs scored; Caelyn Campos went 2-for-4 with two runs; Yelli Calvo walked twice and scored three runs; and TJ Jennings went 2-for-3 with two RBIs.

It was a good day for the Muñoz family, as co-head coaches and married couple Ernie and Lindsey Muñoz enjoyed the moment with their sons Matt and Nick in attendance.