Top-Seeded Muckdogs Host Doubledays in PGCBL West Division Semifinal Opener
Written by Intern WBTA on July 27, 2026
By: Cam Crossett
The postseason has arrived in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League as the top-seeded Batavia Muckdogs open the West Division semifinals against longtime rival Auburn at Dwyer Stadium. While the rivalry has found a new home in the PGCBL, these two franchise’s spent decades battling in the New York-Penn League before that league was dismantled following the 2019 season after Major League baseball reorganized the minor leagues.
Batavia enters the playoffs as the team to beat after posting a league-best 29-10-1 record and securing the No. 1 seed in historic fashion. The Muckdogs clinched home-field advantage by throwing just the twentieth no-hitter in the franchise’s 87-year history, capping a dominant regular season highlighted by a .304 batting average, .429 on base percentage and one of the deepest pitching staffs in the PGCBL.
The Muckdogs boast a balanced offense led by Jackson Inman, who finished the regular season hitting over .400, while Glenn Brooks added a .394 average with 31 RBI’s. Evan Brock drove in a team high 46 RBI’s, and Jalen David’s 43 stolen bases to headline offense that consistently put pressure on opposing pitchers throughout the summer.
On the mound, Batavia’s staff features several frontline arms, including Jake Szlis, Mason Davey and shutdown reliver Eric Woodley, giving head coach Skip Martinez plenty of options as the postseason begins.
Auburn, meanwhile enters the playoffs looking to put its late-season struggles behind them. The Doubledays finished 21-18 and enter tonight riding a three-game losing streak, but postseason baseball offers a fresh start. First year head coach Thomas Eaton returns to Batavia, where he previously managed the Muckdogs, hoping to guide his new club past his former team.
The Doubledays counter with an offense capable of matching anyone on a given night. Teddy Monahan has been one of the league’s most productive hitters, batting .385 with 32 RBI’s and two home runs. Freshman Collin Haug hit .400 in limited action while Luke Guire, Will Ragland III, Justin Batts and Brendan Smith have all been key contributors to an Auburn lineup that thrives on putting runners on base.
With a trip to the West Division Championship at stake, both teams will look to make an early statement as one of the PGCBL’s oldest rivalries adds another chapter under the bright lights of postseason baseball.
Gates at Dwyer Stadium open at 5:30 p.m., with first pitch scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tickets are still available and can still be purchased by stopping by the Muckdogs box office located at 299 Bank Street or calling (585) 524-2260.
