Coast Clinch First Playoff Berth

The Long Beach Coast (33-10) skated by the Yuba-Sutter Freebirds (14-29) on Tuesday night 7-6 to clinch their first-ever playoff berth.

Long Beach celebrates a crucial win with the post-game handshake line. Catcher Johnny Pappas and two-way rookie Jaxon Byrd lead the line. Photo credit: Marley Aikhionbare
Long Beach celebrates a crucial win with the post-game handshake line. Catcher Johnny Pappas and two-way rookie Jaxon Byrd lead the line. Photo credit: Marley Aikhionbare
Video Box Score
July 7, 2026

LONG BEACH, CA – The Long Beach Coast (33-10) skated by the Yuba-Sutter Freebirds (14-29) on Tuesday night 7-6 to clinch their first-ever playoff berth. The first team in 2026 to nab a spot in the Pioneer League Playoffs, Long Beach joins Yuba-Sutter and the Oakland Ballers as teams bound for the post-season in their inaugural campaign.

The Coast jumped on the board first with shortstop Anthony Mata reaching on a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch. A four-run fifth inning boosted Long Beach ahead 6-4, capped by third baseman Dylan Lina’s two-run single.

Designated hitter Cuba Bess also recorded an RBI during that frame. The former Rockies and Red Sox prospect seized the moment with his first professional playoff appearance on the line.

First baseman Cooper Vest bounced an RBI ground out in the sixth to provide the eventual winning tally. That run scored because Mata flew around the bases, stealing second and third. The Spring Valley-native finished the evening 2-for-3 with an RBI and a pair of runs scored.

Starter Jack Martin cruised through his first 4.2 innings, but surrendered three-consecutive home runs after that. He finished the frame, ending his five-inning outing with five hits, four runs, and five strikeouts left on the ledger.

Out of the bullpen, left-hander Jake Dixon allowed just one hit and one unearned run over a pair of innings. Righty Ryan Faulks followed suit with a no-hit eighth inning, also surrendering one unearned marker. Closer Zach Voelker swiped the league lead in saves with his eighth, shutting down the Freebirds in order in the ninth, silencing the visitors with back-to-back strikeouts.

The Coast and Freebirds rematch Wednesday night at 6:35 p.m. PDT on First Responders Night. Gates open at 5:05 p.m., and coverage begins on the Home Team Network and on the Long Beach Coast YouTube page (for free) at 6:15 p.m. with the Beach Ball Pre-Game Report.

Jesse Cook