East County Sports

Stars lose 9-run lead, advance in 9th

Landen Bailey, of the Stars, was named the Player of the Game in the win on Monday.

Stars rally for 10-9 walk-off Win Over Dodge City, secure playoff spot at 2025 NBC World Series

WICHITA, Kan. – The San Diego Stars staged a thrilling 10-9 walk-off victory against the Dodge City A’s on July 28, 2025, at the NBC World Series, overcoming a squandered 9-0 lead after two innings and a late deficit to clinch the third seed in Pool B and advance to the single-elimination bracket. Third baseman Joe Anderson delivered the game-winning two-RBI single in the bottom of the ninth, while Landen Bailey earned the Evergy Player of the Game award for his standout performance at Eck Stadium.

Stars celebrate after scoring the winning run on Monday night.

The Stars faced a do-or-die scenario after a rough start to pool play, dropping their opener 13-5 to the Hutchinson Monarchs and then falling 7-2 to the Seattle Cheney Studs in a grueling 3 a.m. game during the tournament’s Baseball ‘Round the Clock marathon on July 26-27. Sitting at 0-2, the Stars needed a win against the A’s and a favorable result in the Studs-Monarchs game to advance.

Against the Dodge City A’s, the Stars exploded for a 9-0 lead after two innings, powered by a relentless barrage of hits and aggressive baserunning. But the A’s fought back, erasing the deficit with persistent offense and seizing a 10-9 lead in the top of the ninth, putting the Stars on the brink of elimination. In the bottom of the ninth, with the bases loaded and the Wichita crowd electric, Joe Anderson stepped up and laced a two-RBI single, scoring the tying and winning runs to secure the 10-9 victory. The walk-off hit sparked wild celebrations and kept the Stars’ championship hopes alive. Landen Bailey’s exceptional performance—earned him the prestigious Evergy Player of the Game award, underscoring his critical role in the comeback.

The Stars’ advancement was confirmed later that evening when the Seattle Cheney Studs defeated the Hutchinson Monarchs 9-5, securing the top seed in Pool B. The Monarchs took the second seed, while the Stars clinched the third qualifying spot, earning a berth in the single-elimination bracket starting July 30.

The San Diego Stars’ resilience, Anderson’s heroics, and Bailey’s standout play have propelled them into the knockout rounds after a precarious 0-2 start.

Stay tuned to EastCountySports.com for the latest on the San Diego Stars’ journey in the 2025 NBC World Series.

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