College Summer League Team’s Comeback Devolved Into Chaos When Stadium Lights Went Out

An eight-run comeback was cut short after the stadium’s lights shut off in the 12th inning.

While most baseball fans love nothing more than a ballgame running into extra innings, an elongated game may have been the worst possible outcome for supporters of the Portland Pickles this weekend.

The Pickles, a collegiate woodbat team that plays in the West Coast League—a summer league based in the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia—forced extra innings after a stunning eight-run comeback Saturday against the Springfield Drifters. 

Their efforts to pull off a miraculous win, however, were cut short after lights at the stadium shut off in the 12th inning.

Right in the middle of a key at-bat during the 12th frame, the stadium went pitch black when the lights suddenly shut off. Additionally, the sprinkler system switched on, adding to the chaos.

“We have officially reached the hour of stupidity here,” said one announcer after the blackout occurred. 

what exactly just happened:
- were losing 8-0
- came back to tie it in the 8th, 9-9
- went to extras
- sprinklers came on
- lights shut off
- it's still technically the bottom of the 12th

the baseball gods (and city parks) decided five hours was enough baseball for the day pic.twitter.com/0ESvkoVXpK

— Portland Pickles (@picklesbaseball) June 18, 2023

The commentators correctly predicted that the game would be unable to continue. The Pickles eventually postponed the contest with the intention of resuming play against the Drifters on Sunday afternoon. Unfortunately, inclement weather prevented them from taking the field on Sunday. 

The Pickles’ Twitter account announced that Sunday’s game would be postponed and rescheduled for an unspecified future date, citing “field conditions” as the cause, though it remains unclear what their plan is for the game that is still technically in the 12th inning.

Pickles faithful will just need to bide their time in anticipation of the conclusion of their thrilling game against the Drifters.