With only one week remaining in the regular season, the excitement in the Jewish Community Night Softball League (JCNSL) by Tripping Kosher is palpable. Which four teams will advance to the NIV Advisors Postseason? And who will ultimately raise the Premier Financial Trophy as champions of the 2025 season?
Fans won’t have to wait long to find out—join the action Sunday evening, September 7, at the beautifully maintained Tidy Up fields at Reisterstown Regional Complex. In the meantime, here’s a look back at a thrilling slate of games from this past Sunday.
YL Waitering 7 – MDSC 3
YL Waitering delivered a statement win, knocking off MDSC 7–3 to improve to 4-1 and officially clinch a playoff berth.
Yaakov Furman sparked the offense from the leadoff spot, while Yoni Levin’s speed on the basepaths kept MDSC under constant pressure. Avi Abramson stood out both at the plate and in the outfield, while shortstop Meir Parry continued to dazzle with gold-glove caliber defense.
Shlomo Fantl turned in a perfect 4-for-4 performance with clutch RBIs, and Yoni Frager impressed on both sides of the ball at third base. On the mound, Mayer “Skubal” Goldsmith strengthened his case as the league’s Cy Young frontrunner with another dominant outing.
Brian Ponczak provided one of the game’s defensive highlights with a leaping snag at second base, while Ari Elman and Shmuly Abramson added consistency and power at the plate.
The team also took a moment postgame to issue a lighthearted correction, clarifying that Benzion Shamberg had been previously misidentified as Meir Shamberg. With the win, YL Waitering rides high into the postseason.
Ambush Law 9 – Tov Pizza 4
Ambush Law showed grit and balance, overcoming an early deficit to defeat Tov Pizza 9–4.
After trailing for much of the game, a sixth-inning rally sparked by Aharon Loiterman’s RBI triple and Avi Ambush’s go-ahead single swung the momentum. The inning snowballed into a five-run surge, highlighted by Naftali Gerstman’s tough at-bat despite injury and Alex Feinstein’s insurance knock.
Tzvi Perlman paced the offense with a 4-for-4 day, while Tzvi Skaist added two doubles and stellar defense at second base. Moshe Miller’s pitching, supported by smart defensive alignments from Yoffi Storch, sealed the win in a true team effort.
Aisle 9 19 – Ambush Law 1
Ambush Law ran into a buzzsaw as Aisle 9 stormed to a 19–1 victory, ending the game after five innings via the mercy rule.
Yaakov Spatz powered the offense with eight RBIs, including a bases-loaded triple, while every member of the lineup contributed to the relentless attack. On the mound, Danny Weissmann gave up just one unearned run, keeping Ambush Law off balance throughout.
The win improved Aisle 9’s record to 4-1, solidifying their place among the league’s elite.
Aisle 9 9 – Fireside Bakery 8
Aisle 9 followed up their rout with a nail-biter, edging Fireside Bakery 9–8 in a thriller.
After building a 6-1 lead, Aisle 9 saw Fireside battle back to keep the game tight. In the sixth, shortstop Mully Bendet delivered the decisive RBI, giving his team a narrow lead heading into the final frame.
The seventh inning brought high drama as Fireside loaded the bases with the go-ahead run on first. But center fielder Koby Leder’s spectacular catch and Danny Weissmann’s clutch pitching closed the door.
With the win, Aisle 9 moved to 5-1, tying them for first place in the standings.
Miracle Massage 16 – Tov Pizza 2
In a rematch of last year’s championship game, Miracle Massage left no doubt, cruising to a 16–2 victory over Tov Pizza. Despite Tov’s strong start, Miracle Massage unleashed an offensive onslaught to secure the dominant win.
Also, for no apparent reason, Aron Meister wore a sombrero for a good portion of the game.
Miracle Massage 10 – YL Waitering 9
The day closed with one of the season’s best games: Miracle Massage vs. YL Waitering in a battle for the top seed.
Both teams traded blows all evening, with YL tying the game 9–9 in the top of the seventh. In the bottom half, Ahron Schnur and two teammates singled to set the stage for late drama. Last year’s MVP, Meir Goldsmith, turned an incredible double play to keep YL alive.
But Miracle’s Jeremy Kramer ended it in style, lining a walk-off single to right that scored the winning run. The 10–9 win positioned Miracle Massage as a true contender heading into the final week.
What’s Next?
With one week left in the regular season, the playoff picture is razor-thin and the anticipation electric. Aisle 9, YL Waitering, and Miracle Massage have each proven themselves championship-caliber, while other contenders are still clawing for a coveted postseason spot.
The stage is set for a dramatic finish: Will Miracle Massage defend their crown? Can YL Waitering ride their late-season surge to glory? Will Aisle 9’s relentless depth carry them to the top? And is it even possible for the league’s attire to look sharper than this year’s Calm Mind Therapy Center–sponsored jerseys?
All answers will be revealed Sunday, September 7, under the lights at Reisterstown Regional Complex—when the Premier Financial Trophy will finally find its 2025 champion.
