The Yuba-Sutter Freebirds celebrate a 17-12 victory over Long Beach on July 3. Photo by Steven Bryla

MARYSVILLE, CA (YSBC) - The Yuba-Sutter Freebirds secured their first series win since May as they were victorious over the Long Beach Coast in two out of the three games from Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5.

The Freebirds have struggled to open the 2026 Pioneer Baseball League season as they had a 14-28 record at the conclusion of play on Sunday.

The Freebirds went 7-18 in June, which included an eight-game losing streak from June 14-23.

Yuba-Sutter infielder Zach Chamizo (3) slides home safely on Friday, July 3 in the Freebirds 17-12 win over Long Beach. Photo by Steven Bryla

The Freebirds averaged over 10 runs a game through the conclusion of play on Sunday, but they were ranked in the bottom part of multiple hitting categories across the PBL.

The Freebirds manager Frank Gonzales expressed to Yuba Sutter Butte Colusa Sports that it has been a rough go in the first half of the season, but he is looking towards ending the remainder of the month strong.

During the recent series against Long Beach, the Freebirds hitters were able to jump on the Coasts’ starting pitching early on in the game.

Yuba-Sutter first baseman Andrew Kirchner (18) lines a base hit on Friday, July 3 in the Freebirds win over Long Beach. Photo by Steven Bryla

Freebirds first baseman Andrew Kirchner had a solid weekend at the plate as he collected eight hits, 12 runs-batted-in and five extra-base hits.

Gonzales told YSBC that some new additions to the roster recently have added great pieces for the second half of the PBL season, which starts on Tuesday, July 14.

The Freebirds jumped out to an 8-2 and 6-0 lead on July 3rd and 4th against Long Beach and was able to hold onto the lead and denied the Coasts’ best efforts on trying to take the lead late.

Yuba-Sutter infielder Kyle Carlson (14) throws a runner out at first on Friday, July 3 during the Freebirds’ win against Long Beach. Photo by Steven Bryla

Kirchner and infielder Kyle Carson have added precision at the plate as both newcomers within the last couple of weeks. They have combined for 21 hits, 21 RBIs and nine extra-base hits.

The Freebirds hit the road for the final part of the first half season on the road at Long Beach and Oakland for a couple of three-game sets.

The Freebirds opens the second half of the PBL season in Modesto on July 14.

Yuba-Sutter pitcher Chase Martinez (13) tosses a pitch on Friday, July 3 in the victory against Long Beach. Photo by Steven Bryla