Crabs win in resonant start to 2026 with local on mound
The Humboldt Crabs opened their season in sterling fashion this past Friday through Sunday, taking three at home from the Novato Knicks, including a 13-0 season opener with local product and Youngstown State hurler Aidan Dorsch on the mound. Saturday brought a 12-1 result and Sunday was a 14-6 triumph.
"I'm just really happy with the team because I don't know exactly what they're going to be when they're here, especially if they're not a returner," said Crabs new head man, Jeff Giacomini. "So now that we're all settled in, I'm very happy with the product that we have." A couple more guys are coming into town for the squad, and those will help tremendously, according to Giacomini.
Giacomini especially liked what he saw from starter Aidan Dorsch on Friday.
"He was just phenomenal, and it was great to see him out in front of the home crowd doing great," said Giacomini. "He throws hard, and we're really excited about him."
Damien Casas hit a home run on Sunday, and the team hopes to see more of that this summer.
"We have some really good offensive players, I like them all," said the skipper.
Colton Boardman got special mention, along with Jaden Shabry, Joe Fagan, and Mikey Pickett, infielders who will provide a solid presence. Designated player and pitcher Adam Enyart is a welcome returnee who "didn't have the best weekend, but is still getting settled in," according to Giacomini.
Liam Forsyth batted well in the opening series, "hitting the cover off the ball Saturday," Giacomini said, and added the Crabs were happy to have returner Kawana Soares.
As to the message moving forward in advance of a Wednesday date with the Humboldt Eagles, Giacomini said, "I'm just excited about the team. I'm happy with what we have, and it's going to be a fun summer."
Wednesday's game with the Eagles will start at 7 p.m., and the Crabs will next entertain the South Bay Storm for games on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 12:30 p.m., respectively. Wednesday is Flannel Night, Friday is Italian Heritage Night, and Sunday is Cancer Survivors-Save Second Base day.
Tickets are available at Wildberries in Arcata by cash only (with an ATM inside the store) but otherwise must be purchased online, as there are no physical ticket sales at the Arcata Ballpark.
The Crabs will be looking for their first Pacific Empire League title this year, and league play will begin June 16 at the Lincoln Potters.
Radio coverage of the Crabbies is available on ESPN 1340 AM radio (107.3 FM) and on YouTube via the Humboldt Crabs homepage.
Last season, in the Pacific Empire League, the Healdsburg Prune Packers were the league champions, winning the final series over the Crabs in a dramatic three-game showdown. That was the second consecutive Pacific Empire League title for Healdsburg and a fifth straight summer championship overall.
The 2025 PEL Championship Series delivered a competition befitting one of the country's premier summer collegiate leagues. The Prune Packers and Crabs, both with legacies dating back more than a century, battled through a fiercely competitive season and earned their place in the title series.
Game one, played in front of a packed crowd in Arcata, showcased Humboldt's home-field intensity. Game two returned to a sold-out Recreation Park in Healdsburg, where the Packers responded to even the series. The decisive game three crowned the Prune Packers as champions. This showcased what the Pacific Empire League called its commitment to high-level competition, player development, and fan experience.
This season, the Crabs have 26 PEL games before Championship Week in the final week of July if they qualify for the final of the seven-team league. Just eight games will be away contests, all within the confines of the PEL, against Lincoln, Healdsburg, and Medford. The Marysville Giants are a new addition to the league this year.
Ken McCanless can be reached at 707-441-0526.
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