Base Knocks: In Season with the Charlotte Magic
3:12 2/7/2026
(Charlotte, N.C.)- Few teams could have had higher expectations going into season 154 than Charlotte Magic. As last season’s runner-up, there were few places for the franchise to go but up. Their lone World Title in season 152 stands to be joined within time, as they still have the same hitting core. Few teams have a more dynamic pitching situation, where starters more routinely hold an ERA under two, and they only get better. With 17 straight division titles, they are accustomed to the league playoffs. With nine World Playoff appearances in their 47-year history, it’s easy to understand their pedigree. So, as we embark on this journey to follow their season progress, we understand that we are watching a World Title favorite continue their conquest of FranchiseBall.
A season opening win over Iztacalco Swords powered by a five run second inning, the Charlotte Magic were underway towards the grind of FranchiseBall. Then came the first sign of trouble. In the home opener against the Birmingham Highlanders, the Magic required a bottom of the ninth, two run rally to maintain their fledgling undefeated start. After another close win over the Vancouver Vultures, the Magic needed a showing to assure their spot as the title favorite.
There’s a fascination that humans have to watching beatings. When pain is inflicted, we often flock to witness. Think of rubbernecking at a car wreck. Or the sport of UFC as a whole. Needless to say, a spectacle for the ages occurred that evening of February 2, with the Charlotte Magic taking on the Burbank Frost Stingers. A mundane scoreless two innings gave way to one run in the third, two in the fourth, and four in the fifth. This was a relaxing scene for manager Conrado Yanez. A 7-0 lead held through the sixth, where the pain then began. Eight runs in the seventh turned this game into a certified blowout, while five more in the eight awarded the Magic a 20-0 lead. More than enough to most, the Magic then erupted for 15 runs in the top of the ninth, featuring five home runs to compliment eight they had in total that evening. A 35-0 final left no doubt how much ability this Charlotte Magic team had.
With the offense humming, a combined perfect game ensued the next game, but then that humming offense didn’t arrive until the 11th inning against the Osaka Red Pandas, where they waited until the 11th to erupt for seven to seal the win. No games remained close until a 1-0 defeat of the St. Johns Peace Sharks. Four consecutive victories all by more than seven runs had the Charlotte Magic on a high heading to face the team they opened their season and their winning streak against the Iztacalco Swords.
What occurred that evening has only been described as a collapse as starter Jonas Nino surrendered 11 runs in the third inning while the Magic suffered their first loss, 18 games into the season. Even with their admittedly shaky and inconsistent offense, the skipper Conrado Yanez was surprised by the turn of events. Even two more wins have yet to fully heal the loss of the chance at a perfect season.
A team with an average of .346 and averaging 8.6 runs per game must have some impressive hitters, and led by Asher Simpson and Rodrigo High, both batting over .400, only one Charlotte Magic player is averaging below .300. Simpson, with 11 HR also leads the world in RBI with 34. Another notable is catcher Eliezer Pedigo, with ten HR to go along with 18 RBI.
The pitching side of the game is just as impressive, featuring three starters with an ERA under 2, with the fourth having an ERA of 2.25. Leading the way is Zack Wheeler, with a miniscule 1.125 ERA and a WHIP of .656. These video game numbers have led the Magic to the fourth best ERA in the world, with the best WHIP around.
If we have learned anything through these first 20 games, it is that the Charlotte Magic are as formidable opponent as ever. They lead the world in record and win margin and only appear to be poised to grow their advantage in this middle stretch of the season. Check in with us on February 15 for the second part of our coverage of Base Knocks with the Charlotte Magic.
