Wesseling Vermins: From Rough Start to Back-to-Back Cup Champions

The Wesseling Vermins secured back-to-back titles in the Softball-Bundesliga Deutschlandpokal by defeating the Stuttgart Reds 6–2 in the final of the weekend tournament hosted by the Cologne Cardinals.

Katharina Szalay Drives Wesseling Past Stuttgart in the Final

Katharina Szalay powered the Wesseling offense in the championship game with two home runs, including a three-run shot in the seventh inning that sealed the victory. The title defense earns the Vermins another appearance in the European Cup Winners Cup A. Wesseling reached the final-four championship game after winning through a tournament path that began with a heavy opening loss.

The defending champions stumbled out of the gate on Saturday, falling 12–4 to the Freising Grizzlies. Meanwhile, the Stuttgart Reds edged the Untouchables Paderborn 3–2 in their opening fixture. Stuttgart then advanced directly to the final by defeating Freising 11–5.

How the Vermins Fought Back Through the Loser’s Bracket

Relegated to the elimination bracket, Wesseling responded with a 9–2 win over the Untouchables Paderborn to keep their tournament hopes alive. Sunday morning brought a rematch against the Freising Grizzlies, where the Vermins found their offensive rhythm to secure an 11–5 victory and earn a spot in the 1:00 p.m. final against Stuttgart.

Szalay immediately set the tone against the Reds in the title game, launching the first home run of the afternoon over the fence. That early momentum carried Wesseling through the late innings until Szalay’s second home run in the seventh frame put the game out of reach at 6–2.

What Remains Unresolved on the European Stage

While the tournament victory secures Wesseling’s qualification for the European Cup Winners Cup A, exact tournament dates, host cities, and group-stage opponents for next year’s continental competition have not yet been officially announced by governing bodies.