The Challengers played their home opener against the Luzern Eagles on Sunday, April 26. And it was also the debut for the newly acquired head coach Clayton Carson. But the C’s didn’t find a way to come through against the Eagles and former Challengers pitcher Andrea Girasole in Game 1. The C’s opened the score with two runs in the second, but the Eagles answered with five runs of their own and didn’t look back anymore to win 9-3. Jesus Martinez led the offense for the Challengers with two doubles and three hits in total. The C’s not only lost the game, but also center fielder James Sanders who left the game in the third after being hit by a pitch at the left wrist.

With the scheduled starter Sanders out for the day Clayton Carson took over on the mound. And the C’s fought strong to earn a split, eventually winning Game 2 with a score of 7-3. Carson allowed three runs – two earned – and six hits and three walks with eight strikeouts and belted a two-out two-run double in the fourth to make it 7-3. Earlier Säntis Zeller also delivered a two-out two-run double for a 3-1 lead after the second. Zeller, Bryan Shemley and francisco Colindres had two hits each. Next up are the Zürich Barracudas on May 8 in the first night game of the season at the Heerenschürli.