The Challengers recorded their 11th win of the season, as they beat their local rivals Zürich Lions in the opener of a two-game series on Wednesday night at the Heerenschürli. The C's scored five runs in the first three innings, while starter Tobias Siegrist tossed five stout innings, allowing five hits and no walks with eight strikeouts before handing the ball to reliever Harry Bregy. The C's put things out of reach by scoring four runs in the top of the seventh inning to make it 9-0, but the Lions hung in and crossed the plate three times in the last two frames to eventually lose 3-9. Säntis Zeller, Francisco Colindres, Robert Sedin, and Jesus Martinez all delivered two hits, while Colindres scored a game-high three runs.

The Challengers are now just one game behind the top ranked Bern Cardinals with a 11-3 record. Game 2 of the local derby will take place on Thursday, June 27 at 7 pm at the Heerenschürli.