The Dodgers overcame a three run, first inning deficit to defeat the defending League champion Cubs 6-5 to win the 2018 AZL title.
The league was fairly competitive this season with the final playoff spot and seeding order not decided until the final day. The Arizona monsoons played havoc with the second half schedules as well, forcing nine doubleheaders to be played over the final ten days.
There was some not so good play also; the Reds won four of their final ten games to avoid tying the league record for fewest victories in a season(12). The Mariners and Angels managed just 16 wins and joined the Reds in posting a winning percentage below .300. It's the first time in league history more than one team failed to win 30% of it's games in the same season.
The league expansion to 18 teams this year caused an interesting development as both Indians' squads made the postseason. Three teams have submitted applications to the league office to field a second team starting next year which would bring the total to 21.
Padres 11th round pick Nick Gatewood, a catcher from Georgia State University led the league in most offensive categories. It's unusual for a college draftee to spend the entire season in the AZL but Gatewood was hurt most of the season, spending the majority at designated hitter. Fellow Padre Augustin Ruiz led in runs, triples and strikeouts while the Indians Miguel Jarez led in the power categories. Jarez popped 14 homers this year despite coming into the season with just two career longballs in two seasons, including the AZL in 2017.
The Padres (they had two squads) also had the batting champ in Tucapita Marcano (.395). Marcano also led in OBP and OPS.
On the pitching side, the Giants (Orange, they fielded two squads also) Marco Gonzalez led in losses with seven while three pitchers tied in victories with six. The A's Joe Morban led in ERA (1.92) and innings (61) while Giants Black Israel Cruz led in starts (12) and strikeouts (66).
The single game highlight took place on August 13th when three White Sox pitchers combined to no-hit the Brewers in a seven inning game.
