The Blitzball Battle 3 semifinal between Hook Line Sinker and We Got Ice was all about defense, especially from Jack Doyle. The game’s best moment came when Doyle laid out for a diving two-hop snag that stunned everyone in the warehouse. Zoe was on the mound for We Got Ice trying to get his final required out, and after a few pitches, Doyle bailed him out with one of the cleanest grabs seen in the tournament. He stuck his glove out, plucked the ball from the turf, and chaos followed. Hats flew, teammates went wild, and the warehouse crowd lost it. Zoe collapsed in disbelief. Jack sprinted around the field celebrating with anyone nearby.
The reactions stole the show almost as much as the play itself. Spectators ripped off clothing and hurled it in celebration. A guy in the bleachers tossed everything he owned in a fit of joy, including shoes and a possible phone charger. Even fans in the owner’s suite got in on the action with airborne hats. Then, on the very next play, Dan Kenobio caught a pop-up off the ceiling to keep the energy high. The final out came on another sharp grounder that Doyle handled cleanly to end the game.
We Got Ice took the win with strong pitching and near-flawless defense. They followed the rules to perfection, getting the required outs per pitcher. But it was Doyle’s diving stab that turned the semifinal into an instant classic. That play alone was worth 20 “doll hairs,” as joked by the sideline crew.