Higher Seeds Prevail in 4A Action

Monday saw the higher seeds hold serve, with the two division winners advancing to Thursday night's KingCo championship game...

Winners Bracket
Bothell 2, Inglemoor 1 - For the second straight game Bothell won a pitcher's duel, this time behind senior Henry Baillargeon as the Cougs defeated rival Inglemoor, 2-1. The win puts Bothell into Thursday night's KingCo championship and also secures a state tournament berth. The Cougars scored a single run in the bottom of the first and held that 1-0 lead into the sixth. Emmett Maki drove in the tying run in the top of the sixth, but Bothell responded with a run of their own in the bottom half, taking the lead for good at 2-1. Baillargeon allowed just two hits and a walk while striking out four, outdueling Viking starter Obi Taylor, who was nearly as effective. The senior right hander allowed 2 runs (1 earned) in six innings of work, coming away with the loss. Dain Gilbert drove in one of the two Bothell runs, with Mitchell Viydo finishing the night 2-for-3. Inglemoor's season will be on the line Tuesday night, when they take on Woodinville at 7:00 PM.

Newport 10, Skyline 1 - University of Oregon signee Cole Wiper continued his dominant season, striking out seven over six innings to lead the Knights to the championship game after a 10-1 victory over Skyline. Wiper was a little wild, but was able to work around five walks to allow just the one run. Senior Lee Stoops was 2-for-2 with 3 RBI, while juniors Curtis Kojima and Mason Paul chipped in with two hits a piece. Skyline will take on Redmond Tuesday at 4:00 PM in a loser out game. Meanwhile, Newport secured a bid to the state tournament with the win, and will take on Bothell in Thursday night's KingCo championship game. Both teams will enter the contest riding 9 game win streaks, with Newport having won the only regular season meeting between the clubs, 8-0.

Losers Bracket
Redmond 15, Issaquah 3 - Last year's KingCo champions showed their resolve on Monday, responding to an opening round loss with a 15-3 win over Issaquah. Senior Nick Rothermel and junior Patrick McGrath each homered and drove in five runs, with junior Peter Hendron contributing with a 3-for-4 night, doubling and driving in 2. Michael Conforto, T.J. Whidby and Thomas Crosley staffed the game for the Mustangs, who advance to another loser out game Tuesday against Skyline. Issaquah junior shortstop Jake Bakamus was 2-for-2 with a run scored and an RBI in the Eagles' final game of the season. The young squad's season ends with a 6-10 record in KingCo play, 8-14 overall.

Woodinville 11, Ballard 6 - Senior Carl Svanevik doubled twice and drove in four, sparking the Falcons to an 11-6 win over Ballard on Monday night. Junior Spencer Greer gave up two runs in the first, but settled in nicely after that while his teammates gave him the offensive support he needed. Woodinville would take the lead with 3 runs in the third and blew the game open with 4-spots in the fifth and sixth innings. Ballard would score four times in the seventh and get the tying run to the on-deck circle, but could not complete the miraculous comeback. Junior Shea Donlin was 2-for-2 with a double, 2 RBI and 3 runs scored for the Falcons, who will take on Inglemoor Tuesday night in a loser out game. Ballard was led by Brendan Foor (3-for-4, 2 runs) and Ryan Kangas (2-for-4, 2 runs) in the season's final game.