Eastlake defeats Issaquah 7-2 to continue post-season run
On May 18, the Eastlake Wolves dominated the Issaquah Eagles in post-season play with a 7-2 victory.
The Wolves dominated offensively with aggressive bats from the very beginning. With runs in multiple innings for Eastlake, Issaquah fell behind early. Despite a valiant effort in the fifth inning with bases loaded, the Eagles were unable to bring their runners home and, ultimately, fell 7-2 to the hot bats of the Wolves.
The Wolves’ bats were on fire from the first pitch. With a shot to left field, Thomas Wood opened for Eastlake with a single. Larson Kohlman batted second for an early home run to bring in Wood for two RBIs and an early Wolves’ 2-0 lead.
At the top of the second, Jayden Matsuoka was hit by a pitch to take first base. A bunt by Wood advanced Matsuoka to second. Cody Odonnell brought in Matsuoka with a double to left field for another Eastlake RBI and a 3-0 Wolves advantage.
While the third inning remained scoreless for both teams, Eastlake reignited the pressure in the fourth. Dominic Miller bunted for a single to open the inning. A double from Matsuoka advanced Miller into scoring position at third. Rodrigo Montano sent Miller home with a single to center field for another Eastlake RBI and a 4-0 lead. Rounding out the fourth inning, Odonnell contributed a sacrifice bunt to bring Matsuoka across the plate and widen the gap, 5-0, Wolves.
Consistent batting continued for the Wolves into the fifth inning. With Noah Koong already on second after hitting a double, Cruz Payne was able to claim the RBI as Koong rounded third to come home for run number six for Eastlake. With bases loaded, Matsuoka connected for a sacrifice fly that allowed Payne to tag up and sprint home for the Wolves’ seventh and final run of the game.
Refusing to settle for a shutout, the Eagle’s bats finally came alive in the fifth inning. With bases loaded, Seika Saito connected for two RBIs for Issaquah to bring in Luke Farmer and Nathan McBride. Despite loaded bases and a valiant effort, the Eagles’ run was interrupted at two for a 7-2 Eastlake advantage.
In the final two innings, both defenses held their opponent scoreless, allowing Eastlake to claim the 7-2 victory.
Eastlake High School will play Curtis High School on May 24 at Eastlake at 1 p.m.
