Eastlake edges Issaquah 4–2 in playoff thriller, advances to State semifinals
In a tightly contested playoff matchup, the Eastlake Wolves edged out the Issaquah Eagles, 4–2, earning a spot in the state semifinals. The win marks Eastlake’s narrowest victory over Issaquah since 2023.
While bats were connecting from the first batter for both teams, the Wolves left a runner stranded on second in the first inning, and the Eagles left runners stranded on first and second in their first two at-bats.
The bottom of the second inning saw the Wolves break through. Larson Kohlmann led with a single and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Noah Koong. He then stole third, sliding in safely to set up a scoring opportunity. Dominic Miller came through with a single to center field, bringing Kohlmann home for the game’s first run and an RBI for Miller.
Travis Beam followed with another bunt, moving Miller to second. Kade Haroldsen reached first on a fielder’s choice as Miller advanced to third. With runners on the corners, Jayden Matsuoka delivered a clutch triple to right field, clearing the bases and giving Eastlake a 3–0 lead.
The Eagles responded in the top of the third. Mason Uchimura reached first on a single and was moved to second on a groundout. Hudson Carvalho came up big for Issaquah with an RBI double to left field, scoring Uchimura. Jacob Swanson followed with a single and moved to first base, and Charlie Lydum drove in Carvalho with a sacrifice fly cutting Eastlake’s lead to 3–2.
Neither team added to the scoreboard in the fourth inning and the Issaquah Eagles couldn’t manage to break through in the top of the fifth.
Eastlake tacked on a crucial insurance run in the bottom fifth. Matsuoka singled and stole second, then advanced to third on a wild pitch. Rodrigo Montano drove in Matsuoka with a groundout to first and another RBI for the Wolves, giving Eastlake a 4–2 cushion.
Both teams were held scoreless in the sixth inning.
The Wolves closed the game in the seventh with Wood still on the mound. After allowing a base runner, Wood finished the final inning with a flyout and two groundouts to secure the 4-2 win for Eastlake.
Coach Elliot Cribby said “Our players have learned how to turn failure into successes and play for each other. It’s very impressive to watch.”
Eastlake advances to the 4A State semifinals on Friday against Jackson on May 30, at 4 p.m. at Parker-Faller Field in Yakima.
