Eastlake defeats Jackson, 2-1, in state baseball semifinal match-up
On May 30th, the Eastlake Wolves defeated the Jackson Timberwolves of Mill Creek in a 2-1 nailbiter at Parker Field in Yakima, Wash.
While both teams needed the first inning to settle into a rhythm, Eastlake began to find their groove in the bottom of the second when Noah Koong hit a double for the Wolves. When the Jackson pitcher balked, Koong advanced to third and into scoring position. A base hit from Kade Haroldsen brought Koong over the plate for the 1-0 Eastlake advantage.
While the Timberwolves struggled to connect in the third and fourth innings, the Wolves’ strategy paid off in the bottom of the fourth. Dominic Miller bunted for a single to start the rally. Sacrifice bunts from Haroldsen and Sawyer Glade advanced Miller into scoring position at third base. Jayden Matsuoka earned a much-needed RBI for Eastlake with a single to right field to give the Wolves the 2-0 lead going into the top of the fifth inning.
While both teams continued to battle in the fifth and sixth inning, the Timberwolves managed to avoid a shut-out in the seventh when Jeremiah Kang hit a double for Jackson. Quinten Johns’ hit advanced Kang for the Timberwolves’ only run of the night to end the game, 2-1, Eastlake.
Precise pitching from both teams was the highlight of the game, keeping the score low, the players focused, the crowd engaged and the game tense. With the win, the Eastlake Wolves advanced to the finals for the state title.
The Eastlake Wolves played the Lake Washington Kangaroos on Saturday, May 31, at 7 p.m. at Lake Washington High School.
