Can Gsl Baseball Bust Loose?

People who imagine vultures buzzing overhead will write off North Central’s and Ferris’ chances at Saturday’s Region IV 4A baseball tournament.

After all, no Greater Spokane League team has won the tournament since 1992.

Yet despite the Big Nine Conference’s seven consecutive titles, the recent history of the regional isn’t as lopsided as one might expect.

The Big Nine’s dominance appears overwhelming because its teams have outscored GSL opponents 47-15 in the last two tournaments.

But in the nine tournaments prior to 1998, GSL and Big Nine teams split their 18 opening-round matchups.

This year, the Big Nine sends Richland (16-8), not quite the powerhouse it was when it won last year’s State 4A title, and Eisenhower (14-8), which has just one appearance (1993) at region since 1990.

The missing Big Nine flavor is Kamiakin. The Braves opened the season ranked nationally by USA Today, but couldn’t get past Ike and Richland at last week’s District 5/6 tournament.

“It really does change your approach,” NC coach Scott Harmon said of Kamiakin’s absence. “Now, at this point, it seems to be anyone’s game.”

NC (18-3), at region for the first time since ‘78, draws Richland in the 10 a.m. opener at Avista Stadium. Ferris (17-7) meets Ike at 1 p.m. Ferris has qualified for seven of the last nine tourneys.

“We stumbled a bit at the end (finishing third in the GSL), but we’re happy to be where we are, with another shot at regional,” said Ferris coach John Thacker.

This sidebar appeared with the story: Postseason baseball Region IV 4A

Schedule: North Central (18-3) vs. Richland (16-8), 10 a.m.; Ferris (17-7) vs. Eisenhower (14-8), 1 p.m.; winners, 4 p.m.; all Saturday at Avista Stadium.

Region IV 2A

Schedule: Ephrata vs. KionaBenton, 10 a.m.; Lakeside (17-5) vs. Naches, 1 p.m.; winners, 4 p.m.; all Saturday at Gonzaga University.

Region II 2A

Schedule: Pullman (18-5) vs. Wapato, 10 a.m.; Elma vs. Othello, 1 p.m.; winners, 4 p.m.; all Saturday at Naches High.

Region III B

Schedule: Garfield-Palouse (16-6) vs. Davenport (17-4), 10 a.m.; Odessa (11-7-1) vs. DeSales (20-1), 1 p.m.; winners, 4 p.m.; all Saturday at Walla Walla.

Region IV B

Schedule: Curlew (17-8) vs. Northwest Christian (22-2), 11 a.m.; Northport (19-6) vs. Pateros (20-2), 2 p.m.; winners, 5 p.m.; all Friday at Spokane Falls CC.

At stake for each regional: One berth to state semifinals.