GSL looks for good things in 3A baseball

Beefed up Greater Spokane League 3A baseball representation takes on the traditionally powerful Mid-Valley League today in the first round of the regional playoffs.

Two teams from the eight-team tournament qualify for state. The field of three from the GSL and five from the MVL include GSL top seed West Valley of Spokane, a top-eight state finisher last year, and last year’s third-place team, Selah.

Joining the Eagles in the tournament from the GSL are North Central, a 4A state qualifier last year, and East Valley, which last year competed in the 4A district playoffs.

The success of the Eagles last year, and addition of the two strong former 4A programs, could improve this year’s chances for the GSL, said WV coach Don O’Neal. The Eagles and Indians were part of a three-way tie for fourth in the GSL with 11-7 records. EV a game back at 10-8.

“I think the Mid-Valley is in for a dog fight,” O’Neal said. “All three of us are very tough and on any given day can beat anybody in this town, at least.”

The Eagles host Mid-Valley No. 2 Ellensburg and North Central travels to Mid-Valley champion West Valley-Yakima in today’s first-round games. The Knights are in the loser-out portion of the tourney, but are home against Mid-Valley No. 4 Sunnyside today.

Pitching has been a strength for the GSL trio. WV, led by Greg Bradley and Alex Stanley, swept EV and beat NC last week to earn top seeding.

NC is led by Logan Davenport and Brett Richardson, the Knights by Bret Riggin.

“With the format we have, they can go both days,” said O’Neal.

District 4A baseball

GSL 4A teams begin district play at Avista Stadium on Wednesday with loser-out games pitting Ferris against Central Valley and University against Gonzaga Prep.

Two teams from the six-team tournament qualify for state.

Wednesday’s winners move into the double-elimination portion of the tournament beginning Friday, joining league champion Mt. Spokane and runner-up Shadle Park.

3A/4A soccer

Cheney (13-5) plays host to Hanford (15-2) at 4 p.m. today for a state berth as the eight-team GSL/Mid-Valley League regionals continue.

East Valley (13-4) plays West Valley-Yakima (13-5) at 5 p.m. at Central Valley in a loser-out match. The winner advances against the loser of the Cheney-Hanford match Saturday for a second state berth.

The region’s two state qualifiers meet next week in the first round of state competition.

In 4A, Mt. Spokane (14-3) plays host to Mead (10-5) for the GSL’s second state berth today at 5 p.m. The winner earns a date Saturday at Big Nine district champion Pasco (10-2), tentatively scheduled for 1 p.m.

District champion Central Valley (12-4-1) hosts Wenatchee (13-2-1 and unbeaten during the regular season in the Big Nine) at 6 p.m. in the other first-round state match Saturday.