In the end, right decision came for Lakeside baseball
Matt Sullivan brought up what he thought was a logical suggestion. Lakeside’s baseball coach reasoned that since the Eagles and Freeman had reached the finals of the Bi-District playoffs and already qualified for state, wouldn’t it make economic sense to play the game in Spokane instead of Wenatchee as scheduled?
So last week we talked – about the cost of travel, the potential lateness of the game, the inconvenience on fans. He figured it would cost at least $500 to go play one game and come home as opposed to an earlier start and potential for a bigger gate if played here. He made the proposal, but it was rejected at various administrative levels, he said, citing the integrity of the Northeast A League-Caribou Trail League regional format and fear of setting a precedent.
Sullivan told me Wednesday he figured it to be a dead issue – “sometimes logic is on your side, but it doesn’t matter” – dropped the idea and went about preparing for Saturday’s road trip.
It seems that word of what had gone on came up at a county superintendent’s meeting, reached Washington Interscholastic Activities Association ears and the state’s sports governing body overruled regional folk.
Freeman beat Lakeside 11-10 in eight innings during the game played – at Shadle Park.
Sullivan, never one to shy away from his beliefs or opinions, said people expressed worry that the regional concept could be in jeopardy by his initial action.
“At that point I was sick to my stomach,” he said. “I’m sure I’ll be loved in Wenatchee (this weekend at the state tournament). They’ll blame me for this.”
Why would so simple a suggestion become so contentious? It’s a matter of trust, people have been told. It’s also a matter of common sense in these times of escalating costs that threaten high school athletics
Intrigue at regional
The top three ranked 4A baseball teams are in Saturday’s state tournament quad at Gonzaga Prep, but don’t count out Central Valley.
With Rusty Shellhorn on the mound, CV’s chances are as good as anyone’s
Arguably the most dominant pitcher in the Greater Spokane League, he will be well-rested for the first round of the state tournament at Gonzaga Prep.
“Now we face Richland with the best pitcher in the state and a chance to move on,” said coach Barry Poffenroth.
Poffenroth said he was tempted to pitch Shellhorn in Tuesday’s state-qualifying baseball game in Wenatchee. But after conversing with Shellhorn’s dad, Poffenroth thought the better of it.
He had pitched on Wednesday and last Saturday and faced the prospect of throwing again with two days’ rest as well as again Saturday.
Trevor Shull took the mound and with fellow senior catcher KC Mack helped the Bears advance. Shull, whose two homers secured second in district last weekend, pitched CV to the 7-5 win, struck out 10 and was 3 for 4 with two doubles. Mack also doubled and each drove in two runs. CV further benefited from a two-run error during the decisive six-run fourth inning for a 7-1 lead.
“We hit the ball real good again and held on,” said Poffenroth. “We turned two double plays in the middle innings that were huge. If we keep hitting we’ve got a chance.”
CV plays at 10 a.m. followed by the University-Redmond game at 1 p.m. Winners play at 4 for a berth in the state semifinals.
Volleyball in futures
A pair of players on Mead’s state champions, libero Lindsey Petroni and outside hitter Amanda Dahlstrom, will walk-on for college volleyball. Petroni is going to Eastern Washington University and Dahlstrom to Loyola Marymount.
Time change
The Eastlake-Mead State 4A quarterfinal soccer match Saturday will be played at noon instead of 1 p.m. Anticipated hot weather is a reason for the earlier start.