Cedarcrest sophomore Jake Polacek’s single to left field drove in the winning run in the top of the sixth inning, breaking a late tie, and Sehome was eliminated by the Red Wolves, 2-1, in a 2A District 1 play-in game on Tuesday, April 30 at Sehome High School.
Sehome’s lone run came in the bottom of the third inning on a single from Gunnar Tweit that scored fellow sophomore Hudson Neff.
Cedarcrest responded in the top of the fifth, evening the game at 1-1 on an RBI double from sophomore Carter Smith. Polacek gave the Red Wolves their first lead in the next frame, and a double play on defense crippled the Mariners’ comeback attempt.
Despite that, junior Ryder McGrath remained on third base for Sehome. Two batters later, a strikeout ended the Mariners’ season.
Neff led Sehome offensively, finishing 2 for 3 at the plate with a run scored. McGrath pitched a complete game, allowing six hits, two earned runs and one walk while striking out 10 batters.
Smith and freshman Wyatt Stainaker each had two hits for Cedarcrest. Junior pitcher Luke Thompson also threw a complete game, allowing five hits and one earned run while striking out eight.
Sehome concluded its season 5-15-1, but will lose just two seniors: Pierson Lewis and Roen Schoenlein. Cedarcrest (5-15) will face Lynden (16-4) at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 2 at Daniels Field in Anacortes.
Connor J. Benintendi is a former CDN sports reporter, send tips and information to newstips@cascadiadaily.com.
