A five-run fourth inning carried the Columbia River baseball team to a title-securing win at Kelso on Thursday.
The 9-5 win clinched at least a share of the Class 3A Greater St. Helens League championship for the Chieftains. Mountain View can earn a share of the league title by beating Columbia River on Friday, but the Chieftains (17-2, 12-2 GSHL) have clinched the No. 1 spot for the district playoffs.
The five-run fourth came after both Columbia River and Kelso scored their first three runs of the game in the third inning. Sam Walker doubled and Bryson Oury singled to begin the big inning. After consecutive walks forced home a run, Jay Becker hit a two-run single. Jace McKinney hit a run-scoring ground out, and Becker scored from second on an errant throw from catcher to pitcher.
Oury went 3 for 3 and scored twice. Becker also hit a double, had three RBI and scored twice.
Jace McKinney pitched the first four innings to earn the win, and Blake McKinney pitched the last three innings.
Stars of the day
- Mauro Gonzalez, Washougal soccer, scored on a 30-yard shot to give the Panthers a 1-0 win over Ridgefield.
- Bridget Guiney, Prairie softball, hit a three-run home run and knocked in five runs as the Falcons beat Fort Vancouver..
- Sergio Sandoval, La Center soccer, was credited with 12 saves as the Wildcat s edged Toledo-Winlock 3-2 to clinch the 1A Trico League championship.
- John Polen, Seton Catholic soccer, had a goal and an assist as the Cougars topped King’s Way Christian 2-1.
- Tyler Armstrong, Prairie baseball, threw seven shutout innings, giving up four hits and striking out five in a 4-0 win over Hudson’s Bay.
- Katelyn Costanza, Columbia River softball, singled home the winning run in the bottom of the eighth to lead River to a 2-1 win over Kelso.
