Columbia River has longer journey than anticipated if the Chieftains want to reach the 3A state playoffs.
The Chieftains lost 9-5 to Auburn Mountainview in a winner-to-state game on Saturday at the 3A bi-district tournament at Osbome Field in Enumclaw.
Since Columbia River started the day with an eight-inning 9-8 victory over North Thurston, the Chieftains are still alive.
River has to win three games or its season is over. The elimination games begin Wednesday against Capital at Tacoma.
The day started well as Columbia River recovered from a 7-1 deficit after two innings to beat North Thurston in extra innings.
Jace McKinney hit a home run and was the winning pitcher for the Chieftains.
But against No. 1-ranked Auburn Mountainview, Columbia River couldn’t make a 5-0 lead hold up as the Lions scored nine runs in the fifth inning — all with two outs.
• At Kent, Prairie’s season came to an end with two losses.
The Falcons lost their opener to Kennedy Catholic 7-2, and then were eliminated by Shelton 16-6 in six innings.
No details were reported.
• Kelso, the 3A Greater St. Helens League champion, is advancing to state as it went 2-0 on Saturday. The Highlanders will play Central Kitsap in a bi-district semifinal next Saturday at Auburn.
