Columbia River riding high after clinching 3A state baseball berth

KELSO — The Columbia River Chieftains have something special going, and they know it.

The Chieftains rolled to two wins Saturday in the Class 3A bi-district baseball tournament in Kelso, earning a trip to the state tournament for the fifth year in a row, the seventh time in the past eight seasons.

“Every year, we expect to get to state,” junior Paul Meister said. “There’s no wiggle room on that.”

Meister had two clutch hits, driving in three runs, leading River to a 9-4 win over Sumner in the Chieftains’ second win of the day, securing a spot to the state round of 16 in two weeks. Next week, the Chieftains will play two more games in the bi-district, hoping to claim this tourney’s title.

River will face Central Kitsap at 10 a.m. Saturday at Auburn Riverside High School.

Regardless of next week’s outcomes, the Chieftains are going to state.

“We’ve kind of created that as an expectation for us,” Columbia River coach Stephen Donohue said. “Lot of great kids, coaches. Just a good program, period. That’s what we’re trying to run, a first-class program.”

“It was awesome knowing my teammates were there. They erupted with loudness,” Greer said.

Greer came home on a wild pitch for a 3-2 River lead. The Chieftains added another run on an error, then Meister came through with two outs again, driving in two to make it 6-2.

Garrett McKee, who drove in three runs in River’s 10-0 win over Hazen in the first game Saturday, added an RBI against Sumner in the sixth inning. Greer also singled in a run in that frame, making it 9-4.

“I’m just proud to represent the logo,” Greer said.

Dakota Mason struck out nine in a five-inning shutout over Hazen. Taylor Easterly threw into the seventh inning for the win over Sumner. Easterly also hit a home run against Hazen.

“It’s kind of like everything is falling into place,” Meister said. “All year, we struggled, hot and cold. Now, everybody is hitting well.”