Cascade baseball ousted by Skyline in 9-5 quarterfinal loss

TACOMA — Without what most would consider an ace pitcher, the Cascade baseball team changed its strategy for its two 4A state regional games on Saturday. Rather than try to have one starter get deep into the game, the Bruins threw multiple pitchers for a few innings at a time.

The strategy paid off with a 4-1 win over Puyallup in the first game, but the Bruins fell 9-5 to Cascade in the quarterfinals bringing their season to an end.

“We’re really proud of what we did,” Cascade coach Scott Stencil said. “We’ve got a bunch of guys that just work really hard and grind out games. To get this far with that group, we’re super-excited and they’re super-excited. Obviously it sucks to have it end the way it ended, but only one team gets to end their season with a win.”

Four Bruin pitchers combined to allow just three hits against the Vikings.

“Our pitching has been pretty good all year, but we don’t really have that go-to number one guy so we thought our best chance against a team like Puyallup was to have everybody get an inning or two and kind of keep switching guys,” Stencil said.

The Bruins stuck with the same strategy against Skyline, but giving up four runs in the first inning forced them to play from behind for most of the game. They tied the game at 5-5 in the fourth inning, but Skyline scored the final four runs of the game to secure the win.

“It was a pretty emotional win for us to beat Puyallup,” Stencil said. “It’s really hard, no matter how hard you try, to get re-geared back up for a second game. I thought we did a pretty good job of that. They scored four in the first, which was kind of a bummer, but then we were able to get three runs back (in the bottom of the first) and we’re able to actually tie the game up in the fourth. We just kind of ran out gas. We didn’t play poorly, but they just put some really good swings on balls. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t our day to get that second win.”

Cascade’s biggest hit of the day belonged to senior Brennen Hancock. With the game tied at 1-1 in the top of the seventh inning, Hancock cleared the bases with a 3-run triple that gave the Bruins a 4-1 lead, which is how the game ended.

“The guy threw him a fastball and he hit it about as hard as you can hit it without hitting a home run,” Stencil said. “(It was) a great swing and we were able to clear the bases there and that obviously ended up being the difference in the game.”

Cascade 4, Puyallup 1

At Foss H.S.

WP: Nik Soros. LP: not reported. Individual highlights: Cascade—Brennen Hancock (3B, 3 RBI); Michael Carter (RBI). Puyallup—not reported. Records—Cascade 16-8 overall. Puyallup 20-5.

Skyline 9, Cascade 5

At Foss H.S.

WP: not reported. LP: Brett Gillis. Individual highlights: Skyline—not reported. Cascade—Ryan Colvin (2 H); Hancock (2 H); Carter (2 H, 2 RBI). Records—Skyline 19-7 overall. Cascade 16-9.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.