EVERETT — Jackson held off a late Snohomish rally to beat the Panthers 4-3 and keep alive its chance at advancing back to the state tournament.
Timberwolves pitcher Alec Kisena struck out the final two batters of the game to strand the tying run on third base and secure the win for Jackson, which advances to play Kingco No. 3 Ballard on Monday at 4 p.m. at Everett Memorial Stadium for a spot in the 4A state tournament. The Timberwolves played in the 4A state title game last season.
Protecting a 4-2 lead going into the seventh inning, Jackson allowed Snohomish’s Kyle Gionet to lead off the inning and reach base on an error. Snohomish’s Andrew Ivelia knocked in Gionet with a double to draw the Panthers to within a run. But after Ivelia moved to third on a fielder’s choice, Kisena buckled down and struck out the next two batters to end the game.
“He had as good of stuff today as he’s ever had,” Jackson head coach Kirk Nicholson said of Kisena, who finished with seven strikeouts. “We’ve been playing in a lot of cold weather games, but the warmer weather really got his juices going. He was outstanding.”
At Everett Memorial Stadium
Snohomish0000201—332
Jackson120010x—453
Cormick Rizzo, Russell Crippen (5) and Ben Johnston. Alec Kisena and Colby Johansen. WP—Kisena (5-1). LP—Rizzo. 2B—Conor Plaisance (J) 1, Joakim Soderqvist (J) 1, Andrew Ivelia (S) 1, Johnston 1. Records—Snohomish 13-11 overall. Jackson 14-9.
