Arlington baseball team edged by Eastside Catholic in 3A state contest

MOUNT VERNON — The Eastside Catholic baseball team had to wait an entire year, but it exacted revenge on Arlington.

The Crusaders erased an early two-run deficit and went on to defeat the Eagles 6-5 in a loser-out Class 3A regional playoff game Saturday at Sherman Anderson Field.

The Crusaders victory avenged a 2-0 loss to Arlington in last year’s first-round regional contest at Skagit Valley College.

The Eagles, who were making their third consecutive 3A regional appearance, saw their season end at 21-3.

“We only have five seniors, but I give those seniors a ton of credit,” Arlington coach Scott Striegel said. “Baseball wasn’t real strong in Arlington for a handful of years, and this senior class made three trips in a row to the state tournament, and that’s a huge deal. I give those kids a ton of credit.”

Eastside Catholic junior Connor Niemann earned the win in relief of Will Armbruester, and drove in what proved the winning run with a run-scoring single in the bottom of the fifth inning to lead the Crusaders to the victory.

Arlington struck for two runs in the top of the first inning for the early 2-0 advantage against Armbruester.

However, Eastside Catholic tagged Arlington sophomore ace Owen Bishop for four runs in the bottom of the first. Nate Gelbrich’s two-out, three-run triple was the big hit in the inning.

“Unfortuately we gave up a few runs in the beginning,” Striegel said. “(Gelbrich) came up with a big clutch (hit) into the gap in that first inning. Give the kid credit — he looked for a fastball and hit it hard.”

Armbruester added to the lead with a solo homer in the third to increase the Crusaders’ lead to 5-2, but the Eagles scored three times in the top of the fifth thanks to two-run double by Michael Tsoukalas and a sac fly from Bishop.

Niemann’s run-scoring single in the bottom of the frame provided the difference as he retired the final seven Eagles hitters in order.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 8-17

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 8-17. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Silvertips’ playoff picture coming together as season hits final week

Everett is officially the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed and is likely heading into a matchup with Kelowna or Vancouver.

Los Angeles Rams offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum (72) against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Seahawks add to position of need, sign guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr.

The 25-year-old has played in 31 games, starting once, since being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.

Everett Community College head coach Chet Hovde watches as the women's team practices on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
EvCC coach Chet Hovde, who ‘lived for’ basketball, dies at 77

Coach Hovde graduated from Everett High School in 1965. He spent 33 years as the women’s basketball coach at the community college.

Jackson’s Ian Friedrichsen celebrates his goal with his teammates during the game against Bothell on Thursday, May 11, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys soccer: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines for this high school boys soccer season

Jackson’s Rachel Sysum is hugged by Leneyah Mitchell after hitting a home run during the game against Bothell on Friday, May 19, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines to keep an eye on this high school softball season.

X
Prep roundup for Friday, March 15

Prep roundup for Friday, March 15: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Glacier Peak’s Samantha Christensen runs to home plate to celebrate her home run with her teammates during the game against Snohomish on Friday, March 15, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
GALLERY: Glacier Peak softball tops rival Snohomish

The Grizzlies prevail 9-5 in a clash of area powers.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

The Washington Wolfpack logo is revealed during the Everett AFL team unveiling at Tony V's Garage in Everett, Washington onThursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett’s new arena football team to have 4 televised games

The NFL Network will broadcast 30 AFL games this season, including two Wolfpack home games.

Washington coach Mike Hopkins yells to the team during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against California, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Seattle. California won 82-80. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Looking back at Mike Hopkins’ turbulent tenure as UW men’s basketball coach

The departing Huskies coach had highs early, but the good times didn’t last long.

X
Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16

Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16: (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.