The Vancouver Jayhawks swept through the Southern Washington Senior Babe Ruth State Championship July 5th-8th at Louis Bloch Park in Camas, Washington. With only one game not being stopped early due to the ten run rule, the Jayhawks made quick work of the rest of the field to earn a spot in the Pacific Northwest Regional Tournament in Kent, Washington next week.
In game one, the Jayhawks defeated the Burbank Diamondbacks from near the Tri-Cities 11-1 to advance. Izayiah Allen pitched the first three innings, giving up just no runs and striking out four. Anthony Gardner pitched the final two innings of the game, allowing just one run. Offensively, a big grand slam from Justin Rinta broke open the game for the Jayhawks.
In game two, the Jayhawks revenged two earlier season losses to the Hoquiam Hawks by dispatching them 13-3. Jake Shelly pitched a complete game for the Jayhawks, allowing just three runs on five hits. Offensively, Zach Smith led the charge for the Jayhawks with three hits and six RBIs.
In game three, the Jayhawks advanced to the championship game with a 8-4 win over Camas Granite. Connor Atchinson pitched six innings to pick up the win before handing the ball off to Izayiah Allen for the last three outs of the game. Will Pecson hit a key solo homer to help the Jayhawks seize momentum and pull away for the victory.
In the championship game, the Jayhawks exploded for 22 runs in route to defeating Camas Granite once again for the tournament championship. Isaiah Block got the start for the Jayhawks and went the opening three innings before turning the ball over to a trio of relievers.
With the victories, the Jayhawks head to Kent, Washington for the Pacific Northwest Regional Tournament where they will play for a shot at the Senior Babe Ruth World Series to be played in Weimer, Texas.
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