Opening Round Highlights
Eastside Catholic opened the 3A State Baseball Tournament with a hard‑fought 6‑3 victory over Kelso, stretching the contest to eight innings before pulling ahead.
Jay Baxter was named Most Valuable Player after delivering a standout performance that included key hits and solid defensive work.
Kelso’s ace pitcher Bryce Collins kept the game tight, but the Eastside Catholic lineup answered with timely runs that proved decisive.
The tournament schedule now moves to May 23, May 29 and May 30, with Eastside Catholic set to face Mount Vernon in the next round.
Kelso’s season concluded with a 14‑9 record, while the competition this year features 20 teams battling for the championship.
Other notable contributors for Eastside Catholic included Xavier Padilla and Hudson Schock, whose efforts helped fuel the comeback.
Next Matchup
The upcoming clash against Mount Vernon promises another test of skill, as the team looks to build on its early momentum.