Kentlake Advances to 3A Semifinals
Kentlake High School's baseball team moved one step closer to a state title after a gritty 7-4 victory over longtime rivals Gig Harbor in the Class 3A quarterfinals.
Senior right-hander Matthew Ledbetter delivered a masterful outing, limiting the opposing lineup to four hits while striking out 12 batters over five innings. His reputation as a strike‑thrower was evident, as he walked only two and kept the Harbor offense off balance.
Standout Performances
The breakthrough came in the sixth when Jacob Lawrence slipped a timely single through the middle, driving in the go‑ahead run that shifted momentum. The hit capped a rally that turned a 4‑3 deficit into a 7‑4 lead.
Coach Ben Sleeter, whose team had entered the game as defending league and district champions, acknowledged that even the best squads can have an off day. He praised his players for staying composed and capitalizing on chances.
Looking Forward
Next Friday, Kentlake will meet O'Dea at Everett Memorial Stadium in the semifinals, a venue that has witnessed many of the team's most memorable moments. The prospect of a championship game adds extra excitement to an already electric atmosphere.
Beyond the scoreboard, the squad's resilience and unselfish approach have been the hallmarks of their season. Teammates continue to trust each other, a factor that bodes well for the challenges ahead.