The Summit Storm’s 2026 baseball campaign came to a close on Thursday night, as the team fell 4‑1 to the Thurston Colts in the Class 5A state semifinals held in Bend, Oregon.
Thurston’s superstar pitcher Grady Saunders proved why he is considered a generational talent, striking out 11 Summit batters while allowing just one earned run over six and two‑thirds innings.
Summit’s ace Andrew Guthrie matched the intensity, working 4 ⅔ innings, surrendering two runs — one earned — and fanning six before the bullpen took over.
Senior designated hitter Jackson Parker contributed two hits and drove in the Storm’s only run, but the offense could not break through Saunders’s dominance.
Coach Aaron Boehm praised his squad’s effort, saying the team left the field with pride despite the disappointment, and highlighted the hard work that defined their season.
Looking Ahead to the Championship
In the other semifinal, Central defeated Ridgeview 4‑2, advancing to face the Colts in the state title game. The Colts, riding back‑to‑back championships from 2023 and 2024, will look to extend their dynasty against a Central team eager to claim its first crown in years.