The 5A state championship game ended in a 7‑0 defeat for Thurston Baseball, with Central pulling away early and maintaining control through the final inning.
A Pitcher’s Masterpiece
Central’s right‑hander Joe Mendazona delivered a no‑hitter that featured 14 strikeouts, leaving the Colts without a single hit and setting the tone for the game.
Central struck first in the second inning, adding two runs, and extended the lead with four more in the third, building a 6‑0 advantage before a seventh run in the sixth sealed the 7‑0 margin.
A Senior’s Final Inning
Thurston’s senior Grady Saunders was forced out in the third inning after a painful injury, ending his high school career and leaving the team shorthanded.
Despite the loss, the Colts are young — only four seniors — and they remain hopeful about returning to the title game next year, buoyed by a strong pitching staff and a promising pipeline of talent.