West Linn Lions Capture Fourth State Title in Five Years
The West Linn High School baseball team clinched the Class 6A state championship on Saturday, defeating Clackamas 6-2 in a game that showcased both pitching mastery and clutch hitting. The victory marks the Lions' fourth title in the past five years, cementing their dynasty in Oregon high school baseball.
From the opening inning, the contest was tightly contested. Tyler Holmes opened the scoring with a solo home run to center field, giving West Linn an early 1-0 lead. Clackamas answered in the fourth, tying the game at 1-1 before the Lions pulled ahead with a five-run burst in the top of the eighth.
Key Performances Define the Victory
Senior second baseman Hank Curdy went 2-for-2, walked twice and scored the go-ahead run in the eighth, while junior pitcher Jack Frishman delivered seven strong innings, allowing just one run on six hits and striking out six. Senior right fielder/pitcher Caden Klouda drove in the decisive run and closed out the game with a save, capping a performance that highlighted the team's depth.
Senior shortstop Ryan Hemsley turned a game-ending double play that halted a Clackamas rally, preserving the lead. Carson Doblie added a two-run double in the eighth, extending the cushion, while sophomore left fielder Tyler Holmes also contributed a solo homer and two RBIs earlier in the game.
The Lions finished the season at 23-9 overall after capturing the Three Rivers League title, a campaign marked by resilience after a slow start and a desire to avenge a 2017 championship loss to Clackamas. Their balanced attack, with contributions from every corner of the lineup, proved decisive.
Looking Ahead
Coach Sloan Baker praised the team's unity, noting that the championship was a product of collective effort rather than individual star power. With key seniors set to graduate, the underclassmen who stepped up — such as C.J. Limbo, Luke Brady, and Niko Hollabaugh — are expected to carry the program forward. The community celebrated the triumph, and anticipation builds for next season's quest for another title.