By Jeff Smarr

The Warrior boys baseball team came into Monday’s District semi-final playoff game on a roll, having won 10 straight games, dating back to April 16.  Thanks to a three-run first inning by the Lake Stevens, the streak is over, as E-W fell 3-1 to the Vikings at Everett Memorial Stadium.

Tate Budnick took the mound to start the game for the Warriors, with the sun from the 80-degree day setting directly into his eyes. Viking lead-off hitter Justin Brown singled just past the second baseman to start things for the visitors.  After a sacrifice bunt advanced Brown to center, Corey Bullings doubled to the left field wall, scoring Brown with the first run of the game. Following a walk and a strikeout, Cody Vigoren hit a two-out double to deep center, driving in the second and third runs of the game.

The Warriors tried to answer back in both the first and second innings, sending six to the plate in the first and five in the second, but were unsuccessful. The first two runners reached base in the second, with Troy Rheinford reaching on a wide throw by the shortstop and Chantz Justice following with a single to right. A sacrifice bunt attempt was popped to the pitcher and the next two hitters were unable to reach base. Budnick, meanwhile, settled down, retiring the side in order in both the second and third innings.

The Warriors finally scored a run in the home half of the third with first baseman Jorgen Arnesen drawing a one-out walk off Vikings pitcher Taylor Shea, followed by an RBI double to left-center by Mac McLachlan. Budnick popped to short for the second out. Rheinford followed with a walk before Justice lined to a perfectly positioned Viking centerfielder to end the rally with the Warriors now trailing 3-1.

Both teams had good chances to score in the fifth. With two runners on and two outs, Vikings hitter Branden Kelliber hit a long fly toward left, but with his back to the plate, McLachlan was able to come down with it to end the threat.  In the Warrior half, Alex Hull was hit by a pitch and with one out, McLachlan drew his second walk of the game. The rally stalled, though, with the next two Warrior hitters striking out swinging.

Edmonds-Woodway had one last chance to try to catch up in the seventh inning. With two outs, Arnesen walked, but Viking pitcher Shea recorded his 10th strikeout to end the inning and the game. Shea gave up only two hits in his complete-game performance to earn the win. Budnick gave up six hits and three earned runs over his seven innings of work.

Vigoren led the offense for the Vikings, going 2 for 3 with two doubles and a pair of RBI, with Brown adding a pair of singles. McLachlan was 1 for 2 with a pair of walks and the Warriors’ only RBI. Justice got the only other Warrior hit.

The Warriors are still alive in their quest for a third consecutive state berth, but they will have to win three straight games, starting with a quick turnaround Tuesday as they face South division rival Cascade at the Warriors’ home field. First pitch is 4 p.m. A win advances them to a 4 p.m. game Thursday back at Everett Memorial Stadium.
Lake Stevens  3 0 0 0 0 0 0—3 6 3
E-Woodway    0 0 1 0 0 0 0—1 2 2
WP Taylor Shea (1-0)
LP Tate Budnick (0-1)
2b) LS—Bullens, Vigoren (2) EW–McLachlan