Congratulations, West Seattle Wildcats baseball! First time to the state’s Final Four

ORIGINAL REPORT, 8:01 PM: After two victories in state tournament play this afternoon/evening in Mount Vernon, the West Seattle High School baseball team is off to the state semifinals next Friday in Pasco. They shut out Ferndale and then beat Bonney Lake. More to come!

ADDED 10:10 PM: Greg Slader, the WSHS parent who has shared game information and photos all year, sends more details along with photos, starting with this quote from assistant coach Brian Tupper:

“From the coaches’ perspective, these were the best team games we have played all year. Our focus was so good that we didn’t play uptight in either game something that has plagued West Seattle in the past at State. It was what we have been looking for all year, couldn’t have asked for it a better time for it. Two outstanding pitching performances by Sam Hellinger and Ben Wexler, superb team defense and team offensive execution. We had at least 6 sac(rifice) bunts in the 2 games, 3 sac(rifice) flies, and one perfectly executed squeeze play.

“First Team All-Metro freshman shortstop Morgan McCullough seemed to make every play in the field, collecting almost 10 putouts himself, starting a huge double play in the 7th of game two and then ending the game with a diving stop and stepping on second base 6 unassisted, he also ignited the offense getting on base 6 times out of his 9 plate appearances, finishing 4-7 with a triple and double, 5 runs scored, and 2 RBI’s.

“Metro League MVP Sam Hellinger had a no-hitter broken up in the 4th inning of game one and finished with a complete game 2-hit shutout with one walk and 10 strikeouts on 93 pitches.

“At the plate (above), he continued his hot hitting in the playoffs, extending his hitting streak to 21 games going 5-6 with 3 2B’s 5 RBI and 3 runs scored

“Wexler (above) threw a complete game 5-hitter, allowing 2 runs while striking out 2 on 76 pitches to help seal Westside’s victory and first trip to the State 3A Final Four in school history!”

Greg adds: “West Seattle will be traveling on Thursday morning over to Pasco to play Mount Si in the semifinals at 10 am on Friday, May 24th at Gesa Stadium. Winner to play for the 3A State Championship on Saturday at 4 pm.”

15 Replies to "Congratulations, West Seattle Wildcats baseball! First time to the state's Final Four"

  • Bill and Sherri May 18, 2013 (8:33 pm)

    Your Anacortes fans are busting with excitement. Acolades for your amazing skills and professional-like success are well deserved. You rock!

  • Jeff May 18, 2013 (9:00 pm)

    Go Indians…er Wildcats!

  • deepness May 18, 2013 (9:53 pm)

    This is the furthest West Seattle HS has EVER gone in the playoffs!

  • Cami May 18, 2013 (10:18 pm)

    It was a blast to watch! Go Westside!

  • NWMama May 18, 2013 (10:56 pm)

    Wow! Congratulations on this significant accomplishment!

  • Stef May 19, 2013 (1:16 am)

    Two great games to watch. The rain crept in during their first game but the sun came out for the second. I’m looking forward to seeing them in Pasco this coming weekend.

  • Smitty May 19, 2013 (6:42 am)

    Congratulations Wildcats!

    Makes you wonder just how good WSLL and PONY leagues in this area really are. They must be building great fundamentals.

    Imagine if half the kids didn’t go off to private/catholic in high school?

    Good luck fellas – take it to ’em next week!

  • Alumni May 19, 2013 (7:12 am)

    Great pitching performances in both games. Both pitchers go the distance. Rock solid!

  • Admiral935 May 19, 2013 (8:08 am)

    WOW! Wildcats! Great team!

  • WSHS Alum May 19, 2013 (9:15 am)

    @ Smitty
    Most of the players on this team have played on WSLL and Pony Allstar teams. Have won District Championships and played in State Tournament games. So you don’t have to wonder anymore… These kids are more than good… Their great! In fact the seniors on this team were a part of the first ever WSLL Allstar team to win a District Championship and Qualify for State.
    By finally breaking through and making it to the final four of the 3A state tournament they’re going to leave a legacy for future players/teams to strive too and know that the kids from the Westside can compete with any kids in the State. It can be done and this team proved it!
    We as westsiders should be extremely proud of this team and the coaches for the season they have had so far.
    Two more games to go.
    Lets make more history.
    Go Westside!!!!

  • kumalavula May 19, 2013 (9:59 am)

    so, so proud of these guys and their great coaching staff.
    the parent involvement and team energy is infectious.

    go wildcats!!!!!

  • LS May 19, 2013 (11:43 am)

    Go Westside! What a great team and excellent coaching staff!

  • Get Real May 19, 2013 (2:40 pm)

    Go Indians!

  • Champs!!! May 20, 2013 (8:07 am)

    @ Smitty
    Most of the players on this team have played on WSLL and Pony Allstar teams. Have won District Championships and played in State Tournament games. So you don’t have to wonder anymore… These kids are more than good… Their great! In fact the seniors on this team were a part of the first ever WSLL Allstar team to win a District Championship and Qualify for State.
    By finally breaking through and making it to the final four of the 3A state tournament they’re going to leave a legacy for future players/teams to strive too and know that the kids from the Westside can compete with any kids in the State. It can be done and this team proved it!
    We as westsiders should be extremely proud of this team and the coaches for the season they have had so far.
    Two more games to go.
    Lets make more history.
    Go Westside!!!!

    We have some of the best players in the game!

  • 1957 Alum May 20, 2013 (11:42 am)

    Go all the way Indians

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