month : 03/2018 321 results

In West Seattle Crime Watch tonight – Southwest Precinct police are hoping you can help identify the person in the photos. They sent the photos and this explanation:

This suspect stole several valuable items from a locker at the LA Fitness at 3900 SW Alaska St on 3/15/2018 between the approximate times of noon to 1:30 pm. He subsequently went to Menashe and Sons Jewelers and used the victim’s credit card to purchase a $6,000 Rolex watch, followed by several other unauthorized transactions in the Tukwila/Southcenter area.

Any information on his identity can be directed to the SW Precinct Detective Unit at 206-233-2623.

The case numbers are #18-93279 and #18-94804. You can see two more photos here and here.

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WORK ALERT: Fauntleroy ferry dock repaving starts soon

| Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

The Fauntleroy ferry dock is about to get repaved, and Washington State Ferries says it’s years overdue. We got a project update at tonight’s meeting of the Triangle Route Task Force (we’ll cover the rest of the meeting in a separate report). At one point, WSF thought the work was going to start next week, but now it looks like it’ll get going around April 9th. The asphalt helps preserve the timber decking at the dock, which has a full replacement planned in about seven years – which is how long this round of repaving should last. The work is going to be done four nights a week, 7 pm-4 am, Monday through Thursday nights, for about six weeks. And WSF says it’s going to be noisy, especially as they demolish the old asphalt. The work also will involve the walkway on the south side of the dock, replacing the railroad-tie barrier that’s the only thing between the path and the lane used as vehicles come off the boats. On work nights, some lanes will be closed, and that will mean “changes to loading and offloading procedures,” WSF says. An extra traffic attendant will be there to help direct drivers. They expect to be out in the nearby neighborhoods with flyers next week, and that information will include a 24-hour hotline for construction questions/complaints.

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WORK ALERT: Water-main replacement soon in Upper Alki

March 29, 2018 6:23 pm

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| Utilities | West Seattle news

Starting next week, Seattle Public Utilities will be replacing a water main on Hobart Ave. SW [map] in Upper Alki. It’s “part of a citywide water main restoration effort,” SPU says. They expect to start work next week, with the project lasting about six weeks, mostly Mondays-Fridays 7 am-5 pm. SPU says they hope to reopen the street during non-work hours. The project is also expected to include “two short (about 1 hour) and two long (about 8 hours)” water shutdowns, with advance notice for residents who will be affected. Questions? Brian Eng is project manager – brian.eng@seattle.gov or (206) 386-9744.

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MILITARY FLYOVER: For Mariners opening night tonight

March 29, 2018 3:48 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(Air Force file photo of C-17)

Late addition to the Mariners‘ pregame plans for Opening Night tonight at Safeco Field – team spokesperson Rebecca Hale tells WSB that they’ve added a military flyover. If all goes as planned, around 6:52 pm, a U.S. Air Force C-17 from the 4th Airlift Squadron at Joint Base Lewis-McChord will fly over the stadium, from the northwest to the southeast. She also mentions there will be some “small pyrotechnics” during the pregame ceremony. So if you’re not going to the game but happen to see and/or hear any of the above, now you know!

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CONGRATULATIONS! The 2018 Westside Awards go to …

March 29, 2018 3:31 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Just announced – the winners of this year’s Westside Awards, presented by the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce:

Business of the Year: Husky Deli

Emerging Business of the Year: Alair

Not-for-Profit of the Year: Senior Center of West Seattle

Westsider of the Year: Lora Swift

(Lora leading the mayor on a Junction tour last month)

Also from the Chamber’s announcement this afternoon, the explanation:

Each year the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce reaches out to the West Seattle community for nominations of three local businesses and one individual who demonstrate results-oriented leadership, a cornerstone of a thriving economic region. Criteria for the awards include:

* A major or visible contribution in the past year that reflects commercial growth and achievement, innovation, creativity or community involvement
* Contributes and promotes the economic growth, stability and improvement of West Seattle
* Gives generously of themselves and/or staff in time and resources to community activities
* Consistently excels in customer service and business conduct

You’re invited to the awards breakfast where Husky Deli, Alair, the Senior Center, and Lora Swift will be honored – it’s at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), 7:30 am May 1st, presented by Quail Park Memory Care Residences of West Seattle (WSB sponsor; opening later this spring). For ticket info and reservations, go here!

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WEST SEATTLE SCHOOLS: Toplines from board’s BEX V levy-planning session

March 29, 2018 2:01 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

We sat in last night on the School Board‘s three-hour-plus work session looking ahead to next year’s BEX V levy, to listen for more hints on which West Seattle schools might make the list for rebuilds, expansions, and/or renovations. Decisions are still months away, but with a community meeting coming up next week, here are the toplines of what we heard:

SPECIFIC SCHOOLS: No additions/deletions from West Seattle since our preview the other day. Schools under consideration for major projects remain broken out into two lists – capacity (more space needed) and condition (how dilapidated are they?). Alki, Lafayette, and Roxhill are on both lists. The capacity list also includes Madison Middle School, where portables are planned, and the condition list also includes Boren STEM K-8 and Schmitz Park.

The condition list got very little discussion because the information has been the same since a districtwide report in 2014. As for the capacity list – first, district official Ashley Davies went over the enrollment-projection numbers.

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DEVELOPMENT: Neighbors appeal 2222 SW Barton approvals

March 29, 2018 12:05 pm

| 34 COMMENTS

| Development | West Seattle news | Westwood

Today’s city-circulated Land Use Information Bulletin includes the notice for a hearing appealing the approval of plans to build a 66-unit, no-offstreet-parking apartment complex at 2222 SW Barton, just uphill from the southeast edge of Westwood Village.

(Image from Design Review packet by Cleave Architecture)

According to documents in the online files, the appeal was filed by residents who live a block away from the site, saying they don’t believe the city adequately addressed concerns including crime, traffic, and parking, and alleging that the site is incorrectly characterized as being in an “urban village.” Lawyers for the developers have filed a request to have the appeal dismissed, showing that the site is indeed in the middle of the Westwood-Highland Park Urban Village as well as calling other concerns “without merit on their face.” Regarding the parking concerns in particular, they note that the city has no authority to require it because the project is close to “frequent transit.” They cite a traffic study as showing that the project could result in a “peak demand” for 66 parking spaces on the street, but that, they say, would still not come close to maxing out what’s available now. Unless the motion to dismiss is granted, the hearing is set for the city Hearing Examiner‘s chambers on the 40th floor of the Municipal Tower downtown at 9 am May 3rd.

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West Seattle Thursday: From task force to taxes to Broadway…

March 29, 2018 10:39 am

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| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo courtesy West Seattle Drama Club – see “A Chorus Line” info below)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

TRIANGLE ROUTE TASK FORCE: 4:30-7 pm at Fauntleroy Church Fellowship Hall, it’s the next meeting of the task force that’s continuing to work on Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route issues with Washington State Ferries. We’ll add the agenda when we get it. (update – see it here) Public welcome. (9140 California SW)

FREE TAX HELP: 5-9 pm at West Seattle Food Bank, no appointment necessary, but read the info here to be sure you bring what’s needed. (35th SW/SW Morgan)

HIGH SCHOOL INFO NIGHT: At Madison Middle School, 8th graders and their families are invited to come have dinner and look ahead to their first year at West Seattle High School, 6:30 pm. (3429 45th SW)

‘A CHORUS LINE’ OPENING NIGHT: 7:30 pm at the West Seattle High School Theater, you can be among the first to see the new WSHS production of the long-running Broadway classic! Ticket info is in our calendar listing.

HOLY WEEK SERVICES: See the updated list on our Easter Etc. page – we now have schedules for 15 churches (editor@westseattleblog.com for late additions) as well as other seasonal events.

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Puget Ridge Playground renovation: Questions for you

March 29, 2018 9:45 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| Puget Ridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Which type of play equipment would you like to see at Puget Ridge Playground (6029 21st SW) when it’s renovated? The images above are from the a Seattle Parks survey that just opened – and you’ll also be able to talk about it at the newly announced community meeting, 5-6:30 pm Monday, April 16th. This is one of three local park playgrounds that’ll be overhauled in the months ahead.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday watch; West Seattle Water Taxi schedule change

March 29, 2018 7:02 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

7:02 AM: Good morning. No incidents in/from West Seattle so far, and no transit alerts.

WATER TAXI SCHEDULE CHANGE: Today is the first day of the West Seattle Water Taxi‘s spring/summer schedule, which adds weekends as well as runs between the am and pm commutes (through October 28th). And extended schedules on game nights – such as tonight, first game of the season for the Mariners (7:10 pm vs. Cleveland).

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‘Powerful and beautiful’: West Seattle High School’s third annual Equity Day

March 29, 2018 5:04 am

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

“I think it’s powerful and beautiful that it’s us, the students, who are making this change,” said West Seattle High School student Makhari Dysart during the closing assembly at the school’s third annual Equity Day.

She was referring to the gun-law-reform campaign spotlighted by the student-organized March For Our Lives events around the nation four days earlier. That issue in fact was one of the workshop topics offered to WSHS students during Equity Day on Wednesday – but only one of more than 30, and there was only time for each student to spend the morning at two. Here’s the full list, as shared with us by faculty member and organizer Jennifer Hall:

Musical Equity
Immigration Equity
Native American Panel
Racial Privileges
Physical Activities and Individuals with Disabilities
Environmental Equity
LGBTQ+ Activism Through Art
Unions and Equity
Women of Color: STI Inequity .
Disability is Diversity
Education Equity and Standardized Testing
Sexual Assault
Student Voice Forum
Equity and Drug Treatment
The Intentions of “Trash Talk”
Equity and the Arts
Equity and Age Discrimination
Equity and Socialism
Equity Through Restorative Justice
Climate Change
Education Equity for People with Disabilities
Equity and Homelessness
School Gardens and Equity
Equity and Religion
Mental Health Equity
Racial Microaggressions
Resisting Hate Groups in the Pacific Northwest
Gun Laws and Equity
Slanted Eyes: The Asian American Experience
LGBTQ+ 101 Q&A Panel
Fighting Human Trafficking
Equity Through Self-Defense

Like each student, we attended two workshops.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Police search after robbery reported

March 29, 2018 1:18 am

| 9 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

1:18 AM: Police are searching after a report of an armed robbery at 42nd SW/SW Alaska in The Junction. According to radio communication, the victim described the robber as a white man in his mid-20s, gray vest and long-sleeved white shirt, who got away in a dark blue BMW 330 sedan, last seen eastbound on Alaska. Call 911 if you think you see it.

ADDED 1:03 PM: We asked SPD media relations for more details. Det. Mark Jamieson says the victim told police the robber was someone he knows – he ran into him in the area, the two talked for a while, and then, the victim said, the suspect pulled out a handgun and demanded money. Then he took off in the aforementioned vehicle. With the description and plate, police came up with a name and an address in Auburn; they asked Auburn Police to check the registered owner’s address, but no one was there. Robbery detectives are investigating further.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Admiral smash-and-grab

March 28, 2018 10:20 pm

| 9 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

The photo is from Skylar, who reports a smash-and-grab near 41st SW/SW Admiral Way this afternoon:

I came out from work and was greeted by my passenger-side back window being smashed and my bag stolen. It was an olive green Tumi bag, with a pair of Lululemon leggings, a Northern Exposure sweatshirt with mooses on it, a pair of Nike Air Max plus/97’s, and other miscellaneous items in it. The value of the bag is pretty high and I don’t expect to get it back, I just want others to be aware that this is happening in the area.

But if you do happen to find any such items discarded – let us know.

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UPDATE: Motorcycle rider hurt in Fauntleroy Way collision with driver

March 28, 2018 8:50 pm

| 12 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news

8:50 PM: Stay away from Fauntleroy south of The Junction/Triangle for a while. A motorcycle/car collision has sent the rider to Harborview, and Fauntleroy is closed between Dawson and Brandon. The rider’s injuries are not life-threatening – he was described as alert and conscious.

9:40 PM: Via scanner – police say the road is clear and open again.

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‘Problem solver’ explains local justice/court system to West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network

March 28, 2018 7:22 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Crime | Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

From last night’s West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network meeting at the precinct:

(Precinct liaison Joe Everett, right, with precinct commander Capt. Pierre Davis seated at left)

PRECINCT LIAISON EXPLAINS THE JUSTICE SYSTEM: Joe Everett, the Southwest Precinct‘s liaison from the City Attorney’s Office, gave an overview, starting with an explanation of his role – the face of a “long-term, proactive partnership.” The program started in 1995 “as a thing that happened downtown,” then over time “moved out to the precincts.” Until late last year, South and Southwest Precincts were handled by one liaison lawyer; now, each precinct has its own. Reducing crime, developing a more efficient/effective response to public-safety problems, improving communications are all part of what he’s supposed to help with. Also: “Providing real-time, proactive legal advice for officers … protecting SPD resources by working closely with other City agencies to address neighborhood problems before they become criminal problems.” Overall, “I like to think of myself as a problem solver,” he summarized.

Explaining the court system:

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FOLLOWUP: Avalon repaving project still on for 2019, SDOT says

March 28, 2018 4:56 pm

| 13 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news

We’re continuing to follow up on some of the major public-works projects that have been in the works for West Seattle.

(2016 map of proposed Avalon/35th paving/rechannelization project zone)

We asked SDOT about the status of the Avalon Way (and a bit of 35th SW) paving project, first announced last year as potentially planned for construction in 2019, right after completion of Fauntleroy Boulevard. Since the latter project is now on indefinite hold pending light-rail decisionmaking, we wondered where that left Avalon. SDOT project spokesperson Dan Anderson tells WSB today that “construction is still scheduled for 2019. We’re working on the design this year – getting it from 10% level to 90%.” Next round of public updates is planned for “the latter part of April,” Anderson says. One big question will be what type of rechannelization is in the next version of the design – the early proposal unveiled last year, as we reported, included removal of more than 20 on-street parking spaces near the Luna Park business district.

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COUNTDOWN: 1 week until registration begins for 14th annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day

March 28, 2018 3:15 pm

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| Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

Saturday, May 12th gets ever closer – that’s this year’s West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, the 14th annual edition since it began in 2005 – and we’ve finalized the date for the start of registration: One week from today.

So if you’re planning to have a sale, watch WSB and westseattlegaragesale.com for the announcement when signups begin on Wednesday, April 4th. We usually keep registration open for about three weeks so that everyone has ample time to hear about it and decide whether to have a sale.

If you’re new around here – WSCGSD is one day with many sales of many sizes, all around the peninsula, second Saturday in May, the city’s biggest garage-sale day so far as we can tell, one big day of person-to-person recycling and neighbor mingling, which we’ve been coordinating since its fourth year.

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CONGRATULATIONS! Another Hiawatha team wins citywide basketball championship

March 28, 2018 2:14 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Just found out today that another Hiawatha Community Center basketball team won the citywide championship! Thanks to coach Mark Maroon for the photo and report:

The Hiawatha Boys 17 basketball team won the City Championship in the competitive division against Montlake on Sunday 3/18.

The “West Seattle Wildrats” had an undefeated 9-0 season and were coached by Mark Maroon, Mark Nakatani, and Chris Bernard.

Team members:
Jordan Berridge-Green, Miles Hyland, Ryan Nakatani, Anthony Coats, Joseph Kirk-Woodbury, Ben Dagg, Alec Maroon, Josh McKinney, Grant Vander Hijde, and Zach Donlan (not pictured).

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Subaru stolen with car seat, tricycle inside; stolen mail found; precinct newsletter explains crime reporting

March 28, 2018 12:43 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Another stolen vehicle tops West Seattle Crime Watch:

STOLEN SUBARU: From Ana:

I’m writing to see if you could help locate our stolen car. This morning my husband tried to leave for work but was instead greeted with the fact that the car was not there. We parked it along 42nd Ave in Morgan Junction; it is a 1998 Subaru, plate number BEN3517. Not much of monetary value on the inside, more of a sentimental value, our son’s car seat and tricycle were inside the car.

Call 911 if you see it.

STOLEN MAIL: From Laura:

I found a pile of what looks to be stolen, then dumped, mail at the corner of 35th and Cambridge this morning at about 9:30. The addresses are both from the 9200 block of 37th Ave SW.

HOW TO REPORT CRIME: The March newsletter from Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Danner has arrived, full of helpful info about what to do to report crime:

We did cover last night’s West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network meeting and our report will be up later today/tonight.

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VIDEO: See who asked what at Rep. Pramila Jayapal’s West Seattle town hall

March 28, 2018 10:30 am

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| Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Some talking and a lot of listening last night at The Hall at Fauntleroy, as our area’s first-term U.S. House Rep. Pramila Jayapal held the first of two Town Hall meetings in her district. We estimated the crowd at more than 120:

Rep. Jayapal, whose local home is in the West Seattle area, took questions over two hours on a wide range of topics. Here’s our unedited video:

Her next Town Hall is tomorrow (Thursday, March 29) at the Edmonds Senior Center (220 Railroad Ave.).

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West Seattle Wednesday: Drop-off food drive; Highland Park Action Committee; fix your sleep; more!

March 28, 2018 9:00 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Red-breasted merganser, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Easter Etc. list, for the rest of your Wednesday:

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, ARTHUR’S! The Admiral District restaurant turns 1 year old today, and through 10 pm, here’s what’s planned for the celebration. (2311 California SW)

FILL A SOCCER GOAL WITH FOOD: As previewed here, you’re invited to drop off nonperishable food, 4:30-9 pm at Walt Hundley Playfield, for Highline Premier Football Club‘s drive to fight hunger. (34th/Myrtle)

SCHOOL BOARD’S BEX V WORK SESSION: Which West Seattle school(s) will get projects on next year’s BEX V levy? The School Board has a work session today to continue the planning process, as previewed here. The public is welcome to observe, 4:30-7:30 pm at district HQ in SODO. (3rd/Lander)

SLEEP BETTER TO RUN BETTER: 7 pm sleep clinic at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) – more info, and how to RSVP, here. (2743 California SW)

HIGHLAND PARK ACTION COMMITTEE: 7 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club, get involved with your community! HPAC agenda details are here. (1116 SW Holden)

HOLY WEEK SERVICES: This week’s schedules from a dozen churches are now part of our Easter Etc. page, as well as egg hunts and other events.

TRIVIA FOR A CAUSE: The West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) is the beneficiary of tonight’s trivia night at Talarico’s in The Junction – here’s how to be part of it. (4718 California SW)

THAT’S JUST THE START … see what else is up today/tonight/beyond, via our complete-calendar page.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday watch

March 28, 2018 7:07 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

7:07 AM: Good morning! No incidents in/from West Seattle so far, and no transit alerts, either.

WATER TAXI REMINDER: Today is the final day of the winter/early spring weekdays-and-commute-times-only West Seattle Water Taxi schedule. Tomorrow, the 7-day/all-day schedule begins, including weekend evenings as well as game nights – like tomorrow, for the M’s opener.

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BASEBALL: West Seattle High School’s come-from-behind win over Franklin

March 27, 2018 11:53 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Kit Lui walk off hit vs Frankin in extra innings

That’s video from West Seattle High School‘s come-from-behind win over Franklin HS at Hiawatha on Monday, with Kit Lui at the plate – the hero of the game, Porter Hammer reports:

After trailing by as much as 6 to 1 in the 4th inning, the West Seattle varsity baseball team came from behind to win in extra innings, playing 9 innings before beating Franklin 7-6. The team is now 4-1 on the year.

Down 6 to 4 in the final frame of regulation, West Seattle senior 3rd baseman Kit Lui hit a 2 RBI double to tie the game at 6 each, forcing extra innings.

Then, in the bottom of the 9th inning, Kit Lui again came up big, hitting a two out double to drive in West Seattle senior 1st baseman Anthony Coats from second base, completing the come from behind in walk-off fashion.

Kit ended the day with 4 RBIs, going 3-for-3 at the plate with 2 doubles. Kai Osaka, Nathan Villegas, and Anthony Coats all also contributed a double in West Seattle’s effort. Starting pitcher was Matt Morin, who went 4 innings, giving up 6 runs. Relieving Morin was Eli Markham, who pitched 5 strong innings, giving up only 2 hits and no runs.

The next game is tomorrow at 4 pm vs O’Dea at Bannerwood Park in Bellevue.

Here’s the full WSHS season schedule, including results of games earlier this season.

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