Crazy finish caps Washington high school baseball state title game
The ending to Saturday’s Washington state 3A baseball championship game had it all: premature celebration, multiple walk-offs in extra innings, a lengthy attempt at rules interpretation and more.
After Mercer Island’s Anthony Scalzo drew a four-pitch, bases-loaded walk in the eighth inning that appeared to give the school its first ever baseball state title, a celebration on the field quickly poured from the dugout onto the field.
However, according to The Seattle Times, the runner on second, Brandon Lawler, never made it to third base.
Shorewood second baseman Steffen Torgersen appealed to an umpire, who signaled an out a minute after the celebration began.
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As the Times’ preps Instagram account notes, Scalzo also never even made it to first base. So the umpires had two potential rules violations to take into account.
A 20-minute delay ensued as umpires conferred with tournament officials and Mercer Island protested. Alas, the out remained and the game resumed.
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In a way more thrilling fashion than a four-pitch walk, Mercer Island's Josh Stenberg smacked a one-out home run to right field in the 13th inning.
Finally, Mercer Island had its first state baseball title.
- Mike Fiammetta
