12 runs in 1st inning. Kamiakin erupts early in WA playoff win

Kamiakin wasted little time taking control Friday, erupting for 12 first-inning runs on the way to a 23-2 District 6 playoff victory over Mead at Lawrence Scott Park.

The Braves added three runs in the second inning and eight more in the third while pounding out 19 hits to secure a berth in the state tournament.

Junior Analise Thomasson led the offensive surge, going 2-for-3 with a home run, five RBI, and three runs scored. The five RBI marked a career high for Thomasson.

Senior Lizzie O’Leary delivered one of Kamiakin’s strongest all-around performances of the season. O’Leary struck out eight over five innings while allowing six hits, one earned run, and no walks. She also went 3-for-4 at the plate with a home run and three RBI.

Harley Worster added another home run for Kamiakin while finishing 3-for-4 with three RBI and three runs scored. Cailyn Grandeen tripled, scored three runs, and added an RBI for the Braves, who finished with a .559 team batting average.

Kamiakin improved to 22-3 with the win, while Mead fell to 17-7.

Richland and Hanford

Across town Friday, Richland defeated Hanford 5-0 in the District 6 Class 4A semifinals.

Both teams secured berths to the WIAA 4A State Fastpitch Softball Tournament, along with Kamiakin.

The WIAA 4A State Fastpitch Softball Tournament is scheduled for May 22-23 at Columbia Playfields in Richland.

Opening-round matchups and state seeding will be announced following completion of district tournaments statewide.

-Scott Hunt is a Tri-Cities freelance photographer and writer.