3-2-1. Southridge baseball ready to blast off at state

There comes a time when players move on, and Southridge High baseball coach Tim Sanders is OK with that. But before he lets the class of 2018 go, the players have some unfinished business to take care of.

The Suns (21-4) are in the 3A state semifinals and will face Eastside Catholic (18-7-1) at 7 p.m. Friday at Gesa Stadium in Pasco. Edmonds-Woodway (16-9) and Kelso (18-8) are in the other semifinal. The winners will meet at 7 p.m. Saturday for the state title.

"They have given a solid effort for us and done their job," Sanders said. "We have appreciated every minute of it. It would be beautiful to cap it off with a state title, but it is more about the process. I think that is why they have put themselves in this position. It is family, it is trust, community. No one wants to let anyone down.

"There is no selfishness out there."

The Suns, who are in the Final Four for the third consecutive season, last won a state title in 2004, beating Kentwood 6-4 in Yakima.

"It's been a while," Sanders said. "I talked to some of our former players about what some of their special moments were. All of them remember that times like this were some of the best times. It still is out here. These guys would love to win it for their school, teammates and past players. Some of these kids may never play organized baseball again.

"High school sports, I believe, prepares our youth for society and life. Being a part of a team, selflessness and doing your part."

Southridge will turn to senior Wyatt Hull for the start Friday. He is 17-1 over the past two years.

"He will come out and do what he does," Sanders said. "He does what he does well and we will be in position to win."

Shortstop Jake Harvey said he has wanted to win a state title since he was 8 years old. This is his last shot before heading to Oregon State University, where he will continue his baseball career.

"Everybody's got something," Harvey said. "Everyone will have an arm. We are ready. We faced (Kennewick's) Trent Sellers three times this year, and he's one of the best in the state. Richland is still playing. Kennewick and Chiawana were playing last week.

"I don't think teams know how good we are over here."

Senior Lane Hailey said the Suns are due to bring the title home after finishing second last year and third in 2016.

"It's our turn," said the first-team all-league catcher. "We have worked our butts off all season. It would be great to come out with first place.

"We play as a team. We have guys who do everything — pitch, throw across the diamond and hit. It's all or nothing for us. We live and die with our brothers."

This story was originally published May 24, 2018 at 6:06 PM with the headline "3-2-1. Southridge baseball ready to blast off at state."