Sumner Claims 4A State Baseball Title with Commanding Victory Over Gonzaga Prep

In a decisive display of skill and teamwork, Sumner High School secured the Class 4A state championship on Saturday evening, overpowering Gonzaga Prep with a score of 7-0 at Everett Memorial Stadium. From the very beginning, the Spartans showcased their dominance, leaving little doubt about the outcome as they controlled the game without any tense moments or last-minute heroics.

Star pitcher Brody Santman delivered an exceptional performance on the mound, nearly achieving a no-hitter as he kept Gonzaga Prep's hitters guessing throughout the game. Over six innings, he struck out 10 batters, allowed just two hits, and issued three walks. “A lot of four seams, two seams and cutters,” Santman explained. “Really mixing those in. The changeup was the big wipeout.” His coach, Dylan Mclauchlin, praised his abilities, noting, “He'll mix your eye level, he'll mix the speed, he'll mix the zone,” and added, “He knows how to command the ball well. Phenomenal pitcher.”

This victory marks a historic moment for Sumner High School, as it is their first-ever state baseball title. The Spartans jumped to an early lead, scoring two runs in the first inning thanks to a double from Jake Miller and a single by Bryce Carl. Carl continued to shine, contributing with another RBI in the third inning and driving in two more runs with a double in the fifth. Liam Ferguson also made an impact, scoring Xander Cypher after his impressive triple.

Notably, Carl had been suspended for the semifinal game due to an incident during a previous match but returned with a vengeance in the championship. “Free Bryce” became a rallying cry for the team, and he made his presence felt by going 3-for-3 with four RBIs. “I was definitely just waiting to get after it,” Carl said, reflecting on the challenge of sitting out the semifinal. “It was nice to be back.”

Jake Miller, a University of Washington commit, also contributed significantly, finishing the game with two hits, an RBI, and a walk. “It’s the best feeling I’ve ever felt in my life,” he expressed. “This is what we’ve worked all season for, it’s what we prepared for, it’s what our goal was from the beginning.” This triumph adds to an impressive year for the Sumner Spartans, who also saw success in football and basketball, underscoring a rising athletic tradition at the school.