Ben Wadowski cashed in on opportunity Sunday morning at South County Ballfield Park in Federal Way.
Wadowski delivered a Herculean performance, belting two home runs and going the distance on the mound, leading Kent’s 10-11 All-Stars past Auburn 7-2 for the District 10 championship.
The win was Kent’s fourth in a row and sealed its berth to the state tournament, which is slated for July 17-19 in Selah, which is located just outside of Yakima. Kent ace Jaylen Eichler picked up the three previous wins on the mound.
This time, it was Wadowski’s turn.
“He hadn’t gotten the opportunity to pitch because Jaylen had been there every other game,” said Kent coach Mark Anderton. “But he just came out and had a day. It’s the best day — by far — that I have ever seen him have. And if you’re ever going to save a day, you might as well save it for the final.”
Indeed. And Wadowski certainly cashed in, needing just 79 pitches en route to overpowering the Auburn lineup. Along the way, the left-handed Wadowski struck out eight. The only blemish on an otherwise perfect day for Wadowski was a 2-run homer he allowed in the fifth inning.
Of course, Wadowski would get those runs back with one swing of the bat shortly thereafter.
“The kids were teasing him that he hit a 2-run home run, then gave up a 2-run home run,” Anderton said. “Then, wouldn’t you know, he goes out and gets it right back with another 2-run homer.”
Wadowski finished the day 3-for-3 with the two home runs, three runs scored and four RBIs. He had plenty of help, too. Ryan Anderton added three hits, including a double, while Jacob Anderson also delivered a three-hit day and scored two runs.
Kent opened the tournament with a win over Bonney Lake and followed that up with a win over Steel Lake. Kent knocked off Auburn twice in the tournament.
In the four wins combined, Kent outscored its opponents 43-5.
Now, Kent will head to the state tournament, where it will try and defend its title. Kent knocked off Gig Harbor 3-2 for last year’s championship.
“They’re so fired up,” Anderton said. “They’re an incredible group of kids. They’ve worked so hard for so long. They’re on a mission. They love the feeling of being state champs, and they want to go back and do it again.”
KENT SENIORS (14-16)
• Kent 8, Steel Lake/Soundview 1: Matthew DeWald struck out four in 5 1/3 innings of work, leading Kent to a victory in its opening game of the district tournament on Friday at Brannan Park in Auburn. Garrett Robertson added three hits, a run scored and two RBIs for Kent while Mike Mazzitelli chipped in two hits and two RBIs.
• Kent 12, Federal Way American 2: Kent’s David Prince broke out, going 2-for-4 with a pair of runs scored and five RBIs, leading Kent past Federal Way American in a second-round district tournament game. Dalton Cryderman picked up the win on the mound, allowing just three hits and striking out four in five innings of work. Meanwhile, DJ Vallala added a pair of hits, one run scored and one RBI.
The two victories moved Kent into the District 10 semifinals. Kent will play at 6 p.m. on Wednesday against a yet-to-be-determined opponent.
JUNIOR LITTLE LEAGUE (12-14)
• South Hill (Puyallup) 4, Kent 2, Friday, June 25: Spencer Armstrong delivered five solid innings of work on the mound, striking out five and allowing just two runs, but it wasn’t enough for Kent in a loss to Puyallup in the district tournament opener at Brannan Park in Auburn. Kent pounded out 10 hits in the loss, including doubles from Armstrong and Cesar Cota. Armstrong also collected an RBI in the loss as did Bryce Sisson.
• Kent 9, Bonney Lake 5: Cesar Cota went 2-for-2 with a pair of doubles, three RBIs and two runs scored, leading Kent past Bonney Lake. Bryce Sisson worked 4 1/3 innings on the mound, striking out six, to pick up the victory. Matt Neslund and Brannan Ramburg combined for 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief to close out the victory.
Austin Sisley and Darrien Rodriguez collected two hits apiece for Kent.
Kent will continue the tournament at 8 p.m. on Tuesday against Auburn.
NOTABLE
The Little League All-Stars in the Majors Division (11-12) will be starting its district tournament on Saturday, July 10 at Sunset Park. … Kent’s 9-10 All-Stars wrapped up the district tournament title last week with a 5-0 win over Bonney Lake. Jordon Wright picked up the win on the mound in the championship game, striking out seven in 5 1/3 innings of scoreless work. Cade Harris led Kent’s offensive attack, collecting a pair of hits.
