The top-seeded Tumwater Thunderbirds opened district play on Tuesday, when they defeated No. 4 Ridgefield 4-2 at home in a 2A District 4 Quarterfinal to advance to the district semifinals.
The reigning district champions got on the board in the first inning, scoring two runs by putting just two balls in play.
After a strikeout opened the frame, a single and a fielder’s choice put a runner at first with two outs. Each of the next three batters were hit by a pitch to force home a run, and Charlie Crawford drew a walk to bring home another.
That 2-0 scoreline held until the fifth, when Jimmy Womach added one insurance run with an RBI double, and Liam Gustafson hit an RBI single to tack on another.
The Spudders made it interesting in the seventh, scoring twice and loading the bases, but a fielder’s choice ended the game.
Luke Overbay was dominant over six-plus innings, allowing just one hit and two runs (one earned) while walking three and striking out 10. Braeden Konrad entered in the seventh and got the final three outs.
Max Bunn logged a multi-hit game, collecting two hits in three trips to the plate, while Womach, Gustafson, Wyatt Chase, and Crawford each picked up an RBI.
Tumwater (18-4) will now turn its attention towards the semifinals. The Thunderbirds will play No. 3 Aberdeen at W.F. West High School on Wednesday afternoon.
