Cruisers Fall in District Playoffs, Wrap Up Season with Grit and Growth

The Eatonville Cruisers’ postseason run came to an end this past Monday with an 8-1 loss in the district playoffs, but the scoreboard didn’t tell the whole story of a team that matured, battled, and took major steps forward in 2025.

The Eatonville Cruiser baseball team lines up for player introductions prior to their district playoff game against Port Angeles. Photo: Christine Loveland

Eatonville's season-closing defeat came at the hands of the Port Angeles Roughriders, who capitalized on early momentum and defensive miscues to build a lead the Cruisers couldn’t claw back from. Despite the loss, Head Coach Doug Fillbach had nothing but pride for his team, particularly a senior class that has helped lay the foundation for the program’s future.

“Watching the team come together and grow this year was a very special moment for me as a coach,” Fillbach said. “I have had most of the team for three years now, and it was great to see how they handled adversity and grew as individuals.”

The Roughriders jumped out in the second inning, taking advantage of a Cruiser error to get on the board. They padded their lead in the third, with a pair of run-scoring hits. Eatonville starter Brody Thirtyacre battled through four and two-thirds innings, striking out five and giving his team a chance to hang in. He allowed five runs—four earned—on seven hits before turning the ball over to the bullpen.

The Cruisers’ lone run came in the later innings, thanks to a persistent offensive effort. Thirtyacre and Aaron Tozier led the charge at the plate with two hits apiece, helping Eatonville notch seven total hits against a tough opposing pitcher who went the distance.

“Even though the game didn’t go our way, the team did a great job of staying composed, and it showed how much they had matured over the last three years,” Fillbach said.

Eatonville finishes the year with an 8-11 overall record, going 7-7 in 2A SPSL play—good for a fifth-place finish and a well-earned district playoff berth. For a team that battled through growing pains and a tough league schedule, reaching the postseason was a clear sign of their resilience.

“Each of our seniors became better young men through this program, and I am proud of how far they have come,” Fillbach said. “They have taught me a lot as well, and I am very excited to see the young men that they will become and how they can give back and contribute to the communities that they finally settle down in.”

While Monday marked the final high school game for several key players, the season also showcased the development of younger talent and a team culture grounded in grit, respect, and unity. Fillbach, emotional but grateful, made it clear how much the senior group meant to him.

“This is my first big group of seniors, and it's been pretty emotional knowing that our time

together on the field has come to an end,” he said. “They are a very fun group of players and I will miss them.”

Though the scoreboard ended the season, Eatonville’s growth as a team—and as young men—was the true victory this spring.