Cruisers Knock Off League-Leading Orting, Clinch Playoff Berth w/photo

The Eatonville High School baseball team made a major statement last Tuesday, toppling the top-ranked Orting Cardinals 5-3 on their home field in one of the Cruisers’ biggest wins of the season.

Eatonville's senior players posed for a photo following their Senior Night game against Orting. Photo: Heather Quirie

The victory marked just the second loss of the season for the Cardinals and showcased Eatonville’s grit and poise down the stretch. Sparked by solid pitching and timely execution, the Cruisers flipped the script on a game many had penciled in as a likely Orting win.

Eatonville struck first in the third inning, taking advantage of a defensive miscue to plate the game’s opening run. Although Orting briefly took the lead in the bottom half of the inning, the Cruisers kept their composure and chipped away. Two more errors by the Cardinals in the sixth allowed Eatonville to reclaim the lead, and they never looked back.

Colton Herbrand came up clutch on the mound, tossing 4.1 scoreless innings in relief to earn the win. The right-hander allowed just three hits and struck out three while issuing only one walk. Ben Smith got the start, striking out three over 2.2 innings of work. The defense backed the effort with a double play and consistent pressure on the base paths.

Offensively, the Cruisers were opportunistic. Michael Laird and Herbrand each collected a hit, while Ethan Evans, Michael Stogsdill, and Herbrand drove in a run apiece. Justen Koch added to the chaos with two stolen bases, keeping the Orting defense off balance.

Riding high from the upset, Eatonville hosted Orting again on Wednesday for Senior Night in their final regular season matchup. While the momentum didn’t carry over in a 14-2 loss, the evening was more than just a scoreboard—it was a chance to celebrate the program’s eight seniors and all they’ve given to the team.

Aaron Leiter, Aaron Tozier, Michael Laird, Ethan Evans, Justen Koch, Michael Stogsdill, Owen Archer, and Brody Thirtyacre were honored following the game, with coaches, families, and the community applauding their leadership and dedication.

Despite the loss, the Cruisers closed the regular season at 8-10 overall and 7-7 in 2A SPSL play—good enough to clinch a berth in the West Central District 3 playoffs.

Eatonville now turns its focus to Monday, May 12, when they’ll travel to Port Angeles for a loser-out playoff battle with the Roughriders at Civic Field. First pitch is set for 4 p.m., with a 3:45 pregame show broadcast live on KONP Newsradio 1450 AM and streaming at myclallamcounty.com. Longtime voice Oly Archibald will be on the call alongside color commentator Greg Thomas.