Eastlake Little League Baseball Wins State Championship

Eastlake Little League's (Majors) All-Star Baseball team earned a second chance at the Little League state title after losing the initial game in the tournament by winning eight-straight games and the championship in Vancouver on Sunday, July 21.

Eastlake opened the tournament with a tight 5-6 loss to Federal Way on July 13, but went all the way through the consolation bracket to face Federal Way again in a two-game championship, winning 13-7 and 12-2. The state title earned them a berth in a regional tournament next weekend in California and keeping the dream of reaching the Little League Baseball World Series alive.

The 11/12 all-stars fought their way past West Plains (Spokane), Sedro Woolley, Greater Richland, West Seattle, Pacific, and Queen Anne to earn the right to play Federal Way again for the state title.

They will represent Washington state in the 2013 Little League Western Regional Baseball Tournament, Aug. 2-10 in San Bernardino, California. Eastlake will face the Alaska state champions on Aug. 2 at 9 a.m., and will also play games against teams representing Wyoming, Montana, and Oregon. The top-four teams from pool play will advance to a single-elimination semi-final round on Thursday, Aug. 8.

ESPN and ESPN2 will televise the semifinal games and both championship games on Aug. 10.

The winner of the regional tournament will advance to the Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, PA, Aug. 15-25.

Meanwhile, the Eastlake Little League (Majors) Softball All-Stars are currently competing in regionals in San Bernardino with a 2-0 record and on track for a berth in the semi-finals. Their next game is Monday, July 22 against Lewiston, Idaho. The winner of the regional tournament will advance to the Little League Softball World Series in Portland, OR, Aug. 8-14.