Team bounces back from Soundview loss

With a 3-1 victory over Snoqualmie Valley North Little League in the District 9 championship game on July 12, Bellevue West Little League advanced to the Junior baseball state tournament in Mt. Vernon.

It is the first time ever a Bellevue West team at any division has advanced past the District 9 tournament, which includes 15 leagues on the Eastside, including Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Issaquah, Sammamish, Mercer Island and the Snoqualmie valley from Duvall to North Bend. The Junior baseball state tournament, which is for ages 13 and 14, runs through today.

Bellevue West’s win was keyed by pitcher Mason Adams, who picked up the win and hit a home run to start the scoring for Bellevue West. Jack Moore and Reid Hartmann both went 2 for 3 and left-handed pitcher Tim Klustner came on for the save.

Bellevue West lost its opening game of the state tournament 11-2 to Soundview last Wednesday and was forced to play South Whidbey on Friday in order to avoid elimination. South Whidbey won that game 7-5 to eliminate Bellevue West.