Playoff Fever Grips Washington: Bainbridge, Montesano, and Tumwater Lead Charge into WIAA Baseball State Tournament

The crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd are about to reach a fever pitch across Washington State, as the 2026 WIAA high school baseball playoffs officially kick off this week! It is a thrilling time for prep sports fans, with teams across all classifications vying for that ultimate state championship title. From the smallest towns to the bustling city limits, these young athletes have poured their hearts and souls into their seasons, and now their moment has arrived.

First-round action begins with a bang, as Classes 1B and 3A hit the diamond on May 19. The excitement continues on May 23, when Classes 1A, 2A, 2B, and 4A begin their state tournament journeys. Every single game is a testament to the dedication of these players and their coaches, like long-time coach Derek Bingham, who guided Lake Washington to a third WIAA baseball championship in 2025, a feat that inspires the next generation of champions.

1A and 1B Kick Off State Title Hopes

The Class 1A bracket promises some intense battles right from the start. Top-seeded Montesano will face off against Royal, hoping to set the tone for a deep run. Other compelling matchups include Cedar Park Christian taking on Charles Wright, Colville battling Rochester, and Seton Catholic clashing with Klahowya. On the other side of the bracket, #2 seed Cashmere will host Castle Rock, Zillah meets Overlake, Lynden Christian takes on Naches Valley, and Lakeside faces King's. These student-athletes have worked tirelessly, and every pitch in these games will reflect that commitment.

For Class 1B, the state tournament also commences on May 19, bringing small-school pride to the forefront. Northwest Christian will challenge Wahkiakum, Oroville is set to clash with Garfield-Palouse, and Sunnyside Christian takes on Crosspoint Christian. Quilcene and DeSales will round out the initial matchups, showcasing the talent and grit found in these tight-knit communities. Each team is playing for more than just a win, they are representing their entire school and district.

2A Battles and the Road to Bellingham

Class 2A will explode into action on May 23, with a loaded bracket that promises fierce competition. The #1 seed, Bainbridge, looks to dominate as they take on Pullman. The action continues with Lynden facing Fife, West Valley battling Orting, and WF West challenging Sehome. Down south, #2 seed Tumwater, a perennial powerhouse, will host Port Angeles. Other must-watch games include Nathan Hale vs. Ellensburg, Othello against Chief Sealth, and Columbia River squaring off with Selah. The path to the 2A state title is never easy, and these teams are ready to leave it all on the field.

Class 2B also begins its quest for glory on May 23. These determined squads will bring their best, with dreams of reaching Wood Field at Carlon Park in Selah for the championship rounds, a venue that has seen countless memorable moments in state history.

Championship Dreams Across the State

As teams advance through the bracket, the anticipation will build towards the state championships on May 29-30 at various iconic venues. Classes 1A and 2A will culminate their seasons at the historic Joe Martin Stadium in Bellingham, a fitting backdrop for crowning champions. Classes 1B and 2B will battle for their titles at Wood Field at Carlon Park in Selah. Meanwhile, Classes 3A and 4A, who also begin their tournaments on May 19 and May 23 respectively, will play their championship games at Everett Memorial Stadium, a grand stage for the state's biggest schools.

This is where legends are made, where countless hours of practice and sacrifice pay off. Washington State prep baseball is truly special, and we cannot wait to witness the incredible performances, the dramatic finishes, and the sheer joy of competition that will unfold over the next two weeks.

This article was created with AI assistance. Stats and results sourced from public records.