WIAA Baseball Brackets Unleashed: Top Seeds Richland, Mount Vernon, Bainbridge Head State Tournament Charge

The buzz around Washington State high school baseball hit a fever pitch this Sunday, May 17, 2026, as the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) officially unveiled the state tournament first-round pairings for all six classifications. The championship journey, a culmination of months of dedication, grueling practices, and thrilling victories, is now clearly laid out, promising a fortnight of unforgettable diamond action across the state. From the biggest 4A schools to the fiercely competitive 1B programs, every team dreams of hoisting that state championship trophy, and now they know who stands in their way.

High Stakes in the High Schools: Class 4A and 3A Paths to Glory

The Class 4A bracket immediately grabs attention, setting up a clash of titans with No. 1 seed Richland facing No. 16 Skyline. But the storyline doesn't end there. No. 2 Sumner, a formidable force all season, is poised for a deep run, kicking off their quest against No. 15 Moses Lake. Fans will be eager to watch players like Sumner's dynamic baserunner Landon Meyer, who has been instrumental in the Spartans' success this year, as they navigate the pressure of state play. Other top contenders include No. 3 Tahoma battling Lake Washington, and No. 5 Gonzaga Prep taking on Puyallup, guaranteeing intense matchups from the very first pitch. The 4A and 3A state semifinals and finals are set to ignite Everett Memorial Stadium on May 29-30, promising a grand stage for these top-tier programs. In Class 3A, the No. 1 seed belongs to the powerful Mount Vernon squad, who will await the winner of a spirited play-in between Kelso and Eastside Catholic. Meanwhile, No. 2 Kennewick faces a similar path, ready for either Monroe or Enumclaw. These preliminary matchups ensure that only the most prepared teams advance, setting the stage for a dramatic main bracket. No. 3 Gig Harbor and No. 4 Decatur also lead their respective sections, with Gig Harbor looking to prove their might against the winner of Liberty and White River, and Decatur challenging the victor of Shorewood and Central Valley. The parity and depth in 3A mean every game will be a battle, with teams like O'Dea and Mercer Island also in the mix, adding layers of excitement.

Diamond Dreams Across Washington: 2A, 1A, 2B, and 1B Brackets

The action isn't limited to the larger classifications. Class 2A showcases No. 1 Bainbridge facing Pullman, with No. 2 Tumwater taking on Port Angeles. These programs have built impressive resumes, and their opening games promise high-intensity baseball. The 2A and 1A state finals will light up Joe Martin Stadium in Bellingham, providing a fantastic atmosphere for these hard-working athletes. Down in Class 1A, No. 1 Montesano looks to dominate Royal, while No. 2 Cashmere has their sights set on Castle Rock. And for the 2B and 1B classifications, the road to Wood Field at Carlon Park in Selah officially begins. Tri-Cities Prep holds the No. 1 seed in 2B, challenging Orcas Island, and Liberty Christian leads the 1B charge, poised to face a play-in winner. These smaller schools often deliver some of the most passionate and competitive baseball, a testament to the dedication of players and coaches across Washington. Every player, every coach, and every community has poured their heart into this season. As the WIAA state tournament officially begins, the stage is set for Washington's finest high school baseball teams to showcase their skills, determination, and the pure love of the game. Let the unforgettable journey to state glory commence.

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