WIAA State Baseball Playoffs Ignite: Montesano, Bainbridge, Tumwater Ready for Battle!

The crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd, it's that electrifying time of year again! The 2026 Washington high school baseball playoffs are officially underway, with teams across all classifications vying for state supremacy. This week marks the thrilling First-Round action, a testament to the dedication and hard work these young athletes have poured into their seasons.

Classes 1B and 3A threw the first pitches of the state tournament on May 19, setting the pace for what promises to be an unforgettable championship run. Not to be outdone, Classes 1A, 2A, 2B, and 4A will jump into the fray on May 23, igniting fields across Washington with their playoff dreams. The road to glory culminates in the WIAA state championships on May 29-30, with champions crowned at prestigious venues:

• Classes 1A and 2A will play at Joe Martin Stadium in Bellingham.
• Classes 1B and 2B will battle at Wood Field at Carlon Park in Selah.
• Classes 3A and 4A will conclude their seasons at Everett Memorial Stadium.

1A and 1B: Underdog Dreams and Top Seed Dominance

The Class 1A bracket features some compelling matchups. Top seed Montesano, a powerhouse program from the southwest district, kicks off its campaign against the Royal Knights, seed 16. Montesano's dominant season has been fueled by strong pitching, including senior ace Liam Rodriguez, who has consistently shut down opposing lineups. Fans will also be keeping a close eye on the 8 vs. 9 seed clash between Cedar Park Christian and Charles Wright. Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, and this game is ripe for an upset, showcasing the depth of talent in 1A baseball.

In Class 1B, the action started earlier this week, promising gritty contests right out of the gate. A particularly intriguing matchup features Northwest Christian, the 8th seed, taking on the 9th seed Wahkiakum. These small schools play with immense heart, and every pitch and every play will be fiercely contested. The drive and passion from these 1B teams are truly inspiring, as they leave it all on the field.

2A and 2B: Favorites and Fierce Fights

Class 2A is stacked with formidable contenders. The top-seeded Bainbridge Spartans from District 2 will face the Pullman Greyhounds, seed 16. Bainbridge has consistently been a team to beat, known for their disciplined approach and clutch hitting. Further down the bracket, the Tumwater Thunderbirds, seed 2, a perennial contender, will challenge Port Angeles, seed 15. Tumwater's lineup, featuring powerful first baseman Marcus Thorne, has been a force all season. Another must-watch game in 2A is the 8 vs. 9 showdown between Lynden and Fife, a game that could easily go down to the wire and set the tone for a deep playoff run for the winner.

The Class 2B tournament also promises intense competition, with teams like Quilcene and DeSales squaring off. These smaller school programs play with incredible intensity and skill, often surprising bigger programs with their talent and determination. Every game in 2B feels like a championship, a true testament to the competitive spirit of Washington high school baseball.

With brackets now set and the first pitches thrown, Washington's high school baseball scene is buzzing. Every team, every player, and every coach has put in the work, and now it's time to see whose dreams will be realized at the WIAA State Championship fields next week. Get ready for some unforgettable baseball action!

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