The Tumwater Thunderbirds are proving that composure under pressure is the mark of a championship-caliber team. After dropping back-to-back games to Aberdeen and W.F. West two weeks ago, the T-Birds didn't flinch. Instead, they dug deep and delivered a clutch 5-3 victory over the Bearcats on Monday, keeping their EvCo title hopes alive and well.
"I don't want to panic because then they panic," said Tumwater head coach Lyle Overbay. "We're right where we need to be."
And right where they need to be is in the thick of the league title race. With the win, Tumwater (15-4, 11-2 EvCo) sets up a pivotal rematch on Tuesday. Sweep the two-game series, and the T-Birds will hold the tiebreaker over their rivals. A win against Shelton on Thursday would then clinch the league crown and the No. 1 seed for the Class 2A District 4 tournament.
The game turned in the top of the sixth inning. Wyatt Chase, hit by a pitch to lead off the frame, advanced to second on an errant pickoff attempt. With a bold dash to third, Chase slid safely on a bang-bang play that drew a strong disagreement from W.F. West's dugout. Moments later, Liam Gustafson's deep flyout to right field scored Chase, putting Tumwater ahead for good.
"These guys, I just wanted them to compete," Overbay added. "We had some breaks go our way, but those are our guys taking advantage of those opportunities. When you get to the later days, it is going to make a difference."
The T-Birds added insurance in the seventh. Peyton Davis led off with a double, Max Bunn followed with a single, and Luke Overbay delivered a sacrifice fly to center field. Davis and Overbay each finished with two hits on the day, providing the offensive spark Tumwater needed.
On the mound, starter Overbay worked six strong innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits while striking out six. Crawford closed the door with a scoreless seventh, giving the T-Birds the edge they needed.
For W.F. West (17-2, 12-1), the loss snapped a 17-game winning streak, but the Bearcats still control their own destiny. A win on Tuesday would secure back-to-back EvCo titles.
"The best thing about this is we get to play tomorrow," said W.F. West head coach Jesse Elam.
With the league title on the line and both teams refusing to back down, Tuesday's showdown promises to be a must-watch battle. For the Thunderbirds, it's all about staying cool, seizing opportunities, and finishing what they started.