Vikings’ Doucette tames Mustangs again, team one win from state

Inglemoor ace Dustin Doucette showed no fear of the potent Redmond High lineup in the opening round of the 4A Kingco Tournament on Saturday morning at Woodinville High, going the distance as the Mustangs fell 8-1.

The Vikings drew first blood, scoring twice in the second inning on a two-out triple and an error, with Redmond countering in the bottom of the third as Zach Abbruzza scored to put the Mustangs on the board.

Center fielder Connor Savage made a diving catch to end the Mustangs’ threat in the inning.

From then on it was all Inglemoor as they played add-on, chasing Oregon State-bound Dylan Davis after four and a third innings, while taking advantage of six walks issued by the flamethrower.

Blake Wilson came up big in the game, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs, and Mitchell Gunsolus scored three of the Vikings’ eight runs.

Doucette scattered five hits and struck out five in the winning effort, as Inglemoor (14-7) advances to play Bothell in the winner-to-state semifinals this afternoon at 4 p.m. at Woodinville High School.

Bothell’s McAfee handcuffs Issaquah

Cougar senior starter Brian McAfee picked up right where he left off in the regular season, tossing a complete-game shutout against the Issaquah Eagles in a 2-0 opening round win in the 4A Kingco playoffs.

He struck out six while allowing just four hits, as Cougar shortstop Jon Mercer provided the offensive spark, going 2-for-2 with an RBI and a run scored, with Ryan Morgan, Kevin McShane and Jordan Johnson also contributing hits.

The Cougars’ showdown with Northshore rival Inglemoor, with the winner earning a berth into the Kingco championship game and an automatic state berth, gets underway at Woodinville High School today at 4 p.m.