Kangs Clip Bellevue, Clinch No. 2 Seed in Playoffs

The Lake Washington High School baseball team scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning Wednesday night to walk off with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Bellevue and, thanks to a Mercer Island loss, gain the No. 2 seed in the upcoming KingCo 3A/2A playoffs.

“It was kind of crazy,” said LW coach Derek Bingham. “The kids have fun when you win in walk-off fashion. We haven’t lost at home yet and they came through at the end.”

The Wolverines led 2-1 when Steve Semler drilled a one-out single, his third hit, followed by an infield single by Spencer Jackson. Nori Shimizu walked to load the bases. Bellevue brought in a reliever, but Chris Moore singled to right field, bringing in the tying run, and pinch runner Alac Wong then scored from third on a passed ball.

The team later learned the No. 2 seed in the KingCo 3A/2A playoffs was clinched with MI’s loss to Sammamish.

The Kangs, now 8-5 in conference, finish the regular season tonight (Thursday) against tough Mount Si, which has already clinched the No. 1 seed. Si has lost just one conference game, on Tuesday to Liberty, and is ranked among the top five teams in the state.

It’s also senior night, the last home game for seniors on the team, and starts at 8 p.m.

“Record-wise, it’s the two best teams in the league,” said Bingham. “Nothing intimidates our guys. We’re not afraid of anyone. It’s going to be a special game.”

LWs Chris Moore went 2-for-3 with an RBI, and Zach Johnson homered in the second inning.

Bellevue's Reid Wagner went 2-for-3 with an RBI.

The Kangs play their first playoff game Thursday, May 12, 4 p.m. at Bannerwood Park in Bellevue. Their opponent has not been determined.

Meantime, the Juanita Rebels finished their regular season with a 5-4 loss to Liberty in Renton on Wednesday, despite a homer by Mitch Gebe and 2-for-4 nights by Sean Barlow (two RBIs) and Chris Foss (two runs).