Everett Bashes Way Past Pierce 11-5 to Open 2026 NWAC Baseball Championship

LONGVIEW, Wash. — The Everett Trojans put up 14 hits in their 11-5 opening game victory over Pierce on Thursday at the 2026 NWAC Baseball Championship at David Story Field.

The Trojans hit early and often, scoring a run in the bottom of the first before adding on with three runs in the third and three more in the fifth. After Pierce started a late-game rally with three runs in the eighth, the Trojans shut the door with four more runs in the bottom of the inning to seal the victory.

Kai Miller made a significant impact for the Trojans, scoring four runs and securing three hits, including a double. His performance set the tone for the team's offensive efforts as he was on base all five times from the leadoff spot. Davis Downer had the big hit in the fifth inning, sending a two-run home run over the centerfield fence as he drove in three runs in the game. Lucas Coma achieved three hits and drove in two runs.

On the mound, Basil Hendrix excelled by pitching 7 innings, allowing only one earned run, and striking out 11 batters, earning the win with a strong performance from the start. 

The Raiders' standout players included Kai Halstead, who led the team with 2 RBIs and had a double in his two-hit performance. Bradley Carl had a run, hit, and RBI while also drawing a walk. On the mound for Pierce, Michael LeJeune pitched 4 2/3 innings, recording three strikeouts.

Everett moves on in the winner's bracket of the tournament and will next play the winner of Linn-Benton vs. Wenatchee Valley on Friday at 4:35 p.m in Game 7 of the tournament. The Raiders will play the loser of that same matchup at 9:35 a.m. on Friday in Game 5.