WWU Softball News

Western’s softball team dropped a close one in its opening game of the College World Series. The Viks lost to UT Tyler 6-5 this morning in Chattanooga, TN.

UT Tyler got off to an early lead thanks to a 3-run home run in the first inning, but Western responded with five unanswered runs, including four driven in by shortstop Hailey Rath on an RBI double and 3-run homer. UT Tyler dragged itself within one run in the fourth inning, then took the lead with a pair of runs in the fifth to escape with the win.

The 8th-seeded Viks now fall to the elimination bracket, where they’ll face 4th-seeded North Georgia in a loser-out match at 8 am local time on Saturday. You can stream the game live and free at NCAA.com.

Mariners News

The Mariners are in H-Town tonight for the start of their 4-game series against the Astros. The M’s enter the series holding a 3.5 game lead over their division rivals in the AL West. They’ve won five of their last six following series wins over the Padres and White Sox in what’s been a successful road trip thus far.

George Kirby is making his season debut on the mound after missing the past few months with elbow inflammation. Skipper Dan Wilson doesn’t expect him to throw more than 80 pitches.

Coverage for today’s series-opener begins at 4:00 and first pitch is at 5:10 on KPUG.

A former All-Star with the Mariners is calling it a career. Jean Segura announced yesterday that he’s retiring following 12 seasons in the majors, including two with Seattle.

Segura made one of his two All-Star appearances while he was a Mariner in 2018. He led the majors in hits the season before joining the M’s. The 35-year-old infielder last played in the major leagues in 2023, with the Miami Marlins.

NFL News

Longtime Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay died yesterday at the age of 65. Irsay led the team since 1997 and presided over one of the franchise’s greatest eras, including a Super Bowl after the 2006 season. He’s also known here in the Pacific Northwest for his effort to facilitate Southern Resident orca Tokitae’s return to Washington, pledging millions to help bring her back to the Salish Sea.

Irsay’s health came under question when he was hospitalized after first responders found him unresponsive in his bedroom in December 2023. Irsay had made few public appearances in the year since the incident.

Prep Sports News

Sehome edged WF West 2-1 last night in the opening round of the 2A boys soccer state tournament. WhatcomPreps reports freshman Luke Yawitz scored in the final seconds of regulation to help Sehome move on to the state quarterfinals. There, the 2nd-seeded Mariners will host 10th-seeded Cedarcrest. The game takes place at 1 pm on Saturday from Civic Stadium.

The state fastpitch softball tournament is getting underway today. In 1A, 9th-seeded Lynden Christian is currently playing 8th-seeded Kiona-Benton in a loser-out match in Richland. If the Lyncs win, they’ll move on to face top-seeded Montesano in the quarterfinals at 1:00 tomorrow. Meanwhile, 9th-seeded Lynden is playing 8th-seeded Franklin Pierce in Selah at 11 am tomorrow. A win would advance the Lions to the 2A quarterfinals, while a loss would send them to the consolation bracket.

And Whatcom County found plenty of success in the state golf tournaments this week. Lummi’s Noah Cagey placed 6th individually to help the Blackhawks boys earn a 3rd place finish in the 1B tournament. Meridian’s Matthew Blankenburg finished 2nd in 1A and Daniel Blankenburg joined him in 5th place. Lynden’s Jack Stapleton also earned a 6th place finish in the boys 2A course.