Skyline wins 3-0, ends Snohomish baseball’s perfect season

EVERETT — The Snohomish baseball team prevailed in close games all season long, relying on strong pitching and clutch hits.

Saturday morning, for the first time all season, the Panthers found themselves on the other side.

Snohomish tallied three hits and left 10 runners on base as the Panthers fell to Skyline 3-0 in a 4A state regional game at Everett Memorial Stadium. The loss was the first — and only — of the season for Snohomish (22-1), which saw its 2015 campaign end with the defeat.

“We played well enough to win,” said Snohomish head coach Kim Hammons. “We had good pitching, we had good defense, we put a lot of runners on base and we got them into great scoring position. I’m not sure how many guys were left on base, I’m going to say 10 right now.

“Today, we just did not get the clutch hit. We have gotten clutch hits from everybody on the whole team throughout the year to keep games close and to win games. And today we did not.”

Skyline did all of its damage in the top of the fifth inning, with a two-run single by Ryan Cornwall followed by an RBI single by Johnathan Chriest.

Snohomish almost responded in the bottom half of the fifth, with back-to-back singles to start the inning. But the Panthers’ offense stalled as Skyline pitcher Hugh Smith got the next three batters out.

In the bottom of the sixth Snohomish loaded the bases but Smith again got out of trouble with a pop up to center field.

“I think we ran into a quality arm,” Hammons said. “They made quality plays. … They had that one inning when they had seeing-eye hits. It makes it tough. They had their opportunities as well and they delivered. It was just a great pitching matchup. Both teams played really solid defense. We executed on bunts, we moved guys over, we just couldn’t buy a clutch hit.”

Skyline (13-9) finished fifth in KingCo 4A before winning the league tournament to clinch a state berth. The Spartans, who have won five games in a row, are at state for the first time since 2010.

“It was a battle,” said Skyline coach Chris Tamminen. “We got some breaks and they didn’t get some. It was a close game. It could have gone either way. We were fortunate. They’re a very good team and we’re fortunate to come out with a win.”

Jake Mulholland, Derrek Johnson and Brad Morgan recorded Snohomish’s three hits.

Kyle Sandifer, one of Snohomish’s eight seniors, had another strong outing for the Panthers on the mound. The senior struck out five and didn’t allow an earned run.

“The key for us was not chasing Sandifer’s high fastball and just trying to make contact with that slider, because he was throwing that for strikes,” Tamminen said. “We knew, eventually, we were going to have to hit that pitch. He’s a bulldog. He’s a very good pitcher and nothing really shakes him too much.”

Added Hammons: “I thought that Sandifer threw a really good ballgame, which is typical of him.”

The loss abruptly ended a previously-undefeated run for Snohomish. The Panthers, who made it to regionals for the first time since 2009 and won the 4A state title in 2008, broke into the USA Today Super 25 national poll at No. 10 this past week.

“It was just a great year. Who would of thunk it, No. 1, that we (would go undefeated). I thought we’d be .500,” Hammons said. “We went 20-0 (in the regular season). That’s a lot better. It’s just the incredible improvement that they made from the beginning of the season until the end. So many guys, as key contributors, on the mound and with clutch hits. There were a lot of kids that contributed to this good season. There’s a lot of good memories.”

At Everett Memorial Stadium.

Skyline 000 030 0 — 3 6 2

Snohomish 000 000 0 — 0 3 2

Hugh Smith and Johnathan Chriest. Ryan Sandifer and Ben Dmochowsky. WP—Smith. LP—Sandifer. Records—Skyline 14-9. Snohomish 22-1.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 8-17

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 8-17. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Silvertips’ playoff picture coming together as season hits final week

Everett is officially the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed and is likely heading into a matchup with Kelowna or Vancouver.

X
Prep roundup for Monday, March 18

Prep roundup for Monday, March 18: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Los Angeles Rams offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum (72) against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Seahawks add to position of need, sign guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr.

The 25-year-old has played in 31 games, starting once, since being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.

Everett Community College head coach Chet Hovde watches as the women's team practices on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
EvCC coach Chet Hovde, who ‘lived for’ basketball, dies at 77

Coach Hovde graduated from Everett High School in 1965. He spent 33 years as the women’s basketball coach at the community college.

Jackson’s Ian Friedrichsen celebrates his goal with his teammates during the game against Bothell on Thursday, May 11, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys soccer: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines for this high school boys soccer season

Jackson’s Rachel Sysum is hugged by Leneyah Mitchell after hitting a home run during the game against Bothell on Friday, May 19, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines to keep an eye on this high school softball season.

X
Prep roundup for Friday, March 15

Prep roundup for Friday, March 15: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Glacier Peak’s Samantha Christensen runs to home plate to celebrate her home run with her teammates during the game against Snohomish on Friday, March 15, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
GALLERY: Glacier Peak softball tops rival Snohomish

The Grizzlies prevail 9-5 in a clash of area powers.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

The Washington Wolfpack logo is revealed during the Everett AFL team unveiling at Tony V's Garage in Everett, Washington onThursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett’s new arena football team to have 4 televised games

The NFL Network will broadcast 30 AFL games this season, including two Wolfpack home games.

Washington coach Mike Hopkins yells to the team during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against California, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Seattle. California won 82-80. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Looking back at Mike Hopkins’ turbulent tenure as UW men’s basketball coach

The departing Huskies coach had highs early, but the good times didn’t last long.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.