EVERETT — Christopher Moore pitched 6 2/3 innings with eight strikeouts and one run allowed to lead Kentlake High School to a 2-1 victory over O’Dea in the Class 3A state semifinal on May 29, 2026, at Everett Memorial Stadium. Moore allowed just one hit and issued five walks while securing Kentlake’s spot in the state championship game.

Matthew Ledbetter delivered the game’s decisive blow with a two-run double down the right field line in the bottom of the fourth inning with the bases loaded, giving Kentlake a 2-1 lead. Ledbetter finished the game 3-for-3 at the plate, while Jacob Lawrence went 2-for-3.

“It’s a big feeling,” Ledbetter said of his double. “Definitely had that oppo approach, stuck to my approach and it ended up working out.”

Moore, a two-way player committed to the University of Washington, relied heavily on his secondary pitches as the game progressed. “I lost a feel for the fastball at times but my changeup was working well, my slider was working well and I trusted my defense. Couldn’t have worked out better.”

Kentlake coach Mike Suguro said the team had prepared Moore for high-pressure situations during practice, including simulated intentional walk scenarios. “Seeing how he handles it in practice, we knew he was well equipped to handle it in the game.”

“It’s just grit. It’s something we’ve been preaching every single day of every single practice, we’ve gotta have grit, gotta battle pitch to pitch. Things aren’t going to go our way sometimes and we’ve just gotta find a way to battle, ride the storm. He did a heck of a job,” Suguro said.

Kentlake advanced to the Class 3A state championship game scheduled for May 30, 2026, at 7 p.m. in Everett. The Falcons will face the winner of the semifinal between Decatur and Eastside Catholic. Kentlake and Decatur compete in the 3A North Puget Sound League, and Decatur won both regular-season meetings against Kentlake early in the 2026 season.

“It wouldn’t be a sweeter ending. Can’t draw it up that way,” Moore said.