The Lower Columbia College Red Devils have officially punched their ticket as the top seed out of the West! The celebration comes on the heels of a dominant four-game series sweep over the Clark College Penguins that culminated in the NWAC West Region Championship.

The series kicked off on April 23 at David Story Field with a thrilling opening game. Lower Columbia edged out Clark 3-2 in a contest that came down to the final frame.
Starting pitcher Graham Learing tossed a gem, striking out eight batters over six scoreless innings while allowing just one hit.
Sam Davidson got the scoring started early for the Red Devils with a first-inning solo home run. Clark battled back late, tying the game 2-2 in the top of the ninth with a solo homer from Kaedon Cruse. However, the Red Devils had the final say in the bottom of the ninth when Martyn Hernandez delivered a clutch walk-off single to score Easton Marshall and secure the win. Matthew Kosderka earned the victory in relief.

The second game of the April 23 doubleheader was a much different story, as Lower Columbia cruised to a dominant 12-1 blowout.
The offense exploded for 14 hits, backed by a four-run second inning and a five-run fifth. Martyn Hernandez crossed the plate four times , while James Cote went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate.
On the mound, Quinn Hubbs picked up his ninth win of the season, throwing five shutout innings and allowing only two hits.

The momentum traveled with the team to Kindsfather Field two days later on April 25. The Red Devils' offense stayed hot in the opening game, securing a comfortable 10-2 victory.
Starting pitcher Caden Spanier earned the win, improving his perfect record to 5-0. He tossed five solid innings, allowing just one earned run on four hits while giving up zero walks. After three scoreless innings, Lower Columbia broke the game open with a four-run fourth. The rally was highlighted by Karsten Hansen reaching on an error by the center fielder, which brought home three unearned runs. Jaylen Kennedy was a constant threat on the basepaths, crossing the plate four times while adding two hits. Keagan Kelly also contributed a multi-hit performance with two singles.

The nightcap on April 25 was a much tighter battle, but the Red Devils showed their resilience by edging out a 4-3 win to complete the series sweep and clinch the NWAC West Region Championship.
Clark fought back to tie the game at 3-3 with a two-run bottom of the sixth. However, in the top of the seventh, Jackson Wendt hit a clutch sacrifice fly to left field, scoring Sam Davidson for the go-ahead and ultimate winning run.
Karsten Hansen had a great game at the plate, ripping two doubles. Nathan Woodside also had a productive outing, driving in two runs on a fourth-inning single and a sixth-inning sacrifice fly.

On the mound, Justin Fuller ground through six innings, striking out four while allowing three runs. Brendan Bowyer tossed two innings in relief, striking out 3 with one walk, to earn the win. Matthew Kosderka came in to slam the door shut, earning his ninth save of the year by striking out three batters over 1.1 perfect innings.

With the West Region locked up, the Red Devils are gearing up for the postseason. But first, Lower Columbia will take a brief break from league play to host a doubleheader against the Pacific University JV Boxers on Wednesday, April 29, with the first pitch scheduled for 3:00 PM. The Red Devils will wrap up their regular season next week with a four-game series against Tacoma. They will host a doubleheader on Thursday, May 7 at 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM, before heading on the road to finish the season at Tacoma on Saturday, May 9 at 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM.

The NWAC Championships, hosted by Lower Columbia College, run from Thursday, May 21 through Monday, May 25 at David Story Field. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

For more championship information and to purchase tickets go to nwacsports.com


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