Cottrell pitches Freeman into State A Legion finals

OLYMPIA – McKabe Cottrell pitched all seven innings as Freeman topped Hanford 5-0 in a loser-out baseball game at the State A American Legion Tournament on Tuesday.

Freeman plays Kenmore for the state championship today.

Cottrell held Hanford to three hits while striking out 10 with only two walks at North Thurston High.

A.J. Iris led Freeman batters with two hits, including a double, two runs scored and an RBI. Cottrell and Jake Phipps also collected two hits. Cottrell helped his own cause with an RBI.

Derek Smith gave Freeman a 2-0 lead in a two-run fifth inning by laying down a squeeze bunt. From there, Cottrell and Freeman never looked back.

Unbeaten Kenmore defeated North Kitsap 7-0 on Tuesday. Freeman must defeat Kenmore twice to claim the title.