The Hazen baseball team is getting ready for the state tournament and will leave for Yakima Friday afternoon.

The team takes on Kennewick at 10 a.m. Saturday at County Stadium in Yakima.

“It’s all been the kids,” said Hazen coach Mike Brundage. “I’m lucky to be in the situation I’m in. These guys put in all the work and all I’ve got to do is fill out a lineup. I’ve been very blessed.”

The Highlanders (15-7) have been led through the playoffs by the top of their rotation. Jimmy Schmidt pitched a one-hit shutout against Enumclaw to clinch Hazen’s state berth, but Jake and Zac Kolterman have been excellent as well. With three aces, Hazen has an edge in the playoffs.

“If one of them isn’t working, usually the other two are,” Brundage said.

Brundage also praised Gary Jacobs, who coached the current Hazen players up until this season. Brundage had been on the staff and stepped up to head coach this year when Jacobs stepped down.

“Gary has been a great mentor,” he said.

Kennewick is 18-7 this season. The Lions finished third in the 3A Big Nine and have several impact offensive players.

Shorstop Trek Stemp hit .506 this season with 36 runs, 21 RBI and three home runs. Catcher JJ Hancock hit .420 with 31 runs and 19 RBI. Jarod Gonzales hit .411 with 23 runs, 20 RBI and three home runs. Troy Fulton hit .377 with 25 runs and 20 RBI. Garrett Wilz had 24 RBI.

On the mound, Stetson Plew was nearly untouchable. Plew had a 1.04 ERA, six wins and 53 strikeouts and 47 innings. Jarrod Molnaa carried a 2.10 ERA through 36.2 innings. He struck out 25 and won four games.

Hazen last went to state in 2008, when the team lost 20-2 to Issaquah.