As soon as Troy Colyer made contact, the Liberty fans and team knew it was gone. Spectators leaned to watch the homerun clear the left field fence and the Patriots gathered at home plate to greet Colyer.
That three-run blast would be all Liberty needed in a 3-2 win against West Seattle that guaranteed a trip to the state tournament.
The teams played the first four-plus innings Tuesday night at Bannerwood Park in Bellevue before rain forced a suspension. When the game continued Wednesday afternoon at Sammamish, it didn’t take long for West Seattle to take a lead.
The Wildcats scored twice in the top of the fifth inning to break the tie and take a lead.
Liberty (20-4) responded immediately. Cameron Talley doubled to lead off the bottom of the fifth, Eric Etter drew a walk. Then, after two outs, Colyer hit the three-run homer.
John McLeod pitched four innings Tuesday for the Patriots, while Dan Eck pitched the final three innings Wednesday and earned the win.
Liberty will play Timberline Saturday at 1 p.m. at Wheeler Field in Centralia.
