Spokane, Wash. — Caden Andreas, an outfielder from Ridgeline High School, delivered one of the standout performances of the evening as the National team edged the American team 7-5 on June 9, 2026, at Avista Stadium in Spokane in an Eastern Washington all-state baseball feeder game.
Andreas finished 2-for-3 at the plate, scoring twice while adding a double, an RBI, and a stolen base. The contest extended to extra innings before the Nationals secured the victory with a clean tenth inning from closer Nick Elliott of North Central, who retired three straight hitters to seal the save.
A Competitive Game That Came Down to the Wire
The Nationals built a commanding 5-1 advantage through six innings, with the foundation laid across the middle frames. The National team plated two runs in the third inning, followed by a run in the fifth after the American squad left the bases loaded without scoring in the bottom of the same frame.
The Americans mounted a spirited comeback in the seventh, cutting the deficit dramatically with a four-run inning. A key moment came when Ridgeline’s Charlie Lynn crossed the plate on an errant pick-off throw, fueling the surge that pulled the American team to within one at 5-4. Cy Reeves of Lakeside, who was named Northeast A co-MVP, provided the biggest blow of the rally with a two-run triple that brought his team back into contention.
However, the Nationals answered in the ninth inning to restore a three-run cushion, ultimately forcing the Americans to fall short in the final frame. Tyson Blake of Central Valley contributed two hits and two RBIs for the winning side, giving the Nationals a balanced offensive effort throughout the lineup.
Head coach Kevin May of University directed the National team, while Tim Klein of Lakeside and Shane Roy of Colville served as co-coaches for the American squad.
Andreas Reflects on Competing at Avista Stadium
For Andreas, the game carried personal significance beyond the box score. He described the opportunity to don his Ridgeline colors once more at a professional-grade venue as something he had been genuinely excited about since learning where the game would be held.
“That was a blast, especially playing on this field,” Andreas said. “Our last game with Ridgeline was pretty emotional for me, but when I figured out we were playing here, and I got to put on this Ridgeline green again, I was pumped.”
He also reflected on the quality of competition, noting that facing Eastern Washington’s top players elevated the experience. “These are the best of the best,” he said. “It was the time of my life.”
The feeder game served as a preview and preparation event for the full Eastern Washington all-state games, scheduled for June 27-28 in Yakima. Those contests will bring together the region’s top senior baseball talent for a broader all-star showcase.
What Comes Next
For players like Andreas, the road ahead points toward the Yakima all-state games later this month, where Eastern Washington’s best senior talent will compete on a larger stage. The June 27-28 schedule gives competitors a few weeks to build on performances from the feeder game and prepare for what figures to be a high-level showcase of regional baseball.
The all-state circuit represents a capstone for many high school seniors, capping their prep careers with a chance to compete alongside and against the region’s finest. As North Idaho and Eastern Washington continue producing college-ready talent, events like these help provide visibility for players navigating the next step in their athletic careers. For more on how Idaho’s schools are developing student-athletes and addressing educational policy, see coverage of ongoing discussions around Idaho’s school funding formula.