Viking Baseball Through to State after 3-1 Win Over Bothell

Charles Long-Scott pitched into the 7th, Blake Moser shut the door with the go-ahead run at the plate. Box score and photos.

Charles Long-Scott warms up at Jackson last month. The junior got the win in Lake’s winner-to-State game Thursday. J425 photo.

A month ago, junior Charles Long-Scott found himself on junior varsity, working out minor issues after returning from an impressive sophomore campaign with a noticeable dip in velocity.

A shot to the ego? Must’ve been. But Long-Scott didn’t complain. He worked, dialing in on his most outstanding skill: control — while regaining his velocity.

And so while it was a surprise to some — this writer included — when Lake Stevens manager David Benson called on Long-Scott when the Wesco title was on the line in the 7th inning at Jackson, Long-Scott didn’t shrink from the moment: he ended Jackson’s title hopes and earned the save.

This clutch performance was followed up by a complete game shutout at Arlington.

Accordingly, when Lake faced a must-win game Thursday (winner to state, loser to 2026), Benson gave the ball to the strong righty with the Matt Cain-esque delivery.

Long-Scott was true to form, allowing just one Bothell run into the 7th — walking none and striking out five.

He pitched so well that Benson sent him out to go for the complete game, but after batters reached via an error and a single, Benson called for the sophomore flame thrower to put out the fire with the go-ahead run coming to the plate and one out in the 7th.

Blake Moser, who homered and hit 93.4 mph from the mound in front of scouts earlier in the week,