Ridgeline High School’s Caden Andreas turned in one of the standout performances of the 2026 Eastern Washington all-state feeder game Tuesday at Avista Stadium, finishing 2-for-3 with two runs scored, a double, an RBI, and a stolen base as the “National” squad edged the “American” team 7-5 in ten innings.
The contest, which brings together some of the region’s top high school baseball talent ahead of the full all-state showcase, went down to the wire before the Nationals secured the victory. Andreas provided a signature moment in the ninth inning, lacing a two-out double off the left-field wall to help keep his team’s advantage intact.
A Night to Remember at Avista Stadium
For Andreas, suiting up at the home of the Spokane Indians carried a layer of meaning beyond the scoreboard. The Ridgeline product described the experience of wearing his school colors one more time at a professional venue as something he had eagerly anticipated once he learned of the game’s location.
“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.”
Andreas also reflected on the caliber of competition assembled on both sides, saying it was the time of his life to square off against players of that quality.
The Nationals built their lead methodically. In the third inning, Ridgeline’s Ben Wartinger singled to right field and swiped second base, helping stake his squad to an early 2-0 edge. Mt. Spokane’s Connor Moffitt added an RBI single during that frame. Central Valley’s Tyson Blake was another key contributor for the Nationals throughout the contest, tallying two hits and a pair of RBIs on the night.
The Nationals continued to apply pressure in the fourth inning when Gonzaga Prep’s Jackson Mott drew a leadoff walk, and Lewis and Clark’s KJ Kinkade followed with a run-scoring pop single to left field. University’s Shaun Lee reached on an error in the fifth, and Colfax’s Emeric Anderson collected a single in the same frame, helping the Nationals extend their advantage to 5-1 heading into the seventh.
Americans Stage Late Rally but Fall Short
The American squad, directed by co-coaches Tim Klein of Lakeside and Shane Roy of Colville, refused to go quietly after trailing by four runs in the seventh. Lakeside’s Cy Reeves — named co-MVP of the Northeast A classification — delivered the highlight of the Americans’ comeback bid with a two-run triple that brought his team back within striking distance.
The Americans trimmed the deficit to 7-5, but North Central’s Nick Elliott slammed the door, throwing a clean 1-2-3 tenth inning to earn the save and preserve the Nationals’ win. University’s Kevin May served as head coach for the winning side.
The feeder game format is designed to give top-tier seniors from Eastern Washington one final opportunity to compete at a high level while previewing the talent expected to feature in the main all-state event. For players like Andreas, whose high school careers have concluded, it also offers a rare chance to represent their school one last time under the lights.
Ridgeline has been a consistent presence in Eastern Washington prep sports conversation this spring. The school’s students have made headlines in academics as well — earlier this year, Ridgeline High School captured the KSPS Civics Bowl title on a final-question finish, reflecting the broader range of student achievement coming out of the program.
What Comes Next
The region’s top senior players are scheduled to gather again for the full Eastern Washington all-state games, set for June 27-28 in Yakima. Those contests will bring together the best players from multiple classifications for a broader showcase of graduating senior talent from across Eastern Washington. Athletes who performed well in Tuesday’s feeder game at Avista Stadium will be among those expected to compete for roster spots and recognition at the Yakima event.
For fans of Lewis-Clark Valley and Nez Perce County prep sports, the all-state games offer a continued opportunity to track local athletes as they close out their high school careers and set their sights on the next chapter. Follow regional student achievement coverage at Nez Perce County News for ongoing updates.