Brandon Lawler hit a grand slam home run in the 1st and Keegan Ogard added a 2-run blast in the 3rd

to power Mercer Island to a 7-0 lead Friday night, but Pasco National roared back late in the game to tie the game in the top of the 6th and force extra innings.  Clutch pitching by Max Hibbert in the 7th and 8th innings, 

and some key defensive plays allowed Mercer Island to earn a dramatic 8-7 win with 2 outs in the bottom of the 8th inning:

Michael Bantle scoring from 2nd after Pasco's second baseman can handle Brandon Lawler's grounder  

For the game, Brandon Lawler had 5 RBI on 1 hit and 2 walks; William Mansfield was 2/4 with a double, and he walked and scored; Michael Bantle had a hit, walked twice and scored 3 runs, including the game winner; Keegan Ogard had a hit for 2RBI; David Emanuels also had a hit and walked and scored twice.  Max Hibbert earned the win in relief, pitching the final 1-2/3's innings without allowing a run.

Mercer Island will play the winner of Saturday's game between Pasco National and Bainbridge Island (who won 7-1 on Thursday and 22-12 on Friday to stay alive following their 4-3 loss to Mercer Island on Tuesday).  The winner will have to beat Mercer Island twice on Sunday to deny MI the state championship and a trip to San Bernardino for the LL regional tournament. 

Link to Tournament bracket and live video webcast of state tournament games.

More photos of Friday's game, courtesy David Ogard.