The Redmond High School Mustangs captured the KingCo Conference baseball championship Saturday with a thrilling 5-4 victory over Eastlake at Hartman Park, securing the program’s first conference title in six years.

Senior pitcher Jake Thornton delivered a masterful performance on the mound, striking out nine batters over six innings before giving way to closer Ryan Matsuda, who recorded the final three outs.

The decisive moment came in the bottom of the seventh when junior outfielder Marcus Rivera launched a two-run double into the right-center gap, breaking a 3-3 tie.

“These kids have worked so hard all season,” said head coach Tom Bradley. The Mustangs now advance to the 3A state tournament at Everett Memorial Stadium next weekend.