Baseball Game Preview: Federal Way Eagles vs. Kent-Meridian Royals

For the second straight game, Federal Way will face off against Kent-Meridian. Federal Way will venture away from home to take on Kent-Meridian at 4:00 p.m. on Monday. The teams are on pretty different trajectories at the moment (Federal Way has three straight victories, Kent-Meridian has five straight losses), but none of that matters once you're on the field.

Kent-Meridian's hitters are going to have their work cut out for them on Monday: Federal Way hadn't allowed a single run the last three times they've hit the field. Federal Way's pitchers stepped up to hand Kent-Meridian a 16-0 shutout on Friday. That looming 16-0 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for the Eagles yet this season.

Ethan Lankford and Titus Gillihan were a major factor while hitting and pitching. Throwing, Lankford tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Gillihan struck out six batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits (and only one walk). Furthermore, Lankford didn't allow a single walk, the first time he has blanked an opponent since back in April of 2024. At bat, Lankford scored three runs and stole two bases while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances, while Gillihan went a perfect 3-for-3 with two stolen bases, five RBI, and two runs. Gillihan also put up a double, which was his first of the season.

Thoma Holden

Stolen Base

03/28/25 vs Kent-Meridian	1
03/25/25 @ Beamer	3
03/24/25 vs Beamer	2
03/20/25 vs Lakeside	1
03/18/25 vs Graham-Kapowsin	1
05/01/24 @ Kentwood	1

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Thoma Holden, who scored three runs and stole a base while going 2-for-3. He is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as he's now snagged at least one in each of the last six games he's played dating back to last season. Jovon Peseti also deserves some recognition as he brought in his first RBI of the season.

Federal Way was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .444. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their batting average total in four consecutive matches.

Kent-Meridian's defeat dropped their record down to 1-6. As for Federal Way, they now have a winning record of 3-2.

Kent-Meridian's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Federal Way has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .470. It's a different story for Kent-Meridian, though, as they've only averaged .318. Will they be able to contain Federal Way's hitters? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.