Thomas Jefferson needed two wins in a row to survive this past weekend's South Puget Sound League sub-district baseball tournament -- and got them.

The Raiders survived a 2-1 game against Graham-Kapowsin to open Friday, then downed Kentlake, 3-2, in the second game Saturday.

That advances TJ to the West Central District playoffs this coming Saturday, when the Raiders face Rogers in 2 p.m. action at Heritage Park in Puyallup. The park is right next to Rogers High School on Puyallup's South Hill.

Mitch McQueen won on the mound in both games, but it was Jeff Brigham who had 15 strikeouts and carried a no-hitter through the fourth inning against Graham-Kapowsin.

"I don't care, we got the win," said Brigham of not getting a win personally. "(He) McQueen pitched in extra innings, so he got the win."

"Just keep throwing strikes and get the W," said McQueen, who improved to 5-0 overall.

Both pitchers missed most of the year with tendonitis but are on line now. McQueen had trouble in his shoulder and Brigham had it in his elbow.

"We're just starting to peak," Brigham said. And I haven't seen Rogers play, so it (this coming Saturday's game) should be interesting."
McQueen struck out seven in going the seven inning distance to win against Kentlake.

Brigham also scored the first run for the Raiders while playing shortstop in that game.

Brigham reached base on a fielder's choice and stole second, creating a throwing error in the Rogers infield that scored him.

The game remained as a 1-0 affair until the Raiders picked up a run in the bottom of the fourth.

Austin Campbell singled to right to start the rally off, then stole second and went to third on an error. McQueen singled Cambell home.

What turned out to be the decisive run came in the bottom of the fifth.

Brigham drew a two-out walk and Brett Fitzgerald doubled to deep right center to score him all the way from first.

Kentlake picked up one run each in the sixth and seventh and almost tied it in the top of the seventh.

Ryne Archibald was doubled to third base in the seventh by Glenn Hartman and Ryan Shelton scored him with a grounder to second.

Hartman advanced to third base on the play, but McQueen bore down and struck out Austin Williamson to end it.

The playoff appearance marked the sixth time in seven years that the Raiders have made the postseason.

"Let's make it seven of eight net year," said McQueen.