EVERETT — It seems like the Arlington baseball team has always struggled. They haven’t been to the state playoffs since 1994.

That changed when they defeated No. 2-seeded Marysville-Pilchuck 7-3 in the 3A District third-place game May 14, earning them a spot in the state tournament.

“These kids have worked their butts off, and they worked really hard to build this program,” Arlington coach Scott Striegel said. “They’re taking this program to where it hasn’t been in a long, long time.”

Arlington was ahead 3-1 after three innings when Jacob Watts hit a two-run single that put Arlington further ahead in the fourth inning. Russell knocked in three runs on the day.

“Jake has had a handful of big hits,” Striegel said. “He had quite the day today.”

Gavin Rork was another contributor. He stole bases and scored two runs, and also made some important plays in centerfield.

“That kid can really run. He can get around the bases,” Striegel said. “He did it all for us.”

Arlington played great defense as well, with much ado to Kindred Avery, who did great locating the ball from the mound, Striegel said.

“Avery threw really well,” Striegel said. “They had guys on base, and he worked himself out of trouble.”

Pitching appeared to be the difference in the game, as M-P’s pitcher allowed 10 walks.

“We didn’t locate pitching wise,” M-P coach Kurt Koshelnik said. “And walks come back to get you a little bit.”

M-P entered the tournament leading the North 3A league above Arlington. The Tomahawks finished the season 17-7 overall.

“I was really proud of our guys, they hung in there,” Koshelnik said. “It was weird conditions today after having heat for about two weeks straight.”

Arlington plays a doubled-header in the first round of state starting against Kelso at Skagit Valley College in Mount Vernon, Saturday, May 21 at 10 a.m. If Arlington wins, they advance to second game against either Glacier Peak or Lakeside.

Whatever the team may be, Striegel isn’t too worried about his team.

“I don’t think it matters what I tell these guys,” Striegel said. “They have fun no matter what the situation is. We’re just going to play, and that’s what’s fun with these guys.”