|
Redmen Get Playoff Win; Will Host Semifinals Sat.
 QUINNESEC---The Marquette Redmen scored two runs in the top of the seventh inning Tuesday night and beat the Kingsford Flivvers, 4-2, in Quinnesec. It was a double win for the Redmen as the MHSAA has moved the rest of the district tournament from Quinnesec to Marquette this Saturday. Tuesday's game was a pitcher's dual for most of the day, with Marquette's Justin Wenk matching Kingsford's Andrew Paupore pitch for pitch. Paupore's pitch count became an issue early as he threw 51 pitches in the first two innings. Marquette took a 2-0 lead in the first inning on a pop fly RBI single by Wenk, and a line drive single by Jacob Knauss. The Flivvers tied it with a two-run single by Sawyer Pugh, who was eventually thrown out trying to go to second base. And it stayed 2-2 until late in the game. In the bottom of the sixth, Nolan Lavarnway led off with a single and Carter Kreski bunted him to second.With Lavarnway at third, he tried to score on a bunt, but was thrown out at the plate. Henry McRoberts struck out swinging to end the threat. Paupore left in the sixth inning, having thrown 102 of his 105 pitches. Pugh came in to pitch the seventh with the game still 2-2. A walk, base hit, and hit battsman loaded the bases for the Redmen, then it was Kingsford's turn to make a play at the plate as San Barlett was tagged out trying to score. With two out, Wenk smacked a two-run single to left field, giving Marquette the lead. Wenk was replaced on the mound by Brady Wright in the seventh inning, and Wright worked a 1-2-3 inning to send the Redmen into the district semifinals. Wenk threw six innings, using 99 pitches, allowing only four hits and two unearned runs. Wenk struck out seven batters. Wright earmed the save. Pugh took the loss in relief, giving up two runs on two hits and two walks. Paupore, who will pitch at Concordia (Wis.) University next fall, got a no-decision after allowing three hits and two runs over 5 1/3 innings. Paupore struck out eight batters. Kingsford ends its season with an 11-6 record. Marquette (12-12) will now host the district semifinals on Saturday. The Redmen will play Sault Ste. Marie at 10 a.m. Escanaba will take on Cheboygan in the second game, with the championship game scheduled for 3:00. |
