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Hiller Home Run Helps Eskymos Survive In Norway
 NORWAY---Scott Hiller hit a two out, three-run homer in the sixth inning to give the Eskymos a 9-7 lead, and Eli Gardner pitched out of a bases loaded jam in the bottom of the seventh to give Escanaba a 10-8 win over the Norway Knights at Marion Park. Hiller's home run appeared to glance off the glove of Norway's left fielder as he crashed into the fence trying to make the inning-ending save. Escanaba had built a 4-1 lead before the Knights scored six runs in the bottom of the fifth to grab a 7-4 lead. Landon Amundson had a two-run single, Ian Popp had a sacrifice fly, and Blake Dishaw had a two-run single to put the Knights up, 7-4. But the Eskymos came right back with a five-run sixth inning. Hunter Lancour doubled home two runs to cut it to 7-6, his second two-run double of the game. Then with two out and two on, Hiller got ahold of a Carson Chartier pitch and got what was his only base hit of the game. Gardiner singled home an insurance run in the top of the seventh, and he needed it, as he tried to close the game on the mound in the bottom half. Popp led off with a single, then with one out, Dishaw was safe on an error and Brent Lagina drew a walk to load the bases, Gardiner hit Chase Carlson to force home a run, but with the winning run on first base, he got Chartier to line out to Hiller in center field to end the game. Hiller threw the first four innings for Escanaba and allowed two runs on two hits. He got a no-decision. Gardiner threw the final three innings and earned the win, allowing one run on two hits. Adam Willette had relieved Hiller and was charged with five runs. Chartier took the loss in relief of Isaac Lorenzoni. Norway celebrated its two seniors, Nolan Amundson and Carlson, in a pre-game ceremony. Escanaba improved to 18-7 on the season. Norway fell t0 13-5.  |
