Click the thumbnails to see photos and videos, and to hear post-game comments from Isaac Ketchum, Josh Curtis, and Gladstone Manager Scott Kwarchiany.

GLADSTONE---In a battle of a couple of shorthanded teams, the Gladstone Indians slipped past the Norway Vikings, 4-2, in American Legion Baseball action Wednesday night in Gladstone. Both teams had only nine players at the beginning of the game, with a tenth Indians player arriving at Don Olsen Field midway through the contest.

But it was a well-played game despite some top players not being there due to U.P. High School football week and other reasons. Norway's Isaac Lorenzoni and Alex Ortman both pitched well, as did Gladstone's Aedan Creten and Brennan Detiege.

Lorenzoni made his second straight strong start on the mound in Delta County, after carrying a no-hitter into the fourth inning late Saturday night in Escanaba before taking a tough loss in the final inning.

On Wednesday, Lorenzoni also threw three no-hit innings against the Indians, at one point, striking out seven consecutive batters.

But he trailed 1-0 thanks to a walk, stolen base, ground out, and wild pitch, in the first inning. Then came the bottom of the fourth when things went bad for him.

Lorenzoni started the inning by hitting Isaac Ketchum with a pitch. Johnny Soderman followed with a single to center field, and with two on, Creten smashed a shot up the right-center field gap for a two-run single, giving Gladstone a 3-0 lead.

Then a wild pitch scored a fourth Indians run, and Lorenzoni gave way to Ortman, who walked three batters but did not allow a run or a base hit the rest of the way.

Those four Gladstone runs were too much for Norway to overcome, mostly because of the pitching of Creten and Detiege, and some strong outfield play behind them.

Norway had its chance in the fifth inning when Lorenzoni singled and Brent Lagina, who already had a bunt single, used his speed and presence in the left-handed batters box to beat out another infield hit.

Detiege got a strike out on Ortman, but Chase Carlson followed with a base hit. Lorenzoni was sent home from second base, but he was gunned out by Ketchum in left field, whose throw to catcher Davin Mattonen was in plenty of time.

The inning continued, though, when first baseman Noah Peterson dropped a pop-up, allowing a run to score. And then Evan Haferkorn followed with an RBI single to make it a 4-2 game. With two out, Carson Chartier sent a sinking line drive toward the left field line, but Ketchum got a good jump and chased it down to end the inning.

Norway's last chance came in the seventh inning when Carlson drew a one-out walk. Carsson McLean sharply hit one toward the right field corner, but Indians rookie right fielder Josh Curtis, getting his first significant playing time of the season, raced over and made a sliding catch to save a run. Haferkorn grounded out to end the game.

Creten earned the pitching win despite still being injured from last weekend's tournament games. He went 3 2/3 innings and allowed only one hit, five walks, and struck out three. Detiege earned the save, going 3 and 1/3 innings, allowing two runs (both unearned) on four base hits.

Lorenzoni took the loss, giving up four runs on only two hits in three innings.

Gladstone improved to 2-3 on the season, with both wins coming at Norway's expense.

The Vikings fell to 3-5 on the season. Gladstone is off until next Wednesday when the Indians travel to Marquette. Norway plays this Saturday and Sunday in a tournament across the border in Niagara, Wis.