GLADSTONE---The Gladstone Indians set several goals this season, and one of them was to win the Mid Peninsula League title. And to meet that goal, the Indians knew they had to beat the Marquette Blues Thursday night at Don Olsen Field.
Gladstone entered the game with a 17-2 overall record, and one of those losses was a 5-2 setback to the Blues last month in Marquette. But Thursday night, Indians pitcher Matt Weyers was in complete control, tossing a three-hitter in a 3-0 Gladstone victory.
Weyers needed just 71 pitches to throw all seven innings. He fanned four batters and walked just one.
"Matt was spot on today," Indians Manager Jim Groleau said. "He was focused, and he was in a zone."
"My fastball was working great," Weyers said. "I was able to hit the strike zone all night. And I knew that I had a great defense behind me. They only had one error. That helps me out when I know I can throw strikes and if they hit the ball, the guys will make the plays."
Marquette (26-6) had just six base runners all night long, and one of them was thrown out while trying to steal second base in the seventh inning. The Blues also got a good pitching effort, from sophomore Nick Kamarada. Gladstone managed six hits in the game, but the three runs that were scored probably shouldn't have scored.
Kamarada struck out the first two men of the third inning before walking Peyton Jurek.
Cody Frazer then lined a single to left center with Jurek moving to third. With runners on the corners, Kamarada then struck out Jared Stenson t0 end the inning. But the ball skipped past the catcher allowing Stenson to reach first base and Jurek to score.
That gave the Indians a 1-0 lead. Jake Pearson and Hayden Hardwick each followed with RBI singles and Gladstone led 3-0. And that was more than enough for Weyers.
"It was a pitcher's duel," Weyers said. "It was a massive win for us. I wanted to prove that we were the better team. We got hits when we needed to, and the defense was great."
Gladstone entered the game with a 17-2 overall record, and one of those losses was a 5-2 setback to the Blues last month in Marquette. But Thursday night, Indians pitcher Matt Weyers was in complete control, tossing a three-hitter in a 3-0 Gladstone victory.
Indians celebrate their win over Marquette.
"Matt was spot on today," Indians Manager Jim Groleau said. "He was focused, and he was in a zone."
"My fastball was working great," Weyers said. "I was able to hit the strike zone all night. And I knew that I had a great defense behind me. They only had one error. That helps me out when I know I can throw strikes and if they hit the ball, the guys will make the plays."
Marquette (26-6) had just six base runners all night long, and one of them was thrown out while trying to steal second base in the seventh inning. The Blues also got a good pitching effort, from sophomore Nick Kamarada. Gladstone managed six hits in the game, but the three runs that were scored probably shouldn't have scored.
Kamarada struck out the first two men of the third inning before walking Peyton Jurek.
Cody Frazer then lined a single to left center with Jurek moving to third. With runners on the corners, Kamarada then struck out Jared Stenson t0 end the inning. But the ball skipped past the catcher allowing Stenson to reach first base and Jurek to score.
Jake Pearson had an RBI single.
"It was a pitcher's duel," Weyers said. "It was a massive win for us. I wanted to prove that we were the better team. We got hits when we needed to, and the defense was great."
The Indians got a boost as Jurek played in center field for the second time game after having the meniscus removed from his knee. At that time, it appeared that he was gone for the season, but his coming back early has provided a spark.
"Peyton looked quick as ever, beating out a bunt single in the first inning and stealing a base," Groleau said. "It's hard to believe he's back so soon but that's just his dedication. He worked hard to get back and he looks to be his old self."
Gladstone (18-2) travels to Kingsford for a doubleheader on Sunday.
"Peyton looked quick as ever, beating out a bunt single in the first inning and stealing a base," Groleau said. "It's hard to believe he's back so soon but that's just his dedication. He worked hard to get back and he looks to be his old self."
Gladstone (18-2) travels to Kingsford for a doubleheader on Sunday.
Gladstone Indians and Marquette Blues shake hands after Thursday's game.
