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MATTAWAN, Mich.---The Gladstone 10u Minor Little League All-Star team kept cruising along on Friday, winning for the second straight game by the mercy rule at the state tournament in the southwest Michigan town of Mattawan.
MATTAWAN, Mich.---The Gladstone 10u Minor Little League All-Star team kept cruising along on Friday, winning for the second straight game by the mercy rule at the state tournament in the southwest Michigan town of Mattawan.
Meanwhile, the Marquette Minor Girls had an early 2-0 lead but eventually lost to the District 16 champions out of Blissfield, 17-3.
This time, Gladstone defeated Rogers City, 10-0, in a four-inning mercy rule contest to clinch a spot in Sunday's state quarterfinal round. But unlike Thursday's easy 16-0 win over Saginaw Swan Valley, this game was tougher at the beginning.
Gladstone could not get much going against Rogers City pitcher Kenzie Jager the first time through the order, and they did not have a base hit the first two innings. Gladstone still led, 1-0, because of a walk, two stolen bases, and a wild pitch.
Jager struck out four Gladstone batters in the first two innings and seemed to be in control. But things changed in the third inning.
She walked two batters and hit another, and then, Josalyn Meyette came through with a bullet base hit to center field, bringing home two Gladstone runs. That hit changed the momentum, and the spirits, in both dugouts.
From there, Jager had problems throwing strikes, and keeping the ball out of the dirt. Five of Gladstone's runs scored on wild pitches and passed balls. Kali Koski and Emmy Whitney also had base hits for Gladstone.
Rogers City had three baserunners the whole game, but two of them were by the impressive lead-off hitter, Jozlyn Hinka. She rifled two base hits, the only hits that Gladstone pitcher Kamryn Ayotte allowed. She struck out ten batters, with only two of the 12 outs recorded in the four-inning game being made in the field.
Rogers City had three baserunners the whole game, but two of them were by the impressive lead-off hitter, Jozlyn Hinka. She rifled two base hits, the only hits that Gladstone pitcher Kamryn Ayotte allowed. She struck out ten batters, with only two of the 12 outs recorded in the four-inning game being made in the field.
Gladstone plays Jackson Southwest in a pair of 2-0 teams Saturday morning at 10:00. Both have qualified for the quarterfinals, so this game will be for seeding. Saturday's game will be broadcast live on FM-93.5, AM-600, and on-line at www.rrnsports.com.
MARQUETTE VS BLISSFIELD---The Marquette girls scored for the first time in the tournament, and, in fact, had an early 2-0 lead, before Blissfield started rolling and won, 17-3.
