Hurons take 3-0 win over Alanson in predistrict contest
by Richard Lamb–Advance Editor
The Hurons took the first step towards a district title with a 3-0 win over Alanson Tuesday in Rogers City. While the weather looked like it may halt the game before it started, both teams endured a steady rain for the first few innings before a friendlier fog rolled in.
The setting didn’t provide ideal conditions for baseball, but didn’t contribute to any errors.
“The pitching was outstanding and the defense was better than we have played in a while, especially if you consider the conditions. Offensively, I was not real happy, especially after the pitching we saw over the weekend,” said coach Wayne Karsten who is going after his second district title in as many years as head coach.
Paul Wilbert made sure Alanson didn’t get rolling. The senior left-hander took control of the game from the beginning. He struck out the first hitter, and then walked a man. After the number three hitter reached on the only Huron error of the game, Wilbert struck out the next batter and then got out of a jam with a foul out.
ALANSON THREATENED in the second inning, but a great defensive play bailed Wilbert out. With two on and two out, an Alanson batter lofted a pop-up behind first base. Alex Andrzejewski made a terrific sliding catch for the third out.
That would be the last threat for the visiting team. Wilbert allowed only one more runner, a single in the sixth, the rest of the way.
The Hurons scored in the first on Quintin Kelly’s one-out single, Wilbert’s single and a sacrifice fly from Evan Lamb.
Jake Malocha scored the Hurons’ second run in the third inning. He singled and went to second on a throwing error. A fly ball to left advanced him to third and then he scored on Wilbert’s single to left.
The third run came in the fourth inning. Shortstop Casey Szatkowski doubled down the third baseline. Andrzejewski beat out an infield hit and Szatkowski scored on a throwing error on the play.
Wilbert struck out 11 walked two and allowed just two hits in the contest.
LAST FRIDAY, the Hurons defeated Hillman 5-2 with all five runs coming in the fifth inning. Wilbert delivered the big blow with a two-run single. Rogers City had five hits and committed four errors. Wilbert pitched all six innings allowing two runs on two hits while striking out eight.
Hillman took game two 9-4. The Hurons had seven hits and committed six errors while Hillman had eight hits without an error. The Tigers had six runs in the fourth inning and three more in the fifth.
Kelly, Wilbert and Clay Nadolsky each had two hits. Andrzejewski took the loss, allowing seven runs on four hits in four innings.
ON SATURDAY the Hurons took on host Ogemaw Heights in the opener of the tournament. The hosts broke open a 1-0 game with three runs in the seventh for a 4-0 win. Rogers City had two hits and made four errors. Kelly took the l
Game two went to Gladwin by a score of 4-3 in 10 innings. Gladwin had four hits while the Hurons managed nine. With the Hurons leading 2-1, Gladwin tied it in the bottom of the seventh inning.
The Hurons went up with a run in the top of the eighth, but Gladwin countered with a run in the bottom of the frame. Lamb and Malocha each had two hits. Andrzejewski suffered the loss in relief.
With the district game, the Hurons play Onaway Saturday at 10 a.m. The winner plays the winner of the Burt Lake Northern Michigan Academy vs. Inland Lakes game scheduled for noon.
The winner of Saturday’s district tournament advances to the Sault Ste. Marie regional to play the winner of the Hillman district, which includes Hillman, Posen, Johannesburg, Atlanta, Gaylord St. Mary and Wolverine.