Escanaba's Colt Cunningham throws to first in an attempt to retire Gladstone's Charlie Pfotenhauer in the second inning of the teams' game last week at Al Ness Field in Escanaba. Both teams open play in the American Legion district tournament Friday at Al Ness Field. (Daily Press photo by Brandon Veale)

ESCANABA — After a typical sluggish start, the Escanaba Cubs appear ready to hit their peak when it counts. The Cubs host the American Legion district baseball tournament this weekend, and should be one of the two teams advancing to the zone next week. Esky (14-11) faces Menominee (22-11) at 7 p.m. Friday at Al Ness Field. The Cubs, who did not start their season until the Escanaba High School team was knocked out of the state playoffs at the quarterfinal level June 10, have won eight of their last nine games. They started June 17 and began 0-3, won three straight and then dropped three more before finding their groove with six straight wins in a tournament in Sault Ste. Marie. Gladstone manager Jim Beauchamp said Esky skipper Tom Ohman has found the right method to make the transition from the high school season to the Legion season.