GLADWIN — The Gladstone American Legion baseball team overpowered Trenton 9-4 here Friday in the semifinals of Class A state tournament after jumping out an early lead.

The win sends the Indians to the championship game at 1 p.m. today against the winner of Trenton and Rosebush’s matchup at 10 a.m. If Gladstone loses, it’ll have another shot at the title Sunday at 10 a.m.

The Indians took advantage of Trenton errors and difficulties finding the strike zone to take an early lead.

“Getting off to a lead was pretty much from errors,” Indians’ manager Justin Jurek said. “After that though, we started hitting the ball well.”

Gladstone was consistent in its scoring, scoring two runs in the bottom of the second, third and fourth before adding three more in the fifth.

“Offensively, we were consistent, putting up runs almost every inning,” Jurek said. “After we got up 4-0, we were able to play comfortable and loose.”

Trenton was unable to respond until the top of the fourth, scoring its first run. It then scored its last three runs in the seventh.

Carson Shea went the distance for the victory, allowing four runs (one earned) and one walk while striking out three. Ian Schwalbach went 2 for 2 with an RBI and two runs scored, and Cody Frappier collected two runs and an RBI. Parker Frappier went 2 for 3 with an RBI, and Shea added a two-run double.

“I think having a good high school program really sets us up for a good Legion team,” Jurek said.

The Indians will now attempt to win a third straight state title today.

“We’re just pretty excited,” Jurek said.

“(Jared) Crow will be on the mound, so we’ll be feeling pretty confident.”