POWERS — The Escanaba Eskymos earned a doubleheader victory (12-5, 11-2) against the North Central Jets Thursday afternoon in Powers.

“I’m just really proud of our kids,” said Escanaba coach Scott Hanson. “They’re getting a chance to step in and play, and they’re playing well.”

Brett Schlenvogt started the second game for the Eskymos. He had three strikeouts and allowed three hits with two runs (one ER). Carter Hudson relieved him in the sixth inning.

Tyler Lawson — who was the first Escanaba player to score on a Colin Arnt single — was 3-5 with three RBIs to lead the Eskymos in batting. Bryant Maki (3-4) hit a home run with two RBIs and two runs.

Luke Gorzinski and Dillon Raab each scored for North Central.

In the first game, North Central went up 4-1 on the Eskymos in the first inning. Jesse Sampson (1-2) brought Wyatt Riley home on a single to tie things up at one. Adrian Mercier scored on a bases-loaded walk while Sampson would trot across home on a wild pitch. Luke Gorzinski was last to score in the inning for the Jets on a grounder turned double play off the bat of Fabian Chartier.

After scoring one in the second inning, the Eskymos got things going in the third with a seven-run effort.

Jared Hanson’s single fly to right field brought in Riley Lamb for the go-ahead run.

Coach Hanson noted the Eskymos poise under pressure to come back and take the win without panicking.

Nick Kolich started the game for Escanaba with Carter Hudson earning the save pitching the last inning.

“Nick Kolich struggled in the first inning … then settled down and finished five complete innings,” Hanson said. “He really did a super job after the four and didn’t give up a run the rest of the way.”

The wins for Kolich and Schlenvoght were firsts for both at the varsity level.

“I can’t say enough how both guys battled and pitched strikes,” said Hanson.

Ian Gorzinksi — who was on a pitch limit in hopes of starting against Bark River-Harris Friday — started for the Jets and was relieved by Jesse Sampson after two.

At the start of the season, the Jets are just trying to work out where each player fits said coach Jason Mercier.

“We’re not concerned about results right away,” said Mercier. “We’re trying to get all our players in with 18. I have 13 underclassmen, so we’re kind of at a disadvantage against anybody we play.

“We’re going to get better as the season progresses. No doubt about it. With a young squad, it’s just about finding the right spots for the kids.”

Mercier added that the majority of the team hasn’t played since 2019.

“I’ve got 15 guys that haven’t played in two or three years,” he said. “I have no doubt by the end of the season when we play Escanaba again it will be a closer game. I can hope so anyway.”

The Eskymos face the Negaunee Miners for a doubleheader in Negaunee today at 4:00 while the Jets head to rival Bark River-Harris for a doubleheader at 4:30.