Escanaba 14U player Evan Armatti swings at a pitch against Escanaba 13U on June 7, 2025 at Al Ness Field. (Adam Hinch/Daily Press)

ESCANABA — Escanaba Bears 14U baseball team advanced to the championship game of the Great North Open but fell 14-9 to Marinette in five innings after the game was called due to heavy rain.

Marinette was first on the board in the top of the first inning as Miles Rutherford hit a two-run double. Kanon Maye grounded out, scoring a run and another run scored on an error to put Marinette up 4-0. Masen Wozniak and Lucas Farley each drew a walk that brought in a run, extending the Marinette lead to 6-0.

“We are a tough team and we know it,” Rutherford said. “We know how to play good baseball and every time we step on the field we strive to win.”

The Bears 14U scored one run in the bottom of the first inning as Calvin Sinclair hit an RBI-double to cut the deficit to 6-1.

In the bottom of the second inning, the Bears 14U added six runs to take a 7-6 lead highlighted by a two-run single by Sinclair.

In the top third inning, Maye singled to bring in a run and tied the game at seven. Reece Walters came through with a two-run single to put Marinette up 9-7.

The Bears tied the game at nine on a RBI-triple by Connor Asgaard.

Marinette added five runs in the top of the fifth before the rain came in and ended the game.

Marinette advanced to the championship defeating Negaunee 8-1. Lucas Farley singled to score a run and Rutherford hit a bases clearing tri[le and Marinette led 4-1.

“We knew we couldn’t have a let down,” Rutherford said. “We have to keep the energy up and keep playing hard.”

Escanaba 14U advanced to the championship defeating Escanaba’s 13U team 9-1.

The Bears 14U team jumped out to an early lead as Evan Armatti hit a two-run single and another run scored on a wild pitch to take a 3-0 lead.

Escanaba 14U, added five runs in the third inning highlighted by a two-run single by Evan Stachewicz that put Escanaba 14U up 8-1.

“We are feeling good,” Stachewicz said. “We are playing the best baseball we have in a while. It feels really good to punch the ticket to the championship on our home field.”