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GLADSTONE -- The Gladstone Minor Boys' All-Stars (age 8-10) reaped the benefits of a big second inning here Tuesday night July 14, in a 12-2 baseball triumph over Norway in four frames in the District 10 championship game.
Gladstone, which scored 11 times in the second, advances to the state tournament at Harbor Springs where it will open pool play against the District 1 winner.
"This feels like a high achievement," Gladstone first-baseman Austin Wakkuri said. "We were third in the Yooper tournament (in Escanaba), but had a lot more practice and confidence coming into this tournament. We started connecting as a team and everything came together. We also have great coaches. I'm excited to be going to the state tournament."
Gladstone trailed 1-0 after the first before sending 16 hitters to the plate in the second on this sunny and hot evening.
In the second, the winners took advantage of an error, three walks, two hit batters and a passed ball.
Wakkuri was among those who got hit, taking one on the shin in the second to load the bases with nobody out.
"It felt better after walking it off, but it's still sore," he said. "I was asked to pitch, then it started to hurt."
He faced the final hitter after Tyson Beauchamp reached his pitch count limit. Beauchamp allowed four hits, including three in the third, walked three and hit a batter.
Gladstone got all six of its hits in the second, including two-run singles to centerfield by catcher Carter Lovell and right by Beauchamp.
"Tyson only had to pitch one other game," Gladstone manager Garren Beauchamp said. "When you get momentum, everything tends to work out. We have some good leaders on this team. Nobody gets down. The kids are always positive."
Shortstop Easton Amundson went 2-for-2 and drove in both runs for Norway and first-baseman James Carlson had a hand in all three put-outs in the first inning.
"James is a hustler," Norway manager Zach Walker said. "He attacks every ball. "We couldn't hold on to the baseball in the second inning. That's the first time that happened to us in the tournament. Although, we had been hitting the ball lately. Coming out of the loser's bracket puts a strain on your pitching, yet the guys gave it their all. It was 104 degrees when we got here. It was hot, but both teams battled through it."