Kollen was a force at the plate, driving in four runs on two key hits. He jump-started Alpena’s offense in the first inning with a two-run single and followed it up in the second with a two-run triple. He also crossed the plate himself after tagging up later in the first.

Alpena got on the board early, scoring five runs in the bottom of the first inning. Nathan Southard’s fielder’s choice brought in the opening run, followed by Kollen’s two-RBI single. Lucas Weir was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to bring in another run, and Kollen later scored on a tag-up play.

The Wildcats continued to add pressure in the second. Kollen’s triple brought in two more runs, and Connor Cameron chipped in with an RBI single to stretch the lead further.

On the mound, Eddie Prue picked up the win with a solid outing. He went five innings, allowing just two hits and two runs (one earned) while striking out seven and walking six. Landen Gagnon and Colton Anderson came in as relief pitchers to finish the game.

News Photo by Leslianne Johns Edward Prue throws to second base, attempting to get an opposing player out in Friday's game against the Algonac Muskrats.

Offensively, Kollen and Weir each collected two hits for Alpena. Defensively, the Wildcats turned a double play to help limit Algonac’s scoring chances.

Algonac’s Nate Vercammen provided the bulk of the offense for the Muskrats, going 1-for-1 with two RBIs. The Muskrats showed patience at the plate, drawing seven walks — Shafer and Jake Lovelace each tallied two.

Alpena now turns its attention to Saturday’s matchup as they host the Cheboygan Chiefs.