Game 1: Gaylord 10, Alpena 3

A seven-run second inning propelled the Gaylord Varsity Blue Devils past the Wildcats in Game 1, as Alpena fell 10-3.

Gaylord broke the game open early, capitalizing on five key hits and a walk in the top of the second. Finley Miller, Noah Vanderveer, and Brennan Radulski each delivered doubles in the inning, with Vanderveer and Radulski driving in two runs apiece. Isaac Collins and Josias Ferrett also chipped in with a walk and a sacrifice fly, respectively, to push the early lead to 7-0.

Alpena starter Jase Kollen allowed 10 hits and eight runs (seven earned) across just over four innings. He struck out four and walked three. Despite the early deficit, the Wildcats battled back at the plate, drawing nine walks in the game. Lucas Weir led Alpena with two RBIs, while Nathan Southard went two-for-three to lead the team in hits.

News Photo by Leslianne Johns Lucas Weir catches during a baseball game in Alpena on Thursday.

Ferrett earned the win for Gaylord, allowing three runs (one earned) on three hits across 4.2 innings. He struck out two but issued nine walks.

Gaylord finished with 14 hits in the game.

Game 2: Alpena 6, Gaylord 6

The nightcap was a back-and-forth battle, ending in a 6-6 tie after seven innings. Gaylord led 4-1 entering the sixth inning before Alpena surged for five runs to take a brief 6-4 lead.

The Wildcats made the most of their limited four hits in the game. Southard continued his hot day at the plate with a two-for-three performance, including a double and two RBIs. Connor Cameron added an RBI single, while Caden Weir tripled and drove in two more to key the sixth-inning rally.

News Photo by Leslianne Johns Camden McEwen runs to second base in a baseball game on Tuesday night in Alpena.

Cameron also went the distance on the mound for Alpena, pitching all seven innings. He allowed seven hits, six runs (four earned), walked three, and struck out five.

Gaylord responded with two runs in the top of the sixth to tie the game. Brady Shepherd’s triple and Caden Keck’s two-run double were crucial in the comeback.

Alpena showed patience at the plate once again, drawing seven walks and getting hit by three pitches. Michael Kreis, Lucas Weir, and Cameron each worked two free passes.

The Wildcats face the Algonac Muskrats at home at 4:30 p.m. on Friday.