News File Photo Alpena's Lucas Crosby throws a pitch during a game against Cadillac earlier this season. Crosby and the Wildcats will host a Division 1 district today and open district play against Marquette at 1 p.m. Alpena is aiming to win its first district title since 2010.

After eight weeks of up-and-down weather and regular season play, things are looking up as baseball district play begins.

Much like the weather warming, several area teams are hoping now is the time their ball clubs begin heating up for the postseason stretch.

The Alpena baseball team will be the lone area team in action today and will have the advantage of hosting districts. The Wildcats will open district play at 1 p.m. against Marquette in the second game of the day. The winner will play the winner of the Traverse City West-Traverse City Central semifinal that begins at 11 am.

Alpena started the season a little sluggish, but began to figure things out late and finished with a 20-12 overall record while staying in the Big North Conference title race.

Among its district opponents, the only team Alpena has not played this season is Marquette. If Alpena can get past the Redmen, the Wildcats know they can play with either Traverse City team. The Wildcats swept the Trojans in their final Big North twinbill and split with the Titans. Alpena was shut down by West pitcher Ryan Hayes and it expects to see him at some point today.

“This will be the first time in a while that all of the teams are evenly matched. Obviously West is the favorite with Hayes as their top guy, but if they have to use him in the first game and we’re able to advance, it will give us a good shot,” Alpena coach Phil Schultz said. “We’re not looking past Marquette, we know they have a few solid players and are a solid team. It’s nice that we have several options throughout our roster and I’m really happy with the improvements we’ve made throughout the season and I like our chances. We know we have as good of a shot as anyone and we’re looking forward to it.”

Alpena is looking for its first district championship since 2010.

Several North Star League teams will be in action Saturday in Hillman.

Hillman beat Atlanta 9-2 in a pre-district game on Tuesday to advance to a semifinal game at noon against Onaway. Johannesburg-Lewiston edged Posen by a score of 3-2 to advance to a semifinal game against Rogers City at 10 am.

The Hurons enter districts having battled the weather all season, but they’ve been undeterred and have been among the North Star League’s best teams.

The Hurons are a solid team that does the little things well. Rogers City is strong defensively, throws strikes and puts the ball in play, all of which has led to a successful season.

It has been an up-and-down year for Hillman as the Tigers went through a mid-season rough patch, battling injuries and were shorthanded for a few games. With everyone back and healthy, the Tigers are optimistic and looking to win their third straight district title.

“This district should be a good one. All four teams are going to be very competitive and it should be a good day with some well played baseball,” Hillman coach Rick Firman said. “There’s nothing like hosting the district. Everyone puts in so much time into hosting the tournament and I’m proud of our facility and proud of the people who put in the time to make it look so nice. We’re looking forward to playing in front of the home crowd and getting the great support as always.”

The Tigers dropped two games to Rogers City earlier in the season, during the stretch where they were shorthanded. Hillman has been one of the top teams in the area over the past two years, making deep postseason runs and hopes to do it again this season. Hillman has a stellar one-two punch in Kyler Moir and Jared Juergens who give the Tigers a chance to win each time they are on the mound. With Kory Henigan and Andrew Funk back, the two serve as steady arms in the bullpen and are key bats in the lineup.

In Lincoln, the Alcona Tigers will host a district on Saturday and will open with a 10 a.m. matchup against Whittemore-Prescott.

Alcona has put together a steady season and ranks among the top North Star League teams. The Tigers will likely hand the ball to ace Jake McFadden to start one or possibly both games depending on the pitch count.

Alcona’s lineup is anchored by three hitter Brock Franklin, but is steady throughout with leadoff batter Tim Hutchinson along with Matt Krisan and Alex Stephenson who have both put together strong seasons in the middle of the Tigers’ order.

If Alcona is able to get past Whittemore, the Tigers would await the winner of the Au Gres-Mio semifinal at noon.

“Anyone can win this district. It’s a very evenly matched district with four good ball clubs. The team who makes the least mistakes is going to win, that’s the name of the game,” Alcona coach Terry Franklin said. “This is something we have worked for all season long and it’s been goal of ours to win a district title and hopefully we’ll be able to keep our season alive.”

Jonny Zawacki can be reached via email at jzawacki@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5690.