Alpena started the top of the first inning with a spectacular play defensively from Blaise Prevost when he threw out a runner at home from center field.

Alpena then took an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first. This began with a Zach Orban single and then another single from Eli Samp, scoring Orban.

The Tigers struck back by taking a 2-1 lead in the second inning after scoring two runners.

Although Alpena was down at the start of the second inning, it wasn’t down for long.

News Photo by Owen Kinzey Alpena’s Isaac Thomson takes a turn at the plate during the game.

Alpena quickly began the inning by getting two runners on base which were then scored by a double from Owen VanDusen, giving Alpena a 3-2 lead.

This was followed up by a triple from Isaac Thompson, scoring VanDusen. Alpena gained another baserunner from a walk, and Thompson came around to score. The inning wasn’t over yet though, Eli Samp then crushed a two-run home run to deep center field, extending the lead to 7-2.

Alpena later scored another run to finish up the inning.

Alpena’s momentum from the second inning helped it substantially to finish up the game. After that inning, Alpena didn’t allow another hit the rest of the game.

Again in the third inning, Prevost made a great play in the outfield, this time diving to save a hit.

Alpena tacked on a few more runs in the bottom of the third but still needed a couple more to finish off the mercy rule.

This was until the fourth inning when the bases were loaded with two outs, Samp drove in the final run to secure the mercy against Hillman.

It wasn’t just the offense that was dominant, but the pitching was also just as phenomenal. Eli Samp pitched all four innings, only allowing two hits the entire game. He also completed the game with eight strikeouts.

Alpena’s next game is today against Huron East.

CORRECTION: This article has been updated to reflect that Alpena played Huron East. Alpena’s opponent was incorrect in an earlier version of this story