Rogers City Captures District Baseball Title

HILLMAN, MI- For this group of Rogers City Seniors a district title has long awaited them. With a 9-2 win over Hillman followed by an 8-5 win over Onaway in the championship the Hurons punched their ticket to regionals.

In the semi-finals the Hurons took on Hillman. The Hurons got to Hillman starter AJ Jones in the first as Alpena Community College commit Evan Fairbanks crushed a two run home run to right. Jones, who pitched a no hitter in Hillman’s previous game had to be removed with an arm injury just one batter later.

Freshman Isaac LaLonde got the start for Rogers City and after giving up two runs in the first, threw five scoreless innings as he struck out 12 on the afternoon.  The Huron offense gave him plenty of run support as Senior Spencer Whitford had three hits. Jameson Fleming drove in a run. Fairbanks would add a third RBI with a sacrifice fly in the fourth.  LaLonde pitched into the seventh and Blaise Szatkowski recorded the final two outs as Rogers City moved to the finals.

The would meet rival Onaway in the championship game. The Cardinals defeated Posen 18-1 in the second semi-final. In the championship game the Hurons gave the ball to Fleming. Fleming would go six innings and strike out 10 Onaway hitters. He gave up just one earned run. After his performance on the mound in the semis, LaLonde delivered at the plate in the finals. The Freshman recorded three hits and two runs.  Justin Romel gave the Hurons the lead with a RBI single in the first and the Hurons never looked back.

Once again the Hurons gave the ball to Szatkowski in the seventh inning. He would give up a run but record two strikeouts as Rogers City took the district title with an 8-5 win.

The Hurons advance to the regional where they will take on Alcona on June 7. The game will be a 4 PM start at Hillman High School. The winner moves on to Saturday’s regional semi-final at Inland Lakes