Great hitting meets all-state arm in TC

Rogers City (21-10) was dominant in capturing their second consecutive regional championship. They beat a very good Norway club, 12-0, and mercied an overmatched Gaylord St. Mary in the five-inning title tilt, 11-1.

The Hurons travel to Traverse City West High School for quarterfinal action in a rematch of last year?s game with Frankfort, won in the final inning by the Panthers. First pitch will be at 3 p.m. Saturday?s regional victories at Pellston were Hall of Fame coach Howard Madsen?s 700th and 701st wins. Now, win No. 702 would earn his Huron club a trip to Bailey Park in Battle Creek and spot in the Division (D) IV state finals.

?They are playing awesome,? said Madsen, moments after receiving the regional trophy. ?They are absolutely playing the best baseball we?ve played all year.? The Hurons gave up their first run of the tournament in the final; however, it was an unearned run.

?We?ve had excellent pitching, we put the ball in play, scored runs,? said Madsen. ?I?m really happy where we?re at. What a great bunch of kids. They?ve come together as a team and are believing in what we try to do and are having fun doing it.?

The Hurons now face the Panther?s ace lefty Kyle Zimmerman, a three-time all-stater heading into the 2011 season. He?s also an accomplished hitter. Frankfort was ranked fifth in D IV, or higher, most of the season.

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