Daver Karnosky/Daily Mining Gazette The Flames’ Brody Budweg successfully bunts during the third inning of a game against the Diamonds Wednesday at the Hancock Driving Park.

HANCOCK — The American Legion Post 186 Copper Country Flames are looking for one thing out of starting pitcher Carter Nettell each and every start: consistency. After surrendering two runs in the top of the first inning Wednesday, including one on a bases loaded walk, the Flames got just what they needed out of Nettell over the next four innings, as he held the Negaunee Diamonds to just those two runs.

The Flames caught fire at the plate with two men down in the first inning and never really looked back, scoring eight of the game’s next nine runs en route to an 8-5 victory at the Hancock Driving Park.

“It was nice to see the kids come out and swing the bat,” said Flames bench coach Jim Cortright. “We got good pitching and it is nice to get the win.”

For the Diamonds, giving up five runs in the bottom of the first, after scoring the game’s first two runs, proved too much for them to handle. Manager Jason Siik was disappointed with his team’s start, but liked their finish, as they found a way to manufacture some runs late in the contest off of the Flames’ relief pitching.

“Our kids, they didn’t hang their heads, they battled,” said Siik. “I think it shows character in our kids for not hanging their heads and staying in. They know they can do it.”

The Flames’ bats came alive quickly thanks, in part, to catcher Brody Budweg’s walk. Second baseman Justin Norkol reached first on a defensive error and Budweg managed to get home. After right fielder Patrick Cortright took a pitch in the head, third baseman Tanner Lane reached on a single where the ball hit something just shy of second base and hopped over the lounging defender into the outfield. Norkol scored on the play to even things up.

After centerfielder Sam Kiiskila walked, Nettell ripped a single to left field, bring Cortright and Lane home. Left fielder Bryan Lepisto then brought Kiiskila home with a single to right, pushing the Flames to a 5-2 lead.

The heart of the Flames’ lineup, which includes Lane and Kiiskila, has really stepped up recently, and Cortright is pleased with how well they seem to be swinging the bat.

“The younger kids are hitting well,” said Cortright. “Sammy Kiiskila, Tanner Lane, Carter Crouch and Eli Oldt have really been hitting well for us, which is great. They are picking up the older guys right now.”

Still in the bottom of the first, first baseman Logan Fish walked to load the bases. Budweg walked to score another run, giving Nettell a four-run cushion, 6-2, heading into the second inning.

Nettell settled in, and by the time he reached his pitch limit and had to leave the mound, the Flames held a 7-2 advantage.

“It looked like might be getting into a little bit of trouble, but he worked out of it,” said Cortright. “When he can do that, he just gets solid for the rest of the game. We saw it happen right in front of our eyes.”

The Diamonds managed to cut into that lead when second baseman Taylor Laurin walked. Budweg came in to relieve Nettell on the mound, and a defensive error two batters later allowed Laurin to score.

With the Flames up 8-3 in the top of the sixth, relief pitcher Alex Munson drew a walk. Shortstop Carter Richardson followed with a triple to deep center, scoring Munson. Richardson was then brought home by first baseman Jacob Adriano, cutting the Flames’ lead down to three, 8-5.

That was as close as the visitors would get, however, as the Flames turned to Eli Oldt for the top of the seventh, and he retired the side on just four pitches to end the contest.

The Flames are off until July 6 when they travel to Sault Ste. Marie for the Soo Wood Bat Tourney, where they are guaranteed to play a minimum of four games.