Houghton’s Reed Heathman, right, attempts to slide into home in front of Kingsford catcher Carter Kreski on Thursday, May 27, 2021, in Houghton, Mich. (Eddie O’Neill/The Daily Mining Gazette)

HOUGHTON — The Houghton Gremlins wrapped up their regular season with a 6-2 come-from-behind win against the Kingsford Flivvers on a cold Thursday afternoon.

With the victory, the Gremlins will enter district play next week at 14-6.

Down 2-1, a five-run fifth inning put the Gremlins ahead, and they never looked back. This was the second time these two rivals had played this season. The Flivvers won the first meeting 3-2.

“It was a combination of big bats in that fifth inning and a strong defense after that won this one for us,” said Houghton head coach Joe Romano. “I was impressed with that.”

The Gremlins started the fifth appropriately at the top of their lineup. Pitcher Kade Farrell began the rally with a single. Gaborick Carlson followed with a base rap of his own. Brandon Norkel then ripped a triple off the right-center field fence to clear the bases. Norkel came home on a Reed Heathman single and he crossed the plate with an RBI single from Dylan Primeau. The Gremlins grabbed a 6-2 lead.

“I give Norkel the player of the game award,” said Romano. “He swung the bat well and put the ball in play.”

With six runs off of seven hits and consistent pitching by Farrell, the Gremlins were able to keep the four-run lead till the end.

Kingsford head coach Matt LaLonde was frustrated with his team’s effort or better lack of effort.

“We came out flat,” he said. “I don’t know if it was the long bus ride or the cold weather, but we didn’t come to play. When we have three or less errors in a game, then we win. That proved itself again today. We had won seven games in a row. Tonight was just one of those games.”

Romano added that he hopes that Thursday’s win will create some energy as the Gremlins head into next week’s district play.”

“Kingsford is a very well coached team,” he said. ” I hope we can keep this winning momentum going. We certainly will need it.”

Houghton will host the Division 3 District 65 tournament on Friday, June 4.

Houghton will take on Iron Mountain in the first game at 11 a.m. Calumet will face Negaunee at 1 p.m.

The semifinal winners play for the championship game at 4 p.m.

The state semifinals and championships are at Michigan State University on June 17 and June 19, respectively.