CALUMET — The Calumet Copper Kings softball team, as it enters the final week of the season before districts, got things started in the right direction prior to districts with a pair of wins at home over the Ishpeming Hematites, 7-2 and 10-0.

Pitcher Lena Myhren was outstanding in the opener, getting the complete-game win in the pitcher’s circle, striking out three, walking none, and giving up six hits. She went 2-for-4 with two RBI and one run scored.

With one out in the bottom of the first, Mollie Erkkila bunted and got on base. Myhren reached on an error, and made it to second base on the play. Erkkila also scored. Isabella Coppo then walked, putting runners on the corners after Myhren stole third. Chloe Coppo then walked to load the bases. Myhren scored on a wild pitch. Isabella Coppo then scored on another wild pitch. Then Kaydence Christopherson singled to center field, scoring Chloe Coppo and putting Calumet up 4-0.

The Copper Kings got back on the scoreboard in the second. Claire Ruonavaara led off with a walk. Millie Loukus walked. Erkkila was hit by a pitch, loading the bases. Myhren followed with a single to left, scoring Ruonavaara on the play. With the bases still loaded, Isabella Coppo grounded out, but Loukus scored on the play and the Copper Kings held a 6-0 lead at that point.

The game remained that way until the bottom of the fourth, when Calumet added to their lead again. Bethany Garrow drew a walk to lead off. Erkkila then walked. Myhren singled to center, scoring Garrow. Isabella Coppo then singled to right field to load the bases, but three straight outs ended the threat.

Ishpeming scored twice in the top of the sixth, but got no closer before the game came to an end.

In the nightcap, Myhren was good again, going 2-for-2 with two walks, a double, a triple, and four runs scored. Isabella Coppo also had two hits and knocked in three runs.

Myhren got the Copper Kings started in the bottom of the first inning with a two-out double to center. She scored on a single by Isabella Coppo.

In the third, Calumet was back at it. Erkkila and Myhren both walked. Two batters later, Chloe Coppo grounded out, but scored Erkkila on the play. Myrhen scored on a passed ball. Ruonavaara then walked. Amiina Tarnowski singled to center, scoring Ruonavaara and putting the Copper Kings up 4-0.

Erkkila tripled to right field to lead off the fourth. She scored with Myhren at the plate, who followed with a triple to center. Isabella Coppo then doubled to center to score Myhren. Chloe Coppo singled to center, scoring Isabella in the process. Then, Ruonavaara grounded out, but Chloe Coppo scored, putting Calumet up 8-0.

In the fifth, Erkkila and Myhren both walked. Isabella Coppo then grounded out, scoring Erkkila. Myhren then scored on a wild pitch to get the Copper Kings to the final run needed to end the game.

Up next

The Copper Kings will host the Lake Linden-Hubbell Lakes Wednesday. The doubleheader will start at 4 p.m.