Hancock pitcher Brayden Larson earned a win in the second game of a doubleheader against the Lake Linden-Hubbell Wednesday at the Hancock Driving Park. (Eddie O’Neill/Daily Mining Gazette)

HANCOCK — The Hancock Bulldogs ended a four-game losing streak on Wednesday, scoring some runs in the process.

In their weekend series against Iron Mountain and Houghton, they scored just three runs in four games. On Wednesday, the multiplied that by more than seven as they defeated the Lake Linden-Hubbell Lakes 10-0 and 12-0 at the Driving Park.

“It was good to get the bats going,” said Bulldogs coach Travis Pietila. “We made sure we were swinging at good pitches.”

In the first game, the Bulldogs (3-5) jumped on the scoreboard in the second with two runs.

Victor Heinonen singled to lead off. Luciano Paoli followed with a walk. Connor Helminen then bunted and reached on an error. On the same play, he reached third, scoring Heinonen and Paoli in the process.

They added five more in the third — taking advantage of some poor throws and misplayed balls by the Lakes. The Lakes had a total of six errors in the game. Swinging big bats in the third were Brayden Larson and Benny Keranen. Both had early inning singles and scored.

Helminen earned the win for the Bulldogs. The pitcher threw four inning and allowed just one hit. He struck out eight and walked none.

With the Bulldogs scoring three more in the fourth, this game ended early due to the 10-run mercy rule.

The nightcap was much the same with the Bulldogs hot at the plate and the Lakes struggling to get outs in the field. The Lakes first two pitchers Brad Davis and Isaac Johnson walked a total of 13 Hancock batters over the course of just two frames.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs’ Brayden Larson earned the win going four innings and allowing just one hit. He struck out four and walked two.

His teammates backed him up at the plate with five runs in the first and seven in the second. The mercy rule ended this one after three at 12-0.

“We needed these wins,” stated Pietila. “Hopefully, we can stay hot at the plate.”

Up Next

Hancock is at Calumet Friday at 4 pm. Lake Linden-Hubbell hosts Jeffers Friday, with first pitch at 4 p.m.