Hancock pitcher Evan Pennala throws from the mound Monday in a game against Gogebic at the Hancock Driving Park. (Eddie O'Neill/For the Gazette)

HANCOCK — The Hancock Bulldogs posted runs in all but one inning on Monday, and that was the first frame. They turned a 1-3 deficit at home to the Ontonagon Gladiators after two innings into a 16-8 win after seven.

“We put the bat on the ball, and that was good to see,” said Hancock coach Luke Paul. “Our pitchers threw strikes, and that is what we needed. Evan (Pennala), our starter, did well. Then Nate (Thompson) came in and threw strikes and Benny Keranen closed it out.”

The Bulldogs took the lead in the game in the third inning. While the Gladiators increased their lead to 5-1 in the top of that frame, the Bulldogs posted six in the bottom.

The run parade started with an error at third which allowed Penala to get on. Walks to Todd Kilpela and Benny Keranen led to runs as well. Singles by Chase Keranen, Luciano Paoli, and Isaac Wanhala accounted for runs four, five and six. It was a 7-5 Bulldogs lead at that point.

However, Ontonagon was not done and came back to tie it in the fourth at seven. With two outs, a walk to Dyceson Drew led him to score. After a batter reached with a single up the middle, Jack Nelson brought him in on a single of his own.

The knot at seven did not last long however as Chase Keranen and Caleb Isaacson had hits that led to runs scoring for the Bulldogs.

A now 10-7 lead for the boys in white increased by three in the fifth and another three in the sixth. While the boys in black earned another run in the sixth, it was not enough to catch the Bulldogs.

Thompson earned the win for Hancock. He allowed two hits and three runs over three innings. He struck out six and walked two. Pennala pitched three innings and allowed five runs. He struck out three and walked just one. Benny Keranen came in and closed this 16-8 victory out for the Bulldogs. He allowed just one hit and no runs.

Up next

The Bulldogs will face the Houghton Gremlins on Wednesday for the Copper Bat. First pitch is slated for 6 p.m. at he Driving Park.