Stanton opens Twilight semifinals with win

Houghton Building Supply/Stanton tops Garnet Garage, 8-4

HOUGHTON -- Once the playoffs begin in any sport, anything can, and often does happen. Houghton Building Supply/Stanton entered Tuesday's opening game of a Twilight League semifinal series as the underdog, but emerged with an 8-4 victory over Garnet Garage at the John Bostwick Memorial Field in Houghton.

A big second inning in which Stanton racked up four runs helped them set the pace of the game from there.

With one out, Brad Juntunen stepped to the plate and picked up a single. Clark Aapala followed with a single of his own. Cole Gregory also had a single. Joel Durocher added one of his own. Zack Geborkoff and Levi Frahm both picked up singles well, giving Stanton six straight hits. Juntunen, Aapala, Gregory, and Durocher all scored before the final out was recorded.

Houghton Building Supply added to their lead in the top of the fourth inning. With one out, Frahm stepped to the and drove one out of the park, pushing the lead to 5-0 at that point. However, that was all that Stanton could muster in the inning.

Garnet Garage answered that run in the bottom half of the inning as Eli Heathman reached on a fielder's choice and later scored on a single by Chris Saari.

Leading 5-1, Houghton Building Supply scratched out three runs in the top of the fifth inning to extend their advantage to 8-1.

With one out, Gregory reached on an error to start the rally. Joel Durocher followed with a single. Two batters later, Frahm blasted another ball over the fence. Dax Durocher doubled, but was left stranded when the inning ended.

Stanton was held off the board in the sixth, setting up a chance for Garnet Garage to try to mount a comeback in the bottom half of the inning.

With one out, Kevin Bostwick got on base when he was hit by a pitch. Healthman then singled. Mike Saari also singled. All three later scored, but their teammates got no further than second base before the inning came to an end.

In the bottom of the seventh, Brody Donnelly and Kade Farrell both flew out before Kevin Bostwick struck out to end the game.

Up next

The teams battle again Thursday at Stanton Field at 6:30 p.m. If Houghton Building Supply wins, they advance to the championship series next week. If Garnet Garage wins, the two teams will play Saturday to determine who advances.