By JOHN VRANCIC

For the Daily Press

IRON MOUNTAIN — It was fun while it lasted.

Gladstone’s championship run ended here Saturday in a 7-6 loss to Menominee in the title game of the Upper Peninsula Under-19 baseball tournament.

“Overall, it was a good game,” said Gladstone manager Justin Jurek. “One bad inning did us in, but the kids kept battling all year.”

The three-time defending Class A state champs had baserunners on second and third with one out in the seventh inning before Menominee relief pitcher Hunter Goldschmidt retired two of the three hitters he faced.

“I’ve been coaching for 43 years (including six as manager) and this is our first U.P. championship while I’ve been here,” said Menominee skipper John Lauzer. “For us to win it in a Covid year is phenomenal. We kept praying everyday that we could play everyday and keep it safe.”

The Indians (15-6) led 4-2 after five innings, then committed three errors in the sixth as the Red Wave (25-4) scored five times for a 7-4 advantage.

Marquette, Bark River, Escanaba, Sault Ste. Marie and the Copper Country also competed in the three day Pool Play formated tournament.

Marquette, Menominee, Bark River and Sault Ste, Marie played in Pool A, playing all thier games in Quinnesec. Pool B was host Iron Mountain, Escanaba, Copper Country and Gladstone.