Local Sports

Norway outduels Kingsford 3-1

NORWAY -- Norway outdueled rival Kingsford in a pitcher's battle Thursday afternoon at Marion Park to determine which team would advance to play Gladstone for the Michigan District 10 Little League All-Star tournament title.

Norway won the battle 3-1 thanks to the arms of starting pitcher Remington Buchanan, who threw 5 1/3 innings and only allowed 1 earned run, and reliever Colton Lord. Buchanan fanned 4, while Lord held Kingsford scoreless over the final 2/3 innings.

The game didn't feature a lot of offense. Buchanan and Tyler Sternhagen were both 2 for 2 for Norway, with Buchanan scoring twice and Sternhagen driving in a run on a sacrifice fly.

Dylan Erickson was the only other Norway player with a hit, a double in the fourth inning.

For Kingsford, Jake Buchcuski had 2 hits and the team's lone RBI.

Logan McCoy also had 2 hits, while Kelsi Chrisman had a double.

"We couldn't get the bats going," said Kingsford coach Brent Buchcuski. "The defense was awesome. Norway found the gaps; we didn't.

"Great game by both teams," the coach added. "Norway's defense was flawless and made plays when it counted."

While Kingsford is now done, Norway will advance to play Gladstone today at 6 p.m. Eastern time today in Escanaba.

If Norway wins, the two teams will play again on Saturday. But, Gladstone can win the all-star championship with a win today.

"We have to win twice," said Norway coach Scott Sternhagen. "It's a double-elimination tournament."