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It’s June that matters: IM hopes to keep rolling in postseason play

Mountaineer slugger Niko Burgoon swings at a pitch in the district championship game against host Negaunee at the Miners’ field on Saturday. (Alexandria Bournonville/Mining Journal photo)

GLADSTONE — Iron Mountain baseball coach Jeff McClean had a simple message for his team heading into the postseason after finishing 2-16 in the regular season.

Don’t worry about it.

And, the Mountaineers seemed to listen to their coach, knocking off Calumet 3-1 and then host Negaunee 4-1 to win the MHSAA Division 3, District 65 championship on Saturday.

“The kids just bought into our message,” McClean said. “April and May don’t mean anything. It’s all about June.

June is the time you really need to be ready.”

Members of the Iron Mountain varsity baseball team pose with their tournament championship trophy after defeating Negaunee 4-1 on Saturday to capture the MHSAA Division 3, District 65 title. (Alexandria Bournonville/Mining Journal photo)

They’ll need to listen to their coach again, when they face Gladstone in a Regional 33 semifinal matchup at 4 p.m. EDT today at Gladstone Sports Park.

The Braves pummeled Manistique 15-3 and clobbered Superior Central 11-1 in winning the District 66 title.

“Our coming game versus Gladstone is going to be quite the battle,” McLean said. “They’re one of the premier programs in the U.P. It seems like every year they’re in the regional. You can pretty much pencil them in.”

According to the Iron Mountain coach, the key to staying alive and in the hunt for a regional crown will be the same as it was in the district tournament — get exceptional pitching and play solid defense. Against Calumet, Carson McLean fanned 12 batters and Niko Burgoon was just about as hot against the Miners with 10 strikeouts.

“Just a great weekend of baseball,” Coach McLean said, reflecting back on the team’s district run. “We just got fantastic pitching.”

The Mountaineers won’t be the only local team in action on Wednesday.

With the District 98 trophy in hand, Norway advances to face the Painesdale-Jeffers Jets in the Regional 49 semifinal at 4 p.m. CDT in Norway at Mike Maule Field.

The matchup gives the Knights a chance to avenge last year’s 4-1 loss in the regional semifinals.

“They are fundamentally sound with good pitching and make you earn everything,” said Norway coach Tony Adams of the Jets. “They present a tremendous challenge for our team.”

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