GLADSTONE — The Norway American Legion Post 145 baseball team threatened but just couldn’t find a way to score. That turned out to be key, with the Vikings coming up empty-handed on four scoring chances and stranding eight baserunners Thursday in a 7-0 loss in the opening game of the Michigan American Legion state baseball tournament to defending champ Trenton.

“Our defense was solid,” Norway coach Tracy Haferkorn said. “We made plays and put a lot of pressure on their defense. Only, we didn’t get the timely hits.

Norway (17-7) left runners on second and third in the seventh inning and two each in the first, fourth and sixth frames.

“Our motto is ‘it’s how we play and not who we play.’ If we play the way we’re capable, I truly believe we could be playing Sunday,” Haferkorn added. “We just have to make sure we get plenty of rest, stay hydrated and come ready to play.”

Trenton put the game out of reach by scoring three times in the seventh. Ashton Rooney made it 5-0 on a single to left field and Davis Gray added a two-run single to left.

“Davis had a nice hit to bring us to seven,” Trenton coach Todd Szalka said. “This takes some of the pressure off. At least in the next game we wouldn’t be fighting to stay alive. The top of our order did real well.

“Their shortstop (Cole Baij) made three plays that were outstanding. He went deep in the hole to make those plays,” Szalka added. “I’m also impressed with their catcher (Chase Carlson). He kept the ball in front of him.”

Trenton (3-3) opened the scoring on Caleb Kidd’s two-run double to left in the opening frame. Rooney scored the third run on Gray’s ground out to short in the third, then made it 4-0 on a balk in the sixth.

The Steel finished with 12 hits, led by Rooney who went 4-for-4 and Kidd and Easton Tinsley added two apiece.

“Baseball often comes down to timely hitting and pitchers throwing strikes,” Szalka said. “In games like this, there’s often a lot of nerves. It helps to get an early lead. They’re a real good team. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them again Saturday.”

Nick Mator earned the complete-game victory for Trenton. He struck out nine, walked five and scattered five hits in the shutout victory.

Baij led the Vikings with two hits.

On the mound for Norway, Carlson Chartier, who worked 5 2/3 frames, absorbed the loss. He fanned two, walked two and hit two batters.

“Carlson pitched a good game,” Haferkorn said. “Our left fielder got turned around on their double (by Rooney) in the first inning. Otherwise, those are plays he usually makes.”

Norway returns to Don Olsen Field in Gladstone to face Gladstone, Hudson or Breckenridge in an elimination game today at noon.