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Baij throws perfect game in Knights’ sweep

NORWAY — It was a big day at Marion Park on Tuesday as the Norway varsity baseball team took on North Central in a Skyline Central Conference doubleheader.

The Knights overwhelmed the Jets in both games winning 10-0 and 15-0, with junior Cole Baij throwing a perfect game in the opener.

“We are banged up and tired and we challenged our kids to step up and they did,” Norway head coach Tony Adams said. “The conditions were horrible for everyone but we had some kids get their bats going today which was great to see.”

The Knights are now 7-2-1 on the season and a perfect 4-0 in SCC competition.

Game One

It was the Cole Baij show in the first game of the day as he pitched all four innings in the 10-0 win. He didn’t allow a hit or walk while fanning 10.

“Cole Baij was perfect on the mound and just continued to fill the strike zone with a good mix,” coach Adams said. “(It was) great to see AJ Gallino and Maddex Burklund have a good day at the plate.”

Burklund and Gallino both finished the day perfect at the plate. Burklund was 2 for 2 with two RBIs and a triple while Gallino went 3 for 3 with three RBIs.

Alex Ortman was locked in at the plate going 2 for 2 with an RBI and a walk. He also stole three bases. Bryce Adams recorded two RBIs.

Cole Baij stole two bases and recorded an RBI while Owen Baij stole a base.

The Knights recorded five runs in the opening frame and then added two in the second and three in the third to secure the win.

North Central committed three errors compared to zero by Norway.

Austin Farley pitched most of the fame for the Jets. He went two innings while striking out two and giving up three walks. Jake Poquette also pitched an inning and tallied a walk.

Game Two

Cameron Varda almost followed Cole Baij’s perfect game with one of his own in the final game of the day.

He pitched all three innings allowing two hits and fanning three batters as the Knights rolled to a 15-0 win.

“Cameron Varda pitched very well with good control and it was awesome to see Carter Cazzola have a big day at the plate,” coach Adams said.

Jordan Walters got the start for North Central. He pitched 2.1 innings and struck out one batter while walking eight.

By the end of the second inning, Norway held a 12-0 lead. It improved its lead to 15-0 in the third and won by mercy.

Poquette and Farley recorded the Jets’ only hits in the game.

Bryce Adams, Burklund, Carsyn Moore and Cater Cazzola each recorded two RBIs for the Knights. Varda drew three walks and stole three bases. Cazzola was 3 for 3 at the plate.

Norway is back in action on Friday at Marion Park against Ironwood at 3:30 p.m.

BOBCATS 14, HORNETS 4

ELCHO, Wis. — The Florence varsity baseball team kept its perfect record intact on Tuesday as it kicked off Northern Lakes Conference play with a road game against Elcho.

The Bobcats (5-0, 1-0) rolled to a 14-4 victory.

William Kelley got the start and the win for Florence. He pitched four innings and struck out four. Trent McLain came in as a reliever, going one inning and fanning two.

The Bobcats opened the game with three runs in the first innings. They added four in the second, one in the third, four in the fourth and two in the fifth to pick up the win. The Hornets recorded two runs in the third and two more in the fourth.

McLain led the way for the Florence offense with four RBIs, two walks on a 3 for 3 day at the plate.

The Bobcats also received contributions from Kelley (2 for 4, 1 walk, 1 double, 1 stolen base), Bradley Steber (1 for 2, 3 RBI, 2 walks), Bryce Leffler (0 for 4, 1 RBI, 1 walk), Logan Koski (1 for 3, 3 RBI), Mason Koski (1 walk, 1 stolen base) and Joey Holmstrom (2 for 3, 1 RBI, 1 stolen base).

Florence is home on Thursday at 5 p.m. against Three Lakes/Phelps.

Report compiled by Daily News sports editor Sean Chase.

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