FELCH TOWNSHIP — The Norway Knights took the first step toward defending their district title Tuesday with a 15-0 4-1/2 inning triumph over North Central in a MHSAA Division 4 District 98 matchup at Felch.

“Our kids played with energy and focus today which was great to see coming off of the holiday/graduation weekend,” Norway coach Tony Adams said after the win.

Cole Baij earned the win, striking out eight while allowing just one hit and one walk in his three innings of work.

“Cole was dominant on the mound,” Adams said.

Own Baij fanned two in a scoreless fourth for the Knights (23-4-1).

Offensively, Cameron Varda led the way with three hits and three RBIs. Bryce Adams and AJ Gallino added two RBIs each, while Owen Baij, Landon Amundson, Carter Cazzola, Elliott Kraemer and Landon Ross chipped in with one drive in each.

Norway pounded out four extra-base hits, including Owen Baij with a double and triple, Varda with a double and Gallino with a double.

With the win, the Knights advance to Friday’s semifinal round for a matchup with Bark River-Harris, starting at 1 p.m. In their regular-season matchup, the Knights swept the Broncos 9-2 and 10-0 in a doubleheader on May 12.

Friday’s other semifinal matchup pits host North Dickinson against L’Anse at 10 a.m. The semifinal winners will play for the district championship in a game slated to start at 4 p.m. on Friday.