GLADSTONE — A big third inning made a huge difference as the Gladstone Braves defeated Powers North Central 14-2 in five innings.

The Braves, taking advantage of four fielding errors, scored 11 times in the third in Monday’s contest.

“They gave us a game, then suddenly a couple hits dropped and it turned quickly,” Braves’ coach Tyler Swanson said. “We’ll take the runs anyway we can get them. In the first couple innings we put the bat on the ball and they made the plays. They’re a young team, but they came ready to play.”

In the top of the third, junior Kaden Malone ripped a double to centerfield, then gave the Jets a 1-0 lead on an error.

Gladstone sent 16 hitters to the plate in its half of the third, scoring two runs on Nick Proehl’s single to right and adding a pair on Landon Pepin’s triple to left.

Aiden Burie added an RBI double to center and Cooper Sanville had a run-scoring single to left, also in the third.

The Braves scored three more times in the fourth, including two runs on Proehl’s double to center and another on one of the Jets’ three miscues in the inning.

North Central got its second run on Nick Pipkorn’s single to right in the fifth.

“Our pitcher (Pipkorn) did a good job,” Jets’ coach Ben Snyder said. “He threw strikes, but they put the ball in play and we didn’t make the plays. Although, the guys kept their heads up. They kept fighting and I’m proud of that and we’ve got to keep doing that.”

Gladstone collected nine hits including a pair by Carter Sanville and Proehl.

The Braves committed just one error and the Jets had seven.

“We bobbled the ball a bit,” Snyder said. “Credit to them. They’re a fine team that’s well coached.”

Carter, Carter Sanville and Xavier Leipzig combined on a two-hitter and seven strikeouts.

Negaunee 9,

Iron Mountain 0

Negaunee’s Morgan Robar held the Mountaineers hitless over six innings at Iron Mountain on Monday. He walked four and fanned 10 as his defense didn’t commit an error.

Teammates Ethan Gaston and Devin Jurmu each went 2 for 4, both also getting an RBI, scoring a run and stealing a base. Negaunee broke open a still competitive 3-0 game with a six-run fifth inning.

Negaunee 17,

Iron Mountain 2

In Monday’s nightcap, Negaunee’s Owen Cardinal also fanned 10 but only pitched 11 outs — 3 2/3 innings — as Connor Munson came on to get the final out in a game ended after four innings due to the 15-run rule.

Cardinal allowed two hits and three walks, while Munson got his out on a strikeout. Cardinal also led his offense, going 2 for 3 with three RBIs and two runs.

The Miners showed patience, taking nine walks from IM pitchers.

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The Marquette Mining Journal contributed.