Hancock Claims First District Softball Crown – Saturday Sports Wrap

High School

In high school tournament softball yesterday, Hancock won its first ever District title at Ironwood, defeating the host Red Devils 8-4 in the championship game. Emma Almquist broke open a close contest with a three-run homer in the sixth inning. Delaney Heinonen struck out 11 to earn the win.

Hancock will face Rudyard in the regional semifinals next Saturday at Norway.

The Bulldogs reached the district title game by blanking the Gogebic Miners 15-0 in a three-inning, mercy rule contest. Hancock took control early, scoring 10 runs in the first inning.

Ironwood had advanced with an 18-7, five-inning victory over Jeffers.

In softball tournament action today…
– At the Division Four District at L’Anse, the Purple Hornets will play Gwinn at 10:00. Ishpeming meets Superior Central at noon, with the championship game at 2:30.
– At the Division Three Districts at Westwood, Negaunee will face Westwood at 10:00, and Calumet will play Houghton at noon. The championship game will begin at 2:00.

In tournament baseball today…
– At the Division Three Districts at Negaunee, Negaunee will play Superior Central at 10:00. Houghton faces Calumet at noon. We’ll broadcast that game on KBear 102.3, and the championship game at 2:00.
– At the Division Four Districts at Ironwood, L’Anse will play Gogebic at noon EDT; Jeffers will play Ironwood at 2:30 EDT, with the championship game at 5:30 EDT.

The U.P. Track and Field championships will be held today at Kingsford.

Finlandia

Finlandia University has introduced two more new men’s hockey players. Zach Erhardt was the second-leading scorer in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League while playing for the Kelowna Chiefs last season. Jack Giddings played for Anoka High School, then spent last season with the North Iowa Bulls of the North American 3 Hockey League.

MLB

Niko Goodrum’s career night led the Detroit Tigers to an 8-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves last evening. Playing in his home town, with more than two dozen family members and friends in the audience, Goodrum went five-for five, including two home runs. Grayson Greiner and Nicholas Castellanos also homered. Spencer Turnbull earned the win, giving up two runs on five hits over six innings.

The Tigers have won three straight, and continue that interleague set against the Braves in Atlanta this afternoon. Daniel Norris will start against Mike Soroka. Pregame coverage will begin at 3:45 on 99.3 The Lift.

Miguel Cabrera left last night’s game with swelling in his right knee. He’s been playing with the condition for some time. An MRI is scheduled for today.

Jhoulys Chacín struggled, as the Milwaukee Brewers lost 9-4 to the Pittsburgh Pirates last night. Chacín gave up a run in the first inning, then was charged with six more before leaving in the third. Keston Hiura and Jesús Aguilar homered for Milwaukee.

That series continues in Pittsburgh this afternoon. Gio Gonzalez will pitch against Jordan Lyles.

NHL

The Stanley Cup series continues tonight, when the Saint Louis Blues entertain the Boston Bruins. That series is tied 1-1.

NBA

The NBA Championship Series continues tomorrow, as the Toronto Raptors host the Golden State Warriors. Toronto leads that set 1-0.

NFL

New Green Bay Packers coach Matt LeFleur will undergo surgery tomorrow to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon that he suffered while playing basketball Wednesday night. He will use a cart to get around the field during his recovery.

Roller Derby

The Keweenaw Roller Girls will host the Traverse City Toxic Cherries tonight at Dee Stadium. Doors open at 5:00, and competition begins at 6:00.

Email sports stories and game results to mornings@up.net.