Northstars win to start District Tournament

Heading into the Class A North District Tournament in Vauxhall Thursday, the Havre Northstars American Legion baseball club had been on a hot streak to end the regular season. But against the Fort Macleod Royals to start the tournament, the Northstars did face some adversity.

Through most of the day, the Northstars struggled to get going as the game was tied, 1-1, heading into the bottom of the sixth inning. But the Northstars finally got on a roll late in the game to eke out the 4-1 victory to start the postseason.

The Royals struck first in the top of the first. With a runner on first base, a double drove him in for the run and the 1-0 lead. The Northstars eventually responded in the bottom of the second. As the leadoff hitter, Jevin Jenkins hit a solo home run to left field to tie the game 1-1.

Through most of the game, both teams struggled to score. Heading into the bottom of the sixth, the game remained tied 1-1. But that is when the Northstars finally took control of the game.

After a double from Conner McKay to open the inning, Drake Berreth hit a double to right field to drive in the run for the 2-1 lead. Kale Reno added onto the lead with an RBI single to right to make it 3-1. Colter Solomon then capped off the inning with a double to center to drive in another run for a 4-1 lead.

The Royals got a couple runners on base to start the top of the seventh, but the Northstars recorded the third out to close it out. Berreth had a solid start on the mound where he allowed two hits, one run and recorded seven strikeouts in 5.0 innings. But it was Quinn Elliot who earned the win as he allowed one hit and recorded three strikeouts in the final 2.0 innings of the game.

With the win, the Northstars advanced in the tournament and will next play the Lewistown Redbirds this afternoon. The Northstars played well against the Redbirds this season, going 5-0 in their meetings throughout the summer. The Redbirds are coming off a 9-8 win over the Great Falls Chargers to open the tournament.

The Havre Northstars will play the Lewistown Redbirds today at 4 p.m. at the North A District Tournament in Vauxhall.

Havre 4, Fort Macleod 1

FM 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 1 3 2

HAV 0 1 0 0 0 3 X - 4 8 0

WP - Quinn Elliot

LP - Z. Wright

Havre Batting - Brody Nanini 0-3, Ezra Pyle 1-3, Terek Shipp 0-2, Conner McKay 1-3, Jevin Jenkins 2-3, Drake Berreth 1-3, Kale Reno 2-3, Chason Mader 0-1, Quinn Elliot 0-1, Colter Solomon 1-3.