Havre sweeps in Great Falls

The Havre North Stars American Legion baseball team recorded a couple of impressive wins in their last outing, and continued to do the same on Thursday, as the nearly month long road trip tapered to an end.

Thursday the North Stars took on two talented teams in Great falls.

In game one of the road trip, the North Stars took down the league's No. 1 team, defeating the Great Falls Electrics 7-2. And in game two, the North Stars defeated the Great Falls Stallions 22-11, in much more lopsided victory.

The win over the Electrics was a huge one for the Havre ball club, as it didn't count towards their conference record, but did hopefully turn some heads as the North Stars continue to improve this season.

"It is always fun when we can beat the Electrics," North Star head coach Danny Wirtzberger said. "They are the No. 1 team in the conference right now and we kind f put it to them today (Thursday)."

Tyrell Pierce got the nod on the mound against the fierce Electrics, and pitched like a veteran. Pierce pitched the complete game, and gave up just three hits and two runs. But Pierce did get some run support from his offense, as David Denny was 2-for-2 with two RBIs. Chris Vukasin was 2-for-3 with two runs scored, and Brandon Smith also knocked in three RBIs. Pierce also went 2-for-4 and grabbed an RBI to help his own cause.

"He (Pierce) really pitched a gem for us." Wirtzberger said. "It was impressive to watch."

In game two, the North Stars earned another impressive win, and as a bonus, got their younger players a lot of playing time.

Jace Kato got the win on the mound for Havre, while Spencer Ross came in for the save. And while they gave up a combined 11 runs, the offense did their part with 22 runs of their own.

Dane Linquist was 2-for-2 for Havre, while Ned Malone went 3-for-3 and scored 3 runs. Matt Hanley also went 3-for-5 and scored three runs in the win.

"We played our younger guys a lot in this game, and it was a real sigh of relief how we played," Wirtzberger said. "Our younger guys really stepped up and hit the ball around the park well. They really played well and found a way to win."

Currently the North Stars are in second place with a conference record of 11-5, and are still looking to play well through the end of the season, hopefully gaining the momentum they need to get past districts. Their season will continue today at Legion field at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. when they host Tri-County.