The Portagers earned their berth in the title game by edging Brethren in a 3-2 semifinal victory earlier in the day.

“It was a classic game,” Neph said. “You wouldn’t want anything more from a district game, with two teams that keep it very close all the way through.

Joe Eno notched the win on the mound with a solid seven innings in which the senior allowed just two hits with four strikeouts.

“What a performance by Joe,” Neph said. “He pitched fantastic. He wanted the ball, so he got it, and did a great job.”

Onekama plated a run in the first when Hearit scored on a fielder’s choice off the bat of Curtis McKenney.

Brethren (15-9) took the lead with two in the third as Josh Riggs tied the game with a sacrifice fly, and Lucas Richardson scored on a passed ball.

The posturing continued in the bottom of the fifth, as Hearit scored on a wild pitch, and McKenney knocked a two-out RBI single to take the final lead.

Brethren senior Dalton Lakso was solid in 6 2/3 innings, allowing just three runs (two earned) on five hits with 10 strikeouts before being relieved by Richardson for the final out.

Richardson had the team’s only pair of hits.

“We only had four strikeouts for the seven innings, which means we put the ball in play,” said Brethren coach Jim Richardson. “Onekama made most of their plays, and that’s what you have to do to win.

“They were conference champs, beat us in districts, and are a good team,” he added. “I thought Dalton pitched well for his last outing as a senior. We just couldn’t get on base.”

Posted by Manistee News Advocate staff