Pre-district play concluded on Tuesday across the state and many top-flight teams faced each other in pivotal Division 3 and 4 match-ups.  Here is a recap of a few games from Tuesday:

 Saginaw Valley Lutheran vs. Hemlock

Saginaw Valley Lutheran (19-14) took down Hemlock (20-11) by a score of 6-1 thanks to a great pitching performance from Austin Gatza.  Gatza went the complete game and struck out five.  Lutheran's Cody Muscott and Matt Weiss each had two RBIs apiece.  Next up for Saginaw Valley Lutheran is Sanford Meridian in the first round of district play on Saturday.  Look for them to build on their victory over Hemlock and compete for a district title.  

Gladwin vs. Clare 

The Clare Pioneers, winners of the Jack Pine Conference, were upset on Tuesday by Gladwin in a 4-0 grudge match.  Gladwin was led by pitcher Shawn Larner, who struck out twelve batters in a complete game effort.  Clare's Cameron Smith had two hits at the plate, but it wasn't enough to keep the Pioneers' season alive.  Gladwin will face Farwell on Saturday in district action.  

Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian vs. Holland Black River

Two teams with the same amount of wins (19) battled Tuesday night in hopes of advancing to district play on Saturday.  NorthPointe Christian proved to be the better team as they shut out Holland Black River 6-0.  Spencer Goelbel, Ben Talon, and Zac Sturgeon each pitched one or more inning in a joint shut out effort.  NorthPointe Christian's Matt Rozelle had three RBIs to lead Christian at the plate.  They will now play West Catholic on Saturday.

Grandville vs. Grandville Calvin Christian (bonus)

These two rivals played each other in a non-district game on Tuesday.  Calvin Christian came out to an early 1-0 lead, only to see a four-run fourth inning from Grandville wipe it out.  Sophomore stud Mitch Dykstra pitched in relief and picked up the win for Grandville, who ended up winning the game 5-1.  Calvin Christian will face Wyoming Lee in their district play on Saturday while Grandville will see a tough opponent in Hudsonville. 




Stay tuned and make sure to follow PBR Michigan as Saturday's district games unfold.  As always, please feel free to send scores and player performances to [email protected].