PETOSKEY — Things didn’t start too well, but Marquette turned it around Saturday for a split of its two high school baseball games at the Petoskey Tournament on Saturday.

The Redmen were knocked around by the host Northmen 15-0 in just three innings in their opener before bouncing back for a 14-2 victory over Fruitport.

MSHS is scheduled to host Negaunee at 4 p.m. today.

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Petoskey 15, Marquette 0

The Redmen faced a tall task in their tournament opener.

“Petoskey is ranked in the top 10 in their (MHSAA) division,” MSHS team official Bill Finkbeiner said. “They’re the best team we have played this year.”

The Northmen jumped out with six runs in the first inning and eight more in the second while holding Marquette scoreless.

Erik Johnson suffered the loss on the mound for MSHS, allowing 11 runs (10 earned) on eight hits and three walks in just 1 1/3 innings. Peter VandenAvond had a little more success, allowing four runs, but only one earned, on five hits and a walk in two-thirds of an inning.

Marquette collected three hits, including a double by Jacob Knauss, as Johnson and VandenAvond each had singles off Petoskey pitcher Grant Klepadio.

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Marquette 14, Fruitport 2

Redmen starter Brady Wright mystified the Trojans, allowing two earned runs on six hits in 6 1/3 innings as he walked two and struck out five. VandenAvond again relieved and got two outs without allowing a run or hit.

“That was a great job by Brady Wright on the mound,” Finkbeiner said. “He really mixed his pitches well. That was our best outing of the year — we hit the ball well and jumped out early and kept it rolling.”

MSHS scored early and often, plating four in the first inning and six more in the second for a 10-1 lead, then added four more in the top of the seventh.

Wright also led his team’s offense, going 2 for 4 with a double, RBI, run scored and two stolen bases. Knauss was also 2 for 4 with three RBIs and two runs, while VandenAvond was 2 for 4 with two runs and a steal.

Johnson cracked a triple, knocked in a run, scored twice, walked and laid down a sacrifice bunt. Not getting a hit but doing their parts were Alex Applekamp, who walked twice, was hit by a pitch and stole a base; and Nate Cromell, who drew two walks.

Information compiled by Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee. His email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.