ESCANABA – McKinley Larson and Riley Lynch were all the Marquette Blues American Legion baseball team needed Thursday in state Class A tournament play in Escanaba.

Larson cracked a two-run homer in the first inning and Lynch made it stand up on the mound as the Blues opened the tourney with a 2-1 win over Hudson.

Marquette was scheduled to meet Gladstone at noon today in a winner’s bracket contest. Gladstone beat Escanaba Thursday, 6-3.

Larson, who posted two of the Blues’ four hits in the game, drove in Lynch with his early blast.

Lynch then made sure it was enough as he pitched a three-hitter in a complete game, seven-inning performance.

He allowed but two walks while striking out 14 Hudson batters.

“Lynch was lights out,” Blues manager Derek Swajanen said.

” His fastball was moving and his curveball kept them guessing. I think he was overpowering with his curveball.

“This is the first time we’ve beaten (Hudson), so it was a real good team victory for the boys.”

Jared Mains took the mound loss for Hudson. He gave up four hits and struck out eight over six innings.

Kalen Sechler went 1 for 3 and scored on Spencer Hawkins’ RBI-single in the fourth inning for Hudson.

Information compiled by Senior Sports Writer Craig Remsburg. He can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 251, or via email at cremsburg@miningjournal.net.