By Journal Sports Staff

NEGAUNEE — Three insurance runs scored in the top of the final inning proved decisive as the Marquette Oldtimers defeated Negaunee 6-5 in a softball game played Wednesday afternoon at LaCombe Field.

Marquette has won six in a row in the twice-a-year series, improving its overall record to 24-22.

The teams expect a rematch to be scheduled during the last week of this month of first week of August, though a date hasn’t yet been set.

Marquette also has an Oldtimers game at 4 p.m. Monday at Gwinn at the Forsyth Township Ball Field Complex.

On Wednesday, Bill Hetrick hit a two-out, two-run double in the top of the seventh inning while Gregg Sutherland added an RBI single to make the score a seemingly comfortable 6-2.

But the home squad answered with three of their own in the bottom of the inning, leaving the tying run stranded at third base when the game ended.

Negaunee’s rally was keyed by Mike Revord hitting a double to clear the loaded bases.

Negaunee opened the scoring and took a 2-0 lead after two before Marquette answered with three in the fifth when Loren Reetz was credited with his own bases-clearing double on a midjudged fly ball.

Negaunee outhit Marquette 12-7 as Revord and teammate Don Williams each went 3 for 3. Williams also scored a run and had an RBI, while Revord collected three RBIs with his key hit in the seventh.

The home team’s Dan Niemi also had a hit and RBI, while Marquette’s Joe Stupski was 2 for 2 with a run scored and a walk.

Reetz and Hetrick each had their multi-RBI doubles.

Reliever Ed Bernard was credited with the pitching victory, going the final three innings and allowed three runs on six hits.

Marquette starter Don O’Neill pitched four innings, allowing two runs on six hits.

Niemi went the distance for Negaunee, scattering seven hits and five walks while striking out eight.

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