MARQUETTE — The Marquette Reds split a doubleheader with Negaunee to open their season Monday at the Haley Memorial Field in Marquette.

The Reds won a 17-0 mercy-rule-shortened game before Negaunee fought back to take a 9-7 victory in the other game.

There were offensive fireworks by both teams in the fifth inning of the Negaunee’s victory.

In the top of the inning, Negaunee put up four runs to establish a 9-1 lead before the Reds fought back with six runs in the bottom of the inning to pull within two.

Negaunee’s outburst included a triple by Keith Juidici and singles by Eli VanBuren and Owen Cardnell, while the Reds’ comeback was keyed with a Nick Pantti double and singles by Easton Miller and Gib Jezewski, according to a report from the Reds.

Juidici and Carsen Belanger each finished with two hits as Juidici had four RBIs, too, while Mason Banfield had two RBIs.

Miller, Jezewski and Isaac Sarles each had two hits for the Reds, while Jake Toyras had two RBIs despite not getting a hit.

Juidici earned the pitching win, going all six innings and scattering eight hits and two walks while striking out nine.

Easton Miller started and took the loss for Marquette, going one inning as he allowed three runs on two hits and a walk while fanning one.

Braiden Noskey and Chase Niemi followed on the mound, each going two innings, while Sarles finished up the final inning.

Those three combined to give up six runs on six hits with seven walks and four strikeouts.

In the 17-0 game, the Reds blew the doors open right out the gate, scoring 14 runs in the bottom of the first and adding three more in the second.

Toyras and Jezewski each had two hits for Marquette, while Miller had three RBIs and Toyras, Jezewski and Niemi two RBIs apiece. Both of Jezewski’s hits were doubles.

Negaunee’s three hits were by Juidici, a double, and VanBuren and Belanger, each singles.

Sarles pitched all three innings for the Reds, scattering three hits and not walking anybody while he fanned five.

Banfield and Belanger worked on the mound for Negaunee.

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