NEGAUNEE — A trio of Negaunee pitchers gave their teammates plenty of chances to build a lead as the Diamonds American Legion baseball team pounded out an 11-1 victory over visiting Niagara, Wisconsin, on Friday.

The Greenwood Post 114 Senior (under 19 years old) Legion Diamonds opened with Isak Ruspakka as starting pitcher. He went two innings and struck out two to earn the win, according to Negaunee manager Jeremy Steele.

Killean Ryan came to the mound in the third with two runners on and nobody out, escaping the jam with a fly ball hit to centerfielder Jack Siik, who made the catch and made what Steele described as a laser throw to third base to get out the runner attempting to advance for a double play. Ryan then struck out the next batter to end the threat.

Lux Harris went the final two innings for the Diamonds, not allowing a run nor hit while fanning three.

Logan LaJoie led Negaunee hitters with three hits, including a double, and two RBIs. Ruspakka and teammates Evan Armatti and Connor Munson had two hits apiece, while Siik had a hit and three RBIs. Ryan, Harris and the Diamonds’ Brayden Gleason and Landon Steele each had two RBIs.

Story contents based on an email received from Negaunee Senior Diamonds manager Jeremy Steele. Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee’s email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.