Mickey D’s Beer Cave players celebrate after Mason Korhonen (7) returns to the dugout following a three-run home run during a Superiorland Baseball League playoff semifinal game at the Forsyth Township Ball Park Complex in Gwinn, Aug. 12, 2024. (Caden Sierra/Mining Journal)
GWINN – The dream of another playoff title was shattered for the Marquette County Mavericks Monday night as upstart Mikey D’s Beer Cave of Escanaba put together a dominant performance to earn a 10-0 victory in the Superiorland Baseball League semifinals at the Gwinn Ballfield Complex.
Afterwards, Mavericks manager James Larsen II reflected on the heavy defeat.
“Definitely the low point of our eight-year existence,” he said. “But that’s baseball.
“They played a great game. Whenever we got something going offensively, they blocked it. Hats off to them.”
From the first pitch, the Esky team took control as their bats immediately came to life.
To start the first inning, Mikey’s Ben Snyder hit a two-run home run, setting the tone for a relentless offensive effort. Escanaba quickly took a 3-0 lead and never relinquished it.
The Mavericks struggled to get going as their bats were silenced by Escanaba pitcher Elliot Danhoff, who was in complete control throughout.
“Elliot played an amazing game,” said Snyder, who is also his team’s manager. “He was in the strike zone, in control from the start and then our hitters were there to support him.”
“We hit the ball well, exploited gaps and it was a great team win.”
Danhoff’s precision and power on the mound resulted in five strikeouts in the first three innings, dashing any hopes “home” The team had the chance to make a comeback.
The game took a decisive turn in the third when Mason Korhonen hit another home run for Mikey’s, this time one of the three-run variety, extending Escanaba’s lead to 7-0. The Beer Cavers continued to score runs, but the Mavericks could not respond.
Despite some glimmers of hope, including a hit by Justin Kirby and a stolen base by Jack Siik, the Mavs offense was unable to overcome the dominant pitching and defense of the visitors from the South.
In the fourth inning, Esky’s offensive power grew stronger. Mikey loaded the bases and took advantage of the Mavs’ mistakes to bring the game to 10-0. The Marquetters were now on the verge of elimination and could no longer score the runs needed to extend the game.
The Superiorland playoff championship game is Monday at 6:30 p.m. at Felch Memorial Field in northern Dickinson County, with the Channing Railroaders hosting Mikey D’s.
