Negaunee Junior Baseball All-Stars Cruise to Undefeated Pool Play Victory
The Negaunee Junior Baseball All-Stars completed pool play in the state tournament with a dominant 16‑1 victory over the Chelsea Little League All-Stars, a result that not only secured the No. 1 seed but also underscored the team’s early‑season form.
Negaunee exploded out of the gate, plating eight runs in the first inning and adding five more in the second. Nathan Harvala’s timely hit pushed the lead to 9‑0, and Kalen Johnson later crossed home on a wild pitch that sent the score into double digits.
The second inning was especially dramatic, as all five runs came with two outs, extending the advantage to 12‑0 before the run‑rule finally ended the contest at 16‑1. Jonny Juntti’s RBI triple to right field brought Thomas Dix home, and Max Cody followed with a ground ball up the middle that drove in Juntti.
Coach Joe Hermes emphasized that the team’s success stemmed from a relentless focus on fundamentals. “We’ve been drilling the basics all tournament,” he said, noting that staying cool, calm, and collected will be key when they meet Emmett in the upcoming semifinal.
The semifinal is scheduled for Monday at 11 a.m. ET, with the winner advancing to the state championship game later that evening at 5 p.m. ET. A victory would place Negaunee in position to claim the ultimate title and cap off an undefeated run through the tournament.
Beyond the scoreboard, the All-Stars’ performance has been a community celebration, drawing support from families across the Upper Peninsula. The team’s blend of raw talent and disciplined play suggests they are poised to make a deep run in the remaining games.