First off, huge shoutout to Mr. Jay Courtland. Not only did he bring this incredible story to our attention, but he also took the time to provide thoughtful coverage and all the details we needed to help share it the right way. Thank you!
Now, onto the story.
Tuesday night in Ludington was about more than just baseball.
Before Ludington and Montague kicked off their WMC Lakes Division doubleheader, the Orioles took a moment to honor one of their own — Army Specialist Joe Lancour. A 2004 Ludington graduate, Joe played football and baseball for the Orioles. He was known as a tough, selfless teammate and a good-hearted guy who always showed up for others. In 2007, Joe was killed in action during a firefight in eastern Afghanistan while serving with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. He was just 21.
That same battle would later lead to one of Joe’s fellow soldiers, Sergeant Kyle J. White, receiving the Medal of Honor for his actions that day — one of only a few living recipients from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. White has said the medal belongs to his team and wears a bracelet engraved with the names of Joe and the five other soldiers who lost their lives that day (Per The Ludington Daily News)
Tuesday’s pregame ceremony was emotional. Joe’s family, coaches, and members of the Ludington community gathered at Don Stokely Diamond as his #3 baseball jersey was unveiled on the centerfield fence, and a memorial sign was mounted on the press box. It was a powerful moment — one that makes you stop and feel grateful. Without the sacrifice of the men and women who give their lives for this country, we wouldn’t be able to play this game (or really any game). CatchMark SportsNet wouldn’t exist the way it does today. It’s a reminder that freedom isn’t free.
After the ceremony, the game began — and Montague came ready.
Photos provided courtesy of Jay Courtland
In Game 1, the Wildcats jumped out early and never let go, eventually rolling to an 11-1 win behind a six-run fourth inning and a dominant pitching performance from Eli Petersen, who struck out 11 batters over six innings. Fletcher Thommen led the way at the plate with 2 hits, 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Montague racked up 12 total hits in the win, while their defense stayed sharp.
Game 2, however, had a little more grind to it.
Montague again got on the board first, pushing four runs across in the bottom of the first. Ludington battled back in the top of the second with two of their own, and it briefly looked like the Orioles might flip the script. But Montague’s lineup kept the pressure on, adding a run in the second, two more in the third, and a final insurance run in the sixth to close out an 8-2 victory and complete the sweep.
Ryver Jarka led the way offensively with 2 hits, 1 RBI and 1 run, while Fletcher Thommen, Dylan Bailey, and Robbie Smith each added key knocks. On the mound, Bryton Belinger was dealing — tossing a complete game and striking out 11 in 6.1 innings while holding Ludington to just 3 hits.
Montague will look to take on rival North Muskegon on the road later this week in another double header.
Ludington will look to bounce back against Orchard View next Tuesday (May 13th) at home.
Game 1 Box Score Summary
Montague Box Score
- Batting:
- Fletcher Thommen: 2 hits, 2 RBIs, 2 runs
- Cole Moss: 2 hits, 2 runs, 1 stolen base
- Kellan Francis: 1 hit, 2 RBIs, 1 run
- Pitching:
- Eli Petersen (W): 6.0 innings, 2 hits, 1 run, 1 earned run, 2 walks, 11 strikeouts
- Conner McKeown: 1.0 inning, 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 earned runs, 1 walk, 2 strikeouts
Ludington Box Score
- Batting:
- Kaminski: 1 hit, 1 RBI
- Patterson: 1 hit
- Henion: 1 hit
- Pitching:
- Weinert (L): 4.0 innings, 7 hits, 9 runs, 4 earned runs, 4 walks, 3 strikeouts
- Smith: 3.0 innings, 4 hits, 2 runs, 1 earned run, 1 walk, 2 strikeouts
Game 2 Box Score Summary
Montague Box Score
- Batting:
- Ryver Jarka: 2 hits, 1 RBI, 1 run
- Fletcher Thommen: 2 hits, 1 RBI, 1 stolen base
- Dylan Bailey: 1 hit, 1 run, 2 walks
- Pitching:
- Bryton Belinger (W): 6.1 innings, 3 hits, 2 runs, 0 earned runs, 3 walks, 11 strikeouts
Ludington Box Score
- Batting:
- Albrecht: 2 hits, 2 RBIs
- Graham: 1 hit, 1 run, 1 walk
- Currier: 1 hit, 1 run
- Pitching:
- Patterson (L): 1.0 inning, 3 hits, 4 runs, 3 earned runs, 2 walks, 2 strikeouts
- Benz: 5.0 innings, 5 hits, 4 runs, 3 earned runs, 3 walks, 5 strikeouts
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