The Negaunee Junior Little League baseball team celebrates after clinching its District 11 championship on June 29 by defeating Marquette twice in two days. From left are Ethan Gaston, Mason Swenor, Drake Ayotte, Killean Ryan, Evan Dellangelo, Vince Tincknell, Connor Munson, Peyton Black, Brayden Gleason, Max Frustaglio, Griffin Leece, Ty Niemi and Waylon Harvala. (Photo courtesy of Terry Tincknell)

MARQUETTE — The Negaunee Junior Little League baseball team won its District 11 championship for the third year in a row on June 29 at the Kaufman Sports Complex in Marquette.

Negaunee came into the championship round needing to defeat Marquette twice as Negaunee already had a loss and Marquette ran through the winner’s bracket without a defeat.

It took them two days after some rainy weather, but Negaunee pulled off the sweep with 6-3 and 5-1 wins.

Over those games, Negaunee’s Vince Tincknell had several key hits, while pitching their team to victory were Evan Dellangelo, Max Frustaglio and Killian Ryan.

Coming up on Friday are the best-of-3 sectionals in Pellston against District 13 champion Petoskey. This round begins with a doubleheader and the “if necessary” third game on Saturday.

The sectional winner advances to the state tournament to be held in Grand Rapids.

“We’re going to have to play mistake-free baseball against a really good Petoskey program,” Negaunee coach Terry Tincknell said. “We’re also going to have to step our hitting up and stick together as a team.”

He added that his team’s one disadvantage coming out of the Upper Peninsula is the delayed start to the season. While Petoskey got onto the field in early April, Negaunee wasn’t able to start practicing until June after the late spring snowstorm after the first of May.

Regardless, though, he’s keeping his boys’ spirits high and emphasizing the fun of just playing a sport they’re passionate about.

“We’re just happy to get down there and have fun. Whatever happens, happens,” Tincknell said.

For family members, friends and fans of the team who can’t make the trip to Pellston, a livestream of the game will be available online at the Negaunee Little League Facebook page.

Alexandria Bournonville can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 506. Her email address is abournonville@miningjournal.net.