Gladstone Indians win first ever state title

GLADWIN – From their 14-inning affair on July 17 to their two games in the Zone 5 Tournament in Marquette, the Gladstone Indians and the Escanaba Cubs played some memorable games against each other this season. With all due respect to those previous meetings, no game was bigger than the championship game the two teams played on Saturday.

The Indians defeated the Cubs, 4-0, to win the American Legion Baseball Class ‘A’ State Championship. It was the first title for the Indians in the history of the program. Gladstone did not allow a single run in the three games they played in the tournament.

In the championship game, Hunter Garling pitched all seven innings for the Indians, allowing just two hits. Jake Pearson knocked in three runs at the plate; Garling had the other RBI in the game.

Escanaba came from the loser’s bracket to reach the championship game. The Cubs defeated Gladwin, 6-1 on Saturday to face the Indians. By staying in the winner’s bracket and receiving the first-round bye for winning the Zone 5 Tournament last week, the Indians were the fresher team heading into the title game.

Gladstone head coach Jim Groleau resigned after winning the championship game. He spent the last four seasons in charge of the Indians. The 2015 American Legion Baseball Class ‘A’ State Championship Tournament will be held in Escanaba.