MONTAGUE – Last year, the Montague and North Muskegon baseball teams clashed three times, with the Norse taking two of the three games.

The last of those games was the district championship, where the Norse ended Montague’s season.

After coming that close to a district title, the Wildcats started prepping for a rematch.

Montague confidently came into the 2022 season, taking both games in a doubleheader against North Muskegon in the regular season and winning the West Michigan Conference championship.

Montague pitcher Kade Johnson, who got the win in the championship game. Photo/Tonya Pardon

When the two teams met in the Division 3 district finals again on Saturday at Montague, the Wildcats kept the momentum, taking a 4-1 victory in the championship game.

“This win means a lot,” said Montague’s Kade Johnson, who pitched the victory for the Wildcats. “After losing to North Muskegon last year in districts, we wanted to get back at them, and that helped us get the win,”

Montague, now 23-14 on the season, moves on to the regional semifinals on Wednesday to play either Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian or Morley Stanwood.

With the previous matchups against North Muskegon in mind, Montague coach Kevin Buchberger knew Saturday’s game would not be a cakewalk.

Montague’s Tugg Nichols kicks up dirt as he runs the bases. Photo/Tonya Pardon

“This win is huge,” Buchberger said. “It’s hard to beat the same team three times. We swept them in conference play, but we knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Coming back in the district finals and beating North Muskegon is a huge win for the program.”

Johnson fended off the Norse on the mound, pitching for six and two-thirds innings and allowing only two hits and a single run. He struck out three batters and walked four.

After a quick three outs in the top of the first, Johnson stepped to the plate got a hit that brought teammate Aidan Buchberger home to give the Wildcats an early lead.

Montague held a 1-0 lead until the top of the fourth, when North Muskegon’s Troy McManus landed a single to bring home James Young.

The Wildcats found their stride over the next two innings. A single from Chase Gowell sent Owen Fairchild home in the bottom of the fourth. In the next inning, Johnson hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Colton Blankstrom, then Hayden McDonald knocked Tugg Nichols in.

“We’ve been practicing hard these last two nights,” Coach Buchberger said. “We practiced putting the ball down and getting guys into scoring position. We had to pick our chances to steal tonight, and we had to put the ball down with bunts. This is just a great team win.”

North Muskegon’s Troy McManus takes a cut at the ball. Photo/Tonya Pardon

Troy McManus pitched six innings for the Norse, allowing eight hits and four runs while striking out six batters.

While these teams have some history, first-year North Muskegon coach Garrett Moyer recently stepped into the rivalry. Despite the loss against the Wildcats, Moyer is pleased with his first season.

“It was a great experience,” said Moyer, whose team finished the season 23-11-1. “As far as overall record and stuff, I thought we played extremely well. We have a talented group of kids, and I would say it’s been a successful season for us.”

Moyer sees great potential in his team moving forward.

Tugg Nichols rounds third and heads for home. Photo/Tonya Pardon

“I’m extremely excited for North Muskegon Baseball. We got a lot of guys coming back, and as a first-year coach, there’s still a lot of things I want to teach. Going forward, I can’t wait for what we’re about to do.”

With the regional semifinal just around the corner, the Montague boys are ready to get back to work.

“We just have to do what we do best and maximize our strength,” Coach Buchberger said. “No matter who we’re playing, we not going to worry about it. We’re just going to work on us and make sure we’re not the ones making errors in the coming games.”