Bark River-Harris sophomore Dane Schmitt delivers a pitch against Menominee on April 8, 2025 at Spies Field in Menominee. (Adam Hinch/Daily Press)

MENOMINEE — After weeks of practice in the gym, Bark River-Harris boys baseball took to the diamond in Menominee, but fell 16-6 in five innings.

The Broncos loaded the bases in the first inning as sophomore Dane Schmitt got a lead-off single. Jacob Mileski was hit by a pitch and Gabe Spear drew a walk but Andy Johnson struck out and Chase Richer grounded out to the second baseman to end the top half of the first.

The Broncos walked two of the first three Maroon batters in the bottom of the first. Robert Finger popped up to the catcher for the second out and Drew Olson reached on a dropped third strike to load the bases for Menominee. Ethan Short came up with a well placed single that brought in two runs and the Maroons led 2-0.

“We were excited to get out here and play,” Maroons coach John Jasenovsky said. “We were chomping on the bit after having two games cancelled last week and the team came out ready to play today.”

Gavin Derocher walked and stole a base then later scored on a bases loaded walk to cut the deficit to 2-1. The Broncos were unable to squeeze any more runs across in the second inning leaving the bases loaded for the second time in as many innings.

Blake Malke and Dylan Beal each had singles and scored runs in the bottom of the second inning to extend the Maroons lead to 4-1.

“We have a lot to build on from this,” Broncos coach Al Botwright said. “Many of these kids were seeing their first varsity action and I feel they did very well having not had a single outdoor practice.”

The Maroons busted off seven runs in the bottom of the third to extend their lead to 11-1.

The Broncos responded in the top of the fourth scoring five runs. Derocher had a lead-off single and Schmitt reached on an error. Mileski and Dominick Lantagne each drew walks. Spear hit an RBI single and Andy Johnson had a two-RBI double and the Broncos cut the deficit to 11-6.

Menominee went on to outscore the Broncos 5-0 from there and won in five innings via mercy rule.

Bark River-Harris senior Jacob Mileski attempts to lay down a bunt against Menominee on April 8, 2025 at Spies Field in Menominee. (Adam Hinch/Daily Press)