By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
ST. JOSPEH - Buchanan had no problem earning itself a spot in Saturday morning's final game.
The All-Stars took a 17-0 win over Three Oaks Thursday evening in Little League semifinal action at Eaton Park.
Bryan Kuntz and Ryan Henckel both had home runs for Buchanan.
The All-Stars scored five runs in the first inning to give them a good lead to start off the game.
Brandon Jackson's triple and Kuntz's home run set the tone for the team, along with hits from almost every Buchanan player.
In the second inning, Buchanan was able to score another four runs to give them a 9-0 lead.
The fifth inning was another explosive inning for the All-Stars as they scored eight runs to give them a 17-0 lead and eventually the win.
Kuntz and Kole Griffey both took turns at the mound for Buchanan.
Kuntz threw four strike outs, allowing no hits or runs in two innings pitched.
Griffey threw one strike out and also allowed no hits in one inning pitched.
Buchanan was led offensively by Kuntz with a home run, two singles and six RBIs, Henckel had a home run and three RBIs, Jake Wahlstrom had two singles and three RBIs and Jackson had a triple.
Buchanan will play the winner of the Bridgman/Berrien Sprinsg game Saturday morning at 11 a.m.
Brandywine vs. Berrien Springs
Brandywine also earned itself a spot in Saturday morning's game when it took a 6-1 win over Berrien Springs Thursday evening in Eaton Park Peanut League action.
It was Berrien Springs who took an early 1-0 lead over Brandywine, but a strong third inning put Brandywine in control of the game with a 4-1 lead.
Another two runs in the fifth inning kept them ahead, 6-1.
Berrien Springs had one last shot in the top of the sixth, but couldn't score any runs and watched Brandywine celebrate a semifinal victory.
Top hitters for Brandywine were Dennis Jordan with three singles and Alex Hardy with two singles.
Brandywine will face the winner of the Watervliet/Bridgman game Saturday morning at 10 a.m.