The Humboldt Eagles 17U put themselves in the driver’s seat at the American Legion District tournament on Saturday, defeating the Northern Humboldt Giants 6-3 at Newburg Park in Fortuna.

The Eagles improved to 2-0 at the three-day tournament, while the Giants drop into the losers’ bracket where they will play the Eagles 16U on Sunday for a chance at a rematch against the Eagles 17U.

Hayden Bode continued his impressive summer with six strong innings for the win.

The Eureka High pitcher had a sensational spring out of the bullpen for the Loggers, and has been every bit as impressive starting for the Eagles this summer.

On Saturday, he was in control throughout, giving up three earned runs on five hits and four walks, while striking out four.

Asher Meadows

Bode also was instrumental at the plate, finishing 2-for-4 with an RBI.

Jenner Christiansen and Ben Tehan each also had two hits in the win, as the Eagles took control of a 2-2 game with four runs in the bottom of the sixth.

Christiansen also drove in two runs, and Tehan one.

Bode Joyner, Brayden Youkey and Parker Rodgers rounded out a nine-hit team performance, while Keenan Morris pitched one inning in relief.

For the Giants, who must now win three straight games on Sunday to defend their district title, Asher Meadows took the loss despite a solid performance through the opening five innings.

Meadows pitched 5.2 innings, allowing four earned runs on eight hits and three walks, while striking out four.

Cayden Lee had a double for the Giants, while teammates Vincent Agliolo, Kayden Ritter, Jared Dixon and Mason Hooven each had a hit.

SH 76ers 10, NH Knights 2

Wyatt Wilson pitched the win as the 76ers fought off elimination in Saturday’s opening game, giving up just two runs and striking out six.

Wilson also a big game at the plate, finishing with a pair of hits, as did teammate Aaron Head-Mason.

Garrett Christiansen added a triple and Kaydon Pogue a double, while Regan Nyberg, Ethan Ward, Joey Quen and Corbin Reback rounded out a 10-hit team performance.

For the Knights, Sam Aldag, Finn Mcrae and Ghisetti each had a hit.

Eagles 16U 5, SH 76ers 4

The younger Eagles team got the better of the 76ers 17U to keep their tournament alive and put them within one win of reaching the championship game.

With the win, the 16U Eagles also qualified for the Area Tournament in Red Bluff next week.

In an exciting back-and-forth game, Jason Meyer had a big two-RBI single and Gavin Brooks drove in the winning run.

Quen took the loss on the mound for the 76ers, who saw their season come to an end.

Christiansen and Head-Mason each had two hits in the loss. 

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Ray Hamill writes at humboldtsports.com, where you can read lots more about sports in Humboldt County.