The Humboldt Eagles 17U dropped their final two pool games at the Muckdogs American Legion baseball tournament in Reno on Saturday, but still advanced to Sunday’s semifinals.

 

The Eagles, who are 3-2 at the tournament, are seeded No. 3 for the semifinals and will play the host team at 10 a.m.

They could yet face a close rival for the championship, after the Northern Humboldt Giants won their final pool game on Saturday to also advance.

Kaden Ritter pitched well for the Giants, who defeated the Kings 8-4 to earn the No. 4 seed for the semifinals, where they will play No. 1 Best Speed Baseball.

Ritter threw a complete game, allowing three earned runs on seven hits and three walks, and striking out six.

He also had one of his team’s 11 hits, as the Giants overcame an early 2-1 deficit with four runs in the bottom of the second inning.

Porter Price and Nick Parker each had a big day at the plate, finishing with three hits apiece, including a double.

Price also had a pair of stolen bases.

Mason Hooven and Mason Nichols each also had a double in the win.

The Giants closed out pool play 3-2 and will play Best Speed at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.

The Eagles, meanwhile, lost 9-2 to Best Speed and 7-2 to Sutter Baseball.

In game one, Keenan Morris pitched 3.1 innings and took the loss.

At the plate, Morris had a double, while Lane Thrap was 2-for-3 with an RBI.

In game two, Thrap took the loss on the mound, striking out four in 4.2 innings.

Offensively, Morris had a triple and Brayden Youkey a double.

Also in Reno, in 16U action, the Northern Humboldt Knights defeated the West Coast Kings 7-6.

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