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BATTLE CREEK -- Gerry Smith's Gladstone Braves punched and counterpunched with a very good Springport Spartan squad in a Division Three softball semifinal until a run scoring single by Katie Becker in the top of the seventh inning was enough for Gladstone to post a 5-4 victory.

Gladstone scored twice in the first inning on a couple mishandled bunts, but the Spartans plated three runs in the bottom of the inning.

Jordan Kowalski's rbi double in the fifth gave Gladstone a 4-3 lead, however, Springport tied the game in the sixth.

Alison Austin started the seventh inning with an infield single to shortstop.  Ashley St. Cyr pinch ran for Austin.  Whitney Wells' bunt was misplayed by by the Spartans, putting runners on first and second base before Wells' single to left field.  Springport was able to escape the inning without any more damage.

Austin, who relieved starting pitcher Christine Sharon in the first inning, allowed one hit in the bottom of the seventh.  Becker caught a fly ball in right field for the final out.

Gladstone will face defending champion Clinton in the final Saturday at 10 a.m. at Bailey Park in Battle Creek. 

The Redskins defeated Unionville-Sebewaing 8-1 in the other semifinal.

In Division Four semifinal softball, Dansville spotted Rapid River three runs in the top of the first inning.  But the Aggies rallied with single runs in the first, third, fourth and sixth innings to edge the Rockets 4-3.

In Division Four semifinal baseball, Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett scored ten runs in the third inning and cruised to a 15-3 win over Rudyard.