The Fremont Packers entered the MHSAA District 39 baseball tournament on Saturday looking to snap a multi-year postseason drought — and did just that with a 5-2 semifinal win over Tri County, their first district victory since 2021.

Fremont struck in the third inning of the opener, when Jack Vandenberg delivered a two-run single to break a scoreless tie. Deagan Klimek added an RBI fielder’s choice to give the Packers a 3-0 cushion. That proved to be enough for starter Collin Trouslot, who allowed just one earned run across five innings to earn the win. Coltyn Zerlaut closed out the final two innings to collect the save.

Vandenberg finished the game 2-for-4 with a pair of RBIs, while Klimek swiped two bags to help spark the offense.

In the district final against Sparta, Fremont couldn’t carry that momentum into the second game. Despite an early push and an aggressive effort on the basepaths — eight stolen bases by six different players — the Packers fell 14-4 to a hot-hitting Spartans team. Brayden Crosley led Fremont at the plate, going 2-for-2, while Klimek, Blake Zerlaut, and Chase Paulsen each recorded an RBI.

The district title game followed a tight semifinal between Sparta and Grant, which saw the Tigers strand the tying run at second base in the bottom of the seventh, falling 4-3 in dramatic fashion.

Fremont wraps up the season with a 16-14 overall record and a sense of momentum after breaking through for a long-awaited district win.

The Fremont Packers extended their winning streak to five on Tuesday, edging out Kent City 3-1 in a hard-fought, low-scoring contest. The win, moves Fremont’s record to 15-13 and keeps the team surging with momentum heading into the postseason.

Pitching was the story early, with both teams struggling to manufacture runs. Kent City struck first, but Fremont answered in the fourth inning when Mason Sparks ripped a single down the left field line to bring home the tying run. The Packers pulled ahead in the sixth on a Kent City error before Chase Mercer tacked on an insurance run with an RBI single to make it 3-1.

The bullpen shined once again for Fremont. Colten Brown earned the win with a scoreless inning of relief, and Chase Mercer closed things out for the save. Collin Trouslot, who started the game, allowed just one run in one inning of work, while Seth Zerlaut, Owen Vanderstelt, and Coltyn Zerlaut combined for four scoreless innings to keep Kent City in check. Fremont’s defense was spotless, committing no errors, with Blake Zerlaut leading the way with seven defensive plays.

Offensively, Seth Zerlaut continued his hot streak at the plate, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two stolen bases and a run scored. Six different Packers tallied hits, and Fremont ran wild on the basepaths with seven steals on the day.

With this win, Fremont has now outscored opponents by an average of 6.8 runs during their current five-game winning streak. The team will look to keep rolling as they head to the District 39 Semifinal at home against the Tri County Vikings on Saturday at noon.

In a tense and emotional opening game of the Cam Beattie Memorial doubleheader, the Fremont Packers edged Holton 3-2 in walk-off fashion on Friday night.

With the score tied at two heading into the bottom of the seventh, Fremont capitalized on a pair of defensive miscues and sealed the win when Chase Paulsen grounded out to drive in the game-winning run.

Pitching played a key role in the win for the Packers. Starter Chase Mercer delivered a strong performance on the mound, striking out eight over five and two-thirds innings while allowing just one run on three hits. Brayden Crosley earned the win in relief, fanning three and giving up one run over one and one-third innings.

At the plate, Crosley and Paulsen each notched two hits. Paulsen went 2-for-4 with an RBI to lead Fremont’s offense. The Packers were active on the base paths with four stolen bases and flawless defensively, committing no errors in the field. Catcher Mason Sparks anchored the defense with a team-high 11 chances.

Fremont and Holton are set to face off again under the lights in the second game of The Cam Beattie Memorial.

The Fremont Packers capped a memorable night under the lights with a dominant 10-1 victory over Holton in the second game of Friday’s Cam Beattie Memorial doubleheader.

Fremont jumped out to an early lead, erupting for six runs in the first inning. Chase Paulsen and Blake Zerlaut each delivered RBI singles, while Coltyn Zerlaut drove in two with a base hit of his own. Collin Trouslot capped the outburst with a two-run single to give the Packers control from the start.

Brayden Crosley picked up the win on the mound, tossing three shutout innings. The right-hander struck out six, walked three, and allowed just two hits. Weston Rottier followed with a scoreless inning in relief, striking out one without allowing a baserunner.

The game also featured a special moment as senior Flavio Marino made his final home appearance. Marino recorded his first hit of the season, going 1-for-1 at the plate. He also took the mound for a third of an inning, issuing one walk and leaving two runners on base.

Fremont's offense tallied 10 hits on the night. Collin Trouslot led the team with three RBIs, going 2-for-3, while Blake Zerlaut also notched two hits. Defensively, the Packers were flawless, committing no errors and getting a strong effort behind the plate from Mason Sparks, who recorded eight chances.

Fremont returns to action at home on Tuesday when they host Kent City.

The Fremont Packers exploded for 24 runs on 19 hits Thursday night, cruising past Manistee in the second game of their doubleheader, 24–9. Deagan Klimek led the offensive barrage, going 5-for-6 with a triple, double, and three singles, while driving in multiple runs and stealing bases.

Fremont wasted no time getting on the board, scoring three runs in the top of the first, then following it up with five more in the second. Klimek sparked the early rally with an RBI single in the first and continued to stay hot at the plate throughout the night.

The Packers put up five more runs in the third, fueled by a Klimek RBI triple and a two-run double from Chase Mercer. The biggest blow came in the sixth inning when Fremont erupted for 11 runs on six hits, including a two-RBI single by Blake Zerlaut, a two-run double from Seth Zerlaut, and an RBI double by Klimek.

On the mound, Collin Trouslot picked up the win, working two efficient innings and allowing just one run on three hits. Fremont also saw appearances from Seth Zerlaut, Chase Mercer, and Coltyn Zerlaut out of the bullpen.

The Packers were aggressive on the basepaths, swiping nine bags on the day. Klimek and Blake Zerlaut each had multiple stolen bases. Brayden Crosley and Chase Paulsen each recorded multi-hit games, while Crosley also led the team with two walks.

Fremont improves with the sweep and now turns its attention to the Cam Beattie Memorial doubleheader against Holton on Friday night.

The Fremont Packers picked up a 4–2 win over the Manistee Mariners on Thursday, riding strong pitching and timely hitting to victory in front of their home crowd.

Fremont struck first in the fourth inning when Deagan Klimek delivered a spark with an inside-the-park home run that plated two runs and gave the Packers an early advantage.

After Manistee rallied to tie the game, the Packers regained the lead in the bottom of the fifth on a defensive miscue that allowed a run to score, pushing Fremont ahead 3–2. They would add one more to seal the win.

On the mound, Collin Trouslot earned the win in relief, tossing three innings and allowing just one run on three hits while striking out two and walking none. Owen Vanderstelt started the game, giving Fremont four solid innings with two hits, one run, four strikeouts, and two walks.

Klimek finished the day with two RBIs on his lone hit. Seth Zerlaut and Mason Sparks each chipped in with two hits, and Zerlaut swiped a pair of bases to help fuel the offense.

Fremont improves with the win and will meet Manistee again in the second game of the doubleheader later Thursday evening.

The Fremont Varsity Packers faced a tough day at the Newaygo County Baseball Tournament on Saturday, dropping both games despite strong offensive showings and moments of solid pitching.

Game One: Newaygo Uses Late Inning Surge to Defeat Fremont

Fremont opened the Newaygo County Tournament on Saturday against host Newaygo, jumping out to an early lead in the second inning after Mason Sparks grounded into a fielder’s choice that brought in a run.

The game remained tight until the sixth inning, when Newaygo broke things open with an eight-run outburst. Fremont was unable to answer back and fell by a final score of 8–1.

Chase Mercer took the loss for the Packers, pitching 5.1 innings, striking out five, walking none, and allowing five hits. Blake Zerlaut and Mercer each had a hit for Fremont.

Game Two: Fremont’s Offense Comes Alive in One-Run Loss to White Cloud

In the second game of the day, Fremont faced White Cloud and out-hit the Indians 12 to 6, but ultimately came up short, losing 7–6.

Blake Zerlaut led the way at the plate, going 3-for-4 with singles in the first, fifth, and seventh innings. Trent Gibbie and Seth Zerlaut helped tie the game in the sixth with a double and a walk, respectively, but Fremont couldn’t hold off White Cloud’s late response.

Owen Vanderstelt started on the mound, allowing four runs (two earned) over three innings. Collin Trouslot pitched the final three, allowing three runs (one earned).

Fremont tallied 12 hits, with Gibbie and Zerlaut each driving in two runs. Jack Vandenberg added two hits in as many at-bats, and the team stole four bases and turned one double play.

Next Up:
Fremont returns home for a doubleheader against Manistee on Tuesday, looking to bounce back from the tournament with continued offensive production and improved execution on the mound.

Even though the Fremont Packers collected 12 hits to Orchard View's seven, they still fell 5-4 on Friday. Brayden Crosley and Chase Paulsen each collected three hits for Fremont.

Fremont got on the board in the top of the first inning after Blake Zerlaut grounded out, and Chase Paulsen singled to left field, each scoring one run.

Deagan Klimek took the loss for the Packers going three innings, giving up five runs on five hits, striking out seven and walking three.

The Packers tallied 12 hits in the game. Mason Sparks, Blake Zerlaut, and Chase Paulsen each drove in one run for Fremont.

Next up for Fremont is game two of Friday's double header with Orchard View.

Fremont were victorious against Orchard View 6-1 on Friday.

The Packers got on the board in the bottom of the third inning after Chase Paulsen singled to the left side of the infield, Blake Zerlaut singled to center field, and Coltyn Zerlaut walked, each scoring one run.

Brayden Crosley earned the win for Fremont, surrendered two hits and zero runs over five innings, striking out six and walking two. Seth Zerlaut, Chase Mercer, and Jack Vandenberg each appeared in relief for Fremont Varsity Packers.

Seth Zerlaut went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead Fremont Varsity Packers in hits.

Next up for Fremont is the Newaygo County Tournament on Saturday where they will face Newaygo in the first round.

The Fremont Packers team put on an offensive clinic Saturday, sweeping Holland Christian in a thrilling doubleheader by scores of 11–10 and 13–8. Both games featured explosive hitting, clutch performances, and a standout contribution from Deagan Klimek, who tallied seven hits on the day.

Game 1: Fremont 11, Holland Christian 10 (10 innings)

In one of the wildest games of the season, Fremont outlasted Holland Christian 11–10 in extra innings, walking it off in the 10th when Collin Trouslot singled to score the winning run. The game was a back-and-forth slugfest with 24 total hits and several late-inning rallies.

Fremont jumped out early, scoring three in the first on an RBI single from Klimek and a two-run error. After falling behind, the Packers tied the game 4–4 in the fourth on a Mason Sparks single, then erased a 9–7 deficit in the seventh thanks to a clutch RBI single from Brayden Crosley. Klimek came through again in the ninth, tying the game at 10 with a sharp single down the left-field line before Trouslot sealed the win an inning later.

Klimek went 4-for-5 in the opener with three RBIs and multiple stolen bases. Crosley also drove in three and added two walks. Fremont racked up 17 hits in total, with Sparks, Blake Zerlaut, and Chase Paulsen each collecting multiple knocks. The Packers ran wild on the base paths with 11 stolen bases, while Jack Vandenberg tossed 1.2 innings of scoreless relief to keep the game within reach.

Game 2: Fremont 13, Holland Christian 8

The momentum continued into the afternoon, as Fremont erupted for seven runs in the second inning and five more in the third to bury Holland Christian early in a 13–8 victory.

After an early error scored one in the first, the Packers’ second-inning explosion was highlighted by a two-RBI single from Trent Gibbie. In the third, Vandenberg, Klimek, and Paulsen powered the rally, with Paulsen delivering a three-run triple to break the game wide open.

Klimek continued his red-hot day, going 3-for-4 in the second game, giving him seven hits on the day. He also scored, drove in a run, and stole two bases. Vandenberg, Seth Zerlaut, and Coltyn Zerlaut each recorded multi-hit performances, and the team finished with 14 hits.

Klimek earned the win on the mound, allowing four earned runs over 3.1 innings and striking out four. Chase Mercer and Colten Brown closed things out in relief, and the defense chipped in with a timely double play to keep Holland Christian in check.

Series Summary:
Fremont tallied 24 runs on 31 hits across the two games, with Klimek leading the charge. The sweep improves the Packers' momentum heading into next Friday’s road doubleheader at Orchard View.

Fruitport scored eight runs in the first inning which helped them defeat Fremont 15-3

Owen Vanderstelt took the loss for Fremont going two innings striking out three and walking six

On the offensive side, Deagan Klimek lead Fremont with one RBI while going one for two on the day. Chase Paulsen also recorded a hit for Fremont

Next up for Fremont is a double header Saturday morning against Holland Christian starting at 10am.

The Fremont Packers lost to Whitehall 9-4 Tuesday night.

Fremont got on the board in the first inning after a passed ball scored a run.

Collin Trouslot took the loss for the Packers going four innings allowing nine runs on 10 hits, striking out two and walking none.

Blake Zerlaut went 1-4 at the plate and lead the team with one RBI, while Trent Gibbie, batting out of the nine hole led Fremont with two hits in three at bats.

Fremont will next travel to Fruitport for a single game on Friday.

Both teams were strong on the hill Tuesday but Whitehall was just a little bit stronger at the plate in a 2-0 victory over Fremont. Owen Vanderstelt started the game for Fremont and recorded 13 outs.

The Packers lost despite out hitting Whitehall five to three with Seth Zerlaut leading Fremont with two of those five hits.

Coltyn Zerlaut took the loss for Fremont going one and two thirds innings surrendering one unearned run striking out one and walking none. Vanderstelt stepped on the hill first for Fremont though surrendering two hits and one unearned run over four and one third innings striking out two and walking four.

Fremont and Whitehall will run it back Tuesday night in game two of a double header.

HESPERIA, MI — The Fremont Varsity Baseball team delivered a pair of strong performances on Saturday at the Ken Smith Wooden Bat Tournament, notching victories over both Hesperia and Shelby by identical 7–4 scores.

Game 1: Fremont 7, Hesperia 4
The morning matchup saw Deagan Klimek turn in a perfect 4-for-4 day at the plate, sparking Fremont’s offense to a 7–4 win over host Hesperia. Klimek singled in the first, third, fifth, and sixth innings, helping the Packers erase an early deficit.

Fremont tied the game in the third on a Klimek single and a groundout by Blake Zerlaut, before taking control in the fifth with RBI singles from Collin Trouslot, Seth Zerlaut, and Coltyn Zerlaut.

Coltyn Zerlaut also picked up the win in relief, throwing three innings and allowing just two runs on four hits while striking out six. Chase Mercer started the game, striking out seven and walking two over four innings of one-hit ball.

The Packers racked up 11 hits in total, with Trouslot and Coltyn Zerlaut each driving in a pair of runs. Seth Zerlaut added two hits in three at-bats, while the defense turned a key double play to stall a Hesperia rally.

Game 2: Fremont 7, Shelby 4 (9 innings)
In the afternoon tilt, Fremont battled Shelby through nine innings in a back-and-forth contest, eventually pulling away late for another 7–4 victory.

Fremont jumped out to an early 2–0 lead after a Blake Zerlaut RBI single in the first and a Shelby error in the second. The Tigers rallied to tie it at 3–3 in the fifth and again at 4–4 in the seventh, sending the game to extra innings.

The Packers broke through in the top of the ninth. Deagan Klimek ignited the rally with a single down the right-field line, followed by an RBI groundout from Blake Zerlaut and a bloop RBI single from Brenden Derks to make it 7–4.

Brayden Crosley earned the win in relief, tossing 1.2 hitless innings while striking out one. Collin Trouslot also provided steady middle relief, allowing four runs over 4.1 innings. Starter Owen Vanderstelt was dominant early, tossing three no-hit innings with four strikeouts.

Zerlaut led the offense with two RBIs, while Crosley paced the team with two hits in five at-bats. Klimek contributed two walks and a run, while Fremont was aggressive on the bases, stealing 12 bases, including multiple swipes from Crosley, Caleb Vissia, and Mercer.

Tournament Takeaway:
Fremont’s offense showed timely hitting and patience, while the pitching staff allowed just eight total runs over 16 innings. The Packers move to their next challenge with confidence as they travel to Whitehall for a doubleheader on Tuesday.

Despite trailing by as many as four runs The Fremont Packers rallied to best Ludington 16-6 on Tuesday

Deagan Klimek collected three hits in four at bats with a single in the third, double in the sixth, and a triple in the fifth ending a home run short of the cycle.

In the bottom of the third is when the Packers came alive scoring eight runs on eight hits to take the lead 8-4 with the biggest blow coming from Mason sparks who it a double to score two.

Collin Trouslot earned the win for Fremont giving up eight hits and six runs (four earned) over six innings, striking out four and walking none.

The Packers amassed 18 hits in the game with Trouslot, Klimek, Chase Mercer and Black Zerlaut each collecting three. Mercer and Zurlaut also drove in three runs apiece. Brayden Crosley and Sparks each collected multiple walks for a team that also stole six bases.

Up next for Fremont is the second part of a Parents' Night Double Header with Ludington.

The Fremont Packers fell 4-2 to Ludington on Tuesday night despite out hitting them five to two. Collin Trouslot and Mason Sparks each collected two hits for Fremont.

Owen Vanderstelt took the loss for Fremont going Three innings, giving up two runs (one earned) on one hit, striking out two and walking one.

Fremont will next see action on Thursday when the welcome Mason County Central to town.

Fremont could not keep up with Montague Varsity Wildcats 10-7 on Tuesday.

The Packers scored seven runs on three hits in the bottom of the seventh inning. Seth Zerlaut singled, scoring two runs, an error scored one run, Jack Vandenberg was struck by a pitch, driving in a run, and Brenden Derks doubled, scoring three runs.

Vandenberg pitched three innings in relief for Fremont surrendering three hits and three runs (two earned) while, striking out five and walking four. Chase Mercer took the loss after going two innings, allowing three runs (one earned) on two hits, striking out one and walking none.

Derks led the Packers with three runs batted in from the number seven spot in the lineup. The outfielder went 1-for-3 on the day. Brayden Crosley, Zerlaut, and Mason Sparks each collected two hits for Fremont Varsity Packers.

Fremont fell to Montague Varsity Wildcats 4-0 on Tuesday.

Collin Trouslot took the loss for Fremont going five innings, giving up three runs on five hits, striking out three and walking three.

The Packers didn't commit a single error in the field. Brayden Crosley had the most chances in the field with six, the team also turned one double play in the game.

Next up for Fremont is game two of a double header with Montague Tuesday night.

Deagan Klimek drove in five runs on two hits to lead Fremont past Hesperia 12-2 on Thursday. Klimek doubled in the fifth inning, scoring three runs, and singled in the second inning, scoring two.

The Packers got on the board in the top of the second inning after Mason Sparks drew a walk, scoring one run, an error scored one run, and Klimek singled, scoring two runs.

Fremont added to their early lead in the top of the third inning when an error scored two runs, and Trent Gibbie grounded out, scoring one run.

Brayden Crosley earned the win for Fremont giving up four hits and two runs (one earned) over four innings, striking out eight and walking one. Seth Zerlaut threw one inning of zero-run ball for Fremont Varsity Packers in relief surrendering zero hits, striking out one and walking none.

Collin Trouslot went 3-for-3 at the plate to lead Fremont in hits. Sparks collected two hits in three at bats. Klimek paced Fremont with two walks leading a team that had patience at the plate accumulating six walks in the game.

Fremont will next play the night game of a double header with Hesperia Thursday night.

Fremont easily dispatched Hesperia on Thursday, 10-2.

The Packers flipped the game on its head in the bottom of the fourth, scoring five runs on five hits to take the lead, 5-1. The biggest blow in the inning was a double by Caleb Vissia that drove in two.

Fremont then scored five runs on four hits in the bottom of the fifth inning. An error scored two runs, Vissia singled, scoring one run, Mason Sparks doubled, scoring one run, and Brayden Crosley singled, scoring one run.

Deagan Klimek earned the win for Fremont giving up zero hits and one run (zero earned) over four innings, striking out five and walking two. Sparks appeared in relief for Fremont Varsity Packers.

Fremont collected 12 hits in the game with VIssia leading the team with three runs batted in from the number eight spot in the lineup going 2-for-3 on the day. Crosley led Fremont with three hits in four at bats while Klimek also collected two hits in four at bats. The Packers also turned a double play in the game.

Fremont will travel to Montague Tuesday for their next set of games.

Fremont Varsity Baseball fell to Oakridge 7-6 on Wednesday on the final play of the game. The game was tied at six in the bottom of the fifth when Oakridge tallied a single to score the final run.

The Packers fought back after falling down by five runs in the second inning. The comeback fell just short though. Fremont closed the gap by scoring a single, a dropped third strike, a double, a single, and a single.

Fremont tied the game in the top of the fifth thanks to a double by Blake Zerlaut, a single by Collin Trouslot, and a single by Caleb Vissia.

Trouslot took the loss for Fremont going four innings, allowing seven runs (five earned) on nine hits, striking out two and walking none.

Zerlaut provided pop in the middle of the lineup, and led Fremont Varsity Packers with two runs batted in. The first baseman went 2-for-3 on the day.

Fremont will travel to Hesperia for their next game on Thursday.

Chase Mercer took the loss for Fremont Varsity Packers. The pitcher went five innings, giving up six runs (four earned) on six hits, striking out five and walking two.

Deagan Klimek led Fremont Varsity Packers with one hit in three at bats.

Fremont will attempt to avenge the loss against Oakridge Wednesday night.

Fremont Varsity Baseball came up empty in a tough weekend tournament, falling to both Morley Stanwood and Hart despite competitive performances on the field.

In Saturday’s opener, Fremont dropped a close 5–3 contest to Morley Stanwood despite outhitting the Mohawks six to two. The Packers had solid contributions at the plate from Deagan Klimek, Seth Zerlaut, Chase Mercer, Brenden Dirks, Mason Sparks, and Blake Zerlaut, all collecting hits in the effort.

Klimek, Zerlaut, and Sparks each drove in a run for Fremont, who struggled to capitalize on early baserunners. On the mound, Collin Truslot took the loss, allowing two unearned runs over three and two-thirds innings while striking out six.

The Packers returned to action later that day against Hart and were stymied by an electric pitching performance from Hart with Fremont’s only hit came off the bat of Klimek, who went 1-for-2.

Fremont’s starter Owen Vanderstelt pitched well in defeat, giving up just two hits and one run over three and a third innings, while striking out four. 

Despite turning a double play in the field, Fremont was unable to mount any offensive momentum, falling 4–0 in the shutout loss.

The Packers will look to bounce back on Tuesday as they host Oakridge in their next matchup.

Deagan Klimek collected three hits in three at bats, as Fremont defeated Reed City 12–3 Thursday night. Klimek tripled in the second inning, singled in the second inning, and doubled in the fourth inning.

Fremont got on the board in the top of the first inning after Blake Zerlaut doubled down the left field line, Seth Zerlaut was struck by a pitch, and Jack Vandenberg walked, each scoring one run.

The Packers scored six runs on two hits in the top of the second inning. An error scored one run, Brayden Crosley drew a walk, scoring one run, Zerlaut drew a walk, scoring one run, Chase Paulsen drew a walk, scoring one run, and Klimek singled, scoring two runs.

Collin Truslot earned the win surrendering two hits and one run over two innings, striking out one and walking none. Owen Vanderstelt pitched two innings of zero-run ball for Fremont Varsity Packers in relief. The righty surrendered zero hits, striking out five and walking two.

Crosley paced Fremont with three walks. Overall, the team had patience at the plate, tallying 11 walks for the game. Klimek stole three bases leading a team that piled up six stolen bases for the game. Fremont were sure-handed and didn’t commit a single error with CJ Naerebout making the most plays with six.

Fremont will travel next to Morley Stanwood Saturday morning for the Morley Stanwood Mohawk Classic Tournament.

The Packers opened the scoring in the first after Blake Zerlaut grounded out, scoring one run.

After Reed City tied it in the bottom of the first, a walk by Deagan Klimek gave Fremont the lead, 2–1, in the top of the second.

Chase Mercer earned the win for Fremont. The right-handed pitcher allowed two hits and one run (zero earned) over six innings, striking out seven and walking one.

Zerlaut led the Packers with one run batted in. Mason Sparks went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead Fremont in hits. The team had a strong eye at the plate, tallying eight walks for the game. Brayden Crosley, Trent Gibbie, and Klimek led the team with two free passes each.

The two teams will play the second of their double header Thursday night.