Photos by Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com – Action from Friday’s game at the Redwood Fields in Cutten.

The Northern Humboldt Giants moved one step closer to advancing to the championship game at the Humboldt Eagles tournament on Friday afternoon.

Playing in the 17U bracket at the Redwood Fields in Cutten, the Giants rallied from an early deficit to defeat Legacy Baseball out of Redding 9-4 for their second win in two tournament games.

The Giants will play two more pool games on Saturday against Tehama and Lassen and a pair of wins will guarantee them a place in Sunday’s championship game.

“We’re in good shape,” head coach Eric Agliolo said. “If we keep playing the way we’re playing we should have no problem getting a high seed (for Sunday’s tournament playoffs).”

The Giants led early in Friday’s game, but the Redding club scored four runs in the third inning to take a 4-3 lead.

Northern Humboldt’s Lyle McKinnon, however, took over on the mound and was able to shut down the Legacy bats.

The Hoopa standout threw three innings, allowing three hits and striking out eight.

Ben Lukens and Preston Daniels each pitched one scoreless inning to close out the game.

Lukens also had a big day at the plate as he continues his outstanding summer season with the team and he finished 2-for-3 with a two-run home run and a double.

Rhythm Green also had a good day on offense and was 2-for-3 with a double.

Daniels, Joe Capp and Mateo Reiman each also had a hit to round out a seven-hit team performance.

The Giants also took full advantage of some Legacy errors on their way to the win.

Blake Santos got the start on the hill and threw well for the first couple of innings, including getting out of a bases-loaded jam in the second.

“We’re just playing fundamental ball and we’re having a great season,” Agliolo added.