Aaron Madill is used to holding leads in difficult situations for Lawrence High’s baseball team.

He’s just not used to creating the difficult situations himself.

With the Lions nursing a one-run lead in the first game of a doubleheader Saturday against Lee’s Summit (Mo.) North, Madill barely closed out the Mustangs. He pitched his way out of a bases-loaded jam after allowing a double and walking two batters, then coaxed North’s Daniel Harper into a fielder’s choice, preserving the Lions’ 2-1 win at Ice Field.

This early in the season, that’s no small feat.

“It’s not that bad,” Madill said. “I’ve been in that situation in the past, it’s just usually I’m coming in with the bases loaded.”

LHS won the second game, 6-1, improving to 3-0 overall heading into Tuesday’s game at Free State.

For the Lions, winning another close game early in the season — LHS rallied for a 5-4 win Thursday against Olathe North — not only tested their resolve, but also forced them to relax and simply play baseball.

“I think it just gave us a chance to play a little bit,” LHS coach David Petry said. “In that situation, where one mistake and we’re done, it’s good to see us respond.”

The Lions took a 2-0 lead in the third when junior Ryan Engel scored on a wild pitch and senior Tommy Mangino knocked in senior Kyle McManness four pitches later.

That was all LHS starter Ryan Rowland needed. He allowed just three hits, one run and struck out five in five innings. Madill pitched the sixth inning, facing four batters, and started the seventh without much trouble, striking out the first batter.

That’s what Petry expects of his senior, and was surprised he was in a jam.

Lawrence High's Brett Urban (5) is tagged out by Lee's Summit North catcher Randy Sutcliffe. The Lions swept a doubleheader Saturday, winning 2-1 and 6-1 at Ice Field.

“I think with Madill coming in, you don’t expect to be in that situation,” Petry said. “We have got to be cautious about us being in the mind-set when he steps on the mound, the game’s over. It’s not over. We still have to come out and play.”

The Lions came to play in the second game. LHS senior Spencer Chaney picked up the complete-game win, allowing one run on two hits.

Yet it was the Lions’ offense that did the trick. They scored five runs in the fourth inning, giving Chaney plenty of breathing room.

“We’re starting to get some questions answered about the kids,” Petry said. “I really feel good about the team defensively. On the whole, we’re as good as any team I’ve had. Everybody’s starting to come around offensively, it’s just gonna take some time.”

LHS 2, Lee’s Summit North 1

Lee’s Summit North 000 010 0 — 1 4 2

Lawrence 002 000 x — 2 7 0

W–Rowland (1-0); L–Shawn Roller.

2B–Lee’s Summit North: Zach Snyder, Jake Watson; Lawrence: Kyle McManness.

LHS 6, Lee’s Summit North 1

Lee’s Summit North 001 000 0 — 1 2 2

Lawrence 000 501 x — 6 8 0

W–Spence Chaney (1-0); L–Tyler Wendleton

2B–Lee’s Summit North: Gabe Hensley; Lawrence: Tommy Mangino. HR–Lee’s Summit North: Nick Hill.

— Sports reporter Mike Miller can be reached at 832-7152.