Manhattan ? Despite being short-handed, Lawrence’s Raiders split a pair of American Legion baseball games Friday during the first day of a tournament.

The Raiders won their opener against the Hutchinson Cardinals, 13-5 in five innings, but lost to Lincoln (Neb.) Northeast, 4-2.

Lawrence only brought 13 players to Manhattan because of sickness or prior engagements.

“It’s tough when you don’t have all your horses,” Raiders coach Reggie Christiansen said, “but it gives some other kids an opportunity to play. We played well enough to win both games. That second team was the best team we’ve played so far, so give them credit.”

After earning a run-rule victory in the first game, the Raiders fell behind 4-0 — thanks to committing two errors in a three-run third inning — in the nightcap before rallying.

Jake Hoover belted a two-run homer in the fifth to slice the deficit.

In the sixth, the Raiders’ first two batters reached base and were bunted over to second and third. But a Northeast relief pitcher entered and struck out two to end the inning.

Lawrence again put the lead-off hitter on base in the seventh, but a strikeout and double play ended the game.

The Raiders (7-2 overall) will play Lee’s Summit (Mo.) at 11:45 this morning and complete the tournament Sunday.

Lawrence Raiders 13,

Hutchinson Cardinals 5, 5 inn.

Raiders 026 23 — 13 10 2

Cardinals 003 20 — 5 8 2

W–Jon Parker (2-0). L–Schultz.

Lawrence highlights: Aaron Madill was the starting pitcher, coming out with an 8-0 lead after two innings; Tyson Corley 1-for-3, 2 RBIs, 2B; Chris Coleman 2-for-2, RBI, 2B; Tyler Blankenship 2-for-3, 2B, 3B, 3 RBIs

Lincoln Northeast 4, Raiders 2

Lincoln 103 000 0 — 4 7 2

Raiders 000 020 0 — 2 5 3

W–Evans. L–Tyson Corley (1-1).

Lawrence highlights: Jake Hoover 1-for-3, HR, 2 RBIs.

Raiders record: 7-2. Next: Lee’s Summit (Mo.) at 11:45 a.m. today.