Lenexa ? The Lawrence High baseball squad battled back from a early deficit, but its second comeback fell short Tuesday in a 5-4 loss to Shawnee Mission North.

“We played really well and pitched really well after the first inning,” LHS coach Brad Stoll said. “Our defense was flawless. North is a good team, and they’ve beaten two of the best teams in the Midwest.”

The Indians, who defeated Free State and handed nationally ranked Shawnee Mission Northwest its only loss, scored three runs in the first inning. LHS tied the game in the third inning, and that’s how it stayed for most of the game.

In the eighth, SM North scored twice.

“We had them on the ropes,” Stoll said. “Then a guy just stuck his bat out and won it.”

The Lions brought one home in the ninth, but couldn’t find that winning hit.

“We played a really great game,” Stoll said. “We hit so many balls right at them.”

LHS (9-6) will play host Thursday to Olathe Northwest.