Pittsburg ? For the first time in seven years, Lawrence won’t be one of the favorites at the Kansas American Legion AAA baseball tournament.

After finishing no lower than second in the last six Legion state tourneys, the Raiders have a losing record (16-23) going into this summer’s meet.

So instead of being regarded as a potential champion, Lawrence will go in as an underdog, a rare — but not undesirable — position.

“Everybody loves an underdog,” outfielder Matthew Abel said, “and we love that role.”

In its tourney opener, Lawrence will tangle with Hays (21-18) at approximately 2 p.m. today at JayCee Park.

Right-hander Taylor Gentry is Raiders’ coach Wilson Kilmer’s choice to start on the mound against Hays. Gentry tossed a five-hitter against Blue Valley West in the zone tourney.

On Thursday, Lawrence will face either Tonganoxie or Atchison in the double-elimination tournament with left-hander Tanner Kilmer scheduled to pitch.

Kilmer, usually the No. 4 starter, is being moved up because if the Raiders advance to games on Friday and/or Saturday, he won’t be there. Kilmer will be the best man in his older brother’s wedding this weekend.

The nuptials will also prevent the elder Kilmer from coaching the Raiders should they advance past the first two rounds. Assistant coach Drew Hulse will take over in that circumstance.

Also missing potential Friday-Saturday games will be Abel, the Raiders’ center fielder and leadoff hitter. Abel, too, will be the best man in a brother’s wedding.

And since young Kilmer plays first base when not pitching, should the Raiders reach weekend competition, they would be without two regulars.

“That’s two guys who play a lot of defense,” Wilson Kilmer said. “But maybe we’ll rise to the occasion.”

In Hays, the Raiders will be facing a team on a roll. The Eagles, who finished fifth in last year’s state meet, went 3-0 in their zone and outscored opponents, 42-10. Half those runs came in a 21-4 rout of McPherson in the title game.