Free State’s bench celebrates a score by Cody Kukuk (25) during Lawrence High’s game against Free State Thursday, May 12, 2011 at Hoglund Ballpark. The Firebirds defeated the Lions 7-5.

Free State High senior Cody Kukuk usually doesn’t play with much emotion.

But after belting an opposite-field solo homer over the left-field fence and off a light pole to tie Thursday’s game against Lawrence High in the sixth inning, Kukuk couldn’t contain his energy.

After touching home plate, he ripped off his helmet, stormed toward the Firebirds’ dugout and yelled “Come on!” loud enough for everyone in Kansas University’s Hoglund Ballpark to hear.

“It was good to see him show that he had a little fire in his belly tonight,” FSHS coach Mike Hill said.

Kukuk made a big impact on the mound, too, striking out four batters in the final two innings en route to a 7-5 victory on the Lions’ Senior Night.

The win ensured that Free State (15-5) will host a regional next week, something that meant just as much to Kukuk and Hill as beating rival Lawrence High (11-9).

The Firebirds were battling with Wichita Heights for hosting privileges. Kukuk started in Monday’s five-inning game against the Lions, but he told his coach he was ready to pitch again Thursday if necessary.

“We didn’t really want to go to Wichita and have to drive three hours down there on a bus,” Kukuk said.

The Lions took the early lead after senior Ross Johnson singled and moved to third on a wild pitch and a groundout. Matt Sutliffe brought him to the plate with a single.

Free State loaded the bases in the first and third innings but couldn’t capitalize.

But after LHS pitcher Alex Laughlin walked a couple of batters in the fourth inning, Kukuk picked up an RBI single up the middle, and senior Tim Lewis looped a two-run double just inside the foul chalk in left field.

Montana Samuels drove Lewis in, and suddenly the Firebirds had a 4-1 lead.

The Lions responded, though, tallying a four-run inning of their own in their half of the fourth.

Their 5-4 lead held until the top of the sixth, when, on a 2-2 count, Kukuk sent a pitch from LHS senior Jake Johnson a third of the way up a light pole behind the left-field fence.

LHS coach Brad Stoll said he never considered walking Kukuk and that he trusted — and will continue to trust — Johnson on the mound.

The Firebirds scored the go-ahead run on an RBI single by Samuels and added another in the seventh.

Hill said he was pleased to see his team ready to compete against the Lions, who handily lost Monday’s game, 12-1.

“You knew they weren’t going to come out and lay an egg tonight, and they certainly did not,” Hill said.

It still was a Senior Night that the Lions’ seniors — Ross Johnson, Trent Sheppard, Corbin Francisco, Jon Pederson, Aaron Gile, Jake Johnson and Laughlin — will try to forget as they move into regional play.

“Their hearts are heavy,” Stoll said.

Stoll said the Lions will play Washburn Rural on Tuesday or Wednesday in Manhattan to start their postseason.

As hosts, the Firebirds likely will play Junction City on Wednesday, but nothing is confirmed until Saturday morning when the regionals are officially assigned.

Kukuk is excited for the postseason to get under way.

“I think we’re rolling right now,” he said.