photo by: Chance Parker

Free State second baseman Joey Wood celebrates with his coach after getting on base against Sioux Falls Washington. Free State fell 8-1 Friday, March 19, 2021.

Free State’s baseball team bounced back from a season-opening loss just one day later, with a 5-2 win over Sioux Falls Lincoln Saturday morning at Free State.

The Firebirds are now 1-1 on the year after falling to Sioux Falls Washington on Friday.

Similar to Game 1, FSHS jumped out in front with one run in the first inning. Drew Bradford began the game with a hit by pitch, and later stole second and third base. He then scored on a RBI single by Joey Wood.

Unlike the opener, though, the Firebirds were able to stay in front. They tacked on two more runs in the second. Calvin Urish delivered a RBI single to bring home Ben Stallard. Bradford followed suit with a double to drive in Urish.

For good measure, the Firebirds added two more runs in the bottom of the fifth. Maddox Burkitt came through with a RBI triple, and later scored a run of his own on a passed ball. Sioux Falls Lincoln scored two runs in the seventh, but it didn’t end up mattering.

Urish led the way offensively with the lone multi-hit effort of the game, as he went 2-for-3. Michael Uhler, who got the start, pitched a gem by throwing 5 2/3 shutout innings. He only gave up one hit, while striking out seven batters and walking three.

Free State will face Sioux Falls Roosevelt at 4 p.m. Thursday.

Free State 5, Sioux Falls Lincoln 2

SFL 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 — 2 runs 4 hits 0 errors

FSSHS 1 2 0 0 2 0 X — 5 runs 7 hits 1 error

Batting highlights: Calvin Urish 2-for-3; Drew Bradford 2B, RBI; Joey Wood RBI; Maddox Burkitt 3B, RBI.

WP: Michael Uhler, Free State — 5.2 IP, 1H, 7K, 3BB