photo by: Chance Parker

Lawrence High and Olathe Northwest made it to the top of the fourth inning without scoring before entering a rain delay which led to the game being postponed on Tuesday, May 18, 2021.

Lawrence High’s baseball will have to wait a little longer to determine its postseason fate.

The regional opener between Lawrence and Olathe Northwest was postponed midway through the game on Tuesday at the Blue Valley District Activity Complex. A rescheduled date had not been decided as of Tuesday evening.

With the game scoreless in the top of the fourth, a lightning delay was issued about 5 p.m. Fans were told to wait in their cars, while both teams were sent to wait in Blue Valley West High School.

After an approximately 90-minute delay, the contest was eventually postponed.

Despite it being a 0-0 deadlock, there was plenty of action through the first three innings of the regional opener. Lawrence, the No. 8 seed in the Class 6A West, actually loaded the bases in the bottom of the first.

Senior Jack Stoll got things started with a one-out single to left before getting caught trying to steal second base. Seniors Carlos Vasquez (walk), Cole Mondi (hit by pitch) and Karson Green (walk) loaded the bases before a flyout by junior Braden Hoffman ended the scoring threat.

The bottom of the order set the Lions (11-9) up again in the second, when senior Jackson Dooley was hit by a pitch with one away. Junior Evan Bannister then delivered a single to right, but an inning-ending double play spoiled another opportunity for LHS.

Stoll added another base knock in the third, recording two of Lawrence’s three hits to lead the way.

Junior pitcher Ike Cobb got the start for the Lions. He gave up one hit to No. 9 seed Olathe Northwest (10-10) over three frames. Cobb struck out three batters, two of whom came against the final hitter of the first and second innings.

The Ravens loaded the basesin the third with one out, but Cobb whiffed senior Zach Brink before inducing an inning-ending pop-up to the third baseman. Olathe Northwest’s leadoff hitter flew out to right to begin the top of the fourth before the delay.

After the game resumes and is eventually finished, the winner between Lawrence and Olathe Northwest will face Blue Valley High School in the regional championship. No. 1 Blue Valley (19-2) recorded a 10-0 win over No. 16 Wyandotte earlier on Tuesday.