photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Lawrence pitcher Hudson Hardesty throws a pitch against Sioux Falls-Roosevelt at Lawrence on Friday, March 28, 2025.

Lawrence High baseball moved to 2-1 on the season with an 11-3 win over Sioux Falls-Jefferson on Friday.

The game was difficult for pitchers due to some high-speed winds. Coach Adam Green said it was important for the team to stack up runs, knowing that the pitchers might have a hard time staying in the strike zone with the wind.

“For our pitching staff to give up three total runs — I’m very pleased,” Green said. “With the wind blowing 30 miles an hour, you have to score to win.”

The Roughriders put together the first run of the day in the top of the first inning. They started with a single and a walk before two hit-by-pitches gave the Roughriders some free bases, the latter of which brought in the team’s first run. Pitcher Hudson Hardesty struck out a batter to close the inning.

Lawrence took the lead in the bottom of the first with two walks and a triple in the first three plate appearances. A balk on Hardesty’s at-bat brought the first runner home, and his triple brought the second runner home. A wild pitch with catcher Devin Foster at the plate allowed courtesy runner Turner Juelsgaard to score the team’s third run.

Green said Hardesty “carried the team with his bat” early in the game. Hardesty finished with three hits on four at-bats with two RBIs. He was the only Lion to have multiple hits.

The Lions allowed a hit and a walk in the second inning but held the Roughriders scoreless. Hardesty doubled in his at-bat in the second inning to give the Lions a 4-1 lead.

Neither team scored in the third or fourth innings. Hardesty concluded his day on the mound after four innings with two hits and two walks allowed against seven strikeouts. He threw back-to-back strikeouts for the fourth inning’s final two outs.

Logan Sheldon relieved Hardesty on the mound in the top of the fifth inning. The Roughriders scored their second run on a double with a runner on first, but the Lions caught the third out to hold the Roughriders to one run.

The fifth inning was the Lions’ best at the plate, as they scored seven runs. Hardesty singled in the first at-bat, and right fielder Josh Galbreath hit a two-run home run right after. After a popout, the following five Lions got on base with walks or hits. Jaxon Becker hit a three-RBI triple, giving the Lions a 9-2 lead and the fifth run of the inning before the second out. An error on Hardesty’s second at-bat of the inning brought Becker home, and Tristan Prier scored on a passed ball in the next at-bat for the final run of the inning.

Green was complimentary of Becker’s work at the plate in the game and said that he “proved he can be a real game changer.” Becker had one hit on one plate appearance and a walk.

Neither team scored in the sixth, and Sheldon struck out the side for the Lions. He finished with four strikeouts in three innings with one hit allowed.

The Lions forced outs on the first two at-bats in the top of the seventh. They got in some trouble as they walked the next four batters and gave the Roughriders their third run, but a pop fly to second base ended the game before more runs could come home.

Green said he’s pleased with how the team has approached the season and each game through three games. The team has been able to stay focused and find success.

“I’m proud of them embracing a work ethic the most,” Green said.

The Lions will host Brandon Valley on Saturday at 9 a.m. for their final game before league play.

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Lawrence shortstop Brandt Edmonds winds up for a hit against Sioux Falls-Jefferson on Friday, March 28, 2025.