NILES — Visiting Buchanan gave it all it had against the two-time defending state champion Lakeshore Lancers Friday.

The Lancers defeated the Bucks 8-6 and 4-1.

“Even though we lost and got off to a terrible start, after the first inning we played solid baseball,” said first-year Buchanan coach Jim Brawley. “We just couldn’t close the gap. We hit the hall hard. Jacob and Matthew Hoover both hit well, along with Austin Williams.”

A six-run first inning was all Lakeshore needed in the opening game.

The Bucks (6-2) tried to battle back with three runs in the third inning and two more in the fifth, but could not overcome the early deficit.

Jacob Hoover doubled and tripled for Buchanan, which finished with 12 hits.

Gannon Kutemeier suffered the loss.

In the nightcap, Lakeshore opened up a 3-0 lead before the Bucks scored their lone run in the top of the sixth inning.

The game was stopped at the end of the sixth.

The Bucks host Bridgman in a BSC Red Division doubleheader Tuesday.

Dowagiac baseball

It was a tough weekend for the Dowagiac baseball team as it was swept by Otsego and St. Joseph.

Against the Bulldogs, the Chieftains were defeated 5-0 and 2-1 in Wolverine Conference non-divisional play Friday night.

On Saturday, Dowagiac fell to the host Bears 9-4 and 3-2.

The Chieftains are now 3-5 on the season.

Against Otsego, A.J. Kidd suffered the loss in the first game, while Deshawn Brooks took the loss in the nightcap.

Against the Bears, Hunter Williamson doubled in the second game.

Williamson was the losing pitcher in the opener. Duan Simpson took the loss in game No. 2.

Dowagiac is back in action Tuesday as it hosts Edwardsburg in a Wolverine Conference South Division doubleheader.

The Eddies are the defending conference champions.

Action begins at 4 p.m.