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NILES — Visiting Lakeshore edged Niles in a pair of close non-league baseball games between former SMAC West Division foes Monday.

At Dowagiac, the Chieftains were no match for the Bears, who won 12-0 in five innings.

Buchanan opened its 2024 season by edging Hopkins 4-2.

 

Lakeshore at Niles

The Lancers defeated the Vikings 3-1 and 3-2 in the season opener for both schools.

A three-run fourth inning gave Lakeshore the win in the opening game.

The Vikings (0-2) outhit the Lancers 3-1 in the contest, but managed only a single run in the fifth inning.

Brian Gonzalez took the loss despite the one-hitter. Josh McIntyre came on in the fifth and finished on the mound for Niles.

Dane Asmus had a double for the Vikings.

In the nightcap, Niles again outhit Lakeshore (4-3), but could not outscore the Lancers.

A three-run fifth inning proved to be the difference in contest.

Jaxen Racht took the loss for the Vikings. Brenden Olsen came on in the fifth and finished the game.

Braylon Schultz had a double for Niles.

 

St. Joseph at Dowagiac

The Bears scored seven runs in the second inning and went on to defeat the Chieftains.

St. Joseph (1-0) finished with 13 hits off of three Dowagiac pitchers. Cole Wimberley took the loss. Kaleb Smith and Braeden Gillesby both took the hill for the Chieftains.

Dowagiac (0-1) had just two hits, including a double by Lamone Moore.

 

Buchanan at Hopkins

A three-run sixth inning helped the Bucks erase a 2-1 deficit against the Vikings.

Buchanan’s Jake Franklin and Andrew Pastryk combined on a one-hitter. Pastryk was credited with the win.

Frankin and Logan Edgerle both drove in runs.

Hopkins led 4-0 in the second game, which was stopped due to darkness.