Lakeville North at Burnsville
7 p.m., Thursday, May 12

After three consecutive wins against South Suburban Conference foes last week, Lakeville North enters the second half of the league schedule locked in a three-way tie atop the standings with Burnsville and Eastview. 

After splitting the regular-season series with the No. 6-4A Lightning, the No. 14-4A Panthers turn their attention toward completing the sweep of the No. 12-4A Blaze with a victory on Thursday.

The first matchup on April 20 was a pitchers' duel.

Lakeville North junior Ross Bastyr didn't allow an earned run and only gave up three hits while striking out six in a complete game performance. Burnsville right-handed pitcher and Florida commit Sam Carlson kept the Panthers hitless until the bottom of the sixth inning. With two out and the game tied 1-1, Lakeville North rallied with three singles, including one from Mankato State commit Mitch Frederick, to score the winning run.

It's not the only time the senior second baseman has come through with a clutch hit for the Panthers. Frederick also drove in the winning runs in victories over Shakopee and Eastview, helping Lakeville North win eight of it's last 10 games.

Burnsville will be looking to avenge its earlier loss to Lakeville North and has the benefit of playing its final six regular-season games at home. 

The Blaze (11-3, 9-3) have played in many close games this season, clinching wins in the final inning four times and losing twice by a single run.