Rochester Lourdes at Byron
5 p.m., Monday, May 4

No. 2-2A Rochester Lourdes (13-0, 12-0) is leading the Hiawatha Valley Conference, but a host of teams are hot on the Eagles’ heels, including No. 18-2A Byron (9-1, 7-1). The Eagles and Bears meet Monday in Byron for the first of two games in the final two weeks, a key stretch run for both.

Lourdes has ripped off 13 straight victories to open the season. The Eagles’ Ben Walston pitched a complete-game three-hitter and struck out nine in an 11-1 victory over Plainville-Elgin-Millville on May 2. Daniel Burriss and Paul Schroeder had two hits each, while Zach Hillman tripled and stole three bases.

Byron hasn’t lost since falling 3-0 to Pine Island in the season opener on April 2. The Bears face Lourdes again on the final day of the regular season, May 15.

Jonny Mracek went 3-for-4 with a double and one RBI as Byron defeated Cannon Falls 4-3 on April 30. Mracek also earned the victory, pitching one inning in relief. Caden Blazing allowed seven hits and two runs while striking out seven in 6 2/3 innings while Ryan Thompson struck out four in 1 1/3 innings for the Bears.

Thompson, Tommy Jensen and Noah Schutte each had two hits in the victory.