For a program coming off six straight Class 4A state tournament appearances, Lakeville North looked to be in trouble early this season.
The Panthers started 2-2 and then settled in, putting together a three-game winning streak against a gauntlet of South Suburban Conference opponents that included Prior Lake.
In their 12-2 win over Prior Lake on April 24, the Panthers (8-4, 8-3) outslugged a team that’s averaged nearly 6.6 runs per game this season. Senior shortstop Gavin Baker, an Indiana State commit, led the way with three hits and five RBI, while junior infielder Peter Tveite contributed a pair of hits and four RBI.
On the season, Baker has swung Lakeville North’s most prominent bat. He’s smashed four doubles, a triple and a home run to go with 17 RBI and a .528 batting average.
To even the season series and stay near the top of the conference standings, Prior Lake will need a victory over Lakeville North in our Top Game of the Week. The Lakers must keep their offense at full throttle after it stalled for a few games in late April.
After losing three straight, the Lakers (9-5, 8-4) ended their skid with a 7-2 and 17-1 doubleheader sweep of Apple Valley on April 29, and followed that by winning two of three.
Powering the Lakers against the Eagles was senior infielder Alex Wattermann, who had a double and two runs in the first win followed by two home runs, a double and six RBI in the second game.