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Sports

Lakeland Baseball Draws Difficult District Assignment

Eagles face KLAA champion Hartland Saturday at 10 a.m. in district semifinal.

Lakeland’s baseball team is hoping that consecutive 11-5 victories to end the regular season will propel it to an upset of one of the area’s top teams this Saturday in district play.

The Eagles, 15-16 on the year, will battle state-ranked and KLAA Conference champion Hartland at Hartland Saturday morning at 10. A win would propel Lakeland against the winner of the second district semifinal game between Holly and Milford later Saturday afternoon. 

The first game will be a huge test for a team that has been wildly inconsistent this year, said Lakeland head coach Todd Miller. But that will allow him to use starting pitcher Tim Wilson against Hartland’s ace, sophomore Jake Lowery. Miller likes his chances with Wilson, a reliable starter and solid performer on the mound. 

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“His last four starts he has been very good and if he pitches well we have a chance against anyone,” Miller said. 

One of the challenges heading into district play is all the distractions for the senior class, including prom Thursday night and graduation on Sunday. However, starting off against such a talented opponent, one that defeated Lakeland in a close game earlier this year, could help ensure the team is motivated, Miller said. 

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“That’s one of the reasons I’m not upset we drew Hartland, because we should be ready and I have learned that you need to throw your number one pitcher in the first game (of districts),” Miller said.

For the Eagles to advance they will need to get continued offensive production from such players as Steve Snapp, Brynn Hamilton and Bobby Shoemaker who have all been getting on base, driving in runs and finding ways to score. 

While Hartland has few weaknesses, Miller thinks that the fact its ace Lowery will be pitching, could give Lakeland a slight advantage in one area. Lowry is also Hartland’s top catcher and is particularly adept at throwing out runners. So with runs likely to be at a premium, the Eagles might force their running game to put pressure on the host team. 

“Pitchers and catchers are the two most important positions in high school sports and although their (backup) catcher is still good, there is going to be a drop-off,” Miller said. “It may be important in a close, low-scoring game.”

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