Lennox's Historic Season Falls a Game Short of State

Lennox's 3-2 comeback win eliminated Sioux Falls Christian and sent Lennox to the Region 3B championship last Tuesday. However, a 5-2 loss to West Central cost the team a state tournament bid. 

Lennox hosted the Region 3B championship day on Tuesday, May 23rd. After five innings of play, Lennox trailed 2-0 but a small rain shower forced the field to be a little wet. At which point, the state and region commissioners forced all the teams to move the remaining games to Augustana. Even though the field could've most likely been ready in a half hour, the state and region gave Lennox no chance to fix the field. Heading to the bottom of the 7th, Lennox trailed 2-0. Jongeling walked and Stoebner hit and infield single. Quincy Ihnen would reach on a hit by pitch and Zach Leisinger's fielder's choice would score one. After Leisinger stole second, Oriole's Senior Marshall McLaren drilled a walk off double to the left field fence giving Lennox the 3-2 win. 

It was an all out team effort keeping Lennox's state bound dreams alive. However, Lennox could not get the job done in game two. They left a lot of men on base as they were missing the "big hit" that could've scored runs. West Central found a good streak offensively and defeated Lennox 5-2. It was a sad loss to end an amazing season. 

Lennox finished with a LHS baseball best record 16 and 1. Many other records were shattered by this team that was so highly expected to be playing for the state championship. Many other teams and coaches have recognized some players and coaches from our team saying good job on a great season. Lennox did something only one other team did in both classes of high school baseball and that is to achieve an undefeated season. 

While this was a sad ending, Lennox has a lot of promise for the future. Of the 11 players that played on Tuesday, only four of them were seniors. Those four were Marshall McLaren, Braedon Wallenstien, Brock Stien and Devon Jongeling. However, the other seven players were sophomores. This means Lennox has a future as bright as the sun. This means the Orioles will be back. 

Tomorrow evening, Lennox will host an awards night tomorrow for players and their parents. Later this week, there will be another Oriole article talking about all the records and awards that will be recognized tomorrow evening.