Orioles defeat SFC, get two wins over Rapid City Christian and split with Platte

A fifth-inning RBI single from Jaxson Bittner proved to be the difference as Lennox edged Sioux Falls Christian, 1-0, on April 13 in a tightly contested pitchers’ duel.

With both teams locked in a scoreless battle through four innings, Lennox broke through in the top of the fifth. Mason Reischl led off with a single and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Justin Butler. After a walk to Cade Aasheim put runners on the corners, Bittner delivered with a ground ball single to shortstop, bringing Reischl home for the game’s only run.

That would be all Lennox needed behind a dominant performance from pitcher Cole Spieler. Spieler kept Sioux Falls Christian off the scoreboard, striking out eight hitters and working out of the few scoring threats the Chargers generated, to record the no-hitter. 

Defensively, Lennox was sharp throughout the game. The Orioles turned in several key plays, including a pair of pickoffs that erased baserunners and helped maintain momentum. Aasheim was particularly active in the field, recording multiple outs at second base.

Lennox sealed the win in the bottom of the seventh, as Spieler recorded another strikeout before the defense closed it out with a line out and a pop out to secure the no-hitter and the Orioles’ 1-0 victory.

The Orioles made the most of its trip west, sweeping Rapid City Christian in dominant fashion on Saturday, April 18, winning 14-0 and 19-2 in a doubleheader.

In game one, the Orioles broke open a scoreless game in the third inning and never looked back.

After a quiet start, Lennox got on the board in the top of the third. Grayden Veurink and Bittner each reached base before Gabe Veurink delivered the big hit—a two-run triple to center field to give the Orioles a 2-0 lead. A passed ball later in the inning allowed Veurink to score, extending the lead to 3-0.

Lennox added to its advantage in the fourth inning with a big offensive surge. Sam Bambas and Reischl opened the inning with back-to-back singles, and after a walk to Justin Butler loaded the bases, Madix Oltmanns drove in two runs with a single. The Orioles continued to apply pressure, taking advantage of walks and timely hitting to stretch the lead to 10-0 by the end of the inning.

The Orioles weren’t finished, adding four more runs in the fifth. Talen Eich, Spieler and Reischl each drove in runs during the inning, helping push the score to 14-0.

Reischl was equally impressive on the mound, shutting down Rapid City Christian throughout the game. He struck out six batters.

At the plate, Lennox was led by Reischl who had three hits. Spieler had two in the game. 

The 14-0 victory set the tone for the day, as Lennox carried its momentum into game two to complete the sweep with a 19-2 win.

The Orioles wasted no time getting started, plating four runs in the top of the first inning. Bittner led off with a single and later scored, while Eich and Spieler each drove in runs to quickly put Lennox in control.

Rapid City Christian answered with a run in the bottom half of the inning, but Lennox responded with a massive second inning to break the game open. The Orioles scored six runs in the frame, highlighted by RBI hits from Spieler, Reischl and Logan VonHaden. Reischl delivered a key two-run double, while VonHaden followed with an RBI double of his own as Lennox built a commanding 10-1 lead.

The offensive surge continued in the third inning, where Lennox erupted for nine more runs. Reischl stayed hot at the plate with another two-run double, and VonHaden added a triple and later an RBI single. Aasheim contributed a two-run single, and Grayden Veurink drove in two more runs with a double as the Orioles extended their lead to 19-1.

On the mound, Gabe Veurink got the start and helped limit early damage before Lennox turned to Justin Butler in relief. Butler closed out the game, striking out four batters. 

The Orioles experienced its first setback of the season on Sunday, April 19, dropping a hard-fought 3-2 extra-inning opener to Platte before responding with an 11-4 victory in the second game of the doubleheader.

In game one, both teams battled through a low-scoring, defensive contest that stretched into extra innings before Platte pulled out the walk-off win.

Lennox struck first in the top of the third when Eich delivered an RBI triple to bring home Gabe Veurink for a 1-0 lead. Platte tied things up in the bottom of the sixth inning, forcing extra innings.  In the top of the eighth inning, Bittner sparked a late push with a single and later scored on a Spieler groundout to briefly give Lennox a 2-1 advantage.

However, Platte answered in the bottom half of the eighth to plate two runs and secure the 3-2 win, handing Lennox its first loss of the season.

The Orioles quickly regrouped in game two, erupting for an 11-4 victory to salvage the split and close the weekend on a high note.

Lennox again struck in the opening innings, using timely hitting from the top of the lineup to build momentum. A key early rally included hits from Bittner, Gabe Veurink, and Spieler, helping the Orioles take control.

The offense continued to produce throughout the game, with Lennox stretching the lead behind aggressive baserunning and consistent contact at the plate. Multiple players contributed RBIs as the Orioles steadily pulled away.

On the mound, Bambas, Eich and VonHaden all saw action.

The Orioles will be at home again on Friday, Apr. 24 when they take on Vermillion. Varsity is set to begin at 5:30 p.m. On Sunday, Apr. 26 the Orioles will face off against Groton at 1 p.m. and West Central at 5 p.m., both games will be played in Lennox.