Jefferson struck first, but Lakeside answered with just enough to slip past the Falcons, 2-1, in a tightly played game where every baserunner mattered.
The Falcons (5-1) manufactured an early lead, but the Dragons (2-3) capitalized on key moments in the middle innings and leaned on a complete-game effort from Jeremy Murphy to secure the win.
Jefferson wasted little time getting on the board. In the bottom of the first, Devin Salinas reached on a dropped third strike, swiped second, and came home on Mason Kalil‘s RBI single to give the Falcons a 1-0 lead.
That would be the lone run against Murphy, who scattered three hits over seven innings while striking out four and not allowing an earned run.
Lakeside broke through in the fourth. Tristan Westerfield worked a one-out walk and later advanced into scoring position alongside Conner Koski, who also reached via walk. With two outs, Tanner Noble delivered, lining an RBI single to tie the game at 1-1.
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An inning later, the Dragons found the decisive run. Matt Wagner reached on a fielder’s choice and moved up on a wild pitch before Zion Thomas came through with an RBI single, putting Lakeside ahead 2-1.
Jefferson threatened but couldn’t solve Murphy late, as the right-hander closed the door on the Falcons’ offense.
The Falcons will look to bounce back after its first loss of the season when they host Lakeside on Tuesday.
Top Players
Lakeside
- Jeremy Murphy: 7 IP, 3 H, 1 R (0 ER), 4 K
- Zion Thomas: 1-3, RBI (go-ahead hit)
- Tanner Noble: 1-3, RBI (game-tying hit)
- Tristan Westerfield: 1 R, 2 BB
Jefferson
- Mason Kalil: 1-3, RBI
- Devin Salinas: 1 R, set the tone early
- Michael Riffle: 1-2, BB
- Lucas Uden: 1-2, BB
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