By Anthony Schulte
Sports Contributor
ORION TWP. — The struggles have continued for Lake Orion, as the tough schedule continues to be the Dragons Achilles heel.
The Dragons started the week with an 8-1 win at the West Bloomfield Lakers. Kael Gahan pitched yet another gem, going seven innings and striking out 15 batters. Lake Orion scored once in the first inning, twice in the second, three times in the fourth, once in the fifth and once in the seventh.
The second of three games at West Bloomfield was a 10-0 loss for Lake Orion. The Lakers got on the board early with four first inning runs, and Lake Orion could not inch their way back.
After a tough loss, the Dragons looked to come home and win the series but lost 4-2. West Bloomfield got yet another early lead with two second inning runs.
The Lakers would stay in control until a late comeback attempt by Lake Orion. Connor McCartan drew a walk and Joey Bruno hit a single to put two runners on base. Carson Womack grounded into a fielder’s choice, scoring McCartan. After a Casey Robertson single, Lakers first baseman Logan Pikur ended the game with a double play.
After yet another tough series, Lake Orion traveled to Saline for a weekend tournament on Saturday.
Lake Orion lost the first game against Saline, 8-6.
Saline struck first, with two first inning runs. Lake Orion answered in their half of the second but gave up five runs to the Saline in the bottom of the second. Saline would only score on more time until the Lake Orion bats woke up. They scored four runs in the top of the seventh inning, but the comeback came up too short.
Lake Orion next had a tough game against the Fenton Tigers, losing 7-2.
The Dragons gave up first inning runs yet again, this time allowing two runners to cross home plate.
Lake Orion would score once in the third inning but gave up three runs in the fourth. The Dragons scored one more run in the sixth inning but gave up two in the Tigers half of the sixth.
On Monday, Lake Orion defeated Clarkston 10-4 in game one of the three-game series. Lake Orion travels to Clarkston on Thursday before returning home on Friday. The Dragons are now 19-12 on the season, according to the MHSAA.