With a large crowd on hand for the first baseball meeting between North and South, the Cougar varsity was shut out at home 11-0 by the defending state champion Panthers.

The North Panthers (2-0) out hit the Cougars 11-3 in their first ever baseball meeting, a game with so much interest it was broadcast by two radio stations and was also reported on by KSTP TV.

South coach Mark Zeise had a reunion of sorts as his old staff and former assistant Tony Market came back to pay him a visit in his new home at Cougar Field. The group was able to fraternize before the game, but once the Star Spangled Banner was sung by sophomore Kirsten Zeise, the game was on and it was all business.

With North already suffering defeat to South in football and basketball this inaugural season, a large contingent was on hand to witness the Panthers win the first of what will likely be many classic battles between the two baseball teams.

Unfortunately the Cougars (0-1) were able to manage only four hits on the day and could only get two runners to 2nd all game long.

Donnie Sullivan started on the mound for the Cougars arnd gave up just two hits over three innings. Mike Assell pitched the 4th inning and Blake Nicols closed out the 5th as the Panthers ended this one early.

Leading hitters for the Cougars were...

- Alex Messick... 1 for 2
- Jose Martinez... 1 for 3
- Eric Watts... 1 for 2
- Joe Novak... 1 for 2

The young Cougars are 0-1 to start the season. Their first game of the season at Eastview was re-scheduled because of rain after two innings.

The Cougars play Apple Valley next at home, Thursday (4/13) at 4:15 at LSHS Cougar Field.

[ View gallery of the first Cougar-Panther baseball meeting ]

[ Read Lakeville ThisWeek sports article on the game ]