LAKE MILLS — An explosive first inning from the batter’s box and precise pitching through seven innings lifted the Lake Mills baseball team to a win in its home opener.

The Bulldogs beat North Butler 4-1 on Friday.

Lake Mills pitcher Luke Kayser went the distance from the mound. He retired 14 batters, didn’t give up a walk or earned run and allowed five hits.

“He was really efficient tonight,” said Bulldogs coach Jason Blaser. “It was nice to have Luke as dominant as he was.”

After Kayser and the Bulldogs defense held North Butler scoreless in the top of the first, Lake Mills scored four runs in the bottom of the inning.

Bulldogs right fielder, Peter Hagenson, had the biggest hit of the afternoon: a two-RBI double.

“We were able to get one timely hit, and that was enough,” Blaser said.

Lincoln Boehmer, Taylor Throne, Matt Throne and Matt Scholbrock scored runs for Lake Mills in the bottom of the first. Kayser had the Bulldogs’ other hit, and Matt Throne had their lone stolen base.

Through four games, the Lake Mills bullpen has 35 strikeouts, the most in the North Iowa Conference.

So far this season, Kayser has two wins from the mound. He has 19 total strikeouts, and he’s given up three walks and two earned runs. His first start this year was a 12-7 win Tuesday in the Bulldogs’ season opener at West Fork.

Lake Mills (3-1 overall, 0-0 North Iowa Conference) played its first three games on the road. After the win at West Fork, the Bulldogs lost 7-6 Wednesday at Rockford. Lake Mills led 6-2 after five innings, but the Warriors rallied by scoring one run in the sixth and four in the seventh. The Bulldogs rebounded Thursday with a 7-1 win at Central Springs. Taylor Throne took the win on the mound by pitching seven innings, retiring seven batters and not allowing an earned run.

The Bulldogs will play their first conference game at 7:30 p.m. Friday at North Iowa.

So far, Lake Mills has played only teams in the Corn Bowl Conference.

Next, the Bulldogs will play at North Union at 7:30 p.m. Monday at Bancroft, Iowa.

Statistics are in the Scoreboard: May 30 post.

A full story will follow.