Matt Dierking’s baseball team is off to a hot start, and things are clicking in a way they usually don’t at this stage of the season for Lexington.

“It’s kind of different to start the season 7-0,” Dierking told The Register. “Typically, we’ve got a rough stretch at the beginning. This year we’ve kind of turned it around. We’re winning games we’re supposed to be winning, and we didn’t do that in the past.”

The schedule has been kind to Lexington (7-1), which owns Class 3A District wins over Dickson (two) and Commanche.

That changed at the Southeast Shootout in Broken Bow, where the Bulldogs faced 4A State qualifier Sallisaw on Monday and lost 9-1. Lexington led 1-0 until the fourth inning,  when the Black Diamonds scored all their runs.

“We will be OK,” Dierking said. “We need to hit a lot better. Also, we need to compete better. Just don’t put our heads down when we face adversity, meet it head on. It also showed me we can play with great teams.”

Lexington played Stephensville (Texas) on Tuesday and 5A State qualifier Duncan on Wednesday to round out tournament play during spring break.

Lexington returns five starters from a team that finished 17-20 in 2025 and made a quick postseason exit.

They include senior leftfielder Cameron Haley and senior shortstop Colby Haynes, who combined to hit four of the team’s first six home runs.

“Cameron’s attitude’s great,” Dierking said. “He’s always positive. He’s turned himself around hitting the baseball; he’s always been a solid outfielder. He brings a lot of leadership.”

Haynes also will pitch for the Bulldogs and will share time on the mound with junior James McMillan. The two will alternate between pitcher and shortstop.

“Either one of them can throw any day when they’re available,” Dierking said.

Haynes, the team’s cleanup hitter, “makes everybody smile,” according to his coach.

“He’s having a good time all the time,” he said.

A third senior, Cadyn Krueger, returns after a two-year absence from baseball. Krueger, who played quarterback for the football team, will man centerfield.

Junior Kash Klupenger will catch and bat leadoff for Lexington. Klupenger, who pitched for the Bulldogs last season, was the team’s MVP. A shoulder injury figures to limit his pitching opportunities.

Junior first baseman Braxton Keesee, sophomore right fielder Cody Rollins and sophomore third baseman Collin Houck round out the starting lineup.

Three of Lexington’s seven wins to start the season came at the I-35 Classic Tournament March 12-13.

The Bulldogs defeated Wayne 13-4, Konawa 4-3, and Stratford 3-1.

In the fourth inning of the Stratford game, freshman Rhydon Foutch delivered a pinch-hit RBI single to break a 1-1 tie. The hit was his third in three at-bats through seven games.

“We’re pitching well and we’re playing really good defense,” Dierking said. “Hitting wise, we are striking out a lot, which is concerning against the teams that we are playing right now. Hopefully that gets better as the season goes on.”

Six early season homers could have something to do with the number of strikeouts, according to Dierking.

“When they see the ball go over (the fence) it’s just a normal swing but think it’s something extra,” he said. “They’re trying to hit the ball 500 feet instead of 300 feet.”

The third-year head coach stresses discipline above all.

“Just control what you can control,” he said. “I don’t like errors.

“Everybody’s going to make an error, just know what to do when the baseball’s hit to you. Always make the right play, even if it isn’t perfect.”

Lexington resumes play at home on Monday, March 23, with a senior night game against Marietta. The Bulldogs play at Marietta the next day. Then comes a tournament in Dibble beginning Thursday, March 26.