IOWA CITY - The Linn-Mar Lions got off to a promising start in their showdown with Iowa City High Friday, but Mother Nature intervened.

Linn-Mar led, 2-0, in the top of the third inning of the Mississippi Valley Conference opener when the game was suspended due to lightning and the threat of severe weather.

The doubleheader will be resumed on Monday, July 9 at 5 p.m. at Mercer Park in Iowa City with the Lions holding their 2-0 lead in the top of the third with two outs, a runner on second base and a 3-2 count to Austin Banks.

Jake Stolley struck out three batters in two innings for the Lions.

Linn-Mar is clinging to first place in the Mississippi Division of the MVC with a 17-3 record. Kennedy raised its record to 17-4 Friday with a 15-0 victory at Dubuque Wahlert, but the second game of that twinbill was suspended in the fourth inning with Kennedy holding a 4-0 lead.

Iowa City High has a 16-4 record in the Mississippi Division as all three teams battle for the division title in the 26-game season.