The Wayland varsity baseball team lost a nine-inning thriller to Hastings in the first game of their double-header Tuesday, but came back to win the nightcap, 7-2.

The Wildcats were down 7-0 after two innings in the opener, but clawed their way back to tie the game up at 7 in the top of the sixth inning. Hastings was able to scratch across the winning run in the bottom of the ninth.

Taking the loss on the mound for the Wildcats was Sean Maddux, who pitched three innings of relief, giving up one run on 4 hits with 3 strikeouts. Carter Morse started on the mound, going 6 innings, allowing 7 runs, 2 earned, on 6 hits, while striking out 5.

Leading the way offensively for the Wildcats were Carter Morse and Parker Atwell. Both players were 2-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI.

The Wildcats were leading 12-2 in the top of the sixth inning of the second game, when it was suspended due to darkness. The game was declared as over after five complete innings. The Wildcats had scored five in the top of the sixth, but they were not officially counted.

Getting the win on the mound for Wayland was Keaton McNees, who went all 5 innings, allowing 2 runs, both earned, on 3 hits, while striking out 8.

Leading the way for the offense were Parker Atwell and Kaleb Merren. Atwell was 2-for-3 with a homer, a run scored, and 3 RBIs. Merren was 3-for-3 with a double, RBI and a stolen base.

The Wildcats, now 6-12 on the season overall, are back in action on Thursday, May 5, when they host Hastings for the third game of the series. First pitch is set for 4:15pm.

PHOTO: Parker Atwell gets ready to lay down a bunt for the Wildcats. He clubbed a homer during the day. (Photo supplied)