The Wayland boys’ varsity baseball team Friday afternoon and evening played its season opener at Davenport University’s field.

The Wayland Union Wildcat Varsity Baseball team lost twice, 2-0 and 8-5 in the double-header to Hastings.

Senior Keaton McNees started on the mound in the opener for the Wildcats, going five strong innings, giving up no runs on three hits, while striking out 10 batters. He was relieved in the sixth inning by Senior Chris Kincaid, who gave up two runs to the Saxons (both earned) on 4 hits, while striking out 2 and walking 1.

Leading the offensive attack for the Wildcats in game one were Senior Parker Atwell and sophomore Ben Barnes. Atwell was 2-for-3 with a double and a stolen base, while Barnes went 3-for-3 with a double and two stolen bases.

The Wildcats jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning of the nightcap, but pitching struggles in the fifth and sixth innings led to a Hastings rally that put the ‘Cats in a hole that proved too deep to climb out of. Wildcat pitchers allowed 13 Saxons to reach base via the walk in game two, as Hastings was able to capitalize with timely hits.

Junior Carter Morse started on the mound for Wayland, pitching the first three innings of the contest, allowing 1 run (1 earned) on 1 hit, while striking out 5 and walking 5. He was relieved in the 4th inning by Senior Bradey Weston, who ultimately took the loss on the mound, as he went one inning, surrendering three runs (all earned) on two hits. Weston was relieved by junior lefty Kayd Hulst, who went one inning, giving up four runs on three hits while walking four. Senior Mitch Dykstra was able to come in and stop the bleeding, as he pitched two strong scoreless innings.

Leading the way for the Wildcat offense Mitch Dykstra, Jamie Snyder and Atwell. Dykstra was 2-for-4 at the plate with a run scored and two stolen bases. Snyder was 1-for-3 with two RBIs, while Atwell went 1-for-3 with an RBI, a run scored, and three stolen bases.

The Wildcats are back in action on Monday, as they are host to the Chix of Zeeland East in a single-game beginning at 4:15 p.m.

(Janice Reed Zandstra took this photo as the team was warming up before the ballgame).