Wayland turned back host Byron Center 4-2 Tuesday afternoon to even its overall season record at 2-2.

Picking up the win on the mound for the Wildcats was Keaton McNees, as he tossed five innings, allowing two runs (none earned), on one hit, while striking out six. Carter Morse came on in relief in the sixth inning and went the final two scoreless frames, recording a save. He allowed two hits, while striking out two.

The Wildcats got on the board in the top of the second via a suicide squeeze executed by Camden Ritz, scoring Travis Cutler from third base. They added three more in the top of the third, as Ben Barnes and Mitch Dykstra started the inning with hit by pitches, putting runners on first and second. Morse then delivered an RBI single scoring Barnes and advancing Dykstra to third. Chris Kincaid then delivered a ground ball to short that scored Dykstra and moved Morse to third. Cutler then singled to score Morse.

The Bulldogs would not go quietly, as they mounted comeback efforts in both the fifth and sixth innings. They scored two runs in the bottom of the fifth, courtesy of two Wayland errors. McNees was able to work out of the jam and keep the Wildcats in the lead.

Byron Center loaded the bases in the bottom of the sixth via a leadoff walk and two infield singles. Then Morse and the Wildcat defense rose to the occasion, as Morse struck out two of the next three Bulldog hitters, sandwiched between a force out at home.

Morse retired the side in order in the bottom of the seventh, thanks to a strong defensive effort from his teammates.

Leading the way for the offense with multiple hits were Chris Kincaid, Jamie Snyder and Camden Ritz.

The Wildcats will be back in action at 4:15 p.m. at Hopkins Thursday, March 30, for a doubleheader.

PHOTOS: Keaton McNees pitched five strong innings and picked up the mound win for the Wildcats. (Photos courtesy of Kenny Ritz)

Camden Ritz had a productive day, executing a suicide squeeze play to score a run and collecting two hits.