The Wayland varsity baseball team defeated Hastings 8-1 Thursday in the rubber game of a three-game series this week.

The Wildcats, now 7-12 overall for the season, lost a nine-inning overtime Tuesday, but won the shortened nightcap 7-2.

Wayland scored three runs in the first inning and was clinging to a 3-0 lead for most of the game, getting out of two bases loaded situations with one out to keep the Saxons at bay. The Wildcats erupted for five more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to put the game out of reach.

Getting the win on the mound for the Wildcats was Jeff Betz, who pitched the first four innings, allowing no runs, on 5 hits, while striking out 3. Logan Sevigny relieved him in the fifth inning, pitching the final 3 innings. Sevigny surrendered an unearned run in the top of the seventh, allowing 3 hits, while striking out 3.

Leading the offensive attack for Wayland Union were Carter Morse, Sean Maddux, Jeff Betz, and Matt Schaendorf, all of whom were 2-for-3 with Schaendorf delivering 2 RBIs.

Coach Trenton Wilcox’s Wildcats are back in action on Saturday as they host the Wayland Union Wildcat Invitational. Wayland will face Hopkins at 10 a.m., with the second game pitting Covenant Christian against West Catholic at noon The losers of games 1 and 2 will play each other at 2 p.m., with the winners of games 1 and 2 facing off in the championship game at 4.