Coming into the season, the possibility of the team having struggles was certainly known given the team graduated 18 seniors last season. While a 4-11 overall record is not fun, it was something that …
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Coming into the season, the possibility of the team having struggles was certainly known given the team graduated 18 seniors last season. While a 4-11 overall record is not fun, it was something that most knew it was a possibility. The important part of the season so far has been, have the boys learned, absolutely, have they matured, again, yes, they have. Have the boys come together as a team and made significant strides? That is another resounding yes. So, to casual fans, do not fret, this season is a big learning opportunity for a young squad.
Hastings started last week with a trip to Mahtomedi where they fell 5-1 on May 5. May 7 at North St. Paul was a huge rebound game with the Raiders winning 18-4. Hastings could have held on to some of those runs for the tilt against conference leading Two Rivers on May 9 where the Warriors earned the regular season sweep 5-2.
At Mahtomedi
Hastings took the early lead 1-0 in the top of the second when Carter Lundstrom singled then stole two bases, including home to give the Raiders their only score of the game.
Matt Sherry went the distance on the mound for Hastings in the 5-1 loss to the Zephyrs. Sherry struck out four, walked five and allowed only two earned runs on 98 pitches.
At North St. Paul
This game was certainly the most lopsided win for the Raiders in a while, an 18-4 thumping of the Polars. Here is the breakdown of runs scored each inning.
With the ridiculously large offensive explosion, nine of the ten Raiders scored at least one run, and six logged RBIs. RBIs were provided by Chuck Wagner-5, Steve Seleski-3, Isaiah Lavergne, Carter Lundstrom and Charlie Meyers each had two and Colton McKnight had one.
Charlie Meyers earned his first varsity win going five innings with five strikeouts and six walks on 86 pitches. Three of the four runs allowed were earned runs.
Versus Two Rivers
The game against Two Rivers truly started as a pitchers duel. Drew Gillespie had the start on the bump for Hastings and he kept the Warriors mostly puzzled for three and a third innings only walking two while striking out three on 65 pitches.
Two Rivers took the lead when they scored their two runs in the third inning, but Hastings battled back to tie the game when Lavergne walked for his second time this game with one out. Luke Niederkorn followed Lavergne with a walk of his own and Hastings had two runners on with one out.
Wagner hit one to the left field gap allowing Lavergne to showcase his speed when he scored from second. That hit also moved Niederkorn to third to put runners on the corners. Gunnar Skov drove the ball up the middle to send Niederkorn home for the tying run, but that was all the offense Hastings could muster, and they fell 5-2 thanks to a late surge from the Warriors.
Cole Karnick and Lundstrom both pitched in the game in relief. Karnick logged one and two thirds innings and Lundstrom took the final two innings. Karnick faced eight batters, struck out one and walked two on 29 pitches. Lundstrom faced 11 batters, allowed three total runs with one earned run with no walks and no strikeouts.
With the Raiders finishing last week at 4-11 overall and 3-11 in conference play, the focus turns to getting the boys tuned up for a run at the section title over the remaining five regular season games. First Pine Island comes to town on May 14 for a 4:30 p.m. start.
May 15 is the Raiders Senior Night game against South St. Paul which will be held at Veterans Park. Folks wanting to see the senior festivities honoring the nine seniors should be at the park by 6:30 p.m. with the first pitch scheduled for 7:00 p.m. The Hawks will have the concessions stand open, so you do not need to rush home to make dinner. Fans should come hungry, aside from the delicious burgers, hot dogs and brats they cook up from Duff’s Meats 2, a new partnership with Applebee’s of Hastings means this is the first game that Applebee’s Wonton Tacos will be available in the concessions stand.
May 16, the boys travel to Simley, May 19, they travel to Apple Valley and May 20 is the final regular season game at home against Eastview. All three of these are scheduled for a 4:30 p.m. start time.