The game opened with plenty of offense from both teams. Hastings struck first with a three-run top of the first inning, highlighted by an RBI double from Evan Morrison and a sacrifice fly from Tristan Martinez.
Southwestern Christian answered immediately in the bottom half of the inning. Eliam Dudamel started the rally with a walk and later scored, while Bryson Sullivan and Jacob Stull each drove in runs to even the score at 3–3 after one inning.
The tie didn't last long. Hastings broke the game open in the third inning with four runs on three hits, including a two-RBI single from Jace Valdez that pushed the lead to 7–3.
Pitching Settles In
After the difficult third inning, Southwestern Christian's pitching staff settled down. Jake Reed delivered a strong relief outing, tossing five innings while allowing just one hit and striking out five to keep the Eagles within reach.
Hastings, however, matched the effort on the mound. Starter Aleczander Hardy worked five innings to earn the win before Carmen Severino closed the game with four scoreless frames.
Offensive Leaders
Despite the loss, the Eagles produced nine hits on the afternoon.
Southwestern Christian threatened in the middle innings but couldn't capitalize, leaving nine runners on base. Hastings added an insurance run in the ninth to seal the 8–3 victory.
With the result, Southwestern Christian moved to 12–9 on the season, while Hastings improved to 8–6.
