The Hastings Hawks launched their 2025 baseball campaign with back-to-back games on May 10 and 11, kicking things off in emphatic fashion before falling just short in a hard-fought league opener. Saturday’s matchup against the Ellsworth Hubbers served as a season tune-up and home opener at Veterans Park

Hastings wasted no time making a statement in their opener, crushing Ellsworth 12–2 behind powerful hitting, crisp defense, and standout pitching. The Hawks jumped on the Hubbers early with three runs in each of the first two innings, and they never let off the gas. They totaled 14 hits on the day, held Ellsworth to just three, and walked off the field with a convincing win.

“Our pitching staff was phenomenal today,” head coach Shawn Matson said. “It’s always nice to see that the first time out. The guys really filled it up, and our defense played well and made the plays behind them.”

Ben Bundschu earned the win with four shutout innings, striking out one and allowing just one hit. He was followed by Reece Cox, who gave up two runs, one earned, while striking out six over three innings. Gavin Odman sealed the deal with a perfect eighth. All told, the Hawks pitchers issued zero walks and allowed no extra-base hits.

“We just played together,” said Bundschu, who also added two hits and an RBI at the plate. “The pitchers did their jobs, kept the ball down, and the defense backed them up. When the bats are rolling like that, it makes everything easier.”

Offensively, the Hawks got contributions across the board. Leadoff man Cory Wolters doubled and scored in the first. Jason Greeder reached base twice and scored two runs. Kelin Rasmussen hit a double, made key plays at shortstop, and showed his readiness.

“He’s just a crazy good athlete,” said Matson. “He was all-state last year at Farmington and played club ball at Mankato this spring. He came in in baseball shape, and it showed.”

Odman had a standout day with two hits, including a double, and drove in two. Evan Krhin, playing third base, put on a hitting clinic, going 5-for-5 with four RBIs. Jordan Jeske contributed with a hit, two walks, and an RBI. Taylor Pagel crossed the plate twice, and Cole Benson added a run off the bench.

Even the younger or less familiar faces made an impact. Cox, although not a rookie to baseball, is new to Hastings and impressed Matson with his poise and performance.

“He’s gonna be a big arm for us,” Matson said. “More than that, all the new guys are good teammates. They get it.”

The 12–2 win set a strong tone for the season start and helped get them more in sync for their Sunday match up against CCVL rival Northfield.