Despite holding a 10-0 lead through four innings, the Baker baseball team’s season came to an end on Tuesday with an 18-12 loss to No. 3 Lyon College in the NAIA Opening Round.

The day was highlighted by the play of freshman Hunter Gudde, who tossed 5 2/3 innings and allowed just two earned runs on seven hits, while striking out five batters. Gudde also hit for himself, picking up three hits in the game and drove in seven runs, including a grand slam in the second inning.

Bailey Pattin also had three hits in the game, while Brian Wircenske and Max Taulbee each had two hits. On the mound, Peyton Kahle, Brandon Gomer, Dalton Dultmeier, Will Edwards and Aaron Foster all threw in relief, as the bullpen combined to pitch 3 1/3 innings.

Just like they wanted, the Wildcats jumped on the Scots early in the game, scoring one run in the bottom of the first inning on a single from Gudde.

The Wildcats finished their season with a record of 26-27, winning the 2019 Heart of America Conference Tournament Championship and making the NAIA Opening Round for the first time since the new format was established 11 years ago.