A shorthanded Hayfield baseball team lost two games at Stewartville (2-0 overall, 2-0 HVL) to open the season Tuesday.

The Vikings, who will be without three starters for six games due to academics, had just nine elgible players as they lost 10-1 and 7-4.

Hayfield pitcher Tyler Nelson struggled with walks in the opening loss and Tyler Krekling gave up some tough hits in the second game.

“Every ground ball they hit went through the hole (against Krekling),” Hayfield head coach Craig Selk said. “Stewartville has a great group of juniors and they’ll probably be one of the better teams by the end of the year.”

Hayfield had to start three freshmen and the first game was a shock for them.

“Game two was very promising,” Selk said. “The young kids got some of the jitters out in the first one.”

Stewartville 10, Hayfield 1

Hayfield pitching: Tyler Nelson (L), 5 IP, 6 H, 5 BB, 8 R, 1 K

Hayfield hitting: Nelson, 2-for-3, double; Krekling, 3-for-3

Stewartville 7, Hayfield 4

Hayfield pitching: Krekling (L), 5 IP, 7 H, 2 BB, 7 R, 4 K

Hayfield hitting: Nelson, 2-for-4; Krekling, 2-for-3, double; Drew Streightiff, 2-for-3, double; Connor Nelson, 1-for-4, double