The Heartland Hawks returned to the Corn Crib on Thursday, February 19th, for a 9-inning game against the Waubonsee Community College Chiefs. With their .500 record through six games, the Hawks are looking to take the win over the Chiefs before they host the Winter Classic at the end of the month.

    Starting on the mound for the Hawks was sophomore Trevor Rehnstrom, throwing 5 innings. In the top of the first, the Chiefs were able to add two hits, but the field contained them, leaving the opposing team with no runs. To put the Hawks ahead, shortstop Jimmy Anderson made solid contact with a solo homerun to give the team the lead. Adding onto the total, the next inning was a string of hits and a squeeze bunt by Bennett Summers to add on four runs. Anderson led the Hawks at the plate, hitting just a single short of a cycle, driving in three runs, and scoring two. Charlie Linderman and Jake Greer both had two hits apiece through their five at-bats. The Hawks would finish with 11 total hits and six walks through 33 plate appearances. Rehnstrom finished things on the mound, facing 19 batters, only allowing five hits and one run. The right-handed sophomore collected six strikeouts on the day and was able to get through five without giving up a free base. Lefty pitcher Jake Gimbel came in for three innings to face 11 batters. The sophomore was also able to put up six strikeouts, allowing two hits and no runs. Closing out the pitching staff's performance was freshman Andy Antonacci with one inning pitched. The left-hander and the field were able to hold off the Chiefs, while their three runs were not enough to put them over the Hawks. Altogether, the pitchers went a full nine innings without giving up a free base and striking out twelve. The Heartland Hawks took the win over the Waubonsee Chiefs 8-4 after their impressive performances on the mound and at the plate.

    The next game day for the Hawks is at the end of February, when Heartland Baseball hosts the first-ever Winter Classic with seven total teams. The four-day tournament, starting on the 26th and ending on March 1st, holds three games for the Hawks with a lot more baseball in between.