WEBSTER CITY – Timid in the field and sluggish at the plate, particularly early on, the Webster City baseball team put itself in a hole it couldn’t climb out of in its season opener Friday night at Lynx Field.

Carroll (1-2) put the ball in play repeatedly, forced seven Webster City errors, and took advantage of six free passes in its 15-7 non-conference victory over the Lynx.

It was 11-0 in the Tigers’ favor after 31?2 innings before WCHS (0-1) found its rhythm, but by then it was too late.

Lynx first-year coach Mark Fisher walked away upbeat, however, knowing better days lie ahead.

“This is exactly what we needed,” Fisher said. “We have been practicing for almost a month with no games and we needed to get out and see someone else on the diamond. This was also good for us because we needed to learn that we don’t yet know how to win.”

Carroll out-hit WCHS 13-10 and played error-free in the field.

Freshman Max Hackbarth got the opening-night call on the mound for the Lynx. He accepted the loss after surrendering five hits and six earned runs in 22?3 innings.

Seth Crouthamel and Cole Reigelsberger worked in relief and combined to strike out six.

Jordan Moen had a big night at the plate for WCHS, as the junior went 3-for-4 with two runs batted in. Cal Zahn laced the team’s only extra-base hit – a momentum sparking triple – and scored two runs. Hackbarth went 2-for-3 at the dish with three RBI.

“I liked the guts we showed in the game,” Fisher said. “We battled back and had several big innings at the plate.”

WCHS will open up North Central Conference play this evening at home against Hampton-Dumont. The team should be at full strength with several members of the boys’ golf team stepping into uniform for the first time.