HASTINGS, Neb. — Although the Souris Valley Sabre Dogs scored three runs in the top of the first inning, the Hastings Sodbusters were prepared to counter.

The Sodbusters (7-7) earned a 9-4 victory over the Sabre Dogs (6-7) in the first of a two-game series. After helping his team take an early 4-3 lead, Hastings right fielder Cole Evans finished the game 3-for-4 with four runs batted in.

Josh Solomon started Souris Valley’s scoring with an RBI triple. After Mason Dinesen knocked Solomon in with a single, Aaron Galvan added another RBI triple.

The Sodbusters held a 6-4 lead after four innings. Center fielder Casey Burnham came home in the bottom of the sixth for an additional insurance run. Burnham scored four runs in the contest.

Hastings put the game away in the eighth inning. Evans scored Burnham with an RBI single before Griffin Everitt added another run with a sacrifice fly.

Bo McClintock finished 2-for-4 for the Sabre Dogs. Souris Valley and Hastings recorded nine hits apiece.

Hastings relief pitcher Chris Mazzini earned the win on the mound. Mazzini allowed just one hit in two innings of work.

The teams will conclude the series at 6:35 p.m. this evening in Hastings.

Follow the Minot Daily News on Twitter @MinotDailyNews.