Tuesday marked the official start of the season for Astoria High School baseball. The team opened up against defending 3A state champion Banks High School at CMH Field.

This marked the beginning of a new era for Astoria baseball, as new head coach Andrew Higgins-Feyen has left rival Seaside. The game against Banks allowed Astoria’s new coaching staff to analyze their team against a high-level opponent.

The Astoria Fishermen fell victim to Banks senior Wyatt Hesselman in this one.

Hesselman was a two-way star for the Banks Braves on Tuesday. Hesselman threw 5 2/3 shutout innings, giving up two hits and striking out seven batters. Hesselman also hit a home run in the top of the seventh inning, which extended the Braves’ lead to 4-0.

Though the Fishermen fell 5-0, there were some bright spots on the mound. Sophomore Dallas Norris and senior Patrick Anderson combined for 4 2/3 innings of scoreless ball, keeping the game close throughout much of the middle and late innings.

As for the hitters, Merrick Benesch, Jacob Klepp and Colton Gustafson all went 1 for 3. Despite the Fishermen having just three hits, there was solid contact that found the gloves of Braves fielders.