BY HAILEY CHAPMAN
LIBERAL — The Hays Larks battled late Wednesday night but were unable to overcome two big innings, suffering a 10-3 loss at the Liberal Bee Jays.
Starting pitcher Mason Myhre struggled to find his stride on the mound, giving up five runs after a strong first inning. In the bottom of the second, the Bee Jays were able to time Myhre out, cutting his day short at three innings pitched, with eight hits, six runs, two walks and three strikeouts. He was charged with the loss and is now 2-1 on the season.
The ball was then turned over to Hays native Ryan Ruder, who threw four innings. But the spark was already ignited within the Liberal offense. The Bee Jays were able to pound out four more runs in the bottom of the seventh to secure the win.
Tommy Garcia closed the game out on the mound, minimizing the damage with no hits and a strikeout.
In the top of the ninth, the Larks were able to pull across two more runs in a rally effort, but fell short as Cole Shoepke was able to bounce back with a strikeout to end it.
Offensive leader of the night was Jarrod Belbin with an RBI double, going 1 for 3. George Southerland, Alex Strachen, Jimmy DeLeon and Justin Lee all additionally contributed to the Larks’ five-hit game.
The Larks hope to split the series with their final game tonight at 7 p.m.
Tuesday’s game
The Larks improved their record to 14-and-2 on Tuesday night with a win over Liberal, 7-1.
Hays was the first to score in the top of the first, with Liberal hot on their heels in the bottom of the second tying it up at one. A strong performance from starter Wyatt Divis was the push the Larks needed to post six more runs to bounce back from their previous loss.
Divis went a full eight innings before the game was called due to inclement weather, giving him the complete game win. He went the distance with eight innings pitched, allowing five hits, on two walks, six strikeouts and only one earned run.
The offense was explosive in night two, with three RBI doubles from Hernan Yanez, Jarrod Belbin and Drake Angeron. Angeron proved vital in the leadoff spot, going 4 for 5 at the plate. George Southerland was 1 for 3 on the night, but plated two runs in his one-hit bid.
Monday’s game
The Hays Larks took their first loss in 12 games to longtime rival Liberal, falling 5-4.
The Larks started out strong, posting one run in each of the first three innings to grab a three-run lead.
Starting pitcher Christian Pearcy came out strong, holding Liberal to only three hits until the fourth inning when they posted four earned runs on seven hits to take the lead.
The Larks were able to pull across the tying run in the top of the sixth, on a Hernan Yanez RBI single.
The ball was then turned over to closer Rustin Hays, who only allowed one hit, two walks and three strikeouts.
The winning run was scored on an infield error in the bottom of the eighth, giving Hays the loss.
Pearcy allowed 10 hits and a walk, with four earned runs in five innings of work.
Justin Lee and George Southerland both led the way for the Larks offense with two hits. Southerland and designated hitter Mikey Gangwich showed off their speed with a pair of stolen bases.