BY HAILEY CHAPMAN
The Hays Larks took Game 3 over the Liberal Bee Jays on Sunday night, 7-4. Despite being outhit 12 to 10, the Larks were able to capitalize on three Liberal errors to pull across seven runs.
Starting pitcher Michael Gilliland earned the win on the mound with a strong performance, composed of seven innings pitched, allowing two runs on nine hits with one walk and six strikeouts. Drew Marrufo threw the final two innings and allowed two runs on three hits, with one walk and three strikeouts.
Gilliland moved to 1-1 on the season and improved his ERA to 4.00. Marrufo earned his first save of the year following the victory Sunday night.
Liberal struck first in the top of the first with one run; however, Hays was able to respond with three of their own runs to take the lead.
The Larks struck again in the bottom of the second with two, the bottom of the third with one, and the bottom of the eighth with one. The Bee Jays were able to threaten the Larks lead in the top of the ninth with two more runs to cut the deficit to three runs, but Marrufo silenced Liberal for the save.
Offensive leaders included Jarrod Belbin (2-for-4, RBI), George Southerland (2-for-4, 2RBI double), Alex Strachen (2-for-5, 2RBI double) and Jimmy DeLeon (2-for-3 with 2 runs scored).
The Larks return to action Monday night for the final game of the series against Liberal. A victory would mean a series win, following their previous series loss to Liberal, 3-1. Losing the game would mean a series split.