By HAILEY CHAPMAN
Though the Hays Larks struck first with two runs in the second inning, Dodge City was able to settle in at the plate and win 8-5 on Monday night on the A’s home field.
Starting pitcher Micheal Gilliland gave up five runs in six innings of work, while his offense battled to tie up the game before he was pulled. He gave up only five hits, however two of them were home runs. He struck out nine batters and walked only two.
The Larks turned to Rustin Hays, who went one inning and gave up the go-ahead run, giving him the loss. Hays gave up three hits on three runs with one walk and four strikeouts.
Trevor Munsch was pulled in to close out the game and only allowed one hit in his four pitches before securing the final out.
The Larks were unable to rally back from the three runs the A’s racked up in the eighth inning, giving them their eighth loss on the season (28-8).
Offensive leaders include Justin Lee (2-for-3), Jarrod Belbin (2-for-4), Alex Strachen (1-for-3, RBI) and Mikey Gangwich (1-for-4, 3-run home run).
The Larks hope to bounce back in their final game prior to the KCLB conference tournament. Hays is currently first in the conference despite facing adversity in its series against the Bee Jays and a loss to the A’s on Monday night.
First pitch against Dodge City is slated for 7 p.m. tonight at Larks Park.