By HAILEY CHAPMAN
Just one day after run-ruling the Wellington Heat, the Hays Larks fell 4-0 in the tournament championship. Heading into Monday night’s game, Hays had the advantage with an undefeated tournament record, meaning a loss would force a second championship game.
The winner of Tuesday’s 7 p.m. game will earn the final spot in the NBC World Series alongside the Liberal Bee Jays.
Ryan Ruder was the starting pitcher Monday night, taking the loss with six innings of work, with three earned runs on seven hits, two walks and four strikeouts. Nash Neff came in for relief and was able to hold the Heat to just one run on two hits, four walks and four strikeouts.
Hays was scoreless on the night for the first time all season. While Jarrod Belbin was able to give a strong performance, going 2-for-4, the Larks were unable to gain momentum. The team was only able to earn four hits on the night alongside a pair of errors that proved costly. Behind Belbin, Alex Strachan and Max McGuire were able to add on a pair of hits.
The two teams will face off for their final game this season. Hays is 31-9 on the year while Wellington is 29-13. Throughout the season. the Larks have won two of four games against the Heat, building up the suspense to the title game.
Against each other, Wellington has the advantage on the mound with a team ERA of 3.37, just barely ahead of the Larks 3.78 ERA. At the plate, Hays pulls ahead with a team batting average of .328 in comparison to the Heat’s .264.
Leaders at the plate this year are Justin Lee (.420), Drake Angeron (.353), and George Southerland (.329). Home run leader is Mikey Gangwich with five. RBI leader is Lee with 42.