Hays Post Sports
HAYS – The Hays Larks hit four home runs, stole seven bases and finished off the weekend and season sweep of the Denver Cougars with a 12-5 win Sunday night at Larks Park. The Larks extended their winning streak to 13 straight games overall and have now won 15 straight at home.
After both teams scored a run in the first, the Larks got two in the third to take the lead for good. Jackson Babcock, who had four of the Larks 17 hits and finished with five RBIs, drove in his first run on a double to right field to give Hays a 2-1 lead. Wilbert Espinal followed with an RBI single to center.
The Larks (28-4-1, 20-4 RMBL) blew the game open with a six run fourth which included a pair of two-run homers from Kaleb Duncan and Espinal.
After the Cougars (10-21, 8-16 RMBL) scored a run in the sixth, the Larks answered with two in the bottom of the inning on solo homers from Babcock and Brady Kreutzer.
Denver struck for three more in the top of the seventh, but the Larks added a run in the eighth on a Babcock double for the final score.
Larks starting pitcher Julio Ramos (2-1) allowed one run on two hits with seven strikeouts and two walks over five innings and picked up the win. Ryan Hanks gave up four runs on five hits over 1 1/3 innings of relief. Jordan Stribling allowed three hits over 2 2/3 scoreless innings with four strikeouts and no walks to close the game out.
HIT PARADE
The Larks had 17 hits in the game, their third straight game of double-figure hits and 24th overall this summer.
SEASON SWEEP
The Larks sweep the weekend series and take all five of their games with the Cougars this season.
UP NEXT
The Larks close out the regular season Monday night at home against the Dodge City A’s. Free admission for the 7:00 p.m. game courtesy of Pepsi, Walmart, Ellis County Councils-Knights of Columbus and Vyve Broadband. It’s also the final night for Pack the Pantry. Fans are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item which will be donated to the Community Assistance Center.