Hays Post
SEMINOLE, Okla. - The Hays Hammer 18U attempted to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory during their second day of the Perfect Game Oklahoma Championships against Precision Baseball Moore 18U.
While the team wrung a victory out of the morning, the Hammer — formerly the Hays Eagles — gave up a seven-run fifth inning with one out to go to end the game in an 11-1 run rule, eventually winning at the time limit after six innings 12-8.
Starting pitcher Carson Spray pitched a strong 4 2/3 innings before hitting his pitch limit, striking out four, walking five and giving up just three hits. Reliever Jack Fields was called on to get the final out with the score 11-1 to earn the run-rule win. Fields surrendered Spray's inherited baserunners and gave up four of his own before being pulled without getting an out — walking three and giving up four hits.
Garrett Wellbrock came on to get the final four outs, striking out three and surrendering one hit.
Offensively, the Hammer started strong, plating 10 in the first three innings. Dalton Dale had a three-run home run to left in the second, and Spray went 4-for-4 at the plate with two knocked in. Lex Lummus went 3-for-4 with two RBIs.
Spray earned the win, and Wellbrock collected his third save of the season. The Hammer committed three errors on the day, but stole six on the base paths.
The 18U Hammer will play at 6 p.m. Saturday against Amarillo, Texas-based Offspeed 2023 17U to close out pool play.