HAYS – Four Hays Larks pitchers combined to throw a two-hit shutout and the Larks extended their winning streak to 10 games with a 16-0, seven-inning run-rule victory over Oklahoma City Saturday evening at Larks Park. It’s the Larks longest win streak since they won 12 straight early in the 2019 season. The Larks are now 22-4 and have matched last season's win total.
Tyler Palmer (2-0) allowed one hit with two strikeouts over three innings and picked up the win in his first start of the summer. Maxx Castelluci allowed one hit with two strikeouts and two walks over two innings of relief. Derek Cecolati and Jose Velazquez both pitched a scoreless frame to close out the game.
The Larks scored seven runs in the second inning then seven more in the third to take control early. Zach Henry scored on Grant Schmidt’s single to left with two outs in the bottom of the first for what proved to be the only run the Larks would need. Henry hit a three-run, inside-the-park home run in the third to push the lead to 4-0.
Henry and Palmer Hutchison both drove in three runs. Grant Schmidt had three of the Larks 15 hits and drove in two runs. Grant Lung and Leo Jiminian also had two RBIs. Cam Pehrson, Hutchison, Jiminian and Schmidt all had doubles.
HOLDING DOWN FIRST
The Larks continue to hold down first place in the Rocky Mountain Baseball League. The Larks are 10-2 in RMBL play and lead the Colorado Sox by 3 1/2 games.
UP NEXT
The Larks are off Sunday then open a four-game Rocky Mountain Baseball League series against the Colorado Rough Riders at Larks Park. The Rough Riders are 4-9 and in last place in the RMBL, 6 1/2 games behind the Larks.