FHSU Athletics
HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team dropped its series opener against Newman Thursday evening inside Larks Park, losing 10-4. The Jets (6-42, 3-31 MIAA) outhit the Tigers (15-32, 10-24 MIAA) by nine, 14-5, to take the win.
Fort Hays State managed 10 walks in a game for the third time this season, but FHSU left 12 men on base throughout the contest, including leaving multiple runners aboard four times and leaving the bases loaded once.
After both teams left one man aboard in a scoreless first inning, the Jets struck first with two runs on three hits in the second. Fort Hays State manufactured a run of its own in the bottom of the inning when Cooper Howell worked a leadoff walk. Dylan Salcido bunted him over before Josh McWilliams punched an RBI single past a diving second baseman.
Newman took advantage of a Tiger error to score three unearned runs in the third, pushing its lead to 5-1. Another leadoff walk in the bottom of the third came around to score when Gehrig Heckathorn doubled off the wall in left center, plating Antonio Avila all the way from first.
A trio of home runs over the next four innings helped Newman stretch their lead to 10-2 heading into the seventh inning stretch. The home team got one run back on an RBI groundout in the seventh and an RBI fielder's choice in the ninth, but the Jet bullpen was able to keep the lead and hold on for the win.
Karter Beving (2-3) took the loss after allowing five runs (two earned) on six hits in three innings of work. Cody Bruss tossed the final six frames, allowing five runs on eight hits. The pitching duo combined for just one walk, tied for the fewest in a game by the Tiger pitching staff this season.
Five different Tigers had one hit in the game, with Mac Bowie reaching base four times on a single, two walks and a hit-by-pitch.
The Tigers and Jets will resume their series Friday evening (May 1) beginning at 6 p.m. when FHSU hosts its annual Pack the Park night. The event features free admission courtesy of game sponsor Bison Ag Crop Insurance. Concession specials include $2.50 sandwiches and $2 beverages. FHSU baseball alumni will receive free food and drinks thanks to sponsors Kansas Farm Bureau - Danny Dinkel and Dusty Washburn, High Plains Roofing, Haselhorst Construction, Insurance Planning, GB Feeds and Dreher Guttering. Free t-shirts will be given away to the first 250 fans in attendance thanks to the support of Redeem Designs, RD Graphics, Simpson Farm Enterprises, Inc. and the Insurance Guys.