Hays Post Sports
WICHITA – The Hays Larks used a six-run ninth inning to
rally past Oklahoma MVP and remain unbeaten in pool play at the NBC World
Series Saturday in Wichita.
The Larks (30-4-1) dug themselves an early hole, allowing three runs in the second inning and a fourth run in the third inning for a 4-0 deficit through three innings.
Hays got themselves back in the contest with a three-run fourth inning. All three runs came on a two-out double to left by Lane Sparks, cutting the MVP lead to 4-3.
But Oklahoma once again extended its lead, scoring two runs in the fifth and single runs in the sixth and seventh innings as they built an 8-3 lead.
Heading into the ninth, with the Larks still trailing by five, their bats came to life, scoring six runs on their way to the 9-8 victory.
The Larks opened the inning with three walks, loading the bases. With two outs, a fourth walk in the inning, by Dylan LaRue, made it 8-4 MVP.
A balk scored a runner from third, and then Thomas Lyssy delivered a two-run bloop single to right, cutting the MVP lead to 8-7.
In the next at bat, a flyball to centerfield, that would have ended the game, was dropped by the centerfielder to keep the inning alive.
The Larks then watched MVP unravel as they allowed three straight walks, the final two with the bases loaded, allowing a run to score each time, putting Hays up 9-8.
The Larks sent 12 men to the plate in the inning. They collected just one hit in the inning and took advantage of seven walks.
All nine of the Larks runs came with two outs.
Trey Watson earned the victory for Hays. In his two innings of relief, he allowed just one unearned run and two runs, with two walks and two strikeouts.
Julio Ramos earned the save with a scoreless ninth inning. He struck out two.
Lane Sparks finished two-for-five with four RBIs. Thomas Lyssy also collected two hits, and Paul Smith was the only other Lark hitter to record a hit. Oklahoma outhit the Larks 13-5.
The Larks improve to 2-0 in pool play and will close out pool play Monday at 8:30 p.m. against the Lonestar Kracken.