Hays Post
HAYS – The Hays Larks opened up Rocky Mountain Baseball League play with a slugfest win Friday, defeating the Denver Cougars 19-12. The Larks trailed by a run when they plated 10 in the bottom of the fifth to overcome six errors.
The Larks (5-2, 1-0 RMBL) scored four runs in the bottom of the first and led 5-1 after two innings. The Cougars (6-2) answered with four in the top of the third to tie the game 5-5. The Larks plated three in the fourth retake an 8-5 lead only to see Denver comeback with four in the top of the fifth to go up 9-8. The Larks then took the lead back for good with a 10-run fifth.
Brady Evans hit a two-run homer and Tyler LaRue added a three-run blast in the decisive inning. Garrett Gruell hit a solo home runs in the first and eighth. Gruell finished with four hits and four RBIs. LaRue drove in five.
Oklahoma’s Jett Lodes (1-0) was one of five Larks pitchers on the night and picked up the win with 1 2/3 scoreless innings of relief.
UP NEXT
The two teams meet in game two of the three-game series Saturday at 7:00 p.m. at Larks Park. It will be the annual Military Appreciation Night with all current and former members of the military invited for a pregame ceremony on the field prior to the game.