Hays Post
JUNCTION CITY – The Hays Larks scored on a squeeze play in the eighth inning to break a 3-3 tie then added back-to-back home runs in the ninth and beat the Junction City Brigade 6-3 in a non-league game at Rathert Stadium Wednesday night.
The Larks (14-4) scored single runs in the second, third and fourth innings to build a 3-0 lead. The Brigade (12-4) answered with a run in the bottom of the fourth then plated two in the sixth to tie the game 3-3.
Westen Valasek doubled and Peyton Ebbing followed with a walk with one out in the eighth. After both stole a base, Bryson Evans laid down a successful bunt to drive in Valasek with the go-ahead run.
Tyler LaRue and John Ceccoli hit back-to-back home runs with one out in the ninth.
HOME RUN POWER
The Larks hit four solo home runs Wednesday. Tyler LaRue hit two, Will Pendergrass and John Ceccoli also went deep. It's the second time this season the Larks have hit four home runs in a game matching the four they hit June 9 vs. the Denver Cougars at Larks Park.
Luuk ter Beek (3-0) was one of five relief pitchers for the Larks and picked up the win with one scoreless inning of relief. Dayne Pengelly struck out two in the ninth and picked up the save.
STREAK SNAPPED
Trent Baker went 0-for-4 at the plate which ended his 12-game hit streak. It was the longest streak since Dylan Dreiling hit safely in 17-straight games last season.
UP NEXT
The Larks close out their six-game road swing Friday in Augusta with a non-league game against the Kansas Cannons. The Larks begin a six-game homestand Sunday vs. the Colorado Springs CageRats.