HAYS – Tyler LaRue was a triple away from hitting for the cycle and drove in six runs to help lead the Hays Larks to a 12-6 win over the Colorado Roughriders in the opening game of their six-game homestand Wednesday night at Larks Park.
La Rue drove in two of the Larks (8-2, 5-1 RMBL) five runs in the first inning with a double. He hit a two-run homer to cap a three-run second which put the Larks up 8-3. He then singled to left and drove in two in his third at-bat in the fourth and finished 3-for-4 on the night.
Palmer Hutchison hit a two-run homer in the first, his fifth in the last four games, and finished with three RBIs.
After the Roughriders (0-6 RMBL) scores a run in the first, the Larks answered with five in the bottom of the inning. Colorado scored two more in the second which the Larks answered with three. The Roughriders got a three-run homer with two outs from Keegan Soltis to cut the gap to 8-6. The Larks answered with four in the fourth to close out the scoring.
Central Alabama CC teammates Sam Hendon and Kaden Ware both pitched three scoreless innings of relief. Hendon struck out two with one walk, Hare struck out five and also issued a walk.
Starter Brayden Luikart was credited with the win, going three innings and allowing six runs on five hits with four walks and four strikeouts.
The Larks and Roughriders play the second game of the three-game series Thursday at 6:00 p.m. at Larks Park. Admission is free courtesy of the Glassman Corporation and Cedar Lodge Family Dental. You can hear the game on KAYS (94.3-FM/1400-AM) beginning at 6:45 p.m.