Hays Post
COLORADO SPRINGS -Trent Baker and Weston Valasek both had six hits and combined to drive in seven runs and the Hays Larks defeated the Colorado Springs CageRats 21-6 Saturday night at Spurgeon Field. The Larks (13-2, 6-1 RMBL) scored nine runs in the top of the eighth inning to blow the game open and end it by run-rule..
Trent Baker had the big hit in the decisive frame with a three-run homer. Garrett Gruell drove in the first run with a sacrifice fly. John Ceccoli added a two-run double, Luis Garcia had a two-run single and Brady Evans a one-run double.
The Larks took a 2-1 lead in the second on back-to-back singles from Trent Baker and Weston Valasek. After the CageRats scored a run to tie the game in the third, the Larks answered with two in the fourth on an error and bases-loaded walk to Gruell.
The Larks tacked on four more runs in the fifth to push the lead to 8-2. Baker drove in the first run with a sacrifice fly, Damian Ruiz added a two-run triple and Gruell and RBI double.
Trent Baker homered in the seventh and finished 6-for-6 with two home runs and six RBIs along with three runs scored. Weston Valasek also had six hits and scored three runs. Garrett Gruell drove in three runs. John Ceccoli and Luis Garcia both had two RBIs.
Starter Kam Walton (2-0) went five innings and picked up the win allowing two earned runs on eight hits with four strikeouts and two walks.
BIG OFFENSE
The Larks 21 runs scored are the most since they scored 24 vs. the Colorado Tribe on July 17, 2022. Their 24 hits are the most since having 21 in that same game vs. the Tribe a year ago.
DOUBLE SIX
The six hits by Trent Baker and Weston Valasek are the most since John Rensel had six hits at Derby July 23, 2018. Baker's six RBIs are the most since Dylan Dreiling drove in six vs. the Colorado Tribe July 18, 2022.
RESCHEDULED
The Larks game vs. the Gameday Angels which was rained out this past Thursday will be made up as part of a doubleheader on July 25th at Larks Park.
UP NEXT
The Larks continue their Colorado road swing Sunday afternoon vs. the Colorado Roughriders in Denver. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. CDT.