By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER
Hays Post Sports
HAYS - Hays played their second Western Athletic Conference opponent of the week when they hosted Dodge City on Thursday. Hays never led in a 4-1 loss to the Red Demons.
Jace Gifford needed just 89 pitches for the complete game victory for Dodge City. Each team failed to score in the first inning after getting runners aboard.
The Red Demons put their lead off batter aboard in each of the first six innings. They were able to score in three of those instances. A bases loaded hit-by-pitch brought in the first run of the game in the top of the second.
An run scoring double added to the Dodge City lead in the third for a 2-0 advantage. Hays cut the deficit in half in the bottom of the fourth. Brett Rhoades worked a one out walk and then stole second base. An errant throw with two outs allowed the Indians to score their only run at 2-1.
Dodge City tacked on two runs in the top of the fifth on a single, fielder's choice, two stolen bases, a sac-but and ground out RBI for the final difference of 4-1.
Hays never threatened in the final three innings with the side being retired in order each time.
Highlights
Cade Jennings took the loss for Hays. He threw five innings allowing four runs (all earned) on six hits, two walks, one hit batter while striking out three. Paxton Shaw threw two innings of relief allowing one hit, walking one, striking out two and giving up no runs.
Coach Dustin Dreher
Hays' next games will occur on the road in Garden City on April 10th when they play the conference leading Buffaloes.