Larks rally falls short on Sunday

By The Hays Daily News

The Hays Larks scored four runs in the ninth, but it wasn't enough to overcome a 15-8 deficit heading into the final inning, as the Larks lost 15-12 to the visiting El Dorado Broncos. The loss is the only one in six games to the Broncos this season.

Newcomer Brad Propst, and Oklahoma State University product, allowed six runs (four earned) through four innings in a no-decision in his debut.

Vincent Littleman came on in the fifth and the Larks took a 7-6 lead, but surrendered five in the sixth and never recovered.

Hays pitchers walked 11 batters, and the Larks committed three errors. Hays managed 14 hits, scoring five runs through the final two innings in the rally effort.

Brandon Eckerle finished 3-for-5 with a pair of runs scored and one driven in, while Andrew Heck was 2-for-5, driving in three.

The loss drops Hays to 15-8 overall, 11-7 in the Jayhawk League. Liberal picked up a 9-2 victory Sunday over league leading Haysville (20-8, 16-7), as Liberal forced a tie for second place at 19-7, 11-7. Hays travels to Haysville for a 3-game set this week, beginning Tuesday at 7 p.m.