Larks score early, often in 18-4 win
July 17, 2003
By RANDY GONZALES
Hays Daily News
The first time the Hays Larks were supposed to play the Newton Rebels, the game was rained out.
Unlike that night of June 25, it was 106 degrees and not a cloud in the sky Wednesday at Larks Park.
Runs fell like raindrops, as the Larks used an 11-run cloudburst in the first inning to pound the Rebels into submission, 18-4, in a game shortened to seven innings.
Even though the Larks’ opponent wasn’t of Jayhawk League-caliber, the game served its purpose.
“We can’t just sit around if it’s not a league game,” Hays manager Frank Leo said. “You’ve got to get (repetitions) in — that was our main concern, get quality reps in.”
The Larks got their work in during their big first inning, in which the team batted around and every player in the lineup got on base — except for designated hitter Aaron Batlle, who lined out to second for the first out of the inning.
Batlle was the only player Newton starter Vazien Rivers retired. Rivers gave up seven runs on seven hits before being replaced by Toby Meyer. Hays (31-7) added six runs on five hits in 12/3 innings against the Rebel reliever. Justin Ivey, the third pitcher for Newton (13-12), gave up five runs on seven hits in four innings.
The Larks banged out 19 hits, with Pete Maropis, Jeff Bieker and Mark Lyons each getting three hits. Maropis had three RBIs and three runs scored. Bieker added one RBI and three runs scored and Lyons had two RBIs and three runs scored.
Batlle doubled twice and drove in three runs, and Adam Cox singled and doubled, with three RBIs and two runs scored. Craig Cooper singled twice, with one run scored and one RBI.
Kade Boyer — who got a rare start at third base— was on base four times with two walks, a single and a double. He scored a run and drove in another.
“This game is all about confidence and feeling good,” Leo said. “Offense is all about confidence.”
Newton took a 2-0 lead against Larks right-hander Bryan Engle in the top of the first before Hays’ big inning. Engle also allowed two runs in the second before pitching a scoreless third.
Left-hander Seth Fortenberry (1-0), normally an outfielder, tossed two scoreless innings to get the win, allowing just one hit. It was the second time Fortenberry has taken the mound this summer for Hays. With starter Tom Hottovy the only left-hander on the roster, Leo said Fortenberry might pitch again before postseason play begins later this month.
“Seth, we may send out there one more time,” Leo said. “He pitched in the fall at Baylor and in high school.”
With the Larks short-handed in the bullpen due to three season-ending injuries, Leo added he will be looking for pitching help before the National Baseball Congress Midwest Regional, which starts next week.
Hays closer Jim Miller worked the final two innings Wednesday. Miller walked one and struck out two without giving up a hit.
“We definitely needed to get Jim two innings,” Leo said.
Right-hander Chris Ofat (4-0) will be the probable starter when Hays plays the Wichita Twins Friday at 7 p.m. in another nonleague game at Larks Park. On Saturday, Hays will play host to Jayhawk rival El Dorado in a 6 p.m. doubleheader at Larks Park. The Broncos have won three of four against the Larks, the league champions for the third consecutive year.
Leo said the intensity will be there for the weekend.
“Saturday night, it will be a little different against El Dorado,” Leo said. “... The Wichita Twins will be a better ball club Friday night.
“We need to try to get our focus back.”