Larks fall to Dusters

By MIKE KESSINGER

Hays Daily News

Two strong pitching performances weren't enough for the Hays Larks Thursday night as Elkhart swept a Jayhawk League doubleheader. The Dusters rallied for three runs in the seventh to take the opener 3-2, then won 4-1 in the nightcap at Larks Park.

Bob Reifschneider was the tough-luck loser for Hays in the opener. Reifschneider (0-1) allowed just one hit in the first six innings, but Elkhart scored three runs on four hits in the seventh. In the second game, Elkhart used a pair of two-run innings to get all the scoring it needed.

“We just didn't capitalize on some opportunities in the first game,” Larks manager Frank Leo said. “We weren't getting hits, and Elkhart got a couple of big hits in the seventh that gave them a little momentum.”

In the first game, Reifschneider wasn't just keeping Elkhart off the board through six innings, he was keeping them off the bases.

With one out in the fourth, former Lark Kade Boyer hit a popup into shallow right field that second baseman Kevin Russo couldn't make a diving catch on.

The ball bounced off Russo's glove for the Dusters' only hit until the seventh.

While Reifschneider was baffling the Elkhart batters, Dusters pitcher Trey Hearne gave the Larks problems of their own. He matched Reifschneider pitch for pitch, giving up just a single by J.C Field in the third for his only hit allowed in the first five innings.

The Larks broke through with two runs in the sixth. Billy Sharp started the inning with a double and scored on Aaron Batlle's bunt. With two outs, Nolan Reimold doubled and Tyler Wasserman followed with an RBI single to make it 2-0.

However, the lead wouldn't last long. Reifschneider, who had allowed just one baserunner through six innings, gave up a leadoff single to Boyer. Designated hitter Mike Dunn followed with a two-run homer to tie the game. later in the inning, Derek Chambers singled and went to second on a grounder, then scored on Dave Baker's single.

“It just wasn't a good enough pitching matchup for us,” Leo said. “We just didn't give ourselves a better chance to score runs.”

Reifschneider gave up five hits, while striking out six. The three runs he gave up were all earned. Hearne worked six innings for the win, giving up two runs on four hits.

The second game started like the first, as neither team could score through three innings. In the fourth, Murray Gilbertson scored the game's first run on a wild pitch by Joseph Edens. Chambers then made it a two-run lead with a solo home run.

Elkhart (4-4 overall, 2-1 Jayhawk) extended its lead to 4-0 in the sixth inning. Jake Stover singled in Boyer, then Colt Crawford hit a sacrifice fly that brought home Stover.

The Larks' lone run came in the bottom of the sixth. After Reimold doubled, Field followed two batters later with an RBI single.

Edens (0-1) took the loss for Hays (4-2, 1-2). He went six innings, giving up four runs on four hits. He finished with four stirkeouts.

“It's hard to tell since it's so early in the season, but losing the first game may have affected us a little in the second,” Leo said. “Our pitching has been good, but we just need to understand some things, and get used to playing with the wood bats.”

Hays and Elkhart will play the finale of their Jayhawk series with a 7:30 p.m. single game today at Larks Park. The first 100 fans will receive a free hot dog, courtesy of the game's sponsor, Western Beverage. Budwesier memorabilia will also be raffled off during the game.

Sports writer Mike Kessinger can be reached at (785) 628-1081, ext. 130, or by e-mail at sports@dailynews.net.