Veterans lead way for Larks in big win

By RANDY GONZALES

Hays Daily News

Seth Fortenberry had a career night for the Hays Larks.

Aaron Batlle didn't have a bad game, either.

Behind two of the team's few returning veterans, the Hays Larks pounded the Liberal Bee Jays 11-4 Thursday night at Larks Park. In the process, Hays took three of four games in the Jayhawk League series with its big rival.

Fortenberry went 5-for-5 with a walk, two RBIs and two runs scored in the leadoff position.

“I'm not sure I've ever had one,” Fortenberry said of his five-hit game. “I really was seeing the ball well.”

Batlle was 4-for-4 with a walk, and had two RBIs and a run scored.

Hays manager Frank Leo was happy with the series victory, and two veterans having big nights made it even better.

“Big game for us,” Leo said. “That's what we talk about — winning series at home, split on the road. Two veteran guys led the way.”

It was tied at 1-all when Hays broke the game open with a seven-run fourth inning. All the damage came with two out.

Fortenberry got the big hit, driving in the first two runs with his double into the corner in right field. After Warren Schaeffer was hit by a pitch from Liberal starter Ryan Riddle, Kevin Russo singled to score Fortenberry. Nolan Reimold followed with a two-run single before Tyler Wasserman and Batlle singled, with Batlle driving in a run.

That was it for Riddle (1-1), who allowed eight runs on 11 hits in 32Ú3 innings.

J.C. Field greeted reliever Jordan Davis with another run-scoring single to make it 8-1 before the side was retired.

Hays (9-3, 5-3) added three runs in the fifth to make it 11-1. Russo and Batlle had RBI singles in the inning.

Meanwhile, Larks starter Joseph Edens allowed three runs on five hits in seven innings to earn the victory. Edens (1-1) walked none and struck out five. Matt Rainey and Stephen Marek each pitched an inning.

“He's got good movement; he's got to keep the ball down,” Leo said of Edens.

The Larks banged out a season-high 20 hits against four pitchers for Liberal (4-8,1-3).

“Offense is all about getting on a roll,” Leo said. “Offense is a confidence thing.”

The Larks start a six-game Jayhawk League road trip on Friday with a game at Nevada, Mo. After four games there, Hays will play a league doubleheader at El Dorado before returning home June 26 for a nonleague game against Salina.

Sports editor Randy Gonzales can be reached at (785) 628-1081, ext. 130, or by e-mail at rgonzales@dailynews.net.