Larks settle for split

6-21-04

By The Hays Daily News

NEVADA, Mo. — Hays Larks manager Frank Leo's philosophy is to win at home and split on the road.

But after splitting a home Jayhawk League series with Elkhart earlier this season, the Larks were hoping for more than a split at Nevada over the weekend.

But the Griffons held off the Larks 7-6 Sunday night to earn a split of their four-game series. Hays won Friday's opener 11-3, and the two teams split a doubleheader Saturday. Hays lost the opener 5-2 before coming back to win the second game, 6-2.

“We're looking to make up some ground, since we split with Elkhart,” Leo said.

In Friday's series opener, Aaron Batlle homered twice and Jason Schutt (2-0) got the victory with relief help from Stephen Marek.

Jeff Mandel (1-2) took the loss in Saturday's first game, with Josh Blake (1-0) earning the victory in the nightcap.

In Sunday's finale, Nevada jumped out to a 5-0 lead after three innings against Hays starter Chris Ofat (3-1), and led 7-1 after the fourth. Hays battled back for five runs over the final three innings, but came up a run short. Nolan Reimold doubled and homered for the Larks.

Hays (11-5 overall, 7-5 Jayhawk) will play a 6 p.m. league doubleheader Tuesday at El Dorado. The probable starters are Bob Reifschneider (1-1) and Joseph Edens (1-1).

The Larks return home Saturday to play the Salina Blue Jays in a 6 p.m. nonleague doubleheader at Larks Park.