Joey Begel pitched a complete-game five-hit shutout as the Hays Larks blank Dodge City 5-0 Thursday night at Larks Park to pull within a half-game of the Jayhawk League leaders.

Begel had his best outing of the summer, striking out six and walking just one to move to 2-2. The senior to-be at Illinois-Chicago allowed only two base runners into scoring position as the Larks post their second straight shutout and win their third-straight.

Joey Begel Postgame Interview
Joey Begel Interview 7-12-12

Fellow UIC teammate Jon Ryan broke the scoreless tie with a two-run double in the third. Austin Jarvis drove in the third run of the inning with the second of his three base hits. He would add a solo home run in the fifth to push the Larks lead to 5-0. Zair Koeiman drove in the other run with a base hit in the fourth.

The Larks are now 21-10 overall and 15-10 in the Jayhawk League. Dodge City falls to 21-11 and 16-10 in the league.

Frank Leo Postgame Interview
Frank Leo Postgame 7-12-12

Game Highlights
Larks 7-12-12 Highlights

The Larks are off Friday before hosting Liberal in the first of a two-game series Saturday. It’s Pack the Park and Park the Pantry Night and all fans are asked to bring a canned food item for the Community Assistance Center. First pitch is set for 7pm with free admission provided by Eagle Communications.