Justin Ziegler allowed just three hits over eight innings, striking out five and walking two helping the Hays Larks take another step toward the Jayhawk League title with a 9-0 win over Derby in the opening game of their three-game series at Larks Park Friday night. It’s the Larks ninth straight win.

The Larks load the bases in the second on three-straight singles from Joe Betcher, Joe Lang and Tito Andino. Elvin Rodriguez and Austin Darby both drove in a run while Zair Koeiman drove in two to put Hays up 4-0.

Aaron Cornell singled to lead off the fourth and moved to third on a wild pitch then eventually scored on a wild pitch. Darby drove in a run on a groundout to second to put the Larks up 6-0.

They would blow the game open with three in the fifth. After Elvin Rodriguez reached on an error, the Larks had three-straight doubles from Koeiman, Cornell and MacKenzie Handel which all drove in a run.

The win pushes the Larks to 27-10 overall and 21-10 in the Jayhawk League where they maintain their 2 1/2 game lead over Dodge City who beat Haysville 12-5.

The Larks and Twins play the middle game of their three-game series Saturday night at 8pm. It’s Harley Night and Poker Night with the Larks players escorted on to the field in Harley Davidson motorcycles.