The Hays Larks hit three home runs and got another strong start from Chandler Hawkins and beat the Dodge City A’s 6-1 Wednesday night at Cavalier Field in Dodge City. The Larks have now won six straight and improve to 9-1 overall and 5-1 in the Jayhawk League where they have a half-game lead over Wellington.

Taylor Peterson’s two-run homer highlighted the Larks three-run fifth which gave them the lead for good. Desmond Roberts hit a solo shot in the sixth and Josh White added a two-run blast in the seventh.

Hawkins, a sophomore from Arkansas State, allowed one run on three hits while striking out 10 and walking two to move to 3-0. Hawkins walked the first two batters to lead off the second and allowed the A’s only run to score on a groundout. He would allow two hits in the fourth and one in the fifth then retired the final eight that he faced.

Dalton Viner and David Owen both worked a scoreless inning of relief to close out the game.

The Larks and A’s play again tonight at Larks Park beginning at seven o’clock. Free admission thanks to the Glassman Corporation.

Elsewhere last night in the Jayhawk League… Wellington edged El Doardo 3-2 in 14 innings and Derby beat Owasso (Okla.) in a non-league game 10-3.