The Hays Monarchs use two big innings to defeat Smith Center 17-4. They then held off top-seed Lincoln County 3-2 Wednesday to force a second and decisive title game at the Lincoln Zone 6 tournament. The Monarchs (17-13) and Hawks (19-6) will meet at 6pm Thursday to decide who advances to next week’s AA state tournament in Pratt.

Game 1: Hays 17, Smith Center 4
The Monarchs struck for seven in the second and nine in the fifth to erase an early 2-1 deficit. Pierce Schippers gets the win, allowing all four runs on five hits over four innings, walking three and striking out four. Grant Romme homred and drove in three to lead the Monarchs offense

Game 2: Hays 3, Lincoln County 2
Shane Zimmerman allowed one earned run on two hits, walking three and striking out 10 in the complete game victory. Lincoln scored a run in the first on a wild pitch and another in the fourth on a passed ball.

Cameron Brin’s two-run double in the top of the fourth broke a 1-1 tie and gave the Monarchs the lead for good. Ryan Schippers RBI single tied the game in the third.