By GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post

Horace Johnson’s two-out grand slam capped a seven-run eighth inning, lifting the Fort Hays State Tigers to a 14-12 comeback win over Bethany Wednesday at Larks Park. Johnson’s only hit of the game followed a bases loaded walk to Clayton Garland. Gabe Cook and Kodie Fewin also drove in runs in the eighth as the Tigers win their second straight to move to 14-24.

Gus Struck retired all nine that he faced over the last three innings for the win. Strunk, who is the Tigers normal second baseman, struck out four and walked none to pick up his first win of the season.

Jordan Miller had four of the Tigers 15 hits. He along with Garand drove in two runs. Cooper Langley had three hits including a double.

Bethany hit two home runs in a five-run second to take a 5-3 lead. The first three runs scored when Nathan Zimmerman’s throw to first base on a sacrifice bunt attempt went into left field. The Tiger starting pitcher lasted just two innings allowing the five runs on four hits. The Swedes added five more in the fourth to grab a 10-3 lead.

The Tigers would get three in the bottom of the fourth on singles from Nick Hammeke and Jordan Miller. Clayton Garland’s homer an inning later cut the gap to 10-7.

Bethany took advantage of a couple of Tiger errors in the sixth to score two and build their lead to 12-7. It would stay that way until the Tigers struck for the seven runs in the eighth.

The Tigers close out their home schedule with doubleheaders Friday and Saturday against Lindenwood. Friday’s games begin at 2pn and Saturday’s start at 1pm. You can hear the second game each day on KAYS (1400-AM).

Steve Johnson Postgame Interview