Dodge City took advantage of three Larks errors, scoring eight unearned runs over the first three innings and defeat Hays 12-1 Tuesday night at Larks Park. The Larks have lost eight of their last 10 including four straight for the first time since 2010. They are now 10-8 overall and 7-8 in the Jayhawk League. Dodge City has won eight of 10 and improve to 9-10 and 4-10 in league play.

Frank Leo Postgame Interview

A dropped foul ball by second baseman Derrick Mount on the first at-bat of the game opened the door for two unearned runs in the first inning. A two-out error by third baseman Kevin Czarnecki followed by three straight singles led to two more unearned runs in the second.

The A’s blew the game open with third, scoring four unearned runs. After striking out the leadoff batter, David Koll walked three straight to load the bases. with two outs, Kevin Czarnecki couldn’t handle a chopper allowing a run to score. The A’s followed with two singles and an 8-1 lead.

Koll allowed the eight runs, all unearned, on seven hits over 2 2/3 innings, walking four and striking out four.

A’s starter Matt Ray held the Larks to one run on five hits over five innings. Matt Gunderson pitched four shutout innings, allowing just two hits, for the save.

The two teams meet again Wednesday night in Dodge City. Hays then returns home for five straight beginning Thursday against Boulder who was rained out Tuesday at El Dorado.