The Hays Larks rally from a five-run deficit to defeat the Santa Barbara (CA) Foresters 9-7 in the winner’s bracket semifinals at the 80th NBC World Series in Wichita. The Larks are now 3-0 in the tournament and 32-13 overall after picking up their 12th straight win. They will face the winner of the late game between either the NJCAA National Team of the Haysville (KS) Aviators in the feature game Thursday night. Santa Barbara (38-11) drops to 2-1 in the tournament and advances to the round of six Thursday.

Frank Leo Postgame Interview

Game Highlights

The Foresters scored two in the second and three in the fifth off Larks starter Aaron Breit. Derek Birginske’s grand slam to left highlighted the Larks five-run fifth which tied the game 5-5. The Foresters strung together four straight hits to take the lead back with two runs in the top of the sixth. The Larks answered with three in the bottom of the inning to take the lead back for good. Derrick Mount started the Larks second comeback with a two-out single. Michael Burns followed with a single to left. Tyler Leffler doubled, driving in two to tie the game. Tyler Detmer then doubled to give the Larks the lead for good.

Relievers D.J. Carr, Ian Bentley and Blake Rogers combined to pitch 3 2/3 scoreless to preserve the victory. Carr gets the win and Rogers, who walked one and gave up a single, picks up the save.