The Hays Larks fell behind 5-0, but unlike the night before against Santa Barbara, their comeback fell short as they lost 12-7 to the NJCAA National Team in the winner’s bracket finals at the 80th NBC World Series in Wichita. The Larks, who see their 12-game win streak snapped, fall to 3-1 in the tournament and will play in an elimination game on Thursday. The NJCAA National Team moves to 4-0 and is the only remaining unbeaten team in the tournament.

Frank Leo Postgame Interview

Game Highlights

The NJCAA scored three in the first then added two in the second. The Larks answered with a run in the third on a Michael Burns groundout. They would tack on two more in the bottom of the fifth to pull within two. Thomas Clay, Michael Burns and Tyler Leffler all singled with one out to pull the Larks within 5-3. Leffler was tagged out at second after over sliding the bag on a stolen base attempt. Tyler Detmer struck out to end the threat.

The NJCAA National Team blew the game open in the seventh, scoring four unearned runs following a two-out error by shortstop Tyler Leffler who had three errors on the night.

Trailing 11-4, the Larks scored a run in the eighth then added three in the ninth.

Reagan Biechler takes the loss in his Larks debut, allowing five runs (three earned) on seven hits over three innings.

Tyler Albert had two hits and drove in three. Tyler Leffler added three hits and two RBIs.