DODGE CITY – The Hays Larks matched their season high for runs allowed and gave up a season high 17 hits as they drop the first game of their three-game series with second place Dodge City 9-2 Monday night at Cavalier Field.

The A’s (14-6, 12-6 JL) scored seven runs over the fourth, fifth and sixth innings to keep their chances of winning the first half Jayhawk League title alive.

Down 5-2, the Larks (19-3, 15-3 JL) loaded the bases with one out in the sixth but Josh Minjarez lined out to second and Jacob Boston struck out. The A’s then scored four in the bottom of the inning to blow the game open.

Starter Stephen Yancey (2-1) took the loss. He allowed five runs on 11 hits with four strikeouts and no walks over four innings.

Jacob Boston had three of the Larks 10 hits. Garrett McKinzie homered.

The Larks can clinch the first half crown with a win at home Wednesday night. Free admission for the seven o’clock game courtesy of Bank of Hays and Werth Wealth Management.