LIBERAL, Kan. – The Liberal Bee Jays scored nine runs in the bottom of the first inning and rolled to an 18-6 win over the Hays Larks Monday night at Brent Gould Field, locking up their first Jayhawk League crown since 1999.

Larks starter Peyton Battenfield (4-2) allowed eight runs on five hits without recording an out.

The Larks actually led 3-0 after a half inning but that would be it as they drop their second straight for only the third time this summer.

Jonathan Soberanes had three hits and Trevor Boone hit a home run and drove in two.

The Larks (27-13, 27-12 Jayhawk League) are back at home Tuesday night for the start of a three-game series with El Dorado to close out the regular season. Free admission for the 7 pm game courtesy of the Plainville Knights of Columbus, Quest Diagnostics and Astra Bank.