The Hays Larks erased an 8-2 deficit, scoring five runs in the eighth and three in the ninth to force extra innings, but the comeback bid falls short as they lose 11-10 to Liberal and split the two-game series at Brent Gould Field.

The Bee Jays got a lead off double followed by two walks to load the bases with no outs in the 12th. The winning run scored off  wild pitch on a strikeout.

Aaron Cornell, the Larks fifth pitcher of the night, takes the loss in relief, striking out six and walking three over 2 1/3 innings. Starter Derek Birginske allowed seven runs on eight hits, striking out seven and walking none over five innings.

Derrick Mount and Tyler Leffler both homered. Mount’s three-run shot with one out in the ninth tied the game and eventually forced extra innings.

The Larks are now 10-5 overall and 7-5 in league play. They’re off today before opening a three-game weekend series in Derby tomorrow.

Elsewhere in the Jayhawk League Wednesday… Derby beat El Dorado 11-5 and Wellington moves to 16-0 with an 8-1 non-league win over Newton. The Heat lead the league by three-games over Derby and 3 1/2 over the Larks who drop to third place.