The Hays Larks open a three-game series in Derby Friday night. Since their 8-0 start, the Larks have lost five of seven and sit in third place in the Jayhawk League, a half-game back of the Twins and four behind first-place Wellington.

The Larks should be getting some much needed help for their ailing pitching staff. Blake Roley and Spencer Applebach have been added to the roster and should be with the team in Derby. Roley just wrapped up his sophomore season at Carl Albert (Okla.) State College where he went 2-4 with one save and a 2.66 ERA. Applebach just finished his sophomore season at Chandler-Gilbert (Ariz.) CC, going 2-4 with a 5.97 ERA.

The Larks have also added catcher Joe Hallock who just finished his sophomore season at North Iowa Area CC. Starting catcher Tanner DeVinny is out until late July with a broken finger suffered in the Larks final home game with Wellington this past Sunday.

The Larks had only 18 in uniform for their two games in Liberal this week, which they split, winning 12-3 on Tuesday and loisng 11-10 in 12 innings Wednesday.

Following their weekend games in Derby, the Larks return home for six of their next seven beginning with Dodge City on Tuesday (6/24)..

In the Jayhawk League Thursday night… Wellington remains unbeaten with a 4-3, 14 inning victory over El Dorado. The Heat are now 17-0 overall and 10-0 in league play. Dodge City beat Liberal 11-4 for their league victory… In addition to the Larks at Derby this weekend, Dodge City plays at El Dorado and Liberal at Wellington.