The Hays Larks got a solid start from Jake Fromson then four scoreless innings from relievers David Koll and Blake Rogers in a 4-1 victory over the defending champion Seattle (WA) Studs at the 80th NBC World Series in Wichita Saturday night and early Sunday morning. The Larks have now won 11-straight and improve to 31-13. They advance to the third round of the winners bracket where they will face the winner of Sunday’s game between the St. Joseph (MO) Mustangs or the Santa Barbara (CA) Foresters Tuesday night.

Frank Leo Postgame Interview

 

Game Highlights

 

Fromson pitched five innings, allowing one unearned run on three hits and picks up his fifth win of the season. He worked out of jam in the second. After the Studs put runners on second and third with one out, Fromson induced a popup and strikeout to get out the inning. After retiring the first two batters in the fifth, Fromson gave up a walk and a single but struck out Bobby LeCount to end the threat.

David Koll struck out the side in the sixth but yielded a two-out walk in the seventh. Blake Rogers got a groundout for the final out then pitched two more scoreless innings for his first save as a Lark and fourth of the summer. The former Liberal BeeJay recorded back-to-bacl strikeouts in the eighth after giving up two base hits. He sent the Studs down in order in the ninth, striking out Max Whitt to end the game.

The Larks grabbed the lead in the second when Derrick Mount scored from first when Michael Burns and Stud second baseman Marcus Hinkle collided on a play at first base. Tyler Detmer drove in the second run on a bloop single to left.

Brooks Balisterri put Hays up 3-1 with a sac fly in the sixth. Detmer hit a home run in the seventh for the final margin.