The Hays Monarchs offense came through when it counted once again as they claimed the AA American Legion State Championship Saturday afternoon in Colby beating Iola 8-3.

With one out in the top of the first inning the Monarchs collected four straight singles, scoring two runs. Braiden Werth and Justin Pfeifer delivered RBI singles to put Hays up 2-0.

Iola plated two in their half of the first to tie the game at 2.

Hays took advantage of two Iola errors scoring two runs in the fourth inning taking a 4-2 lead. The Monarchs got another run across, on an error in the fifth giving Hays a 5-2 lead.

In the sixth inning the Monarchs got three walks and Jared Vitztum scored on a wild pitch. Jordan Gottschalk and Ryan Ruder added RBI singles putting Hays up 8-3.

Kameron Schmidt allowed three runs in the complete-game 7 inning victory. His second win of the tournament.

Justin Pfeifer finished 2-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI.

Hays improved to 27-7 and have won five in-a-row.

They will represent Kansas at the Central Regional in Le Sueur, Minn., beginning Aug. 6.

Click here for the tournament schedule.

Iola was also selected to take part in the regional after they finished second to the Monarchs.