Aaron Cornell drove in the tying run then knocked in the go-ahead run two innings later as the Hays Larks rallied for a 5-3 win over the Denver Cougars in their season opener on a cool Friday night at Larks Park.

Cornell, who will be a junior at Oklahoma State and was last season’s Jayhawk League Player of the Year, drove in UNC-Charlotte’s Brett Lang with a two-out double to tie the game at three in the sixth inning. His triple in the eighth also drove in Lang who doubled to start the inning. Cornell later scored on a wild pitch for a 5-3 lead.

Northwood University’s Jason Heflin came in to pitch in the ninth and loaded the bases after an error, hit batter and walk. He worked out of the jam with a popup and grounder back to the mound for a game-ending double play.

Heflin gets the save. Fort Hays State senior Shawn Lewick picks up the win after three innings of scoreless relief, striking out four and walking two.

Lang went 3-for-3 with two runs scored. Cornell finished 2-for-5 with two RBI’s.

NOTES: The Larks are back at home Saturday night for game two of the series beginning at 7pm… Admission is free thanks to McDonald’s and Farm Bureau Insurance. It’s also McKid’s Day and First Responders Appreciation Night with all first responders from the Ellis County Emergency Services, Hays Fire Department and Hays Police Department in attendance honored before the game.