HAYS – 12 of the first 14 pitches thrown to the Hays Larks Thursday night were balls. The three walks were the catalyst to an eight-run first inning and the Larks cruised to an 11-1, seven inning run-rule win over the Denver Cougars.

The Larks (26-7) drew six walks in the first inning and took advantage of two throwing errors to take control of the game early. Jimmy DeLeon, Palmer Hutchison, who was called in from the Hays Eagles Senior American Legion, and Justin Lee all drove in runs with hits.

Wyatt Divis drew three of the 13 walks to the Larks and drove in three runs. Lee and Hutchison drove in two runs as the Larks won their fifth straight.

Nash Neff allowed one run on three hits with a season-high nine strikeouts and two walks and picked up the complete game victory, his first of the season.

The same two teams play Friday night. It’s Pack the Pantry weekend with all fans are encouraged to bring a canned food or non-perishable food item. Admission is free courtesy of the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Hays Regional Airport.