After a year’s absence, the Hays Larks are headed back to the NBC World Series. The Larks clinched the runner-up spot from the Jayhawk Leaguewith a 5-3 win over Dodge City in the regular season finale in front of a big crowd Wednesday night at Larks Park.

Hays jumped out to a 5-0 lead before giving up three in the top of the ninth thanks to two errors.

Aaron Cornell’s RBI double in the first gave the Larks the early lead. The Larks added two in the second on a Sean Wilson RBI single and wild pitch. Jon Ryan connected on his tenth homer of the season in the third. His two-run blast gave the Larks a 5-0 lead. 

Justin Ziegler allowed just one hit over the first five innings for his fourth win of the season. Ziegler struck out six and walked one. Kirk Jewasko and Tory Doerr followed with three scoreless innings before Michael Burchett gave up one earned run in the ninth.

The Larks wrap up the regular season 28-16 and finish second in the Jayhawk League at 20-14, two games behind Haysville.

Hays will play in the feature game Monday night at the NBC World Series against the Crestwood (Ill.) Panthers. You can hear the game on KAYS (1400-AM).

Listen to Larks manager Frank Leo’s postgame comments
Leo Postgame 7-27-11