Griffons fall to Hays Larks

Nevada Daily Mail

In an extra-innings duel, hard fought to the end the Nevada Griffons took a 5-3 loss at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium in Wichita.

Going into Wednesday's game, the Griffons was one of eight teams still in the running for the championship in the NBC World Series, taking on long-time Jayhawk League Hays Larks

The Griffons drew first blood in the contest, plating one run in the first inning, Both teams remained scoreless until the fourth, when the Griffons recorded their second run. With two outs and MJ Sartin on first thanks to a walk, Jesse Solar's single to right field sent Sartin to third; and Eric Sousanes' single scored Sartin before the final batter struck out to retire the side.

Hays remained scoreless until the seventh, when they plated 2, answered by a third run by the Griffons in the bottom of the seventh. Things were looking good for the Griffons, but in the eighth inning Hays tied it up, and a scoreless ninth inning was followed by a 10th that netted both teams goose eggs as well.

Tied at 3-3, the 11th inning proved disastrous for the Griffons. Hays started out with two singles, bringing on a pitching change bringing in Nick Ford to replace Ron Johnson, who'd come in in the 8th, lasting 2 2/3 innings, during which he walked none, struck out one, and allowed two runs.

Both runners advanced into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt that netted one out. With runners on second and third, a passed ball scored Larks rightfielder Austin Darby, and advanced first baseman Ryan Busboom to third. Todd Reller grounded out and Busboom scored on another passed ball to Adam Humes, who walked. With Nick Ford on the mound, pitching woes continued and Elvin Rodriguez also walked, putting Humes in scoring position again, before Aaron Cornell grounded out to end the inning.

The Griffons answered by loading the bases with no outs, but the rally fizzled when Parker McDaniel struck out swinging for the first out, and Matt Burns hit into double play; ending the game, and with it the Griffon's bid for the title.

Ron Johnson was charged with his first loss of the year.