Griffons keep Larks from fourth straight title

By Joe Warren

Nevada Daily Mail

The Nevada Griffons took only one of three games from the Hays Larks during a rare tripleheader on Thursday in Hays, Kan., but it was enough to make a difference.

The Larks needed a sweep to clinch their fourth consecutive Jayhawk League title, but instead fell one-half game short.

The Larks won the first game 7-5, getting a walk-off home run to secure the victory.

In the second game the Griffons turned to Trent Lare, who pitched a complete game in Nevada's 2-1 victory.

Lare allowed only five hits to the Larks in the contest.

In the nightcap, Jeff Hiestand started on the mound for the first time since little league, and he had all sorts of trouble as the Larks pummeled the Griffons, 15-0.

It was only the second time Hiestand has pitched this season.

The game was the regular season finale for both squads, each is headed to the NBC World Series with games next week.

With the Larks' loss, El Dorado won the Jayhawk League title with a 20-12 record. Hays finished 19-12.