Nevada Griffons defeat Hays Larks 7-3, remain undefeated

Griffons left fielder Eric DeBlanc lays down a bunt-single during Tuesday's game with the Hays Larks. [Click to enlarge]

With 158 fans in attendance, the Nevada Griffons beat the Hays Larks 7-3 at Lyons Stadium last night.

Starting pitchers, Mike Ratigan, for Nevada, and Patrick Cooper, for Hays, both got off to an impressive start, allowing no runs and no hits in the first inning. But, Ratigan came out with a slight advantage in the beginnings of what looked like it may become a pitcher's duel, notching one strikeout in the inning.

Hays threatened in the second inning with a hit and stolen base by Dusty Washburn, but thanks to another strikeout by Ratigan and punishing defense by the rest of the Griffons, the Larks were shut out once again.

Eric DeBlanc is safe at third on a steal in the fifth inning during Tuesday's game with the Hays Larks. [Click to enlarge]

Nevada had the benefit of one walk in their half of the inning, but were unable to record a hit or get on the scoreboard.

The Larks' offense showed a bit of a spark with a solo home run by Chase Schippers, but were not able to mount any more offense until the game's final frame. Nevada was able to answer the Hays run in the fourth inning with a walk, a stolen base by Logan Meisler and a sacrifice fly by Harrison Waters.

Nevada's offensive fire continued to burn in the fifth inning, helping them to score four more runs on four hits with the aid of the second walk of the game surrendered by Hays pitching and the game's first error. And yet again, Nevada added to their lead with two more runs on three hits in the sixth.

Griffons third baseman Ryan Shay scoops up a ground ball and throws to first for an out in the third inning of Tuesday's game with the Hays Larks. [Click to enlarge]

By the seventh inning, the Larks started to threaten again, recording three hits in the frame, but Nevada's pitched cracked down on them again and did not allow a run, notching two more strikeouts. Nevada's offense stalled out after their fifth and sixth inning rally, only recording one more hit for the rest of the game, with three strikeouts. But, Nevada was able to get a base runner when Eric Deblanc was hit by a pitch in the eighth inning.

The Larks attempted to mount one final comeback in the ninth inning, scoring two runs on one hit, with two walks and a stolen base by Ty Adams, but fell short, losing the game by a final score of 7-3. Nevada finished the game with 10 hits, three walks and four strikeouts, while Hays only managed eight hits with three walks and 13 strikeouts. Nevada also benefitted from one hit batsman.

In a post game interview, Coach John Hill III said that he was very impressed with his team's performance throughout the game. "They really pieced stuff together, and didn't try to do too much," Hill said.

He stressed that he was very happy with the team's defense and the "good, quality at-bats" that his players gave to the game. "Good defense makes pitching better," Hill said in response to the overall performance of his defense and his pitching.

The Griffons will now be heading out on the road, with a game in Newton County, Kan. this Thursday followed by a three game set at Derby, Kan. June 13-15.