Griffons fall to Hays Larks in doubleheader 2-0, 7-2

A strong effort by the Nevada Griffons wasn't enough to pull a win in Tuesday night's doubleheader against the Hays Larks, and the Griffons recorded a loss in both games. A lead-off home run by Hays center fielder Mark Lyons began the evening, and a second Larks home run by right fielder Seth Fortenberry led the fourth inning, accounting for the Larks' two-run total for the game. The losses didn't come without a series of spectacular plays by the Griffons. Despite the loss, Griffons pitcher Jeff Gray struck out 8 during the seven-inning game. In the third inning, Griffons second baseman Eric Horstman made a spectacular grab for a ground ball followed by a quick throw that resulted in the out at first. In the fifth inning, Larks shortstop Dan Schwartz-bauer hit into a double play before Griffons first baseman Tim Law snatched a ground ball with an impressive thigh-splitting stretch, denying Hays catcher Jerod Goodale the single he hoped for and retiring the side. The game lasted just one and a half hours, with a final score of 2-0. Game two was scoreless until the fifth inning, when the Larks scored three of their seven runs after two walks and an error, a stolen base by Fortenberry and two singles the Larks managed before the Griffons defense shut down the Larks. In the third inning, Griffons catcher Brian Bugg led off the inning and took first base when he was struck by a pitch. Moments later, Bugg advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Law but was caught stealing for the third out of the inning. The Griffons scored the first of two runs in the fifth inning. Singles by Green and Bugg put runners at first and third. Law walked, loading the bases with two outs. Zach Hawks was hit by a pitch, advancing all three runners and scoring the run. Horstman struck out, ending the inning. The Larks increased their lead by 3 in the sixth and added one more in the seventh before Griffons left fielder Greg Kish homered to bring the score to 7-2. The Griffons face the Larks again tonight at 7 p.m. for the last in a three-game series.