BJ’s Rally for Sweep in Hays

Liberal rallied for a second straight night in Hays for a victory at Larks Park. The BJ’s trailed 3-1 until the seventh when they scored two and one in the ninth. Liberal sweeps the two game series at Hays to pass the Larks in the standings.

Hays (7-3, 4-3) scored one in the first, one in the third, and one in the sixth. Liberal scored one in the first when Wichita State’s Dayne Parker blasted a homerun over the left field wall. Liberal didn’t score again until the seventh when they tied the game. UTA’s Travis Sibley and Parker led off the inning with singles. Wichita State’s Tyler Baker laced a double inside the first baseline to make it 3-2. OCU’s Johnathan Sigado drove a ball to center field for a sacrifice fly to tie the game.

The BJ’s plated the decisive run in the ninth. Sibley was beaned to lead off the ninth. After two outs were recorded, it took a two out single by Sigado followed by a clutch basehit to left by Louisiana Tech’s Stephen Gandy to drive home Sibley.

Coffeyville’s John Branum pitched three and 1/3 scoreless innings on the mound for the win. He entered the contest in the sixth with the bases loaded and two outs after the BJ’s had walked home a run to make it 3-1. Branum got out of the jam and didn’t allow a run the rest of the night. It was quite a series for Branum who saved the game Tuesday night after retiring two men.

Offensively, only OSU’s Ryan Schilhab had multiple hits going 2-4.

Liberal is 7-3 overall and 5-3 in the Jayhawk while Hays is 7-3 overall and 4-3 in the Jayhawk.

Liberal hosts Derby Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights at 7 p.m. on Talkradio 1270 and kscbnews.net. Madden Oil is Friday night’s buyout sponsor and admission is free.