HAYSVILLE, Kan. – A nine-run 1st inning set the tone for the Great Bend Bat Cats as they defeated the Haysville Aviators on the road 15-2 Monday, July 14.
The Bat Cats had five hits in the opening frame to give them the nine runs early, also scoring on an error. The Aviators finished with six defensive errors on the game and gave up six walks.
After Haysville put themselves on the board in the bottom of the first inning, the Cats added three more runs in the 3rd inning on two errors. Great Bend’s other three runs came in the 6th inning on a hit, a walk, and a wild pitch. The game ended in the 7th inning on a run rule with Great Bend on top 15-2.
Kyle Walker went 3-3 at the plate, also drawing two walks and scoring three runs. JJ Fontana went 2-4, but led the team with three RBI. Caleb Cowan added a pair of hits and three runs as well. Andrew McCarthy started the game on the mound, throw 2 2/3 innings. However, Carson Umphres, fresh off of his walk-off win Sunday, threw eight strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings.
The win puts the Bat Cats just one game behind the Junction City Brigade and Derby Twins for a chance to head to the National Baseball Congress World Series. The Bat Cats have five games remaining, including a rematch with the Aviators Tues., July 15 at home. First pitch is at 7 p.m.
