HILLSBORO, Kan. — Hesston College broke open a back-and-forth game with timely hitting and a steady finish on the mound to defeat Tabor College 10-6 on Wednesday afternoon. The Larks collected 16 hits and scored in five different innings, overcoming a quick response from the Bluejays and pulling away late with two runs in both the seventh and eighth innings.
Hesston struck first with two runs in the opening inning, then added three more in the third to build a 5-3 lead. Tabor answered with single runs in the third and fourth and later trimmed the deficit again with a two-run seventh, but the Larks continued to answer each push. Their balanced offensive attack produced 10 runs on 16 hits, while the pitching staff limited Tabor to just five hits on the day.
Kaleb Wise turned in the biggest offensive performance for Hesston, going 4-for-5 with five RBIs. Samuel Vasquez also had a huge day, finishing 3-for-3 with a home run, three runs scored and two hit-by-pitches, reaching base in all five plate appearances. Hayden Kearney set the tone at the top of the order with a perfect 3-for-3 outing, two sacrifice bunts, two stolen bases and a run scored, while Corbin Broyles drove in three runs on two hits. Manuel Aranguren added two hits and scored twice, and Chris Cammllarie chipped in a double as the Larks kept pressure on Tabor throughout the afternoon.
On the mound, Colby Simkins gave Hesston three innings in the start, allowing three runs while striking out three. Kevyn Velazco covered the fourth, and Trenton Zarechi earned the win with three innings of relief, striking out three while working through the middle frames. Aaron Shipp closed the door over the final two innings, allowing just one hit and no runs to secure the victory. Hesston’s staff combined for seven strikeouts and stranded Tabor opportunities throughout the game.
Despite committing three errors, the Larks made enough defensive plays to hold off the Bluejays and finish the non-conference road win. With the victory, Hesston improved to 5-14 on the season.
The Larks will be back at home this weekend for a three-game series with Randall University. The Larks and Saints will play a single game on Friday (Mar.13) at 6 p.m. followed by a doubleheader on Saturday (Mar. 14) starting at 1 p.m.
