By The Hays Daily News

LIBERAL -- The Hays Larks' pitching staff took a beating in the final two games of the team's three-game Jayhawk League series against Liberal.

After winning Friday's opener 13-6, the Larks lost 18-9 on Saturday and 12-7 on Sunday. Despite dropping two of three against the Bee Jays, Hays (25-14 overall, 19-10 Jayhawk) still holds a one-game lead over Derby (18-11 Jayhawk) in the league standings.

In Sunday's series finale, Hays starter Edwin Carl didn't make it out of the second inning. Carl (3-3) allowed seven runs on six hits in 1 1/3 innings. Reliever Jordan Beistline gave up five runs on six hits in 3 2/3 innings. Liberal (21-15, 16-12) led 7-5 after three innings, then scored three in the fourth and two in the fifth to lead 12-5.

Dusty Washburn and Clayton Karst each homered for Hays.

On Saturday, Liberal scored eight runs in the first and seven in the second. Hays starter Jason Stacy got only one out before being lifted. Stacy (2-1) gave up six runs on four hits. Reliever Tyler Sturdevant got two outs before being replaced, He surrendered five runs on two hits.

Casey Hauptman gave up four runs in two innings and Sam Elam allowed two runs in one inning. Andrew Heck restored some order, pitching four innings while allowing one run.

Brandon Eckerle and Rich Michalek each drove in three runs for Hays, with Kevin Hennessey collecting three hits and two RBIs.

Hays will play a two-game Jayhawk League series starting Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Dodge City.