Blues on Brink; Hays blasts Garden

Hays, Kan (westernkansasnews.com)-Leading up to Thursday night’s game, Finney County had been the one applying the punches. They had scored 23 runs in their previous two postseason games. In the semifinals of the AAA American Legion State Tournament against Hays, they were hit with a haymaker, and they never recovered. 

The defending state champions collected 18 hits en route to a 16-4, 8-inning, mercy-rule victory at Larks Park. 

The loss drops the Blues into an elimination game vs. Newton Friday afternoon. If they win, Finney could meet up with Emporia again-the same team they dismantled in the first round. 

Noteworthy: Blues were without Head Coach Lyle Befort who was attending teacher in service. Most likely, the team will be without him again on Friday.