Lyons Ends Scott City’s Season

Lyons, Kan. (westernkansasnews.com)–The Lyons Lions ended Scott City’s bid for their first state tournament appearance in three years Tuesday afternoon, with an 11-8 win over the Beavers.

Scott City did score first in the top of the first inning, when they plated three runs on two hits. After the first Lyons batter was retired, the next six reached base safely, with five runs. The Lions added one run in the second, third and fourth innings to lead 8-3 heading into the fifth. In the top half of the fifth, the Beavers started the inning with five consecutive hits, and scored four runs to pull to within one at 8-7. Lyons would separate themselves with three in the bottom of the inning to push their lead to four. After a scoreless sixth inning, the Beavers were only able to score one run in a comeback attempt and fall 11-8.

Scott City ended up with 11 hits in the game, while Lyons finished with 15. Errors at critical times hurt the Beavers, as they finished with four in the game. Keigun Wells and Austin Habiger did provide a bright spot for the defense, as they caught two Lions stealing and Habiger connected with Wells at home for the tag out to prevent a run. Brett O’Neil started on the hill, and gave up six runs on six hits in two innings of work. Drew Kite went the final four innings, giving up five runs on nine hits. Kite had a three-hit game and drove in two runs. Habiger finished with three rbi to lead the team.

The Beavers end the 2013 season at 10-9, and lose six seniors, including Devyn Eggleston, Austin Habiger, Tyler Hess, Drew Kite, Brett O’Neil and Collin Ratzlaff.

In the second semi-final game, Lakin avenged regional final losses in the past three years, and knocked off TMP-Marian 4-2. The Broncs would lose to Lyons in the regional championship 7-1, and will play at Tointon Family Stadium in Manhattan in the Class 3A State Tournament Thursday, May 23.