WICHITA, Kan. — AJ Mustow scored on a wild pitch in the seventh inning to lift the Hutchinson Monarchs past the Liberal Bee Jays 2-1 Wednesday in the opening round of bracket play at the National Baseball Congress World Series at Eck Stadium.
The victory advanced Hutchinson to Thursday’s quarterfinals against the Alaska Goldpanners.
Liberal took a 1-0 lead in the third inning when a run scored on Josiah Rojas’ double-play grounder. Hutchinson answered in the bottom half on an RBI single by JJ Spafford.
The score remained tied until Rush’s walk forced home the go-ahead run in the seventh.
Monarchs starter Ethan Brown allowed one run on four hits over six innings. He struck out two and walked two. Braxton Madrigal and Carter Swan combined for three scoreless innings of relief.
Hutchinson’s defense turned three double plays and held Liberal to four hits. Spafford, Drew Bugner, AJ Mustow and Nash Wray each recorded a hit for the Monarchs.
Liberal starter Joshua Caravalho allowed one run on three hits over 5 1/3 innings while striking out nine. Ben Finnegan led the Bee Jays with two hits and two stolen bases.
The Monarchs will face the Alaska Goldpanners on Thursday at 6 p.m. at Eck Stadium.
Wednesday's Final Scores
Austin Gold Sox 3, Tess's Army 2
Seattle Blackfins 3, BTL Hornets 1
Hutchinson Monarchs 2, Liberal Bee Jays 1
Seattle-Cheney Studs 8, Hays Larks 3
Thursday's Quarterfinals
12 p.m.: Austin Gold Sox vs. Santa Barbara Foresters
3 p.m.: Junction City Brigade vs. Seattle Blackfins
6 p.m.: Hutchinson Monarchs vs. Alaska Goldpanners
8:30 p.m.: Lonestar Baseball Club vs. Seattle-Cheney Studs