HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Junction City Brigade took full advantage of erratic Hutchinson pitching Monday night, routing the Monarchs 14-1 in a seven-inning run-rule win on Eagle Media night at Hobart-Detter Field.
Junction City scored 11 of its 14 runs in the fourth through sixth innings, including seven in the fifth alone, capitalizing on a flurry of walks, hit batters, and defensive miscues. The Brigade plated four runs in the fourth without recording a hit, thanks to three walks, two hit batters, and a costly error.
Hutchinson starter Ethan Giesbrecht (3-1) took the loss after allowing three earned runs over three innings, though the brunt of the damage came after his departure. Aiden Sowers and the Monarch bullpen struggled to stem the tide, surrendering nine runs over the next two innings on five walks, three hit batters, and two errors.
Joey Ruller (4-0) earned the win for Junction City, striking out nine and allowing just one run over six solid innings.
Junction City wasted no time, jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first with back-to-back RBI singles from Chad Pantuso and Eli Kellogg. Hutchinson (25-6) answered with a run in the bottom half, but would manage just four hits the rest of the way.
The Monarchs' lone bright spot came in the first, when Jacob Gutierrez, Tyson Vassart, and Jackson Legg strung together three straight singles to cut the early deficit in half. Hutch stranded runners in the fourth and sixth but never seriously threatened again.
With the loss, Hutchinson dropped to 25-6 on the season, while Junction City improved their standing ahead of the postseason as they are tied with the Derby Twins in the Jayhawk standings in second place both five games out.
The Monarchs continue their final week of the regular season Tuesday night in Junction City. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. Hutch returns to Hobart-Detter field on Friday night for Reno County Food Back night. Bring your non-perishable food items as a donation. That will be the final regular season game.