HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs rallied from an early deficit and leaned on stellar relief pitching to defeat the Haysville Aviators 5-2 Sunday night at Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park.
Trailing 2-0 entering the bottom of the fourth inning, the Monarchs chipped away and tied the game with a sacrifice fly from Jackson Legg and an RBI single from Joey Senstock. Hutchinson then took the lead for good in the sixth when AJ Mustow launched a solo home run to right, putting the Monarchs on top 3-2.
Jacob "Jake" Gutierrez added insurance in the seventh with a two-run single, scoring Dylan Bell and Omare Cross, both of whom had reached on back-to-back singles. Gutierrez finished 3-for-4 with a double, a run scored, and two RBIs.
After starter Lachian Rosser labored through 2.2 innings, giving up two runs and four walks, the Monarchs turned to reliever Carson Gonzalez, who shut the door on Haysville with 4.1 scoreless innings, striking out six and allowing just two hits. Camden Cornelius followed with a dominant eighth, striking out the side. Russell Copous earned the save, striking out two in the ninth after allowing a single.
Haysville opened the scoring in the third on a two-run double from Braden Horn but left the bases loaded, one of several missed opportunities. The Aviators stranded nine runners and were held hitless in the final three innings.
With the win, Hutchinson continues to pace the Jayhawk Collegiate League standings (19-5) and gains momentum ahead of the NBC World Series in Wichita later this month.
The Monarchs return to action Monday night at Hobart-Detter Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. with coverage available on HutchPost.com. This will be the game that was suspended from June 23rd and will pick up in the bottom of the first inning with one out and the Monarchs leading 3-1.