ROSE HILL, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs opened their 2026 summer baseball season in impressive fashion Friday night, using a six-run fifth inning to pull away for a 10-6 victory over the Performance Factory Phenoms on the road in Rose Hill.
The Monarchs broke through in the third inning when Carter Hepner grounded out to score a run and James Dagenhart followed with an RBI single to left field, giving Hutchinson an early 2-0 advantage.
Performance Factory cut into the lead in the fourth when Braden Roberts launched a solo home run to center field, trimming the deficit to 2-1.
Hutchinson responded with its biggest offensive surge of the night in the fifth inning, scoring six runs on three hits to take control. Jackson Harding delivered a two-run double, Hepner added a two-run groundout, Nash Wray contributed an RBI single, and Jackson Schanuel drew a bases-loaded walk to cap the rally as the Monarchs built an 8-1 lead.
The Phenoms battled back late, but Hutchinson continued to add insurance runs and held on for the season-opening win.
Jeffrey Neill earned the victory on the mound for the Monarchs. The right-hander allowed four hits over 3 1/3 scoreless innings while striking out six and issuing no walks. Carter Harrington, Cole Toureau, and Vinny Jarrell combined to finish the game in relief.
Performance Factory starter Peyton Gosch was charged with the loss after surrendering eight runs, four earned, on seven hits over 4 1/3 innings. He struck out two and walked three.
The Monarchs collected 12 hits in the contest. Hepner drove in a team-high three runs from the eighth spot in the batting order. Wray and Marcus Gradney each recorded three hits, while Dagenhart added a pair of hits in five at-bats.
Hutchinson also showed patience at the plate, drawing 10 walks. Harding, Brady Taylor, and Schanuel each worked two free passes. Defensively, the Monarchs played error-free baseball and turned a double play. Harding led the defensive effort with 11 chances.
Performance Factory finished with 13 hits. Roberts paced the Phenoms offense by going 3-for-4 with three RBIs, while Roberts and Myles Ross each collected three hits. Rowan Foster and Isaac Lager added multiple-hit performances. The Phenoms drew eight walks and turned three double plays.
The two teams are scheduled to meet again Saturday as the Monarchs look to complete a series sweep and improve to 2-0 on the young season. First pitch is set for 7pm at Hobart Detter Field in Hutchinson's Carey Park.
All monarch home games will be video streamed on monarchslive.tv and Hutchpost.com.