JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs mounted a late rally but couldn't overcome a big seventh inning by the Junction City Brigade, falling 9-6 Thursday night in Jayhawk Collegiate League action.
The Brigade broke open a close game by scoring five runs in the bottom of the seventh to build a 9-2 advantage before the Monarchs rallied with four runs in the ninth.
Marcus Gradney started the comeback with a solo home run to right field. Jaden Gustafson followed with a two-run double, and Brice Wallar added an RBI single to trim the deficit to three, but Hutchinson was unable to bring the tying run to the plate.
Junction City struck first in the second inning. Cale Ortner launched a solo home run to left field before Dalton Jorgensen drove in a run with a groundout and Tyler Coffin added an RBI single to give the Brigade a 3-0 lead.
The Monarchs chipped away before Junction City put the game out of reach in the seventh. Ortner delivered a two-run double, Hayden Oviatt followed with an RBI double, Jorgensen lifted a sacrifice fly, and Coffin drove in another run on a groundout as the Brigade extended their lead to seven runs.
Brayden Henry took the loss for Hutchinson after allowing four runs, three earned, on seven hits over four innings. He struck out two without issuing a walk.
Jackson Waggoner earned the win for Junction City, limiting the Monarchs to two runs on six hits over seven innings while striking out three and walking two.
Hutchinson finished with 11 hits. Gustafson led the offense by going 3-for-5 with two RBIs, while JJ Spafford added two hits. Gradney, Carter Hepner, Drew Bugner, Wallar and Gustafson each drove in a run.
The Brigade collected 13 hits, led by Ortner, who went 3-for-4 with three RBIs. Coffin, Kale Koch, Oviatt and Collin Ross each had multiple-hit games. Coffin also stole three bases as Junction City swiped four bases overall. The Brigade also turned three double plays.
The Monarchs will look to bounce back Friday when they travel to face the Haysville Aviators at home.
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