HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Jaden Gustafson blasted two home runs and drove in four runs Friday night as the Hutchinson Monarchs closed out their 2026 home schedule with a convincing 13-2 victory over the Newton Rebels at Hobart-Detter Field.
The Monarchs (20-9) wrapped up their regular-season home slate by pounding out 15 hits, using a pair of big innings to pull away after Newton scored twice in the opening frame.
The Rebels took a 2-0 lead in the first when Sam Schmidt delivered an RBI single and another run scored on a Hutchinson error. The Monarchs answered in the third, taking a 3-2 lead on Gustafson’s two-run homer to center field before Jacob Knox added an RBI groundout.
Hutchinson broke the game open with a six-run fourth inning. Drew Bugner and Gustafson hit back-to-back home runs before AJ Mustow capped the outburst with another long ball, giving the Monarchs a commanding 9-2 advantage.
The Monarchs added four more runs in the sixth. Knox launched a two-run homer to left, and Bugner followed with a two-run double to account for the final margin.
Brayden Henry earned the victory in relief, allowing just three hits over four scoreless innings while striking out four without issuing a walk. Starter Cole Toureau worked the opening inning, allowing two runs — one earned — before Henry took over. Kevyn Velazco finished with two scoreless innings, striking out two.
Bugner and Mustow each collected three hits, while Bugner matched Gustafson with four RBIs. Carter Hepner, JJ Spafford and Knox each added multiple-hit performances as Hutchinson finished with 15 hits and seven walks. James Dagenhart drew two walks, and the Monarchs also turned a double play.
Jaylon Humbles and Taj Smith each had two hits for Newton, while Schmidt drove in a run.
The Monarchs conclude their regular season Sunday with a road game at Newton before turning their attention to the NBC World Series in Wichita.
Hutchinson opens NBC World Series play at 6 p.m. Thursday , July 23rd, at Eck Stadium.