HAYSVILLE, Kan. (AP) — The Hutchinson Monarchs were unable to keep pace with the Haysville Aviators on Tuesday night, falling 12-5 in Jayhawk Collegiate League action in Haysville.
The Monarchs struck first in the top of the second inning when Wes Baker launched a solo home run to right field for a 1-0 lead.
Haysville answered in the bottom half of the inning, taking a 2-1 advantage on an RBI triple by Rob Evans and an RBI groundout from Preston Gajewski.
The Aviators built their lead to 4-1 before Hutchinson battled back in the fifth. Carter Hepner delivered an RBI single and James Dagenhart followed with a run-scoring double as the Monarchs tied the game at 4-4.
Haysville regained the lead in the bottom of the fifth when Cooper Fiskewold singled home a run, putting the Aviators back on top 5-4.
After Hutchinson trimmed the deficit to one run, the Aviators broke the game open in the seventh inning. Haysville scored five runs in the frame, taking advantage of an error, a bases-loaded walk by Gajewski, a hit batter that forced in a run, and a two-run single by John Spoto to stretch the lead to 11-5.
Brayden Henry started on the mound for the Monarchs and allowed four runs on three hits over 3 1/3 innings while striking out five and walking two. Haysville starter Cooper Senne worked six innings, surrendering four runs on six hits while striking out eight and issuing one walk.
Baker paced the Monarchs offensively, going 2-for-3 with a home run. Hepner, Dagenhart, Baker and Drew Bugner each drove in a run for Hutchinson.
Evans led the Aviators with three RBIs while going 3-for-4 at the plate. Fiskewold added two hits, and Haysville drew six walks as a team. Gajewski, Owen Rush and Colton Ruedy each worked two walks. The Aviators also turned two double plays defensively.
The Monarchs will look to bounce back Wednesday when they host the Aviators in the second game of the home-and-home series.