ERBY, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs responded from Thursday night's loss by building an early cushion and holding off a late rally to defeat the Derby Twins 5-4 Friday night.
The victory allowed the Monarchs to earn a split of the two-game series after Derby snapped Hutchinson's seven-game winning streak a night earlier.
Derby struck first in the opening inning when Jude Almaraz drove in a run on a sacrifice fly, but the Monarchs answered in the third. Jaden Gustafson delivered a two-run single to put Hutchinson in front, and Jackson Harding added another run when he hit into a double play, giving the Monarchs a 3-1 advantage.
Hutchinson stretched the lead to 5-1 in the fourth inning before Derby chipped away. The Twins pulled within a run late, scoring on an RBI single and a sacrifice fly, but the Monarchs' bullpen closed the door to preserve the victory.
Gabe Winans earned the win after turning in a solid start for Hutchinson. The right-hander allowed one run on three hits over five innings while striking out five and walking three. Vinny Jarrell and Kale Day combined in relief to finish off the win.
Derby's Dylan Hunsaker took the loss after surrendering five runs on four hits in three innings. He struck out five and walked five.
The Monarchs were aggressive both at the plate and on the bases. Hutchinson drew eight walks and stole six bases, with Carter Hepner swiping two. James Dagenhart and Jackson Schanuel each reached base twice via walks.
Gustafson drove in two runs to lead the Monarchs' offense, while Drew Bugner paced the team with three hits, finishing 3 for 6.
Derby was limited to five hits, with Gavin Mesa, Spencer Simpson, Mason Wisnieski, Josh Weaver and Dawson Robbins each collecting one. Weaver drove in two runs, while Mesa drew two of the Twins' seven walks. Derby also turned two double plays.
Hutchinson (15-7) returns home Tuesday to host the Wichita Black Sox at Hobart-Detter Field before continuing its busy week of Jayhawk Collegiate League play.