JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs erased a one-run deficit in the ninth inning Sunday, scoring three runs and holding on for an 8-6 victory over the Junction City Brigade in Jayhawk Collegiate League action.
Trailing 6-5 entering the final frame, the Monarchs delivered the game's biggest hit when Jackson Schanuel lined a double that brought home three runs and put Hutchinson back in front for good at 8-6.
The Monarchs struck first in the second inning when Brady Taylor launched a solo home run to right field on the sixth pitch of his at-bat.
Junction City answered in the fourth, taking a 3-1 lead behind RBI singles from Dalton Jorgensen and Tyler Coffin.
Hutchinson battled back in the fifth. James Dagenhart grounded into a fielder's choice that allowed the Monarchs to tie the game at 3-3.
The game remained tight into the late innings before Brice Wallare delivered an RBI double in the eighth inning, helping Hutchinson move ahead 5-3.
The Brigade responded immediately in the bottom half of the inning. Collin Ross drew a bases-loaded walk and Kyle Walker followed with a two-run single as Junction City surged in front 6-5.
The lead lasted only until the ninth when Schanuel's clutch double swung momentum back to the Monarchs.
Cooper Harris started on the mound for Hutchinson, allowing three runs, two earned, on six hits over four innings while striking out two and walking two.
Jett Wahlmeier started for the Brigade and worked five innings, giving up three runs on three hits with two strikeouts and four walks.
The Monarchs' bullpen proved pivotal. Daegen Vinduska, Cole Toureau and Wallare combined to shut down Junction City over the final innings and secure the comeback victory.
Schanuel paced Hutchinson offensively, going 3-for-5 with three RBIs from the cleanup spot. Wallare added two hits in four at-bats. The Monarchs also showed patience at the plate, drawing seven walks and turning one double play.
Walker led Junction City with a 3-for-4 performance and three RBIs. Coffin collected two hits, while Ross drew three walks. The Brigade totaled 10 hits and swiped seven bases, including three steals by Walker. Junction City played error-free defense and turned one double play.
With the win, the Monarchs (7-3) continue their strong start to the summer season and will travel to Haysville on Tuesday to face the Aviators.
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