NEWTON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs continued their recent surge Monday night, pounding out 12 hits and drawing 11 walks in a 12-5 victory over the Newton Rebels at E. 14th Street and North Kansas Avenue.
The win was Hutchinson's third in its last four games.
Newton struck first in the opening inning when Danny Balderas singled home a run to give the Rebels a 1-0 advantage. The Monarchs answered in the second as James Dagenhart worked a bases-loaded walk to even the score at 1-1.
Hutchinson broke the game open in the fourth inning, sending 10 batters to the plate while scoring four runs to take a 5-1 lead. Brice Wallar and Michael Barham each delivered RBI singles, while Jackson Harding drove in two more runs on a fielder's choice.
The Monarchs continued to add on throughout the night and put the finishing touch on the victory in the eighth when JJ Spafford launched a solo home run to left field.
Brayden Henry got the start for Hutchinson and struck out six while allowing just one run on three hits over three innings. Vinny Jarrell was dominant out of the bullpen, tossing three scoreless innings while surrendering only two hits and striking out three.
Hutchinson's offense featured contributions throughout the lineup. Marcus Gradney, Spafford, Harding, Wallar and Barham each collected two hits. Spafford and Harding drove in three runs apiece.
Dagenhart showed patience at the plate with three walks as the Monarchs finished with 11 free passes.
The Monarchs also shined defensively, turning three double plays and committing no errors. Harding anchored the defense with 11 putouts.
Balderas led Newton with two hits and an RBI, while Preston Carillo and Sam Schmidt also collected two hits each. Jaylon Humbles, Taj Smith and Samuel Benz each drove in a run for the Rebels. Newton showed patience as well, drawing 10 walks and stealing four bases, including two by Benz.
Newton turned one double play in the contest.
The Monarchs will look to keep their momentum rolling Wednesday when they travel to face the Performance Factory Phenoms at 7 pm in Rose Hill.
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