HAYSVILLE, Kan. (AP) — The Hutchinson Monarchs saw a four-run lead slip away Wednesday night as the Haysville Aviators rallied for an 11-6 victory at Hobart-Detter Field.
Hutchinson jumped out to an early advantage, scoring three runs in the first inning. Wes Baker singled to left to drive in a run, Brice Wallar plated another during a double-play grounder, and Michael Barham added an RBI single down the right-field line to give the Monarchs a 3-0 lead.
The Monarchs extended the margin to 4-0 in the third when Carter Hepner delivered an RBI single down the right-field line.
Haysville answered in the fourth, taking advantage of three RBI singles from Brett Hennigan, Logan Hicks and Cooper Fiskewold to surge in front 5-4.
The Aviators broke the game open in the fifth, scoring five runs. Hennigan and Hicks each drew bases-loaded walks, Colton Ruedy lifted a sacrifice fly that brought home two runs, and Fiskewold added an RBI double as Haysville built a 10-4 cushion.
Despite outhitting the Aviators 10-9, Hutchinson could not overcome the big innings.
Dylan Dick earned the win for Haysville, allowing four runs on eight hits over five innings while striking out three and walking four. Daegen Vinduska took the loss for the Monarchs after surrendering five runs on five hits in 3 2/3 innings. He struck out six and walked two.
Baker and Wallar led the Monarchs with two hits apiece. Hepner, J.J. Spafford, Nash Wray, Baker and Barham each drove in a run. Hutchinson showed patience at the plate with eight walks, led by Jackson Harding and Jackson Schanuel with two each. Wallar also stole two bases, and the Monarchs turned two double plays.
Haysville was paced by Fiskewold, who went 3-for-5, while Joe Fenlon added two hits. Hennigan drove in three runs from the ninth spot in the lineup, and Hicks drew three walks as the Aviators collected nine free passes. Haysville also turned two double plays.
The loss dropped the Monarchs after back-to-back setbacks in Haysville, and they will look to bounce back Friday when they travel to face the Great Bend Bat Cats.