HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Marcus Gradney drove in six runs and the Hutchinson Monarchs erupted for five runs in the first inning on their way to a 14-6 victory over the Haysville Aviators Friday night at Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park.
Gradney powered the Monarchs' offense with a two-run home run in the opening inning and added a two-run double in the seventh as Hutchinson bounced back in impressive fashion.
The Monarchs wasted little time taking control. Carson Umphres started the scoring with a two-run double in the bottom of the first before Dalton Sabathe added a sacrifice fly. Gradney then capped the five-run inning by launching a two-run homer to right field for a 5-0 advantage.
Hutchinson extended its lead in the third when James Dagenhart ripped an RBI double down the right-field line and Gradney added another run with a groundout to make it 7-0.
Kevyn Velazco picked up the victory in relief, allowing two runs on four hits over 3 1/3 innings while striking out six and walking one.
Starter Kale Day worked 2 2/3 innings, allowing three runs without surrendering a hit. Day struck out two but issued seven walks before giving way to the bullpen. Camden Cornelious closed out the game to earn the save.
Haysville starter Cooper Senne took the loss after allowing seven runs, six earned, on seven hits over three innings. He struck out one and did not issue a walk.
The Monarchs finished with 11 hits, led by Dagenhart's 3-for-4 performance. Gradney drove in six runs on two hits, highlighting Hutchinson's balanced offensive attack.
Defensively, the Monarchs were flawless, committing no errors while turning two double plays. Jacob Knox handled a team-high nine chances in the field.
Tyler Hand paced the Aviators offensively, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs, while Culley Ohm added two hits. Haysville showed patience at the plate, drawing 11 walks. Preston Gajewski, Owen Rush and Colton Ruedy each walked twice.
The Monarchs will travel to Haysville on Monday for the second game of the home-and-home series with the Aviators.
Hutchinson will host the Jayhawk Summer League All-Star game tonight at Hobart-Detter field. The Hutchinson Baseball Club will put on a Vintage Baseball exhibition at 5:30pm followed by the Stars vs the Stripes All-Stars with first pitch being at 7pm.