HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Cannons broke open a close game with an eight-run fifth inning and rolled to a 13-2 victory over the Hutchinson Monarchs on Saturday night.
The Cannons collected 12 hits and drew eight walks, taking advantage of timely hitting to hand the Monarchs their second consecutive loss.
Kansas opened the scoring in the third inning when Wyatt Reeder delivered a two-run single as part of a three-hit frame that gave the visitors an early advantage.
The game remained within reach until the fifth inning when the Cannons erupted for eight runs on six hits. Talan Barraza and Jackson Witt each drove in a run with singles, Gunner Gustafson worked a bases-loaded walk, and Chase Davidson highlighted the rally with a three-run double. Reeder added another RBI on a fielder's choice before Colton Petersmith capped the inning with an RBI triple.
Kansas led 13-0 before Hutchinson finally got on the board in the bottom of the seventh. Marcus Gradney connected on a two-run home run to right field, driving in the Monarchs' only runs of the night.
Gavin Becker earned the victory for the Cannons, allowing just two hits over two scoreless innings while striking out four and walking none.
Cooper Harris took the loss for Hutchinson. The right-hander worked four innings, allowing seven runs, three earned, on eight hits while striking out six and issuing one walk.
Gradney finished 1-for-4 with the Monarchs' two RBIs. Jackson Schanuel paced Hutchinson offensively with two hits in three at-bats and added two stolen bases.
Kansas was led by Davidson, who went 2-for-4 with four RBIs. Witt, Reeder, Davidson, Barraza, Petersmith and Fernando Jorge each collected two hits. The Cannons also played error-free defense, with Witt handling a game-high 12 chances in the field.
The Monarchs will look to bounce back Sunday when they host the Derby Twins at Hobart-Detter field in Hutchinson's Carey Park. First Pitch is at 7pm. Catch the stream at monarchslive.tv or Hutchpost.com if you can't make it to the ball park.