BOX SCORE | TOURNAMENT CENTRAL
SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
WICHITA, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs exploded for 11 runs in the fifth inning to come from behind and eliminate the Liberal Bee Jays, 15-4 in bracket play of the NBC World Series on Wednesday at Eck Stadium. The game ended in the seventh inning due to the run-rule victory.
The Monarchs went into the fifth inning trailing 3-0, and only accounting for one hit. That changed quickly, as Liberal made a pitching change to start the frame.
Hutchinson sent 15 to the plate, recording nine hits, and three extra base hits. Two of the three extra base hits were doubles by Jaden Gustafson. Gustafson scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch.
The win keeps the Monarchs alive in the tournament, while the Bee Jays' season is complete. Hutchinson will play the Santa Barbara Foresters on Thursday in a rematch of the 2023 finals, won by the Monarchs. First pitch will be at 6pm.
Liberal struck first in the second inning on a bases loaded walk with two outs. Monarchs pitcher Kamden Edge retired the first two he faced in the inning, but then struggled. Edge walked three of the next four he faced and hit a batter, as well.
The Monarchs scored four more in the top of the seventh. Camden Johnson led the inning off with a triple, then was brought in on an RBI single by Brett Smajstrla. Will Edmunson also contributed in the inning with a double, and then an RBI single by Reese Ratchford.
Gustafson and Johnson each had three hits apiece to lead the Monarchs. Gustafson drove in a team-high three, as well.
Garrett Folmar earned the win on the mound for the Monarchs, going 2 2/3 innings while striking out three and not allowing any runs.