NEWTON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs held off a furious Newton Rebels comeback before erupting for five runs in the ninth inning to claim a 13-8 victory Wednesday night at Klein-Scott Field.
After jumping out to a 6-0 lead by the third inning, the Monarchs saw their advantage evaporate when the Rebels plated five runs in the bottom of the fifth to take an 8-7 lead. Hutchinson tied it in the sixth and then delivered the knockout blow in the ninth.
Brayden McClure was dominant in relief for the Monarchs, tossing 2.2 scoreless innings while allowing just one hit and striking out six. Aiden Sowers closed it out in the ninth, walking two but fanning two to seal the win.
Blake Bradford sparked the offense, going 3-for-6 with three RBIs, including a first-inning two-run single and an RBI single in the ninth. Keegan Demmer added a two-run homer in the third inning to cap an early offensive burst that staked Hutchinson to a commanding lead.
In the ninth, the Monarchs capitalized on wildness from the Rebels’ bullpen and defensive miscues. After a throwing error allowed the go-ahead run to score, Hutchinson drew three consecutive bases-loaded walks to push the lead to 11-8. Bradford followed with an RBI single before Demmer added a sacrifice fly to complete the six-run rally.
The Rebels took advantage of several Monarch defensive lapses in the fourth and fifth innings, scoring five unearned runs during their rally. Spencer Goldston led the Rebels with two RBIs and two hits, while Tanner Peoples added a run-scoring double.
With the win, Hutchinson improves its summer record to 13-3 and will match up with the Rebels again tonight in Newton.
It was announced Wednesday that the game suspended by rain and lightning last Monday versus the Wichita Wildcats will be played on Monday, July 7th at Hobart-Detter field. Hutchinson leads in that game 3-1 in the bottom of the 1st inning with 1 out.