SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
SALINA, Kan. — The Hutchinson High School baseball team bounced back after a one-run loss in Game 1 to pick up a doubleheader split against Salina South on Friday at Dean Evans Stadium.
The Salthawks are now 9-8 on the season, wile the Cougars are 12-6.
Game 1 — Salina South 4, Hutchinson 3
Hutchinson saw a late lead slip away, falling 4-3 to Salina South in Game 1 of the doubleheader.
The Salthawks tied the game at 3 in the fourth inning, but the Cougars pulled ahead for good in the fifth when a wild pitch allowed the go-ahead run to score.
Hutchinson opened the scoring in the top of the first with an RBI double from Caiden Beavers. South responded in the bottom of the inning as Wyatt Breeden grounded out to score one run and Aidan Speilman added an RBI single to center.
Breeden pushed the Cougars’ lead to 3-1 in the third with another RBI groundout. Hutchinson answered in the fourth, tying the game on a South error and a sacrifice fly from Brodie McCuan.
South's Jace Humphrey picked up the win, allowing four hits and three runs — only one earned — over seven innings, striking out four and walking none. The earned run was the first allowed by Humphrey this season. Jack Davis took the loss for Hutchinson despite not allowing an earned run in six innings, striking out two.
Cole Bleything, McCuan, Carter Morgan and Beavers each tallied one hit for the Salthawks. McCuan and Beavers drove in one run apiece.
Breeden led South with two RBIs, while Landon Putman, Speilman, Landon Huffman and Yaden Montanez each had a hit.
After a leadoff single by Bleything in the seventh, he was eliminated at second base on a game-ending double play.
Hutchinson - 100 200 0 - 3 4 3
Salina South - 201 010 x - 4 4 1
W: Humphrey (3-1). L: Davis (3-1). Time: 1:22.
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Game 2 — Hutchinson 6, Salina South 3
Hutchinson High School earned a 6-3 win over South on Friday, fueled by strong pitching from Carter Morgan and timely offense.
The Salthawks opened the scoring in the first inning when Gabe Valadez lined out to drive in a run. South tied the game in the bottom of the inning on a single by Jace Humphrey, then took a 2-1 lead in the second following a passed ball.
Hutchinson reclaimed the lead in the third, capitalizing on a South error and a groundout by Valadez to go ahead 3-2.
Morgan earned the win for Hutchinson, allowing five hits and three runs — only one earned — over six innings while striking out seven and walking four. Cole Bleything recorded the save. South starter Aidan Speilman took the loss, giving up five runs (three earned) on four hits over 5 1/3 innings.
Jack Yoder led Hutchinson at the plate, going 2-for-3. Jack Davis, Caiden Beavers and Valadez each drove in a run. The Salthawks drew six walks, turned a double play and played error-free defense, with JuJu Lyons leading the way with eight chances in the field.
Humphrey and Caden Stauffer each had an RBI for South. Speilman, Landon Huffman and Yaden Montanez also added hits.
Hutchinson - 102 011 1 - 6 6 0
Salina South - 110 000 1 - 3 5 3
W: Morgan (3-1). L: Speilman (2-2). Time: 1:57.