BUHLER, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs and Great Bend Bat Cats split a doubleheader on Sunday evening at Wheatland Park in Buhler. The Monarchs won the first game, 6-5, before falling in the second, 6-0.
The two teams opened the three-game series on Thursday in Great Bend, and were scheduled to play again on Friday in Great Bend and on Saturday in Hutchinson. The Friday and Saturday games were both postponed to unplayable fields, so two seven-inning games were rescheduled games on Sunday in Buhler.
GAME 1
Hutchinson and Great Bend went to eight innings in the first game after the two teams were tied at four through seven. Great Bend scored one in the top of the eighth to lead 5-4. Hutchinson plated two in the bottom half, including the game winning RBI single up the middle from Blake Bradford that scored Caleb Cotton and Jaden Gustafson to give the Monarchs the win.
Noah Kelly was credited with the win in the game, pitching just one pitch in the top of the eighth to get out of a jam with runners at second and third. Bradford had two hits to lead the Monarchs' seven hit total, while Jackson Young led the Monarchs with two RBI in the win.
Great Bend - 001 030 01 - 5 9 3
Hutchinson - 030 010 02 - 6 7 2
W: Noah Kelly (1-0). L: Kevin Schoneboom (0-1).
GAME 2
The Bat Cats took a 1-0 lead in the third inning and never looked back, as they scored three more in the fourth and two more in the fifth to win the second game, 6-0.
The Monarchs offense struggled against Great Bend starting pitcher, Kyle Winkler, who went five innings, allowing four hits, striking out eight and walking just one. The Monarchs hitters struck out a total of 12 times in the game and walked just twice.
Sam Novotny took the loss, going three innings, allowing three hits, one run, and striking out three.
Great Bend - 001 320 0 - 6 9 1
Hutchinson - 000 000 0 - 0 4 2
W: Kyle Winkler (2-0). L: Sam Novotny (0-1). HR: Armani Raygoza (Great Bend).
The Monarchs (1-1) return to Hobart-Detter Field to play the Derby Twins on Monday evening. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will be available to watch and listen live on Hutch Post.
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