HAYSVILLE, Kan. – In a wild finish that featured 15 runs scored between the two teams over the final two innings, the Hutchinson Monarchs held off a furious ninth-inning rally to outlast the Haysville Aviators 11-8 on Wednesday night at Plagens-Carpenter Stadium.
The win improves Hutchinson to 7-1 on the season.
The game was deadlocked at 2-2 through seven innings before the Monarchs’ bats exploded for nine runs in the eighth and ninth innings combined. Hutchinson plated three in the eighth and six more in the ninth to seemingly put the game out of reach, only to see Haysville score six of its own in the bottom of the ninth.
Braydn McClure earned the win in relief, tossing four innings while allowing just two runs on three hits. McClure struck out six but worked around five walks. Haysville's Caleb Ebert took the loss in relief.
The Monarchs appeared to slam the door shut in the top of the ninth, sending 10 batters to the plate. Big hits included a two-run double by Derek Bell and RBI singles from Jaxon Knox and Jalen Spafford. Hutchinson entered the bottom of the ninth with an 11-2 lead.
But Haysville refused to go away quietly.
The Aviators stormed back with six runs in the ninth, fueled by three doubles and a single, including a three-run double by Cayden Rabe and RBI knocks from Cameron Ortner and Gavin Jones. With two runners still on base and only one out, the Monarchs turned to closer Russell Copous.
Copous slammed the door with back-to-back strikeouts to preserve the win and squash Haysville’s comeback hopes.
The Monarchs took an early 1-0 lead in the fourth on a Braden Bradford RBI double. They added another in the sixth on a sacrifice fly from Jordan Legg. After Haysville tied the game in the bottom of the seventh on a steal of home, Hutchinson’s offense erupted.
Bradford led the Monarchs with two doubles and three RBIs. Knox added three hits and two runs driven in, while Senstock and Bell each had key run-scoring hits during the late-inning surge.
The Monarchs (7-1) return to action Friday night in Great Bend (6-2) with a 7 p.m. first pitch. Video and play-by-play will be available on the Bat Cat's YouTube Channel.
The Monarchs will be back at Hobart-Detter Field on Saturday for Cancer Awareness Night, benefiting the Cancer Council of Reno County. Great Bend will be Saturday’s opponent as well. Admission on Saturday night is free, but a good-will donation will be accepted with all proceeds going to support the Cancer Council. Numerous items will be available to bid on including your favorite Monarch players game jerseys.