HUTCHINSON , Kan. (AP) — The Junction City Brigade used timely hitting and strong pitching to defeat the Hutchinson Monarchs 5-2 Saturday night, handing the Monarchs a home loss at Hobart-Detter Field.
Junction City broke through in the third inning when Collin Ross delivered an RBI single to give the Brigade a 1-0 lead. The Brigade gradually added to their advantage before Hutchinson mounted a late rally.
The Monarchs cut into the deficit in the eighth inning when Jackson Schanuel launched a two-run home run to left field, bringing Hutchinson within striking distance. Schanuel accounted for both Monarchs runs and finished 1-for-3 at the plate.
However, Junction City held on down the stretch behind a dominant pitching performance and solid defense.
Keaton Matlick earned the victory for the Brigade, allowing just one hit over five scoreless innings while striking out six. Despite issuing six walks, Matlick worked out of trouble throughout his outing. Cooper Sieben recorded the save.
Hutchinson starter Gabe Winans was impressive in defeat. The right-hander surrendered just one run on two hits across six innings, striking out nine and walking one.
Nash Wray, Wes Baker and Schanuel each collected a hit for the Monarchs, who showed patience at the plate with seven walks but managed only three hits overall.
Kyle Walker led the Brigade offense, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs from the No. 3 spot in the lineup. Ross added two walks, while Tyler Coffin swiped two bases. Junction City also turned a double play and played error-free defense. Eli Kellogg paced the Brigade defensively with nine putouts.
The Monarchs will look to bounce back Sunday when they face the Brigade again in the series finale in Junction City tonight.