SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs opened the 2025 season with a 4-3 victory over the Newton Rebels on Friday night at Hobart-Detter Field in front of 485 spectators.
Drew Bugner gave the Monarchs an early spark with a solo home run to right field in the first inning. Jackson Legg added an RBI single in the third to make it 2-0.
Newton pulled even in the top of the fourth, scoring on a double by Raisean Dorsey and a groundout by Kasey Lowe. But Hutchinson quickly reclaimed the lead in the bottom half on a solo shot into the bullpen in left by Keegan Demmer.
Ethan Giesbrecht picked up the win for Hutchinson, allowing just one hit and two runs (one earned) over five innings while striking out eight and walking one. Mitchell Johnson earned the save, and Russell Copous added a scoreless inning of relief. The Monarchs pitching staff struck out 16 Rebels in the game.
Matt Newman started for Newton and went four innings, allowing three runs on five hits while striking out five. Brody Farthing took the loss in relief, issuing three walks and giving up one run in one-third of an inning.
Legg led the Monarchs at the plate, going 2-for-3, while Dylan Bell drew two of the team’s eight walks. JJ Spafford stole a pair of bases for Hutchinson.
Dorsey and Tyler Akers each had a hit for the Rebels, while Akers and Lakin Franz combined for four of the team’s seven stolen bases.