HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Derby took advantage of 12 Hutchinson walks and snapped the Monarchs' seven-game winning streak with a 9-4 victory Thursday night at Hobart-Detter Field.
The Twins showed patience at the plate throughout the night, drawing a dozen free passes while collecting 11 hits to hand the Monarchs their first loss in more than a week.
Derby grabbed the early lead in the second inning when Brady Skinner lined a two-run double, then added another run in the third on Jude Almaraz's RBI groundout to make it 3-0.
The Monarchs didn't break through until the sixth inning when Drew Bugner launched a solo home run to left field, cutting the deficit to 3-1. Hutchinson continued to chip away late, but Derby answered with timely offense to keep the Monarchs from mounting a serious comeback.
Ian Carlson earned the victory for Derby, allowing three runs, two earned, on five hits over 5 2/3 innings. The right-hander struck out six and walked three.
Cooper Harris took the loss for Hutchinson after allowing three runs on four hits over three innings. He struck out two and walked two as the Monarchs' pitching staff struggled with command throughout the evening.
Despite the loss, Hutchinson finished with 10 hits. Michael Barham led the offense by going 2 for 5 with three RBIs, while Nash Wray, Wes Baker and Barham each recorded two hits. The Monarchs also turned two double plays defensively.
Derby's balanced attack featured two hits apiece from Noah Allison, Gavin Mesa and Almaraz. Brit Vick, Skinner and Almaraz each drove in two runs. Mesa reached base five times, drawing four of the Twins' 12 walks.
Derby also turned two double plays in the win.
The Monarchs will look to bounce back Friday when they travel to Derby for the second game of the home-and-home series with the Twins.