By Brad Hallier
Josiah Ross pitched five shutout innings in relief on Friday, leading the Hutchinson Monarchs to a 3-1 win over the Diamond Kings at Hobart-Detter Field.
The Monarchs were the visiting team, as the Diamond Kings don’t have a home field.
Ross came into the game with the Monarchs and Diamond Kings tied 1-1 and pitching magnificently. He didn’t give up any hits, walked one and struck out nine. He threw just 67 pitches, including 45 strikes.
A day after scoring 21 runs, the Monarchs had trouble getting the bats going Friday. Tied 1-1 in the sixth inning, the Monarchs broke the tie. With one out, Jaden Gustafson tripled and scored on Cooper Harris’ sacrifice fly.
The next inning, the Monarchs had runners at second and third base with one out. Jarrett Flaggert scored on a wild pitch.
The Monarchs outhit the Diamond Kings 6-3 and improved to 7-3 on the season.
The teams will play against at 7 p.m. Saturday at Hobart-Detter Field. The game will also serve as the Monarchs’ annual Cancer Awareness Night.
