By Brad Hallier
The Hutchinson Monarchs’ bats woke up Saturday in Kingman, smacking five doubles, two home runs and 11 hits in a 15-2 win at the Kingman Islanders. The game ended after seven innings due to the 10-run mercy rule.
The win came after two straight losses to the Kansas Cannons, where the Monarchs scored just four runs.
The Monarchs outhit Kingman 11-4. Of the 11 hits, nine went for extra bases. DJ Merriweather had four hits, including two doubles and a home run. He also drove in four runs and scored three.
The Monarchs didn’t waste time jumping in front, as Drew Bugner led off the top of the first inning with a walk, and then Blake Bradford socked a home run.
The Monarchs broke open a 2-1 game in the fourth inning with four runs. Merriweather hit a two-run double, and Nicky Sackett followed with an RBI double.
Merriweather added a two-run home run in the sixth inning.
Jace Minor earned the win for the Monarchs, as he pitched five solid innings, giving up two runs on four hits while striking out six. Camden Cornelius pitched two shutout innings in relief.
The Monarchs improved to 9-5 overall and 8-5 in the Jayhawk Collegiate League. They return to Kingman for a 6 p.m. game today before returning home Monday for a three-game homestand.
