By Brad Hallier
The Hutchinson Monarchs scored the first five runs Monday at Hobart-Detter Field, and they took advantage of five Great Bend errors in their 10-3 win over the Bat Cats.
The win was the Monarchs’ third in a row, and they improved to 11-5 overall and 10-5 in the Jayhawk Collegiate League.
The Monarchs raced to a 3-0 lead after one inning. The first run came without a hit, as two hit by pitches, a walk and a wild pitch led to Brett Smajstrla scoring. With two outs, Austin Coyle singled, and Jaden Gustafson scored on an error. Jarrett Flaggert then singled home Cooper Harris with two outs.
Coyle’s RBI triple in the third inning scored Harris, and Coyle scored on Drew Bugner’s groundout.
Gustafson added a solo home run in the fifth inning, and Nicky Sackett belted a two-run homer in the seventh inning.
That was more than enough run support for three Monarchs pitchers who allowed three runs on five hits. Cole Toureau was the winning pitcher after allowing run on one hit while striking out five in five innings. Carson Cornelius pitched the next two innings, and Reed Scott polished off the game with two shutout innings.
The Monarchs will next play at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Hobart-Detter Field against league leader Haysville Aviators. There will be a vintage baseball game prior, starting at 5:30 p.m. with the local Hutchinson Base Ball Club.
