Hutchinson Monarchs Clinch 2025 Jayhawk Collegiate League Championship
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs captured the 2025 Jayhawk Collegiate League championship Saturday night, defeating the Kingman Islanders 8-2 at Hobart-Detter Field to cap off a dominant weekend series.
The title-clinching victory came one day after the Monarchs routed Kingman 17-4 on Friday night, improving their record to 25-5 and securing a five-game lead over the Derby Twins with five games remaining in the regular season.
In Saturday's championship game, Kingman struck first with a solo home run by Hayden Oviatt in the top of the first inning. But the Monarchs quickly responded, taking a 2-1 lead in the bottom half on Jake Gutierrez's RBI single and a sacrifice fly from Tyson Vassart.
Hutchinson added another run in the second when Blake Bradford grounded into a fielder's choice, making it 3-1. The Monarchs eventually pulled away for the 8-2 victory.
Riley Dickey earned the win on the mound, allowing just three hits and two runs over five innings while striking out four without issuing a walk. Relievers Daegan Vinduska, Russell Copous and Whit Rhodes combined for four shutout innings to seal the championship.
The Monarchs' offense collected 10 hits and showed patience with nine walks. Gutierrez and Jeter Worthley each had two hits, while Gutierrez and Omare Cross drove in two runs apiece.
Friday's 17-4 victory showcased the Monarchs' explosive offensive capabilities, as they scored in each of the first three innings and capped the night with a four-run ninth inning. Drew Bugner led the assault with three hits, three RBIs and four runs scored, while Vassart drove in four runs including a three-run homer in the ninth.
The Monarchs have now scored 16 or more runs in three of their last five games as they've dominated the Jayhawk Collegiate League throughout the season.
Hutchinson will host the Junction City Brigade on Monday night at Hobart-Detter Field. The game is designated as Eagle Media Night, with free admission tickets available at Eagle Media, 825 North Main, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday.
SUBSCRIBE ONLINE TO GET THE HUTCHINSON CITIZEN JOURNAL IN YOUR INBOX - FREE!
Sponsors (click me!)
