Hutchinson Monarchs extend winning streak with back-to-back victories
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs continued their dominant summer campaign with consecutive victories, defeating the Kansas Cannons 11-2 on the road Tuesday before routing the Wichita Black Sox 12-3 at home Wednesday night.
The two victories improved the Monarchs' record to 17-5 and demonstrated the team's balanced approach of strong pitching and explosive offense that has made them one of the region's top amateur baseball teams.
In Tuesday's road win against Augusta, Pryce Bender earned the victory with five innings of one-run ball, allowing just four hits while striking out four and walking one. The right-hander kept the Cannons off balance throughout his outing as the Monarchs broke open a 1-1 tie with timely hitting and aggressive baserunning.
Joey Senstock provided the offensive spark with a two-out RBI triple in the fourth inning and a three-run homer in the sixth that put the game out of reach. Jake Gutierrez added to the scoring with a ground ball that was misplayed by the Kansas shortstop, allowing two runs to score in the crucial third inning.
The Monarchs' bullpen of Bryant Siemens and Whit Rhodes closed out the final four innings effectively, with Siemens striking out four in two innings of one-run relief.
Wednesday's home opener of a six-game homestand at Hobart-Detter Field showcased the Monarchs' offensive depth. Carson Gonzales threw four shutout innings to earn the win, scattering three hits and striking out four to keep Wichita scoreless through the early innings.
Blake Bradford led the offensive charge, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs, including a three-run homer in the third inning that broke the game open. The Monarchs scored three runs in the first inning without recording a hit, taking advantage of walks and hit batters to jump ahead early.
A.J. Mustow contributed with a triple and double while driving in two runs, and Jake Gutierrez reached base multiple times while scoring twice. The Monarchs collected 13 hits and drew six walks while forcing Wichita pitchers to hit four batters.
The Black Sox managed just three runs, two coming on a single by Colton Crockett in the eighth inning, but never threatened the Monarchs' commanding lead.
The consecutive victories highlight the Monarchs' balanced roster construction, with starting pitchers going deep into games while the offense has provided consistent run support throughout the season. The team's 17-5 record places them among the elite amateur programs in the region.
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