Monarchs bounce back with 10-5 win over Kansas Cannons
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Brayden McClure pitched seven strong innings and the Hutchinson Monarchs offense erupted for five runs in the sixth inning to defeat the Kansas Cannons 10-5 Sunday night at Hobart-Detter Field, bouncing back from their first home loss of the season.
McClure allowed four runs on five hits while striking out three and walking two over seven innings to earn the victory. The win improved the Monarchs to 15-5 on the season in the Sunflower Collegiate League.
The Monarchs jumped out to an early 3-0 lead, scoring in each of the first two innings. Jeter Worthley and Jake Gutierrez drew consecutive walks to open the first inning and both eventually scored. Blake Bradford contributed a sacrifice fly and Jake Knox added an RBI double to pace the early offense.
After Kansas closed the gap to 3-2 by the fourth inning, Hutchinson responded with their biggest inning of the night in the sixth. The five-run outburst featured a sacrifice fly from AJ Mustow and RBI singles from Tyson Vassart and Omare Cross. Bradford capped the scoring with an RBI double in the seventh to extend the lead to 10-4.
Drew Vinduska pitched two scoreless innings in relief to secure the victory, allowing Kansas only one run in the eighth inning.
Hunter Alvord led the Cannons with two hits, two runs and an RBI. Kansas starter Gavin Hoffman took the loss after allowing three runs on three hits and five walks in two innings.
The victory came one day after Hutchinson suffered its first home defeat of the season, falling 13-6 to the Derby Twins on Saturday night. The Twins broke open a close game with seven runs in the seventh inning, ending the Monarchs' perfect 8-0 home record to start the season.
In Saturday's loss, Jake Gutierrez made an impressive Monarchs debut, going 4-for-5 with two RBIs. The Lubbock, Texas native had just joined the team. Jackson Legg added three hits and an RBI double.
Derby's offense was led by Cade Sutherland, who finished with four RBIs including a two-run homer in the seventh and a two-run triple in the ninth. Joel Lindahl contributed a bases-clearing double during the Twins' seventh-inning rally that broke the game open.
Monarchs starter Ethan Giesbrecht pitched effectively through five innings Saturday, striking out eight while allowing three runs before Derby's bats came alive against the Hutchinson bullpen.
The Monarchs have Monday off before traveling to Augusta Tuesday for a rematch with the Kansas Cannons. Hutchinson returns home later this week for more league action, including a rescheduled Saturday night game against the Kingman Islanders and the resumption of a suspended game against the Wichita Wildcats on July 7.
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