Monarchs Rally for Wild 11-8 Victory Over Aviators in High-Scoring Thriller
June 13, 2025
HAYSVILLE, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs bounced back from their first loss of the season in dramatic fashion Wednesday night, outlasting the Haysville Aviators 11-8 in a game that featured 15 runs over the final two innings at Plagens-Carpenter Stadium.
The victory improved the Monarchs to 7-1 on the season after Tuesday's 6-5 setback to the same Aviators squad. What appeared to be a comfortable win nearly slipped away as Hutchinson watched a nine-run lead evaporate in the ninth inning before closer Russell Copous secured the victory with consecutive strikeouts.
After both teams managed just two runs through seven innings, the Monarchs' offense exploded for nine runs in the eighth and ninth frames. Hutchinson scored three in the eighth before sending 10 batters to the plate in a six-run ninth inning highlighted by Derek Bell's two-run double and RBI singles from Jaxon Knox and Jalen Spafford.
Leading 11-2 entering the bottom of the ninth, the Monarchs appeared to have the game in hand. However, Haysville mounted a furious rally with six runs fueled by three doubles, including a three-run blast by Cayden Rabe and RBI hits from Cameron Ortner and Gavin Jones. With two runners on base and only one out, Hutchinson summoned Copous, who struck out the next two batters to preserve the victory.
Braden Bradford paced the Monarchs' attack with two doubles and three RBIs, while Knox contributed three hits and two RBIs. Braydn McClure earned the victory in relief, working four innings while allowing two runs on three hits with six strikeouts.
The Monarchs travel to Great Bend Friday for a 7 p.m. contest before returning home Saturday for Cancer Awareness Night, benefiting the Cancer Council of Reno County. Saturday's game features free admission with donations accepted for the cause.
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