[ By GAMECHANGER MEDIA ]

HILLSBORO, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs (4-2) stole the lead late and defeated the Wichita Sluggers 7-3 Thursday at Tabor College in Hillsboro. The game was tied at three with the Monarchs batting in the top of the eighth when Jackson Loftin was struck by a pitch, driving in a run.

Hutchinson earned the victory despite allowing the Sluggers to score three runs in the fifth inning. Lumpkin, Hartman and Colton Bertus all contributed in the big inning with RBIs.

Patrick Kudelka got the start for Hutchinson. He allowed four hits and three runs over 4 1/3 innings, striking out six.

Paddy Walsh led things off on the pitcher’s mound for the Wichita Sluggers. He surrendered seven runs on eight hits over nine innings, striking out eight.

Hutchinson racked up eight hits in the game. Dylan Nedved and Garrett Stephens each collected multiple hits for the Monarchs. Stephens and Nedved each collected two hits to lead Hutchinson.

Bertus led the Wichita Sluggers with three hits in four at-bats. The Sluggers were sure-handed and didn’t commit a single error. Abel Osario made the most plays with eight.

Hutchinson returns home to Hobart-Detter Field Friday for another game versus the Wichita Sluggers.