HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Four hits from Taylor Barber helped lead the way for Hutchinson Monarchs over Wichita Sluggers 11-5 on Monday in the first game of the doubleheader. With the sweep of the Sluggers, the Monarchs clinched a playoff spot for the post season and a chance for the last automatic NBC tourney bid.
Barber doubled in the first, singled in the third, singled in the fourth, and doubled in the seventh.
The Sluggers scored four runs in the sixth inning, but Hutchinson still managed to pull out the victory. The big inning for Wichita came thanks to free passes by way of bases on balls.
Hutchinson Monarchs got on the board in the first inning when Barber doubled on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring one run.
Hutchinson Monarchs notched four runs in the third inning. Garrett Stephens, Ryan Stoecklein, Keith Wolverton, and Mason Lowe each had RBIs in the frame.
Noah Kelley got the start for Hutchinson Monarchs. He surrendered one run on four hits over five innings, striking out four. LJ McDonough came on in relief but struggled. Dawson Dreher came in and on 3 pitches got out of a bases loaded jam, then pitched a scoreless 7th inning.
Lumpkin led things off on the hill for Wichita Sluggers. He went four innings, allowing five runs on eight hits, striking out four and walking zero. Easton Conrad and Drake Girrardeach contributed in relief for Wichita Sluggers.
Hutchinson Monarchs totaled 12 hits in the game. Barber, Conor Craig, and Jackson Loftineach racked up multiple hits for Hutchinson Monarchs.
Barber went 4-for-4 at the plate to lead Hutchinson Monarchs in hits. Hutchinson Monarchs didn’t commit a single error in the field. Stoecklein had six chances in the field, the most on the team.
Game #2:
In game 2, the Hutchinson Monarchs took the lead early and won 4-1.
Dylan Nedved was on the hill for Hutchinson Monarchs. He went six innings, allowing one run on five hits and striking out three. Dawson Dreher saw his 2nd game of action for the night as he came in to close out the game in the 7th including 2 strikeouts.
Paddy Walsh started the game for Wichita Sluggers. He lasted four innings, allowing seven hits and three runs while striking out three.
Hutchinson Monarchs scattered eight hits in the game. Jackson Loftin, Jeremiah Ceasar, and Conor Craig all collected multiple hits for Hutchinson Monarchs. Craig, Ceasar, and Loftin each collected two hits to lead Hutchinson Monarchs.
Craig led the Monarchs with 3 RBI’s and stayed hot at the plate.
Next action for the Monarchs is in Great Bend as the Monarchs take on the Bat Cats who have already clinched a playoff berth.
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