A big second inning overturned a ragged start for the Hutchinson Monarchs on Friday in Great Bend, and the Monarchs went on to beat Great Bend 15-9.
The Monarchs trailed 4-0 after one inning, but before they took the field in the bottom of the second inning, the four-run deficit turned into a four-run lead. With the bases loaded and nobody out, JJ Spafford was hit by a pitch, and Dalton Sabathe dropped a single to center field, making it a 4-2 game.
Then with one out, Brady Taylor, James Dagenhart, Jackson Schanuel and Brice Wallar walked, giving the Monarchs a 6-4 lead. With two outs, Drew Bugner belted a two-run single.
The Monarch had a five-run seventh inning, pulling away for a 14-5 lead. With one out and the bases loaded, the Monarchs scored four runs without putting a ball in play. Caylin Grimes and Taylor were hit by pitches, and Dagengart and Schanuel followed with walks. Dagenhart later scored on a wild pitch.
Each team had eight hits, as Spafford and Michael Barham had two each. The Monarchs worked 13 walks and were hit by five pitches.
The Monarchs improve to 9-5 and return to Hobart-Detter Field for a 7 p.m. game Saturday against Great Bend. It will also be the team’s annual Cancer Awareness Night.
