The Hutchinson Monarchs scored three runs in the eighth inning Monday, overturning a one-run deficit, and they went on to beat the Haysville Aviators 5-3 in Haysville.
The Monarchs trailed 3-2 after seven innings, but had started to come around offensively with single runs in each of the previous two innings.
With nobody on base and two outs in the eighth inning, the Monarchs went to work. Jacob Knox walked on a full count and scored on Jackson Harding’s double, tying the game. Carter Hepner and Nash Wray then worked walks, loading the bases. JJ Spafford then reached on an error, scoring Harding and Hepner.
Julian Lyons and Brice Wallar took it from there, as Lyons pitched two scoreless innings in relief for the win, and Wallar pitched around a leadoff walk in the ninth inning to earn a save.
Cooper Harris pitched six solid innings for the Monarchs, giving up three runs on three hits while striking out eight.
The Monarchs broke a scoreless tie in the top of the sixth inning as Wallar hit a one-out single and moved to third base on Marcus Gradney’s double. Wallar later scored on a wild pitch.
The Aviators answered with three runs in their half of the sixth inning, but the Monarchs responded when James Dagenhart tripled home Spafford.
The Monarchs improved to 20-8 and will return to Hobart-Detter Field at 7 p.m. Tuesday to take on the Great Bend Bat Cats.
