The Hutchinson Monarchs shook off the disappointment from Monday’s NBC World Series loss, as they opened bracket play with a 9-0 win over the Seattle Blackfins on Wednesday at Wichita State’s Eck Stadium.
Monday’s 9-5 loss to the Seattle Cheney Studs dropped the Monarchs to second place in their pool, and they didn’t get a first-round bye. But they ignored that defeat by scoring seven runs in the first three innings Wednesday. The game ended after the top of the seventh inning due to the mercy rule. Each of the three Monarch wins at the World Series has been by mercy rule.
Carson Umphres pitched six strong innings, allowing just three hits. He struck out five and threw just 67 pitches. Riley Dickey pitched the final inning.
The Monarchs scored immediately in the bottom of the first inning, as their first two batters – Jake Gutierrez and Drew Bugner – hit back-to-back doubles. With two outs, Blake Bradford smoked a two-run double.
The Monarchs duplicated that output in the second inning. With one out, Dylan Bell doubled, and Gutierrez walked. Bugner followed with a two-run double. Bugner advanced to third on an error and scored on Jaden Gustafson’s groundout.
The Monarchs outhit the Blackfins 11-3, with six doubles. Bugner had three hits and three RBIs. Gutierrez, Bradford and Knox added two hits apiece.
The Monarchs advance to take on the Alaska Goldpanners at 3 p.m. Thursday in the quarterfinals. It is Heartland Heroes Day, and any fan who is a first responder, medical professional or teacher can get in a free ticket with proper ID.
