By Brad Hallier
Blake Bradford singled home Drew Bugner with one out in the bottom of the 12th inning, the winning run in the Monarchs’ 4-3 win Wednesday at Hobart-Detter Field against the Newton Rebels.
Bugner opened the inning by reaching on an error. He moved to second base on the error. Blake Brown followed with a walk, and Bugner’s single ended the game.
Kamden Edge picked up the win, pitching a scoreless 12th inning, striking out two. Five Monarchs pitchers combined for a franchise-record 21 strikeouts. Starting pitcher Brock Rod struck out 10 in just 4 2/3 innings.
The Monarchs outhit Newton 8-5. Jarrett Flaggertt had three hits, including a double.
The game was tied 1-1 in the seventh inning when the Monarchs surged ahead on DJ Merriweather’s two-run home run. But Newton came back in the ninth inning, scoring twice. However, Newton did leave two runners on base.
The Monarchs improved to 5-3 and make a return trip to Newton for a 7 p.m. game today. They will return to Hobart-Detter Field for a 7 p.m. game Friday against the Diamond Kings.
