2025 Day 9 Recap

6:00 PM Hutchinson Monarchs (KS) vs. Seattle Cheney Studs (CA)

The Hutchinson Monarchs are headed back to the Championship for a second year in a row, defeating the Seattle Cheney Studs 3-2. In a hard-fought battle, Hutch starter Bradyn McClure was once again lights out on the mound. Tossing 6 2/3rds innings, the righty allowed 5 hits, 1 run, and struck out 9. Wichita State commit Jake Gutierrez continued his stellar tournament, going 2-4 and scoring what would be the winning run, as well as swiping second base. Right fielder Jaden Gustafson was 2-3 with an RBI and a double, while his future WSU teammate Drew Bugner went 1-4 with a run and an RBI. Mitchell Johnson picked up the save, tossing a shutout inning with 1 strikeout. 

Jackson Copeland was the lone Cheney Stud to record 2 hits, both doubles, and also recorded both RBIs for his team. Nick Salaens got the start for Seattle, going 6 innings and allowing 6 hits, 3 runs, 1 walk, and getting 2 strikeouts. 

8:30 PM: Hays Larks (KS) vs. Lonestar Kraken (KS)

In a game where Lonestar Kraken held a six-run lead entering the 7th inning, Hays pulled off another massive comeback, forcing extra innings. The game came down to the bottom of the 11th inning, when Kraken center fielder Preston Curtis blasted a solo shot to left, sending his team to the Championship. Curtis led the team in hits, going 3-6 with 3 RBI and 2 runs scored, and a stolen base, while teammate Diego Gonzales was 2-4 with a homerun, 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored. Trent Collier got the start for the Kraken, allowing three hits and two runs over four innings, striking out 6 and walking 3.

Nick Grey got the start for Hays, throwing three and one-third innings. The starter gave up four hits and five runs, while striking out four. The Larks collected 10 hits as a team, with Taber Stokes leading the way. The shortstop was 2-6 with 3 RBI and 2 runs scored, as well as a stolen base. Left fielder Trent Baker was productive at the plate and on the base paths, going 2-5 with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored while stealing four bases. Reliever Julio Ramos was great, tossing 6.2 innings of shutout ball, until allowing the walk-off run. The reliever struck out eight batters while only allowing 1 walk and 1 hit.