HAYS – The TMP-Marian pitchers combined to allow just one run and the Monarchs scored in every inning but one as they knocked off the Ellinwood Eagles 9-1 Monday in the opening game of regionals at TMP Field.
The Monarchs (12-5) took an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning when Jace Wentling hit his first triple of the season to drive in the games first run, he then scored on a throwing error to put the Monarchs up a pair.
TMP added two more runs in the bottom of the second when Nick Herrman and Mark Rack hit back-to-back RBI singles giving TMP a 4-0 lead.
After scoring a run in the bottom of the third TMP plated three runs in the bottom of the fifth inning when they second eight men to the plate.
Joey Mindrup doubled in a run and then Griffin Schumacher singled in a pair of runs to put TMP up 8-0.
Each team added a run in the sixth but the Monarchs were able to clinch the 9-1 victory.
Caden Morgan earned the victory with three shutout innings. He allowed just two runs with four strikeouts.
Four Monarchs collected two hits led Joey Mindrup who was two-for-four with two runs scored.
TMP will take on Beloit in the regional semifinals Wednesday afternoon in Great Bend.