SALINA – The first time the TMP-Marian Monarchs and the Sacred Hearts squared off this season the two teams combined to score 52 runs on 43 hits, in a split doubleheader. History would not repeat itself Monday in the 2-1A regional opener as a pitchers’ duel broke out with the Knights edging the Monarchs 4-1.
Both TMP starter Carson Liles and Sacred Heart starter Cameron Yohe faced the minimum through the first three innings with only one hit allowed by Liles, before the runner was eared trying to steal second base.
Liles struck out seven of the first nine batters he faced.
TMP threatened in the top of the fourth inning when Caden Dinkel led off the inning with the first TMP hit and Carson Liles walked but both runners were stranded in scoring position.
With one out in the bottom of the fourth inning the Knights broke onto the scoreboard taking advantage of four hits, three extra base hits, and an error, scoring four runs in the inning for a 4-0 lead.
The Monarchs broke through in the top of the sixth inning, scoring on a Kendall Walker double making it 4-1 Sacred Heart.
Yohe struck out the side in the Monarchs next turn at the plate, in the top of the seventh, to secure the 4-1 Knights victory.
TMP starter Carson Liles allowed four runs, three earned, on seven hits with a career-high 13 strikeouts in six innings.
Cameron Yohe allowed just one run on three hits with three walks and seven strikeouts in the complete game victory.
Caden Dinkel, Drew Werth and Kendall Walker all finished 1-for-3 for TMP.
The Monarchs finish the season 6-15.
Sacred Heart will take on Ellis Wednesday in the second semifinal game at Hobart-Detter in Hutchinson.
Ellis defeated Wilson 14-0 in five innings in the first game in Salina Monday.