Newton, Kan. -- The Hutchinson Monarchs scored early and late in a 7-3 win over the Newton Sluggin' Rebels last night (July 20) at Centennial Park in Newton, Kan. 

The Sluggin' Rebels jumped on top with a pair of runs in the bottom of the first, but the Monarchs quickly answered with a four-run second inning to take the lead for good. 

Newton scored again in the bottom of the fifth to come within a run, but that's all they would get and the Monarchs put things away with a three-run ninth frame. 

After allowing the two runs in the first inning, Hutchinson starter Corbin Hawkins settled in and gave up just one more run during his next seven innings on the mound. Hawkins finished with nine strikeouts and walked two in getting the win. 

Alex Birge homered and drove in two for the Monarchs, with Cade Clemons going 2-of-2 with an RBI. Sawyer Thornhill also drove in two runs for the Monarchs. 

Ethan Guerra had two hits and scored twice for the Sluggin' Rebels, while Drake Girard went 2-of-4 at the plate. 

Newton (23-16) will now be at Hutchinson (29-7) tonight (July 21) for a 7 pm first pitch at Hobart-Detter Field.