McPherson – A nine-run explosion in the first inning lifted the Hays Monarchs Junior American Legion to a 16-1 win in three innings over the Topeka Senators in McPherson Friday afternoon.

Gavin Schumacher got the scoring started for the Monarchs, stealing home in the first inning. Luke Ruder followed that with a solo homerun to put Hays up 2-0.

As part of the nine run first six different Monarchs drove in at least one run. Ruder drove in three of his five RBIs in the first inning.

Hays scored five more times in the second and two in the third inning.

Schumacher was four-for-four with a pair of RBIs. Luke Ruder homered and drove in five runs.

Carlos Schwindt allowed one unearned run in two innings of relief to pick up the win.

The Monarchs are 6-1 and will play two games at the McPherson tournament Saturday.