DRAGONS DROP REGION 6 BATTLE TO BARTON

Hutchinson CC Sports Information

DODGE CITY – The Hutchinson Community College softball team dropped in the losers' bracket of the 2025 Region 6 Tournament on Friday night after a 2-0 loss to the Barton Cougars in the winner's bracket semifinals at Legends Park.

The Blue Dragons (36-10) will now play Dodge City (27-27) in the loser's bracket second round at Noon Saturday. If the Dragons defeat the Conquistadors, they would play the Butler/Colby winner at 6 p.m. in the third round of the loser's bracket.

BLUE DRAGON SOFTBALL
Hutchinson (36-10) vs. Dodge City (27-27)
Region 6 Tournament - 2nd Round Loser's Bracket
At: Legends Park, Dodge City
Time: Noon
Video: KJCCC Network (PPV), Noon
X: @bluedragonsport

Earlier on Friday, the Blue Dragons defeated Seward County 1-0 on just three hits. The Dragons bats were again quiet against Barton. Hutchinson's didn't get its first hit until Bailey Backhaus' leadoff single in the sixth. Hutchinson was held to three hits by Cougar pitcher Meleia Ingram.

Blue Dragon sophomore pitcher Morgan Tomlinson (20-6) went the distance, allowing two runs on four hits with a walk and two strikeouts.

Barton struck for its only runs in the second inning. After a leadoff walk and single, Karter Alvord doubled in two runs for a 2-0 lead. Tomlinson then retired 18 of the final 20 batters she faced, needing only 74 pitches.

The Blue Dragons' only hits came from Bailey Backhaus, Brooke Backhaus and Hailey Kruger.

The best early threat for the Dragons was in the first inning when Kaibryn Kruger was hit by a pitch, then stole both second and third base, but the Dragons couldn't push her across. The Dragons also had baserunners in the second, fourth and sixth innings. Overall the Dragons left six runners on base.

The Dragons loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the seventh inning. Brooke Backhaus singled, Brie Brawner walked and Haley Kruger singled to center field. The game ended on back-to-back Cougar fielder's choices.