Broncbusters Erupt for 18 Runs in Game 1 Rout of Seward County

Photo by: Adam Shrimplin/Garden City Athletics

GARDEN CITY, KS – Garden City Community College delivered an explosive offensive performance Wednesday, erupting for 18 runs in a dominant 18-4 win over Seward County Community College in Game 1 of a home doubleheader.

The Broncbusters piled up 17 hits and broke the game open with a historic 14-run third inning, turning an early back-and-forth contest into a run-rule victory.

Garden City matched Seward County early, answering a two-run top of the first with a two-run home run from Maysen Kurene-Iwikau in the bottom half to even the score at 2-2.

The Busters took control in the second inning, capitalizing on timely hitting as Maiarangi Waipara delivered a two-run single to give Garden City a 4-2 advantage.

After Seward County briefly cut into the deficit, Garden City delivered the decisive blow in the third. The Broncbusters sent 20 batters to the plate and erupted for 14 runs on 12 hits, highlighted by a three-run home run from Valeria Mandujano and two home runs from Kurene-Iwikau in the inning. Kurene-Iwikau later added another three-run homer in the frame, finishing the day with a program-record performance.

Kurene-Iwikau led the charge, going a perfect 4-for-4 with three home runs and nine RBIs. Mandujano added a home run and four RBIs, while Waipara finished 3-for-3 with two RBIs. Izzy Foster chipped in two doubles, and Reagan Sword recorded a pair of hits with an RBI.

In the circle, Skylah Breeze Joyce earned the win, working three innings while allowing three runs and striking out three. Maddie Scott closed out the game with two innings of relief, surrendering one run.

Seward County managed just three hits in the contest but capitalized on walks early to stay within striking distance before the third-inning surge.

Key moment
Garden City's 14-run third inning broke the game wide open, featuring 12 hits and three home runs to put the contest out of reach.

Key stat
The Broncbusters recorded 17 hits, including four home runs, with Kurene-Iwikau accounting for nine RBIs in the win.