Matt Hutchins goes low to capture Maine Amateur

YORK, ME (July 14, 2016) -- Matt Hutchins began the day a stroke behind but when play was done the 2016 Maine Amateur champion made sure he had left little to doubt. Hutchins only bogeyed one hole on his way to a 5-under 65 and a 6-under overall finish that put him ahead by six-strokes at York Golf & Tennis Club when play was done. The day began slowly as Hutchins bogeyed the 4th hole before playing flawless golf the rest of the day. Hutchins birdied the 5th, then eagled par-5 8th to turn in 2-under 33. On the homeward nine Hutchins rolled in three more birdies to finish in 3-under 32. 36-hole leader Ricky Jones started the day 2-under only to shoot a final round 2-over 72 that put him even-par for the week and in second place. Joe Baker finished third at 1-over, Sam Grindle's 2-over put him in fourth place while Judd Parsons and Gavin Dugas were tied for fifth at 4-over. ROUND TWO RECAP Ricky Jones has moved to the top of the 36-hole Maine Amateur leaderboard at the York Golf & Tennis Club. Jones was impressive on Wednesday, posting a 2-under 68 to take a one-stroke lead with one round remaining. Jones was even-par heading into a day in which he ended up with a busy scorecard. The 2014 Maine Match Play winner birdied two of his first three holes, the first of his six on the day. Jones could have gone much lower during his second round but he also carded four bogeys. First round leader Joe Baker, the only player under-par on Tuesday, shot a 1-over 73 in the second round to fall to 1-under for the week. Baker is still very much in the mix, only a stroke behind and tied for second with Matt Hutchins, the only other player in red figures. Gavin Dugas in fourth place at even-par while Judd Parson is 2-over and in fifth. ROUND ONE RECAP Joe Baker opened with a 2-under 68 to take a two-stroke lead at the Maine Amateur. Baker is presently the only player under-par. Baker began his day with a first hole dropped shot before rebounding with birdies on Nos. 3, 5 and 8 to turn in 2-under 33. On the back nine Baker stayed steady with two birdies and two bogeys as he shot a even-par 35. Five players are presently tied for second at even-par. The group includes Mike Doran, Gavin Dugas, Ashley Fifield, Ricky Jones and Luke Ruffing. Defending champion John Hayes IV is currently tied for 10th place following a 2-over 72 on Tuesday.