The Emporia State baseball team scored eight runs in the fourth on the way to a 12-2 run-rule win over Rogers State at the Trusler Sports Complex in game one of their MIAA series on Friday. After walking the leadoff batter, ESU starter Cade Barton (2-3) got some help when catcher T. J. Racherbaumer threw out a runner to help keep the Hillcats off the scoreboard. Barton then settled in and scattered six hits over 7.0 innings and allowed just two runs in the seventh on the way to the win. Barton talked about settling down after the early mistake.
Joe Daneff had just one hit in the game for the Hornets but it was a grand slam in the big fourth inning. Patryk Hernandez finished 3-for-3 while Racherbaumer, Kadyn Williams, and Mason Sturdy each drove in two runs. Head coach Brad Hill said every part of the team helped the Hornets win.
Game two of the series is set for 2:00 p.m. Saturday.
