Emporia State scored nine-straight runs on the way to a 12-8 victory over Arkansas-Fort Smith in game one of their final home series of the year on Friday night. The Lions started hot with three-straight singles off ESU starter Cade Barton to lead 3-0, but the Hornets plated three in the bottom of the inning with T. J. Racherbaumer delivering a two-run double with two outs. UAFS scored three more in the second as Barton was knocked out of the game lasting just 1.1 innings, but Noah Steele scored two on a two-out single. The Hornets added three in the third after walking twice with two outs before Logan Myers extended his hitting streak to 10 games with a two-out double and later scored on a wild pitch. The Hornets tacked on three more in the fourth with a leadoff homer by Steele before Brady Unrein drove in two with a two-run double. Steele blasted another solo shot in the fifth to wrap up the E-State scoring. Graeme Rios (5-2) picked up the win in relief giving up five hits and one earned run. Head coach Brad Hill said Rios saved the game for ESU.
Rios has allowed just one earned run in his last three appearances. He said after struggling in the middle of the season, it was important to keep moving forward.
Steele finished 3-for-4 with four RBIs and Peyton Lewis finished 3-for-5. ESU (22-20, 15-16 MIAA) goes for the series win Saturday. Senior Day festivities will be held before the game. First pitch is set for 2:00 p.m. with pregame coverage at 1:50 p.m. on the Hornet Sports Network/Mix 104.9.
