The Emporia State baseball team survived a 9th inning scare on the way to an 8-6 win over number 1 seed Southern Arkansas Thursday.
Southern Arkansas scored 6 runs in the bottom of the 9th with the tying run up to bat. Coach Bob Fornelli said they were fortunate to have an 8-0 lead.
Tate Kastens hit a 2 run home run in the 3rd inning to give the Hornets a 2-0 lead.
4 times in the game Emporia States lead off batter was walked and came around to score. Southern Arkansas pitchers walked 10 batters and 7 of them scored. In the 5th 3 batters were walked. Kaden Shaffer singled and 3 runs would score thanks to an error by the leftfielder.
Tanner Cairns was the winning pitcher going 7 innings giving up only 4 hits with 4 strikeouts and 2 walks.
Emporia State will play Augustana in the 2nd round Friday. Augustana defeated Pittsburg State 9-4 in their first round game. Emporia State Coach Bob Fornelli says they are a good young team.
First pitch for Fridays game is set for 5pm.
