The Emporia State baseball team used two big innings to take game one of their second MIAA midweek series 12-7 over Fort Hays State on Tuesday at the Trusler Sports Complex in Emporia. The Hornets struck first in the first inning on a sacrifice fly but the Tigers took the lead in the second. ESU got the runs right back on an infield single and a wild pitch before taking charge of the game with a five-run, five-hit third inning. FHSU picked up a pair of runs in the middle of the game before the Hornets tacked on with four more runs in the seventh. A three-run Hays homer in the ninth made things interesting before E-State finished off the win. Head coach John Martin says the goal for his team is to play the same every game whether it is a midweek game or a weekend.
Nathon Cruz led the Hornets going 3-for-5 with 2 RBI’s. He said simplifying his approach at the plate has helped him pull out of a slump.
Evan Abbott, Tyler Coffin, and Logan Myers each added two hits apiece. Jake Khasaempanth served as the opener for ESU and went 2.0 innings. Graeme Rios (2-0) earned three outs and was assigned the win. The Hornets head to Claremore, Okla. for a three-game series at #15 Rogers State beginning Friday.
