FHSU Sports Information Department
EMPORIA, Kan. – Fort Hays State dropped its second straight game to 19th-ranked Emporia State on Saturday (Mar. 19) by the score of 5-4. With the loss, the Tigers dropped to 9-13 overall and 3-8 in the MIAA. The Hornets improved to 17-5 overall and 9-2 in the MIAA.
The Hornets jumped on the board early with two runs in the first on a walk and a two-run homer off the bat of Wade Hanna. An inning later, another walk scored on a sacrifice fly from Ryan McBroom and the Hornets led 3-0 after two.
The Tigers cut into the lead in the third with a run. Caleb Cherryholmes reached on an error to start the inning then moved to second on a single from Austin Unrein. Another single by Alex Weiss loaded the bases and Joe Mapes knocked him home with a third-consecutive single.
In the sixth inning the Tigers trimmed the lead to 3-2. Nick Hammeke reached on an error and came in to score on an RBI single from Cherryholmes. An inning later, Connor Ross got a two-out single and moved into scoring position after stealing second base. Pinch-hitter Jace Bowman tied the game at 3-3 with a single through the left side allowing Ross to score. The tie game did not last long as the Hornets took the lead back in the bottom half of the inning with a run to lead 4-3.
The Tigers wasted no time tying the game once again in the top of the eight. Alex Weiss provided a two-out single up the middle to make it 4-4. FHSU had the bases loaded, but could not push any more across.
FHSU put two more runners on in the ninth, but could not get any across leaving the Hornets the opportunity to win the game in their last at bat. ESU did just that when Hanna had a walk-off single to left field to plate the winning run.
Logan Herd started on the mound for the Tigers, tossing 6.1 innings and giving up four runs on four hits, with six walks and two strikeouts. Kyle Vogt took the loss in relief after giving up one run on three hits in 1.1 innings of work. Clayton Basgall bridged the gap between the pitchers, getting the final two outs of the seventh inning.
Fort Hays State outhit Emporia State 14-8 in the game, but left 16 runners on base compared to just eight for ESU. Weiss led the Tigers in hits, recording four for the game.
Garrett Brummett picked up the win in relief for ESU, throwing the final 1.1 innings.
The Tigers look to avoid the sweep in the series finale on Sunday (Mar. 20). First pitch is set for noon.