FHSU Sports Information Department
HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State claimed a pair of MIAA games on Friday (Apr. 8) against Emporia State. The Tigers used a three-run home run to win game one, 3-0, before rallying past the Hornets with a seven-run sixth inning in the nightcap to win 7-4. The wins were crucial for the Tigers in trying to make a push for the MIAA Tournament. The Tigers improved to 15-26 overall and 9-13 in the MIAA, while Emporia State is now 19-24 overall and 7-9 in the conference.
Game 1: Fort Hays State 3, Emporia State 0
It was a pitcher’s duel for the first four and a half innings in game one as the Tigers and the Hornets went scoreless. In the bottom half of the fifth, FHSU finally broke through for three runs. Kylie Strand led off the inning with a single and Rilee Krier followed with a single of her own. Tori Beltz then broke the game open as she squared the ball with the barrel and sent it over the fence for her 10th home run of the year. The three runs would be all the Tigers needed as they were able hold the Hornets scoreless in their final two at bats.
Paxton Duran picked up the shutout win and held ESU hitless for 4.1 innings. At game’s end, she gave up just five hits with eight strikeouts and two walks.
Game 2: Fort Hays State 7, Emporia State 4
Emporia State took an early 2-0 lead in the top of the second when they used three hits and a Tiger error to move in front for the first time on the day. The Tigers had a golden chance in the bottom of the fourth inning when they had the first two batters reach base. Courtney Dobson then hit a single down the right field line but pinch runner Chermayne Yago was thrown out at home for the first out. On the very next play Ashley Beavers, another pinch runner, was cut down at the plate when she tried to score on a ground ball to the shortstop. Emporia State got out of the jam unscathed.
The Tigers were able to capitalize on two big Hornet errors in the sixth, which opened the flood gates. FHSU had 11 consecutive batters reach base and pushed seven runs across the plate to take a 7-2 lead. Samantha Villarreal started off the inning reaching on an error by the Hornet shortstop then moved to third on a double to right field from Dobson. Paxton Duran tied the game when she roped a triple over the right fielder’s head. The following play, Duran tried to come home on a ground ball to the shortstop but was tagged out in a run down. A dropped fly ball by the Hornets put Erin Elmore on base and the Tigers had runners on the corners with just one out. Strand then gave the Tigers their first lead of the game with an RBI single to right field. After two walks, Veronica Knittig was hit by a pitch to push in a run. Samantha Villarreal had a two-RBI single and a wild pitch scored Tori Beltz as Tigers saw themselves looking at a five-run lead heading to the last inning.
Emporia State made it interesting in the seventh, but only managed to push two runs across the plate as the Tigers completed the comeback win and sweep.
Duran picked up her second win of the day and the 10th of the season as she once again went the distance for the Tigers. Duran threw all seven innings, giving up four runs (three earned) on nine hits, with three strikeouts and a walk.
The Tigers get back to action on Saturday (Apr. 9) with a crucial MIAA doubleheader against Washburn at Tiger Stadium. Both teams enter the doubleheader at four games under .500 in the conference standings. First pitch is set for 1 pm.