FHSU Sports Information Department
HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State could not avoid being swept in the three-game weekend series at home against No. 15 ranked Emporia State. The Hornets took the final contest of the series 12-0 by run rule after seven innings. FHSU moved to 7-17 overall, 1-11 in the MIAA, while the Hornets improved to 19-4 overall, 8-1 in the MIAA.
Poor pitching and defense plagued the Tigers in the first inning. Four walks and two errors aided a seven-run outburst by the Hornets to start the game. The Tigers never gained any momentum against Hornet starter Matt Slauter, who allowed just two hits over four innings with five strikeouts to pick up his first win of the season.
Emporia State added a run in the second, three in the third, and one in the fifth to make the final margin of 12 runs. The Tigers had just four hits in the game, all spread between four players.
Austin Liverant took the loss, lasting just a third of an inning. He allowed four runs (three earned), walking three batters and allowing a hit. He faced just five batters. FHSU used three pitchers in the first inning. Alex Ruxlow tossed four innings of relief and allowed just one earned run, though five runs crossed on his watch. Overall, the Tigers committed five errors in the game, which led to eight unearned runs in the game.
The Tigers host Washburn in conference action on Tuesday (Mar. 21) at Larks Park in Hays. Game time is set for 4 pm.