By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
EMPORIA, Kan. – The Fort Hays State baseball team dropped the series opener to Emporia State on Sunday (Mar. 10), 9-3. The Tigers dip to 1-14 overall and 1-6in the MIAA, while the Hornets moved to 8-6 overall and 5-2 in conference action.
The Tigers fell behind early to the Hornets with a 2-0 deficit after one inning of play. ESU pushed across a couple more runs in the top of the fourth inning. FHSU was able to plate a run in the home half of the fourth frame when Jake Taylor reached on a throwing error by the second baseman, scoring Ryan Stoecklein.
Emporia State was able to pick up a run in the fifth inning and another in the eighth inning. The Tigers were able to claw back with a two-run comeback in the eighth frame. Ryan Grasser was hit by pitch to start the inning, earning his second trip on the bases in the contest. Ryan Stoecklein was walked and then Marcus McDaniel pinch ran for the first baseman.
The very next batter, Taylan Mullins-Ohm was able to rope an RBI double to centerfield scoring Grasser from second base. Landon Erway kept the inning alive by producing a run from McDaniel after reaching on a fielder’s choice. The Hornets were able to score three run in the ninth frame putting the game out of reach for the Tigers.
Fort Hays State looks to earn a split in the series on Monday (Mar. 11) with a doubleheader commencing at 12 p.m. from Emporia, Kan.