April 7, 2015-Evan Koehler hit three home runs and a triple to lead Emporia State to a 15-5 run rule win over Washburn in seven innings at the Trusler Sports Complex on Tuesday. His last home run ended the game in the bottom of the second.
The Hornets got out in front in the bottom of the first when Justin Harris led off with a double and stole third. He scored on Koehler's triple that took a big bounce over Ichabod right fielder Connor Crimmins. Washburn tied it with a run in the top of the second when Crimmins doubled and came home on a single from Tanner Triggs. The Ichabods took a 3-1 lead in the third on a two run homer from Kyle Carnahan.
Emporia State tied the game in the third on a two run homer from Koehler and took the lead for good when Price Jacobs followed him with a solo shot for a 4-3 lead. The Hornets blew the game open in the fourth as they batted around on their way to five runs. Levi Parker started things with lead off single and walks to Harris and Wade Hanna loaded the bases. Emporia State then went station to station as they scored runs on a single from Dean Long, a walk to Koehler, and a single by Jacobs, followed by a sac fly from Cody Bobbit that left runners at first and second. Jonny Hodges then reached on an infield single that scored Koehler from second for the fifth run of the frame and a 9-3 lead.
Washburn was able to push a run across in the fifth on single from Crimmins to cut the lead to 9-4. Koehler led off the bottom of the sixth with his second home run. Jacobs then reached when Ichabod shortstop Riley Krane bobbled a grounder. Bobbit and Jonny Hodges were both hit by pitches to load the bases for Parker who laced a triple into the gap in right center that cleared the bases. Parker then scored on a sac fly from Harris to put the Hornets up 14-4. Washburn was able to delay the end of the game for another half inning when Carnahan and pinch hitter Dylan Turpin singled with two outs. Grant Bachura relieved Hornet starter Jagger Harjo and threw two wild pitches that allowed Carnahan to score before getting a strikeout to end the inning. The extra frame allowed Koehler the chance to end the game with his third home run of the day.
Koehler finished four for four with three home runs, six RBI, a triple and four runs scored. Parker was three for four with a triple and three RBI while Jacobs went two for four with a homer and two RBI. Harjo went 6.2 innings to get the win, scattering ten hits and allowing five runs with three strike outs and one walk.
The Hornets return to Glennen Field at the Trusler Sports Complex on Friday to begin a four game series with Northwest Missouri. First pitch is tentatively set for 6:00 p.m. for a single nine inning game, but may be adjusted due the threat of rain on Sunday.
