March 26, 2016-The Emporia State softball team ended a ten game road trip with a double header sweep at the hands of Missouri Southern in Joplin, Mo. on Saturday. The Hornets lost game one 5-2 and fell 4-1 in the second game.
GAME ONE
The Hornets played from behind the whole way against the Lions in game one after giving up five runs in the bottom of the first. Emporia State got one back in the top of the second when Morgan Swisher singled in Jacie Stephens who had reached on an error. They closed within 5-2 in the fifth when Cassidy Berry led off with a walk, went to second on a sac bunt and scored on Sarah Glass' sac fly.
Swisher was two for two with an RBI for the Hornets. After giving up five runs in the first inning, Eryn Stockman did not allow a run and gave up just two hits over the final five innings.
GAME TWO
Holly Hinkle and Kali' Hodson were locked in a pitchers' duel through the first four innings before the Lions put three runs up in the bottom of the fifth. The Hornets got one run back in the top of the sixth on an RBI single from Valerie Kinney that plated Danielle Sprinkle. Emporia State had two other hits in the inning, but had a runner thrown out at the plate and a double play that limited the damage. Missouri Southern added an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth for the final score of 4-1.
Swisher was three for four with a double and a run scored. Kinney was one for two with an RBI while Sprinkle went one for three with a run scored. Hinkel gave up three runs on nine hits with three strikeouts and two walks. Swisher finished the game and allowed one run on three hits.
UP NEXT
The Hornets return to the Trusler Sports Complex next weekend to take on Southwest Baptist and Central Missouri. First pitch against SBU on Friday is set for 3:00 p.m. on Turnbull Field.
