April 19, 2016-Emporia State had runners in each of the last eight innings, but could only score two runs in a 9-2 loss to Washburn on Tuesday in Topeka.
EARLY GOING
The first three batters reached for the Ichabods in the bottom of the second, but were only able to score one run as Hornet starter Jake Eikleberry was able to leave the bases loaded. The Hornets tied the score in the fourth when Dalton Wheat led off with a double and went to third on Evan Koehler's sac bunt. Daniel LaMunyon hit a sac fly to plate Wheat and tie the game at 1-1. Wade Hanna and Levi Ashmore were each hit by a pitch to put two runners on but Ryan McBroom's fly out ended the inning.
ROUGH MIDDLE
The Ichabods answered with two runs in the bottom of the fourth on three hits. Tanner Triggs singled and Payton Soicher tripled him home to break the tie and Zane Mapes RBI single gave Washburn a 3-1 lead. The Hornets had an opportunity to get back in it in the fifth as five straight batters reached base, but none were able to score. With one out Jonny Hodges singled up the middle and went to second on Tanner Perkins walk. Wheat reached on a single to short that loaded the bases. Koehler hit a grounder to third and Hodges was out at the plate for the second out and then LaMunyon hit another grounder to third that forced Wheat and ended the inning. Washburn was able to open the game up with three runs in the bottom of the fifth, getting back to back doubles from Triggs and Bowe Behymer to go up 6-1.Â
THE END
Wheat hit a two out homer in the seventh to pull the Hornets within 6-2, but Washburn answered with a run in the bottom of the inning to go back up by five runs. The would add two runs in the eighth for the final score of 9-2.
THE NUMBERS
Eikleberry took the loss, giving up four runs on eight hiths with two walks and just one strikeout. Wheat was the only Hornet with more than one hit, going three for four with an RBI and two runs scored.
UP NEXT
The Hornets will travel to St. Charles, Mo. this weekend to take on Lindenwood in a rematch of last year's MIAA Opening Round Series. First pitch on Friday at the Lou Brock Sports Complex is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
