April 23, 2016-Emporia State pounded out 16 hits on the way to an 18-3 win over Lindenwood on Saturday to even the series at one game a piece.
The Hornets started off strong with the first six batters having productive at bats. Jonny Hodges led off with a walk, and went to third on Dalton Wheat's double. Daniel LaMunyon was hit by a pitch to load the bases and BJ Dean hit a ground out to give the Hornets a 1-0 lead. Derek Francis cleared the bases with a two run triple and would come home on Ryan McBroom's ground out to give Emporia Stae a 4-0 lead.
Aaron Gile led off the second with a triple, followed by a walk to Tayler Steen and a Hodges ground out scored Gile. LaMunyon was hit by a pitch and Dean delivered a two run triple to give the Hornets a 7-0 lead. Two unearned runs in the third made it 9-0.
The Hornets made it 13-0 with four more runs in the fifth with Wheat delivering a two run single. Lindenwood finally broke through with three runs in the bottom of the sixth off reliever Tanner Cairns to cut the score to 13-3.
Emporia State batted around in the seventh to add five runs on five singles and a pair of walks for the final score of 18-3
Dalton Wheat went four for five with three runs and three RBI while Taylor Steen was two for four with tow runs and two RBI. Aaron Gile scored three runs as he reached base four times with a triple, two walks and reaching on an error.
Jordan Plank pitched 5.0 shutout innings to get the win, allowing six hits and two walks while striking out three.
The Hornets and Lions will play the rubber game of the series on Sunday afternoon at 12 noon in the Lou Brock Sports Complex in St. Charles, Mo.
