April 8, 2016-Emporia State stranded 16 runners on Friday as they were swept by Ft. Hays State 3-0 and 7-4 in Hays, Kan.
GAME ONE
The Hornets had base runners in every inning except the first and had a runner on second in each of the final four innings, but could not score in a 3-0 loss to the Tigers. The only runs of the game came in the fifth inning when Tori Beltz belted a three run homer to break up the shutout by Eryn Stockman. The Hornets had two runners on in the sixxth but pinch hitter Marly Carmona hit a ball that deflected off the pitcher to the second baseman who got the out to end the inning. Katie Yoakum singled with one out in the seventh and Caitlin VanVleck and Cassidy Berry followed with two out singles to load the bases before Danielle Sprinkle flew out deep to center field to end the game.
GAME TWO
Emporia State got on the board first in the nightcap with two runs in the top of the second. Sprinkle led off the inning with a single and went to second on a wild pitch. Holly Hinkel singled to put runners on the corners. Jacie Stephens put the Hornets up 1-0 with a single through the left side. Sarah Glass sacrificed Hinkel and Stephens up a base and Stockman plated Hinkel was she reached on an error in centerfield. The lead held up through five innings, thanks in part to two runners being gunned down at the plate on back to back plays in the fourth. The Tigers broke through in the bottom of the sixth as they scored seven runs on four hits in the inning as the Hornets allowed two walks, hit a batter and committed two errors in the frame. Stockman led off the top of the seventh with a single and VanVleck followed with a one out single and went to second on the throw. Yoakum then doubled them both in to cut the lead to 7-4, but Ft. Hays got a ground out and fly out to end the game.
UP NEXT
The Hornets will travel to Kearney, Neb. on Saturday to take on Neb.-Kearney. First pitch of the double header against the Lopers is set for 12 noon.
