February 25, 2017 – The #30 Hornets opened conference play with an 11-0 run rule over Pittsburg State on Saturday afternoon.
The Hornets scored one run in the first inning from a Pittsburg State error. Both teams would go scoreless for the next two innings until the Hornets opened the game up in the bottom of the fourth inning.
The Hornets began the fourth inning with three straight singles from Wade Hanna, Tate Kastens and Ryan McBroom. With the bases loaded and no outs, Mack Gowing forced a four-pitch walk, scoring Hanna. With the bases still loaded, Levi Ashmore walked to score Kastens. The bases remained loaded for Mason Brown who would hit a double off of the center field wall, scoring all three runners on base to open the lead 6-0. A Kaden Shaffer RBI single and another single from Hanna would add two more in the bottom of the fourth for Emporia State. The Hornets scored seven runs on six hits in the fourth inning.
Brown would add to his RBI total in the bottom of the fifth with a single to left field, plating Ashmore and McBroom. The Hornets would finish the fifth with two runs on two hits, making it a ten-run game.
Hanna would add to his three-hit performance with a solo homerun in the bottom of the sixth to make it 11-0.
Brown finished with five RBI while Hanna hit three for four with two runs and two RBI. Ashmore led with three runs scored. McBroom hit two for three with two runs scored. Seth Holman improved to 3-0 with the win, pitching a complete shutout game in seven innings. Holman allowed no runs on seven hits with four strikeouts and no walks.
The Hornets and Gorillas will play on Sunday and Monday at Trusler Sports Complex on Glennen Field. First pitch is at 1:00 p.m. for both games.
