February 26, 2017 - The #30 Hornet baseball team defeated Pittsburg State 13-8 Sunday afternoon to improve to 9-2 on the season, 2-0 in the MIAA. A seven run third inning propelled Emporia State to the win, led by Kaden Shaffer with seven RBI.
BATTLE BACK-AND-FORTH
Pittsburg State plated the first run in the first inning, Emporia State answering with a run in the second inning. After two innings, each team had two hits. The Gorillas took back the lead 2-1 in the top of the third.
RALLY IN THE THIRD
Seven runs in the third inning gave the Hornets a boost to lead 8-2 heading into the fourth. Ryan McBroom led off with a double to right center followed by a bunt single from Mack Gowing. Mason Brown walked to load the bases with two outs. Kaden Shaffer hit a grand slam over the left field wall, putting Emporia State up 5-2. Tate Kastens singled through the right side to plate Daniel LaMunyon. McBroom made his second appearance of the inning, getting another double to total two in the third inning. He scored Kastens and Wade Hanna to go up 8-2.
FINISH THEM OFF
Pittsburg State scored one run in each of the next four innings and another two in the eighth to trail 10-8 headed into the bottom of the eighth. Shaffer homered down the right field line for another three RBI to put Emporia State up 13-8 headed into the ninth. Nathan Whitcomb pitched the final inning for the Hornets, allowing only one hit.
BY THE NUMBERS
McBroom hit four for five that included a home run, two doubles and a triple. He had three RBI and two runs. Shaffer went two for seven with seven RBI, both hits home runs. Brown went two for three on the day. Jordan Plank picked up the win to improve to 2-1 on the season, allowing four runs on seven hits with seven strikeouts and two walks through 5.0 innings.
UP NEXT
The #30 Hornets will wrap up the series against Pittsburg State on Monday, Feb. 27. First pitch will be at 1:00 p.m. on Glennen Field at Trusler Sports Complex.
