April 28, 2017 – The Emporia State softball team is 2-0 to start day two of the MIAA Tournament, defeating Pittsburg State 1-0 in eight innings and sending Missouri Western home on a 5-1 win.
PUTTING PITT AWAY
Both teams went scoreless through the regularly scheduled innings against Pittsburg State before Emporia State won 1-0 in eight innings.
Emporia State left six runners stranded through the first seven innings, leaving the bases loaded in the first. The Hornet defense was efficient as they retired the side in the first, second, fourth, fifth and seventh innings. Pitching for both teams was also effective as there were only five combined hits in the first six innings.
Hailey Cope had a solo home run to left field in the top of the eighth that would eventually win the game for Emporia State.
Annie Rockley was the only player from either team to have multiple hits, going two for three against the Gorillas. Eryn Stockman improved to 23-13 on the season, pitching her 26th complete game this year. Stockman allowed just three hits with no walks and seven strikeouts.
MOVE OVER MISSOURI WESTERN
The Hornet offense was more active in game two against Missouri Western, scoring five runs on eight hits on the way to an 5-1 win.
Missouri Western took the first lead of the game from a Sydney Washington solo home run in the second inning. Emporia State did allow them the lead long as Rockley brought Caitlin VanVleck home on a single to left center after VanVleck had stole second.
The Hornets took the lead 3-1 in the third inning when Katie Yoakum had a two RBI single down the left field line. Emporia State exteded their lead 4-1 when Hailey Cope singled to plate VanVleck again after VanVleck had stole second. Emporia State cushioned their lead in the top of the seventh on a Rockley sac fly to bring Stockman across the plate.
VanVleck hit three for three with two runs scored against the Griffons. Rockley again hit two for three, this time bringing in two RBI. Holly Hinkel improved to 7-11 on the year, pitching 4.0 innings and allowing just one run on one hit with no walks. Stockman had her first save of the season, pitching the final 3.0 innings and allowing just two hits with a walk and a strikeout.
UP NEXT
Emporia State now waits to play the loser of the Northwest Missouri - Central Oklahoma game. The Hornets will play at approximately 5:30 p.m. on OGE Energy Field at Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Okla.
