March 16, 2018- Emporia State drops their first two games at the ESU St. Patrick's Classic. The Hornets fell 7-4 against Augustana and 13-4 against Minnesota-Duluth in five innings.
Augustana 7, ESU 4
The Hornets jumped out to an early 2-0 lead after a two-run single off the bat of Hailey Cope. After the Vikings scored a run in the second, the Hornets picked up another two runs in the bottom of the third as Danielle Sprinkle drove in two runs with a single to left center to give the Hornets a 4-1 lead. The Vikings would pick up two runs in each of the next two innings to take the lead. The Hornets failed to get a runner on in the final three innings and the Vikings scored two more runs in the seventh to secure the 7-4 win.
Kenzie Garvin was two for three at the plate with two runs scored and a stolen base. Danielle Sprinkle and Hailey Cope each had one hit and two RBI for the Hornets. Montana Mesler pitched 6.1 innings, giving up six runs with one strikeout.
UMD 13, ESU 4
After the Bulldogs scored two runs in the top of the first, the Hornets tied the game in the bottom of the frame. Kelsey Phillips hit a two-run single to tie the game at 2-2. The Bulldogs scored five runs in the top of the second, followed by two more runs in the third to take a 9-2 lead. In the bottom of the fourth, the Hornets picked up two runs as Kenzie Garvin drove in a run and Annie Rockley was able to score on fielder's choice. The Hornets' rally would end there as the Bulldogs would come up with four runs in the top of the fifth as the Hornets fell 13-4 in five innings.
Caitlin VanVleck was one for two at the plate with a triple, an RBI, and a run scored. Kelsey Phillips was one for two with two RBI. Kenzie Garvin picked up her fourth RBI of the year for the Hornets. Kelsey Phillips pitched 2.1 innings and struck out three hitters.
The Hornets are back in action Saturday as they take on Minot State and Minnesota State Mankato on day two of the ESU Saint Patrick's Day Classic.
