March 28, 2018- Emporia State would rally in the bottom of the seventh on their way to a 4-3 walk-off win in nine innings in their opener against Northeastern St on Wednesday. The Hornets would fall in the nightcap by a score of 4-3.
ESU 4, NSU 3
After the RIverHawks scored a run in the top of the second, the two teams would trade outs for the next two innings. In the top of the fifth, Northeastern St. would increase their lead to 3-0, but the Hornets would pick up a run in the bottom of the frame. Danielle Sprinkle hit her fifth home run of the year on a solo shot to right field. In the bottom of the seventh, Kenzie Garvin would hit an RBI single to score Hailey Cope. The Hornets would tie the game in the inning on a sac fly RBI from Katy Rae Nordman to send the game to extra innings. In the bottom of the ninth, Nordman would come through again with a two-out RBI single to give the Hornets the 4-3 walk-off win.
Kenzie Garvin was two for four at the plate with an RBI and a run scored. Danielle Sprinkle was one for two with a home run and a walk. Katy Rae Nordman had two RBI for the Hornets. Montana Mesler picked up her sixth win of the year by pitching all nine innings and striking out seven.
NSU 4, ESU 3
Emporia State scored three runs on seven hits in the nightcap. After a scoreless two innings, the Hornets got on the board in the bottom of the third with an RBI single off the bat of McKenna Davis. The RiverHawks would respond with four runs in the top of the fourth as the Hornets trailed 4-1. In the top of the fifth, Hailey Cope would come around to score on a sac fly RBI from Annie Rockley. The Hornets would rally in the bottom of the seventh as Danielle Sprinkle hit an RBI single to cut the RiverHawks' lead to one run. The rally would come up short as the Hornets fell 4-3 in game two.
Annie Rockley was one for two with an RBI and a run scored. McKenna Davis and Danielle Sprinkle each had a hit and an RBI in the game. Hailey Cope scored her 23rd run of the year for the Hornets. Kelsey Phillips started the game in the circle, going 3.1 innings and two strikeouts.
Emporia State will host the Turnpike Tussle at Trusler on Friday, March 30 with a doubleheader against Washburn. First pitch from Turnbull Field is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
