March 9, 2018- Emporia State Baseball fell in both games of the double header against Pittsburg State on Friday (15-12, 5-2).
Game One
The Gorillas got on the board first with two runs in the first inning and one in the second to go up 3-0. The Hornets cut into the lead in the top of the third with two runs on four hits to make the score 3-2 in favor of Pittsburg State. The Gorillas got four runs in both the bottom of the third and fourth innings to extend their lead to 11-2. The Hornets brought the game within two runs (11-9) with seven runs in the top of the fifth but the Gorillas answered back with three runs in the bottom of the inning making it 14-9. The teams exchanged runs in the sixth inning to make the score 15-10. Holding the Gorillas scoreless in the seventh and eighth innings the Hornets had a chance to come back in the top of the ninth but would fall short scoring just two runs on four hits to fall 15-12.
At the plate the Hornets were led by Mack Gowing and Bryce Fischer each with three hits and two RBI in five at bats. Mason Brown and Jack Wilson each added two hits for the Hornets. The Hornets had ten different players score at least one run including two from both Gowing and Fischer.
Max Simpson started the game on the mound for the Hornets and pitched three innings allowing seven runs on six hits before being replaced by Adam Thies. Thies pitched one inning allowing four runs on four hits before being replaced by Brendan Janes. Janes pitching one third innings allowing three runs on one hit. Trey Taylor relieved Janes and pitched one and one third innings allowing one run on three hits before being replaced by Nathan Gieber. Gieber pitched one and one third innings allowing no hits and no runs. Drew Scrimsher finished the game for the Hornets pitching one inning allowing just one hit.
Game Two
The Gorillas got on the board first again in game two with one run in the bottom of the first inning. After exchanging outs for two innings the Hornets tied the game with one run in the top of the fourth inning. Pitt State regained the lead with one run in the bottom of the fifth and extended their lead with three in the bottom of the sixth to make the score 5-1. The Hornets closed the gap to 5-2 with one run in the top of the eighth but could not overcome the deficit.
At the plate Mack Gowing, Bryce Fischer, Kaden Shaffer and Tate Kastens each had one hit. Fischer and Kastens each scored one run for the Hornets.
Seth Holman started on the mound for the Hornets and pitched five and two thirds innings allowing five runs on eight hits with seven K's. Taylor Thompson relieved relieved Holman with two outs in the sixth inning and finished the game for the Hornets allowing no runs and just one hit with two K's.
The Hornets will be back in action Saturday at 1:00 p.m. to wrap up the weekend series against Pittsburg State.
