Emporia State Hornets (17-13, 8-9 MIAA)
vs Missouri Western (17-13, 10-7 MIAA)
Wednesday, April 4 • 4:00 p.m. • Trusler Sports Complex • Emporia, Kan.
Series Record: ESU leads 106-37 Last Meeting: MWSU 7, ESU 6 (March 20, 2018)
 Up Next: vs. Nebraska Kearney • April. 7-9, 2018
Trusler Sports Complex • Emporia, Kan
Live Stats
MIDWEEK MATCHUP
Emporia State continues their home stand as they host Missouri Western at the Trusler Sports Complex.
LAST AT BAT
Emporia State won their series 2-1 over Fort Hays State (7-5, 12-4, 4-7).
In game one the Hornets had hot bats to start, scoring three runs in the first innings and one in the second. The Hornets extended their lead to 4-0 with on run in the fifth. The Tigers made a late attempt with five runs in the final two innings but the Hornets held strong with two runs in the bottom of the eighth for the 7-5 win. In game two, the Tigers scored first but were answered by six runs in the first four frames for the Hornets to lead 6-2 after five innings. The Hornets got four runs in the seventh before teams exchanged two runs in the eighth to finish 12-4. In game three the Tigers took the lead with three runs in the first two innings. The Hornets tied the game in the fourth before allowing three runs in the fifth to go down 6-3. The Tigers got one in the sixth and the Hornets could not complete the comeback attempt with just one run in the eighth.
THE COACHES
Bob Fornelli is 582-255 in his 15th season at Emporia State and is 889-368 overall in his 22nd year as a four year head coach. He has led Emporia State to two Division II World Series appearances in ten NCAA Tournaments. Fornelli is 34-21 against the Griffons.
Charles Verduzco is 550-403 in his fourth year as head coach for the Tigers.
ABOUT THE HORNETS
The Hornets have a team batting average of .295 while allowing opponents an average of .295. The Hornets have had 1030 at bats with 304 hits for 213 runs on the season. Hornet pitchers have combined for 251 K's this season.
At the Plate
Bryce Fischer leads the Hornets with a .415 batting average, 51 hits and 32 runs. Kaden Shaffer has a .333 avg with 39 hits and 27 runs. Mason Brown, Brian Grove, Trevor Turner, Tate Kastens and Mack Gowing each have double digit hits and runs for the Hornets.
On the Mound
Seth Holman has 67 K's with an ERA of 4.42 through 57.0 innings with a record of 3-2. Taylor Thompson has 15 appearances, 21.2 innings, 16 K's and a 5.40 ERA. Max Simpson is 3-2 in nine appearences, 38.0 innings with 40 K's.
SCOUTING THE GRIFFONS
The Griffons start the season 17-13 overall, 10-7 in the MIAA. Dusty Stroup leads the Griffons with a batting avg of .232 and 41 hits. Casey Danley has 24 runs for the Griffons followed by Brooks Day with 22. On the mound the Griffons are led by Jacob Miller with a 4.50 ERA through 40 innings with 33 K's. Nate Hunter has thrown 59.2 innings with an ERA of 5.28 and 33 K's.
LAST TIME AGAINST THE GRIFFONS
The Hornets fell 7-6 to the Griffons at Missouri Western
ON DECK
The Hornets head to Topeka to face Washburn in the second Turnpike Tussle.
