March 15, 2019- Emporia State Baseball falls 4-3 to Central Oklahoma in game one of the series in Edmond Okla. on Friday. Despite out-hitting the Bronchos 7-5, the Hornets could not capitalize as they fell to 0-1 in the series.
The Hornets got on the board first in the top of the third with one run on one hit. Christian Roduner led off the inning with a single to third base and advanced to second on a walk from Josh Norlin. Runners advanced on a double steal and Roduner would score on a sac fly from Cooper Minnick to give the Hornets a 1-0 lead. The Bronchos tied the game with one run on one hit and one Hornet error in the bottom of the inning.
After two scoreless innings, the Bronchos broke the tie with two runs on two hits. The Hornets closed the gap to 3-2 with one run in the top of the seventh. With two outs on the board, Norlin singled to center field before scoring on a triple from Brian Grove.
The Bronchos answered with one run of their own to take a 4-2 lead heading to the eighth inning. The Hornets wrapped up scoring in the top of the eighth as Paul Claassen reached base with a two out walk. Connor Hurst drove Claassen home with a double to right center to get the Hornets within 4-3 heading to the final inning, but the Hornets could not overcome the deficit as the Bronchos took the game one win.
Christian Roduner led the Hornets with two hits and one run in the game. Tanner Cairns started on the mound for the Hornets and pitched 8.0 innings taking the loss. He pitched 8.0 innings allowing four runs, three earned on five hits with seven K's.
The Hornets are back in action on Saturday as they take on the Bronchos in game two of the three game series. First pitch is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
