April 10, 2019-Emporia State could not overcome a six run third inning by Newman in a 13-6 loss to the Jets on Wednesday night at the Trusler Sports Complex.
Both teams saw their lead off batter reach base and score in the first inning and both were held scoreless in the second. The Jets sent 11 men to the plate in the top of the third and scored six runs on five hits, two walks and two Hornet errors. With one run in and one out and a runner on second, Paul Rupnik hit a grounder to short but Josh Norlin's throw to third to try to get the lead runner was errant and allowed a run to score and Rupnik to get to second base. The next three batters would all single and eventually score as Newman went up 7-1.
The Jets would add another run in the top of the fourth before the Hornets got two back in the bottom of the inning. Connor Hurst would lead off with a double and went to third on a throwing error by Chris Opolka at second base that allowed Cooper Minnick to reach base. Minnick was picked off first and got into run down allowing Hurst to score. With two outs Tyrus Barclay hit a solo home run to pull the Hornets within 8-3. The Jets added two more runs in the top of the sixth and Emporia State answered with three of their own in the bottom of the sixth. Aaron Dees delivered the big hit in the inning, a two run double that scored Norlin and Grove and pulled the Hornets within four runs.
Newman answered immediately in the top of the seventh with a three run homer by Paul Rupnick to take a 13-6 lead. Emporia State loaded the bases with three walks in the bottom of the seventh but could not score and would only get two more walks the rest of the way.
Jarrett Seaton gave up seven runs, four of them earned in 2.1 innings to take the loss. Barclay was two for two with a home run, two runs scored and an RBI while Grove was two for four with two runs scored.
Emporia State is back in action on Friday night when they play host to Pittsburg State in MIAA action. First pitch is set for 6:00 p.m. on Glennen Field at the Trusler Sports Complex.
