HORNET BASEBALL DROPS 7-3 DECISION TO NORTHWEST MISSOURI

Baseball | 5/4/2019 4:49:00 PM

Box Score May 4, 2019-Emporia State had four errors in a 7-3 loss to Northwest Missouri on Saturday afternoon at the Trusler Sports Complex.
 
The Bearcats took a 1-0 lead on Derek Hussey's lead off homer in the second inning.  Tanner Arst homered in the third with one out to tie the game.
 
Emporia State took a 3-1 lead in the fourth inning when Connor Hurst singled and came home on Aaron Dees home run to right field.
 
Jake Barton made that lead hold up until the seventh inning. Mondesi Gutierrez started the inning by reaching on an error by Paul Claassen at shortstop.  Logan Rycraft grounded into a fielder's choice and went to third on a wild pitch that bounced high and then away from Cooper Minnich at catcher.  Peter Carlson then hit a chopper down the third base line. Arst tried to slap the tag on Rycraft but could not get the tag in time and Carlson beat the throw to first to put runners on the corners. Calvin Rudolph reached on a bunt when no one covered first that allowed Rycraft to score. Connor Quick singled in Carlson to tie the score and end the day for Jake Barton.  Mason LeClair came in and struck out the first batter he faced before giving up a three run home run to Matt Gastner to put the Bearcats up 6-3.
 
The Bearcats added an insurance run in the top of the ninth. Rudolph led off with a walk, went to second on a single by Quick and to third on a fly out to deep center. Connor Burns relieved LeClair and gave up an infield single to Hussey that plated Rudolph and gave Northwest a four run lead.
 
Lou Pener reached on a fielding error but was erased when Hurst reached on a fielder's choice. With two outs Tucker Perkins single to center before Mitch Sloan flew out to end the game.
 
Tanner Arst was two for three with a solo home run while Aaron Dees went one for four with a two run homer for Emporia State's runs. Jake Barton gave up two earned runs and five total on eight hits in 6.1 innings to take the loss.
 
Emporia State will try to salvage the final game of the series on Sunday at 12:00 p.m. Emporia State's 12 seniors will be recognized prior to the game at approximately 11:40 a.m.
 
The Hornets take on Northeastern State at 4:00 p.m. Saturday in another elimination game.