HORNETS BLAST FOUR HOMERS IN 12-0 WIN OVER MISSOURI SOUTHERN

February 29, 2020-Emporia State blasted four home runs in a 12-0 shutout of Missouri Southern on Saturday afternoon at the Trusler Sports Complex.
 
The Hornets got on the board early, scoring five runs in the second inning.  Sam Chaput started things with a two run homer to left center that scored Conner Hurst, who had led off the inning with a double.  After a Paul Claassen single Brady Michel sent the first pitch he saw over the wall in left to make it 4-0.  With two outs Blake Carroll was hit by a pitch and Cooper Minnick doubled him home to give the Hornets a 5-0 lead.
 
That would be more than enough for Emporia State starter Jared Kengott.  He gave up a single hit in each of the first four innings before giving way to Jarrett Seaton to start the eighth.  By then he had an 8-0 lead thanks to Michel's second home run of the game, a three run shot to left center that socred Claassen and Chaput in the bottom of the seventh.
 
Emporia State was able to walk off in a run rule in the bottom of the eighth. Kade Graff led off with a bunt single, Carroll was hit by a pitch and Minnick walked to load the bases.  Graff was thrown out at home on a fielder's choice for the first out of the inning, but Hurst delivered the knock out blow with a grand slam to left that made it 12-0 and ended the game.
 
Brady Michel went three for four with two home runs, five RBI and two runs scored while Connor Hurst was three for five with a home, a double, four RBI and two runs scored. Sam Chaput also homered as he went two for three with two RBI and two runs scored.  Jared Kengott allowed four singles in 7.0 shutout innings while striking out seven and allowing one walk.
 
The Hornets and Lions will wrap up their three game series on Sunday.  First pitch from the Trusler Sports Complex is set for 12:00 p.m.