March 26, 2021-Emporia State pitchers combined for two shutouts on Friday afternoon at the Trusler Sports Complex. The Hornets defeated Neb.-Kearney 2-0 in game one and 5-0 in game two.
Game one
Kelsey Phillips tossed a two hit shutout in the 2-0 Hornet win in the matinee.
After Phillips retired the side in order in the top of the first, Emporia State loaded the bases with one out but would leave them loaded. The Hornets got on the board in the bottom of the third when Phillips hit a one out double to left, followed by a hustle double by
Gabby Biondo for a 1-0 lead. They added an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth when
Kerrigan Dixon led off with a single.
McKensy Glass pinch ran for her and stole second and went to third on a ground out. Abby Ward walked to put runners on the corners before the Hornets pulled off a double steal to give Emporia State a 2-0 lead. Phillips retired the side in order in the top of the seventh to give the Hornets a 2-0 win.
Phillips took a no hitter into the fifth inning on the way to the two hit shutout. She finished with seven strikeouts and only two walks.
Game Two
Josie Harrison went the distance for her first shutout of the year in a 5-0 Hornet win in the nightcap.
The Lopers loaded the bases with two outs in the top of the first but Harrison was able to get a pop up to end the threat. Emporia State took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the third. With two outs Abby Ward doubled to left and would go to third on a wild pitch.
Emma Furnish walked and the Hornets again used the double steal to score the first run of the game.
Roni Raines then singled to right center to plate Furnish for a 2-0 lead.
Emporia State added three runs on three hits in the bottom of the sixth. Raines started things with a single. She was able to score when Harrison beat out the throw to first on a bunt and the ball got away from the fielder at first. Biondo reached on an infield single that allowed Harrison to advance to third.
Kelsey Phillips pinch hit and delivered a sac fly to make it 4-0. Biondo would score on a wild pitch to give Emporia State a 5-0 lead. After a lead off error to start the seventh, Harrison got three ground balls to end the game.
Harrison scattered five hits and four walks over 7.0 innings while striking out five for her first shutout of the season. Raines was two for three with an RBI and run scored.
The Hornets will be back in action on Saturday when they play host to Fort Hays State. First pitch of the double header is set for 12 noon at the Trusler Sports Complex.
