HORNETS AND LIONS SWAP 7-2 WINS ON SATURDAY AT TRUSLER

April 16, 2022-Emporia State earned their fourth straight MIAA double header split, trading 7-2 scores with Missouri Southern on Saturday at the Trusler Sports Complex.
 
GAME ONE
The Hornets left eight runners on base in a 7-2 loss to the Lions in the opener.
Leighton Withers gave Missouri Southern a 2-0 lead with a two run home run in the top of the third.  Emporia State tied the game in the bottom of the fourth when Gracie Rabe's fly ball to deep center field was dropped allowing Bailey Flewelling and Josie Harrison to score and knot the game at 2-2 after four innings.
The Lion would take the lead in the sixth inning.  With one Abby DeSanto singles and Kristen Wade doubled to put runners at second and third.  Abbey Ward threw DeSanto out at home on a fielder's choice for the second out and to keep the game scored.  With runners on the corners the Lions executed a double steal as Wade came home on the delayed steal of home. Grace Parrott followed with a single that scored Sidnie Hurst who had reached on the fielder's choice. Parrott was thrown out trying to go to third to end the inning when the throw to the plate was off line.
Ashlynn Williams would provide the knockout with a three run home in the top of the seventh for the 7-2 final score.
 
GAME TWO
It was the Hornets turn to score last on the way to a 7-2 win of their own in the nightcap.
The Lions continued their momentum from the first game scoring two runs in the top of the first but the Hornets were able to get an inning ending double play to keep the damage to just two runs.
Emporia State would take the lead in the third inning.  Karley Johnson led off by reaching first when her high fly ball was dropped in front of the plate by the Lion catcher.  Lexi Williams worked a walked and after a fielder's choice out at second Emma Furnish doubled to left field to score Johnson.  Ward followed with a single to plate Brittanie Shepherd and tie the game at 2-2.  Maddy Broxterman put down a squeeze bunt to score Furnish and give the Hornets a 3-2 lead.
With one out in the bottom of the fifth Furnish singled up the middle and would score on Ward's triple into the gap in right center.  With two outs McKensy Glass hit an RBI double to right center to push the lead to 5-2.  Flewelling put the finishing touches on the 7-2 win with a homer to right field.
Sydney Righi would finish out the complete game as she scattered eight hits over 7.0 innings, allowing two runs with four strikeouts and one walk. Ward was three for four with a triple, two RBI and a run scored.
 
Emporia State will continue their season ending home stand next Friday when they play host to #2 Rogers State.  First pitch of the double header on April 22 is set for 2:00 p.m.