May 6, 2022 – Emporia State dropped the opening game of the MIAA Opening Round Series 2-1 against top-seed Central Missouri.
The Hornets were able to start the scoring in the top of the first inning to take the early lead over the Mules. With one out,
Javier Pena drew a four-pitch walk before advancing to second on a wild pitch.
Blake Carroll then worked a full count before drawing another walk. Pena would move up another 90 feet after a second wild pitch in the inning.
TJ Racherbaumer was then able to score Pena with a sacrifice fly to center field. Emporia State was able to advance two runners into scoring position but were unable to score again in the first.
Jared Kengott started on the mound for the Hornets and was able to keep the Mules lineup in check. The Mules first caused trouble in the third inning with two runners in scoring position with just one out. After an RBI groundout from the Mules, Kengott stranded a runner at third base to keep the score tied.
Both teams remained scoreless through the middle innings with the score tied 1-1 before Central Missouri was able to pressure Kengott again. The Mules singled and then doubled to put two runners in scoring position with no outs in the seventh inning. After a sacrifice fly for the Mules, Kengott struck out the next batter for the second out. The trouble would end on the next batter with Rachberbaumer throwing out the runner trying to move up to third on a pitch in the dirt.
Kengott stranded two more Central Missouri runners on base in the eighth inning to complete his day on the mound.
In the ninth,
Jack Maki drew a leadoff walk to start the inning. With two outs, Maki advanced to second base after a passed ball but the Hornets were unable to advance Maki any further and fell in game one to Central Missouri 2-1.
Jared Kengott went 8.0 innings allowing two earned runs on five hits while striking out five batters.
At the plate, the Hornets recorded five hits and drew five walks but stranded 10 runners on base.
Blake Carroll went 1-2 with two walks and
TJ Racherbaumer went 1-3 with an RBI.
Emporia State will take on Central Missouri in game two of the series on Saturday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
