February 25, 2023 – Emporia State rallied from a four-run deficit as the Hornets took home a 7-4 win in the Saturday series final against Northeastern State.
Both Emporia State and Northeastern were held in check offensively through the first frame before the Riverhawks struck first in the bottom of the second inning.
The Riverhawks scored three runs in the second with two outs as they recorded a double and a two-run home run.
Following a scoreless inning in the third for Emporia State, Northeastern State added their fourth run of the game with a sacrifice fly in the third as the Hornets trailed the Riverhawks 4-0 through three innings.
Both teams went scoreless through the fourth and fifth inning before the Hornets rallied to take the lead in the sixth.
TJ Racherbaumer and
Quinton Carlberg both reached base to begin the inning and following a sacrifice bunt by
Andrew Rantz,
Kase Johnson recorded a two RBI single to make the score 4-2.
Following the Johnson single,
Chandler Bloomer singled, and
Brenden Tauber was hit by a pitch to load the bases with one out.
With the bases loaded, Northeastern State attempted to pickoff Tauber at third base, but an errant throw allowed two runs to score as the Hornets tied the game 4-4.
Two batters later, Bucovetsky grounded to third base and another Riverhawk error gave the Hornets a 5-4 lead.
Greg Ross entered the game for the Hornets in relief in the bottom of the sixth and kept the Riverhawks in check.
In the top of the seventh, Emporia State increased their lead to 6-4 following another error by Northeastern State. The final run of the game came in the eighth inning on an RBI groundout from
Kadyn Williams.
Emporia State closed out the game with a 7-4 win over Northeastern State in the Saturday series finale.
Eight different Hornets recorded a hit in the game with
Kase Johnson going 1-4 with two RBI, one run and a walk. Both
Jake Bucovetsky and
Kadyn Williams added an RBI of their own.
On the mound,
Noah Geekie went 5.0 innings allowing four runs on seven hits while recording five strikeouts and no walks allowed.
Greg Ross recorded four innings in relief while allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out six batters.
Emporia State will remain in the Sooner State for a midweek matchup against Oklahoma Baptist on Tuesday, February 28. First pitch is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. from Shawnee, Okla.
