Hornet Softball falls to Central Missouri in double header

March 24, 2023-Emporia State was swept by Central Missouri, falling 5-4 and 4-1 on Friday at the Trusler Sports Complex.
 
Game One
The Hornets battled back from a five-run deficit to have the game winning run on base in the bottom of the seventh but could not complete the comeback in a 5-4 loss to the Jennies in the matinee.
Central Missouri took advantage of a failed pick-off attempt in the first inning to get an early lead. Abbey Fisher singled on the first pitch of the game and was able to go to second on a failed pick-off attempt.  She went to third on a sac bunt and scored on a ground out to make it 1-0 after half an inning.
The Jennies added four runs, all coming with two outs, in the top of the fifth.  Ashlyn Cook hit a two run home run and McKenzie Cooper delivered a two run double to make it 5-0.
The Hornets got one of the runs back in the bottom of the fifth as Lexi Williams reached on an infield single and scored on Emma Furnish's double to right center. In the bottom of the seventh Williams reached on a one out bunt single and stole second.  Furnish drove her in with a triple to right field to make it 5-2.  Abbey Ward then walked and stole second as the tying run came to the plate.  With two outs Haley Garnett singled up the middle to drive in two and pull the Hornets within 5-4. Sophia Rockhold followed with a single to left center to put pinch runner Savanna Schenkel in scoring position.  Alexis Dial hit a fly ball to right field that was run down for the final out.
Emma Furnish was two for four with a double, triple, two RBI and a run scored for the Hornets.Gracie Rabe took the loss, allowing five runs, only two of which were earned in 4.2 innings.
 
Game Two
The Hornets were held to just four hits in a 4-1 loss in the nightcap.
Emporia State got on the board first with a run in the bottom of the second inning. With two outs Josie Harrision singled to drive in Alexis Dial and give the Hornets a 1-0 lead.
Central Missouri took the lead in the top of the third with a pair of two out singles to go up 2-1.  The added two more in the top of the fifth on a two RBI single by McAtee to take a 4-1 lead.
Sidney Righi went the distance for Emporia State, scattering nine hits over 7.0 innings and giving up four runs.
 
Emporia State will be back in action on Saturday when they play host to Lincoln.  First pitch of the double header is set for 12:00 p.m. on Turnbull Field at the Trusler Sports Complex.