February 24, 2025 – Emporia State baseball salvaged the series finale on the road against Pittsburg State, taking Monday's matchup 11-7 against the Gorillas.
The Hornets got the scoring started in the top of the first, as they pushed across three runs in the opening frame. Back-to-back one out singles by
Austin Lynn and
TJ Racherbaumer were followed by a two RBI double from
Noah Steele to put the Hornets ahead 2-0. After the second out,
Dominic Felix singled to right center, driving in Steele, and increasing the lead to 3-0.
Cade Barton got the start and despite the leadoff hitter reaching base, Barton held the Gorillas scoreless in the first. In the second,
Brady Unrein started the top half of the inning with an infield single and a stolen base, and after advancing to third on a flyout, scored on a sac fly by
Austin Lynn to push the lead to 4-0.
Pittsburg State got two hits off Barton in the second, but he was able to strand both runners and keep the 4-0 lead intact.
Following a pitching change for Pittsburg State to open the third, Emporia State was able to double their advantage in the inning. A leadoff single by
Cooper Schwindt, and two-out walks by
Gus Keller and
Brady Unrein, loaded the bases for
Logan Myers. Myers delivered with two outs, taking a 2-0 pitch to center field for his second career grand slam to push the Emporia State lead to 8-0.
The Gorillas were able to pull three back in just three at-bats in the bottom half, as
Grant Huffman took over on the mound for the Hornets. Pittsburg State was able to deliver a two-out, two RBI single, trimming the Emporia State advantage to just 8-5 heading to the middle innings.
Both teams were held scoreless over the next two innings, before the Hornets doubled their lead in the top of the sixth. Emporia State again wreaked havoc with two outs, as Steele and Schwindt both reached with two away in the inning, before a throwing error brought in Steele from third to make the score 9-5. Felix followed the error with a two-run home run to left field, making the score 11-5.
Pittsburg State was able to pull a run back in both the seventh and eighth innings on solo home runs,
Graeme Rios and
Ian Lanik held firm, as they allowed just the two runs over the final six innings combined to seal the 11-7 win for Emporia State.
Dominic Felix went 4-5 with a double, home run and three RBI for his third multi-hit game in seven appearances.
Logan Myers drove in four with his third-inning grand slam.
On the mound,
Graeme Rios picked up the win in relief, his second win of the season, as he allowed one run across four innings of work.
Emporia State will return to action against Central Oklahoma on Friday, February 28 for their home opener. First pitch between the Hornets and Bronchos is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
