April 7, 2025 – Emporia State baseball fell 3-2 on Monday afternoon, as the Hornets fell in walk-off fashion against top-ranked Central Missouri for the second consecutive game.
In the first inning, the Mules took a lead over the Hornets for the third straight game, as a two-out home run by Vance Tobol put Central Missouri ahead 1-0. Emporia State's first base runner came in the third inning on a Mules error, but a double play ended the inning.
Central Missouri doubled their advantage in the bottom of the third, as the Mules used a lead off double followed by a sacrifice bunt and sacrifice fly to take a 2-0 lead into the middle innings.
The breakthrough for the Hornets came in the fifth and the frame got started with a double by
Noah Steele for the first Emporia State hit of the game. With two outs,
Jovanni Toledo drew a walk to set up
Konner Hatfield who delivered an RBI single through the right side to make the score 2-1.
The score remained 2-1 until the top of the ninth as
Cade Barton continued to keep the Mules off the bases. In the ninth, following the first out,
Noah Steele delivered his third home run in as many games, a solo homer to make the score 2-2. Emporia State would draw two walks in the inning but were unable to take a lead.
In the bottom half, Barton returned to the bump and retired the first batter of the inning, marking the 19th straight batter retired by the Hornet starter. The Mules were able to snap the stretch with a single from Steele with one out. After the hit, the Hornets went to the bullpen to bring in
Nick Woodcock in relief of Barton. Central Missouri was able to draw a walk and then pick up a single to record the walk-off win 3-2.
The Hornets were limited to four hits with
Noah Steele going 2-3 with a home run, double, walk and both runs scored.
On the mound,
Cade Barton put together the longest outing of his career, going 8.1 innings while allowing three runs on three hits and striking out four.
Emporia State will be back in action on Wednesday, April 9 as they return home to take on Fort Hays State. The second midweek matchup of the season between the Hornets and Tigers is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
