January 30, 2026 – The 2026 season started with a shutout win for Emporia State baseball, as the Hornets picked up an 8-0 win over Adams State on Friday afternoon in Tucson.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Adams State put a pair of runners on base in the first against Hornet starter Seth Stover, but the junior wiped away the threat to keep the game scoreless. Emporia State's first chance came in the bottom of the second inning, as they had runners on the corners with two outs and used some clever baserunning to claim the lead. Dominic Felix held up between first and second to force a rundown, which allowed Nathon Cruz to score from third.
 
Both teams were scoreless in the third, which included a second straight inning for Seth Stover where he faced the minimum.
 
The lead grew in the bottom of the fourth, as RBI singles from Brady Unrein and Dylan Brisbois put the Hornets ahead 3-0. Brisbois came through again in the sixth inning with another single to grow the lead to 4-0.
 
Emporia State's lead doubled over their final two at-bats in the seventh and eighth innings, as a double by Nathon Cruz in the seventh made the score 6-0, while a wild pitch and an RBI fielder's choice from Evan Abbott extended the lead to 80.
 
Seth Stover exited after five shutout innings, which included four strikeouts. Over the final four frames, Quinton Chindamo, Graeme Rios and Brandon Vassallo kept the shutout intact, as they combined to allow just two hits.
 
A LOOK AT THE STATS
Dylan Brisbois went 3-3 with two RBI and reached base in all four plate appearances. Brady Unrein and Nathon Cruz each tallied two hits of their own.
 
On the mound, Seth Stover picked up the win. All four Hornet pitchers combined to allow just two walks and one extra-base hit on the afternoon.
 
UP NEXT
Saturday, January 31 features two games for the Hornets, with the first of two coming against Minot State. First pitch between the Beavers and Emporia State is scheduled for 11:00 a.m (MT).