April 10, 2026 – Emporia State baseball was locked in a pitcher's duel with Missouri Southern on Friday, but the visiting Lions eventually scored two in the late innings as the Hornets fell 3-1 in the series opener.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Colby Deaver made his first series opening start of the season for Emporia State and despite a hit batter to open the day, picked up two strikeouts to strand the runner for a scoreless first frame. After both teams went in order over the next two half innings, the first base runner for the Hornets came in the second inning on a walk by
Nathon Cruz.
Missouri Southern became the first team to notch a run in the game in the top of the third, with Andrew Young recording a single up the middle with one out. Young then stole second before scoring on a double by Brayden Luikart to put the Lions ahead 1-0.
Emporia State responded in the bottom half, as
Dylan Brisbois and
Cooper Schwindt reached base to open the frame.
Tyler Coffin laid down a sac bunt to move the runners and
Logan Myers grounded out to the right side to push across Brisbois and tie the score 1-1.
Following the third inning, the pitching duel picked up between Deaver and Missouri Southern starter Owen Schneider. Both pitchers kept the opposition from advancing a runner into scoring position over the next four frames.
Deaver exited the game in the top of the eighth after settling on exactly 100 pitches through seven innings. Missouri Southern was able to capitalize on Deaver's exit, picking up two runs on three hits and a walk to take a 3-1 advantage over Emporia State.
The Hornets went down in order against Schneider in the bottom of the eighth, but after the switch to the bullpen in the ninth, Emporia State picked up a pair of base runners with two outs. The Lions were able to seal the win as Jacob Filip pounced on a chopper in front of the plate to pick up the final out.
A LOOK AT THE STATS
Emporia State was limited to just three hits in the game, while drawing two walks and two hit-by-pitches in the game.
Colby Deaver picked up his seventh quality start of the season, going 7.0 innings with five strikeouts and just one run on two hits allowed, picking up a no-decision. Deaver's Friday start marks his ninth start this season with five or more strikeouts.
UP NEXT
The Hornets and Lions will meet again on Saturday, April 11 at the Trusler Sports Complex with first pitch scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
