FHSU Athletics
EMPORIA, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team fell to Emporia State in their series opener Friday (March 3) 13-0 in seven innings. The Hornets took advantage of two big scoring innings while the ESU pitching staff kept the Tigers at bay to secure the win. ESU improves to 6-11 (2-2 MIAA) while FHSU falls to 7-11 (0-4 MIAA).
The opening frame didn't yield much for either squad as the Tigers were retired in order. The Hornets managed one hit, but the runner was caught stealing by Ridge Stephens who fired a laser from behind the plate to second. A single from Elliott Herrmann and two free trips awarded to Zane Knox and Stephens loaded the bases for the Tigers with one out in the following frame, but the Hornets turned a double play to keep the Tigers scoreless. ESU plated their first run in the home half of the second before rallying seven runs on six hits and one miscue by the Tigers to take an 8-0 lead through three innings.
Luuk ter Beek (0-1) started on the mound for the Tigers, tossing 2.2 innings. The Nieuw Vennep, Netherlands native seemed to settle in at the end of the second frame, retiring the last two batters he faced including a strikeout to end the inning. ter Beek was charged with eight runs on eight hits while collecting three punchouts before Connor Holle took over to close out the third inning. Holle threw two scoreless innings before the Hornets began a five-run rally in the sixth frame. Holle was charged with two of the runs before he was relieved by Jacob Shope. Shope managed to get two outs in the seventh, including one strikeout, but Emporia State plated three more runs on a home run. The Hornets plated their final two runs on a single before Spencer Maley forced a flyout to end the inning.
ESU starter Ian Lanik scattered three hits over six scoreless innings while striking out three batters.
Ed Scott, Isaiah Ural and Herrmann each collected a hit for the Tigers while Emile Boies and Zane Knox each drew a walk.
The series will resume Saturday (March 4) at 1 p.m.at Trusler Sports Complex.