FHSU Athletics
EMPORIA, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team fell to Emporia State in a high-scoring affair Tuesday afternoon, losing 25-15. The Hornets (31-13, 18-12 MIAA), who are receiving votes in this week's ABCA Division II Coaches Poll, scored multiple runs in six innings, while the Tigers (14-29, 9-21 MIAA) pushed across multiple runs in three frames.
The home team took a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the first with a grand slam before doubling the lead with two more long balls in the third. FHSU punched back with five runs on five hits in the fourth, including doubles from Gehrig Heckathorn, Derek Woolwine and Antonio Avila.
ESU answered right back with five runs of its own in the bottom of the fourth before adding five more in the fifth, two in the sixth and five again in the seventh.
The Tigers had the biggest inning of the day with a seven-run sixth that included five hits and a pair of walks. Cooper Howell opened the scoring with an RBI double before Justin Lipka lifted a sacrifice fly. Garretson Cook added another RBI double two batters later before Heckathorn plated a run with a single. Bret Deegan made it three hits in a row with a three-run home run to left, helping FHSU pull within 18-12.
The visitors added two more runs in the top of the seventh before ESU scored five in the next half-inning to secure the win.
The Tiger pitching staff allowed six home runs and 16 free passes in the loss, including 13 walks and three hit batters.
Josh McWilliams, Avila, Cook and Heckathorn all had two hits each, with McWilliams scoring a team-high three runs and Deegan driving in four RBI.
The Tigers will return to action on Thursday (April 23) when they take on Northeastern State in a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. in Tahlequah, Okla.