I think I may have been a little remiss (or is it feeling remiss?) not to have mentioned the Emporia State baseball team to this point. I thought they were one of the great stories of last year with that huge winning streak — and it looks like they’ve set themselves up for more success this year. Here’s a release from ESU on their win over Southwestern Oklahoma State in the season opener. OH, the Hornets are ranked No. 8 in the country if you need them:
February 10, 2009 — The ESU baseball team won their season opener Tuesday at Southwestern Oklahoma State 19-9. The Hornets jumped out early, scoring three runs in the first inning while designated split starters Tyler Applehans and Ben Graham didn’t allow any runs through the first four innings.
ESU really got things going on the board in the fifth and sixth inning when they put up six and seven runs respectively. ESU also added three runs in the seventh. The Hornets registered seven extra base hits including home runs by Anthony Dreiling and Mike Sharp.
Senior Conner Crumbliss finished the game with four hits, including two doubles and a triple, to go along with two RBI and four runs scored. Dreiling finished the game three for five with three runs scored and a game high five RBI. Designated hitter Calder Cody finished with three RBI and was joined by Sharp who also added three RBI. Ever Hornet starter recorded either a hit or a run as ESU put up 20 hits on the afternoon.
On the mound ESU used six pitchers, many of whom may be part of this season’s rotation. Applehans earned the win in a designated split start with Ben Graham. Diego Soto pitched two innings allowing only one run. Colby Killian closed out the final two innings allowing no earned runs and striking out a game high four.
ESU will be back in action on Saturday and Sunday Feb. 14-15 when they travel to Denver to take on Regis of Colorado. Saturday is a double-header with a scheduled first pitch at 12 noon.