Hornets win Game 1

Maryville, Mo. - Emporia State defeated Northwest Missouri State on Thursday, April 28, 2016, to win Game 1 of the series by the score 4-2 in Maryville. The game took 2 hours and 10 minutes to complete in front of 74 fans. It was a cloudy day with the high in the mid-50s during the contest. Emporia took advantage of a strong wind and belted three 1-run home runs in the game. The Hornets hit a home run in the 4th inning, 6th inning, and 7th inning. Northwest had chances especially late in the game but could not capitalize those chances into more runs. Emporia's defense was outstanding in this game with the relay defense nailing Bearcat runners attempting to take the extra base in multiple occasions and the infield turning 2 double-plays in the game. Northwest defense was also up to the task and played a solid game to limit the Emporia scoring chances.

Offense - Three Bearcats shared the MVP honors for Northwest in Game 1. First, Jay Hrdlicka went 2 for 3 (including a double) and was hit by a pitch as the Bearcat DH. Second, Jake Lewis went 2 for 4 (including a double) with 1 run scored while playing catcher. Third, Garrett Fort went 2 for 3 (including a double) with 1 RBI while playing center field. James Holler went 1 for 3 with 1 walk while playing third base. Kevin Handzlik went 1 for 4 (a double) and played first base. Aaron Barratt picked-up 1 RBI, 1 run scored, and 1 stolen base in the game. Finally, Kolby Greenslade went 1 for 2 with 1 walk and played left field. In total, Northwest scored 2 runs off of 9 hits, 2 RBIs, 2 walks, 3 strike-outs, and left 5 runners on base.

Defense - Northwest was not charged with an error in the game.

Pitching - Anthony Caenepeel earned the start in Game 1 and worked a complete game. Anthony picked-up the loss and his 2016 record fell to 5-8. Anthony was a workhorse and did an outstanding job keeping the Bearcats in the game. In total, Anthony worked 9.0 innings, allowed 5 hits, 4 runs (all earned), 1 walk, 7 strike-outs, 1 wild pitch, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter. Anthony threw 133 pitches in the game.

NWMSU Athletics Department story link - http://www.bearcatsports.com/news/2016/4/28/baseball-vs-emporia-state-april-28.aspx

Next - Northwest will play Games 2 & 3 against Emporia State on Friday, April 29, 2016, in a double-header commencing at Noon on the campus of Northwest Missouri State University.

Go Cats!!
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