HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State used a three-run home run to win game one of a doubleheader with Emporia State 3-0 Friday afternoon at Tiger Stadium. They then rallied for seven runs in the sixth inning to win the nightcap 7-4 for their fifth straight home wins. The sweep comes on the heels of a nine-game losing streak and has the Tigers (15-26, 7-9 MIAA) within two games of 500 on conference play.

Adrian Mohr Postgame Interview

Tori Beltz broke a scoreless tie with a three-run homer in the fifth inning of game one. Kylie Strand and Rilee Krier both singled ahead of Beltz who hit her 10th homer of the season and second in consecutive games. Paxton Duran held the Hornets hitless for the first 4 1/3 innings. She gave up five hits and struck out eight.

Game 1 Highlights

Emporia State (19-24, 7-9 MIAA) used three hits and a Tiger error and scored two in the in the second to take their first lead of the day in the second contest. The Tigers, who had two runners gunned down at the plate in the fourth, capitalized on two Hornet errors and rallied for seven in sixth to take the lead back for good.

FHSU had 11 consecutive batters reach base in the inning. Paxton Duran tied the game with a two-run triple to right field. Kylie Strand gave them the lead with an RBI single to right field. After two walks, Veronica Knittig was hit by a pitch to push across a run. Samantha Villarreal added a two-run single and a wild pitch scored Tori Beltz.

Game 2 Highlights

Emporia State scored two in the seventh before Paxton Duran closed the door for her second win of the day. Duran (10-16) gave up four runs (three earned) on nine hits with three strikeouts and one walk.

The Tigers get back to action on Saturday with another crucial MIAA doubleheader against Washburn at Tiger Stadium. Both teams enter the day four games under .500 in the conference standings. First pitch is set for 1 pm. You can hear it on KAYS (1400-AM) beginning at 12:45 pm with the Auto World Pregame Show.