The roll continues: ESU streaks past Baptist in doubleheader
Hornets run winning streak to 17 games with pair of victories
By Jesse Newell
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Tyler Applehans was dominant another day.
And this time, it took little more than one pitch.
The Emporia State left-hander pitched a complete-game shutout, leading the No. 10 Hornets to an 8-0 victory over Southwest Baptist on Friday.
“The fastball — that’s where it was at today,” Applehans said with a smile.
The junior struck out 10 and also allowed just five hits.
Applehans said the success was nearly all thanks to his heater — a pitch he threw “probably about 90 percent” of the time on Friday.
“I threw six or seven curveballs and maybe about four changeups, and that was it,” Applehans said. “It was all fastballs.”
ESU also won the second game, 10-1, giving the Hornets their 17th straight victory.
Applehans, who has stepped into the role of ESU’s ace this season, has not allowed a run in three of his last four starts.
He has allowed just three runs in his last 28 1/3 innings.
“He’s doing a phenomenal job. Can you ask for more?” ESU coach Bob Fornelli said. “He’s done everything we ask.”
“... Everyday, you think they’re going to hit him this day, and they don’t. Hopefully, he can keep that up.”
Applehans also was helped by the luxury of pitching with a lead.
After retiring the side in order in the top of the first, Applehans watched as his teammates put up two quick runs.
The key hit came from Keith Hernandez, who contributed a two-run double down the right-field line.
“It’s unbelievable,” Applehans said. “I don’t think I’ve pitched one time this year without getting a couple runs in the first inning. It takes a lot of stress off.”
ESU added three more runs in both the fourth and fifth innings to extend its lead.
Matt Marasco went 3-for-3 with a pair of RBI, while Hernandez also had two hits.
ESU was helped in Game Two by the return of leadoff hitter Conner Crumbliss, who had missed a month with a hand injury.
In just his second game back, Crumbliss went 3-for-5 with three RBI and two runs scored.
“I was wanting to play so bad,” Crumbliss said. “I’m glad it worked out today.”
Brock Nehls picked up the win, allowing five hits and just one run. He also struck out six.
Kellen Lane went 2-for-4 with two RBI, while Hernandez added two more hits.
ESU (24-3, 10-0 MIAA) will complete the series with a doubleheader today beginning at 1 p.m.
Friday at Trusler
Game One
Emporia State 8, Southwest Baptist 0
SW Baptist 000 000 0 — 0 5 3
No. 10 ESU 200 330 X — 8 12 2
W — Applehans. L — Graham.
E — SBU: Mountjoy 2, Yates; ESU: Dreiling, Wempe. DP — SBU 2. LOB — SBU 8, ESU 6. 2B — ESU: Hernandez. SB — SBU: Tormanen; ESU: Majors 2, Shortell. CS — Hernandez.
Game Two
Emporia State 10, Southwest Baptist 1
SW Baptist 010 000 000 — 1 6 3
No. 10 ESU 330 000 04X — 10 10 1
W — Nehls. L — Kelly.
E — SBU: Howell 2, Yates; ESU: Anderson. DP — ESU 1. LOB — SBU 7, ESU 7. 2B — ESU: Crumbliss, Lane, Marasco, Anderson. HR — SBU: Barnhart. HBP — SBU: Mountjoy; ESU: Marasco. SF — ESU: Shortell. SB — ESU: Majors 2, Hernandez, Lane, Anderson.