CARY, N.C. — Well, it wasn’t the starter this time, but Emporia State got another great pitching performance and another win on Monday at the World Series.
Ben Graham pitched 6 2/3 innings of relief, Caleb Williamson went 4-for-4 with two RBIs and Emporia State beat Mesa State 5-2 to become the first team with two wins at the World Series.
Tyler Applehans struggled to locate pitches in 1 2/3 innings, walking four and giving up the Mavericks’ only two runs. When it comes to locating, no one has been better this year than Graham, who came into the game with only nine walks in 78 2/3 innings.
Graham (8-3) walked the first hitter he faced in the second inning to load the bases. He responded with a strikeout to end the inning and didn’t walk another batter all day.
Williamson gave the Hornets a 3-2 lead in the third inning when he stroked a two-run double with two outs to score Andy Cotton and Kenny Burkhead.
Emporia State got on the board first in the first inning when Burkhead slapped a single through the hole between first and second to score Conner Crumbliss. Crumbliss scored from second on the play, sliding around the tag of MSU catcher Grant Vickers.
Kevin Becker hit a double down the left field line to give the Mavs the lead in the second inning.
The Hornets padded their lead in the fourth on a Jacob White RBI double. They added another run in the seventh on Mike Sharp’s line-drive single.
Diego Soto picked up the save by working a scoreless ninth.
With the win, the Hornets earned themselves an extra-day’s rest and do not have to play again until Thursday.
For complete coverage of Monday’s game, check Tuesday’s Gazette.
gg (anonymous) says...
Yahoooooooo, way to do guys, keep it going and bring a national championship back to the University, City of Emporia and State of Kansas.
May 25, 2009 at 10:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
beth (anonymous) says...
Good job Hornets!
May 25, 2009 at 11:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )