ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – A nine-run sixth inning was Griffon Baseball's downfall in Friday's 11-0 loss to Emporia State.
The game was 2-0 through the first five innings as Griffon starter Jordan Akins allowed just four hits in five innings. Wind was a factor in the game, as Emporia State's Max Sturdy pulled a home run that just cleared the left field fence in the fifth inning.
The game took a turn with two outs in the sixth, as a throwing error by shortstop Ryan Neise with two outs scored a runner from second base and continued the inning. After a single to load the bases, Hornet outfielder Blake Carroll cleared them with a triple to center field. That made it 7-0, and the inning didn't stop there. Chandler Bloomer put an exclamation point on the inning with a two-run blast to put his Hornets up 11-0.
Despite the big inning, Akins was only responsible for two earned runs.
Offensively for the Griffons (11-29, 7-21 MIAA), Brenden Andersen led the way as he went 2-for-3 with a double.
NEXT UP
The Griffons and Hornets (19-25, 11-17 MIAA) will be back Saturday at 11 a.m. to play game two at the Spring Sports Complex.
