EMPORIA, KANSAS - The Rangers traveled to Emporia for a midweek non conference game against Emporia State. The Hornets jumped out to an early lead after a three run second inning before a seven run seventh inning to take control and close out a 13-4 victory over the Rangers.
Northwestern was led by Brandon Holdren in hits along with Trevor Saire in RBIs with two on the afternoon. Garrett DeHaas started for the Rangers before being relieved by Matthew Potts, Drew Price, and Jacob McMahan.
Emporia State jumped out in front early in the first inning with a leadoff home run by Willimas to take a 1-0 lead. Rangers had a two out single by Brandon Holdren but was left on first base.
After Garrett DeHaas escaped further damage in the first inning the Rangers were able to answer back with their own solo home run as Trevor Saire hit one to left center field to tie the game at one with two outs.
The Hornets were ready to respond though, scoring three runs in the bottom of the second inning. After loading the bases from a single, walk and hit batter, a sacrifice fly pushed the Hornets back in front 2-1.
Williams then followed a stolen base with a single into right field to extend their lead to 4-1 as both runners came around to score. Potts entered the game in the second inning to help escape further damage.
After the Rangers went down in order in their half of the third inning the Hornets extended their lead to 5-1 on a solo home run hit by Calberg to left center field.
The Rangers were ready to answer though, loading the bases with nobody out off a walk and two hit batters. Saire hit a sacrifice fly for his second RBI of the game before a sacrifice fly hit by Paul Sachen cut the deficit to two at 5-3.
Emporia State was able to get one run back though in the fourth inning as Rantz hit a solo home run to left field for the team's third home run of the game to extend their lead to 6-3 through four innings.
Trevor Stiles hit a double reaching scoring position to right field but was left on second after a couple of fly outs. Rangers held the Hornets in order in their half of the fifth inning.
After a scoreless sixth inning the scoring came back in the seventh inning as Brandon Holdren followed a Hagen Barcello single with a single with first and second that came around to score Shaughn Kelly for a run as the Rangers trailed 6-4.
The Hornets were able to extend the lead to their largest at that point following a seven run seventh inning. The first run crossed on a bases loaded walk before a fielder's choice had the Hornets lead at 8-4. An RBI single pushed the lead to 10-4 before a couple of Ranger errors and wild pitches had the Red-and-Black down 13-4.
The Hornets were able to close out the victory holding the Rangers scoreless in the last two innings for the 13-4 victory,
Northwestern will return home for a three game series over the weekend starting with a Friday single game at 6:00 PM and a Saturday doubleheader starting at 1:00 PM.
