EMPORIA, Kan. – Rogers State baseball (14-10, 6-7 MIAA) came up short in a 1-0 game against Emporia State (14-13, 5-8 MIAA) in the series finale on Sunday.
 
This game was a classic pitchers' duel from the opening pitch with neither starter allowing a run in the first three innings. Christopher Spry held the Hornets to just one hit while stranding three runners in that stretch. ESU's starter likewise limited RSU to one hit with two left on base.
 
The Hornets scored the game's only run in the bottom of the fourth for a 1-0 lead. A single up the middle with one out got a runner on. Later in the inning, a triple to left center brought in the run.
 
The Hillcats had their opportunity to score in the eighth inning as Matthew Schure earned a leadoff, full count walk. Richie Ponce laid down a sacrifice bunt to move Schure to second. Jake Mitchell singled to center and later stole second to put two runners in scoring position with one out. Unfortunately, a strike out and a groundout ended the threat.
 
Ian Lanik (2-1) earned the win with Eli Hernandez (1) picking up the save. Spry (1-2) took the loss, allowing the lone run on five hits with six strikeouts and no walks over seven innings. Dean Grisham was solid in his 1.0 inning of work, scattering one hit with two strikeouts.
 
RSU will return home on Friday, March 22 to begin a three-game series against Northwest Missouri. First pitch is set for 3 p.m.