Hornet Baseball Holds Off Griffon Comeback for 10-8 Win on Wednesday

Emporia State jumped out to an early lead and had to hold off a comeback attempt by Missouri Western to win game one of their midweek series.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 12:06am

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Emporia State baseball defeated Missouri Western 10-8 on Wednesday, jumping out to an early 4-0 lead and then holding off a late Griffon comeback attempt. The Hornets were led by multi-hit games from several players, including a four-RBI performance from Steele Abbott, and home runs from Abbott and Tanner Steele. Emporia State used seven different pitchers in the game, with closer Caden Huffman picking up his fourth save of the season.

Why it matters

This win keeps Emporia State in the hunt for a strong season, as they look to build on their early success against a conference rival. The ability to hold off a late comeback attempt also shows the team's resilience and ability to win close games.

The details

Emporia State jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning, highlighted by a three-run home run from Steele Abbott. The Hornets extended their lead to 6-2 and then 9-3 before Missouri Western mounted a comeback, scoring three runs in the fourth and three more in the seventh to make it 9-8. But Emporia State closer Caden Huffman came in to shut the door, retiring the side in order in the eighth and ninth innings to preserve the 10-8 victory.

  • The Hornets scored three runs in the first inning.
  • Tanner Steele hit a solo home run in the second inning to make it 4-0.
  • Emporia State scored two runs in the fourth inning to make it 6-2.
  • The Hornets scored three runs in the fifth inning to extend their lead to 9-3.
  • Missouri Western scored three runs in the seventh inning to make it 9-8.

The players

Steele Abbott

An Emporia State player who hit a three-run home run in the first inning and drove in four runs in the game.

Tanner Steele

An Emporia State player who hit a solo home run in the second inning.

Caden Huffman

The Emporia State closer who pitched the final 2.1 innings, retiring all seven batters he faced to pick up his fourth save of the season.

Missouri Western

The opposing team, the Griffons, who mounted a late comeback attempt before falling short 10-8.

Emporia State

The home team, the Hornets, who jumped out to an early lead and held on for the victory.

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The takeaway

This game showcased Emporia State's offensive firepower, as they jumped out to an early lead and were able to withstand a late Griffon comeback attempt. The Hornets' ability to win a close game against a conference rival is a positive sign as they look to build momentum heading into the rest of the season.