Emporia State Falls to Incarnate Word, 6-1

WARRENSBURG, Mo. (ESU Media Relations) -- No. 10 Emporia State could not overcome a three-run first inning by Incarnate Word in a 6-1 loss in the NCAA South Central Regional. ESU was outhit 13-6 and committed two errors in the ballgame.

Jeremy Francis led the Hornets on offense going two for three with two walks. Travis Whipple was the only other Hornet with a multiple-hit game, also going for two on the evening. Kenny Burkhead and Kevin Wempe each added one hit a piece. ESU's only run came on a wild pitch in the sixth inning as the Hornets stranded 13 baserunners.

On the mound Ben Graham pitched a complete game, allowing five earned runs and striking out four to fall to 8-3 on the season. Kirk Jewasko struck out a career-high 13 in the game as UIW struck out 18 ESU batters in total.

ESU (42-15) will face host No. 3 Central Missouri Friday, with a scheduled 3:30 p.m. first pitch from Warrensburg.