RECAP >> After giving up six runs in the first inning at Northampton Emmaus was able to rally to get within 6-4, but that would be the closest the Hornets would get yesterday as they fell 13-4 to the Konkrete Kids at Mike Lisetski Field.
The loss was the first in EPC play for head coach Jeremy Haas’ team, which dropped 4-1 in the league and 5-2 overall.
Emmaus outhit Northampton in the contest 10-5, but the Hornets were hurt by four errors in the game and a season-high 14 walks issued by four pitchers.
Starter junior Noah Hogan (1-1) struggled in his second start of the year as he gave up six runs on three hits and issued three walks without getting an out in the first inning as Northampton sent 10 men to the plate in grabbing a big early lead.
Senior TJ Geist was outstanding in relief for Emmaus as he went 5 1-3 innings without giving up a hit and striking out four to keep the Hornets within striking distance.
Northampton, however, was able to put the game away late against reliever junior Shane Ohl as they scored seven runs in the sixth inning. Ohl gave up five runs and four walks before giving way to senior Ryan Latchford.
Offensively, Emmaus was led by Hogan, designated hitter junior Dayne Schmidt and freshman right fielder Cole Moreau who all had two hits.
Senior Owen Laury picked up the win on the mound for Northampton as he scattered nine hits in five innings of work. Junior Logan Higgins pitched the final two innings, allowing just one hit while striking out three.
Higgins also helped his own cause at the plate with two hits and two RBI. Senior third baseman Matt Merced and classmate right fielder Nate Wolfe each drove in a pair of runs for the Konkrete Kids, who snapped a two-game losing streak in improving to 4-2 on the season.
Emmaus will return to action at Noon on Saturday as they host Twin Valley from Berks County in a non-league game at Church Lane Park.
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Northampton 13, Emmaus 4
Em – 002 110 0 – 4-10-4
No – 600 007 x – 13-5-4
Em – Noah Hogan, TJ Geist (1), Shane Ohl (6), Ryan Latchford (6) and Anthony McWhinney; No – Owen Laury, Logan Higgins (6) and Gavin Pychinka. WP – Laury, LP – Hogan (1-1)