Box Score

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – A five-run top of the third inning by third-seeded Minnesota State-Mankato proved to be the difference as the Southern Arkansas baseball team's ninth-inning rally fell short; resulting in a 6-3 loss for SAU.
 
The Mavericks (43-9) scored the game's first run on a sacrifice fly in the top of the first off of SAU starter Timothy Buchanan. In the bottom of the second inning, the Muleriders' (39-18) Zack Costa laced a RBI-double into right-centerfield to tie the game at one-all.
 
In the next half inning, Buchanan would get a quick first out, but six of the next seven Maverick batters would reach base as MSU plated five runs to take a 6-1 lead. In the bottom of that third inning, the Muleriders would get one of the runs back as Jon Phillips singled into left field.
 
Despite the tough third inning, Buchanan would remain in the game and eventually pitched into the ninth inning as he held the Mavericks scoreless over the next five and a third innings. During that time of scoreless ball, Buchanan would scatter four hits and strike out six batters.
 
With Buchanan keeping the Mavericks at bay, the Muleriders remained within striking distance late in the game. In the bottom of the ninth, the Muleriders would put together their strongest scoring chance as they loaded the bases with one out. A bases-loaded walk to Phillips followed which brought the potential winning run to the plate, but consecutive strikeouts ended the Muleriders' rally and the game.
 
With the loss, the Muleriders are now thrust into an elimination game with GAC-rival and top-seed in the Central Region Tournament, Arkansas Tech. That game will feature a noon start time on Saturday, May 17.