MAGNOLIA, Ark. – Southern Arkansas led 5-3 entering the ninth inning of Friday evening's Great American Conference opener with Ouachita, but the Tigers plated three runs in the top of the frame to take a 6-5 lead and then retired the Muleriders in the home half of the inning to take game one of the series on a cool night inside Walker Stadium at Goodheart Field.
 
The Muleriders (25-16, 18-9 GAC) plated all five of their runs in the first three innings on seven of their eight hits. The only hit for the team after the third inning was a leadoff triple from the bat of Jansen McCurdy in the seventh inning. McCurdy was left stranded at third.
 
McCurdy and Kane Koenigseder combined for half of SAU's hits as each had two. SAU starting pitcher Hunter Brantley allowed only one earned run in 7.0 innings of work, while fanning ten.
 
Tomorrow's doubleheader which begins at 2 p.m. will serve as "Bark at the Park/Community" Day. Humans get in free, each pet on a leash is $10, while pets without a leash will not be admitted. Admission for animals will go directly to the Columbia County Animal Protection Society and the organization will be on hand with puppies and dogs for adoption at the ballpark. For those that choose to adopt, Mulerider Athletics will supply a $50 "new pet startup cost" gift card. Additionally, kids age 12 and under will have the opportunity to participate in an Easter Egg Hunt in the middle of the fifth inning of game one.