HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (Majestic Park) - A three-hit, three-RBI day by junior
Trace Shoup led an offensive surge by Southern Arkansas, which for the third-straight game pushed across 14+ runs and 11+ hits, in a 14-2 run-rule victory over Colorado Mines on Sunday morning from Majestic Park's Babe Ruth Field. The win sends the Muleriders to Magnolia at 3-1 following the season–opening Dugan Invitational.
An eight-run third inning proved to be more than enough for the Muleriders (3-1) in their first-ever meeting against the Orediggers. SAU used a solid start from
Cy Murphy (2.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R) and five relief efforts from an active bullpen to limit CSM (0-2) to just four hits and single runs in the second and third innings.
Nate June,
Stetson Bishop and
Sean Sieve all pitched for the first time in a Mulerider uniform. June earned the win after an effective 1.1 innings allowing just one hit with three strikeouts. Bishop tossed an inning allowing just one hit with two strikeouts. Sieve worked the seventh picking up a strikeout and working around a walk.
Chance Bolter made his 2024 debut inducing a fly out to the only batter he faced in a matchup scenario.
Hayden Hable also took the mound for the first time in '24 and tossed around a hit and a walk to fan two.
Shoup accounted for both of SAU's extra base hits as he doubled twice which included a two-run double in the eight run third inning.
Carter Claerhout singled home a pair in the frame and SAU also received RBI hits from
Chris Sutton and
Brandon Nicoll, a bases-loaded walk by
Chris Lyles and a sacrifice fly from
Josh Phillips.
Shoup doubled home the ninth run in the three-run fifth and Sutton singled in a run to highlight the frame.
Jared Rhodes walked to plate the 11th run in the seventh inning,
Jaden Woolbright reached on a fielder's choice to score a run with
Brayden Sites accounting for the final RBI in a debut pinch hit opportunity.
Richardson and Shoup were both named to the Dugan Invitational All-Tournament Team. Richardson hit .500 with a double, triple and the tournament's first-ever Grand Slam. He delivered seven RBI and slugged .1000. Shoup doubled twice, hit a home run, knocked in five runs and scored five times in addition to slugging .733.
The Muleriders prepare for a three-game series with Maryville in Magnolia. The two programs meet for the first time on Saturday, February 10 in a 12 p.m. doubleheader and will close out the series on Sunday at 1 p.m. Live coverage links are available at
www.MuleriderAthletics.com.
