MAGNOLIA, Ark. – Stetson Bishop tossed 7.1 strong innings for Southern Arkansas scattering seven hits, while facing just four over the minimum as a result of four double plays by his defense, but the Muleriders managed just three hits off of six Delta State pitchers and stranded eight base runners as a solo home run by the Statesmen in the ninth served as the difference on Wednesday afternoon from Walker Stadium at Goodheart Field. The loss is the fourth-straight for the Muleriders who dropped to 19-11 on the season.
Of the seven hits allowed by Bishop in his second start of the season, none went for extra bases. The right-hander utilized 11 fly outs and six ground outs while striking out a pair of batters. The Muleriders turned inning-ending double plays in the third, sixth and seventh innings to back Bishop's effort and again finished the eighth with a double play as
Hayden Oglesby took over for the starter with one out in the frame.
DSU took the lead in the ninth as Clay Cook homered out to left field to lead off the frame against Oglesby. SAU went 1-2-3 in the home half of the frame against the Statesmen's Noah Magee. The Muleriders left the bases loaded in the second, two on in the third and saw just two batters reach for the remainder of the contest.
Nicoll recorded his team-leading eighth double of the season with one out in the third inning, while
Will Richardson and
Carter Claerhout both singled in the game.
Southern Arkansas prepares for a Great American Conference weekend series in Arkadelphia as Ouachita awaits the Muleriders on Easter Weekend. Friday's doubleheader and Saturday's series finale are scheduled for noon. Live coverage links are available at
www.MuleriderAthletics.com.