ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders (3-2, 0-0) fell today to the #17 nationally ranked Augustana University (SD) Vikings (2-0, 0-0) in the Muleriders first game of the Henderson State Invitational by a final score of 7-2.
 
The Vikings got the scoring started early with a two-run homerun to open the game and take a 2-0 lead. After a scoreless second inning for both teams, the Muleriders would begin to chip away at the Augie lead plating a run of their own in the top of the third inning as Tyler Abrego scored the first run of the game for the Muleriders on a wild pitch.
 
In the top of the fourth inning, Mikey McGinnis would single up the middle with two outs and quickly steal second base to put a runner in scoring position for Tyler Abrego who would single up the middle scoring McGinnis to tie the game at 2-2. After four complete innings the teams were locked in a 2-2 battle.
 
Augustana would respond in the bottom of the fifth inning with three runs and then in the bottom of the seventh inning with two more runs to take a 7-2 lead. The Vikings pitching staff was able to shut out the Muleriders after the fourth inning despite some opportunities to score and Augustana would win the game.
 
Despite the loss, the Muleriders offense was able to strike for seven hits against a tough Augie pitching staff.
 
Next Up:
The Muleriders are back in action tomorrow for two games first against Emporia State at 10:00 AM followed by the first of two meetings with the University of Central Oklahoma at 5:00 PM. Fans make sure to follow all this weekends action through the links on the Muleriders athletics website.