BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Ending on a high note, that was Team 27's plan today as the group was set for two contests with Missouri Southern (6-4 | 0-0) on deck for a noon first pitch and Emporia State (6-5 | 0-0) to follow at 2:00 PM. Due to a change of plans, the Muleriders' (7-3 | 0-0) bout with the Hornets (ESU) was moved up to 12:00 PM and became the lone battle of the day for Southern Arkansas.
The Blue and Gold was not shaken from the switch up as the group came out with another dominant defensive performance along with some late offensive power to secure the victory for the Muleriders.
Vs. Emporia State (W, 6-0)
SAU's defense was once more headed up by a solid performance from Brinson Rogers as the senior recorded her third complete game of the campaign and her second of weekend. The Statesboro, Georgia native face 29 batters in the outing and allowed six hits with three walks while also hitting one batter. Rogers was also responsible for eight Ks to bring her weekend total to 30 strikeouts.
Southern Arkansas' offense needed a minute to find its groove as the unit score a run in the third on a double by Regan Dillon to score Payton Owens, 1-0.
The Muleriders would be stalled for the next three innings as SAU struggled to get runs across the plate until the seventh, in which the group flipped a switch on the Hornet defense with five runs scored in the half inning. With bases loaded, Kelsie Adams reached first on a fielder's choice to advance the three base runners one over and scored Savannah Clausen, 2-0. On a passed ball, Brooklynn Reed (pinch runner) made her way home which also advanced runners into scoring position. Owens then singled to left field to advance America Rubio home from third and put Adams on third, 4-0. The cherry on top was a single into right field by Dillon to score both Adams and Owens for the final 6-0 score.
Players of the Game:
Brinson Rogers: One complete game and eight Ks
Payton Owens: 2-3 batting, two runs, one RB, and one stolen base
Regan Dillon: 2-3 batting, three RBI, and one walk
Next Up:
Team 27 ventures to the Sooner State for next weekend's Raisin Canes GAC/MIAA Tournament where they are set to compete in six contests against the Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletic Association from Feb. 14 - 16 (Fri. - Sun.).
