ALVA, Okla. – The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders (15-10, 9-6) fell to the Northwestern Oklahoma State University Rangers (16-11, 7-8) by a final score of 14-8 in Alva, Oklahoma.
The Muleriders broke the ice early, scoring three runs in the top of the first inning.
Jaden Woolbright led the inning off with another triple into right center field and was quickly followed by a single from
Lee Matsuzaki to score the games first run, 1-0. Matsuzaki then stole second and advanced to third as
Jayden Hill grounded out. Lee then scored on a wild pitch to put the Blue and Gold up 2-0.
Trace Shoup then proceeded to smash a homerun to right field finishing the scoring for the Muleriders in the top of the first, 3-0. The Rangers then responded with a three spot of their own to tie the game at 3-3 after one complete inning.
After a scoreless second inning for both teams, the Muleriders retook the lead in the top of the third inning as
Lee Matsuzaki grounded out to score
Jaden Woolbright after he walked and advanced to third on an error by the pitcher, 4-3. The Muleriders lead did not last long as the Rangers again responded with three runs in the bottom of the inning to take a 6-3 lead. The Blue and Gold then tied the game at 6-6 in the top of the fifth inning as
Peyton Ballard and
Jaden Woolbright scored thanks to a couple of sacrifice flies by
Lee Matsuzaki and
Brandon Nicoll.
SAU then retook the lead yet again in the top of the sixth inning as
Trace Shoup scored as
Peyton Ballard reached first on a fielder's choice, 7-6. The Rangers then tied the game up again in the bottom of the seventh inning plating one run, 7-7. The Muleriders again retook the lead for the third time today as
Trace Shoup led the top of the eighth inning off with a double and then came around to score one batter later as
Carter Claerhout singled up the middle, 8-7. The big inning came in the bottom of the eighth for the Rangers as they plated seven runs to take a 14-8 lead. Despite a couple of singles in the top of the ninth, the Muleriders were unable to mount a comeback and fell to the Rangers in game three.
Top Performers
Trace Shoup: 5-for-5, three runs scored, one RBI, homerun
Carter Claerhout: 2-for-5, one RBI
Lee Matsuzaki: 1-for-4, three RBIs, one run scored
Jaden Woolbright: 1-for-3, three runs scored.
Next Up
The Muleriders will return to Magnolia, Arkansas this week as they prepare for a midweek matchup against the Reddies of Henderson State on Tuesday, March 18th. First pitch is set for 6:00 PM.
