MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders (19-11, 12-6) collected another midweek win over a ranked opponent as they defeated the number 14 ranked Delta State University Statesmen (22-8, 15-3) by a final score of 8-3.
 
After a scoreless first inning for both teams, the Muleriders drew first blood in the bottom of the second inning. Reigning GAC Co-Player of the Week, Jack Roubik got the inning started getting hit by a pitch and was then immediately followed by Grant Roosma as he doubled down the right field line to advance Roosma to third. Peyton Ballard then put the first run on the board for the Muleriders as he grounded out to the shortstop to score Roubik, 1-0. Lee Matsuzaki then collected a two out double up the middle to score Roosma as the Blue and Gold took a 2-0 lead.
 
The Muleriders then extended their lead in the bottom of the third inning on a  planned play as Jack Roubik purposefully got caught in a run down allowing Trace Shoup to scamper home and score before the third out was recorded giving SAU a 3-0 lead. The Muleriders then put another crooked number on the board in the bottom of the fifth inning as Jayden Hill led off with a double and then scored as Jack Roubik collected a two out single just two batters later, 4-0. Grant Roosma then came up and belted a home run over the right field wall to put the Muleriders up 6-0 after five complete innings.
 
The bottom of the seventh inning saw Trace Shoup hit a lead off triple and then come around to score as Grant Roosma doubled into left field with two outs pushing the lead to 7-0. The Statesmen finally cracked the scoreboard in the top of the eighth inning scoring one run but going into the bottom of the inning SAU held a 7-1 lead. The Blue and Gold matched the Statesmen's run in the top of the inning with one of their own as Brandon Nicoll belted a home run over the center field wall to provide some insurance as SAU took an 8-1 lead.
 
The top of the ninth inning saw the Statesmen attempt to mount a comeback as they plated two runs but the Muleriders pitching staff proved to be too much for the Delta State offense as the Muleriders collected another win over a ranked opponent in Walker Stadium.
 
The SAU pitching staff was as advertised in today's matchup as Eli Hutcherson drew the start on the mound throwing four complete shutout innings surrendering only three hits while striking out four batters. Hayden Oglesby relieved Hutcherson by throwing three complete shutout innings allowing two hits and fanning three hitters. Easton Hurley made his second appearance of the season by throwing one inning while allowing three hits and one run. Joshua Flaugher came in to slam the door on the Statesmen and did so successfully despite allowing three hits and two runs.
 
Top Performers
Eli Hutcherson: four innings pitched, no runs allowed, four strikeouts
Hayden Oglesby: three innings pitched, no runs allowed, three strikeouts
Grant Roosma: 3-for-3, two runs scored, three RBIs
Brandon Nicoll: 3-for-5, one run scored, one RBI
Lee Matsuzaki: 2-for-5, one RBI
Trace Shoup: 2-for-5, two runs scored
 
Next Up
The Muleriders will be back in action this weekend as they travel to Arkadelphia, Arkansas for a three-game series against the Henderson State University Reddies. The three-game series will begin on Friday, March 28th followed by a double header on Friday, March 29th. First pitch on Friday is set for 6:00 PM.