MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders clinched the three-game series over the Henderson State University Reddies with a 7-4 victory in the Sunday rubber match.
 
After a scoreless first inning for both teams, the Reddies struck first in the bottom of the second inning plating two runs taking a 2-0 lead. The Muleriders did not let the lead last long though as they plated two runs of their own in the top of the third inning. Lee Matsuzaki broke the ice for SAU with a single into center field to score Grant Roosma who reached on a leadoff single of his own, 1-2. Brandon Nicoll then knotted the game at 2-2 with a sacrifice fly to right field scoring Peyton Ballard.
 
The Reddies then retook the lead in the bottom of the fifth inning plating a run as HSU went up 3-2 after five complete innings. The Blue and Gold then struck again in the top of the seventh inning in a big way. Carter Claerhout started the inning off with a leadoff single into right field and was immediately followed by Jack Roubik as he drew a walk to put runners on first and second with no outs. Grant Roosma then stepped to the plate and blasted a home run over the right field wall giving the Muleriders a 5-3 lead after the top of the seventh inning. HSU responded with a run in the bottom of the seventh inning cutting the SAU lead to just one run but after seven complete innings SAU led 5-4.
 
The Muleriders then added some insurance runs in the top of the eighth inning. With two outs in the top of the eighth inning, Trace Shoup drew a walk and quickly stole second to put a runner in scoring position with two outs. Carter Claerhout and Jack Roubik then followed as both got hit by a pitch bringing Grant Roosma to the plate yet again. Roosma then singled up the middle to score Shoup and Claerhout as the Muleriders added two insurance runs and extend their lead, 7-4.
 
The two runs in the top of the eighth inning proved to be needed as Henderson would threaten in the bottom of the eighth and ninth inning. Despite the late inning threats, Austin Adair was able to shut down the Reddie offense and earn his second save of the season as the Muleriders walked away winners.
 
Players of the Game
Grant Roosma: 3-for-3, two runs scored, five RBIs, one homerun
Lee Matsuzaki: 1-for-5, one RBI
Carter Claerhout:  1-for-3, two runs scored
Austin Adair: 2.2 innings pitched, no runs allowed, three strikeouts
Carter Gaston: four innings pitched, two strikeouts
Hayden Oglesby: first win of season, 2.1 innings pitched, two strikeouts, one run allowed
 
Next Up
The Muleriders will be back in action this Tuesday, April 1st as they travel to Monticello, Arkansas for a midweek game against UAM. First pitch is set for 6:00 PM.