MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders (13-8, 8-4) completed their weekend sweep of the Ouachita Baptist University Tigers (9-12, 6-6) in walk-off fashion Sunday afternoon by a final score of 5-4.
 
The Muleriders offense came out hot again in game three as Trace Shoup opened up the scoring in the bottom of the first inning with the offense's third consecutive hit to score Brandon Nicoll, 1-0. The Tigers found the scoreboard in the top of the fourth inning after three scoreless innings from Carter Gaston, Ouachita tied the game, 1-1. The Muleriders then retook the lead in the bottom of the fifth inning after a Brandon Nicoll sacrifice fly scored Jaden Woolbright, 2-1.
 
Neither team could push a run across in the sixth, seventh, or eighth inning as both pitchers were outstanding. The scoreless three innings set up an exhilarating ninth inning. The Tigers found life in the top of the ninth inning, taking a two-run lead as they scored three runs.
 
The Muleriders then came to the plate in the bottom of the inning looking to have a repeat of game one. The bottom of the ninth was led off by Grant Roosma who promptly lined out to the second baseman on a hard line drive. Mikey McGinnis then pinch hit for Peyton Ballard and quickly singled up the middle. Jaden Woolbright then followed with a walk to put runners on first and second with one out for Lee Matsuzaki. The Tigers would make a pitching change, bringing in Tag Pacot who also threw in the ninth inning of game one to set a very similar stage for the next two hitters. Lee Matsuzaki stepped to the plate and delivered his second hit of the day into left field scoring McGinnis, cutting the Tigers' lead to one run, 3-4. Brandon Nicoll then stepped to the plate and after working a 3-0 count was intentionally walked setting the stage this time for Jayden Hill. Hill promptly doubled down the right field line on a 1-0 count scoring two runs, winning the game for the Muleriders, and completing the sweep over the Tigers.
 
Carter Gaston drew his first start of the year on the mound for the Muleriders and had a fantastic outing throwing eight complete innings allowing five hits, one earned run while fanning seven Tiger hitters.
 
Top Performers:
Carter Gaston: eight innings pitched, one earned run, five hits, seven strikeouts
Jayden Hill: 2-for-4, two RBIs, game-winning hit
Brandon Nicoll: 2-for-3, one run, one RBI, one stolen base
Lee Matsuzaki: 2-for-5, one run, one RBI
 
Next Up:
The Muleriders will return to action for a midweek contest against the No. 5 ranked University of Texas at Tyler Patriots on Tuesday, March 11th. First pitch is scheduled for 4:00 PM.