MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders (27-15, 19-8) defeated the Mississippi College Choctaws (26-17, 17-10) in a close game by a final score of 6-5.
 
The Choctaws struck first in the top of the third inning, scoring one run to take an early lead, 1-0. The Muleriders then struck in the bottom of the fourth inning as Dylan Broadway worked a bases loaded walk to collect an RBI and tie the game at 1-1. The Muleriders then struck again in the bottom of the fifth inning to extend their lead. After a leadoff ground out to begin the inning, Brandon Nicoll singled into centerfield Jayden Hill then advanced Nicoll to second on a groundout. Trace Shoup then drove Nicoll in with an RBI double down the right field line as SAU took a 2-1 lead.
 
The bottom of the sixth inning saw the Blue and Gold extend their lead yet again. Jared Rhodes led the inning off with a single to the shortstop but was caught stealing at second base. Clay Burrows then singled to the third baseman and Dylan Broadway was hit by a pitch to put runners on first and second with one out. After a strikeout for the second out of the inning, Jack Roubik doubled into left field to score Burrows, 3-1. Brandon Nicoll then walked, and Jayden Hill doubled into right field to clear the bases and collect three RBIs as SAU took a 6-1 lead.
 
The Choctaws made the game close in the last three innings as they scored one run in the top of the seventh and three runs in the top of the ninth inning, but the Muleriders were able to hold on for the big win over Mississippi College.
 
Top Performers
Jayden Hill: 1-for-4, three RBI
Jack Roubik: 1-for-2, one RBI, one run
Trace Shoup: 2-for-4, one RBI
 
Next Up
The Muleriders will be back in action this weekend for a three game road series in Durant, Oklahoma against the Southeastern Oklahoma State Savage Storm. The series will get under way on Thursday, April 17th at 1:00 PM followed by a doubleheader on Friday, April 18th starting at 12:00 PM.