ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders (29-17, 21-9) fell tonight in Arkadelphia to the Ouachita Baptist University Tigers (22-22, 18-12) in the Muleriders final midweek contest of the season.
 
The Muleriders got the scoring started early in the top of the first inning as Trace Shoup collected a one out single and quickly stole second base as Brandon Nicoll singled into center field to score Shoup and give SAU a 1-0 lead. The Muleriders then extended their lead in the top of the second inning as Jared Rhodes scored as Lee Matsuzaki reached on a fielder's choice, 2-0.
 
Despite the Muleriders pitchers cruising through the first two innings of the game going six up six down, the Tigers struck in a big way in the bottom of the third inning with six runs to retake the lead, 6-2. The Mulerider pitching staff was able to hold Ouachita off the scoreboard until the seventh inning as the Tigers plated another run to extend their lead, 7-2. The Muleriders were unable to score until the top of the ninth inning which saw Lee Matsuzaki and Jayden Hill each hit solo home runs, but the rally was not enough as the Tigers escaped with a 7-4 victory. Despite losing the contest, the Muleriders outhit the Tigers 13-8.
 
Top Performers
Jayden Hill: 2-for-5, one RBI, one run scored, home run
Jaden Woolbright: 2-for-4
Lee Matsuzaki: one home run, two RBIs
 
Next Up
The Muleriders will return home for their final regular season series of the year against UAM. The three-game series is set to begin on Friday, April 25th at 6:00 PM.