MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders (30-19, 22-11) fell in their regular season finale against the University of Arkansas-Monticello Boll Weevils (30-19, 21-12) by a final score of 9-5. Despite the loss, the Muleriders will take the two-seed going into the Great American Conference Tournament next weekend.
 
After a scoreless first inning for both teams, the Boll Weevils took the lead in a big way in the top of the second. The Boll Weevils scored three runs before a grand slam capped off the scoring as UAM took a 7-0 lead after just two innings.
 
UAM then struck again in the top of the sixth inning, plating another two runs and extending their lead to 9-0. The Muleriders then responded in the bottom of the sixth inning. Lee Matsuzaki got the scoring started in the inning with a lead-off home run to center field. Brandon Nicoll then singled, and Jayden Hill got hit by a pitch to put runners on first and second with no outs. A Grant Roosma ground out advanced both runners 90 feet, and was followed by a wild pitch that allowed Nicoll to score from third base, 9-2. Carter Claerhout then got hit by a pitch, and Jack Roubik singled into right field to score Hill, 9-3. Jaden Woolbright then doubled into left center field to score Claerhout, and Clay Burrows grounded out to score Roubik to cap off the five-run inning for the Muleriders. After six complete innings, SAU trailed 9-5.
 
Neither team was able to score again for the remainder of the game, and the Boll Weevils walked away victorious.
 
Top Performers
Jaden Woolbright: 3-for-4, one RBI
Lee Matsuzaki: 1-for-4, home run, RBI, one run scored
 
Next Up
The Muleriders will be back in action next weekend as they travel to Enid, Oklahoma, to take part in the Great American Conference Tournament. The Muleriders will be the two-seed heading into the weekend and will play their first game on Thursday, May 1st. For upcoming game times, please continue to check www.MuleriderAthletics.com.