TYLER, Texas- The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders (24-14, 17-7) fell in tonight's midweek contest to the No. 7 ranked University of Texas at Tyler Patriots (29-9, 28-8) by a final score of 9-6 in Tyler, Texas.
 
The Patriots broke the ice early in tonight's contest, scoring two runs in the bottom of the first inning to take a 2-0 lead after one complete. After a scoreless second for both teams, the Muleriders began to chip away at the Patriots lead in the top of the third inning. Back-to-back singles from Glynn Wilson and Jared Rhodes to begin the inning set the Muleriders up with some momentum. After a sacrifice bunt from Peyton Ballard and a sacrifice bunt from Jaden Woolbright scored Wilson from third to cut into the lead, 2-1.
 
The Blue and Gold then knotted the game in the top of the fourth inning as Trace Shoup collected his first RBI of the day driving a single to left field following a Jayden Hill double that scored Hill from second as SAU tied the game 2-2. The Patriots then jumped back on top in the bottom of the fifth inning with three runs as they took a 5-2 lead after five complete innings. The Muleriders did not go away quietly though as they retook the lead in the top of the seventh inning. Back-to-back walks from Peyton Ballard and Jaden Woolbright to open the inning proved to be the spark the offense needed. Lee Matsuzaki then followed with a single to left center scoring Ballard, 5-3. Brandon Nicoll then stepped to the plate and launched his eighth home run of the season over the left field wall to clear the bases as SAU took a 6-5 lead. A one out single from Trace Shoup was the last hit of the inning however and after the top of the seventh inning SAU led 6-5. The Patriots then came to bat in the bottom of the seventh inning and tied the game at 6-6 as they plated one run.
 
UT-Tyler then plated three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning following a scoreless top of the frame from the Muleriders as the Patriots took a 9-6 lead heading into the top of the ninth inning. The Blue and Gold managed to put two runners on in the top of the ninth but were unable to convert and UT-Tyler won the rematch.
 
Top Performers
Trace Shoup: 3-for-5, one RBI
Brandon Nicoll: 2-for-5, three-run home run, three RBIs, one run scored
Jayden Hill: 2-for-5, one RBI, one run scored
 
Next Up
The Muleriders will be back in action this weekend inside Walker Stadium for a three-game GAC series against the East Central University Tigers. The first pitch of game one is scheduled for Friday, April 11th at 6:00 PM.