ENID, Okla. – The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders (31-19, 22-11) defeated the Northwestern Oklahoma State University Rangers (30-21, 17-16) by a final score of 3-1 in their first game of the Great American Conference Tournament behind a nine-inning complete game performance from Jeremy Adorno.
 
After a scoreless first inning for both teams, the Muleriders broke through in the bottom of the second inning as Trace Shoup scored from third on a one out single to right field from Grant Roosma to plate the first run of the game and give SAU a 1-0 lead.
 
The Rangers then plated a run in the top of the third inning to knot the game at 1-1. Both pitchers then settled in nicely as the next runs of the game came in the bottom of the eighth inning. Two quick outs for the Muleriders to begin the bottom of the eighth made it appear to be another quick inning for the Rangers until Trace Shoup singled up the middle and Carter Claerhout was hit by a pitch to put runners on first and second with two outs. Grant Roosma then stepped to the plate and doubled into right field to score Shoup and Claerhout as the Muleriders retook the lead, 2-1.
 
Jeremy Adorno trotted out to the mound for his ninth inning of work and made quick work of the Rangers collecting a first pitch fly ball to right field, then proceeding to strikeout the final two hitters of the game securing the win for the Muleriders.
 
Jeremy's complete game effort marked his fourth complete game of the season and the 16^th of his career which now ties him for 3^rd all-time in Mulerider Baseball History.
 
Top Preformers
Grant Roosma: 2-for-4, three RBIs
Trace Shoup: 2-for-4, two runs scored
Clay Burrows: 2-for-4
Jeremy Adorno: nine innings pitched, one run allowed, five strikeouts
 
Next Up
The Muleriders will now prepare for their second-round match-up against the winner of UAM and Henderson State University. Their second-round game is set for May 2nd at 8:00 PM. Fans can continue to check muleriderathletics.com for more information and matchups.