RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders (6-5, 2-1 GAC) took home a midweek win over the Arkansas Tech University Wonder Boys (4-8, 2-1 GAC) behind a near complete game performance on the mound from Eli Hutcherson and a clutch three-run home run from Michael Herndon.
 
The game started off early in a pitcher duel as neither team was able to push any runs across through the first two innings of play. The Muleriders then broke the ice in the top of the third inning. With two outs, Dylan Broadway worked a walk, and Wyatt Fielding singled through the left side to put runners on first and second with two outs. Michael Herndon then stepped to the plate and hit a home run to left field, earning three RBI as SAU jumped out on top, 3-0.
 
Eli Huthcherson was dominant on the mound, holding the Arkansas Tech offense scoreless through six complete innings, with one inning that did not go three up and three down until the seventh. The Wonder Boys scratched across two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to pull within one, but after seven complete innings, SAU still led 3-2. The Mulerider offense was unable to score again for the remainder of the game despite having traffic on the base paths. Hutcherson continued his dominant performance into the bottom of the ninth inning, where, with two outs and two runners on, Caleb Sollars came on in relief, striking out the ATU hitter for the final out as SAU hung on and took home the midweek win by a final of 3-2.
 
Eli Hutcherson's 8.2 innings pitched were a career high, as well as his eight strikeouts on the day. Hutcherson also did not allow any walks, surrendering six hits and two earned runs. Caleb Sollars also earned his first save of the season.
 
Top Performers
Eli Hutcherson: 8.2 innings pitched, 8 strikeouts, 2 runs allowed, 0 walks, 6 hits
Michael Herndon: 2-for-4, 1 run, 3 RBI, home run
Wyatt Fielding: 3-for-3, 1 run, HBP
 
Up Next
The Muleriders will return to action this weekend as they prepare to host the Southern Nazarene University Crimson Storm. The series is set to begin on Friday, February 20th, with a double header starting at 3:00 p.m., followed by a single game on Saturday, February 21st, starting at 1:00 p.m.