MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders (9-5, 5-1 GAC) completed their series sweep against the Southern Nazarene University Crimson Storm (4-10, 0-6 GAC) winning game three by a final score of 7-1.
 
Easton Hurley got the start on the mound today and had his best outing thus far starting three up and three down in the top of the first. The Muleriders offense began the same way scoring one run in the bottom of the first to take an early 1-0 lead as Preston Smith and Wyatt Fielding doubled back-to-back to grab the early advantage. Another scoreless top of the frame for Hurley set up the offense to get on the board again in the bottom of the second. A leadoff walk by Jacob Lang followed by a single from Ayden Slott provided momentum for SAU. Tate Elliott then hit a sacrifice fly to center field with the bases loaded to score Lang as SAU took a 2-0 lead after two complete. Another three up three down top of the third for Hurley brought the Mulerider offense up in the bottom of the frame. A one out double by Wyatt Fielding followed by a two out single through the left side by Jacob Lang to score Fielding gave SAU a 3-0 lead as Lang was thrown out to end the inning trying to leg out a double.
 
Another goose egg in the top of the fourth for SNU saw SAU extend their lead again in the bottom of the frame as Ayden Slott scored from second as Tate Elliott singled into left field after Slott reached via a single to lead off the inning, 4-0. Yet another scoreless top of the fifth for SNU saw SAU hang their first crooked number of the ballgame in the bottom of the fifth. Jacob Lang drove in the first run of the fifth via a single off of the pitcher scoring Preston Smith, 5-0. Ayden Slott then singled to center field for his third hit of the ball game to score Wyatt Fielding and Michael Herndon as the Blue and Gold jumped out to a commanding 7-0 lead after five complete.
 
Neither team would score again until the Crimson Storm were able to scratch one run across in the top of the eighth inning, but SAU still led 7-1. The top of the ninth saw SNU threaten, but the SAU pitching staff hung tough blanking the Crimson Storm in the top of the ninth to secure the victory and series sweep.
 
Easton Hurley totaled seven complete innings pitched allowing only three hits, no runs, no earned runs, no walks and striking out four hitters all on the way to picking up his first win of the season.
 
Top Performers
Easton Hurley: 7 innings, 4 strikeouts, 0 runs, 0 walks, win
Ayden Slott: 3-for-4, 2 RBI, 1 run scored
Jacob Lang: 2-for-2, 2 RBI, 1 run scored, HBP
Wyatt Fielding: 2-for-4, 1 RBI, 2 runs scored, HBP
Tate Elliott: 1-for-2, 2 RBI, HBP
 
Up Next
The Muleriders will hit the road to Clinton, Mississippi for a midweek matchup with Mississippi College on Tuesday, February 24th. First pitch is set for 2:00 p.m.