MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders (0-4, 0-0 GAC) fell tonight in the series opener against the Maryville University Saints (1-0, 0-0 GLVC) by a final score of 9-2.
 
The Saints got the scoring going in the top of the first inning after Ayden Slott crashed into the centerfield wall almost making a spectacular catch but losing it on the collision. The Saints hitter was able to scoot all the way around the bases for an inside the park home run to take a 1-0 lead. Maryville then tacked on two more runs in the top of the second inning to take a three to nothing lead.
 
Maryville got on the board again in the top of the fourth with one run to go up 4-0. SAU then answered in the bottom of the fourth inning as Michael Herndon roped a ball down the right field line hitting the foul pole for a home run as SAU responded. Unable to get any more runs across in the bottom of the fourth, Maryville took a 4-1 lead into the top of the fifth. Two more runs in the top of the fifth inning followed by a scoreless bottom of the frame and sixth inning for both teams gave the Saints a 6-1 lead heading into the seventh. In the top of the seventh inning the Saints scored two and one in the top of the eighth to take a 9-1 advantage. SAU scored a run in the bottom of the eighth inning to make it 9-2 Saints after eight complete. A scoreless frame for both teams led to SAU falling in the game.
 
Despite the loss, Carter Gaston in his first extended outing of the year threw six complete innings notching nine strikeouts. Caleb Sollars also saw 2.1 innings in the game with five strikeouts. Tate Elliott also saw action with one inning of work and three strikeouts.
 
Notable Performers
Michael Herndon: 1 home run, 1 run scored, 1 RBI
Wyatt Fielding: 2-for-4
Carter Gaston: 9 strikeouts, 5.2 innings
Caleb Sollars: 5 strikeouts, 2.1 innings
 
Up Next
The Muleriders will be back in action tomorrow, February 7th for a double header beginning at 12:00 p.m.