MAGNOLIA, Ark. - The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders (18-10, 13-5 GAC) defeated the Southwestern Oklahoma State University Bulldogs (15-15, 7-11 GAC) by a final score of 9-6 in game three winning the series over SWOSU. 

Much like the first two games of the series, the Bulldogs got on the board first scoring one run in the bottom of the first inning to take an early 1-0 lead. A scoreless second inning for both teams saw SWOSU extend their lead in the top of the inning plating four runs to take a commanding 5-0 lead. 

A scoreless fourth and fifth innings saw the Muleriders begin to chip away at the lead in the top of the sixth. Michael Herndon got the scoring started for the Muleriders with two outs doubling to left field and collecting two RBI as Preston Smith and Wyatt Fielding scored cutting the deficit to three runs, 5-2. Tate Elliott immediately followed the Herndon double with a single of his own to score Herndon as SAU trailed 5-3 after six complete. The Muleriders tacked on another run in the top of the seventh inning as Dalen Blanchard collected an RBI triple scoring Jacob Lang who singled earlier in the inning, 4-5. 

The top of the eighth inning was the difference maker for the Muleriders as they retook the lead. Christian Gutierrez singled to left field to tie the game as Tate Elliott scored, 5-5. Jacob Lang singled right after into center field as David Chandler scored giving the Muleriders their first lead of the game, 6-5. Ayden Slott extended the lead with a bunt single scoring Gutierrez, 7-5. Glynn Wilson doubled into left field right after as Jacob Lang, 8-5. The four runs in the inning were the most by the Muleriders all day. 

SWOSU struck back in the bottom of the inning plating one run to cut into the lead, 8-6. In the top of the ninth, Ayden Slott collected another RBI as he was hit by a pitch to put SAU back up by three runs, 9-6 with three outs to go. 

Caleb Sollars earned the save in the game for the Muleriders for his third of the year as he threw 1.2 scoreless innings only allowing one hit. Cody Edwards got his first win of the year on the mound throwing two complete innings allowing one run and no earned runs in the outing. 

The Muleriders pitching staff was lockdown after the third inning allowing just one run for the next six innings of the contest. 

Top Performers

Tate Elliott: 2-for-4, 1 RBI, 1 run

Jacob Lang: 2-for-4, 2 runs, 1 RBI

Wyatt Fielding: 2-for-5, 1 run

Cody Edwards: 2 innings, 2 strikeouts, 0 earned runs, win

Caleb Sollars: 1.2 innings, 0 runs, 0 earned runs save 

Up Next

The Muleriders will be back in action on Tuesday, March 24th for a midweek against Delta State University. First pitch is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.