HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders (26-23, 17-16 GAC) fell late this afternoon to the East Central University Tigers (21-25, 16-17 GAC) by a final of 14-4 in seven innings.
After a scoreless first inning for both squads, the Muleriders cracked the scoreboard first as
Michael Herndon homered to right field putting SAU up 1-0 after two complete.
Caleb Sollars got the start for SAU on the mound and threw three scoreless innings until the Tigers plated eight runs in the top of the fourth taking a commanding 8-1 lead.
Michael Herndon stepped to the plate again in the bottom of the fourth inning and belted his second home run in as many at bats for a solo shot to deep right field. After four complete innings, the Tigers led 8-2.
Three runs in the top of the fifth for ECU saw them extend their lead out to 11-2 as SAU came to bat in the bottom of the frame. This time,
Wyatt Fielding delivered with a solo shot of his own to deep left field as the Blue and Gold continued to battle at the plate. After five complete, ECU led 11-3. Another three spot for the Tigers in the top of the seventh saw them take a 14-3 lead. The Muleriders were able to scratch another run across in the bottom of the seventh, but ECU held on and took the game sending SAU into the losers bracket.
Top Performers
Michael Herndon: 3-for-3, 2 runs scored, 2 RBI, 2 home runs, 3 extra base hits
Wyatt Fielding: 1-for-3, 1 RBI, 1 run scored, home run
SAU will have a rematch against the Savage Storm set for Saturday, May 2nd at 9:30 a.m.
SAU Preview
>>> In their opening game against Southeastern, the Muleriders had six extra base hits at the plate behind nine total hits.
David Chandler continued the power trend for SAU that has appeared over the last couple games with a home run.
>>> Preston Smith had a great day at the plate going 2-for-5 with two runs scored. One of his hits was also his ninth triple of the year. Preston's nine triples leads the nation in both Division II and I.
>>> SAU will look for the same pitching performance as in the first game. The pitching staff struck out 11 Savage Storm hitters only walking two hitters and allowing just three runs on six hits. The effort was enough to propel SAU to the game one win.
SE Preview
>>> The Savage Storm enter the rematch with momentum after eliminating the number one seeded UAM Boll Weevils on Friday morning.
>>> The Southeastern offense totaled six runs on 14 hits against UAM. JJ Bush was 2-for-4 in the outing with three RBI. Carter Olson also had a home run in the game for his 20th of the year.
First pitch is set for 9:30 a.m.
