MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The No. 20-ranked Delta State University Statesmen (34-14, 17-3 GSCW) and the top-ranked Muleriders (44-8, 18-2 GSCW) split a Saturday doubleheader, 1-6 and 8-6, at Mulerider Field. The split kept both teams in the hunt for the Gulf South Conference West Division title and the No. 1 seed at the upcoming GSC Tournament in Millington, Tenn., May 2-6 at U.S.A. Stadium.

In game one, SAU starter Hayden Simpon (9-1) struck out 10 Statesmen batters in 7.2 innings for the 6-1 win. SAU erupted for four runs in the second inning and never looked back. The Muleriders added two runs in the fourth to make the final 6-1.

DSU's lone run came on Josh Gordon's fifth home run of the year, a 390-foot shot over the left field wall in the fifth.

Korey Cunningham (5-3) took the loss after giving up six earned runs on eight hits. Cesar Rodriguez worked 4.0 solid innings of relief, allowing only two hits.

In game two, the Statesmen trailed 4-0 in the third before erupting for six runs to take a 6-4 lead. After Clay Sartain drew a bases-loaded walk, Kellen Bozeman's three-RBI double to left-center tied it at 4-4. Cade Hoggard followed with an RBI-double to left to give DSU the 5-4 lead. A throwing error by SAU shortstop Andrew Whittington allowed Hoggard to score from second and increase the lead to 6-4.

In the bottom of the inning, SAU plated a run on a balk call to cut the lead to 6-5.

DSU added two runs in the fourth on an RBI-single by Bozeman and a throwing error by Cannon Lester to take an 8-5 lead.

SAU's Patrick Johnson made it a two run game with a solo shot to left in the fifth.

Statesmen reliever Cody Kelley (6-2) made it stand up over the final two innings for the win. Kelley worked 4.1 innings with three strikeouts for the win.

Dane Lucas (2-1) took the loss for SAU.

Bozeman went 2-for-4 with four RBIs to lead the Statesmen.

The GSC West title will be decided Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. at Mulerider Field. The game will be broadcast at 1:45 p.m. on the Statesmen Sports Network. Matt Jones and Jim Ervin will have the call.