MAGNOLIA, Ark. — The Delta State University baseball team fell to Southern Arkansas, 8-4, on Tuesday afternoon at Walker Stadium, as a late surge by the Muleriders proved to be the difference.
The Statesmen (15-13) held a 3-1 lead through five innings before Southern Arkansas (19-10) broke the game open with a three-run sixth and added insurance in the seventh and eighth innings.
Delta State struck first in the third inning, plating two runs on RBI efforts from
Jacob Palazzo and
Cade Greer to take a 2-1 advantage. The Statesmen added another run in the fourth, capitalizing on a passed ball to extend the lead to 3-1.
Southern Arkansas responded in the bottom of the sixth, using timely hitting and patience at the plate to score three runs and take a 4-3 lead. The Muleriders continued to build momentum with two runs in the seventh and two more in the eighth to push the lead to 8-3.
Tucker Jones led the Statesmen offensively, finishing 2-for-5 with two runs scored, including a solo home run in the ninth inning.
Austin Batts also had a strong day at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3 with a walk, while
Levi Lang added two hits.
On the mound,
Mason Shropshire got the start, allowing one run over two innings.
Carson Homitz provided three scoreless innings of relief before Southern Arkansas rallied against the bullpen.
Nash Koczka (0-1) was charged with the loss.
Delta State finished with 10 hits on the afternoon but left nine runners on base, while Southern Arkansas totaled nine hits and drew seven walks.
The Statesmen will look to bounce back as they continue their road stretch later this week as they head to Huntsville to take on the Chargers from UAH.
