Arkansas Tech let a five-run lead slip away as Southern Arkansas defeated the Wonder Boys 15-8 in the finale of a three-game Gulf South Conference baseball series at Tech Field in Russellville on Sunday.
The Wonder Boys (19-13 overall, 7-2 GSC) led 8-3 after six innings, but Southern Arkansas got to the Arkansas Tech bullpen for six runs in the top of the seventh to claim a 9-8 edge.
The Muleriders added five runs in the eighth inning and one more in the ninth. As a result, Southern Arkansas (20-11, 5-4) claimed a 2-1 weekend series victory over Arkansas Tech and knocked the Wonder Boys out of first place in the GSC West Division baseball standings.
Arkansas Tech won the first game of the series 6-5 on Saturday, but the Muleriders came back to win Saturday’s second game 10-8.
Brandon Choate was 2-for-5 with two home runs for SAU on Sunday. Trey Buck and Gavan McCauley had three RBIs apiece. Logan Williams and Chris Harrison both drove in two runs for the Muleriders. Harrison and Patrick Johnson clubbed one home run each.
Madison Beaird went 3-for-5 to lead a 13-hit attack by the Wonder Boys. Matt Johnson and Nick Makris were both 2-for-5. Makris drove in three runs. Johnson drove in two runs and scored three.
Arkansas Tech’s Josh Riley hit a two-run home run and Nate Wilder contributed two hits.
SAU relief pitcher Kyle Felts (1-0) was credited with the win. He allowed one unearned run over three and two-third innings.
Eight different pitchers labored for the Wonder Boys. Ted Nanez (1-3) was tagged with the loss.
Arkansas Tech will host Ouachita Baptist for a non-conference game at Tech Field on Wednesday, April 6. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. Admission will be free.
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