Arkansas Tech University received five and one-third innings of shutout relief pitching from its bullpen in a 4-3 non-conference win over the University of Arkansas-Monticello at Weevils Field in Monticello on Tuesday.
The Wonder Boys (20-27) matched their longest winning streak of the season at three games and kept their positive momentum going into the final weekend of the regular season.
UAM (30-12) led 3-0 after four innings, but a Boll Weevils’ throwing error allowed Tech’s Korey Thompson to score in the top of the fifth inning.
Connor Brady scored from third base while his teammate Michael Post was thrown out trying to steal second later in the inning, and Josh Watkins’ two-run double three batters later put the Wonder Boys in front 4-3.
Tech’s bullpen held that one-run lead the rest of the afternoon. It started with two and one-third innings from Isaac Hale (2-4). Jason Hastings retired one batter. He was followed by John Beck, who worked one and two-thirds innings.
Jesse Harbin needed just four pitches to get the final three outs and record his ninth save of 2016.
The Wonder Boys will visit Harding University for a three-game Great American Conference series at Jerry Moore Field in Searcy on Sunday, May 1, and Monday, May 2. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. both days.
Arkansas Tech will enter the weekend tied with Northwestern Oklahoma State University for eighth place in the race for a GAC Tournament berth. Only the top eight eligible teams in the final league standings will qualify for the postseason.
