Harding University’s Hayden Walraven delivered a run-scoring single in the bottom of the eighth inning that gave the Bisons the lead for good in a 5-4 non-conference baseball win over Arkansas Tech University at Jerry Moore Field in Searcy on Wednesday.
Walraven’s run batted in was the culmination of a three-run, eighth-inning rally by Harding (11-18). He drove in Brooks Pitaniello to give the Bisons a 5-4 lead.
The Wonder Boys (18-13) put the tying run on base in the top of the ninth after Zach Klockowski came through with a one-out single, but Harding reliever Mason Faulkner induced a game-ending double play to secure his fourth save of 2017.
Nash Thomas (1-2) was credited as the winning pitcher after he worked two and two-thirds innings of relief for the Bisons.
ATU reliever Nate Rutherford (0-1) was charged with three runs on one hit in three and two-thirds innings.
Mark Vaughn went 3-for-4 with two doubles and two RBIs for the Wonder Boys. Tech’s Jake Harvey also drove in two runs. Klockowski, Marcus Wilson and Cody Wescott notched two hits apiece.
The Wonder Boys will venture to Ada, Okla., for a three-game Great American Conference series against East Central University on Friday, March 31, and Saturday, April 1. First pitch is scheduled for noon both days. Live coverage will be available at www.arkansastechsports.com.
