SEARCY, Ark. -- Harding erupted for 15 runs on 14 hits, including a five-run eighth inning, to pull away from Oklahoma Baptist for a 15-5 win Thursday at Jerry Moore Field.
The Bison (18-19, 11-14 GAC) showed early fight, answering Harding's two-run first with a run in the second before surging ahead in the third. RBI contributions from
Matt Marsic and
Quinn Johnson helped OBU tie the game at 3-3, and the Bison briefly took a 4-3 lead in the fourth after a balk brought home
Braden Smith.
That advantage was short-lived. Harding (21-16, 15-10 GAC) responded with a three-run fourth frame, highlighted by run-scoring hits from Dom Davis and Bo Solley along with a sacrifice fly from Nathan Bowie to reclaim a 6-4 edge. The home team continued to apply pressure in the fifth, adding two more runs behind run-scoring hits from Collin Helms and Phoenix West.
Helms proved to be the difference-maker, finishing 3-for-4 with a double, a home run, and six RBI. West also starred, going 3-for-4 with a homer and three RBI, while Easton Jones scored three runs.
OBU stayed within striking distance at 8-4 through six innings, but Harding broke the game open in the seventh and eighth. A two-run homer by Helms in the seventh extended the lead, and a five-run eighth—featuring four hits and four walks—ended the affair in run-rule fashion.
Keenan Morris led OBU with two hits and an RBI, while Johnson and
Isaac Hill each added two hits.
Tomorrow at 1 p.m., the two teams will meet for a doubleheader.
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