Game 1 Box Score

Game 2 Box Score

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. - Henderson State used two strong pitching efforts to snap a 14-game losing streak and deal a serious blow to Harding's Gulf South Conference Tournament hopes, as the Reddies defeated the Bisons 9-0 and 7-2 on Saturday.

Henderson State (17-25, 2-11) had not won since March 9, losing 12 of the 14 games on the road and eight of them to nationally-ranked teams. The two wins were the first for the Reddies in GSC play.

Harding (19-19, 4-8) continued to struggle on the road. The Bisons dropped to 2-13 away from Jerry Moore Field. Harding entered the weekend 1.5 games behind both Arkansas Tech and Christian Brothers for the fourth and final spot in the GSC West Division.

Henderson State pitching had allowed 11.8 runs per game in conference play, but David Purcell (5-5)pitched a nine-inning shutout in game one Saturday and three pitchers combined to allow only two runs, one earned, in the second game.

The Reddie offense scored in each of the first three innings of the opener, knocking out Harding starter Michael Skinner (3-4) with one out in the third. Skinner allowed five runs (three earned) on five hits. Henderson State continued its attack throughout the game, scoring in six of the eight innings in which it batted. Five of the Reddies 10 hits were doubles.

Harding's seven hits came from only three batters, as Purcell struck out seven. Senior Bo Whitaker was 3-for-4, and J.D. Glenn and Tyler Thompson were both 2-for-4. All of the Bison hits were singles, and Harding left eight runners on base.

The Reddies continued their offensive assault in game two, scoring three in the first off Bison starter Brodie Brumley (3-1), who lost for the first time this season after earning GSC West Division Pitcher of the Week honors Wednesday. Brumley allowed five earned runs on eight hits in 4.0 innings.

Both Harding runs scored in the third inning. Redshirt freshman Tyler Thompson drove in a run with a single, and Matt Stevens brought in another with a sacrifice fly.

Josh Wesson (2-6) picked up the win, allowing only one earned run in four innings. James Ferguson and Jonathan Dooley held the Bisons scoreless for the final three frames.

Junior Aaron Roberts went 2-for-3 for the Bisons, who had eight hits. Cody Duncan was 3-for-3 for the Reddies.

The two teams will conclude the series Sunday with a single, nine-inning game beginning at 1 p.m.