SEARCY – This weekend's matchup with 21st ranked Delta State could go a long way in determining Harding's Gulf South Conference Tournament fate in May. The Bisons and Statesmen will square off in a three-game series at Jerry Moore Field beginning Saturday with an 11 a.m. doubleheader and concluding Sunday with a single game at 1 p.m.
Harding enters the weekend 14-15 overall and 2-3 in the GSC West after sweeping two games on the road last weekend at Ouachita Baptist. The Bisons came from behind to win both games in the top of the final inning.
Harding's hottest hitter coming into the Delta State series is sophomore third baseman Chase Presley. The Jackson, Tenn., native has a seven-game hitting streak during which he is batting 12-of-27 (.444). He has raised his batting average 47 points since March 14 to .317 and has four multiple-hit games in his last five outings.
The Bisons defense has been much improved in recent games. Harding has committed only three errors in its last six games. The squad ranks second in the GSC in double plays turned (28) and fifth in fielding percentage (.952).
Harding's rotation for the Delta State series is expected to be the same as last week. Senior Troy Keith (1-2, 7.84 ERA) will pitch game one, followed by sophomore Kyle Cline (2-3, 6.54) in game two, and sophomore Hayden Shirley (0-3, 9.41) on Sunday.
Delta State enters the series with an 18-9-1 overall record and a 3-2 mark in the GSC West. The Statesmen outscored Christian Brothers 38-3 in a doubleheader sweep last weekend in Memphis.
The Statesman to watch in the series is senior third baseman Josh Gordon, who is leading the GSC in hitting with a .452 average. He is tied for the team lead with three home runs and ranks third in doubles (6) and RBI (21).
Delta State's probable starters on the mound include senior Cody Kelley (4-0, 3.32), junior Jason Coats (4-0, 2.36) and senior Trey Griffin (2-2, 3.11).
HardingSports.com will provide live video and live statistics for all three games.
