SEARCY – Junior left fielder Nathan Bowie blasted a grand slam in the bottom of the seventh inning, propelling the No. 26 Harding Bisons to a dramatic 9-7 nonconference victory over Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys Tuesday afternoon at Jerry Moore Field. The Bisons, now 27-11 on the season, showcased their resilience by overcoming an early five-run deficit.
Harding will now prepare for a pivotal Great American Conference road series against Oklahoma Baptist in Shawnee, Oklahoma, this weekend.
Arkansas Tech (19-18) took an early lead in the first inning when Cole Dawson doubled home Tyler Sardelli. The Wonder Boys extended their advantage in the top of the third, scoring four runs on six hits, including an RBI double by Sawyer Duddleston and an RBI single from Brendyn Bard, to take a 5-1 lead.
The Bisons' first runs came in the bottom of the second when Sebastian Martinez lifted a sacrifice fly to score Ty Kirkbride, who had earlier stolen second and advanced on a wild pitch.
After Arkansas Tech added another run in the top of the fifth, Harding responded with two runs of their own in the bottom half. Cooper Newsom drove in Logan Lacey with a single, and Harrison Griffith followed with an RBI single to score Newsom, cutting the Wonder Boys' lead to 6-4.
Arkansas Tech added another unearned run in the top of the seventh, making it 7-4. However, the Bisons answered with a decisive five-run outburst in the bottom of the frame. Newsom led off with a single, and Griffith followed with a walk. Kirkbride then drew another walk to load the bases. Kade Smith hit a sacrifice fly to score Newsom, pulling Harding within two. With the bases still loaded, Bowie stepped to the plate and launched a towering grand slam over the right-field fence, giving Harding a 9-7 lead.
The Harding bullpen held strong in the final two innings. Keaton Baird (2-1) earned the win, pitching two innings and allowing just one hit. Kyle Lane recorded his first save of the season, striking out one in a scoreless ninth inning.
Bowie led the Harding offense with a single and the grand slam, totaling four RBIs. Lacey added a double and an RBI earlier in the game. Newsom and Griffith each contributed two hits and an RBI.
The Bisons will travel to Oklahoma Baptist for a three-game series beginning Friday.
