ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Despite an early lead and a team-leading fourth home run of the season from senior Cooper Newsom, the Harding baseball team fell 9-3 to Ouachita Baptist on Tuesday afternoon at Rab Rodgers Field.
The Bisons (6-2) saw their six-game winning streak snapped as the Tigers (6-2) utilized a 13-hit attack and a massive six-run third inning to secure the non-conference victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Harding manufactured the game's first run in the opening frame without the benefit of a hit. Junior Nathan Bowie drew a lead-off walk, stole second, and eventually crossed the plate on a fielder's choice from Phoenix West to give the Bisons a 1-0 advantage.
After two scoreless innings from starter Austin Kelley, the Bisons extended the lead in the third. Collin Helms reached on a walk and was driven home when Cooper Newsom launched a two-run home run to left field, making it 3-0.
The momentum shifted in the bottom of the third as Ouachita Baptist sent 10 batters to the plate. The Tigers utilized four hits, two walks, and a costly Harding error to score six runs and take a lead they would not relinquish.
The Tigers added two insurance runs in the fourth and a final run in the seventh.
STATS LEADERS
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Cooper Newsom: 1-for-3, HR, 2 RBI
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Logan Lacey: 2-for-5, his team-leading fifth multiple-hit game of the season
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Nathan Bowie: Walked to lead off the game, extending his on-base streak to 38 games dating back to last season.
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Keaton Baird: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB in relief.
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Maddox Webb: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB in relief.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
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Record Watch: With his two hits today, senior Logan Lacey now has 207 career hits, moving him into a tie for 9th place on Harding's all-time career list with former Bison great Luke Van Dover (2017-21).
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Speed on the Bases: The Bisons were a perfect 5-for-5 in stolen base attempts. Nathan Bowie, Phoenix West, Collin Helms, Easton Jones, and Johnathan Jackson each recorded a swipe. Harding has stolen 10 bases in its last two games without being caught.
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Series History: Despite the loss, Harding continues to lead the all-time series against Ouachita Baptist 106-104-2.
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Regional Ranking: Harding entered the game ranked No. 6 in the latest NCBWA Central Region poll.
UP NEXT
Harding returns to Great American Conference play this weekend with a three-game series against Southwestern Oklahoma State. The series begins Friday in Weatherford, Oklahoma, with a single game at 2 p.m.
