SEARCY, Ark. – Senior Logan Lacey became Harding's all-time career runs leader on Tuesday afternoon, scoring twice to help propel the Bisons to a 10-3 victory over Union University at Jerry Moore Field. It was the first game of a five-game home stand that continues Friday at 6 p.m. with the first game of a Great American Conference series with Oklahoma Baptist.
Lacey entered the day tied for the top spot but ended the afternoon with 174 career runs, surpassing the previous record of 172 set by Chase Presley (2009-12). Lacey finished the game 2-for-4 with three RBIs, including a two-run single during a decisive five-run sixth inning.
The victory also highlighted a dominant trend for the Bisons' pitching staff this year. With the win, Harding improved to 10-0 this season when holding opponents to three runs or fewer.
Harding (20-16) jumped out to an early 3-0 lead, highlighted by an RBI double from Easton Jones in the first and a run-scoring fielder's choice by Nathan Bowie in the second.
Union (15-22) erased the deficit in the third inning with a pair of home runs. Caden Walker led off the frame with a solo shot to left, and Grant Ross followed later in the inning with a two-run blast to right-center, tying the game at 3-3.
The score remained deadlocked until the bottom of the sixth, when the Bisons' offense ignited. After Phoenix West singled and Dom Davis was hit by a pitch, Bo Solley loaded the bases with a bunt single. Two runs crossed on an error before Lacey delivered his record-breaking two-run single to left field. Cooper Newsom capped the rally with an RBI double to left, extending the lead to 8-3.
Harding added two insurance runs in the seventh. Solley drove in West with a double to left-center, and Lacey later brought Solley home with a sacrifice fly to left.
The Bisons' bullpen provided stellar relief following starter CJ Ricaurte's three innings of work. Caleb Oligschlaeger (3-1) earned the win, stifling the Bulldogs over 3.1 scoreless innings while striking out four. Keaton Baird tossed 1.2 scoreless frames, and Josiah Binford closed the game by striking out the side in the ninth.
Harding outhit Union 11-8. Phoenix West finished 2-for-3 with three runs scored, while Bo Solley went 2-for-3 with two runs and an RBI.
