ARKADELPHIA- The Tigers finished 2-1 in the inaugural Mulerider Baseball Classic in Magnolia on Sunday, defeating Arkansas-Monticello, 12-5, before falling to Delta State and No. 30 Southern Arkansas in a non-conference matchup against the Gulf South Conference West Division opponents.
Ouachita (9-11) opened the three-game classic with a 12-5 victory over Arkansas-Monticello (9-5), as the Tigers recorded an eight-run fifth inning to secure the win. In Game 2, Ouachita fell to Southern Arkansas (11-5) in an 8-1 loss, as the Tigers only collected four hits overall. Delta State (10-9) collected 12 hits in the 11-1 victory via the run-rule in the seventh inning of Game 3.
In the victory over the Boll Weevils, Ouachita starter Kolby Moore (4-3) picked up the victory in going six innings and striking out four, while giving up five earned runs. Senior Zac Treece was impressive on the mound in relief, going three innings and giving up no runs and allowing just one hit with two strikeouts.
Three Tigers recorded two RBI, as senior Kyle Zimmerman finished at 3-for-5 with two RBI, while junior Brett Mazmanian recorded a 2-for-5 day with two RBI, and senior Sam McGill added a 1-for-3 performance with a pair of RBI. Senior Cass Via (3-for-5, RBI) and junior Brock Green (2-for-3, RBI) were also impressive at the plate.
Against Southern Arkansas, Ouachita Starter Ryan Westover (0-1) took the loss on the mound, giving up eight runs, including four earned. Freshman Davis Ward was sharp in three relief innings of action, going three innings without allowing a run on two hits and two strikeouts.
Ouachita collected four hits in the loss, including hits from Mazmanian, sophomore Duncan Collins (1-for-3), sophomore Landon Flax (1-for-3) and freshman Keegan Ghidotti (1-for-1).
Junior Taylor Burns (2-1) took the loss against Delta State, going 5 1/3 innings, giving up 10 runs, including seven earned with three strikeouts. McGill finished 2-for-3 to lead the Tigers at the plate, while Zimmerman, Mazmanian and senior Justin Hall added hits.
Ouachita returns to Rab Rodgers FIeld on Saturday, March 19 at 12 p.m. to open Gulf South Conference West Division play against Arkansas Tech.
