Southern Arkansas' Stetson Bishop tossed 7.1 strong innings by scattering seven hits, but the Muleriders managed just three hits off of six Delta State pitchers and stranded eight base runners. It was a solo home run by the Statesmen in the ninth that was the difference Wednesday afternoon at Goodheart Field. The 1-0 loss was the fourth-straight for the Muleriders who dropped to 19-11 on the season.
Of the seven hits allowed by Bishop in his second start of the season, none went for extra bases. The right-hander utilized 11 fly outs and six ground outs while striking out a pair of batters. The Muleriders turned inning-ending double plays in the third, sixth and seventh innings to back Bishop's effort and again finished the eighth with a double play as Hayden Oglesby took over for the starter with one out in the frame.
DSU took the lead in the ninth as Clay Cook homered out to left field to lead off the frame against Oglesby. SAU went 1-2-3 in the home half of the frame against the Statesmen's Noah Magee. The Muleriders left the bases loaded in the second, two on in the third and saw just two batters reach for the remainder of the contest.
Nicoll recorded his team-leading eighth double of the season with one out in the third inning, while Will Richardson and Carter Claerhout both singled in the game.
Southern Arkansas prepares for a Great American Conference weekend series in Arkadelphia against Ouachita on Easter Weekend. Today's doubleheader and Saturday's series finale are scheduled for a noon start.