February 11, 2004

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Jason Hines had 2 RBI to lead SBU

SEARCY, AR. ... A ninth inning rally fell short for Southwest Baptist in the season opener as they fell to Harding University (4-2), 7-4. SBU scored two runs in the top of the ninth to cut the lead to three runs but could not get any closer. There were several chances as they left nine runners on base.

SBU out hit HU, 11-8, and struck out eight batters. Skyler Powers went 3-of-4 with two runs while Seth Burrell and Eric Beal each had two hits. Jason Hines led the team with two RBI while Burell and Spencer Wilkins each had a RBI.

Drew Osborne took the loss as he went 3.1 innings and gave up five earned runs with three strikeouts. Freshman Danny Malone made his collegiate debut and finished the game, 4.2 innings, with five strikeouts and only one earned run.

The Bearcats took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning on a Wilkins sacrifice fly to centerfield to score Powers. Powers started off the inning with a single to centerfield and the advanced to second when Burrell walked. A Robby Hallock sacrifice bunt then advanced both runners to scoring position.

HU answered right back in the bottom of the inning Fisher singled through the left side of the infield to score Cone. The Bisons tacked on two more runs in the bottom of the third for a 3-1 lead. In the bottom of the fourth when Glenn singled in two runners to take a four-run lead, 5-1.

SBU made it 5-2 in teh top of the sixth off a Burrell double that brought home Powers. HU put two more runs up in the eighth inning, 7-2, as SBU had one last chance for a win.

The top of the ninth brought some excitement but not enough for the win. Wilkins started off the inning with a single to right center. After Beau Davis strikeout, Beal singled up the middle and advanced Wilkins to second. A HU wild pitch moved both runners into scoring position and Hines then delivered with a single to bring home both Wilkins and Beal to make it 7-4. SBU then popped up and grounded out to finish the game.

SBU will face HU again on Saturday, February 12, in a double header beginning at 12 p.m.