UT Tyler vs. Southern Arkansas UTT: 32-13, 32-13 LSC | SAU: 32-13, 23-7 GAC Tuesday, April 25 Tyler, Texas | Irwin Field

SCHEDULE

ROSTER

STATS

MUCH NEEDED OFF WEEK
 
The Patriots had their first off weekend of the season last week, taking some much needed time to rest and recover before making a final push towards the end of the regular season and into the postseason. The Patriots are 32-13 on the year and 31-13 in LSC play.
 
THE LONE STAR CONFERENCE STANDINGS
 
Despite the off weekend, the Patriots made a huge jump in the LSC standings as they now sit in second place behind Angelo State. The Rams swept previously #2 St. Edward's over the weekend and that puts UT Tyler a half game in front of the Hilltoppers.
 
As it stands right now, the Patriots would earn the #2 seed and be able to host the #7 seed in the first round of the LSC Tournament in a best of three series at Irwin Field.
 
REGIONALLY RANKED
 
The Patriots stayed at number five in the latest NCBWA South Central Regional Rankings this week. The top five remained unchanged as well as Angelo State remains at the top spot followed by Colorado Mesa, St. Edward's, MSU Denver, and UT Tyler.
 
LAST TIME AGAINST THE MULERIDERS
 
In the one other non-conference game of the season for UT Tyler, they also faced off against then #11 ranked Southern Arkansas back on April 12. In that contest, the Patriots jumped out to a big 8-0 lead after two and a half innings thanks to a big six run third inning. UT Tyler used nine different pitchers to throw one inning each as they held off the Muleriders by a final score of 13-7.
 
SERIES HISTORY
 
With that win against the Muleriders, the Patriots now pull ahead in the series history at 2-1. The Patriots are winners of both of the games that have been played in Magnolia, Arkansas, with their only loss coming on March 16, 2021 inside Irwin Field. In that contest, it was the Muleriders who jumped out to the early lead and held on for the close 5-4 victory.
 
THE SCOUTING REPORT
 
The Muleriders are now 32-13 on the season and 23-7 in Great American Conference play as they hold on to the top spot in the latest GAC standings. They are hitting .300 as a team this season and hold a team ERA of 4.67.
 
Leading the team at the plate is Riley Orr, who is batting .375 on the year with 54 hits, 11 doubles, 18 RBI, and 18 stolen bases. On the mound, it is Mikel Howell, who holds an ERA of 2.98 over his 12 starts and a record of 5-1 with just 21 runs allowed and 60 strikeouts.
 
Justin Pettigrew is head coach of the Muleriders and is in the midst of his sixth season. Most recently he led the program to an appearance in the NCAA Division II World Series as the Muleriders claimed the NCAA Central Region title during the 2022 season.
 
NEXT UP
 
Following the midweek matchup, the Patriots will host UAFS in what will be the final regular season series of the year. That matchup will give the Patriots a chance to solidify their #2 seed heading into the LSC Tournament as they will host postseason baseball at Irwin Field for the first time since the 2017 season.
 
That series against the Lions will start at 7 p.m. on Friday night. Saturday's doubleheader begins at 3 p.m. and will also serve as Senior Day for the program. Sunday's series finale is scheduled for a 1 p.m. first pitch.