SEARCY, Ark. — Kicking off the start of conference play, Southern Nazarene went head to head with Harding for a doubleheader Saturday,
Prior to this series, The Bison (8-1, 1-1 GAC) were unbeaten for the 2023 season, but the Storm (4-5, 2-2 GAC) handed them their first loss of the season in Game 2 of the three-game series.
Game 1
The game sat gridlocked 0-0 through the first two innings, until a DJ Van Atten single Brough tin the scoring for SNU as he sent Dax Edmonds and Cole Embrey home for the 2-0 lead.
The Bisons scored two runs of their own in the bottom fourth with a single and a sacrifice fly, tying the game at two a piece heading into the fifth inning.
Offensive action between both squads stalled through the 5th and 6th innings, but Harding picked it back up in 7th with a two-run homer to left field that put the Bisons up 4-2.
The Storm worked through a few hits in the next two innings to try and cut the deficit, but every shot was falling in favor of the Bisons, leaving SNU the 4-2 loss in Game 1.
Game 2
SNU jumped in front early, starting with a Tyler Broyles double to right field that plated Van Atten in the second inning. O'Shea Whiteside put up a single to right field that rewarded Broyles the trip home, putting SNU up by two over the Bisons. SNU reached their third run of the second inning off a throwing error by Harding that allowed Drake Irby to cross home plate and SNU took the quick 3-0 lead.
Harding cut the deficit back down to two in the same inning after they blasted one to right field good for a solo homerun.
The Bisons tied the game at three a piece in the bottom fourth with a single through the right side that earned two RBIs.
Down to the seventh inning, Cole Embrey took the lead for SNU with a double down the right field line that sent in O'Shea Whiteside home, putting SNU ahead 4-3.
With a chance to get ahead, Harding had the bases loaded, but Colby Entwistle saved the game with a grab to hand Harding their third and final out, calling the 4-3 victory.
SNU will wrap up the Harding series on Sunday, February 19th for a single game set for 1:00 p.m.