HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — Southern Arkansas University’s baseball team sealed a convincing 11-2 victory over Washburn University during the closing match of the 2025 Dugan Invitational held at Majestic Park on Sunday. This win improved the Muleriders’ season record to 3-1.
In an exhilarating performance marked by strategic plays and strong batting, the Muleriders quickly overcame an initial 1-0 deficit in the second inning. Josh Phillips notably turned the game in their favor with a two-run homer over the left field wall, setting the tone for the rest of the game.
Southern Arkansas continued to dominate offensively, adding a single run in the third inning before racking up three more in the fourth. Noteworthy was Phillips’ double that drove in Jaden Woolbright, followed by successive runs thanks to hits by Clay Burrows and Lee Matsuzaki, which pushed the score to 6-1.
Though Washburn managed to narrow the gap slightly by adding a run in the fifth inning, Southern Arkansas swiftly countered in the lower portion of the inning. Phillips once again showed exceptional skill with a double that plated two more runs, escalating the Muleriders’ lead to 8-2.
The power surge continued for Southern Arkansas in the sixth inning as Trace Shoup and Matsuzaki blasted solo homers, helping extend the lead to a commanding 11-2. Woolbright capped the inning with a sacrifice fly that scored Jayden Hill.
The pitching team of Southern Arkansas also highlighted their prowess, holding Washburn to just five hits across seven scoreless innings. Starting pitcher Austin Adair claimed his first win of the season, reflecting a strong defensive game by the Muleriders against their opponents.
Josh Phillips emerged as a top performer with a stellar 3-for-4 at the bat, accumulating five RBIs and scoring once. Additionally, Matsuzaki and Woolbright made significant contributions, both in terms of runs and RBIs, helping to solidify the substantial lead.
Looking ahead, the Muleriders are scheduled to continue their competitive streak at the Henderson State Invitational. They are set to face Augustana University, Emporia State University, and the University of Central Oklahoma in a series of games slated for early February.
This formidable start sets a positive tone for Southern Arkansas as they progress through the season, with upcoming games anticipated to further test and possibly strengthen their team dynamics. Fans and followers of collegiate baseball will undoubtedly keep a keen eye on how the Muleriders manage the challenges of their forthcoming encounters.