ALVA, Okla. – Northwestern Oklahoma State University was tasked with battling the No. 18 Southern Arkansas Muleriders Saturday afternoon, as well as battling the elements with temperatures in the low-30's throughout the contest.
Unfortunately, the Rangers were unable to come up with timely hits late in the game as they fell to the Muleriders, 6-5.
It's been a tough stretch for Northwestern as they have taken on the top two preseason teams in the Great American Conference the last two weekends. The Rangers' record moved to 10-7 overall this season and 3-6 in the GAC.
The Rangers look to get back on track Tuesday afternoon with a 1 p.m. start at Northeastern State in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, before making the long trip to Monticello, Arkansas, next weekend for a three-game series against Arkansas-Monticello.
In Saturday's game, the Muleriders jumped out to four runs in the first two innings. However, the Rangers answered in the bottom of the second to tie the game up at four.
Tanner Rutledge was called upon to make his first start as a Ranger at a second base and made the opportunity count in the second inning with a two-run single to right field that plated Johnnuelle Ponce and Colton Whitehouse. Both runners were moved into scoring position in the previous at bat one a solid sacrifice bunt from Brock Randels.
In the home half of the third, Rutledge struck again with a single into shallow center to bring home Ponce to give the Rangers a 5-4 lead. But in the top of the fourth, the Muleriders answered as they turned a leadoff single into a run to knot the game at 5.
Rutledge, a junior from Kingfisher, Oklahoma, went 3-for-4 at the plate with three runs batted in, run scored and a stolen base. Daschal Johnson had two hits in the game, including a triple in the eighth inning with the Rangers trailing 6-5, although he became the seventh Ranger runner to be stranded on base in scoring position.
Northwestern out hit the Muleriders 34-26 in the series after both teams hit safely in nine at bats on Saturday.
Dillon Van Oosbree pitched well in relief despite being credited with the loss to move to 1-2 on the season. Kaleb Honea allowed one hit in the final three innings and struck out a pair of Mulerider batters.
For the latest news and updates on NWOSU Baseball, follow @NWOSUAthletics on TWITTER or visit www.riderangersride.com.
