PINE BLUFF, Ark. — The Golden Lions made it a clean sweep — and made a statement doing it.
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff closed out its three-game home series against Mississippi Valley State with a dominant 13-1 run-rule victory Sunday morning at the Torii Hunter Baseball Complex, capping a perfect weekend and pushing its SWAC record to a scorching 3-0 to open conference play. The win also extended UAPB's home winning streak to four consecutive games, a run that has the Golden Lions rolling heading into the heart of the schedule.
Ryland Morin was masterful on the mound, spinning six innings of one-run ball to earn the decision. The left-hander held MVSU to just two hits, walked one, and struck out three, working efficiently through the Delta Devils' lineup for the majority of the afternoon. Morin surrendered his only damage in the fifth inning when Valley managed a triple and two hits to plate a lone run, but was otherwise untouchable. Reagan James came on to close the door in the seventh, striking out two of the three batters he faced to seal the victory.
At the plate, the Golden Lions broke the game open with a five-run sixth inning that put it out of reach for good. Lazaro Alvarado was the catalyst in that frame, delivering a two-run double down the right-field line that cleared the bases and pushed the lead into double digits. Alvarado finished the day 2-for-3 with a double, two RBIs, two runs scored, and a walk — his best performance of the young season. Blake Coleman also had a strong afternoon, going 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI, while Owen Gietzen contributed a 2-for-3 performance with a double, an RBI, and a stolen base.
Zach Wieder continued to be a presence in the middle of the lineup, reaching base three times — drawing a walk, recording a hit with an RBI, stealing a base, and scoring twice. Konner Giddley added a single and an RBI while working a walk, and Dane Small contributed a double and a run scored to keep the lineup churning.
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff's offense produced 12 hits and drew seven walks, taking full advantage of a Mississippi Valley pitching staff that struggled to find the zone. The Golden Lions plated runs in four of their seven innings at bat, wearing down the opposition with a patient, disciplined approach throughout.
A perfect 3-0 start to SWAC play, a four-game home win streak, and a sweep of the weekend series — the Golden Lions are making it clear that Pine Bluff is not a place opponents want to visit right now.