PINE BLUFF, Ark. — The Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions closed out their home series against Texas Southern in dominant fashion on Sunday afternoon, claiming a 5-4 victory to take the series two games to one and improve their SWAC conference record to 12-6 on the year.

The Golden Lions wasted no time making their presence felt, erupting for three runs in the bottom of the first inning to grab an immediate stranglehold on the game. UAPB added another run in the second to push the advantage to 4-0, setting the tone early and forcing Texas Southern into an uphill battle for the remainder of the afternoon.

Ryland Morin was the story on the mound for the Golden Lions, delivering seven strong innings to earn the win and improve his season record to an impressive 5-1. The lefthander was efficient and composed throughout, holding Texas Southern to four runs on six hits while striking out four. Even as the Tigers chipped away with runs in the third, seventh, and eighth innings to pull within one, Morin never flinched and gave his team every opportunity to hold on.

Jordan Medellin came out of the bullpen and slammed the door, tossing two clean innings and retiring the Tigers in order in the ninth to preserve the victory. The Golden Lions then put the game away for good in the bottom of the ninth when an error allowed Dane Small to come around and score the decisive run, pushing the final to 5-4 and ending any remaining hope of a Texas Southern comeback.

It was a complete team effort for UAPB, who now sit at 19-23 overall with conference momentum firmly on their side.

Up Next: The Golden Lions hit the road this Wednesday to face UCA. Arkansas-Pine Bluff will look to carry the energy of this series victory into that midweek matchup.