SEARCY, Ark. – The East Central University baseball team wrapped up its series with Harding University on Sunday, mounting a late rally in the final inning but ultimately falling 7-5, completing the series sweep for the Bisons.
 
Despite outhitting Harding 6-5, the Tigers were unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities, stranding seven runners. Meanwhile, Harding made the most of their extra-base hits, with all of their runs coming off home runs.
 
After a scoreless first inning, Harding broke through in the second with a two-run homer to take a 2-0 lead.
 
ECU responded in the third inning when Logan Jeske singled, Tyler Akers walked, and Zac Carroll also walked to load the bases. Blake Seefeldt's groundout allowed Jeske to score, cutting the deficit to 2-1.
 
Both teams were retired in the fourth inning, but ECU tied the game in the fifth when Akers walked, stole second, and scored on Carroll's RBI double to even the score at 2-2.
 
But Harding quickly regained the lead in the bottom of the fifth with a three-run homer, putting them ahead 5-2. The Bisons added to their lead in the seventh with another two-run shot, extending their advantage to 7-2.
 
In their final at-bats, the Tigers mounted a rally in the ninth. Pryce Jackson and Jeske singled and advanced to second and third on a wild pitch. Another wild pitch allowed pinch runner Mason Shimkus to score, and a Harding throwing error brought Jeske and Akers across the plate, narrowing the gap to 7-5. However, a fly out ended the two-out rally and sealed the Bisons' series win.
 
Cal Birchfield pitched 6.2 innings in the start, allowing four hits and seven runs, taking the loss. Jeremy Slate finished the game with 1.1 innings of relief, giving up one hit.
 
Zac Carroll, Pryce Jackson, and Logan Jeske each went 2-for-4 at the plate, leading ECU's offensive effort.
 
The Tigers will return to Ada to prepare for a nonconference matchup against Southeastern Oklahoma State University, scheduled for 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18.