Storm Split Saturday Twinbill, Wins Series Over ATU

DURANT, Okla. – Austin Parker's first-inning, three-run homer was just enough offense to lift Southeastern to a 3-2 win in the rubber-match of its three-game series against Arkansas Tech, avenging a 4-1 loss earlier on Saturday at Mike Metheny Field.
 
The split gives the Storm a series victory and lifts them to 15-9 on the season and 10-5 in Great American Conference play.
 
Ausitn Parker connected on a three-run homer to lead the SE offense in the series finale, while Ryan Kirk, Carter Olson, and Jacob Ambriz each added a hit in the effort.
 
Jacob Fuller got the start and was tagged for two runs, one earned, on three hits in an inning of work.
 
Carson Abbott picked up the win in relief, throwing 3.1 innings and allowing a hit across from two strikeouts.
 
Cody Pfeffer picked up the save with 2.2 innings striking out two and retiring all eight batters he faced.
 
The Storm struck first in the finale as Parker connected on a three-run homer to right field, driving in Olson and Villa in the process for a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first.
 
ATU responded with a pair of runs in the second inning, closing the gap to 3-2.
 
Abbott came on in the second and allowed one baserunner before loading the bases with one out in the fifth inning.
 
Pfeffer came on and got out of the inning before proceeding to retire the side in the sixth and seventh innings to earn the save. 
 
In game one, Isaac Villa connected on a solo homer, while JJ Bush, Carter Olson, and Seve Aguirre each added a hit.
 
Daniel Collins got the start and struck out four over 6.2 innings, allowing four runs, three earned, on five hits in taking the loss.
 
Brock Zimmer followed with 2.1 innings of work, striking out five and ewalking one without allowing a hit.
 
The Storm were held hitlsess over the first seven innings while ATU put up a two-run homer in the fourth, followed by a run each in the sixth and seventh innings to mount a 4-9 lead.
 
Aguirre broke up the no-hitter in the eighth inning and Villa ended the shutout with a solo homer to lead off the ninth inning.
 
SE would follow by putting two runners on with two outs, bringing the game-tying run to the plate twice but was unable to keep the rally moving, falling by the 4-1 final.