MAGNOLIA, Ark. — The Southern Arkansas University baseball team broke open a 2-1 game with a three-run fifth inning and the Muleriders claimed a 5-1 victory over Pittsburg State University Friday (May 18) in the NCAA Division II Central Regional.

The loss ended the Gorillas season with a 33-21 overall record. SAU (37-18) advanced in the losers' bracket of the double-elimination tournament at Walker Stadium. Pitt State qualified for NCAA postseason play for the first time since 2002.

Colton Pogue provided the Gorillas their only run of the game, belting a third-inning home run to knot the score at 1-1 at the time.

Brendan Stanek (6-6) allowed five runs in 4 1/3 innings of work on the mound. Cooper Gardner and Nick Brown held the Muleriders scoreles over the final 4 2/3 innings to give Pitt State a chance to mount a comeback.

Dallas Reed went 2-for-4 to lead the Gorillas hitters in the contest. Reed and Hunter Clanin both smacked doubles in the contest.