A game in which the Henderson State offense racked up18 hits on their way to out-hitting visiting Harding University was not enough to overcome a Harding club that collected 13 hits of their own, and scored seven runs over the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings to take the non-conference tilt by a score of 9-4 on Tuesday afternoon at Clyde Berry Field.
 
Despite the numerous hits, the Reddies (21-19) were unable to come up with the timely hit as they hit into three double plays and stranded 14 base runners.
 
Out of the Reddies' 18 total hits, 13 came off of Harding starting pitcher Alex Smith. Smith would prove to be able to pitch his way out of trouble as he left the game after six complete innings and only surrendered three earned runs.
 
Before Smith's exit, the Bison (23-19) scored three runs in the top of the sixth inning to break a 2-all tie. All three runs in the inning would be charged to Henderson State's starting pitcher Anthony Gilliland. After scoring a single run in the seventh inning, Harding padded their lead with three more runs in the eighth inning to take a 9-3 lead.
 
The Reddies would threaten in the ninth inning as they scored a run and batted with the bases loaded and two outs. Bison reliever Bronson Smith would collect a strikeout on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.  
 
HSU will be back in action this weekend as they will travel to Tahlequah, Okla. for a three-game non-conference series against Northeastern State University. First pitch in the series is set for noon on Saturday, April 21st.