ARKADELPHIA, Ark. — An offensive explosion out of the gate from Ouachita Baptist doomed Henderson State in the series opener on Friday, as the Tigers defeated the Reddies 9-6 at Rab Rodgers Field.

The Reddies (23-22, 16-14) found themselves in a big hole early thanks to a blistering first and second inning for OBU at the plate. The Tigers scored nine runs on nine hits, one of which was a grand slam, in the game's first inning and a third to open up a commanding 9-2 lead.

Henderson clawed its way back into the game in the fourth when it used three hits to plate four runs and trim the deficit down to 9-6. That would be as close as the Reddies would get, however, as they were held to just one hit in the final five innings and fell in the opening game of the weekend.

Kris Priddy provided a bright spot for HSU out of the bullpen, and pitched 6 2/3 scoreless innings while allowing just five hits and striking out seven batters. Brandon Pollock finished with two hits and two RBIs to lead Henderson at the plate.

HSU was out-hit in the game 12-6 and finished with no extra base hits in the loss. Ouachita had six hits in the second inning alone and was led by Cade McBride, who hit the grand slam in the first and drove in six runs on the day.

The Reddies and Tigers will face off again tomorrow in a doubleheader set for 1 p.m.