ARKADELPHIA, Ark. — Matthew Baker pitched a gem for Henderson State and Kaden Argenbright blasted a three-run home run as the Reddies defeated East Central 9-1 to sweep the weekend series at Clyde Berry Field.

Baker had his best outing of the season to earn the win on the hill for HSU. The senior from Rockwall, Texas, in the final home start of his career, pitched a career-long seven innings, struck out nine batters and allowed one unearned run on two hits. Baker walked just one ECU batter and did not allow a hit in his final four innings pitched.

Argenbright provided a big spark for the Reddies in the third inning when he erased a 1-0 East Central lead with a three-run home run deep over the wall in right-center. The shot was Argenbright's fifth homer of the season and gave Henderson a 3-1 lead.

The Reddies scored five runs in the sixth, seventh and eighth to put the Tigers away. Josh Aguilar, Alex Day, Jake Dunn, Joe Myers, Nick Butler and Greyson Stevens all drove in runs down the stretch.

Day had a strong game with the bat to lead HSU in the win. The freshman was 3-for-3 with an RBI, a double and a walk. He was the only Reddie with a multi-hit game, but nine different players recorded at least one hit for Henderson.

The win improves the Reddies to 17-13 overall and 13-11 in GAC play. HSU is tied for sixth in the league standings with three weekend series remaining in the regular season. 

The top eight teams in the standings at the season's end will advance to the GAC Tournament. Henderson will host the semifinal and championship round of the conference tournament on May 17-18 at Clyde Berry Field.

HSU plays its final home game of the year on Tuesday night when it hosts Harding in a non-conference contest at 6 p.m.