Alva Review-Courier -

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Harding baseball had eight hits, including five for extra bases, in the first two innings to jump on Christian Brothers early and defeat the Bucs 9-5 Tuesday in a nonconference game at Nadicksbernd Field.

Harding's seventh straight win gave the Bisons at 15-16 overall record. The Bisons will host Southeastern Oklahoma Friday and Saturday in Great American Conference action at Jerry Moore Field.

Harding had three doubles and scored twice in the first inning with Luke Van Dover and Zach Beasley both recording RBI doubles.

Jack Thomas led off the second inning with his first career home run and jumpstarted a four-run frame. Nolan Fertig and Connor Kelly both had run-scoring singles, and Beasley drove in a run with a sacrifice fly.

Christian Brothers (9-21) cut Harding's lead to 6-2 on a two-run single by Taylor Angley-Holman in the third. The two runs were the only ones allowed by Harding freshman starter William St. Leger (1-0), who pitched five innings, gave up three hits and four walks and struck out two, earning his first collegiate win.

Christian Brothers tacked on three runs in the sixth off Harding reliever Nick Bowers to cut the Bisons' lead to 6-5, but Harding answered with two runs in the seventh on Grant Guest's team-leading fourth home run of the season.

Harding moved ahead 9-5 in the eighth as Chris Taylor drove in Kelly with a single to center.

Fertig led off the fourth inning with a double, Harding's fifth of the game, tying a season high. The Bisons set a season high with 23 total bases.

Harding had 12 hits and four players with multiple hits. Fertig was 2-for-4, walked twice and stole two bases.

Christian Brothers starting pitcher Garrett Dooley (2-1) did not escape the second inning and took the loss.

Harding relievers Brian Tims (2 2/3 IP) and Mason Faulkner (1 IP) held the Bucs scoreless in their appearances.