Next Game:
vs. Fort Hays St.
2/8/2026 | 10 a.m.
Feb. 08 (Sun) / 10 a.m.
vs. Fort Hays St.
ARKADELPHIA, Ark. — Freshman Ryan Romolo dazzled in his collegiate debut to lead Harding to a morning victory, but the Bisons’ bats went cold in a run-rule loss to Missouri Southern as Harding split a Saturday doubleheader at the Henderson State Invitational.
Harding (2-1) took the first game 8-6 against Fort Hays State before falling 11-0 in seven innings to Missouri Southern in the afternoon cap.
Game 1: Harding 8, Fort Hays State 6
In the first-ever meeting between the two programs, freshman right-hander Ryan Romolo (1-0) turned in a composed performance on the mound. Making his first career start, Romolo tossed 6.0 innings, allowing just two runs on four hits while striking out three to earn his first collegiate win.
The Bisons’ offense provided early support with a four-run third inning. Senior Logan Lacey ignited the scoring with an RBI single, followed by a two-run double from Collin Helms—the 31st of his career. Shortstop Cooper Newsom capped the rally with an RBI single to give Harding a 4-0 cushion.
After Harding pushed the lead to 7-2, the Tigers roared back in the seventh inning, capitalizing on a tiring Bison bullpen to score four runs and pull within one. However, Josiah Binford entered the game in the eighth with the tying run on base and stifled the threat. Binford retired five of the seven batters he faced to secure his first career save.
Nathan Bowie recorded his fourth career triple in the win, while freshman Easton Jones stayed hot, going 2-for-2 with two runs, an RBI, and two stolen bases.
Game 2: Missouri Southern 11, Harding 0 (7 Innings)
The afternoon matchup, a highly anticipated rematch of the 2024 NCAA Central Regional, proved one-sided as Missouri Southern (2-1) dominant pitching and timely hitting ended the game early via the 10-run rule.
Harding was held to just two hits in the contest—singles by Lacey and Newsom. Senior Merritt Jay struggled to find his rhythm and the Lions’ offense found gaps early and often to pull away.
Despite the shutout, senior leadoff hitter Nathan Bowie managed to keep his historic on-base streak alive. Bowie was hit by a pitch in his second plate appearance, extending his streak to 33 consecutive games dating back to last season.
Up Next
Harding concludes its stay at the Henderson State Invitational on Sunday with a final matchup against Fort Hays State. First pitch is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at Clyde Berry Field.