Hornets hang on late, stay perfect in conference action

NORTH LITTLE ROCK — The Bryant Hornets (13-3, 6-0) have been untouchable in conference play so far in 2024.

Winners in four straight -- all league matchups -the Hornets are taking the season by storm.

On Friday, Bryant battled North Little Rock on the road, taking the tilt 9-6.

The Hornets started things strong, quickly grabbing a 2-0 lead in the first one a bases-loaded, two-run, two-out single from Ridge Southerland.

Hank Penfield would follow with a run-scoring single to make it 3-0

Bryant early.

Jace Ruffner would add to the lead in the second, driving home Blake Scoggins for the 4-0 Hornets lead.

Still up 4-0 in the fourth, the Hornets would turn to Ruffner again as he singled home Scoggins for the 5-0 advantage.

After Bryant went ahead 6-0 North Little Rock would try to make things interesting in the fifth and sixth innings, scoring three during that time to trim the Hornets lead in half.

Bryant, though, would not be a fan as it scored

Bryant junior Ridge Southerland hurls the ball during a recent game. three more in the seventh on a passed ball, a single and a bases-loaded walk to lead 9-3 late.

The Wildcats would string together a big inning in the seventh, but would only pull to 9-6 before the Hornets ended things on a strikeout.

Ruffner would lead with three hits, a run scored and an RBI.

Three pitchers, including Ruffner, would combine to allow only two earned runs (six total) on 10 hits and three walks for the Hornets.

Bryant returned to action Tuesday at home against Conway.

See an upcoming issue of The Saline Courier for full details.