Written by Katie Swann
The Bison baseball team broke its all-time record of nine straight wins Wednesday, March 9, when it won its 10th game in a row. The doubleheader against the North Alabama Lions was split; the Bisons won the first game 3-1 and lost the second game 0-4.
Head coach Patrick McGaha said this is the best streak the Bisons have had in his six seasons with the team.
“Our team chemistry has been the best since I’ve been here at Harding,” McGaha said.
McGaha has been with the Harding Bisons for six seasons now. Up to this year, the Bisons have had four consecutive winning seasons under McGaha, and he has led them to two Gulf South Conference Tournaments.
McGaha said the pitching staff is “outstanding,” and assistant coach Jake Tenhouse said he agrees that the games have been “well pitched.”Most of the upcoming talent seems to be especially helpful on the mound. Among those mentioned specifically by McGaha were freshman Bronson Smith, who has already provided the team with four saves this season.
“When we need to come through, they’ve come through for us so far,” Tenhouse said. “The top of our order has been really, really solid all year.”
Junior Chase Presley, sophomore Billy Ninemire, senior Jason Nappi, and sophomore Anthony Guglielmi compose the top of the lineup respectively; all four have a batting average greater than .330 with Nappi batting more than .400. Sophomore Erin McCarver assisted the Bisons in a four run streak in their game last Wednesday.
“We have a lot of really good young talent,” Nappi said. “We play off of each other well. The chemistry is fantastic.”
Even on their way to what has been the best season of their college career, the Bisons are careful to keep in mind the reason they play in the first place.
“We always have fun,” Tenhouse said. “We’re playing baseball. It’s gotta be fun, otherwise you’re doing the wrong thing.”
As the team continues into conference season, the players hope as to take the Bisons to the top. They encourage everyone to come out and support them as they strive to have fun and bring home a conference title. Their next game will be Saturday, March 26, in Arkadelphia, Ark., against Ouachita Baptist University.
