CONWAY - Hendrix College (20-18, 15-13 SCAC) secured a dominant 12–2 victory over Austin College (16-18, 13-13 SCAC) on Thursday evening at Warrior Field. The Warriors tallied 14 hits, leading to a decisive win in the series opener.

Hendrix took control early with a four-run first inning against Austin. Zane Nolan's leadoff double set the stage, followed by a bunt single from Giancarlo Digiacomo, and an RBI double by Austin Rabago. Ryne Dodson was hit by a pitch, allowing Shaun Pope to drive in Digiacomo with a fielder's choice. Ryan Lang's sacrifice groundout brought Rabago across the plate, and Reed Ketcham added an RBI single to complete the inning. The score stood at 4–0 after the first inning.

In the third inning, the Warriors extended their lead with two runs. Ryne Dodson and Shaun Pope each singled, setting up Reed Ketcham, who tripled to left center, scoring both runners. Hendrix led 6–1 at the end of the inning.

Hendrix continued to build its lead in the fourth inning, starting with a bunt single from Chase Harris. Following a hit from Zane Nolan, Giancarlo Digiacomo laid down another bunt single. Austin Rabago's walk drove in a run, while Shaun Pope reached on a fielder's choice, allowing another run to score. An error by Austin's second baseman permitted another run, and Reed Ketcham's single up the middle capped the scoring, making it 10–1 after four innings.

Austin managed to score a single run in the fifth inning on a double by Jayden Ayala-Hinojosa. Hendrix answered back when Chase Harris walked, stole second and third, and scored on a sac fly by Giancarlo Digiacomo to make it 11-2.

Hendrix added one more run in the seventh inning as Chase Harris singled and stole second. He then scored on a single through the right side by Giancarlo Digiacomo to bring the run-rule into effect.

Dylan Kalmus pitched 6.0 innings, allowing 6 hits and 2 runs, with only 1 of those being earned to give the Warriors a quality start. The junior recorded 4 strikeouts and issued just 1 walk over 80 pitches, 57 of which were strikes. Braxton Waller contributed a scoreless inning of relief. Kalmus improved his record to 2-2 with this outing.

Nolan recorded three hits and scored two runs. Digiacomo also had a strong performance, tallying three hits and two RBIs while crossing home plate twice. Pope contributed significantly by scoring three runs and driving in two. Ketcham showcased his batting by collecting three hits and four RBIs, including a triple.

The Warriors currently sit fifth in the SCAC standings and will look to secure a postseason berth on Saturday as they host the 'Roos for Games 2 and 3, with first pitch of the doubleheader set for 1:00 PM at Warrior Baseball Field.