SWOSU (8-5, 1-2 GAC) vs (rv)/#23 Harding (6-2, 3-0 GAC)

Weatherford, Okla. (SWOSU Athletic Complex)

Friday/Saturday, February 20-21

COVERAGE LINKS

SWOSU Baseball returns home for its second GAC series of the season this weekend to face Harding. The Bisons come into the matchup ranked sixth in the Central Region (NCWBA) with a No. 23 national ranking from the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) and sit atop the early conference standings after an undefeated opening weekend.
 
The Bulldogs have also been off to a strong start this season, with an 8-5 record overall. They lost their first conference series against the preseason number one in the GAC, Arkansas Tech. Despite falling in the series 2-1, they managed 15 runs of offense in the series-deciding game, ultimately falling in extra innings. They then travelled to Durant for a nonconference matchup with Southeastern. SWOSU could not overcome the quick turnaround, falling 11-7 after walking 14 Savage Storm hitters.
 
The Dawgs' early-season GAC tests are exactly what a competitive team would want to see. Arkansas Tech was last season's GAC regular-season champ, and Harding is the reigning GAC tournament champion. A series win against the Bisons would be a huge step in the Bulldogs' quest for their first GAC tournament berth since 2021.
 
At 6-2 overall (3-0 GAC), Harding boasts some of the best defense in the conference. They hold the third best ERA (5.56), are fourth in batting average allowed (.292), and are tied for third in fielding percentage (.966). The Bisons swept Northwestern in their first GAC series, limiting the high-powered Rangers offense to just 2.33 runs per game.
 
Since joining the GAC in 2012, the two teams have each won seven series. Harding has dominated in recent years, winning five of the last six, including sweeps in 2022, 2024, and 2025. SWOSU's last win against the Bisons came in 2023, which was also their last series win against Harding. The Bulldogs also struggle against the Bisons at home, with just a 6-12 record in games played in Weatherford.
 
The Dawgs' offense has remained hot throughout the first three weeks of the season. They hold the highest team batting average in the GAC (.367), are the only team with 100+ runs scored, and lead in hits, doubles, triples, walks, and RBIs. They also hold the highest team on-base percentage (.463), as well as slugging percentage (.537).
 
SWOSU has four players hitting over .400 this season. They are led by Landon Meyer, who hits .449, and leads the GAC in hits and runs scored. Nolan McCrossin is also high on conference leaderboards, sitting 16th in batting average, and leading in RBIs and doubles. Keaton Fisher ranks 9th in BA, hitting a .438 average, and Rusty Wortman lands at 14th with a .405 average.
 
Notes:
The Dawgs are the only team in the GAC averaging 10+ runs per game. They have not scored double-digit runs against the Bisons since their run-rule victory in game one of the 2018 series.