McAbee’s Clutch Blast Seals Tigers’ Win Over Arkansas State

Tuesday, March 31

Memphis, Tenn.

6:05 p.m.

University of Memphis

9-18

Arkansas State

18-10

Arkansas State

Memphis

McAbee’s Clutch Blast Seals Tigers’ Win Over Arkansas State

Mar 31, 2026 | Baseball

Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis (9-18, 2-4 American) baseball team held off a late surge from Arkansas State (18-10, 5-4 Sun Belt) to secure an 11-9 victory Tuesday evening at FedExPark Avron Fogelman Field.

Memphis jumped out to an early lead with a pair of four-run innings and built enough cushion to withstand a high-powered Arkansas State offense that totaled 12 hits and nine runs.

The Tigers finished with 13 hits on the night, led by multi-hit efforts throughout the lineup and a team total of 9-15 with runners in scoring position. Brady McAbee came up clutch for Memphis with three hits and five RBIs, including a key three-run homer in the eighth inning. Tyler Harrington added two hits and two RBIs, while Michael Gupton contributed two hits and three RBIs.

On the mound, Davis Oswalt (2-1) earned the win in relief, while Carson Fair recorded his fifth save of the season to close out the ninth.

Arkansas State made things interesting late, highlighted by a six-run fifth inning fueled by four home runs, but Memphis responded with timely hitting to maintain control and ultimately secure the win.

Memphis will head to South Florida for a short turnaround and begin a three-game series with the Bulls, with games scheduled for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. First pitch is set for 5:35 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, while Saturday's game is scheduled for 12:05 p.m. (all times Central).

HOW IT HAPPENED

Memphis struck early with four runs in the first inning, highlighted by RBI singles from Brady McAbee, Michael Gupton, Tyler Harrington and Cade Hitson to take a 4-0 lead.
Arkansas State got on the board in the second with an RBI single from Cason Campbell to cut the deficit to 4-1.
The Tigers answered again in the second with another four-run frame, as McAbee, Gupton and Harrington each drove in runs to extend the lead to 8-1.
Arkansas State erupted for six runs in the fifth inning, using four home runs to trim the Memphis lead to 8-7.
The Red Wolves tied the game in the seventh on a solo home run to make it 8-8 and then took the lead in the eight with another solo shot.
Memphis regained the lead in the bottom of the eighth when McAbee launched a three-run homer, scoring Shane Cox and Marcus Smith, to give the Tigers an 11-8 advantage.
Carson Fair once again shut the door to seal the 11-9 win and record his fifth save this season.

NOTABLES

Brady McAbee had a career night at the plate, finishing 3-for-4 with five RBIs, three runs scored and a huge three-run blast in the bottom of the eighth that put the Tigers up for good.
- His five RBIs are the most by a Memphis player since James Smith IV's six RBI performance against Eastern Illinois on March 15.
- His three-run homer was the first home run of his career at the D1 level.
- Became the 13^th different Tiger to hit a long ball thus far.
- His three runs scored, three hits, and five RBIs are all career-highs.
Javon Hernandez stole a base for the Tigers, bringing the team's season total to 63 steals, which ranks in the top 40 nationally.
- Hernandez is perfect 12-12 on the year.
Center fielder Michael Gupton finished the day 2-for-5 with a double and three RBIs
- The double marked his 16^th extra-base hit, most of anyone on the team.
- Recorded his eighth multi-hit game of the year.
- Extended his 11-game hitting streak.
- His 27 total RBI this season rank top 10 in the American.
First baseman Tyler Harrington drove in two runs for the Tigers on Tuesday and ended 2-for-5.
- Notched his seventh multi-hit game of the season.
- Tied a season-high in RBIs
Second baseman Shane Cox also recorded a multi-hit game for Memphis, ending the day 2-for-4 with a double and three runs scored.
- His double was his tenth of the season, the most on the team.
- Also leads the team in multi-hit games with 11.
- Has recorded at least one hit in 21 of 27 games so far this season.
Carson Fair sealed the deal for the Tigers after another midweek bullpen game saw several relievers put in work.
- Fair recorded his fifth save of the season, putting him second in the American ranks and top five across the country.

SCORING SUMMARY

Bottom 1:
Brady McAbee singled, Shane Cox scored.
Michael Gupton singled, Jack Pitts scored.
Tyler Harrington singled, Brady McAbee scored.
Cade Hitson singled, Michael Gupton scored.
Memphis 4, Arkansas State 0

Top 2:
Cason Campbell singled, Evan Griffis scored.
Memphis 4, Arkansas State 1

Bottom 2:
Brady McAbee singled, Shane Cox scored.
Michael Gupton doubled, Jack Pitts and Brady McAbee scored.
Tyler Harrington singled, Michael Gupton scored.
Memphis 8, Arkansas State 1

Top 5:
Patrick Engskov homered.
Derek Martinez homered, Evan Griffis scored.
Jake Henry-Williams homered, Cason Campbell scored.
Cross Jumper homered.
Memphis 8, Arkansas State 7

Top 7:
Derek Martinez homered.
Memphis 8, Arkansas State 8

Top 8:
Cross Jumper homered.
Memphis 8, Arkansas State 9

Bottom 8:
Brady McAbee homered, Shane Cox and Marcus Smith scored.
Memphis 11, Arkansas State 9

UP NEXT

Memphis will head to South Florida to start a three-game set with the Bulls in Tampa. First pitch on Thursday is set for 5:35 p.m. central time.

HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS: For complete information on Memphis Tiger Baseball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.