COLUMBIA, Mo. _ Two big innings carried the University of Central Arkansas Bears to a 9-3 victory over the Missouri Tigers on Wednesday afternoon at Taylor Stadium.
The win was the first ever for the Bears (10-12) over a Big 12 opponent and also UCA’s first road victory of the season. Senior shortstop Kyle Prevett had a career-high four hits, knocked in two runs and scored twice. Freshman Jonathan Davis was 3 for 4 with 2 RBI, while senior Jonathan Houston went 2 for 4 and scored two runs.
The Bears tagged Missouri starter Zack Hardoin for three runs in the top of the first inning, with the help of two errors. Freshman Doug Votolato reached on an error to start the inning and Davis had a bunt single to put runners at first and second. Bryan Willson’s sacrifice bunt moved both runners before Houston singled to score Votolato.
Catcher Michael Marietta reached on another error, allowing Davis to score. Ethan Harris followed with an RBI single to right for a quick 3-0 lead.
The Bears added another run in the fourth inning as Prevett singled to left field and Davis followed with another one to left. A throwing error on Missouri pitcher Myles Smith advanced both runners and Willson’s ground ball scored Prevett.
The Bears blew the game open with five runs in the top of the seventh inning against reliever Brad Buehler. Wilson started it with a base hit and Houston followed with a single to right field. Marietta turned in a bunt single to load the bases. The Tigers recorded two outs before UCA scored, but Zack Dickson walked to score the first and Prevett followed with a two-run single to center field.
Davis added another two-run single, scoring Prevett and Dickson, for a 9-2 margin.
The combination of pitchers Andy Steinmetz and Jackson Lowery held the Tigers scoreless for four innings, with Steinmetz getting the victory, with 1 hit and 2 strikeouts in 2 innings. Sophomore righthander Clint Green pitched the final 4.2 innings, striking out a career-high six and allowing three hits for the save.
UCA returns home for a weekend Southland Conference series against Southeastern Louisiana at Bear Stadium. Games times are 6 p.m. Friday, 4 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday.
