CONWAY, Ark. _ The University of Central Arkansas Bears scored all the runs they needed in the first inning Tuesday night in taking a 13-2 run-rule victory over the UAPB Golden Lions at Bear Stadium.
UCA (14-16) scored three runs in the bottom of the first against UAPB starter William Dunn and never looked back. The Bears added a single run in the third inning, three more in the fourth and added a six-run fifth inning.
In the first, freshman Jonathan Davis singled and quickly stole second and third base. Jonathan Houston walked and Michael Pair knocked in Davis with a base hit to right field. Jake Fuller followed with a sacrifice fly to right, scoring Houston. Center fielder Logan Moon singled and stole second. A throwing error on UAPB catcher Barry McDonley allowed Pair to score to make it 3-0.
In the third inning, Davis walked, stole second again and eventually scored on Jake Fuller’s fielder’s choice. The Golden Lions put up a run in the fourth but UCA answered with three in the bottom of the inning, all with two outs. Ethan Harris walked and Davis hit an RBI triple to left field. Houston drew a walk and Fuller had a two-run single that fell between three defenders in center field.
UCA then sent 11 batters to the plate in the fifth inning. The Bears took advantage of three walks and a hit batter, and also got a two-run single from Moon. Pair added a sacrifice fly and Prevett and Votolato added RBIs with walks and Houston brought in another after getting hit by a pitch.
The Bears out-hit the Golden Lions 11-6, with Davis going 2 for 3 with 3 runs scored and 3 stolen bases. UCA went 6 for 6 in stolen bases for the game. Fuller went 1 for 4 but had 4 RBI, while Pair was 2 or 2 with 2 RBI. Moon, in his first start of the season, was 3 for 3 with 2 RBI. UCA starter Bryan Willson (2-1) got the victory, going five innigs and striking out 7.
Brandon Maddox led the Golden Lions (7-20), going 2 for 2 with 2 RBI.
The Bears return to Southland Conference action this weekend, hosting Texas State. Game 1 is set for 6 p.m. Friday.
