NATCHITOCHES, La. _ The Northwestern State Demons broke open a 2-2 game Friday night with four consecutive runs to record a 6-3 victory over the University of Central Arkansas Bears in Southland Conference play at Brown-Stroud Field.

The Bears (19-25, 9-16) led 2-0 in the top of the second inning, but the Demons (18-28, 8-17) scored six consecutive runs before UCA added one in the ninth inning. The teams had 12 hits each, but the Bears stranded nine runners on base. Sophomore right fielder Ethan Harris went 3 for 4 for the Bears, while Jake Fuller and Zack Dickson had two hits each.

UCA took a 1-0 lead in the first when Jonathan Davis singled and scored on Fuller's base hit through the left side. The Bears made it 2-0 in the second as Bryan Willson doubled and eventually scored on a double play.

Down 6-2 heading into the ninth inning, UCA got a two-out single from Dickson and another from senior Kyle Prevett. Pinch hitter Doug Votolato walked to load the bases and Davis reached on a fielder's choice, scoring Dickson. But Northwestern State closer Mason Melotakis got Jonathan Houston to ground out to end the game.

Northwestern starter Luke Irvine (6-5) got the win, going 7 innings and allowing 2 earned runs. UCA starter Ryan Angus (3-3) allowed 10 hits and 4 earned runs in 4.2 innings for the loss. Ethan McKinzie pitched the final three innings for UCA, allowing just 2 hits and no runs and striking out 3.

Game 2 of the series is set for 2 p.m. Saturday.