NATCHITOCHES, La. _ The Northwestern State Demons scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning Sunday to take a 5-4 victory over the University of Central Arkansas Bears in Southland Conference action at Brown-Stroud Field.

The Bears (20-26, 10-17) took a 4-2 lead into the ninth inning but UCA relievers Andy Steinmetz and Bryan Willson allowed 3 hits, 2 walks and a sacrifice fly by the Demons (19-29, 9-18). Steinmetz (1-3) was charged with all three runs and took the loss. NSU reliever Joe Scanio (4-0) got the win.

UCa led 2-0 after scoring twice in the third inning. Senior Kyle Prevett had a two-out single and then stole second base. After Ethan Harris walked, Jonathan Davis had a base hit and both runners scored on an error on NSU third baseman Chad Northcott. The Demons tied it in the fourth with four hits off UCA starter Evan Cox.

UCA went back in front with an unearned run in the seventh and made it 4-2 with another run in the eighth. Travis Snider's base hit to left field scored Jonathan Houston.

Snider and Greg Noble both finished 2 for 4 for the Bears. Drew Helenihi and Ray Frias had two hits each for the Demons, who committed three errors for the second consecutive day. Cox went 6 2/3 innings, allowing 6 hits and 2 runs while striking out 4.

The Bears return home for their final home series this weekend when they host Sam Houston State, beginning at 6 p.m. Friday at Bear Stadium.