Conway – The Central Arkansas softball team was back in action on Wednesday, hosting in-state opponent Arkansas-Pine Bluff in a double-header. The Bear offense was on full display in both games, as Central Arkansas routed the Lady Lions 10-2 and 16-2.
In the first game of the day, Central Arkansas (6-11) grabbed an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning, gaining the advantage on a passed ball that allowed designated player Sarah Bigej to come in from third base. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (1-6) took advantage of a walk, a triple, and a wild pitch in the top of the fourth inning to take a 2-1, but Central Arkansas responded immediately, scoring eight run on eight hits in the bottom half of the frame.
A two-run home run from Ashley Boswell got the scoring started, before the Bears sandwiched two outs around a Hayley Parker single. After Parker moved to third on a passed ball, Bigej singled her home, then advanced to second on a single from Taylor Dear. Jessie Taylor followed with a single of her own, driving in Bigej and advancing to second on the throw. Briana Whisenhunt drove in Dear and Taylor with a double down the left field line, and scored on a double off the bat of Hannah Stirton. The scoring came to a close when Boswell picked up her third RBI of the inning with a triple to right field.
Central Arkansas starter Ciara Clampitt put the Lady Lions down in order in the top of the fifth inning, bringing the Bears to the plate. Central Arkansas got three straight walks to the load the bases and bringing Taylor to the plate. The Central Arkansas catcher worked a full count before drawing another walk to bring in Parker and give the Bears the 10-2 victory.
Clampitt (2-3) picked up the complete game victory for the Bears, throwing five innings and limiting the Lady Lions to two runs on two hits and two walks while striking out a career-high eight batters. Lacie Sutterfield (1-4) took the loss for UAPB, giving up nine runs on ten hits and two walks over 3.2 innings. Shanice Murry threw the final 0.2 innings for the Lady Lions, allowing one run on one hit and four walks.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff jumped out to 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning of the second game, but the Bears answered in explosive fashion, plating 12 runs on eight hits to take a 12-2 lead. Jessie Taylor led the way for the Bears in the inning, collecting five RBIs on a three-run homer and a two-run double, while Randi Wallace added a two-run triple and Taylor Dear collected a two-run single.
Central Arkansas added a pair of runs in the third, as Bailey Reynolds collected the first homer of her Central Arkansas career, before closing out the scoring in the fourth. Lauren Kruse drove in Briana Whisenhunt to push the lead to 15-2, before a fielder's choice brought in the game's final run and made it 16-2 in favor of the Bears.
Kelsie Barker (1-0) earned the win for Central Arkansas, overcoming a two-run first inning to hold the Lady Lions to just two runs on five hits and four walks while striking out three. Kylee Studioso threw the fifth inning, allowing two hits and striking out one. Murry got the start for UAPB, lasting just one-third of an inning and allowing 12 runs on seven hits and five walks. Alexsis McCain worked 3.2 innings of relief, surrendering four runs on five hits and three walks while sitting four Bears down on strikes.
Central Arkansas hits the road this weekend, heading to Clearwater, Florida to take part in the USF-Under Armour Invitational.
The Bears will play five games on the weekend, facing off against Stanford and USF on Friday, Western Michigan and Temple on Saturday, and Loyola Marymount on Sunday.
