Beaumont, Texas – The Central Arkansas softball Bears were in action on Sunday, looking to avoid a sweep at the hands of the Lamar Lady Cardinals. A seventh inning homer wasn't enough for Central Arkansas, as Lamar got a walk-off homer to defeat the Bears 4-3.
Central Arkansas (14-20, 4-4 SLC) took a 1-0 lead thanks to an RBI single by third baseman Sam Forrest in the top of the second inning, but Lamar got to Central Arkansas starter Ciera Clampitt for three runs in the bottom of the fourth, taking advantage of an error to score a pair on a single from right fielder Julianne Viator and adding another on a double from shortstop Stephanie Meeuwsen.
Down to their final three outs, the Bears rallied in the top of the seventh. Centerfielder Amy Gunnells singled to right field to open the inning, before pinch hitter Randi Wallace struck out to bring Forrest to the plate. Forrest connected with the first pitch she saw, launching her fourth homer of the season over the fence in right-center field to knot the score at 3-3. The Bears got a single and a double to put two runners in scoring position before a double play ended the threat.
Clampitt induced a groundout from Meeuwsen to start the bottom of the seventh, but third baseman Casey Cromwell blasted her fourth bomb of the season to left-center field to give the Lady Cardinals (12-10, 7-1 SLC) the walk-off win.
Tina Shulz started for Lamar, throwing 6.1 innings and holding the Bears to three runs on seven hits while issuing five walks and striking out four before being lifted for Shannon Millman (6-5), who earned the win. She threw the final 0.2 innings, holding Central Arkansas hitless. Clampitt (3-9) took the loss for Central Arkansas, going 6.1 innings while surrendering four runs on seven hits. She issued two walks and struck out two.
Forrest, who went 2-for-4 with three RBI and a home run, led the Central Arkansas offense, aided by right fielder Briana Whisenhunt, who was 2-for-3 with a double.
The Bears return to the field on Wednesday, travelling to Stillwater, Oklahoma to face off against Oklahoma State at 5:00 pm. Central Arkansas will return to Southland Conference play this weekend. The Bears and Lady Lions will play a doubleheader beginning at 11:00 on Saturday morning before wrapping the series up with a single game at 1:00 on Sunday afternoon.
