Jonesboro, Ark. – The Central Arkansas baseball team stepped out of Southland Conference play on Wednesday, traveling to Jonesboro, Arkansas to take on in-state rival Arkansas State. The Bears surrendered a pair of runs early and were unable to overcome the deficit, falling to the Red Wolves by a final tally of 3-0.
After Central Arkansas (17-13) stranded a runner at second in the top of the first, Arkansas State (18-15) took advantage of a pair of hits to take a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the frame. Designated hitter Zach Maggio got the inning started by drawing a walk before coming in to score on a double to right-center field off the bat of second baseman Eric Wilcoxson. A flyout to center field moved Wilcoxson over to third and a single from first baseman Matt Burgess drove him in. Central Arkansas starter Riley Echols limited the damage, getting a ground out and a fly out to end the inning.
After both teams squandered chances over the next six innings, the Red Wolves added to their lead in the bottom of the seventh inning. After right fielder Derek Birginske drew a walk to open the inning, he was sacrificed to second base by shortstop Dustin Jones, before coming in to score on a single by Wilcoxson. A single by center fielder Austin Baker moved Wilcoxson to third, but Bear reliever Jon Rand induced a popup on the infield to work out of the jam.
Central Arkansas was unable to stage a rally, going down in order in both the eighth and ninth innings.
Catcher Charles Deckard led the Bears on offense, picking up three of the five hits that Central Arkansas collected on the day. Second baseman Chris Townsend and third baseman Lee Raley each had a hit as well.
Bryan Ayers (1-1) picked up the win for Arkansas State, allowing four hits and three walks over six innings while striking out a career-high eight batters. Tyler Zuber, Cody Woodhouse and Morgan Croft combined to throw the final three innings, limiting the Bears to one hit and one walk while striking out one.
Riley Echols (1-2) took the loss for Central Arkansas, allowing a pair of runs on three hits and four walks over 4.2 innings. He struck out three Red Wolves. Bo Stitch relieved Echols, holding Arkansas State hitless over 1.1 innings of work. Jon Rand threw the seventh inning and allowed a run on two hits and a walk with one strikeout. Josh Markel pitched the eighth, recording one strike out.
Central Arkansas will return to Southland Conference action this weekend, heading to Thibodaux, Louisiana for a three game set at Nicholls State. The Bears and Colonels will square off at 6:00 P.M. on both Friday and Saturday, before closing out the series at 1:00 P.M. on Sunday.
