PINE BLUFF, Ark. _  University of Central Arkansas freshman Tyler Gray made his college debut a success Wednesday, tossing a complete-game three-hitter in an 8-1 victory over the UAPB Golden Lions at the Torii Hunter Complex.

    Gray, from Fort Smith, allowed just three hits, struck out 10 and walked one in his first action of the season. UCA pounded out 11 hits, with three players recording two each, to even the season series with UAPB. 

    The Bears broke open a scoreless game in the fifth with three runs. Catcher Charles Deckard led off with a single and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Hayden Steele. Deckard then stole third and Ty Tice walked before designated hitter Nick Rougeau singled to left to make it 1-0.

    Both runners advanced on a wild pitch and Tyler Langley followed with a sacrifice fly to score Tice. Left fielder Wesley Hoover then tripled to right to make it a 3-0 advantage.

    UCA got one more run in the sixth on Deckard's first home run of the season. A three-run seventh inning was highlighted by Hoover's two-run single and Brad Dillenberger's RBI base hit. Shortstop Logan Preston added an RBI double that brought in Langley in the top of the ninth.

    UAPB's lone run came on Austin Grier's two-out home run in the eighth.

    Hoover went 2 for 4 with 3 RBI,while Deckard was 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored and an RBI. Rougeau finished 2 for 3 with an RBI and a run scored. Langley went 1 for 3, scored twice and added an RBI.

    UCA returns to Southland Conference action this weekend at home, hosting the New Orleans Privateers. Game times are 6 p.m. Friday, 4 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday at Bear Stadium.