CONWAY, Ark._ The University of Central Arkansas Bears could not close out a series sweep of Houston Baptist on Saturday, losing 3-2 in 10 innings to the Huskies in Southland Conference action at Bear Stadium.
    
    UCA (11-11, 5-4) still won the series 2-1 after wins on Thursday and Friday. The Bears led 2-1 heading to the ninth with closer Jacob Murray coming in to replace starter Riley Echols, who had pitched a gem to that point. Echols went eight innings, allowing just three hits and one run, striking out four and walking four.

    Murray, who leads UCA with five saves, allowed a leadoff double to Brandon Brintz in the top of the ninth. After a strikeout of Austin Saenz, Carey Jones laced another double to tie the game at 2-2. Murray got out of the inning with another strikeout and a ground ball.

    In the bottom of the ninth, UCA shortstop Butch Rea reached base with a single to right field but was stranded, sending the Bears to their first extra-inning game of the season. Chris Durham replaced Murray in the 10th and shorstop Louie Payetta gave the Huskies a 3-2 lead with an RBI single that scored pinch runner Kendrick Holmes.

    HBU reliever Zach Carter got the Bears in order for his first save of the season.

    The Bears trailed 1-0 after four innings but UCA senior center fielder Tyler Langley smacked a two-run home run to left center off HBU starter Christian Thames (1-3) for a 2-1 lead. Second baseman Matt Anderson led the Bears, going 2 for 4, while Langley finished 1 for 4 with 2 RBI and a run scored.  HBU out-hit UCA 8-7, with Zane Otten going 2 for 4. 

    UCA hosts UA-Pine Bluff at 6 p.m. Tuesday before heading to Huntsville, Texas, to take on Sam Houston State next weekend in SLC play.