CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. _  The Southeast Missouri Redhawks put up four runs in the eighth inning Friday to pull away from the University of Central Arkansas Bears for a 6-0 win in non-conference action at Capaha Field.

    The Redhawks (5-4) led 2-0 through most of the game after two early runs, then exploded for four more in the eighth on the strength of three doubles. a pair of walks and two wild pitches.

    Second baseman Lee Raley led off the ninth inning with a hit by pitch and moved to second on Hunter Strong's ground out. However, SEMO reliever Justin Murphy got the final two outs with a fly ball and a strikeout to pick up his second save.   

    The Redhawks picked up single runs in the first and second innings. In the bottom of the first, a double steal resulted in a 1-0 lead for SEMO. First baseman Ryan Rippee then led off the second inning with a solo home run to left center.

    The Bears (5-5), who were shut out for the second consecutive game, managed only five hits. all singles, off two Redhawk pitchers and stranded 10 runners for the game. SEMO starter Joey Lucchesi struck out nine in seven shutout innings to improve to 2-1. UCA starter Connor Gilmore (1-2) went 5 2/3 innings, striking out seven and walking five. 

    The Bears and Redhawks will continue the three-game series at 2 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday.