Corvallis, Ore. – The Central Arkansas Bears hit the road for a tough test during their weekend off in Southland Conference play, travelling to Corvallis, Oregon for the first of a three-game set against seventh-ranked Oregon State. The Bears fell to the Beavers on the day, by a score of 6-2.

Oregon State (20-7) grabbed an early lead, thanks to a two-out, infield single and an RBI triple in the bottom of the first inning. Central Arkansas (13-15) responded immediately, as first baseman Matt Anderson picked up a one-out double before shortstop Brooks Balisterri placed a double of his own just inside the left field line to drive in Anderson and even the score at 1-1.

The Beavers retook the lead on an RBI single in the bottom of the frame, before the Bears again evened the score in the top of the fourth. Shortstop Logan Preston got the inning started with a walk and then stole second base. A single from Balisterri moved Preston to third, and a fielder's choice sacrifice bunt from right fielder Michael Haun drove him in.

OSU got an RBI double in the bottom of the fourth and another run-scoring double in the fifth, before a passed ball and a single in the bottom of the eighth pushed the Beaver lead to 6-2.

On the day, the Bears were led by left fielder Brandon Montalvo, who was a perfect 3-for-3 with a walk at the plate, while Balisterri went 2-for-4 with an RBI. Anderson collected UCA's final hit.

Connor Gilmore (2-6) took the loss for the Bears, allowing six runs on 10 hits and three walks in 7.1 innings. He struck out three Beavers. Ty Tice worked the final 0.2 innings, allowing one hit.

The Bears and the Beavers will play the second game of the series tomorrow afternoon. First pitch is set for 3:30 PM Central time.