CONWAY, Ark. _ The University of Central Arkansas Bears turned a slugfest into a season-opening 16-9 victory over the Evansville Purple Aces on Friday afternoon at Bear Stadium.

    The Bears scored their most runs in a season opener in the NCAA era and the most since the 1992 season opener as an NAIA team. UCA turned 13 hits and four Evansville errors into a seven-run victory in front of an opening-day crowd of 539. The Bears had four multi-run innings, including a five-run fourth and a four-run seventh that finally put the game out of reach.

    UCA junior infielder Josh Somdecerff hit his first career home run, a three-run shot in the fourth inning that gave the Bears an 8-1 lead. But the Purple Aces answered with five runs of their own in the top of the sixth. UCA put up three more in the sixth, including an RBI triple from sophomore catcher William Hancock, but Evansville got all three back in the top of the seventh to close to within 11-9.

    UCA junior right hander Tyler Gray came on in relief in the seventh inning and silenced the Purple Aces the rest of the way. Gray, from Fort Smith, struck out five batters in 2 1/3 innings and allowed just one hit to earn the victory. UCA starter Cody Davenport, a sophomore from Fayetteville, went four innings, allowing four hits and 1 run while striking out three.

    UCA took the lead for good with two runs in the bottom of the first inning without the benefit of a hit. Evansville issued five walks in the frame and also added a wild pitch that scored a run.
    
    Sophomore first baseman Hunter Strong of Sheridan finished 3 for 5 with 2 RBI and 3 runs scored to lead UCA's offensive attack. Four other players had two hits, including Hancock, Somdecerff, junior designated hitter Colby LeBlanc and junior second baseman Eddie Sanchez. Somdecerff, a transfer from Connors State, finished with a home run and triple and had a game-high 4 RBI.

    The Purple Aces finished with 11 hits but had four errors, including two on preseason All-American second baseman Trey Hair. Evansville used six pitchers, with starter Connor Strainn taking the loss. He went 3 innings and allowed 2 earned runs, striking out 5 and walkinng 5.
    
    Game 2 of the series is set for 5 p.m. Saturday, with the series finale at 1 p.m. Sunday.