NASHVILLE, Tenn. _ The University of Central Arkansas spotted No. 24 Vanderbilt five runs in the first inning and it proved to be too much as the Commodores down the Bears 9-1 at Hawkins Field to complete the two-game sweep.

    The Commodores, who totaled 11 hits on the day, had five of those in the first inning to take the early lead. Vandy (9-5) made it 7-0 in the third inning before UCA finally scored its only run in the fifth. Keaton Presley had a two-out double to left center and Brooks Balisterri had an infield single. First baseman Hunter Strong then hit an RBI single through the right side to score Presley. 

    UCA finished with only six hits from six different players. The Bears used seven different pitchers, with starter Kaleb Schmidt taking the loss.

    The Bears (6-8) open Southland Conference play at home this weekend against McNeese State. Game times are 6 p.m. Friday, 4 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday.