CONWAY, Ark. _ A pitcher's duel turned into a slugfest in the ninth inning Monday afternoon as the Illinois State Redbirds downed the University of Central Arkansas Bears 6-3 in the finale of a four-game series at Bear Stadium.

    The game was scoreless heading into the ninth inning but the Redbirds (5-2) put up six runs on six singles and an error, including four straight base hits to open the inning. The Bears (3-4) scored three runs in the bottom of the frame, with an RBI single by catcher Nathaniel Sagdahl and a two-run double to the left field wall by second baseman Cole Fiori.

    ISU pitcher Jacob Gilmore then retired UCA's Tyler Smith for the final out to preserve the victory.

    The ending overshadowed a superb outing on the mound by UCA freshman Noah Cameron in his first action in a UCA uniform. Cameron tossed 7 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing six hits and striking out five. UCA's defense was equally good behind him, turning four double plays, including one to end each of the first two innings.

    ISU starter Colton Johnson was also solid, allowing three hits and striking out four in six innings of work.

    Fiori, a junior from Chico, Calif., went 2 for 5 with 2 RBI, while Sagdahl, a junior catcher from Federal Way, Wash., was 2 for 3 with an RBI and a run scored for the Bears. Designated hitter Beau Orlando, from Houston, Texas, was also 2 for 3. Joe Aeilts and Jeremy Gaines had three hits each for the Redbirds.

    UCA plays single games at Missouri State on Tuesday and Wednesday in Springfield, Mo. Game times are 3 p.m. both days. The Bears return home this weekend, hosting a split doubleheader with South Dakota State and Missouri on Friday and single games with South Dakota on Saturday and Sunday.