CONWAY, Ark. _ The University of Central Arkansas Bears put up three runs in the sixth inning to come from behind and beat the UT Martin Skyhawks 5-3 on Tuesday night in non-conference action at Bear Stadium.

Senior shortstop Christian Brasher went 2 for 4 with 3 runs batted in, including a go-ahead, two-run double down the left-field line in the sixth inning. The third run of the inning came in on a fielder's choice by senior catcher Nathaniel Sagdahl to make it a 4-2 Bears' lead.

Senior left-handed reliever Brad Verel did the rest, striking out seven over the final 3 1/3 innings to earn the victory in relief of junior starter Logan Gilbertson. Gilbertson struck out six in 5 2/3 innings, allowing just four hits and two runs.

The Bears (8-8) scored first in the bottom of the fourth against UTM starter Boston Smith. Senior designated hitter Cole Fiori, senior right fielder Alonso Bibiano and senior center fielder Josh Ragan all drew walks, with Fiori scoring on Brasher's ground ball to shortstop.

Single runs in the fifth and sixth by the Skyhawks (5-11) put the Bears down by a run before the three-run sixth.UCA then added another run in the seventh when pinch hitter Hunter Hicks hit the first pitch he saw for an RBI double to left field that brought in Beau Orlando, who led off the inning with his second base hit of the night.

Verel (1-1) allowed his only run in the eighth inning on a sacrifice fly that cut the UTM deficit to 5-3. He then struck out two of the three batters he faced in the ninth inning to nail down the victory. Gilbertson and Verel held the Skyhawks to six hits, including a solo home run by Christian Hicks.

The Bears, 2-1 in Southland Conference play, return to league action this weekend at Nicholls State. Game times are 6 p.m Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.