CONWAY, Ark. _ Two Missouri State grand slams were too much for Central Arkansas to overcome in a 15-9 loss on Sunday afternoon at Bear Stadium.

The visiting Bears (5-3) got grand slams in the first and fourth innings to stake themselves to a 12-4 lead. UCA (3-4) fought back late, scoring five runs over the final three innings to set the final.

MSU out-hit UCA 13-6 but the home Bears took advantage of 12 walks and four hit batters to somewhat close the gap. UCA junior second baseman Benny Ayala, who came in in the seventh inning, hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the inning to draw UCA within 13-6. Senior first baseman Coby Potvin finished with a team-high three RBI and three walks, while senior third baseman Beau Orlando went 2 for 4 and scored twice.

Missouri State designated hitter Drake Baldwin went 2 for 4 with six RBI and scored three runs, including the first grand slam. Left fielder Jaden Rolffs had MSU's second grand slam in the fourth inning in his second plate appearance of the inning. MSU scored eight runs in the fourth.

UCA fell behind 4-0 in the top of the first but chipped away with a pair of runs in the bottom of the inning, with Hunter Hicks and Connor Flagg picking up RBIs. UCA added single runs in the second and third to tie it at 4-4. Potvin had an RBI groundout in the second and AJ Mendolia singled in another run for his first career RBI at UCA.

In the seventh, Orlando doubled to right before Ayala sent a pitch over the center field fence for his first homer of the season. Potvin added another RBI groundout in the eighth before UCA got two more in the ninth, and left the bases loaded. Potvin drew a bases-loaded walk for one and Orlando added an infield single for the second.

MSU reliever Logan Wiley got the victory with 4.1 innings of relief. UCA reliever Tyler Cleveland allowed six runs in 2 2/3 innings, but only on earned, to take the loss. 

UCA, which was coming off its own lopsided victory, 19-2 over Tarleton State on Saturday, opens Southland Conference play on Friday at home against Abilene Christian at 6 p.m. at Bear Stadium.