CARBONDALE, Ill. _ The University of Central Arkansas Bears fell to another mid-inning rally Sunday as the SIU Salukis came from behind to win 4-2 in Game 2 of their non-conference series at Itchy Jones Stadium.

The Bears (1-4) grabbed a 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth inning off SIU starter Noah Farmer. Sophomore designated hitter Connor Flagg started it with an infield single and went to second on first baseman Connor Emmet's base hit. A sacrifice bunt by freshman Tanner Leonard advanced both runners before Trey Harris' fielder's choice scored Flagg for the 1-0 lead.

But the Salukis (5-1) plated two runs in the bottom of the inning and never trailed again. SIU added two more runs in the bottom of the fifth on consecutive solo home runs, good for a 4-1 lead.

Neither team scored again until the ninth inning when UCA senior shortstop R.J. Pearson got a one-out single up the middle and stole second base. He then advanced to third and scored on an SIU fielding error. But that was all for the Bears, who out-hit the Salukis 9-7 but left 10 runners on base.

Flagg and junior right fielder Kolby Johnson had two hits each for the Bears, while shortstop Kaeber Rog led the Salukis with three hits, including a home run.

UCA senior starter Logan Gilbertson took the loss, allowing four runs and striking out five in 4 2/3 innings of work. Junior right hander Andrew Shoultz went a strong 3 1/3 innings of scoreless relief, allowing just one hit and striking out three. 

The series finale is set for 1 p.m. Monday. UCA will then take on Top 10 Vanderbilt at 3 p.m. Tuesday in Nashville, Tenn.