CONWAY, Ark. _ The University of Central Arkansas Bears put up a season high for runs and pounded out a season high for hits in downing the North Alabama Lions 18-9 in their ASUN series opener on Friday afternoon at Bear Stadium.

The Bears, who improved to 14-8 in league play, broke open a 2-1 game by posting nine runs in the third to put the Lions away. UCA added four more in the fifth on one swing from pinch hitter Dylan Cyr. For the day, UCA blasted three home runs, including a two-run shot by junior first baseman Hunter Hicks in the first that gave the Bears the only lead they would need. That home run, his second in as many games, ties Hicks with Connor Emmet for the team lead with 10.

In the third, the Bears (20-23) sent 14 batters to the plate and scored nine times. The big blow was a three-run shot by sophomore center fielder Drew Sturgeon. Emmet (2), Drew Pollum, A.J. Mendolia and Kolby Johnson (2) added RBIs in the frame.

Nine different Bears scored runs and eight knocked in runs. Emmet went 4 for 6 with 4 RBI and 2 runs scored, while Johnson was 3 for 5 _ including a triple to lead off the game for the Bears _ with 2 RBI and 3 runs scored. Freshman second baseman Tanner Leonard went 3 for 5 and scored twice, while senior shortstop R.J. Pearson scored a team-high four runs.

Sophomore Tyler Cleveland improved to 6-2 on the season, going 6 1/3 innings and striking out six while allowing 8 hits and 4 runs. 

UNA (9-33, 2-20) rallied somewhat in the final four innings, combining for eight runs, including five in the ninth before Jack Haley recorded the final out. UCA improved to 3-1 against UNA this season, with two games remaining in the series.

Game 2 is set for 6 p.m. Saturday to accommodate graduation ceremonies at the Farris Center.