SPRINGFIELD, Mo. _ The Missouri State Bears hit three home runs in the fifth inning to down the University of Central Arkansas Bears 4-3 on Saturday in Game 2 of their non-conference series at Hammons Field.

UCA (3-3) led 1-0 until the fifth when the home Bears finally figured out UCA starter Jesse Barker, who struck out eight on the day. All three long balls came after Barker recorded the first two outs of the inning on a ground out and a fly ball. But Cam Cratic got a solo home run and Mason Hull followed with a two-run shot. The final blow came from Zack Stewart, another solo home run for a 4-1 lead.

The Bears chipped away with a run in the seventh on doubles by catcher Noah Argenta and center fielder Drew Sturgeon. They cut the deficit to just one at 4-3 with a single run in the eighth when Mason King doubled and scored all the way from second on Evan Hafley's ground out to second base. 

UCA second baseman Tanner Leonard, who was two for three on the day, drew a walk in the ninth but was stranded.

Freshman right hander Coleman MacRae from Rogers, Ark., relieved in the fifth and got out of the jam. He went the final 3 1/3 scoreless innings, walking three and striking out three. Sturgeon and third baseman Mason King also had two hits each for UCA. 

The series finale is set for 1 p.m. Sunday.