SPRINGFIELD, Mo. _ The University of Central Arkansas Bears dropped their third consecutive one-run game to the Missouri State Bears on Sunday afternoon, losing 2-1 in the series finale at Hammons Field.

UCA (3-4) got its lone run from a solo home run by junior center fielder Drew Sturgeon in the eighth inning, one of just four Bears' hits on the day. UCA pitching, starter Noah Argenta and reliever Payton Windham, held MSU to just three hits, including a solo home run in the third inning, and struck out a combined 14 batters.

Argenta, in his second career start on the mound, struck out a career-best nine batters but also walked six. Both MSU runs were charged to him. Windham worked the final 3 2/3 innings, allowing just two hits and striking out five more. 

MSU's first run came on a lead-off home run by leading hitter Nick Rodriguez  in the third. They added the second run in the fifth when Argenta left with two on, one out. Mason Hull delivered an RBI single through the right side of the infield for a 2-0 MSU lead.

Senior Kolby Johnson (double), junior catcher Hayden Seldomridge and sophomore second baseman Tanner Leonard had UCA's other hits. Leonard also stole his team-high fifth base of the season.

UCA returns home for a Tuesday matchup with the Memphis Tigers at 4 p.m. at Bear Stadium. The Bears' next 13 games will all be played within the state of Arkansas, with three home series, a home single game with Missouri State and road games at Little Rock and Arkansas State.