CONWAY, Ark. _ The Missouri State Bears pulled out two close victories in Sunday's doubleheader, beating the University of Central Arkansas 8-6 and 7-6 in 10 innings to close out the non-conference series at Bear Stadium.

In the opener, the visiting Bears (9-5) scored twice in the ninth inning on a two-run single to break a 6-6 tie. UCA (7-10) led 4-3 after a three-run fifth inning in which the Bears had just one hit, a leadoff double into the left-field corner by shortstop Reid Bowman. 

After a pair of walks, Drew Sturgeon's ground out scored Bowman, Two wild pitches brought in A.J. Mendolia and Casey Shipley.

Both teams scored twice in the seventh, with UCA getting an RBI single by first baseman Jake Trabbie, his first career hit and RBI, and a bases-loaded hit by pitch by left fielder Preston Curtis.

Sturgeon, Bowman and designated hitter Jagger Schattle each had two hits. UCA reliever Hunter Alexander allowed his first runs of the season in the ninth and took the loss.

In the nightcap, UCA was hitless and trailing 6-0 until the seventh inning when Sturgeon led off with a base hit. He was eliminated on a double play but Schattle doubled to left center and Curtis followed with a base hit. Pinch hitter Mason King then doubled down the left-field line to score both runners.

UCA kept fighting in the eighth, scoring four more on just two hits. Three of those came on Sturgeon's fourth home run of the season. Pinch runner Tanner Leonard stole a base and eventually scored on a passed ball to tie it at 6-6.

MSU then got one hit and took advantage of two UCA throwing errors to score the winning run on a bloop sacrifice fly behind first base that Leonard caught. His throw home nearly nailed the MSU runner but he avoided the tag.

Schattle got a base hit in the bottom of the 10th bur could not advance

Sturgeon was 2 for 4 with 3 RBI. 

The Bears are off until the start of ASUN Conference play at home next weekend. UCA hosts Eastern Kentucky, starting at 6 p.m. Friday.