CONWAY, Ark. _ The University of Central Arkansas Bears got a solid performance from graduate pitcher Jesse Barker and used a four-run second inning to down the Bellarmine Knights 7-4 on Friday night in ASUN action at Bear Stadium.

Barker, an All-ASUN right-hander from Benton, struck out 11 batters in seven innings of work. Sophomore Hunter Alexander finished it off with two scoreless innings out of the bullpen for his third save of the season.

The Bears (14-22, 5-11) broke a seven-game losing streak with timely hitting and three RBIs from center fielder Drew Sturgeon. UCA scored once in the first inning on a fielder's choice by Sturgeon that brought in sophomore Kade Seldomridge, who had tripled to the gap in right center.

UCA added four more runs in the third inning on just two hits. Second baseman Tanner Leonard drew a bases-loaded walk and A.J. Mendolia's ground ball scored Zeb Allen, who had a base hit. Sturgeon had a two-run double down the right-field line to give the Bears a 5-1 lead.

The Knights (6-31, 5-11) scored four runs from the third through fifth innings to get within one at 5-4. But the Bears got the insurance runs they needed in the seventh inning when Jake Trabbie executed a perfect safety squeeze bunt that scored Sturgeon. 

Third baseman Bryce Cermenelli followed with an RBI single to score catcher Casey Shipley. The Bears had another chance to add runs in the eighth but left two runners on base.

Alexander struck out two over the final two innings, ending it with a fly ball to Sturgeon in center.

UCA made the most of its six hits, with Cermenelli going 2 for 3. Barker tied his second-best strikeout total with 11, while allowing four hits and three earned runs.

Game 2 of the series is set for 4 p.m. Saturday.