NATCHITOCHES, La. _ Three big innings carried the Northwestern State Demons to a 16-6 victory over the University of Central Arkansas Bears on Saturday to even their non-conference series at 1-1 at Brown-Stroud Field.

The Demons scored five runs in the fifth inning after trailing 5-3, then added four runs in both the seventh and eighth inning to run-rule the Bears. Both teams finished with 10 hits but UCA's pitching staff issued 12 walks and hit six batters while striking out nine. 

The Bears overcame an early 3-0 deficit with a four-run fourth inning. UCA loaded the bases with a single and two hit batters and scored its first run when Sam Reynolds drew a walk, scoring Bryce Cermenelli. A wild pitch brought in Luke Carner before senior Tanner Leonard got a two-run base hit up the middle to give the Bears the lead.

In his first action since March of 2023 due to consecutive season-ending injuries, redshirt freshman Lucas Greer went four innings, striking out seven and walking four while allowing four hits and three earned runs. In all, the Bears used six pitchers.

The Demons re-took the lead with a five-run fifth inning, scoring five times with just two hits. UCA's pitchers walked two and hit three batters in the frame. The Bears got one back in the top of the sixth on a lead-off, first-pitch home run by redshirt freshman center fielder Sam Reynolds.

It was all NSU from there as the Demons held the Bears scoreless and put up eight runs of their own.

NSU's Carter White got the victory and UCA's Tate Collins was tagged for the loss. NSU's four pitchers combined for 13 strikeouts with just two walks. Cermenelli was 3 for 5 for the Bears, while Carner and Reynolds had two hits each.  Reynolds and Leonard both had a pair of runs batted in.

The series finale is set for 1 p.m. Sunday. The Bears' home opener at Bear Stadium is scheduled for 3 p.m. Tuesday, weather permitting.