MONROE, La. — Central Arkansas (1-1) edged past the University of Louisiana at Monroe (1-1) with a 12-11 victory at Lou St. Amant Field on Saturday.

Central Arkansas secured the win with a six-run fourth inning and three runs in the seventh, overcoming ULM's seven-run rally in the seventh inning.

Central Arkansas secured a narrow 12-11 victory over ULM, with a strong start and critical scoring in the middle innings making the difference. The Bears jumped ahead early with two runs in the first inning. Zeb Allen and Jayden Sloan reached base, and Nate Negre's single brought in the first run. Mark Ross then added a sacrifice fly to score Sloan, giving the Bears a 2-0 lead after the first inning.

The fourth inning was pivotal for the Bears, as it added six runs to its total. After a series of singles, Jace Runsick hit a three-run homer, extending the lead. Parker Gwyn and Seldomridge each contributed with doubles, pushing the Bears score to 8, the Warhawks 3 after the fourth.

In the seventh inning, the Bears added three more runs. Sloan, Negre, and Ross each reached base, with Runsick sacrifice fly, Negre came home. Gwyn's single brought in another run, making it 12-4. ULM responded with a seven-run rally in the bottom of the seventh, capitalizing on a mix of hits and a Bears error. However, the Bears maintained a narrow lead, 12-11, after the seventh.

Despite ULM's efforts to close the gap, the Bears held firm in the final innings, with a strong defensive showing that included striking out the side in the ninth. The Bears concluded the game with a 12-11 win over ULM.

Caden Meeler pitched 6 innings, allowing 6 earned runs on 8 hits, including 3 doubles and 1 home run. Meeler recorded 3 strikeouts and 1 walk, earning the win in his first outing of the season. Braxton Haywood appeared in relief for 3 innings, conceding 1 earned run on 4 hits while striking out 5 batters and issuing 4 walks.

N. Negre  
- 2 runs  
- 3 hits  
- 2 RBIs  
- 4 assists  

J. Runsick  
- 1 run  
- 1 hit  
- 5 RBIs  
- 1 home run  

Z. Allen  
- 2 runs  
- 1 hit  
- 1 stolen base  

J. Sloan  
- 3 runs  
- 1 hit  
- 1 RBI  

M. Ross  
- 1 run  
- 1 hit  
- 1 RBI  
- 2 hit by pitches  

Looking ahead, Central Arkansas will continue the series at the University of Louisiana at Monroe with a doubleheader starting at noon Sunday, Feb. 15.