CONWAY, Ark. — Central Arkansas (5-3) defeated Northwestern State University (5-3) with a final score of 13-5 on Sunday at Bear Stadium. Central Arkansas amassed 16 hits, including a grand slam, and recorded 13 RBIs, while Northwestern State managed 8 hits and a home run in the contest.

Central Arkansas secured a decisive victory over the Demons, marking their third win in four games against NWS. The Bears started with a single run in the second inning. Parker Gwyn walked, advanced on a hit by pitch, and scored on a single by Casey Shipley, putting the Bears up 1-0 after two innings.

In the third inning, Central Arkansas extended its lead with four runs. Zeb Allen singled and stole second, then was driven home by Nate Negre's RBI single. Gwyn and Jack Runsick each added RBI singles, and Mark Ross capped the inning with a two-RBI single, advancing the lead to 5-0.

Central Arkansas added three more runs in the fourth. After Zeb Allen walked and advanced to third, Runsick hit a double down the left field line, bringing in three runs and pushing the lead to 8-1 after the Demons scored a solo home run in the top half.

The sixth inning saw the Bears capitalize on a fielding error, with Negre scoring an unearned run on a single by Runsick. This increased their advantage to 9-1.

Northwestern State attempted a comeback in the seventh, scoring three runs, but the Bears responded immediately. Jayden Sloan's grand slam highlighted the inning, scoring four runs and extending the lead to 13-4.

The Demons added one more run in the eighth, but were unable to overcome the deficit. Central Arkansas closed out the game with a final score of 13-5.

Patrick Fernandez pitched 6 innings for the Bears, allowing 3 hits and 4 earned runs while striking out 7 batters and walking 1. Fernandez faced 22 batters and threw 84 pitches, 54 of which were strikes, and he allowed a home run. JB Williams entered in relief, pitching 3 innings and giving up 5 hits and 1 earned run, while striking out 3. Williams faced 12 batters and did not issue any walks, demonstrating control as he threw 41 pitches with 29 strikes.

Jayden Sloan
- 2 runs
- 3 hits
- 4 RBIs
- 1 home run

Nate Negre
- 3 runs
- 2 hits
- 1 double
- 7 assists

Jack Runsick
- 1 run
- 3 hits
- 4 RBIs
- 1 double

Patrick Fernandez
- 6 innings pitched
- 7 strikeouts
- 3 hits allowed
- 1 home run allowed

Looking ahead, the Bears will travel to face Oklahoma State at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24 in Stillwater, Oklahoma.