RICHMOND, Ky. — Central Arkansas (11-7, 1-0) outlasted Eastern Kentucky (5-13, 0-1) in a high-scoring affair, securing a 16-12 victory at Turkey Hughes Field on Friday. The game was marked by a marathon of 414 pitches thrown between both teams, with Central Arkansas accounting for 200 of them while Eastern Kentucky threw 214.

Central Arkansas tallied three home runs and three doubles, contributing to their 16-hit performance in the win.

Central Arkansas secured a 16-12 victory over Eastern Kentucky, powered by strong early and late innings. The second inning saw Zeb Allen draw a walk, with Jack Runsick hitting a two-run homer to right center, bringing in Allen. Landon Carter doubled, and Parker Gwyn's RBI walk scored Carter. Jayden Sloan doubled to right center, scoring two more, followed by Allen's two-RBI single to right field. The inning concluded with Central Arkansas leading 7-2.

In the third inning, Mark Ross homered to right center, extending the lead to 8-2. The fourth inning featured Allen's two-run homer to right field, pushing the lead to 10-3.

Eastern Kentucky fought back in the fifth inning, tying the game at 10-10. However, Central Arkansas regained the lead in the sixth. Allen's single and subsequent stolen base set up two runs on Gwyn's single to right field, scoring Carter and a pinch runner. With three runs in the inning, Central Arkansas led 13-11.

The game remained tense until the ninth inning when Central Arkansas sealed the win. Carter doubled down the right field line, scoring Runsick. Noah Goodshield's single to right field brought in two more runs, securing the final score of 16-12.

Central Arkansas had a challenging day on the mound against Eastern Kentucky. Braxton Haywood pitched 2 2/3 innings, allowing three hits and three runs, but only one earned run, while issuing two walks and striking out two. Hunter Alexander provided solid relief with 2 1/3 innings of scoreless work, striking out four without allowing a hit, though he did walk two. Kannon Nesslage in his brief appearance, gave up three hits and three earned runs without recording an out. JB Williams started the game, pitching 2 innings and surrendering four hits with two earned runs, while Jake Jones gave up four runs in his 2 innings, allowing a home run and striking out three.

Zeb Allen  
- 3 runs  
- 3 hits  
- 4 RBIs  
- 1 home run  

Jack Runsick  
- 2 runs  
- 2 hits  
- 2 RBIs  
- 1 home run  

Mark Ross  
- 3 runs  
- 2 hits  
- 1 RBI  
- 1 home run  

Noah Goodshield  
- 1 run  
- 2 hits  
- 2 RBIs  
- 1 stolen base

Looking ahead, Central Arkansas will play game 2 of the series at Eastern Kentucky University at 12 p.m. CT Saturday, March 14 in Richmond, Kentucky.