NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Central Arkansas (18-17, 7-7) secured a decisive 10–5 victory over Lipscomb University (14-14, 7-7) at Ken Dugan Field on Saturday. The Bears capitalized on three home runs and drew 10 walks, leading to a commanding win.
Central Ark. took an early lead in the second inning against Lipscomb.
Parker Gwyn drew a walk and advanced on a wild pitch, setting the stage for
Jack Runsick and
Keaton Laidley to bring in two runs, ending the inning with a 2–0 lead.
The third inning saw
Zeb Allen extend the lead with a two-run homer to right-center, driving in
Zane Denton. This was Allen's 25th career home run, he is now the UCA career home run leader. Chris Houk set the record 2005-08. Allen has 12 home runs on the season, the single season record at UCA is 14. By the end of the inning, Central Ark. held a 4–0 advantage.
In the sixth inning, the Bears continued to build on their lead. Runsick scored on a passed ball, and
Sam Reynolds followed with a three-run homer to center field, bringing in Laidley and
Mark Ross. The inning concluded with Central Ark. leading 8–1.
In the ninth, Gwyn hit a solo home run, and a single from Laidley brought in Runsick, extending the lead further. At the end of their half, Central Ark. was ahead 10–1.
Lipscomb attempted a comeback in the bottom of the ninth, scoring four runs, including a two-RBI single by Kenealy Jr. However, Central Ark. secured the victory with a final score of 10–5.
Jake Jones delivered a strong start for Central Ark., pitching 6 innings and allowing only 3 hits and 1 earned run, while striking out 5 batters.
Austin Jones gave up 3 earned runs on 1 hit and 3 walks over 2 innings.
JB Williams closed the game, pitching 1 inning with 3 hits and 1 earned run. Overall, the Bears' pitching staff combined for 7 strikeouts in the game.
Zeb Allen
- 1 home run
- 2 RBIs
Parker Gwyn
- 1 home run
- 2 runs
Sam Reynolds
- 1 home run
- 3 RBIs
Jake Jones
- 6 innings pitched
- 5 strikeouts
- 1 earned run
Looking ahead, Central Arkansas will go for the sweep over Lipscomb at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 12, in Nashville, Tennessee.
