CONWAY, Ark. — Central Arkansas (22-18, 10-8) secured a 9-6 victory over Eastern Kentucky (10-30, 4-14) at Bear Stadium on Sunday. The Bears capitalized on a five-run second inning, including
Zeb Allen's grand slam, to take control of the game early. With the win the Bears sweep the series over EKU.
Eastern Kentucky took an early 2-0 lead in the first inning, capitalizing on a pair of doubles and a hit-by-pitch.
In the bottom of the second, Central Arkansas responded decisively.
Parker Gwyn doubled to left field, and after a series of hit-by-pitches and a stolen base,
Casey Shipley was hit by a pitch to bring in the first run.
Zeb Allen then delivered a crucial blow with a grand slam to right field, putting the Bears ahead 5-2.
In the third inning, Central Arkansas extended its lead.
Jagger Schattle singled, followed by another double from Gwyn.
Keaton Laidley and
Jack Runsick each contributed RBIs, solidifying a 7-2 advantage through three innings.
Eastern Kentucky narrowed the gap in the fifth with two runs, but Runsick's RBI triple in the bottom half of the inning ensured Central Arkansas maintained an 8-4 lead.
Eastern Kentucky added single runs in the sixth and seventh innings, bringing the score to 8-6. However, Central Arkansas added an insurance run in the eighth when Shipley homered to left field, securing the final score at 9-6.
Central Arkansas pitchers delivered a varied performance against Eastern Kentucky.
Jacob Pannell started the game, pitching 2 innings, allowing 2 runs on 2 hits.
Austin Jones followed with 2 2/3 innings, conceding 2 runs on 2 hits, while striking out 2.
JB Williams provided a strong relief effort, pitching 1 2/3 innings without allowing a hit or a run, securing the win.
Hunter Alexander closed the game with a scoreless inning, earning his ninth save of the season, tying the Central Arkansas career saves record with his 19th career save.
Zeb Allen
- 3 hits
- 4 RBIs
- 1 home run (grand slam)
Parker Gwyn
- 3 runs
- 2 doubles
- 1 stolen base
Jack Runsick
- 2 RBIs
- 1 triple
- 1 stolen base
Casey Shipley
- 2 RBIs
- 1 home run
- 2 runs
In their next game, Central Arkansas will face Arkansas State University at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, in Jonesboro.
