FLORENCE, Ala. — Central Arkansas (14-16, 4-6) fell to North Alabama (13-16, 6-4) 4–3 on Thursday at Mike Lane Field.
Central Arkansas opened the scoring in the second inning with
Parker Gwyn's two-run homer to left field, bringing home
Keon Moseni after he had reached base with a walk. This put the Bears ahead 2–0 through the second inning.
North Alabama responded in the third inning as Leighton Jenkins doubled to left center and eventually scored on a ground out by Petey Craska. Dylan Coleman then singled, driving in Jackson Westmoreland from second base to tie the game at 2–2 through three innings.
In the fourth inning, North Alabama took the lead with a two-run homer by Justin Santoyo, scoring Wes Walker who had walked earlier in the inning. This gave the Lions a 4–2 advantage after four innings.
Central Arkansas chipped away at the deficit in the eighth inning.
Nathan Negre reached base on a walk, advanced to third on subsequent wild pitches, and scored on a fielder's choice hit by
Jack Runsick, narrowing North Alabama's lead to 4–3 through eight innings.
Despite Central Arkansas's efforts, North Alabama maintained its lead, securing a 4–3 victory.
Jakes Jones delivered a strong performance in relief, pitching 3 1/3 innings without allowing a run. He struck out five batters while conceding just two hits and no walks, demonstrating control with 32 strikes out of 48 pitches.
Patrick Fernandez, the starting pitcher, went 4 2/3 innings, allowing four earned runs on three hits and four walks, and recorded four strikeouts.
Zeb Allen
- 2 stolen bases
- 1 walk
Jakes Jones
- 3 1/3 innings pitched
- 5 strikeouts
- 2 hits allowed
Parker Gwyn
- 2 hits
- 1 home run
- 2 RBIs
In their next game, Central Arkansas will face North Alabama for game 2 of this series on Friday, April 3 at 4 p.m. in Florence, Alabama.
