FLORENCE, Ala. — Central Arkansas (15-16, 5-6) secured a 4–2 victory over the University of North Alabama (13-17, 6-5) at Mike D. Lane Field on Friday. A two-run 11th inning propelled the Bears past the Lions.
In the second inning,
Jayden Sloan singled and advanced to third on a fly out before scoring on a single by
Zane Denton, giving the Bears the early 1-0 lead. North Alabama responded with an RBI single from Justin Santoyo, evening the score at 1-1 through two innings.
The Lions took the lead in the fourth inning with a solo home run from Will Millard, putting them ahead 2–1.
Central Arkansas tied the game in the seventh inning when
Zeb Allen hit a solo home run to right field. This home run marked Allen's 24th career home run, tying the UCA career home run record. This left the teams deadlocked at 2–2 through seven innings.
The game remained tied through the ninth and tenth innings, leading to an eleventh-inning showdown. In the top of the eleventh,
Landon Carter reached on a walk, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt, and moved to third on a ground out.
Mark Ross also walked, then
Zane Denton hit a ball hard into the outfield, the North Alabama's center fielder miss handled it allowing both Carter and Ross to score, giving Central Arkansas a decisive 4–2 lead.
The Bears held the Lions scoreless in the bottom of the inning, securing a 4–2 win in eleven innings.
Hunter Alexander pitched 5 innings in relief, allowing 5 hits while striking out 5 and walking 4 batters. He managed to keep North Alabama scoreless throughout his outing, using 94 pitches with 51 strikes thrown.
Silas Cowgill contributed 2 innings of scoreless relief, giving up 2 hits and recording 1 strikeout, with 18 of his 24 pitches being strikes.
Denver Hamilton started the game, pitching 4 innings and surrendering 2 earned runs on 5 hits, while striking out 4 without issuing any walks.
Zeb Allen
- 1 home run
- 2 hits
- 1 RBI
Hunter Alexander
- 5 innings pitched
- 5 strikeouts
- 0 earned runs
Landon Carter
- 1 hit
- 1 stolen base
- 1 run scored
Denver Hamilton
- 4 strikeouts
- 4 innings pitched
- 2 earned runs
In their next game, Central Arkansas will stay in Florence, Alabama, to play the series finale with North Alabama at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 4.
