CONWAY, Ark.- Central Arkansas (30-24, 17-12) fell to Lipscomb University (25-24, 18-11) in a 16–5 loss on Friday night at Bear Stadium. Central Arkansas managed 14 hits, including two home runs, but could not overcome Lipscomb's 20-hits and 16-runs..
Lipscomb jumped out to an early lead in the first inning with a four-run burst, highlighted by Carter's two-run homer. Central Arkansas responded with a solo home run by
Nate Negre, making it 4–1 after one inning.
In the second inning, the Bears narrowed the gap as
Jack Runsick singled, and
Casey Shipley followed with a two-run homer, bringing the score to 4–3 in favor of Lipscomb.
Lipscomb extended its lead in the third inning with a sacrifice fly by Holm, driving in Thomas, which made the score 5–3. The fifth inning saw Lipscomb increase its advantage further with three runs, including a Stelogeannis solo home run, bringing the score to 8–3.
Lipscomb's offense continued to press in the seventh inning, adding four more runs with a two-run homer by Pippenger, extending its lead to 12–3. Central Arkansas fought back in the eighth inning, scoring twice on a sacrifice fly by
Zeb Allen and an RBI single by
Parker Gwyn, closing the gap to 12–5.
In the ninth inning, Lipscomb added four more runs to seal the game. Central Arkansas was unable to score in their final at-bat, resulting in a final score of 16–5 in favor of Lipscomb.
Central Arkansas' pitching staff faced a challenging outing against Lipscomb University.
Jake Jones pitched 4 innings, giving up 9 hits and 7 earned runs, including 2 home runs, while throwing 66 pitches with 44 strikes.
Kannon Nesslage followed with 3 innings, allowing 5 hits and 5 earned runs, conceding 1 home run and issuing 1 walk.
Austin Jones came in for 1 2/3 innings, yielding 6 hits and 4 earned runs, while striking out 2 batters.
Tobin Cantrill closed the game by retiring the only batter he faced with a strikeout, throwing 6 pitches.
Nate Negre
- 1 home run
- 2 hits
- 1 RBI
Casey Shipley
- 1 home run
- 2 RBIs
- 2 runs
Jack Runsick
- 2 runs
- 2 hits
Central Arkansas will take the field at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 16, for Senior Day, the final regular season game, and final home game as member of the ASUN when it hosts Lipscomb University at Bear Stadium.
