CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — Central Arkansas (26-21, 13-10 ASUN) fell to Austin Peay State University (23-23, 13-10 ASUN) with a final score of 2–1 on Saturday at Raymond C. Hand Park.
Central Arkansas managed six hits and one run, but Austin Peay's ninth-inning rally secured its victory.
Central Arkansas took the lead in the seventh inning when
Jack Runsick walked and advanced to second on a
Mark Ross single to right field.
Casey Shipley executed a sacrifice bunt, advancing both runners, and
Zane Denton drove in Runsick with an RBI single through the right side of the infield, breaking the tie and giving Central Arkansas the 1-0 lead.
In the ninth inning, Austin Peay mounted a comeback. After
Hunter Alexander got the first two batters out, Trevor Conley walked and Kyler Proctor doubled to put the tying run on third base. DJ Merriweather and Paris Pridgen drew back-to-back walks to force in a run and tie the game. Zion Taylor's RBI singled walked it off and Austin Peay secured the 2–1 victory over Central Arkansas.
Denver Hamilton delivered a strong performance for the Bears, pitching 7 innings without allowing a run, while issuing no walks and striking out four batters. Hamilton effectively managed the game, throwing 87 pitches with 61 of them being strikes, showcasing his control and efficiency.
Hunter Alexander came in as a relief, pitching 1.2 innings, during which he allowed two earned runs on two hits and three walks, while earning his 200th career strikeout as a Bear. Alexander's outing culminated in a loss, bringing his season record to 5-2.
The Bears will wrap up the series in Clarksville, Tenn. at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
