DELAND, Fla.- The University of Central Arkansas (31-26, 17-13 ASUN) fell to Florida Gulf Coast University (35-20, 17-12 ASUN) with a final score of 4–3 in a closely contested postseason match-up at Melching Field at Conrad Park on Thursday. This loss in the ASUN Championship ends the Bears season.
Central Arkansas scored all three of its runs in a ninth-inning rally, but Florida Gulf Coast's three home runs earlier in the game proved decisive.
Central Arkansas faced Florida Gulf Coast, with the home team taking an early lead in the fourth inning. Jeremy Comer's home run to deep right field put the Eagles up 1-0. Through four innings, the Eagles maintained a 1-0 lead.
In the fifth inning, the Eagles extended their lead. A single by Willfred Gonzalez allowed Javier Gorostola to score from second, making it 2-0 in favor of the Eagles through five innings.
The Eagles' momentum continued in the sixth inning, as they added two more runs with solo home runs from Comer and Nathan Gagnon. This pushed their advantage to 4-0 through six innings.
Central Arkansas rallied in the ninth inning.
Jack Runsick singled, and after a walk to
Casey Shipley,
Noah Goodshield entered as a pinch runner.
Parker Gwyn doubled to left field, scoring Runsick and advancing Goodshield to third.
Keaton Laidley then singled to shallow center, bringing home Goodshield and Gwyn, narrowing Florida Gulf Coast's lead to 4–3. Despite the late surge, Central Arkansas fell short, concluding the game with a final score of 4–3.
Jake Jones started the game for Central Arkansas, having a strong outing, pitching 4 innings while allowing 5 hits and 1 run, and striking out 3 batters.
Hunter Alexander delivered a strong relief performance, pitching 2 2/3 hitless innings with 2 strikeouts and no walks.
Silas Cowgill pitched 1 1/3 innings, giving up 5 hits and 3 earned runs, including 2 home runs.
Hunter Alexander
- 2 2/3 innings pitched
- 2 strikeouts
- 0 hits allowed
Parker Gwyn
- 1 run scored
- 2 hits
- 2 doubles
Keaton Laidley
- 1 hit
- 2 RBIs
- 1 stolen base
Jagger Schattle
- 3 hits
Jake Jones
- 4 innings pitched
- 3 strikeouts
- 1 earned run allowed
Next season the Bears will make the move out of the ASUN and into the United Athletic Conference.
