CONWAY, Ark. — Central Arkansas (28-22, 15-10) secured an 11-6 victory over the University of North Alabama (24-23, 15-10) on Friday at Bear Stadium. The win moves the Bears into a tie at the top of the ASUN Gold Division standings. The home team broke the game open with a six-run eighth inning, finishing with 14 hits and a home run.
Central Arkansas and UNA were locked in a tight contest with both teams scoring in the third inning.
Nate Negre tied the game for Central Arkansas with a solo home run down the left field line, evening the score at 1-1 after three innings.
In the fourth inning, Central Arkansas took the lead.
Jack Runsick singled to center and later scored on
Zane Denton's two-RBI single up the middle. The Bears led 3-1 at the end of the fourth inning.
Central Arkansas extended its lead in the sixth inning.
Keaton Laidley doubled to right field and later scored on
Zach Adams' pinch hit two-RBI single down the right field line. The score was 5-2 after six innings.
North Alabama responded in the seventh, scoring three runs to tie the game at 5-5. However, Central Arkansas seized control again in the eighth inning.
Mark Ross singled and later scored as Denton delivered an RBI single. The inning was highlighted by
Jagger Schattle's three run single. Central Arkansas finished the inning with six runs, leading 11-5.
UNA added one more run in the ninth inning, but it was not enough. Central Arkansas secured an 11-6 victory.
Denver Hamilton pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowing nine hits and five runs, four of which were earned, while striking out four batters and walking one. He threw 89 pitches, 63 of which were strikes, maintaining control throughout his outing.
Hunter Alexander came in relief and pitched 2 1/3 innings, giving up four hits and one earned run, with one walk and one strikeout. Alexander threw 41 pitches with 27 strikes, securing his sixth win of the season with a 6-2 record.
Nate Negre
- 2 runs
- 3 hits
- 1 home run
Jagger Schattle
- 1 run
- 1 hit
- 2 RBIs
Mark Ross
- 3 runs
- 2 hits
- 2 walks
Zane Denton
- 1 run
- 2 hits
- 3 RBIs
Looking ahead, Central Arkansas is set to face North Alabama for Game 2 of this series at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 9 at Bear Stadium.
