Central Arkansas defeated the University of Louisiana at Monroe 12-11 on Saturday at Lou St. Amant Field. The Bears took an early lead, scoring two runs in the first inning with Zeb Allen and Jayden Sloan reaching base, followed by a single from Nate Negre that brought in the first run. Mark Ross added a sacrifice fly to score Sloan.
A key moment came in the fourth inning when Central Arkansas scored six runs. Jace Runsick hit a three-run home run after several singles, while Parker Gwyn and Seldomridge each contributed doubles to extend the Bears’ lead to 8-3.
In the seventh inning, Central Arkansas added three more runs as Sloan, Negre, and Ross reached base. Runsick’s sacrifice fly allowed Negre to score, and Gwyn’s single brought in another run for a 12-4 advantage.
ULM responded with a seven-run rally in the bottom of the seventh inning, taking advantage of multiple hits and an error by Central Arkansas. Despite this push from ULM, Central Arkansas held onto its narrow lead through strong defense, including striking out all three batters in the ninth inning.
Caden Meeler started for Central Arkansas and pitched six innings, giving up six earned runs on eight hits while recording three strikeouts and one walk. Braxton Haywood pitched three innings in relief, allowing one earned run on four hits with five strikeouts and four walks.
Nate Negre finished with two runs scored, three hits, two RBIs, and four assists. Jace Runsick had one run scored, one hit—a home run—and five RBIs. Zeb Allen contributed two runs scored along with a hit and a stolen base; Jayden Sloan recorded three runs scored; Mark Ross added one RBI after being hit by pitches twice.
Central Arkansas will continue its series against ULM with a doubleheader scheduled for Sunday at noon.
