Central Arkansas began its 2026 baseball season with an 11-2 loss to the University of Louisiana at Monroe on Friday at Lou St. Amant Field.
The game saw several shifts in momentum. ULM took a 2-0 lead in the third inning after a hit-by-pitch and a walk, followed by two RBI plays. Central Arkansas responded in the fourth inning when Casey Shipley singled and a throwing error allowed Jayden Sloan to score, reducing the deficit to 2-1. By the end of the fourth, ULM led 3-1.
In the fifth inning, Parker Gwyn scored for Central Arkansas on a sacrifice fly by Zeb Allen, making it 3-2. ULM extended its lead in the sixth with a two-RBI single and a three-run home run, bringing the score to 10-2.
ULM added another run in the seventh inning with a sacrifice fly for an 11-2 final.
J. Williams started for Central Arkansas, pitching three innings and allowing two earned runs on three hits while striking out two batters. J. Pannell pitched two innings in relief, giving up six earned runs on five hits and recording one strikeout. S. Curtis pitched one inning, surrendering two earned runs on two hits—including a home run—and struck out one batter. K. Nesslage finished with two innings pitched, allowing one earned run on one hit and striking out one.
Jack Runsick made five assists at third base for Central Arkansas. Jayden Sloan had a hit and scored once. Nate Negre contributed both offensively with a hit and defensively with two assists at shortstop. Gwyn reached base after being hit by a pitch, scored once, and recorded three defensive assists at second base.
Central Arkansas will play ULM again Saturday at 1 p.m., continuing their four-game series in Monroe.
