Central Arkansas and Northwestern State University each claimed a win in their doubleheader at Bear Stadium on Saturday. In the first game, Central Arkansas edged out Northwestern State 3-2, with key performances from Mark Ross and Zane Denton.
Northwestern State took an early lead in the first inning when Harrison’s RBI single brought Davis home. The Demons extended their advantage to 2-0 in the fifth after Davis hit a solo home run. Central Arkansas narrowed the gap in the bottom of the fifth with a solo homer from Zane Denton.
The Bears rallied in the sixth inning as Nate Negre singled, followed by an RBI triple from Mark Ross that tied the score. Jack Runsick then hit another triple, allowing Ross to score and giving Central Arkansas a 3-2 lead. The Bears maintained this margin for the remainder of the game.
Caden Meeler pitched six innings for Central Arkansas, giving up six hits and two earned runs while striking out six batters to earn his second win of the season. Hunter Alexander recorded his third save with two scoreless innings of relief. Dylan Marionneaux started for Northwestern State and took the loss after pitching five and two-thirds innings, allowing three runs on seven hits.
In game two, Northwestern State prevailed over Central Arkansas 5-2 after fifteen innings. The Demons opened scoring in the second inning with an RBI double by Rains. The Bears responded in the fourth when Jayden Sloan scored on a throwing error and Jack Runsick drove in another run with a fielder’s choice, putting Central Arkansas ahead 2-1.
A solo home run by Marsala tied it for Northwestern State in the sixth inning. Both teams remained locked at 2-2 until extra innings, when defensive errors by Central Arkansas allowed three unearned runs for Northwestern State in the fifteenth inning.
Caide White started for Central Arkansas, pitching over six innings with four strikeouts and allowing two earned runs. Jake Jones added four shutout innings of relief, while Braxton Haywood was charged with three unearned runs across three frames. Lucas Harrington secured victory for Northwestern State after pitching five relief innings without allowing an earned run.
The series will continue Sunday at Bear Stadium with another matchup between Central Arkansas and Northwestern State scheduled for 1 p.m.
