Central Arkansas achieved a 9-3 win over South Dakota State University on Sunday at Bear Stadium, marking Head Coach Nick Harlan’s 100th victory as the team’s head coach. The Bears improved their season record to 7-5, while South Dakota State dropped to 4-7.
The Bears started strong in the first inning when Zeb Allen reached base on a fielder’s choice and advanced to third after Jack Runsick singled. Allen scored on a throwing error, giving Central Arkansas an early lead.
South Dakota State tied the game in the fifth inning. After loading the bases with a single and a walk, RBIs from Wachter and Taylor brought in two runs. Central Arkansas responded quickly; Zach Adams singled before Jagger Schattle hit a two-run home run, putting the Bears ahead 3-2 after five innings.
In the eighth inning, Taylor hit a solo home run for South Dakota State to tie the score at 3-3. Central Arkansas then took control with six runs in the bottom of the eighth. Jayden Sloan led off with a single, followed by walks and a hit-by-pitch that set up Landon Carter’s RBI fielder’s choice. Parker Gwyn was hit by another pitch to bring in another run. Adams contributed with a two-RBI single, an error allowed one more run to score, and Sloan added a sacrifice fly for the final run of the inning.
Central Arkansas kept South Dakota State scoreless in the ninth inning to secure both the win and the series victory.
Caide White started for Central Arkansas, pitching 4 2/3 innings and allowing two earned runs on four hits while striking out four batters. Braxton Haywood pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings in relief without allowing any hits and striking out one batter. Hunter Alexander finished the game by pitching three innings, giving up one run on two hits—including a home run—while striking out four batters and earning his first win of the season.
Zach Adams finished with two runs scored, three hits, and two RBIs. Jagger Schattle had one run, one home run, and two RBIs. Hunter Alexander earned his first win with three innings pitched and four strikeouts.
Central Arkansas will next face Vanderbilt University at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 3 in Nashville, Tennessee.
