Baseball
Bears fall to Governors in series finale despite Schattle’s standout performance
Bears drop their series finale to Austin Peay, struggling to contain the Governors’ offense despite a strong showing from Jagger Schattle
Clarksville, Tenn. — Central Arkansas wrapped up an ASUN regular season road series with a 14-4 loss to the Austin Peay Governors on Sunday at Raymond C. Hand Park.
After Saturday’s thrilling upset that secured the Bears a postseason tournament berth, UCA could not keep pace with a red-hot Governors lineup in the series finale.
Austin Peay wasted no time, seizing control in the second inning by plating five runs on six hits.
The Governors’ offense continued to apply pressure, scoring in five additional innings and launching three home runs over the course of the game.
Their relentless approach at the plate resulted in 19 hits, putting the Bears on their heels early and often.
Despite the lopsided score, the Bears found bright spots, particularly in the performance of senior first baseman Jagger Schattle.
Schattle, playing with the poise of a veteran, tallied three hits and drove in all but one of UCA’s runs. He put the Bears on the board in the fourth inning with an RBI single following a double by Preston Curtis.
In the fifth, Schattle added another RBI single, and third baseman Noah Goodshield was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to bring in another run.
Schattle’s day was capped by his second home run of the season, a solo shot to lead off the seventh inning, providing a final highlight for the Bears’ offense.
“I just wanted to give my team a spark,” Schattle said after the game. “We battled all weekend, and I’m proud of how we fought to the end.”
Sophomore left fielder Zeb Allen also delivered at the plate, matching Schattle with three hits of his own, including his team-leading 16th double of the year.
However, the Bears struggled to capitalize on their opportunities, leaving 12 runners stranded, including twice with the bases loaded.
On the mound, UCA starter Jacob Pannell was tagged with the loss, while Austin Peay’s Lyndon Glidewell earned the win with a steady performance.
Despite the setback, the Bears’ playoff hopes remain alive.
UCA coach Nick Harlan emphasized the importance of moving forward.
“We’ve shown resilience all season,” UCA coach Nick Harlan said. “This group has earned a shot at the postseason, and we’re excited to get back home and finish strong.”
The Bears will look to regroup quickly, traveling to Memphis for a makeup game on Tuesday before returning home for their final ASUN series of the season against North Alabama.
The home stand will feature graduation ceremonies on Friday night and Senior Day celebrations before Saturday’s finale, giving fans a chance to honor the team’s veterans.
As the postseason approaches, the Bears remain focused on their goals.
“We know what we’re capable of,” Schattle said. “We’re ready to finish strong and make some noise in the tournament.”
