Softball
Bears’ offensive explosion, Runner’s strong outing in circle paces win
Bears improved to 26-25 overall and 14-7 in ASUN games, as Runner earned her 10 win of the season
CONWAY, Ark. — After honoring its graduating players, Central Arkansas won game one of its regular season series over North Alabama Friday afternoon.
The Bears used a couple of long balls to pick up the win, along with a terrific outing from Bailie Runner and the defense.
The Bears improved to 26-25 overall and 14-7 in ASUN games, as Runner earned her 10 win of the season with a one-run, zero walk outing.
The Oklahoma native tossed the complete outing, striking out five while scattering seven hits.
North Alabama struck first, collecting three singles to move a runner all the way around to score.
The Bears responded with a double-play to end the inning, as Madi Young collected her 20th of the season, the most in a single season by a UCA player. Offensively, despite finding three hits in the first three innings, the Bears couldn’t put them together to equal the score.
In the fourth inning, UNA was threatening again, moving a runner to third with two outs. Then, on a soft infield tap, Young collected and zipped it home, and after a double-effort at the plate, Autumn Vessier made the tag to end the scoring threat and the inning.
Emma Robertson finally answered the call in the home half of the fourth, watching two pitches go by before demolishing a ball to left field to even the score.
It marked the sixth home run of the ASUN season for Robertson, moving her into a tie for second in the conference during league games, on just 10 conference hits.
After a three-up, three-down inning for the Lions, Aeryn Shuman was pit into the game for an at bat with one out. The freshman repeated Robertson’s at bat, locating and obliterating a pitch to left field to put the Bears on top.
It was the first homer for Shuman, and her fourth extra base hit of the season. Runner and the defense took over from there, allowing just two more baserunners before the UCA pitcher struck out the final two batters of the top of the seventh.
UCA plays a doubleheader against the Lions tomorrow, closing the regular season at home. The Bears and Lions will open the day at 11 a.m.
After the second game, the Bears will honor their three seniors with a Senior Day celebration and presentation.
Information from UCA Sports is included in this story.
