Box Score

CONWAY, Ark. – Eastern Kentucky University grabbed an early lead, but couldn't hold off Central Arkansas in a 4-3 loss on Friday at Bear Stadium.
 
The Colonels (28-27, 15-14 ASUN) won the series opener 7-3 on Thursday.
 
EKU grabbed the lead in the top of the first on a two-run single to left off the bat of Roderick Criss II.  Will King scored for the second time in the top of the third on a single up the middle by Jalen Jones that put the Colonels ahead 3-2.
 
Central Arkansas (22-31, 13-16 ASUN) tied it again, 3-3, on Kolby Johnson's run scoring single up the middle in the bottom of the third.  The Bears took the lead for the first time when Drew Sturgeon scored on a fielder's choice in the bottom of the fifth inning.
 
King reached base in all four trips to the plate, finishing 2-for-2 with two walks and two runs.  Criss was 2-for-4 with two RBIs.  Freshman Chase Alderman pitched two and one-third innings of scoreless relief.  He allowed one hit, no walks and struck out one.
 
Johnson and Noah Argenta drove in two runs each for the Bears.  Johnson was 2-for-4 while Argenta went 1-for-3 with a run scored.  UCA starter Cade Fenton (3-4) allowed three runs, only one of which was earned, on five hits in six innings.  He walked three and struck out four.
 
The series finale is set for Saturday at 1 p.m. ET.