Box Score

CONWAY, Ark. – Eastern Kentucky University's baseball team scored six runs in the top of the ninth inning to take a 7-4 lead, but Central Arkansas scored four times in the bottom of the inning to win the Atlantic Sun Conference series opener 8-7.
 
A lead-off single in the ninth from Tait Nunnally finally chased UCA starter Jesse Barker.  Barker gave up two runs on four hits in eight-plus innings, did not walk anyone and struck out a career-best 14.
 
With one out later in the ninth, Boone Shevey was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.  A catcher's interference call kept the bases loaded and brought home Conner Davis to make it 4-3.  Ron Franklin Jr. followed with a bases clearing triple to complete the comeback, putting the visitors ahead 6-4.  Ehinger Adrianza capped the inning with a sacrifice fly.
 
The Bears (8-10, 1-0 ASUN) didn't fold.  With one out and one on, Kade Seldomridge hit a 2-run home run.  With two outs and one on, UCA drew a walk and was hit by a pitch.  Another hit batter forced home the tying run.  Another walk forced home the winning run.
 
After surrendering four runs in the first three innings, EKU starter Nathan Lawson kept the Bears at bay in the fourth, fifth and sixth.  He allowed four runs on five hits, struck out two and walked one in six innings of work.  Bryce Travis and Isaac Milburn combined to pitch a scoreless seventh and eighth inning.
 
EKU (2-16, 0-1 ASUN) got on the board in the top of the eighth.  With runners on first and second, Adrianza singled through the right side to plate Miguel Larreal.
 
Drew Sturgeon finished 2-for-3 with a walk, a run and two RBIs for the Bears.  Davis was 2-for-4 with a run for the Colonels.
 
Saturday's game will start at 5 p.m. ET.