Box Score

RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky University scored first, but Central Arkansas rebounded for an 8-2 victory in game two of the series on Saturday at Earle Combs Stadium.
 
EKU jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning.  With runners at second and third with one out, a ground ball up the first base line off the bat of Silas Shaffer was enough to bring home Tait Nunnally.
 
The Bears (18-26, 11-12 ASUN) took the lead in the top of the third.  After a strike out to start the inning, three straight UCA batters reached base – two by walks and one was hit by a pitch.  Preston Curtis made the Colonels pay with a grand slam over the wall in left center for a 4-1 advantage.
 
Central Arkansas scored twice in the fourth to extend its lead to 6-1.  EKU got one back in the bottom half on an RBI ground out from Colby Ott.  Neither team scored after the Bears platted two more in fifth inning.
 
Christian Howe gave the Colonels (9-38, 6-17 ASUN) five innings of scoreless relief.  He did not allow a hit, walked three and struck out seven.  Dylan Rogers went 1-for-2 with a walk and a run scored.
 
Curtis finished 2-for-4 with a walk, a run and five RBIs for UCA.  Aden Velasquez pitched the final four innings in relief and did not allow a run.  He gave up one hit, walked two and struck out three.
 
The two teams will conclude the series on Sunday at 10 a.m. ET.
 
Sunday will be Kids Day.  All kids 12 and under receive FREE admission and get to run the bases after the game.  One child in attendance will be chosen to make the "play ball" announcement and another will be chosen to serve as the guest public address announcer.  There will also be a special Kids Day Combo which includes a hot dog, chips and a drink for $8. 
 
EKU will honor nine players during its Senior Day celebration on Sunday as well.