A rough second inning extended the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s baseball losing streak to five games Friday afternoon.
UAPB dropped the opener of its three-game weekend series against Arkansas State 11-3 at Tomlinson Stadium in Jonesboro. A-State (7-3) scored six runs on four hits and an error in the bottom of the second inning, including a two-RBI single from second baseman Lane Walton. Following Friday’s game, the Red Wolves have outscored their opponents 25-1 in second innings this season.
Left-hander Joe King (0-1) started at pitcher for UAPB after usual Friday starter Jalen Porter pitched 1 2/3 innings in relief on Wednesday at Missouri. King lasted 2 2/3 innings on Friday, allowing eight runs, seven earned, on five hits and six walks with five strikeouts. The Golden Lions used four relievers, who allowed a combined three runs, two earned.
Infielder Aaron Grant led off the third inning with the Golden Lions’ second home run of the season, but UAPB (4-7) went on to trail 9-1 until loading the bases with no outs in the top of the sixth. Center fielder Dane Small hit a sacrifice fly and substitute first baseman Lazaro Alvarado hit an RBI single to cut the deficit to 9-3.
A-State starter Chase Richter (2-1) pitched five innings, allowing one run on four hits with four strikeouts and no walks. Tate Collins allowed two runs without recording an out, but two other relievers held UAPB scoreless the rest of the game.
Walton led the A-State offense, hitting 2 for 2 with three RBIs and a run. Grant led UAPB, hitting 2 for 4 with an RBI and a run.
Game 2 is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday on ESPN-Plus.