Four big home runs powered the University of Arkansas at Monticello to its first win of the weekend Friday afternoon at the GAC Baseball Tournament.
UAM defeated Northwestern Oklahoma State 13-5 in an elimination game at David Allen Ballpark in Enid, Oklahoma.
No. 3-seed UAM (31-20) trailed 2-1 until left fielder Kirk Woolf hit a 3-run home run to right field.
One inning later, first baseman Cade Cancilla hit an RBI single before right fielder Roc Hawthorne hit UAM’s second 3-run home run in as many innings. This one went to left field and extended the Weevils’ lead to 8-2.
No. 7-seed NWOSU (30-22) got 2 runs back in the top of the seventh, but third baseman Justin Santoyo answered with a 2-run home run in the bottom half. UAM catcher Chaz Poppy made it four straight innings with a multi-run home run with a 3-run blast in the eighth.
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The first four hitters in the UAM lineup combined for 11 RBI on 10 for 17 hitting with a home run each.
These home runs came after the Boll Weevils hit two multi-run home runs in Thursday’s 8-7 loss to Henderson State, including a seventh-inning grand slam by Santoyo.
The Rangers held UAM to 1 run in the first four innings by inducing four double plays. The Boll Weevils scored that run in the first inning when Hawthorne scored from third base as Santoyo grounded into a double play with the bases loaded and no outs.
NWOSU starting pitcher Logan Sandoval (4-3) went 4.1 innings and was pulled with two runners on base. Reliever Elias Herrera took over and immediately allowed the first homer by Woolf. He allowed two home runs, with two additional relievers each allowing one.
UAM starter Connor Irvine (7-5) pitched 6.1 innings and allowed 4 runs, 3 earned, on eight hits and three walks with six strikeouts. Relief pitchers Bryce Louis and Dylan Vail combined to hold NWOSU to 1 unearned run on one hit with no walks.
The Boll Weevils will play another elimination game at 1 p.m. Saturday against the loser between No. 2-seed Southern Arkansas and No. 6-seed Henderson State.