After winning Friday’s series opener, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff split a Saturday doubleheader against Stephen F. Austin.
UAPB won 4-3, then lost 2-1 to the Lumberjacks at the Torii Hunter Baseball Complex in Pine Bluff, taking a series lead into Sunday’s finale.
UAPB (4-3) trailed 3-2 in the first game after SFA catcher Ethan Adkisson hit a two-out RBI single in the top of the seventh inning. The hit gave the Lumberjacks their first lead after UAPB had twice taken a 1-run lead just for SFA to tie the game.
The Golden Lions loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the eighth. Second baseman Konner Giddley reached on an error by SFA (6-2) second baseman Julian Swift, which allowed 2 runs to score and restore UAPB’s lead. It was the third Lumberjack error of the game.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
UAPB reliever Emerson Lott (1-0), who got the final out of the top of the eighth inning, retired all three Lumberjack hitters in the ninth to slam the door and give UAPB a 2-0 series lead.
Joe King started the game and pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowing 2 runs on five hits and five walks with five strikeouts. Brendan Hamlin held SFA to 1 run on two hits in three innings of relief before Lott took over. Center fielder Dane Small led the offense, hitting 2 for 3.
All of UAPB’s runs were unearned, a tough break for SFA starter Gabe LeBlanc, who allowed 2 runs on four hits and a walk with five strikeouts in five innings. Right-handed reliever Adrian Rubio (0-1) allowed the other 2 runs. SFA designated hitter Jhett Creel hit 3 for 3 with two walks and scored all 3 SFA runs.
In Saturday’s second game, SFA starter Dylan Mulcahy (2-0) held UAPB to 1 run in five innings, not leaving the mound until his offense gave him a 2-1 lead in the top of the fifth. Mulcahy struck out six hitters while allowing three walks and two hits.
UAPB starter Kenney Fabian (0-2) did not allow an earned run in seven innings, but SFA scored two unearned runs in the fifth on a two-out, 2-RBI double by center fielder Cermodrick Bland. The second of the two runs was scored by second baseman Trey Acreman, who reached base on a two-out error by UAPB shortstop Zach Wieder.
The Golden Lions’ lone run came on an RBI single by catcher Owen Gietzen in the bottom of the third.
The series finale is scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday. UAPB will go for its first series win of the season, while SFA will try for a split.