Late-inning offense powered the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff baseball team to a series-opening win on Friday.
UAPB defeated previously unbeaten Stephen F. Austin 6-3 in the first of four games this weekend at the Torii Hunter Baseball Complex in Pine Bluff.
UAPB (3-2) trailed 3-2 after six innings but scored 2 runs each in the seventh and eighth. Third baseman Ian Smith, playing in his first game this year, hit a game-tying RBI double in the seventh, then scored the go-ahead run on second baseman Konner Giddley’s two-out single.
Center fielder Dane Small added a two-out, 2-RBI single in the eighth to give the Golden Lions insurance. Relief pitcher Reagan James (2-0) shut the door with a three-strikeout top of the ninth. James pitched the final four innings, holding the Lumberjacks scoreless with one hit and no walks while striking out four hitters.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Starting pitcher Jalen Porter allowed all 3 runs, though only 1 was earned thanks to three UAPB errors. He allowed five hits and four walks with two strikeouts.
SFA (5-1) starter Cody Templeton allowed 2 runs in his five-inning start, both in the UAPB half of the third inning. He allowed five hits and one walk with three strikeouts before handing the ball to reliever Reid Bowyer (1-1).
Bowyer allowed 3 of UAPB’s 4 late runs, 2 of them earned. Three others recorded one out each in the eighth as SFA struggled to stop the UAPB surge.
Giddley led the UAPB offense, hitting 3 for 4 with an RBI and a run. Small and right fielder Blake Coleman each drove in 2 runs.
The Lumberjacks entered Friday’s game undefeated after sweeping a four-game home series against Mississippi Valley State in which they outscored the Delta Devils 56-10. SFA also defeated NAIA foe Huston Tillotson in midweek action. Friday’s game was the Jacks’ first away from home.
UAPB and SFA will continue their series with a doubleheader at 11a.m. Saturday.