After dropping a close game Friday, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff baseball team couldn’t keep up with Abilene Christian on Saturday.
UAPB dropped the second game of its four-game series with ACU 12-2 in seven innings at Crutcher Scott Field in Abilene, Texas.
ACU (5-5) took a 5-0 lead in the first inning thanks to a 3-run homer from first baseman Grant Watkins and a 2-RBI double by right fielder Benjamin Greer. The Wildcats added a run in the third, 3 runs in the fourth, then a run in the fifth.
UAPB (0-10) scored both its runs in the sixth when Catcher Vinny Saumell and third baseman Jaylon Nauden hit back-to-back RBI singles, cutting it to 10-2.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
ACU third baseman Sam Hardcastle responded by homering in the bottom of the sixth, then second baseman Nick Arias ended the game with a walk-off solo shot to trigger the run rule.
UAPB Brendan Hamlin (0-2) lasted 2.2 innings, allowing 6 runs on five hits with five walks. Two relievers combined to allow an additional 6 runs, 4 earned, on five hits with four walks. Each Golden Lion pitcher struck out one batter.
ACU starter Brett Lanman (2-0) allowed 2 runs, 1 earned, on four hits in 6.0 innings with six strikeouts and three walks.