Alexander’s record-breaking save lifts UCA past Austin Peay, 8–7

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — Hunter Alexander didn’t just close out a tight game Sunday afternoon, he closed out a chapter in program history.

The senior right-hander recorded his 20th career save at Raymond C. Hand Park, making him Central Arkansas’s all-time saves leader as the Bears held off Austin Peay 8–7 in a nine-inning battle that wasn’t settled until the final out.

UCA improved to 27–21 overall and 14–10 in ASUN play, while the Governors dropped to 23–24 on the season.

The Bears collected 13 hits and got key contributions from multiple spots in the lineup, but it was the fifth inning where Austin Peay made things genuinely interesting.

Quick start and cushion built early

The Bears wasted no time getting on the board.

Zeb Allen worked his way on after getting hit by a pitch, then stole second base to put himself in scoring position. Parker Gwyn’s double to left field brought him home for the game’s first run.

Austin Peay answered right back. Zion Taylor connected on a solo home run in the bottom of the first to knot the score at 1–1 heading into the second.

UCA regained the lead in the second inning through small ball and situational hitting. Keaton Laidley singled and moved up on consecutive hits from Casey Shipley and Zane Denton.

Allen then delivered a sacrifice fly to bring Laidley in, putting the Bears ahead 2–1.

The fourth inning was where UCA did its most damage. Mark Ross led off with a single, and Laidley and Denton followed with hits to drive in a run.

Nate Negre’s single to center plated two more. An Austin Peay error allowed another run to score, and Gwyn capped the inning with a two-run double, pushing the Bears’ advantage to 7–1.

Austin Peay fights back, Alexander shuts door

The Governors weren’t done. Ty Wisdom hit a three-run homer in the fifth inning to trim the deficit to 7–4, giving Austin Peay’s sideline some life heading into the later innings.

UCA added some breathing room in the sixth when Laidley was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, allowing Gwyn to score and extend the lead to 8–4.

Then came the seventh. Cole Johnson launched a two-run homer to make it 8–6, and the Bears’ bullpen suddenly had a real fight on its hands. Austin Peay pushed further in the eighth when Ray Velazquez doubled in Paris Pridgen to cut the margin to a single run at 8–7.

That’s where Alexander took over. Working 2 1/3 innings in relief, the senior allowed just one hit and one earned run while striking out three on 41 pitches. He navigated a tense ninth inning with the Bears clinging to a one-run edge, retiring Austin Peay in order to slam the door shut and collect his record-setting 20th career save.

Silas Cowgill earned the win, improving to 4–0 on the season after logging two innings. He allowed two earned runs on three hits. Jacob Pannell started and lasted 4 2/3 innings, striking out five while giving up four earned runs on six hits.

Gwyn and Laidley carry offense

Gwyn and Laidley each finished with three hits to lead the Bears at the plate. Gwyn finished with two doubles and two RBIs, while Laidley scored twice and drove in a run. Negre contributed two RBIs out of the No. 8 spot, and Denton chipped in two hits and an RBI from the catcher position.

For Austin Peay, the home run ball carried the offense. Taylor, Wisdom, and Johnson each went deep, accounting for all seven of the Governors’ runs.

UCA’s next test comes Tuesday when the Bears travel to Memphis to face the University of Memphis at 6 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and on The Bear 91.3.