Bears freshman delivers key hit in 10th for win over Eastern Michigan

CONWAY, Ark. — Central Arkansas got a bases-loaded single up the middle by freshman Nathan Negree in the 10th inning to give the Bears a 10-9 victory over Eastern Michigan in the series finale on Monday at Bear Stadium.

The Bears (2-4) loaded the bases in the 10th when Blaine French led off with a hit by pitch and Zeb Allen walked.

Preston Curtis pinch ran for French senior Tanner Leonard followed with a bunt single to load the bases. Negre, an infielder from Aurora, Mo., snuck a base hit up the middle to win it.

UCA redshirt freshman righthander Jake Jones from Benton, Ark., tossed three scoreless innings to get the victory. Jones allowed just one hit and struck out four while walking none.

The Bears fell behind early as EMU scored three times in the first inning. UCA picked up two runs in the second with Jagger Schattle’s RBI ground out and Owen Tracy’s RBI double.

After the Eagles went up 4-2 with a run in the third, UCA exploded for six runs on five hits in the fourth inning, sending 10 batters to the plate.

Blaine French and Schattle had two-run singles and Zeb Allen had a two-run home run to right field in the frame.

The Eagles, who won the first two games of the series, chipped away with two runs in the fifth and three more in the seventh to grab a 9-8 lead.

UCA tied it at 9-9 in the eighth on Allen’s bunt single, where he eventually came around to score on a passed ball.

In the 10th, Jones set the Eagles down in order, setting up the walk-off rally.

Allen finished 3-for-5 with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored. Sam Reynolds had two hits and scored two runs, while Frenchwent 3 for 3 with 2 RBI. Schattle finished with three runs batted in.

The Bears will play at UAPB at 2 p.m. Tuesday before hosting a three-game series with Central Connecticut beginning at 6 p.m. Friday at Bear Stadium.

Information from UCA Sports is included in this story.