Bears hang on to down Missouri State for key midweek win

CONWAY, Ark. — Central Arkansas gutted out a narrow 5-4 win over Missouri State on Monday, scoring in each of the first five innings to get the job done.

The win improves the Bears to 8-10 on the year, and saw UCA record double-digit hits for the third-straight game.

Kylie Griffin got things going in the bottom of the first, hitting an infield single to get on base. Madi Young added a hit to move Griffin to second, and heads up baserunning on another infield single saw Griffin cross home for the first run of the game.

Missouri State would tie the game in the next half inning, combining two walks and a single to the outfield to even the score.

So the home team Bears went back to work in the second, as Renee Christian got on board after reaching on an error.

Singles from Autumn Vessier and Griffin allowed the speedy Christian to round the bases and put the Bears back in front. Things went south for the home team in the top of the third, as back-to-back scores by the other Bears made it a 4-2 deficit for UCA.

But the Bears were undeterred, and Kaitlyn Graham singled to start the comeback in the bottom of the third.

Two more hits loaded the bases, and the defense opted to take an out at first base on a groundout, allowing Graham to score to cut into the lead.

The Bears took the lead in the home half of the fifth, pairing a Lilly Hood single with a Christian triple to reclaim the lead for the final time.

Bailie Runner and the defense took control from that point, and Runner got the win after tossing four shutout innings. The Bears’ pitchers combined for 10 strikeouts, while the home batting order only struck out once.

UCA is back on the field on Wednesday, welcoming Memphis to Natalie Shock Stadium. First pitch against the Tigers is at 5 p.m.