CONWAY, Ark. — The University of Central Arkansas Bears achieved a thrilling 14-11 victory over the Lipscomb Bisons in the second game of a Monday doubleheader at Bear Stadium, winning the ASUN series 2-1.
Sophomore outfielder Zeb Allen showcased remarkable talent, tying the school record with three home runs in one game. Allen, hailing from Fort Smith, Ark., finished the night with five RBIs and crossed home plate four times. He hit two homers in his first two at-bats and capped the game with a three-run shot during a decisive four-run seventh inning that solidified the Bears’ lead at 12-9.
The Bears had a strong offensive performance, totaling 17 hits compared to Lipscomb’s 16. Allen logged three hits in five at-bats, while senior second baseman Bryce Cermenelli shined with four hits, boosting his remarkable league-leading batting average to .421, along with two RBIs and two runs scored. Right fielder Blaine French added three hits, and both catcher Casey Shipley and first baseman Jagger Schattle contributed two RBIs each.
The Bears’ pitching staff utilized four pitchers, with redshirt freshman Jake Jones earning the win after pitching 1.2 scoreless innings. Despite facing challenges, including four errors, the Bears managed to contain the Bisons to just four earned runs throughout the game.
In the first game of the day, Lipscomb responded powerfully with a 17-4 victory, driven by an impressive 19-hit offensive attack. Notably, UCA shortstop Nathan Negre and designated hitter Preston Curtis each delivered two hits and two RBIs, including a two-run homer from Curtis in the fifth inning.
As the Bears gear up for their next game against the Little Rock Trojans on Wednesday at 3 p.m., they’re looking to build on their hard-fought victory. This series reflects a competitive spirit within the ASUN conference, which is currently seeing teams with similar records pushing for playoff positions.
According to recent statistics, the ASUN conference has tightened this season, with multiple teams hovering around .500. As fans take to social media to share their thoughts, the buzz around UCA’s stellar performances highlights a promising season ahead. With efforts from the team like Allen’s record-tying game, the anticipation among fans is palpable. Amid this competitive setting, each game becomes crucial for playoff contention.
For more insights on college sports trends and stats, consider visiting [NCAA’s official site](https://www.ncaa.com). This can provide a deeper understanding of how current performances compare historically within the conference.
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