UAPB Rally Falls Short as Central Arkansas Uses Big Seventh Inning to Secure Win

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) Golden Lions dropped a tough midweek contest on the road Tuesday night, falling 9–6 to the University of Central Arkansas in Conway after a decisive late-inning surge by the Bears.

UAPB (15–20) appeared to be in control midway through the game, but an explosive eighth-run seventh inning by Central Arkansas (16–17) proved to be the difference at Bear Stadium.

Central Arkansas struck first in the opening inning, using a solo home run to take a 1–0 lead. The score remained unchanged through five innings as both pitching staffs settled in and limited scoring opportunities. Sam Beavers asked Coach Stout about the starting pitcher’s performance:

The Golden Lions broke through in the sixth inning, manufacturing runs with timely small-ball execution. UAPB plated two runs to take a 2–1 lead, then added another in the seventh to extend the advantage to 3–1.

However, the momentum quickly shifted in the bottom half of the seventh. Central Arkansas capitalized on walks, defensive miscues, and clutch hitting to erupt for eight runs in the inning, turning a two-run deficit into a commanding 9–3 lead. The Golden Lions left several runners on the base paths during that stretch.

Despite the setback, UAPB continued to fight late. The Golden Lions scored three runs in the ninth inning, finishing with 12 hits on the night, but ultimately fell short in the comeback attempt.

Offensively, UAPB showed resilience with multiple contributors at the plate, while the pitching staff held strong early before running into trouble during the decisive seventh inning. Jordan Medellin was charged with the loss for the Golden Lions, while Central Arkansas’ Jake Jones earned the win.

The loss comes after UAPB recently picked up a convincing 13–3 victory over Central Arkansas in Pine Bluff just a week prior, highlighting the back-and-forth nature of the in-state matchup. The Golden Lions also closed out the series on the road at Alabama State with a 26-1 win.

UAPB will look to regroup as they return to conference play later this week, aiming to bounce back after letting a winnable game slip away on the road. The Golden Lions will travel to Prairie View Texas to face the Panthers with the series opener scheduled for Friday.