UCA splits in Baton Rouge

Central Arkansas defeated Georgia Southern 6-1 and lost 9-2 to LSU on Saturday at the Purple and Gold Challenge in Baton Rouge.

Central Arkansas secured the victory in the opener thanks to a six-run sixth inning that got started with a single from second baseman Krissy Fontillas, who moved to second on an infield single by center fielder Jessie Hoover. A third single, this one from left fielder Hannah Stirton, drove in Fontillas to even the game at 1-1.

A throwing error on a ground ball from third baseman Audrey Pratt scored Hoover. After Pratt stole second, right fielder Briana Whisenhunt added a single before first baseman Kaylyn Shepherd drew a walk to load the bases.

The Bears then took advantage of a wild pitch, an illegal pitch and a sacrifice fly from designated player Morgan Felts to extend the lead to 6-1.

Kayla Gomness limited Georgia Southern to 1 unearned run on 3 hits with 1 walk while striking out 4 in the complete-game victory.

Against LSU, Central Arkansas took a 2-0 lead in the first two innings before LSU tied the game 2-2 in the fourth inning on a sacrifice bunt and sacrifice fly. The Tigers took a 3-2 lead in the fifth with an RBI double before breaking the game open with two three-run home runs.

Ellie Reaves (1-2) took the loss for the Bears, allowing 6 runs on 10 hits and 1 walk in 5 innings. Jordan Ward surrendered 2 earned runs on 2 hits in 1 inning of relief.

— Democrat-Gazette Press Services