UAM wins GAC title

The University of Arkansas at Monticello defeated Henderson State University 6-1 on Sunday at Clyde Berry Field in Arkadelphia to win the Great American Conference title.

The Boll Weevils (32-19) jumped out in front with three runs in the second inning. Austin Brakebill singled home Guy Halbert and scored on a double by Lathan McFadden. Two batters later, Tournament MVP Brian Ray singled to right field to drive home McFadden.

Henderson State (32-21) answered with its lone run of the game in third inning.

With the bases loaded, Hayden Lessenberry hit a fly ball to the warning track in right, but McFadden caught it and limited the damage to a sacrifice fly. UAM came back with an unearned run in the fourth and two in the sixth when All-Tournament catcher Brady Weiss homered.

Arkansas-Monticello starter Kris Brown matched his longest outing of the season, going 7 innings to pick up his sixth victory of the season. Henderson State’s Austin Cross started and took the loss after allowing three runs in 22/3 innings. GAC Pitcher of the Year Bryant Haralson, on two days rest after picking a victory Thursday, pitched 51/3 innings in relief. He finished the season with 119 strikeouts, the second-best single-season total in GAC history.

Ray went 12 for 23 in the tournament for a .522 average. He hit a game-winning home run against Southeastern Oklahoma State in game one of the best two-of-three series and added a five-hit game, the third in tournament history, Saturday against the Reddies.