Central Arkansas 3 South Alabama 0
Starkville, Miss. – Facing elimination yet again, the Central Arkansas Bears did what they have done so well over the past week and a half, staring the end of their season in the face and refusing to give in. The fourth-seeded Bears rode an outstanding performance from true freshman Connor Gilmore to a 3-0 win over the second-seeded South Alabama Jaguars, eliminating the Jags and surviving for a rematch against top-seeded Mississippi State.
Both teams scattered some hits over the first three innings of the game, but neither was able to get on the board until Central Arkansas (41-21) struck first in the bottom of the fourth. Left fielder Ethan Harris got the inning started with a double down the right field line, moving to third on a sacrifice bunt by second baseman Blake Marchal. Following an infield popup first baseman Scott Zimmerle slapped a single to left field to drive in Harris and give the Bears a 1-0 lead.
Central Arkansas Recap
South Alabama Recap
Central Arkansas 5 Mississippi State 2
Starkville, Miss. – The Central Arkansas Bears faced off with the Mississippi State Bulldogs for the fifth time this season on Sunday night, and for the third time, they beat the Bulldogs at Dudy Noble Field. The Bears took advantage of four Mississippi State errors and used their second complete game of the day to take down the Bulldogs by a score of 5-2.
Central Arkansas, who was by the best represented of the visiting teams all weekend, drew strength from their fan base multiple times throughout the contest. “Our fans are great. There at the end, it almost sounded like a home game for us,” said shortstop Justin Treece after the game. It’s good when the fans get behind you, it gives you a little extra motivation.” Central Arkansas head coach Allen Gum also praised the fans, saying, “
Central Arkansas Recap
Mississippi State Recap
