Central Arkansas defeated Eastern Kentucky 12-2 at Bear Stadium on April 17, following a powerful offensive display in the first inning.
The win is significant for Central Arkansas, improving their record to 20-18 overall and evening their conference mark at 8-8. The team took control early with a decisive start that set the tone for the rest of the game.
Central Arkansas opened with a ten-run first inning, highlighted by six hits and several key plays. Zeb Allen began with a single and scored, while Jagger Schattle brought in another run with a single up the middle. Parker Gwyn doubled to drive in another run, and Keaton Laidley reached base on an error that allowed more runs to score. Mark Ross was hit by a pitch to bring home another run before Zane Denton reached on an error that led to two unearned runs. Allen added his second single of the inning for yet another run, followed by Nate Negre’s sacrifice fly and Schattle’s two-run homerun to right center field. By the end of the first inning, Central Arkansas led Eastern Kentucky 10-1.
The Bears continued their momentum into the second inning as Laidley doubled and scored on Denton’s single. In the third frame, Gwyn singled and later crossed home plate thanks to Jack Runsick’s hit. Eastern Kentucky managed only one additional run in the fifth via doubles from Moreno and Alvarez but could not close the gap further.
Pitcher Denver Hamilton delivered seven strong innings for Central Arkansas, allowing just seven hits while striking out seven batters without issuing any walks over his complete game performance. He threw 107 pitches—74 for strikes—and improved his season record to six wins without defeat.
Jagger Schattle finished with two runs scored, two hits including a home run, and three RBIs; Parker Gwyn contributed three hits including a double; Zane Denton recorded two hits with two RBIs; while Hamilton’s pitching anchored Central Arkansas throughout.
Looking ahead, Central Arkansas will face Eastern Kentucky again at Bear Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
