The Central Arkansas softball team lost a close game to Eastern Kentucky University, falling 9-8 in the opening match of their ASUN series in Richmond on April 18.
The outcome was decided in the bottom of the seventh inning after several lead changes and challenging moments for both teams. The Bears recorded seven hits, including four extra-base hits, and drew seven walks during the contest.
Eastern Kentucky started with an early lead after scoring on a wild pitch in the first inning. Both teams remained scoreless through the second frame, with Central Arkansas unable to capitalize despite cycling through its entire lineup. In the third inning, Renee Christian hit a triple and scored her fifth three-base hit of the season. Addie Graham followed with an RBI single to tie the game before Trinity Brandon delivered her ninth home run of the year, giving Central Arkansas a temporary advantage. However, EKU responded by scoring four runs in their half of the third inning.
EKU added another run in the fourth while Central Arkansas went quiet until a rally in the sixth. Key contributions came from Kaitlyn Graham and Grace Molitor, whose double brought home two runs to narrow EKU’s lead. A sequence involving pinch hitter Gracie St. Hilaire drawing a walk and Autumn Vessier stealing second set up more opportunities for runs as wild pitches advanced runners around the bases.
In total, Central Arkansas managed five runs during that sixth-inning surge to take an 8-6 lead heading into EKU’s final at-bat. After heavy rain began just before play resumed for EKU’s last chance at bat—and following confusion over whether there would be a delay—EKU capitalized on wet conditions and benefited from what was described as “a tough call” at first base that allowed them to secure victory with a walk-off run.
Central Arkansas is scheduled to continue its series against Eastern Kentucky University with a doubleheader beginning at 9 a.m. CT.
