The Bears showed April Fool’s Day was no joke, taming the Red Wolves 3-2 with a ninth-inning double play that left their opponents howling.  

The Bears (11-17, ASUN 5-5) held off the Arkansas State Red Wolves (13-17, SBC 4-7) in a dramatic finish April 1, as the Red Wolves loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning, threatening UCA’s slim lead.

UCA’s junior right-handed pitcher Hunter Alexander delivered under pressure, forcing a ground ball to freshman shortstop Nathan Negre. 

Negre initiated a flawless double play with senior infielder Tanner Leonard at second and senior infielder/left-handed pitcher Jagger Schattle at first, sealing the Bears’ fourth consecutive victory and avenging last week’s loss to the Red Wolves. 

The final out was reviewed and confirmed, sending the Bears’ dugout into celebration.

“Tanner Leonard made two key defensive plays late to help secure the victory,” UCA baseball coach Nick Harlan said. “It was not a very offensive day, so I know we needed to throw strikes, and we did.”

 Early in the game, UCA’s offense established control with a strong showing in the third inning. 

Schattle led off with a sharp double, paving the way for freshman infielder Sam Reynolds to drive him in with an RBI double that put the Bears on the board. 

Junior third baseman Keon Moseni followed with a timely single to score Reynolds, giving UCA a 2-0 advantage. 

In the fourth inning, the Bears extended their lead to 3-1 when senior catcher Casey Shipley capitalized on a fielding error and delivered a crucial RBI double to bring junior infielder/catcher Bryce Cermenelli home.

“The team stayed poised and overcame two errors late,” Harlan said. “I was very proud of the maturity and confidence they demonstrated.”

The Red Wolves clawed back, narrowing the score to 3-2 by the seventh inning, but UCA’s pitching staff held firm. 

Senior right-hand pitcher Perry Titlow earned the win with four strong innings of relief, while senior right-handed pitcher Jackson Schwank pitched a perfect eighth inning to maintain the lead. 

“Jake Jones gave us a good start, and our relievers came in and did their job well,” said Harlan.

Despite ASU’s late-game threat, UCA’s defense proved unshakable.

“We want to continue to improve in all areas of the game,” Harlan said. “We are starting to see growth on the mound that has led to winning close games.”

The Bears’ performance exemplified a balanced effort, combining timely offense, strong pitching and stellar defense. 

As the game unfolded, UCA’s ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities early and deliver under pressure in the final moments showcased a team growing in confidence and composure. While the Red Wolves mounted a determined comeback, the Bears’ resilience ultimately made the difference.

“The team stayed poised and overcame two errors late,” Harlan said, “I was very proud of the maturity and confidence they demonstrated.” 

Building on their recent success, the Bears defeated the Lipscomb University Bison  in a three-game series in their return to ASUN action this weekend. 

With their confidence strengthened by a thrilling win against Arkansas State, the Bears are determined to keep their focus as they prepare for the challenges ahead. 

UCA is set to face off against the University of Arkansas-Little Rock Trojans in the I-40 Showdown April 9 at 3 p.m. at Bear Stadium.