ABILENE, Texas — The Abilene Christian Wildcats clinched a series win on Saturday, taking both games of a doubleheader against the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, staying undefeated in the weekend 3-0.
LHP pitcher Brett Lanman turned in a dominant outing in the first game, going six innings while allowing two runs on four hits. He struck out six and walked three, securing his second win of the season.
The Wildcats' offense was firing on all cylinders, racking up 10 hits. Ben Greer and Maddox Miesse led the way with two hits each. Greer and Grant Watkins drove in three runs, while Miesse added one RBI.
ACU jumped out to a commanding start with a five-run first inning, highlighted by Watkins' first home run of the season—a three-run shot. Zandt Payne and Greer each contributed RBI doubles.
The Wildcats continued their offensive attack, scoring in every inning except the second and third. They added three runs in the fourth, one in the fifth, one in the sixth, and one in the seventh. UAPB managed its only two runs in the sixth inning.
ACU's dominate offense ended the game early in 7 innings, with the final score sitting at 12-2.
UAPB's Brenda Hamlin took the loss, dropping to 0-2 on the season.
In the second game of the day, ACU faced an early 2-0 deficit but quickly responded with a three-run second inning. Sam Hardcastle was hit by a pitch and later came around to score on a Payne RBI double. Payne would also cross the plate in the inning, helping the Wildcats take the lead.
The Wildcats kept the pressure on, adding two runs in the fourth, two in the fifth, and two more in the eighth. Payne led the charge with four RBIs, while Louis Bussard and Jack Nielsen each drove in a run.
UAPB kept it close, scoring one run in the second, one in the fourth, three in the fifth, and two in the eighth.
Even though UAPB was able to put up a good fight, the Wildcats were able to secure the win 9-7, Brady Coe striking out the batter with bases loaded in the ninth.
Freshman pitcher Coe secured his second win of the season, while UAPB's Cole Kenyon took the loss, falling to 0-1.
ACU will host Pine-Bluff one last time on Crutcher Scott this season. The four-game series ends on Sunday, with the first pitch at 1:05 p.m. (CT). Live Stats will be available for those not in attendance.
