ABILENE, Texas – The Wildcats continued to build momentum Friday night, fending off a ninth-inning rally to claim a 4-3 victory over the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Crutcher Scott Field. Strong pitching and timely execution at the plate helped the Wildcats secure their fourth win of the season.
ACU's Dominick Reid delivered an outstanding performance on the mound, going eight innings while allowing just one run on four hits. The right-hander kept UAPB off balance all night, striking out nine batters and not issuing a single walk. Reid worked efficiently, retiring the Golden Lions in order in four different innings.
With a 4-1 lead heading into the ninth, Brady Coe was called upon to close the door. UAPB managed to push across two runs with back-to-back hits and a two-run double, but Coe held his composure and struck out Jaylon Nauden to strand the tying run on second, securing his second save of the season.
ACU's offense got going early thanks to Grant Watkins, who launched a two-run home run to left-center in the second inning, giving the Wildcats a lead they would never relinquish. Watkins finished the night 2-for-2 with two RBIs, two walks, and a stolen base, continuing his strong start to the season.
Freshman Braden Regala also made an impact, collecting two hits, stealing two bases, and driving in a run with a fielder's choice in the sixth inning. ACU added an insurance run in the eighth when a throwing error allowed Miesse to steal third and come home on the miscue, extending the lead to 4-1.
ACU plays again on Saturday with a doubleheader and finishes the four-game series on Sunday. First pitch for the first game Saturday is 1:05 p.m. CT, and the second game of the day will start approximately 45 minutes after the first game's conclusion.
