Abilene Christian
7-5
Arkansas - Pine Bluff
0-12
ACU Solidifies First Sweep of the Season
3/2/2025 7:07:00 PM | Baseball
From the first pitch, ACU's offense stayed aggressive at the plate. Second baseman Nick Arias led the charge with a 3-for-5 performance, scoring three times and driving in two runs.
Designated hitter Diego Cardenas reached base four times with a double, an RBI, and three walks. Sam Hardcastle contributed two RBIs, while Ben Greer added three RBIs.
The Wildcats capitalized on UAPB's defensive struggles, drawing 13 walks and forcing multiple errors that led to unearned runs. Despite being outhit 17-10, ACU made their opportunities count by executing in high-pressure situations, particularly in the eighth inning.
The game was a seesaw battle, with ACU trailing 11-8 heading into the bottom of the eighth. However, the Wildcats remained patient at the plate, forcing mistakes from the UAPB bullpen.
The rally began when Arias was hit by a pitch, followed by a Cardenas walk. Moments later, Hardcastle reached on an error, bringing in a run to cut the deficit to 11-9. Grant Watkins and Maddox Miesse were hit by pitches with the bases loaded, allowing two more runs to cross and tying the game at 11-11.
With the momentum firmly in ACU's favor, Greer stepped up and reached on a fielder's choice, but an error allowed two additional runs to score. A throwing error on a ground ball by Louis Bussard extended the rally, bringing in one final unearned run to give ACU a 14-11 lead.
ACU's pitching staff had its ups and downs, but when it mattered most, the bullpen delivered. Starter Iain Campa lasted 2.2 innings, allowing four runs before giving way to Chandler Freeman, Blaine Palmer, and Cooper Hrbacek in relief.
The turning point came when Caden Greanead entered the game in the seventh inning. The right-hander provided stability, working three crucial innings, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out four and securing the win.
ACU finished the weekend sweeping their first series of the season. At the end of the weekend, ACU now stands 7-5 overall and will stay home for one more weekend before they hit the road. The Wildcats will host Prairie View A&M starting March 7.
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Greanead, Caden (1-0)
L: Nate Monceaux (0-2)
Batting:
2B: Eli Gries-Smi 1 ; Carlos Rodriguez 1 ; Vinny Saumell 1 ; Dane Small 1 ; Jesus Riera 1
HR: Jesus Riera 1
RBI: Brant Voth 1 ; Carlos Rodriguez 1 ; Vinny Saumell 2 ; Dane Small 1 ; Ben VanMaanen 3 ; Jesus Riera 2
SH: Collin McLemore 1
SF: Dane Small 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Eli Gries-Smi 2 ; Brant Voth 1 ; Carlos Rodriguez 2 ; Vinny Saumell 1 ; Dane Small 2 ; Jaylon Nauden 1 ; Jesus Riera 1 ; Collin McLemore 1
SB: Vinny Saumell 1 ; Jaylon Nauden 1 ; Collin McLemore 1
Batting:
2B: Cardenas, Diego 1
RBI: Arias, Nick 2 ; Cardenas, Diego 1 ; Hardcastle, Sam 2 ; Watkins, Grant 1 ; Miesse, Maddox 2 ; Greer, Benjamin 3 ; Nielsen, Jack 1 ; Rook, Holden 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Arias, Nick 3 ; Cardenas, Diego 2 ; Hardcastle, Sam 1 ; Watkins, Grant 1 ; Greer, Benjamin 1 ; Bussard, Louis 3 ; Stephens, Zion 2 ; Rook, Holden 1
SB: Bussard, Louis 1
HBP: Arias, Nick 1 ; Watkins, Grant 2 ; Miesse, Maddox 2
