ABILENE - The Abilene Christian Wildcats put together a dramatic late-inning comeback to secure a 14-11 victory over the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Saturday afternoon at Crutcher Scott Field. In a back-and-forth contest featuring a combined 25 runs and 27 hits, ACU found themselves trailing late but exploded for six runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to seal the sweep for the weekend.
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.
