ABILENE — ACU came up short in Friday night action at Bullock Brothers Ballpark, falling 8–4 to the visiting Indiana Hoosiers. The Wildcats, now 27–16 on the season, battled throughout the night but couldn't overcome a big sixth inning from the Hoosiers. However, ACU did reach a key milestone, swiping their 100th stolen base of the season — a mark that highlights the program's aggressive baserunning all year long.
Indiana used a pair of home runs and a four-run sixth inning to create separation after ACU cut the deficit to 4–2 in the second inning. Brady Gray launched a two-run homer to center to get the Wildcats on the board, marking the first home run of his career. Sam Hardcastle added a two-run blast of his own in the sixth to pull ACU closer.
Zandt Payne continued his impressive stretch at the plate, collecting three hits and scoring twice, including a steal of second base in the first inning — the program's 100th of the year. Payne advanced to third on a throwing error, but ACU could not capitalize in the opening frame.
On the mound, starter Dominick Reid took the loss, allowing four runs over four innings with five strikeouts. The Wildcats' bullpen combined for five innings of relief, with Andrew Guardino and Nolan Foster each tossing a scoreless frame to close the game.
ACU returns to the diamond Saturday looking to even the series in game two against Indiana. First pitch is set for 3:05 p.m. CT.
