Box Score CONWAY, ARKANSAS – The University of Central Arkansas baseball team jumped out to an early lead and held on to defeat visiting University of the Incarnate Word, 6-3 in Southland Conference action on Sunday at Bear Stadium.

The Bears (26-21, 14-13) scored four times in the first two innings to take the early advantage.  The Cardinals (15-32, 6-15) came back in the middle innings.  Jesse Hoover (Marion/Marion HS) scored an unearned run in the fourth inning and then they added two more unearned runs in the fifth inning.

The Bears scored their own unearned run in the fifth inning to take a 5-3 lead.  UIW was able to put runners in scoring position in each of the final three innings, but could not bring them in to score.  UCA added an insurance run in the eighth inning when Doug Votolato drove in a run with his second double of the day.

Cody Richey (Comfort/Comfort HS) started the game on the mound for the Cardinals and took the loss after allowing three earned runs in 2.0 innings.  Jacob Potts (Glendale, AZ/Browne HS) tossed 4.0 solid innings of relief giving up three hits, one walk and one unearned run while striking out six.  Hoover and Bryce Shepherd (Coldspring/Coldspring-Oakhurst HS) each had two hits for the team.

Connor Gilmore earned the win for the Bears.  He went 5.0 innings allowing four hits, three unearned runs and no walks while striking out five.  Connor McClain pitched 3.0 shutout inning of relief and then Josh Markel picked up the save with a shutout inning of relief.  Vototalo led the offense going 3-for-4 with a run and an RBI.

The Cardinals are back in action next weekend at home against Abilene Christian for a three-game series to close out the season.
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