No. 8 Stephen F. Austin Defeats No. 5 Central Arkansas
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SUGAR LAND, Texas – No. 8 Stephen F. Austin defeated No 5 Central Arkansas in 10-4 Friday in the 2016 Southland Conference Tournament at Constellation Field.
The Bears scored in the top of the first inning as senior left fielder Brandon Montalvo reached on an error scoring senior center fielder Tyler Langley to give them a 1-0 lead.
The Lumberjacks evened up the game, 1-1, as sophomore third baseman Clark Kahawaii scored on a groundout from senior center Tyler Kendrick.
In the top of the fourth inning UCA went up 2-1 when senior third baseman Logan Preston singled to right center scoring Montalvo.
In the bottom of the fifth inning SFA’s Kendrick scored on a wild pitch followed by a singled from junior left fielder Garrett through the right side to score junior second baseman Nick Ramos for a 3-2 lead over the Bears.
UCA regained its lead in the top of the sixth inning 4-3 on a single from junior second baseman Butch Rea scoring Preston.
SFA scored three runs off of four hits and one error to take a 7-4 lead in the bottom of the seventh inning. Junior designated hitter Conner Fikes tripled, junior Stephen Stuart doubled and Kendrick singled before weather moved into the area.
The rain and lightning delay lasted four hours and fifty-four minutes before teams were able to take the field for the top of the eighth inning.
The Lumberjacks’ momentum was not stifled by the weather delay as the team extended their lead 10-4 in the bottom of the eighth inning. Senior center fielder Matthew Dicky scored on a bunt from Ramos. Stuart doubled to right center scoring Ramos and Kendrick before UCA retired the side.
Stephen F. Austin advances to face No. 1 Sam Houston State Friday at noon while Central Arkansas completes its season 29-27.
Saturday
9 a.m. - No. 6 McNeese vs. No. 2 Southeastern Louisiana
Noon – No. 8 Stephen F. Austin vs. No. 1 Sam Houston State
If necessary, semifinal rematches would be at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. with Southeastern La. and McNeese playing first.
Sunday
Championship game at noon.