Lawrence, KS. – A big second inning helped Arkansas at Pine Bluff defeat Kansas 6-5 Wednesday night at Hoglund Ballpark.
With the victory over the Jayhawks this gives UAPB a 3-2 record over power conference schools this season.
The Golden Lions (23-16, 16-6 SWAC) capitalized on two hit batters to open the second, and added two more on Jayhawk walks and three singles to break the game open after Kansas (19-26, 6-9, Big 12) jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first off a wild pitch from Ciji Ramos.
After the bases being loaded with no outs, UAPB stormed back to take a 2-1 lead the first lead after Vladimir Gomez blasted a two-run a single into center field.
Sophomore Jerimiah Figueroa would follow Gomez with a double down left field line to tack on two more runs in the inning.
Ramos would soon get back in rhythm and pitched 5.1 strong innings giving up five hits, two earned runs and striking out three, as the Golden Lions held on to a three run lead before Jayhawks came scored two runs in the bottom of the sixth to the cut the lead to 5-3.
All-SWAC selection Kevin Walsh came in the seventh inning, with bases loaded, one out to force Kansas’ Joven Afenir into a double play to end the Jayhawks threat.
UAPB would answer back in the top of the 7th with a single to left by Gabe Munoz scoring Rashawn Tillman, who got on by a walked and moved to second off a sac bunt from Roberto Colon to push the lead back to three (6-3).
Heading into the bottom of the 9th inning up by two runs, head coach Carlos James would call on closer Andre Davis. Davis retired the last two batters to end the game before giving up a solo home run to Conner McKay to pull the Jayhawks within one.
UAPB Office Of Sports Information
