Grand slam carries Bears past Delta Devils

CONWAY – The University of Central Arkansas Bears rode a grand slam from designated hitter Jansen McCurdy to a 9-2 victory over the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Wednesday night at Bear Stadium.

McCurdy’s blast to left field keyed a five-run second inning for the Bears, who finished with 10 hits and took advantage of four MVSU errors. The junior from White Oak, Texas, finished 2 for 4 with 4 RBI.

The Bears got a one-out single from second baseman Eddie Sanchez, who continued on to third on an error on the MVSU left fielder. After a strikeout, Brooks Balisterri drew a walk and stole second base. Michael Haun then walked to load the bases and Keaton Presley drew another walk to bring in the first run of the game.

McCurdy then followed with his first career home run at UCA, good for a 5-0 lead. The Bears added another run in the third on Ty Tice’s RBI single that scored Sanchez. After the Delta Devils (4-13) got one run back in the top of the fourth, UCA picked up three more in the fifth on two hits and a pair of errors.

UCA starter Will Brand (3-1), a junior lefthander from Jones Community College, pitched six innings, allowing 6 hits and 2 earned runs. Ross Rogers, Drew Young and Conner Williams each pitched a scoreless inning to finish the game. MVSU starter Zac Uecker (0-3) took the loss, allowing five earned runs.

Presley went 3 for 4, while Sanchez was 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored for the Bears.

The Bears, who won a 12-inning game against Southeast Missouri on Tuesday night, will host the New Orleans Privateers in Southland Conference play this weekend at Bear Stadium. Game times are 6 p.m. Friday, 4 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday.