MONTICELLO, Ark. — The University of Arkansas at Monticello baseball team returned to Union Bank Park on Thursday evening to open its final weekend of Great American Conference play in the regular season against long-time school rival, Southern Arkansas. The Weevils came out of the series opener with a 9-8 victory over the Muleriders.
With the win and results across the league falling in their favor, the Weevils officially claimed the outright Great American Conference regular season championship.
Game 1, 9 Innings
Southern Arkansas: 8, Arkansas-Monticello: 9
WP: Aiden McGee (1-1)
LP: Hayden Oglesby (1-2)
SV: John White (6)
Scoring Recap:
Southern Arkansas struck first in the opening frame with a two-run home run down the left field line, taking an early 2-0 lead.
Arkansas-Monticello responded immediately in the bottom half, beginning with a solo home run from Darcy Barry. Later in the inning, Gabe Kuttenkuler delivered an RBI double before Caden Carney ripped a two-run single to right, capping a four-run inning and giving UAM a 4-2 advantage.
The Weevils added to their lead in the third inning as Carney came through again with an RBI single, followed by a sacrifice bunt from Drew Floyd that brought home another run to make it 6-2.
Barry stayed hot in the fourth, launching his second home run of the night to extend the lead to 7-2.
Southern Arkansas mounted a big response in the fifth inning, scoring five runs highlighted by a three-run home run to tie the game at 7-7.
UAM answered in the sixth inning, as Kuttenkuler blasted a two-run home run to right center, reclaiming the lead at 9-7.
The Muleriders scratched across one final run in the ninth on an RBI groundout, but the Weevils held firm to close out the 9-8 victory.
Pitching Performances:
– Bryce Louis got the start, allowing five runs (four earned) on eight hits while striking out three across 4.0 innings.
– Alberto Oropeza worked 1.0 inning in relief, surrendering two runs on four hits.
– Aiden McGee earned the win with a strong outing, tossing 2.0 scoreless innings while allowing just two hits and striking out two.
– John White secured his sixth save of the season, closing the door over the final 2.0 innings while allowing one run and striking out one.
Offensive Showcase:
– Darcy Barry – 2-for-4 with two home runs, 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored
– Gabe Kuttenkuler – 2-for-4 with a home run, double, 3 RBI, and 3 runs scored
– Caden Carney – 3-for-4 with 3 RBI
– Eli Marvin – 2-for-3 with 3 runs scored and 2 walks
On Deck For The Weevils:
The Weevils will continue their weekend series against Southern Arkansas on Friday, April 24, at Union Bank Park. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. as UAM looks to build on its conference title momentum.
All live streams and live stats will be available on the UAM Baseball schedule page.
Follow the Weevils: For more information on Arkansas-Monticello Weevils Baseball, visit www.uamsports.com and follow the team’s social media channels by searching “Weevils Baseball” on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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Republished with permission from UAM Sports.
