Central Arkansas Holds Off Oral Roberts for Win

Bears build early lead, fend off late rally to earn 8-7 victory

Mar. 11, 2026 at 3:30pm

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Central Arkansas built an early 6-0 lead in the second inning, but Oral Roberts responded with five runs in the fourth to cut the deficit to one. The Bears extended their lead in the fifth, but the Golden Eagles tied the game in the sixth. Central Arkansas regained the lead in the eighth inning and held on for the 8-7 victory.

Why it matters

This win improves Central Arkansas' record to 10-7 on the season as they prepare to open ASUN Conference play against Eastern Kentucky. The Bears' ability to hold off Oral Roberts' late rally demonstrates their resilience and competitiveness, which will be important as they enter conference competition.

The details

Central Arkansas scored six runs in the second inning, highlighted by a solo home run from Zeb Allen and a two-RBI single from Nate Negre. Oral Roberts responded with five runs in the fourth to make it a one-run game. The Bears extended their lead in the fifth, but the Golden Eagles tied it up in the sixth. Central Arkansas regained the lead in the eighth on a sacrifice fly by Mark Ross and held on for the win. The Bears' pitching staff combined for a season-high 12 strikeouts.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, March 11, 2026.
  • Central Arkansas scored six runs in the second inning.
  • Oral Roberts scored five runs in the fourth inning.
  • Central Arkansas scored one run in the fifth inning.
  • Oral Roberts scored two runs in the sixth inning.
  • Central Arkansas scored one run in the eighth inning.

The players

Zeb Allen

Central Arkansas player who hit a solo home run in the second inning.

Nate Negre

Central Arkansas player who hit a two-RBI single in the second inning.

Hudson Ellis

Oral Roberts player who hit a two-run single in the fourth inning.

Landon Carter

Central Arkansas player who singled to score a run in the fifth inning and reached on a fielder's choice to score the go-ahead run in the eighth inning.

Braxton Haywood

Central Arkansas pitcher who closed out the game with two scoreless innings to secure the win.

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What they’re saying

“This was a hard-fought game and I'm proud of the way our team battled back after Oral Roberts made it close. Our pitching staff did a great job, and we were able to make the plays we needed to get the win.”

— Landon Carter, Central Arkansas Player

What’s next

Central Arkansas will open ASUN Conference play on Friday, March 14, 2026 against Eastern Kentucky in Richmond, Kentucky.

The takeaway

Central Arkansas demonstrated its resilience and competitiveness by holding off Oral Roberts' late rally to earn the 8-7 victory. This win will give the Bears momentum as they enter conference play, where they will look to continue their strong start to the season.